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AMAZON PRIME VIDEO TO PRODUCE ITS MAMATA PROMISES MINIMUM ANNUAL NO PROPOSAL TO APPOINT REGULATOR MUMBAI POLICE CHIEF REPLACED FIRST BOLLYWOOD FILM IN INDIA INCOME IN TRINAMOOL MANIFESTO FOR SOCIAL MEDIA: UNION MINISTER AMID AMBANI SECURITY SCARE ROW mazon Prime Video will co-produce a engal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee he government on Wednesday informed aram Bir Singh was removed as Bollywood film, it said on Friday, has promised a minimum basic Parliament that there is no proposal Mumbai Police chief and replaced Amarking the streaming giant’s foray Bincome for all families, a special Twith the IT ministry to set up a Pby Hemant Nagrale in the middle into film production in India. India is one credit card for students and a task force regulator for social media. Union IT and of sensational near-daily revelations of Amazon’s fastest growing Prime Video to examine the inclusion of several com- Communications Minister Ravi Shankar on a police officer arrested in a case markets, where founder Jeff Bezos has munities under the OBC category if voted Prasad, however, said that the govern- linked to the Mukesh Ambani security said it is doing better than anywhere else to power. The promises were in the new ment has released Information Techno- scare. Param Bir Singh, moved to in the world. Amazon Prime Video and two manifesto of her Trinamool Congress but logy (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Home Guard, left his office shortly studios will produce “Ram Setu”, a film announced on Wednesday – a week after it Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, under the after the announcement by Maharashtra starring actor Akshay Kumar, it said in a was postponed when the CM sustained a leg IT Act that specifies the due diligence to be Home Minister Anil Deshmukh. This is the statement, without mentioning a release date. “We injury in Nandigram. "For the first time, every followed by all the intermediaries, including the biggest fallout so far of a snowballing investi- are delighted to further take a step into co-producing by family in Bengal will be extended a minimum basic income. social media intermediaries. "Presently, there is no proposal gation against Mumbai police officer Sachin Waze, who was collaborating with a film that highlights our Indian heritage,” said Under this, 1.6 crore general category families will get Rs 500 with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to arrested last week by the NIA in connection with a car with Vijay Subramanium, head of content at Amazon Prime Video. a month, and SC, ST families will get Rs 1,000," she said. appoint a regulator for social media," Prasad told the . explosives found near the home of Mukesh Ambani. Naidu, lawyers go into a huddle n TDP leaders fear their boss may be arrested even as ex-CM weighs options

PNS n VIJAYAWADA A day after receiving a major jolt Amaravati land in the form of a summons by the AP CID, TDP national president CID raids homes, scam: CID and former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu on summons Wednesday remained huddled office of Narayana NIA must complete with his lawyers on how to avoid probe, give details: the ignominy of being questioned YSRCP MLA in the alleged Amaravati assigned PNS n VIJAYAWADA PNS n VIJAYAWADA Maha minister land scam. Expectedly, Naidu will move The AP Crime Investigation AP CID on Wednesday sum- court seeking a stay on the sum- Department on Wednesday moned Mangalagiri MLA Alla Need to stop ‘2nd peak’ mons and do his best to get direc- stepped up its investigation into Ramakrishna Reddy who is a 5 tions stopping the CID from pro- the alleged Amaravati land scam complainant in ceeding with further investiga- by conducting raids on TDP sen- the alleged tions. ior leader and former minister P Amaravati of Covid, PM tells CMs Wednesday was an eventful day Narayana's residence as well as land for the TDP chief. residences of his relatives across scam. PNS n NEW DELHI “The self-confidence that we While he was still holding con- the Telugu states. Based gained in our corona fight should sultations with his legal team, The CID had conducted raids on a com- Prime Minister not turn into overconfidence. including Supreme Court senior at 10 places simultaneously in plaint sub- on Wednesday said it was critical Our success should not be the rea- advocates, on how to go about Nellore, Vijayawada and mitted by the to stop what he called the ‘emerg- son for carelessness,” he warned. with the case, media houses that Hyderabad. cy) and Sections 166, 167 and YSRCP MLA, the CID had reg- ing second peak’ of Covid with Modi stressed that initiatives have backed him over the years CID officials reached 217 of the IPC, read with istered an FIR on March 12, decisive steps including micro- needed to be taken without cre- declared that Naidu would move Narayana's house in Hyderabad Prohibition of Assigned Lands mentioning TDP chief N containment zones, increased test- ating a state of panic among peo- the High Court seeking quashing late on Tuesday but as he was Alienation Act of 1977 and the Chandrababu Naidu as A1 and ing and enforcement of restric- ple. of the First Information Report unavailable, they handed over the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities former minister P Narayana as tions like masks, at a meeting with Speaking on the districts that (FIR) registered by the CID in the notice to his wife Rama Devi on Act, under which it issued notices A2. Chief Ministers amid a worrying had seen a surge in the past few Amaravati lands scam. Wednesday. The notice stated to Narayana along with TDP In the notice, CID DSP A spike in Covid cases in some days, the PM said it was worth However, it appears that the that Narayana, who was A-2 in supremo N Chandrababu Naidu Lakshminarayana Rao said that states. considering that these were also media houses did jump the gun the Amaravati assigned lands in the alleged Amravati Assigned based on the MLA's complaint, "If we don't stop this pandem- the zones where testing and vac- with such reports as evident from scam, should be present at the Lands scam. The TDP leader's a case has been registered under ic right now, then there could be cination was comparatively less. Min asks chemical the words of a section of senior CID office at Vijayawada at 11 name was marked A2 and as per several relevant Sections and a nationwide outbreak. We have He called for increased RT-PCR sector to explore TDP leaders. am of March 22 for inquiry. the notice, it stated that legal asked him to appear before to immediately stop the emerging tests for proper testing and track- The AP CID registered cases action would be taken if he did them for examination of the second peak and take big and ing of the infection and a focus on avenues in AP 2 under Section 120 B (conspira- not attend the CID hearing. facts related to the case. decisive steps," Modi told the smaller towns. Chief Ministers. 