Cruz bests Trump in Iowa race, Clinton edges out Sanders

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz soundly defeated billionaire Donald Trump in Iowa's Republican nominating contest on Monday, upending the party's presidential race and creating a three-way competition with establishment candidate Senator Marco Rubio.

On the Democratic side, officials said former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had won by a razor-thin margin against U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, the closest in Iowa Democratic caucus history.

Mr. Cruz, a conservative lawmaker from Texas, won the first state Republican contest in the 2016 race with 28 per cent of the vote compared with 24 per cent for Mr. Trump. Mr. Rubio, a Florida Senator, came in third with 23 per cent, making a stronger-than-expected finish.

With Democrat Ms. Clinton prevailing by only four delegates, according to party figures, Mr. Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist, declared the result a “virtual tie”.

“Hillary Clinton has won the Iowa Caucus,” Matt Paul, the Iowa State director for Ms. Clinton said in a statement released in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Mr. Cruz's win and Mr. Rubio's strong showing could dent the momentum for Mr. Trump, whose candidacy has alarmed the Republican establishment and been marked by controversies ranging from his calls to ban Muslims temporarily from entering the United States to promising to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexican border.

"Tonight is a victory for courageous conservatives across Iowa and all across this great nation," Mr. Cruz, 45, said during a victory speech lasting more than 30 minutes.

An uncharacteristically humbled Mr. Trump, 69, congratulated Mr. Cruz and said he still expected to win the Republican nomination. Opinion polls show Mr. Trump leading nationally and in New Hampshire, which holds the next nominating contest.

"I'm just honoured," Mr. Trump said.

Unusually large crowds poured into schools, churches and other venues for the caucuses, in which voters gather together to select a candidate.

Mr. Cruz's well established get-out-the-vote effort helped overcome the enthusiasm from large crowds that have shown up for Mr. Trump's rallies. Mr. Trump skipped the last Republican debate before the caucus because of a dispute with host FOX News. A Trump adviser said his second-place finish was expected.

Iowa has held the first contest in the country since the early 1970s, giving it extra weight in the electoral process that can translate into momentum for winning candidates.

Mr. Rubio, 44, may benefit from that momentum as much as Cruz. The Florida lawmaker established himself as the mainstream alternative to the two front-running rivals.

"Rubio has staying power. He weathered $30 million in negative ads and late deciders broke his way due to his upbeat and optimistic close," said Republican strategist Scott Reed.

Mr. Cruz was buoyed by evangelical support and thanked God for his win.

Clinton sighs, Sanders smiles

The results of the Democratic race put pressure on Ms. Clinton to siphon support away from Mr. Sanders, who has won over politically left-leaning voters with his promises to take on Wall Street and start fresh with healthcare reform.

Ms. Clinton, 68, said she was breathing a "big sigh of relief" after the results. She lost Iowa to then-Senator Barack Obama in the 2008 Democratic race and never recovered.

"It is rare that we have the opportunity we do now to have a real contest of ideas," Ms. Clinton said with her husband, former President Bill Clinton, and daughter Chelsea joining her on stage.

Mr. Sanders, 74, declared himself overwhelmed. The lawmaker, who smiled broadly as he addressed supporters, is leading in New Hampshire, home to next week's second contest, but trails Ms. Clinton in other states such as South Carolina, which holds the third contest.

"Nine months ago, we came to this beautiful State, we had no political organisation, we had no money, we had no name recognition, and we were taking on the most powerful political organisation in the United States of America," Mr. Sanders said.

Former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, who had trouble gaining any traction in the Democratic race, suspended his campaign after coming in third in Iowa with 0.6 per cent.

The 2016 election is shaping up to be the year of angry voters as disgruntled Americans worry about issues such as immigration, terrorism, income inequality and healthcare, fuelling the campaigns of Mr. Trump, Mr. Sanders and Mr. Cruz.

