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Journalism of Courage
71. MK Narayanan,76
Governor of Bengal
NEW ON THE LIST
Why
He makes it to the list because of the big political event this year: the West Bengal elections. The change of guard in the state will not be without its share of high drama and Narayanan will have a big role in mediating that.
POWER PUNCH
Narayanans frequent strong statements condemning political violence in Bengal are seen as a way to put pressure on the state government.
WHAT NEXT
Narayanan will become more active if West Bengals pre-election violence increases. Post-election,if there isnt a clear verdict,his role becomes bigger.
BY THE WAY
Narayanan,who is an ex-cop and an ex-spook,habitually inspects bullet marks whenever he visits sites of political violence.
72. Vinod Rai,62
Comptroller and Auditor General of India
NEW ON THE LIST
WHY
He makes it to the power list this year because of the CAG audit report on the 2G spectrum auction the most damning indictment of the department of telecom under ex-minister A Raja. The CAG said the irregularities in the auction led to a revenue loss of Rs 1.76 lakh crore. Telecom minister Kapil Sibal slammed that figure,but Rai refused to be drawn into an argument or backtrack from the report.
POWER PUNCH
The CAG report forced the governments hand and led to the exit of Raja. Under him,the CAG has been vigilant against corruption: whether it was the lack of preparedness for the CWG or questions over DMRC’s quality control and bidding process.
WHAT NEXT
Hell appear before the SC as a witness on the 2G scam issue. The CAG will submit its audit report on the CWG in the Budget session.
BY THE WAY
Hes an avid tennis player,and is interested in cricket.
73. N Ram,65
Editor-in-Chief,
The Hindu
Rank 10: 70
Why
The year started with a boardroom battle for this influential editor and member of the Kasturi family,which owns several publications. The bone of contention was his proposed retirement. He managed the crisis with the support of the majority board members. Thats why he stays more or less where he was on the list.
Power Punch
Despite the diminution in the Lefts power,and reported internal critiques in the group that his editorial line was too aligned to the Lefts political calls,his editorial stands havent changed. He won that battle convincingly and his paper is still the most consistently sympathetic to CPM positions.
What next
The succession question may come up again.
By the way
He is quite active on Twitter and is prompt with his replies to questions and comments.
74. Kumar Mangalam Birla,43
Aditya Birla Group chairman
Rank 10: 71
Why
Birlas empire,probably the third largest after Reliances and Tatas,is growing strong,consolidating its position as a $28 billion conglomerate with operations in 25 countries. Novelis,his overseas acquisition two years ago,has turned the corner. However,he slips from 71 to 74 as no major initiative or announcement has come from the Birla stable in the last year.
Power Punch
The Vedantas aluminium project might have failed to get environment clearance last year,but Utkal Alumina of the Aditya Birla group got permission from Jairam Rameshs ministry for its expansion project.
What next
Would be looking for more acquisitions and consolidation. Idea Cellular is also eyeing a bigger share of the telecom pie.
By the way
You will rarely see Birla,who is interested in films and shooting,at corporate events,seminars and industry chamber meetings.
75. Lakshmi Niwas Mittal, 60
Chairman and CEO,Arcelor Mittal
Rank 10: 64
WHY
The richest Asian in Europe in 2010,with his fortune
at £22.45 billion,and the worlds fifth wealthiest man,he is the CEO of the worlds biggest steel-making company. Hes also among 20 eminent Indians in Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs Global Advisory Council. However,from a dynamic entrepreneur scouting for global assets,he seems to have sobered with time. He hasnt been able to make much headway in his proposed projects in either Orissa or Jharkhand.
POWER PUNCH
The World Steel Association,the mightiest platform for global steel producers,honoured him with
the WSA Medal.
WHAT NEXT
Mittal has begun eyeing greener pastures in southern states like Karnataka. Recently inked a MoU with the state government for a steel plant worth Rs 30,000 crore.
BY THE WAY
For the upkeep of his Delhi home,hes getting material flown in from London.