2 3 East, West TN man files nomination Godavari teachers Wind up poll process, wearing 5 kg gold jewellery! send Shaik Sabji fast track vax: Jagan to Council PNS n VIJAYAWADA PNS n TIRUNELVELI PNS n VIJAYAWADA Privileges Committee Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan The election fever is increasing in Shaik Sabji was declared elected Reddy on Wednesday emphasised initiates action Tamil Nadu with each passing day to the AP Legislative Council that the ZPTC and MPTC elec- as the nominations phase has from the East-West Godavari tions need to be completed at the begun. Contestants have been fil- Teachers MLC seat, while earliest possible to put the vacci- against SEC ing their nomination papers in Kalpalatha was leading with 1,058 nation process on a fast pace. style, including the 'gold man' votes over her nearest rivals in the Reviewing the Covid-19 vacci- PAGE -2 Hari Nadar, who became the cen- Krishna- Teachers MLC nation efforts, the Chief Minister tre of attraction in the polls. race when reports came last. said that the current electoral need to completed at the earliest Hari Nadar has literally lent a The counting of votes for process has its effect on vaccina- possible, else it would become dif- golden touch to the nomination Teachers MLC election for East- tion, as the workforce had been ficult to conduct tests, demarcate Goyal: Govt received phase sporting jewellery all over his West Godavari districts and pressed into election duty. He said containment zones in the areas body. Krishna-Guntur districts began that the vaccination process will be where the virus is spreading. plaints against some The locals were awed at the eye- on Wednesday. put on a fast track after completion The Chief Minister also direct- e-comm firms dazzling golden jewellery that Hari Laden in gold, Hari Nadar files his nomination papers as an Independent candidate for the Shaik Sabji, the UTF state pres- of the MPTC and ZPTC polls, as ed officials to report the current Nadar wore while filing his nom- Alangulam Assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. ident, was declared elected by a there are only six days left in the scenario to the Governor and ination papers for the Alangulam margin of 1,537 votes, having election process. High Court on behalf of the gov- Assembly constituency as an inde- ellery, some of which are as thick part of the name - Nadar, he filed secured 7,983 votes while his With an increasing number of ernment and to process the ZPTC pendent candidate. as a rope and akin to a golden rope nomination papers on Wednesday. closest rival - G Narayana from cases, the Chief Minister empha- and MPTC polls at the earliest. 8 Sporting over 5 kg of golden jew- with a heavy locket displaying a 2 the PRTU - securing 6,446 votes. sised that the ZPTC and MPTC 2 TODAY Retired HC Judge ALMANAC Seetharama Murti Parties get battle-ready for Tirupati by-poll Month & Paksham: Magha & Shukla Paksha SNV SUDHIR ing under heavy losses of late, is more votes than BJP candidate recommended as n Panchangam VIJAYAWADA determined to put up a good show- Bommi Srihari Rao. As part of ing. Alliance partners BJP and alliance between BSP and Jana Tithi : Panchamii: 02:08 am (Next Day) APHRC Chairperson With the Election Commission of Jana Sena, who were at loggerheads Sena, the Tirupati Lok Sabha seat Nakshatram: Bharani: 10:34 am PNS n VIJAYAWADA India (ECI) announcing the date for over the candidates, have resolved went to BSP. Time to Avoid: (Bad time to start the by-poll to the vacant Tirupati the deadlock, with the BJP getting However, both the BSP and BJP any important work) A meeting of the State Human Lok Sabha constituency, all the to field its choice. candidates polled less than 2 per- Rahukalam: 01:53 pm – 03:23 pm Rights Committee, chaired by main political parties are now get- On its part, the TDP will do cent of the total votes. BSP candi- Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan ting battle-ready. everything possible to win, given date could secure 1.60 percent Yamagandam: 06:25 am – 07:55 am Reddy, on Wednesday recom- With one month to go for polling that it is fighting for survival. (20,971 votes), the BJP candidate Varjyam: 12:09 am – 01:58 am mended retired High Court Judge day (April 17), all eyes are on Chief Tirupati Lok Sabha is a reserved bagged 1.22 percent (just 16,125) Gulika: 09:24 am - 10:54 am Justice M Seetharama Murti as the Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy to seat that fell vacant due to the votes. This time around, the BJP is Good Time: (to start any important work) chairperson and retired district see if he would campaign for his demise of YSRCP MP Balli Durga yet to announce its candidate. Judge Dande Subramanyam personal physiotherapist Maddila Prasad due to Covid-related com- BJP had been focusing and con- Amritakalam: NIL (Judicial) and advocate G Gurumoorthy, the party's candidate plications. centrating on Tirupati Lok Sabha Abhijit Muhurtham: 12:00 pm – 12:48 pm Srinivasa Rao (non-judicial) as for the seat. Jagan had confined In 2019, Durga Prasad had and been holding regular meetings members of the himself to strategy during the just- defeated his nearest rival, TDP can- in the temple town. BJP state co-in- State Human Rights Commission. concluded polls for grama panchay- didate and former union minister charge Sunil Deodhar was seen fre- VIJAYAWADA Home Minister Mekathoti ats and civic bodies. Panabaka Lakshmi, by a margin of quenting Tirupati over the past few WEATHER Sucharitha proposed the names The Tirupati by-poll comes at a 2,28,376 votes. months. and the committee approved it. time the ruling YSRCP is euphor- Interestingly, the BSP candidate Forecast: Partly cloudy 2 The committee members, ic from stupendous performance, YSRCP candidate for Tirupati Lok Sabha constituency Dr M Gurumoorthy thanks Chief supported by Jana Sena secured Temp: 37/21 including Council Chairman MA first by the candidates it backed in Humidity: Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy for his candidature, at the CM’s camp office on Wednesday. 50% Sharif, Assembly Speaker Tamm- the rural local body elections and Sunrise: 06:21 am ineni Sitaram along with Home its picks for the urban local bodies. ing on the Tirupati by-poll. Howev- Expectedly, the YSRCP is confi- Sunset: 06:26 pm Minister Mekatoti Sucharitha Perhaps due to the dust and din er, with the ruling party announc- dent of not only retaining the seat YSRCP supremely confident of victory Current Weather Conditions were present in the meeting. The of the local body elections, it appe- ing its candidate, the focus is back but improving the margin of victo- Updated march 17, 2021 5:00 PM TDP boycotted the meeting. ared that the YSRCP was not focus- sharply on the Lok Sabha seat. ry. However, the opposition, reel- STORY ON PAGE 2 VIJAYAWADA | THURSDAY | MARCH 18, 2021 vijayawada 02 Privileges Jagan to reveal YSRCP pick YSRCP confident of victory Committee initiates action for Mayors, Deputies today against SEC PNS n march continuing in by-poll VIJAYAWADA cise on Tuesday and has held indulge in horse-trading to win several rounds of discussions in these municipalities, as the PNS n VIJAYAWADA The suspense over who will be with his top aides and also the Chief Minister was very clear PNS n VIJAYAWADA tipped as the BJP's prospective the Mayors, Deputy Mayors, local in-charges. to go by the public mandate candidates. Ratna Prabha The Assembly Privileges Co- Chairpersons and Vice- Meanwhile it is learnt that and not going against it. Buoyed by the landslide it Parties get battle-ready for Tirupati... retired as Chief Secretary of mmittee has decided to send Chairpersons of the municipal Governor Biswabhusan Sajjala said that the results of secured in the just-concluded Karnataka while Srinivasulu breach of privilege notice to corporations and municipali- Harichandan has given his Mydukur will be decided with elections to urban local bodies Continued from Page 1 Robbin Sharma too had retired as a Principal Secretary SEC Nimmagadda Ramesh ties is expected to continue at assent to the Ordinance moved a toss if Jana Sena candidate in Andhra Pradesh, the ruling personally made a couple of in the AP government. Kumar seeking response to least till Thursday morning. by the State Government to joins the Congress and in YSR Congress Party seems to In fact, it was leaked that BJP trips to Tirupati. Teams from The Congress is expected to the notices served by Minis- The State Election have two Deputy Mayors in Tadipatri, the party would go be taking success in the com- had planned a rath yatra his consulting firm field former Union Minister ters Peddireddy Ramach- Commission has scheduled municipal corporations. with ex-officio voting and he ing by-poll to the Tirupati from Kapilatheertham in Showtime Consulting had Chinta Mohan yet again, the andra Reddy and Botsa the election to be held on Government Advisor asserted that the party will Lok Sabha seat for granted and Tirupati to Ramatheertham been working on the ground old warhorse who previously Satyanarayana against him. March 18. The aspirants