Delhi Confidential: Strict instructions to ensure no rituals on PM Narendra Modi’s birthday

Old video, new plaint: Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav recently received a complaint about the abuse of an elephant at a temple in Tamil Nadu from Beatles veteran Paul McCartney. McCartney wrote to Yadav after a video of the captive elephant – Joymala – went viral on social media. The video, Yadav said, was about one-and-half-year old and the ‘mahout’ responsible for torturing the elephant was removed from the job by the temple administration, besides his arrest. Nevertheless, Yadav set up a four-member committee to look into the matter and it was found that the animal has since been rehabilitated and is healthy.

Let’s do it fast: Most government offices across the country have earned the bad repute of working at a snail’s pace, causing inconvenience to citizens. It appears that the NCERT, the country’s foremost government body on shaping school education, is not immune to the trend either. Recently, a circular was issued among NCERT officials flagging that routine as well policy-related files remain unattended for long durations. Observing that a “serious view” has been taken on the matter, the officials have been directed to ensure timely disposal of files.