76. Sheila Dikshit, 72
Chief minister,Delhi Rank 10: 68
Why
Sheila Dikshit has accomplished the rare feat of being elected Chief Minister thrice. She has also managed to counter all opposition,from within her party as well outside. However,she slips marginally in the list this year,because of the stick the government got for the Commonwealth Games.
Power Punch
She quelled any attempt of a challenge from Delhi Pradesh Congress President JP Agarwal and Finance Minister AK Walia. At the opening and closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games,she was cheered by the crowd,in spite of the jeers that she got in the run-up to the ceremony.
What Next
Might be asked to contribute to the partys strategies in the upcoming assembly elections in different states. Also,will she lead the Congress in Delhi elections in 2013?
By The Way
She is an ardent movie buff. Her favourite movie last year was Peepli [Live.
77. Shobhana Bhartia,53
Chairperson and editorial director of HT Media
Rank 10: 76
Why
She remains more or less where she was on the list because the groups flagship paper,Hindustan Times,remains the second largest newspaper after the Times of India. The groups Hindi daily Hindustan has a substantial presence in north India,and its business daily Mint (in association with The Wall Street Journal) is also doing well. Last year,the group launched a daily broadsheet newspaper htedge in Delhi and NCR to target the youth. Apart from its radio channel Fever 104 FM,the group also has a number of digital properties,including a social networking site (Desimartini.com),a jobs portal,a mobile platform and an education portal.
Power Punch
She was featured in the Financial Times list of top 50 businesswomen in the world.
What next
Wants to continue investing in the digital space.
By the way
She is a fitness fanatic; works out every day.
78. Salman Khan,45
Actor
NEW ON THE LIST
WHY
He makes it to the list because of the biggest hit of the year,Dabangg. The film beat the first week collections of 3 Idiots,and established brother Arbaaz Khans banner. It also turned into Salmans biggest hit ever. The single-screen star also hosted the Colors reality show Bigg Boss 4 with his unapologetic style.
POWER PUNCH
When Dabangg released,Gaiety-Galaxy,the single-screen barometer of Hindi films in Mumbai,was already sold out till the coming weeks Wednesday. The going rate for tickets in black: Rs 400 for the Rs 55 stall ticket,while the Rs 75 balcony ticket was being sold for Rs 700.
WHAT NEXT
Anees Bazmees Ready and brother-in-law Atul Agnihotris remake of the Malayalam super hit,Bodyguard.
BY THE WAY
Mylove,Mowgli,Veer,Saint are the names of his four dogs. His other dogs,Myson and Myjaan died last year.
79. Aveek Sarkar, 66
Director and Chief Editor, Anandabazar Patrika
Rank 10: 79
Why
He retains the same position in the list as last year. The first edition of Fortune India,a part of a licensee agreement between Anandabazar Patrika (ABP) and Time Inc,hit the stands last year. Anandabazar Patrika continues to lead in Kolkata. And,according to the Indian Readership Survey (Q3,2010),The Telegraph is number four in the English daily genre.
The group has a majority stake in Star News. It also has Star Ananda,a Bengali news channel and Star Majha,a Marathi news channel,in its portfolio.
Power Punch
The man who brought Penguin Books to India in the 1980s still has a reputation as a savvy deal-maker.
What Next
The group announced its plans to launch the Indian edition of Spectator.
By the way
He is a good golfer and is captain and convenor of the Royal Calcutta Golf Club.
80. Shivraj Singh Chouhan,51
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister
Rank 10: 80
Why
His popularity in Madhya Pradesh remains undiminished because of the Congresss inability to pose any serious challenge. A perfect foil to his firebrand predecessor Uma Bharati,he has pushed her to the political margins with a unique political style,which is devoid of aggression. An asset for the BJP in the state.
POWER PUNCH
Chouhan surprised even his most optimistic admirers by leading the party to an impressive victory in the last assembly elections,on the merit of his development schemes targeting the girl child,poor schoolchildren and farmers. None of the Opposition allegations against him,including the dumper scandal,stuck.
WHAT NEXT
Though he is mid-way into his term,he is already preparing the ground for the next elections,by frequently charging the Centre with apathy towards Madhya Pradesh.
BY THE WAY
Whenever hes near the Narmada,he makes sure to take a dip.
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