of (Public Affairs) Sajjala keep fighting legally. only betting on the victory in Vizianagaram to reap in Tirupati since sometime. represented Tirupati for five The Privilege Committee these coveted posts of the civic Ramakrishna Reddy said that Replying to questions, margin. political benefits in the run- BJP and Jana Sena who terms in the Lok Sabha. meeting was held via video- bodies had waited with baited the list of candidates for Sajjala said that anyone can file The YSRCP on Sunday up to the Tirupati by-poll. had put up a poor show in Tirupati Lok Sabha con- conference on Wednesday breath all through Wednesday, Mayors, Deputy Mayors, SC ST atrocity case, as the swept the elections to the TDP had already started both panchayat and civic stituency is spread over seven during which it was decided hoping for an announcement Chairpersons and Vice- lands grabbed by TDP supre- ULBs, literally burying the the groundwork, months body polls had been banking Assembly segments in Chittoor to seek the SEC’s response. about the names from the Chairpersons will be mo N Chandrababu Naidu main opposition Telugu ahead of any of its political on politics since and Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore It is learnt that a notice will YSRCP leadership. However, it announced on March 18. belong to Dalits. He said that Desam party in 75 municipal- rivals. TDP supremo N Tirupati is a temple town. districts. Over 25 per cent of be served to Ramesh Kumar is learnt that YSRCP supremo Addressing a press confer- the Government is not being ities and 11 municipal corpo- Chandrababu Naidu And both the parties are the 15.75 lakh voters in the through proper channels and Chief Minister YS ence here on Wednesday, he vindictive towards opposition rations. announced the party candi- confident that their alliance parliamentary segment belong from the Assembly Secretary Jaganmohan Reddy has not yet said that Chief Minister YS leaders and stated that the "We hope to win Tirupati by date in November itself. It is candidate will win the by to the Scheduled Castes while on Thursday. completed the exercise on Jaganmohan Reddy has been law will take its own course. a majority of at least three lakh reliably learnt that political poll. BJP had planned a there are about five lakh elec- Earlier, the ministers ser- selecting the candidates. discussing with the party “Right from the days of votes. It will be higher than the consultant Robbin Sharma, series of meetings with tors belonging to the backward ved notices to the Privileges It is learnt that selecting the members right from the dis- being in opposition, YSRCP last time (2019), going by the a former associate of anoth- national level leaders classes. Committee headed by Chai- Mayor and Deputy Mayors trict level on the selection of leaders had been consistent people's mood that has reflect- er political consultant, explaining the role of union Sullurpeta (SC), Sarvepalli, rman Kakani Goverdhan for Greater Visakhapatnam candidates and assured that about the Amaravati land ed in the ULB elections," said Prashant Kishor, was hired government in overall devel- Guduru (SC) and Venkatagiri Reddy under Rule 173. The Municipal Corporation and BC’s and SC’s were given top scam, where even people of Panchayat Raj Minister by TDP and has been focus- opment of Tirupati and how Assembly segments fall in SPS panel decided to take cogni- the Vijayawada Municipal priority as part of political Amaravati region trusted us Peddireddy Ramachandra ing on Tirupati ever since it the temple town has been and Tirupati, sance of the notices of the Corporation has turned tricky empowerment. and gave a thumping majori- Reddy, who hails from was known by-poll was benefited with the central Satyavedu (SC) and Srikalahasti ministers against the SEC with many aspirants in the fray, With regard to Mydukur ty in 2019 elections, which is . necessitated. schemes. are in Chittoor district. and initiate action as per leading to the delay in finalis- and Tadipatri municipalities, the ultimate right to investigate Notification for the by-elec- The YSRCP, by and large, Assembly rules as it is ing the list. he said that neither the YSRCP and take action against those tion will be issued on March 23 its vote share from 47.84 per Sena and is seeking to reclaim appears to be in a comfortable empowered to probe it. Jagan had started the exer- nor the Government will never involved,” Sajjala said. and the last date for filing nom- cent to 55.03 per cent. the seat it won only once in position in all the segments but inations is March 30. Polling is Balli Durga Prasad Rao, 1999, then in the company of it is said to be facing some scheduled to be held on April who won in 2019 by a record the TDP. In the 2019 general internal trouble in Guduru, 17 and counting of votes on margin of 2.28 lakh votes, died election, the BJP polled a mere where former MP from May 2. of Covid-19 on September 16 16,125 votes. In fact, the BSP Tirupati V Varaprasad is now Need to stop ‘2nd peak’ of Covid, PM tells... The YSRCP won the last year, necessitating the polled 20,971 votes here. the MLA. The ruling party is, Tirupati Lok Sabha (Scheduled bypoll. Names of former IAS offi- however, unperturbed, given Continued from Page 1 must not happen and needs reported 28,903 fresh Covid- with the highest number of Caste reserved) seat in 2014 The BJP is jumping into the cers K Ratna Prabha and the current political trend in urgent attention," he said. 19 cases since Tuesday, the coronavirus cases in the last and again in 2019, improving fray in alliance with the Jana Dasari Srinivasulu are being the state. "Over 70 per cent of the tests Bengal Chief Minister highest daily rise since 10 days, 15 are from should be RTPCR. States Mamata Banerjee, campaign- December 11 (30,254), with Maharashtra, the Union should not rely on Rapid ing for the approaching state the total tally at 1.14 crore Health Ministry has said. Antigen Tests," said Modi, election, was missing as Modi cases and 1,59,044 deaths. The Centre told the Farmers to referring to Kerala, Odisha, interacted with Chief 188 deaths have been Uddhav Thackeray-led Wind up poll process, State records Chhattisgarh and Uttar Ministers via video confer- reported, the most in a day Maharashtra government yes- intensify Pradesh. ence, as he has done fre- since January 15 (191). terday that the state was "in 253 fresh The Prime Minister noted quently since the Coronavirus In the 24 hours, the most the beginning of a second fast track vax: Jagan that tier 2 and 3 towns, which outbreak a year ago. cases have been reported from wave of Covid" and that there agitation with had escaped the first wave, Also absent were Uttar Maharashtra (17,864), Kerala was a lack of Covid-appropri- Continued from Page 1 virus, said the Chief Minister. Covid cases were getting affected this time Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi (1,970), Punjab (1,463), ate behavior and "tracking Bharat bandh He directed authorities to round. It would not take Adityanath – who is reported- Karanataka (1,135) and and testing of cases". PNS n NEW DELHI In view of public health and come forward with a compre- PNS n VIJAYAWADA much for the virus to spread ly campaigning for the BJP in Gujarat (954). In the list of the districts the growing number of cases hensive action plan on vacci- to villages from there, which Assam – and Bhupesh Baghel, The average number of contributing the highest num- Intensifying their agitation across the country, taking up nation and also the possible AP reported 253 fresh Covid- would overwhelm the health the Chief Minister of Covid cases is at an 81-day bers to the country's caseload, against the three farm laws, vaccination is the need of the ways to increase the number 19 cases, 137 recoveries and care system of the country, he Chhattisgarh, which is one of high, according to figures. only three are from other the Samyukt Kisan Morcha hour and upon completion of of Covid tests. Officials have one death in 24 hours ending said. the five worst-affected