Republican establishment candidates more traditional than Mr. Rubio did not fare well in Iowa. Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush took 2.8 per cent, Ohio Governor John Kasich took 1.9 per cent, and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie took 1.8 per cent.

Surgeon Ben Carson, an outsider, placed fourth among Republicans with 9 per cent while former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee said he was suspending his campaign for the party's nomination. Mr. Huckabee won the Iowa caucus in 2008.

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Cruz beats Trump in Iowa; Clinton, Sanders in tie

National front-runner Donald Trump lost the first polling state of Iowa on Monday to Senator Ted Cruz of Texas in the run for Republican presidential nomination, an outcome that will keep the race open and make it nastier.

The emergence of Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who finished a close third, however, keeps the hopes of conventional Republicans alive — that they could stop the nomination of Mr. Cruz and Mr. Trump, both considered insurgents and out of tune with the party’s traditional base.

Mr. Cruz polled 28 per cent against Mr. Trump’s 24, while Mr. Rubio, who now seems to have edged out the rest, polled 23 per cent.

“They told me I had to wait my turn,” Mr. Rubio said. “This is not a time for waiting.”

In the Democratic Party, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders stalled what appeared even weeks ago to be an unchallenged march of the former first lady, Hillary Clinton, as both ended in a virtual tie. In Iowa, Mr. Sanders had 49.6 per cent against Ms. Clinton’s 49.9 per cent, according to last reports.

In February 2015, Mr. Sanders polled 7 per cent against Ms. Clinton’s 68.

After Iowa, focus shifts to New Hampshire

All candidates in the U.S. presidential race shifted their bases to New Hampshire, the next battleground, by Tuesday morning.

Senator Bernie Sanders of the Democratic Party has a clear edge over former secretary of state Hillary Clinton in the state, while on the Republican side, billionaire Donald Trump has a formidable lead over his rivals.

The New Hampshire primary will take place on February 9. In the Iowa Caucus, held on Monday, Ted Cruz defeated national front runner Mr. Trump while the Democratic race ended in a virtual tie.

The Iowa outcomes could alter the existing equations in both parties in New Hampshire and other states to follow. Iowa voting trends appeared to confirm the earlier surveys that indicated younger voters flocking towards Mr. Sanders.

“I was called a fringe candidate, and we had no money…” Mr. Sanders told supporters before the caucuses began in Iowa. “I think the people of Iowa have sent a very profound message to the political establishment, to the economic establishment and, by the way, to the media establishment,” he said as the results emerged, describing the outcome as a “political revolution”.

Conservative agenda

Mr. Cruz, who campaign on a Christian conservative agenda and supports a new era of unfettered American militarism, has often derided Mr. Trump as a “progressive liberal” for his earlier support for gay and abortion rights and continuing support for society security. Mr. Cruz wants “saturation bombing” against Islamist militants in West Asia and his campaign ads have portrayed him as the true defender of Christianity against the threat of Islamism. As Senator, Mr. Cruz has continuously disrupted possibilities of bipartisanship, even forcing government shutdowns. “Iowa has sent notice that the next president of the United States will not be chosen by the media… the Washington establishment.. or lobbyists,” Mr. Cruz said.

Mr. Trump said after the results that he felt “honoured” by the second place and congratulated Mr. Cruz. Mr. Cruz and Mr. Trump have complemented each other for months, until a month ago, when they began attacking each other. Mr. Rubio has described Mr. Cruz’s politics as an attempt to “trump Mr. Trump,” on anti-immigrant rhetoric.

The attacks are likely to get more vicious in the coming days and all forces against Mr. Trump and Mr. Cruz are now certain to rally behind Mr. Rubio. The Iowa outcome ends the dream of former Florida governor Jeb Bush, who was the favourite of Republican donors in the beginning.

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China revamps military command structure

China has revamped its military command structure, tailoring it for joint operations of the Army, the Air Force and the Navy — a move that may have acquired fresh urgency on account of the “Pivot to Asia” doctrine of the U.S. and recent political changes in Taiwan.