states, Cases are now rising in 19 states. These are Bengaluru on Wednesday met with dif- elections, the government will been directed to take appropri- 9 am on Wednesday. Modi also cautioned against with the highest deaths in the states compared to four just a Urban in Karnataka, Indore in ferent mass organisations and have a chance to focus on vac- ate steps to ensure that all After 1.46 crore sample vaccine wastage in some last 24 hours. month ago. Madhya Pradesh and Tamil associations to strategise for cination, Jagan said. Covid tests are fully tested by tests, the gross coronavirus states. "This is something that On Wednesday, India Of 19 districts in India Nadu capital Chennai. their 'Sampurna Bharat The Chief Minister instruct- RTPCR. positives went up to 8,92,522, Bandh' on March 26. ed the authorities to include Earlier, the Chief Minister with an overall infection pos- Addressing a press confer- village secretariats as a unit in participated in the video con- itivity rate of 6.11 per cent. ence, Ranjit Raju of Ganganagar the massive vaccination drive ference held by Prime Minister Recoveries rose to 8,83,642 Naidu, lawyers... Kisan Samiti said that during the and focus on completing the Narendra Modi on the and toll to 7,186, a health Most vaccine wasted by TS, AP nationwide strike on March vaccination for those under progress of Covid-19 vaccina- department bulletin said. Continued from Page 1 26, which also marks four the purview of each tion. The state now has 1,694 PNS n HYDERABAD vaccine wastage is of two months of the farmers' move- village/ward secretariat to Deputy Chief Minister Alla active Covid-19 cases, it said. types: close and open vial These TDP leaders opined ment, all shops and other busi- reach the target. Kali Krishna Srinivas, Home The contagion seems to be Telangana and Andhra wastage. Closed vial wastage that while fighting the legal bat- ness establishments will remain He stated that vaccines Minister Mekathoti Sucharita, spreading at a virulent pace, Pradesh states have recorded is a result of improper cold tle, Naidu would also appear shut for 12 hours. On March 28, should be given immediately Chief Secretary Adityanath particularly in districts like the highest vaccine wastage chain and inventory manage- before the CID and answer all the protestors will burn copies to those above 45 years of age, Das, DGP Gautam Sawang, Guntur, Chittoor, Visakhapa- rates in the country, hitting ment. Open vial wastage, on their queries so as to project of the three laws during 'holika suffering from chronic dis- Medical and Health Principal tnam, Krishna and East double digits. the other hand, occurs where that it was he who was being dehan', he added. "The strike will eases, along with senior citi- Secretary Anil Kumar Singhal, Godavari. Guntur reported 69 There are a total of five health workers are forced to maligned. start from 6 in the morning and zens who are aged above 60 Health and Family Welfare fresh cases in a day, followed states with vaccine wastage discard unused doses from Also, such a move could will continue till 6 in the years. Rather than treating Commissioner Katamaneni by Chittoor 39, East Godavari higher than the nationwide multi-dose vials. only bring him political evening, during which all shops those infected with the virus, Bhaskar and Home Secretary 29, Visakhapatnam 27, Kur- average of 6.5%. In India's case, the reason mileage, as he has acquired and dairies and everything will the focus should be on preven- Kumar Vishwajit and other nool 26, Anantapur 15, Kr- COVID-19 vaccines are in for vaccine wastage is not lands only for building the cap- remain closed. tative measures against the officials were present. ishna 11 and Srikakulam 10. short supply, making them Ministry Secretary during a inefficient transportation or ital city and not for his person- The other five districts added 'invaluable commodities', press conference on lack of cold storage, but the al gains, the TDP leaders less than seven cases each. according to Union Ministry Wednesday. number of doses within a expressed. Guntur also reported one of Health and Family Welfare. For instance, Telangana's single vial. Once a vial is There is yet another section fresh Covid-19 fatality, Yet, wastage of vaccines is a vaccine wastage is at 17.6%. opened, the doses have to be of the TDP leaders that believes TN man files nomination according to the bulletin. growing concern in This means that 176 doses out administered within a span of that the CID authorities might The Centre has listed Kri- Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, of every 1,000 doses are being four hours. There are around arrest Naidu, on the pretext shna, East Godavari, Visakh- Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and wasted. 20 doses per vial for Covaxin that he did not cooperate with apatnam, Chittoor and Gun- Jammu & Kashmir. These High wastage inflates the and 10 doses per vial for the investigation and was try- wearing 5 kg gold jewellery! tur as "districts of concern" States have recorded vaccine demand for vaccines and rais- Covishield. Both of which ing to hide crucial information. going by the percentage of rise wastage higher than the over- es procurement and supply- can present an issue if there is This section points to the Continued from Page 1 royal member of a family. papers, he claimed to have in cases from March 1 to 15. all Indian average of 6.5%. The chain costs, which the govern- a low turnout on a particular contents of the notice served The black complexioned owned at least 11.2 kg of gold According to the govern- situation is especially critical ment has to bear. day, according to health offi- on Naidu that directs him to Not only the locals but also the Nadar wearing the eye-daz- jewellery. His images have ment data, Krishna saw a in the states of Telangana and Right now, the procure- cials. produce all documents he has presiding officer and the staff zling jewellery presented an gone on viral on social media. 171.4 per cent, East Godavari Andhra Pradesh, where vac- ment cost for the Covishield According to experts, while with regard to land pooling. in his office were awed at the interesting contrast and Thank God! He did not 150 per cent, Visakhapatnam cine wastage is double digits. vaccine is ?210 per dose and wastage of the COVID-19 It is learnt the CID have extent of the gold jewellery the became the cynosure of all become prey to the chain- 100 per cent, Chittoor 92 per "Vaccine wastage has to be for Covaxin is ?295 per dose. vaccination doses can be gathered concrete evidence to independent candidate has eyes. Clad in white robes, with snatchers who always look for cent and Guntur 70 percent drastically reduced. Any But, this price tag does not brought down, it's encourag- nail Naidu and if he doesn't worn. heavy jewellery on the top of an opportunity to snatch a change in cases. reduction in wastage means include the costs of logistics, ing to see that things are not give proper replies, he would He wore thick chains and it and free-flowing hair, Nadar chain or two from people. Of The seven-day moving that you end up inoculating supply chain and administer- as bad as they were with the be arrested immediately and lockets and covered a part of has reminded the people of course, the heaviness of the average rose from 88 (cases more people, therefore the ing charges. Rotavirus vaccine, in 2016. remanded to judicial custody. his forearm with golden orna- some divine character. gold chains might have per day) on March 1 to 167 on chances of disrupting the What is vaccine wastage? During the initial weeks of its According to one TDP ments and presented his papers In the affidavit which he deterred the chain-snatchers to the 15th. The infection posi- chain of infection grow that According to the World rollout, the wastage was as leader, Naidu will seek pre- to the presiding officers like a enclosed to his nomination snatch a chain or two. tivity rate rose marginally. much more," said the Health Health Organisation (WHO), high as 70%. arrest bail.

VIJAYAWADA BULLION RATES Telangana to take Theft at Gwalior’s Rani Mahal Zookeepers get lessons on reptiles PNS n GWALIOR premises. GOLD On receiving informa- PNS n call on schools ` 45, 830 (10 gm) VISAKHAPATNAM Unidentified persons tion from Rani Mahal that allegedly broke into Rani thieves had entered a ` 10 The three-day training ses- soon, says KCR Mahal, a part of Jai Vilas room of the palace, a SILVER sion for zookeepers from PNS n HYDERABAD Palace, belonging to the police team and dog squad ` 71, 300(1kg) across the nation on captive Scindias, the erstwhile were rushed to the spot, ` 600 management of reptiles con- The Telangana government is rulers of Gwalior in city superintendent of cluded at the Indira Gandhi making efforts to check Madhya Pradesh, police police (CSP) Ratnesh Zoological Park here on Covid-19 and would decide in said on Wednesday. Tomar said. CHICKEN Wednesday. another two or three days on According to the police, The thieves had alleged- RATES `/KG Participants from almost schools as a number of virus they are yet to ascertain ly entered the room 40 zoo parks across the coun- cases reported in a few educa- what was stolen and how through a ventilator and Dressed/With Skin `197 try enthusiastically participat- tional institutions has risen. many thieves entered the disappeared, he said. Without Skin `224 ed in the event. Chief Minister K Chandras- Broiler at Farm `136 Basic biology of reptiles ekhar Rao said this in the like turtles, snakes, crocodiles Assembly on Wednesday. was explained with practical Covid cases have started EGG sessions during this three-day showing a rise again though it RATES `/100 training programme conduct- was thought to be coming to an ed by Dr Gowri Mallapur end, he said. The virus is VIJAYAWADA 380 from Central Zoo Authority, fy the gender of a reptile, and raised by the participants By this training session, spreading in neighbouring HYDERABAD 393 New Delhi. how to carefully collect their after the sessions. they have learned many new Maharashtra, he said. The programme focused eggs were explained in a way Offline zookeepers along practices which they previ- A second wave has not VISAKHAPATNAM 505 on the many species of tur- that everyone could under- with online participants also ously did not know, said par- occurred in the country, but RETAIL PRICE `3. 80 tles, crocodiles and snakes. stand. listened to the sessions with ticipants from both online the virus spread is gaining (IN HYDERABAD) Queries like how to identi- Dr Mallapur cleared doubts keen interest. and offline platforms. momentum.

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Printed and published by B Krishna Prasad for and on behalf of CMYK Printech Ltd., Phone: 040-23322341, Hyderabad Office: F-502, Diamond Block, Lumbini Rockdale, Somajiguda, Hyderabad - 500 082. Telangana. Printed at Sree Seshasai Enterprises, Plot No.19, IDA Balanagar , Hyderbad-500037, Medchal -Malkajgiri District, Telangana. Chief Editor: Chandan Mitra. Resident Editor: B Krishna Prasad, AIR SURCHARGE of Rs 2.00. VIJAYAWADA | THURSDAY | MARCH 18, 2021 vijayawada 03

Woman, kid CPM urges AP govt to support Min asks chemical sector jumps into reservoir due to Bharat Bandh on March 26 family disputes PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM Left parties to explore avenues in state PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM The district committee of CPI appeal to the PNS n VIJAYAWADA Petrochemicals and Reliance, (M) urged various sections of traders, enables the chemical and Pained over frequent quarrels the society to make Bharat Industries minister Mekapati petrochemical industry to with her in-laws, a woman Bandh, called by farmer educational Goutham Reddy said that build self-sufficiency in petro- reportedly jumped into a unions on March 26, a big suc- institutions, trade Andhra Pradesh is one of the chemical intermediates and reservoir in Vizianagaram cess. champion states poised to pro- drive downstream industries, along with her son. Their CPM senior leader Dr unions and pel the Indian economy for- he said. bodies were fished out on Ganga Rao said that the bandh various other ward under the 'Atma Nirbhar The minister further said Wednesday two days after was being organised in protest Bharat' initiative and welcomed that AP has also attracted mar- they went missing. against the three farm laws, organisations to the chemical industries to quee investments in recent The incident occurred in privatisation of participate in the explore Andhra Pradesh for times within chemical and Kothavalasa village of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant bandh and make the natural competitive advan- specialty chemical industries Pachipenta mandal in and public sector undertak- tages the state offered. that do not have dependencies . ings. it a success. Talking at the inaugural on basic feedstock availability, K. Ramana, sub inspector The leaders also appealed to session 'India Chem 2021 - like chlor-alkali, caustic soda, of Pachipenta, said the the State government to sup- 11th Biennial International agrochemicals, paints and woman's husband worked as port the Bandh. ipate in the bandh and make takings. Exhibition and Conference' adhesives. an agriculture worker. A meeting with the repre- it a success. Ganga Rao said He said the two-day strike organised jointly by FICCI "About 70+ Mega Industries "She has been facing fam- sentatives of CPM, CPI, CPI the ongoing agitation against organised by the employees' and Department of Chemicals and 5000+ MSME enterprises ily problems including ill- (ML), CPI (ML-New privatisation of steel plant, unions and associations of pub- & Petrochemicals, have invested $ 2.4 billion in treatment from her in-laws. Democracy), SUCI and MCPI being organised by the lic sector banks was a success Government of India, on petitive advantages the state diates, where India has no the state, contributing to 8 per She could not tolerate the sit- was held in CPM party office Visakhapatnam Ukku and it witnessed a participation Wednesday in New Delhi, he has to offer. We are building a domestic capacity or negligible cent of India's production value uation and went missing on in Visakhapatnam on Parirakshana Committee, is of over one lakh people. said: "With home to maxi- network of specialised infra- capacity." i.e., USD 11.9 billion as on FY March 15 from her home Wednesday to discuss the getting support from all the Similarly, the unions of LIC mum oil and gas reserves - structure such as pipelines, He added that being the only 2019-20 and 7 per cent of along with her son," said the ways to organise the bandh. trade unions and mass organ- are organising a nation-wide 1,130 MMTPA in India and in water desalination plants and state where the three National India's exports as on FY 2019- police quoting the statement The Left parties appealed to isations in Visakhapatnam. strike on March 18 and a proximity to sources of petro- cost-effective effluent treat- Industrial Corridors run across 20, growing at the rate of 22 per of the woman's neighbour. the traders, educational insti- He said there was need to huge public meeting of all chemical feedstock, the state is ment facilities. To realise the every district, these corridors cent CAGR since 2017-18. I am The family members along tutions, trade unions, trans- intensify the agitations since trade unions would be held on looking to build self-suffi- goal of the PCPIR clusters, we dovetail the largest PCPIR glad these invested enterpris- with police started searching port associations and various Visakhapatnam was depend- premises of steel plant on ciency in petrochemical prod- are enabling co-location of region in the nation spread es have become the brand for the duo and their bodies other organisations to partic- ing on the public sector under- March 20. ucts and drive economies of bulk, intermediate and special- across 640 sq.km between ambassadors of the state in cre- were found floating in Pedda scale for downstream chemi- ty petrochemicals players to Visakhapatnam and Kakinada. ating further opportunities Gedda reservoir on cal industries. drive economies of scale. We Presence of large petro- and growth in end-user seg- Wednesday. "We welcome industries to are talking