On Monday, President Xi Jinping, who is also the head of the apex Central Military Commission (CMC), inaugurated the formation of five-theater commands, which will be geared to seamlessly deploy military assets on land, air and sea to “win wars”.

The Eastern, Western, Northern, Southern and Central theatre commands will focus on joint combat. The CMC will exercise overall political, supervisory and administrative control over the armed forces.

General Liu Yuejun, 61, has been appointed head of the eastern command. The western command would be headed by General Zhao Zongqi.

General Wang Jiaocheng would lead the southern command, while General Song Puxuan will be at the helm the northern command. Lieutenant General Han Weiguo will head the Central Command.

Highlighting the necessity of integrated warfare, President Xi at the inaugural ceremony said: “Each command must concentrate on studying modern warfare … and proactively seize the initiative in a future war”.

He added: “[You should] enhance joint command, joint action and joint logistics, and ensure troops are combat ready and complete military missions.”

‘Chinese dream’
In the broader context, the President visualises military reforms as a core element of an ongoing effort to realise the “Chinese dream”.

Analysts say that acquisition of hard power— economic, military, scientific, political and diplomatic —are necessary elements to achieve this goal, though achieving economic equity and clean air are also part of the mix.

Yet there may be pressing geopolitical considerations that are driving urgent military reforms. Observers say the “Pivot to Asia” doctrine, envisaging bulk concentration of U.S. forces in the Asia-Pacific, has imparted urgency to China’s military modernisation.

Notwithstanding a credible nuclear deterrent and missiles that can destroy aircraft carriers, Chinese military planners acknowledge that the gap between the military capabilities of China and the U.S. was still too wide. An editorial in the Global Times, a state-run tabloid, was blunt in acknowledging that recently. “China's military strength still significantly lags behind that of the US.”

In China’s blogosphere, there is a reference to the emergence of a more nationalist government in Taiwan as a factor driving speedy military reforms. “The real war Xi is preparing is the war to unify Taiwan with China. Xi cannot be sure that Taiwan will not pursue independence with a pro-independence President in power. Nor is he sure that the U.S. will not interfere if China takes Taiwan by force.

Sovereignty threats
Due to strong nationalism among Chinese people, Mr. Xi and his party will become entirely unpopular if they fail to take Taiwan by force if Taiwan pursues independence,” says blogging website Tiananmen’s Tremendous Achievements.

In an earlier advocacy for military reforms, a Xinhua write-up listed “invasion, subversion” and “sovereignty threats” as areas which need to be addressed for ensuring that “development and stability are not interrupted or sabotaged”.

During Monday’s ceremony, President Xi stressed that centralisation of the military architecture was vital, and all the theatre commands should “unswervingly follow the absolute leadership of the Communist Party of China over the military and carry out the orders and instructions of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC to the letter”.

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Maruti Suzuki unveils compact SUV Vitara Brezza

Country’s largest car maker Maruti Suzuki on Wednesday unveiled its much-awaited compact SUV Vitara Brezza.

“I am proud to introduce the brand new Vitara Brezza. It is developed under a new unique process to design with a special focus on the taste and values of Indian customers,” Toshihiro Suzuki, President and COO of Suzuki Motor Corp said.

It is powered by 300 DDiS engine that is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. While it will initially be available in diesel variant, the company said it is working on a petrol trim.

The company added that Vitara meets offset and side impact crash tests that will come into force in India in 2017. Driver airbag will come as a standard in the vehicle, while front passenger airbag and ABS will be optional.

“Baleno exports commenced for Japan from India, a part of Make-In-India Campaign. Export of Baleno will strengthen India's role as a manufacturing hub... Vitara Brezza is our statement to create in India,” Kenichi Ayukawa, managing director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India said.