to MNCs to facili- chemical refineries and oil & ments such as paints, textiles, The police recovered the come and explore Andhra tate JVs and Technology trans- gas exploration companies in adhesives, personal and home bodies and sent for post- Pradesh for the natural com- fers to introduce key interme- AP like HPCL, ONGC, Haldia care products," he added. mortem. VROs land in ACB net Naidu protected rights of Dalit PNS n VIJAYAWADA VRO caught red-handed by ACB In separate incidents, two assigned land farmers: Ex-Minister Village Revenue Officers were In another incident, the PNS n VIJAYAWADA against former Chief Minister arrested by Anti Corruption ACB sleuths on Wednesday out of political vengeance. Bureau sleuths on Wednesday. trapped and arrested D TDP senior leader Nakka Ananda Babu said that A VRO from Mandasa man- Rajasekhar, the VRO of Ananda Babu on Wednesday intellectuals, the common dal in Malenatham village in asserted that the public and all sections of was arrested by ACB sleuths Ramasamudram mandal, Chandrababu regime tried society were spurning the for accepting a bribe of Rs Chittoor district. The VRO to protect the Dalit owners in manner in which the former 3,000 for doing an officials was caught red-handed while assigned lands while the YSR CM was being implicated in favour on Wednesday. he was accepting a bribe of Rs rule did a lot of injustice to wrong cases. According to ACB officials, 8,500 from a complainant, B the weaker sections in the "No Dalit owner or farmer Rajesh Panda, a native of Venkataramana, from the name of industrial develop- has given any complaint Siripuram village in Mandasa same village. ment. against Chandrababu Naidu. mandal, lodged a complaint According to the ACB offi- Ananda Babu said that for- How can the CID give notices with the DSP, ACB, cials, B Venkataramana from mer Chief Minister late YS simply based on a complaint DIVINE BLESSINGS Srikakulam, through toll-free Malenatham village in Rajasekhara Reddy snatched lodged by a public represen- No. 14400 stating that B Chittoor district lodged a away lakhs of acres of tative who was not a victim in As part of the ongoing Renuka Rani, the VRO of complaint with the DSP, ACB, assigned lands belonging to said that the TDP regime any manner? The notices Bodarasingi village had Tirupati, stating that D Dalits only to hand them brought the GO No 42 with were just aimed at creating annual Brahmotsavam of demanded a bribe of Rs 3,000 Rajasekhar, the VRO, had over to SEZs. "It was in these sole aim to give equal rights confusion and to scare the Sri Kodandaramaswami for land mutation and issuing demanded a bribe of Rs 8,500 cases that CM Jaganmohan to the Dalit owners of Opposition cadres," he said. temple at Tirupati, Lord title deed and e-pass book of for processing and forwarding Reddy has been implicated assigned lands on a par with The TDP leader asked why Rama blessed devotees in his land. the application to higher for indiscriminate and illegal the patta land owners. Since no atrocities case was filed Sri Vaikunta Rama The ACB officials laid a authorities pertaining to misuse of such lands," he then, no Dalit faced any injus- against the YSRCP MLA who trap and caught B Renuka online entry of his land details added. tice in the State. used abusive language against alankaram riding Garuda Rani red-handed at Tahsildar and issuance of e-pass book to Addressing a press confer- But now, the YSRCP gov- the Dalit District Collector of vahana on Wednesday. office in Mandasa mandal. the complainant. ence here, the TDP leader ernment was filing false cases the . Postal employees All set for swearing-in of newly-elected corporators HC dismisses Deepak Reddy's plea stage dharna PNS n VIJAYAWADA swearing-in ceremony of cor- C PRADEEP KUMAR (a) of the Andhra Pradesh dance register. It was further porators and further election of n VIJAYAWADA Municipalities Act, 1965 pro- argued that just because he KAKINADA: The postal Collector and Mayor and Deputy Mayors. vides that an MLC can be an has transferred his vote to employees staged dharna in presiding officer A MD Imtiaz She said that visitors and fol- TDP MLC Deepak Reddy ex-officio member of a Tadipatri municipality, it does front of the head post office on Wednesday said that all lowers of newly-elected corpo- filed a writ petition praying municipal council only in not entitle him to be an ex- here on Wednesday dema- arrangements have been made rators would not be allowed that his candidature for the such municipality where he is officio member of that nding that their pending for the oath-taking ceremony into Council hall. She stated ex-officio member of the a registered voter on the date municipality. The law is very issues be addressed. The of newly-elected corporators of that GMC arranged a huge dig- Tadipatri municipality was of filing of his nomination for clear as per the above stated postal employees' union Vijayawada, Machilipatnam ital screen to view the swear- rejected on illegal grounds. becoming an MLC. section. leader Sairam criticised the and Guntur Municipal ing-in ceremony live in the Appearing for Deepak As per the Affidavit sub- Hearing the arguments, the Centre for the inordinate Corporations on March 18. parking arena of the GMC Reddy, advocate Dammalapati mitted by Deepak Reddy, at High Court concluded that delay in settling their long The elected corporators have office. Srinivas argued that he was a the time of filing his nomina- the interim order sought by pending demands. to submit form A and B to pre- Guntur Urban SP RN Ammi voter in the electoral rolls of tion for MLC, he had Deepak Reddy to be allowed Alleging that the employees siding officers. The oath-tak- Reddy said that the entry into the Tadipatri municipality declared that he was enrolled to become an ex officio mem- were being harassed by fixing ing programme would be held the Council hall is restricted to and therefore he was eligible as a voter in the Raydurg ber and to exercise his fran- targets, he demanded action after receiving the forms. Mayor and all parties had that the Mayor chamber also only elected corporators and to be the ex-officio member of Municipality. chise as an ex officio member against the postal superinten- The newly-elected corpora- issued Whips to their elected has been renovated and read- others would be not allowed. the council and his candida- Further, in 2018, he had in the elections to the chair- dents of Tadepalli-gudem, tors would later elect Mayors Corporators. ied for a new Mayor. The officials of Machilipatnam ture was wrongfully rejected. attended two meetings of the person and vice-chairperson Tirupati and Anant-apur for and Deputy Mayors. He said that VMC officials Vijayawada Municipal Municipal Corporation too have Ch Suman, appearing for Raydurg Municipality as its on March 18, 2021 could not their dictatorial behavior and The Collector said that readied Council hall where Corporation Commissioner made arrangements for the oath- the Tadipatri Municipality, ex-officio member and had be granted and dismissed his subjecting the employees to Whip would be in force for the oath-taking ceremony Ch Anuradha said that GMC taking ceremony in the Council argued that Section 5(2) (IV) even signed in the atten- application. lot of harassment. electing Mayor and Deputy would be held. He further said made all arrangements for the Hall. Lightning claims more lives than heat waves SUMIT ONKA utes, the weather system Vajrapaat app n VISAKHAPATNAM favouring thunderstorm is formed and even in about AP State Disaster While there has been a sharp three hours, the system disap- Management Authority (APS- dip in the deaths due to heat pears," she said. DMA) has developed an app wave in summer, lightning is "In summer, thunderstorms called Vajrapaat to send out posing a major danger for peo- result from the rapid upward bilingual SMS alerts to people VSB signs pact with ple in Andhra Pradesh. movement of warm, moist air. on lightning strikes before 40 Especially, the people from It becomes more frequent minutes. However, it is seen north coastal Andhra Pradesh when the warmer and cooler most of the victims of the are bearing the brunt of the air confluence and this is what lightning are farmers or Digital Scholar lightning. happens in north AP region. unaware about the smartphone PNS n VIJAYAWADA Sorav Jain, CEO, echoVME In 2020, no deaths due heat The trough formed and the applications. and founder Digital Scholar, wave were reported in the wind from sea confluence plus The Earth Networks Total VIT-AP School of Business said that he is excited to col- state, according to the AP State the presence of hills (Eastern Lightning Network (ENTLN) (VSB) signed MoU with laborate with VIT-AP and Disaster Management Ghats) is suitable for thunder- provides detailed forecast infor- Digital Scholar on Wednesday guide the students in the Authority (APSDMA). storms. There is nothing mation on the location and at VIT-AP School of Business promising field of Digital However, more than 15 peo- unusual in lightning incidents intensity of both in-cloud (IC) campus. Marketing. He is also sure the ple died due to lightning. this year. Maybe, people have and cloud-to-ground (CG) Dr SV Kota Reddy, Vice- experience of learning with us Moreover, 109 persons died been more aware of the weath- lightning in real time. The Chancellor, VIT -AP University, will elevate the skills of the stu- due to lightning in 2019, while er phenomenon than earlier alert messages are then sent said that Digital Scholar was dents to equip and help them 257 died from other forces of due to advancement in tech- through Kaizala mobile appli- offering digital marketing edu- in their professional journey. nature. nology and media highlighting cation to Tahsildar and con- cation and backed by echoVME Our aim is to make them Given the last four-year heat it," she said. cerned VROs. pioneer in digital marketing digital-ready right from the wave deaths, in 2014, the num- Lightning discharges In Vajarapat app, there are services and catering to the first day with the hands-on ber of deaths was 448 while it between clouds and ground three radius circles like 30 km, needs of various sectors, rang- practical approach that we was 1,369 in 2015, 723 in 2016 heat wave. due to forces of nature were said geographical location is result in cloudburst claiming 15 km and 8 km. If the strike ing from banks, hotels, prod- provide, he added. and 236 in 2017. According to NCRB, close to because of lightning. Here is a favourable for the formation of lives. is in a radius of 30 km, the users ucts, manufacturing industries, Dr S Jeyavelu, Dean VIT-AP Interestingly, the death toll 5 lakh lives were lost in India detailed review of the data on thunderstorms in North She also added that peo- will be notified with an alert educational institutions, etc., School of Business, Rishi Jain, due to heat wave is decreasing between 1990 and 2019 due to deaths due to forces of nature. Andhra Pradesh. ple in the north Andhra message like find shelter. If it is He told that digital marketing co-founder, Digital Scholar gradually since 2016 and the forces of nature. Among these, When asked why lightning is "The troughs are mostly region should be made in 15 km radius, the message is on the rise surpassing spend- and Meghana Jain, Director, APSDMA officials attribute it the most lives were lost because occurring frequently in north forming in North AP and aware of the safety precau- asks people to seek shelter and ing on traditional marketing for echoVME and Digital Scholar, to the increasing awareness of lightning. Even in the year coastal AP region, weather Odisha coast. So, in a short tions to be taken during the if it is in 8 km radius it asks the first time ever in 2019. spoke on the occasion. among the people to tackle the 2019, 35 per cent of the deaths expert at IMD, K Naga Ratna, span, maybe in 10 to 15 min- thunderstorm. them to stay put in the shelter. VIJAYAWADA | THURSDAY | MARCH 18, 2021 telangana 04 People are final judges, says KCR IFSCs turn a bane for farmers PNS n WANAPARTHY M L MELLY MAITREYI months, 3.29 lakh transac- redesigned various irrigation n HYDERABAD tions, including 1.06 lakh projects to undo the discrimi- Merging of banks has affected pending claims for mutation of nation and injustice meted out several farmers in the state this Chief Minister K records, were completed. Of to the region in the undivided Rabi season. As a result of the Chandrasekhar Rao has refut- 2.75 lakh acres of land in State, Andhra Pradesh to bring one merger of banks many farmers ed the criticism of the opposi- details of 1.5 lakh acres had crore acres under cultivation. didn't get their 'Rythu Bandhu' tion parties in the Legislative been uploaded in Dharani and "As Telangana movement amount in their bank accounts, Assembly that the Governor's so they no longer be tampered leader and now as Leader of the especially those with Andhra address to the Joint Session of with. People were happy as reg- House, I can say proudly the Bank. State Legislature reflected only istration of agricultural lands results are for there every one Every year government gives 'tall claims' of the Telangana was being done in minutes and to see. While in 2014, paddy five thousand rupees per acre government, with the reality updated passbooks issued, he was cultivated in 12 lakh acres, in Rabi and Kharif seasons to being something entirely dif- said. now the extent is 58.28 lakh the farmers to help them ferent. A comprehensive digital sur- acres overtaking Tamil Nadu finance their crops. Before Referring to remarks made vey of the State's entire land- and Andhra Pradesh", he said. sending the beneficiaries by Congress member Mallu mass would be taken up to give The per capita utilization of details to the Treasury, Bhatti Vikramarka and BJP geographical coordinates and power in the undivided State Agriculture department offi- member Raghunandan Rao secure all kinds of govern- was 1,110 units; it had doubled cials update the new beneficia- during the discussion on ment, forest, revenue, wakf in over six years and the ry details in the portal and do bank account details have been Wanaparthy district, 301 farm- 'Motion of Thanks to the and private lands. installed capacity had gone up not make any changes to the changing in the merged banks. ers didn't get Rabi season Governor's Address' on Substantiating the achieve- from 7,778 MW to 16,245 old ones. Before beginning of Although the account num- beneficiary amount. Other Wednesday, the Chief Minister ments of TS in every sector MW. Solar power generation Rabi season, officials followed bers are the old ones, IFSCs than in Hyderabad, farmers in said that it was customary for conveyed, apart from the high- Describing the recently with figures, Chandrasekhar too mounted to 4,840 MW this method and sent the ben- have changed. However, new thirty-two districts were the Governor to convey the lights of achievements in every launched Dharani portal as "a Rao said that while the from 71 MW. These were eficiary details. But at that IFSCs weren't given to the affected due to this banks broad outline of the State's per- sector --from power, irrigation, revolutionary reform to put an Congress members talked acknowledged by the Central time central government merged accounts. merger. formance. "Those with pre- revival of tanks and drinking end to tampering of land about mounting debts, the Electricity Authority, he placed merged some banks in the Due to this, agriculture offi- Even though Agriculture conceived notions about the water to agriculture, welfare records and land transactions Centre's Economic Survey had on record. country. Andhra Bank and cials sent old codes to the department officials updated State government may not schemes and innovative pro- at MRO office", the Chief praised Telangana State for its Disagreeing with Bhatti Corporation Bank were amal- Treasury. Some IFSCs were new IFSCs, farmers didn't get appreciate it. But people are grammes. They all had come in Minister said it had brought fiscal prudence and financial Vikramarka, KCR said the gamated into Union Bank of changed before the deposition beneficiary money till day. final judges," he quipped. for praise in several reports about transparency and made discipline. It said Telangana Telangana government had India. The merger announce- of money and some were not. Farmers are urging the gov- The Governor's address was presented to Parliament by the the system law-driven. Several State was leading in