He added that the Vitara Brezza has been conceptualised, designed and developed in India using a Suzuki global platform and engine. The project was lead by Mr. C.V. Raman, executive director R&D of Maruti Suzuki India.

Vitara Brezza will compete against the likes of Mahindra TUV300 and Ford EcoSport in the Indian market.

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RBI taps frequent users to plug coin crunch

To make coins available for various sectors in the city, the Reserve Bank of India, Chennai, has started reaching out to hotel associations, trade associations and toll plaza operators that have a great need for coins.

According to sources in the RBI, the volume of coins being pumped in has increased over the past two years. Nearly 70 crore coins of various denominations, worth nearly Rs.195 crore, were disbursed in 2014-15 compared to 41 crore coins of various denominations, worth Rs.107 crore, during the previous year. “In this fiscal, we have already distributed coins worth nearly Rs.190 crore,” sources said.

Besides remitting coins to various bank branches, the RBI is attempting to reach out to various sectors directly to reduce the shortage.

“We are focusing on remitting more coins in bank branches at market areas, including Koyambedu, Purasawalkam and Parry’s Corner. More market area branches were identified last year and nearly Rs. 21 crore worth coins were provided to them between April and December,” officials said.

Moreover, establishments such as hotels and toll plazas that need coins are being identified. Coins are supplied to various places through the nearest bank branches.

This fiscal, about Rs. 3 crore worth of coins have been provided so far. Hotels and traders are encouraged to exchange soiled notes of low denominations like Rs. 10 and Rs. 20 in banks to get coins.

With most counters in the RBI premises closed, the number of people visiting to exchange coins has dropped in the recent months.

Coin pouches

However, coin pouches are exchanged depending on the availability of staff members. “We want to create more venues where people can exchange currency notes for coins. Coin-vending machines are also being provided to various banks,” said an official.

Of the 480 machines installed in various bank branches in the State, 182 machines are in Chennai.

The RBI has also increased the supply to camps in trade fairs and also coin exchange melas conducted by the banks as these reach the customers faster.

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Revathy to direct Tamil, Telugu remake of ‘Queen’

Veteran actor-filmmaker Revathy, known for directing films like Mitr, My Friend and Phir Milenge will helm the yet-untitled Tamil and Telugu remake of Vikas Bahl’s critically-acclaimed 2013 film Queen.

“Revathy has been roped in to direct the remake. While the lead cast is yet to be finalised, the film will have dialogues in both the languages by actress Suhasini Mani Ratnam,” a source told IANS.

Queen is the story of a young Punjabi girl, played by Kangana Ranaut, who embarks on her honeymoon to Paris alone after her fiancé calls off her wedding.

The source further added that the project is slated to go on the floors later this year.

“Suhasini has finished worked on the first half of the film. She’ll spend next couple of months finish work on the second half. By October or November, the film will most likely go to the sets,” he said.

The remake is being bankrolled by producer Thiyagarajan.

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Pakistan denies visa to Anupam Kher

Non-issuance of a visa by the Pakistani government has led to the cancellation of actor Anupam Kher’s participation in the Karachi literary festival starting February 5.

Kher was one of the 18 Indians invited to the four-day festival by the organizers but he is the only one whose visa has not been cleared. The other 17 Indian participants have been given visas.

Kher, who has just been honored with Padma Bhushan by the Indian government, was to participate in at least two sessions and his name figured prominently in the festival schedule.

Confirming that he has not been issued a visa, Kher told PTI here on Tuesday that he was very saddened by the development as he was looking forward to participate in the festival and use the platform to dispel misunderstandings in the minds of people there.

“We welcome their artistes in India. If there are objections to their performance at one place in India they are welcome at other places. But there is no reciprocity,” he said.

As to why his visa has not been issued, Kher said, “I wish I knew. I am wondering if it is because I am a Kashmiri Pandit or because of my views on the tolerance debate in India.”

Kher said the visa denial has left the festival organisers embarrassed and they have apologised to him.

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