capital increased sales tax only by 2 to ment was made in August, Only people whose IFSCs did ernment to do justice to those, long as there were many Union Government, he point- other States had evinced inter- expenditure. The Telangana 2.5 per cent on petrol and 2019, and it came into force not change got beneficiary who are affected due to this aspects of development to be ed out. est in it, he said. In less than five government had rightly diesel. from April 1, 2020. Since then money for the Rabi season. In banks' amalgamation. Another jewel Govt to encourage export of in the crown of Karimnagar vegetables, fruits overseas PNS n KARIMNAGAR PNS n MEDCHAL Another jewel in the crown of The horticulture department Karimnagar district is getting officials of Medchal district ready for the benefit of the stu- have sensitised farmers on dent community. All is set for cultivation of vegetables with the inauguration of the Central an eye on the export market. Institute of Tool Design The officials have been ensur- Extension and Training Centre ing measures to cultivate veg- in Karimnagar district in a etables in 1,800 acres. sprawling 1.5 acre land near In fact, plans are being the Satavahana University drawn to export vegetables campus. and fruits to overseas markets The Central Government with the coordination of indus- announced to set up a central tries and commerce depart- institute for tool design in ments. The exports will bene- 2019 and sanctioned a sum of HOUSING FOR ALL fit farmers financially. The acres, the farmers would be ticulture officer, said that a plan Rs 20 crore for the purpose. state government has asked the encouraged to cultivate grapes, has been kept ready to cater to District Collector K Secretary, Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs authorities to first sensitise mangoes, lady fingers, bitter the overseas markets. District Shashanka has informed that Durga Shanker Mishra along with Principal Secretary of the farmers and then take gourd, ridge gourd, beans and wise farmers groups would be the construction of buildings Telangana Urban Development Arvind Kumar visits 9- steps to implement the plan to drum sticks, which enjoy good formed to sensitise them on for housing the Central storey flats constructed under PMAY-U at Jay Bhavani export vegetables and fruits. demand in global markets. exporting fruits and vegetables Institute of Tool Design Nagar in Hyderabad. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi's The horticulture depart- The officials have initiated to overseas markets. They Extension and Training vision of housing for all by 2022 takes concrete shape in ment, as part of the plan, will measures to export 75,000 would be encouraged to culti- Centre was about to complete all parts of the country. Road in the area was occupied first identify those farmers tons of fruits and vegetables in vate only those vegetables and this month. by 179 slums. All displaced families have been allotted keen on exporting vegetables the first place. fruits that enjoy good demand Apart from the Central 560 square feet flats with two bedrooms, two toilets, and fruits. The farmers would The industries and com- in markets abroad. Initially, funds, the state government living area, kitchen and wash areas. Families are then be sensitised to cultivate merce departments are going these would be grown in 1,800 has sanctioned Rs 1 crore. extremely happy to be part of this transformation - from only those varieties which to give all clearances for export acres, he said. Training would be given to slums to pucca housing. It has given them social and enjoy good demand in export of vegetables and fruits with- District industries depart- young people at the institute economic upliftment. Construction quality is also good! markets. They will make sev- out any fees. The officials said ment officer Ravinder has said in tool design with placement All rows have got lifts and other amenities for eral suggestions to improve the that there are enough cold stor- that the department of indus- orientation. The students community living. Municipal Corporation should allot quality of the vegetables and ages in Medchal district to tries and commerce would who trained in tool design the balance 164 houses at the earliest so that eligible fruits. store vegetables and fruits des- support the farmers fully in can get employment in small, families may reap benefits," said Durga Shanker Mishra As part of the plan to raise tined for overseas markets. helping them export vegetables medium and large-scale fruits and vegetables in 1,800 Sattar, Medchal district hor- and fruits. industries. Top priority for Bhatti ignores Speaker’s prompts to Actor 32 TEST COVID POSITIVE AT KGBV industrial growth receives first Collector fumes at laxity of officials dose of vaccine PNS n KAMAREDDY in Medchal, says end speech; Cong walkout in protest PNS n HYDERABAD PNS n HYDERABAD Minister Harish Rao said Expressing anger over the inci- Bhatti was already given South superstar Nagarjuna dent where 32 students of District Collector The Legislative Assembly on three extensions by the Akkineni on Wednesday Kasturba Gandhi Balika PNS n MEDCHAL Wednesday witnessed Speaker beyond the permit- announced that he has Vidyalaya in Tekrial testing protests followed by walk ted time and he was not received the first dose of the positive for the virus, the District Collector Shwetha out by Congress members showing respect to the Chair. coronavirus vaccine and District Collector Sharat has Mohanty on Wednesday who were upset over repeat- The Congress member's urged those who are eligible asked the school authorities to underscored the need to ed reminders to Congress remark that the Chief to also get vaccinated. provide facilities to isolate the make concerted efforts to leader Mallu Bhatti Minister would not meet The 61-year-old actor took students who were tested pos- encourage the setting up of Vikramarka by the Speaker opposition MLAs when they to Twitter and said he itive for the virus. more industries to ensure to conclude his address. wanted to bring people's received the first jab of the The District Collector has increasing the employment Speaking during the dis- problems to his notice, vaccine at a hospital here on visited the school on opportunities in the Medchal cussion on Motion of Thanks Chandrasekhar Rao said the Tuesday. Nagarjuna also Wednesday and asked the offi- district. to Governor's address, Bhatti member should withdraw shared a link with his fans to cials to send the students to Reviewing the growth of Vikramarka raised several his words or the Speaker register for the vaccine with South campus, if the isolation officials for this to happen. The District administration industries in the district, issues from the discussion on expunge the remarks from hashtag #Unite2FightCorona. facility could not be provided Later, he visited the class has been conducting special Shwetha Mohanty called farm laws, increasing attacks the records. "Got my #Covaxin jab yes- in the school premises. rooms and asked the students camps in government schools upon the officials to make on Dalits, rising prices. Bhatti said the members terday, absolutely no down He reprimanded the special not to be afraid of the virus. In and hostels. The ANMs have efforts for industrial develop- Citing the feedback from mounting debts. have respect for the Chair time. I urge whoever is eligi- officer for sending the students case they visit their homes, the been conducting rapid antigen ment to pave way for offering people, he said farmers were On repeated reminders and the House but they were ble to take the vaccine," the out and admonished her for students were asked to return tests. jobs to young people. worried about non imple- from the Speaker Pocharam not allowed to speak about actor wrote, alongside a pic- not isolating the students who to the school after getting the As part of the exercise, ANM mentation of loan waiver, Srinivas Reddy to conclude ITIR, solution to Podu lands, ture of his from the hospital. returned to the school after vis- Covid confirmation test done. Sujata tested the students on non release of funds under his speech, Bhatti said if the Bayyaram steel plant, failure Nagarjuna joins a list of iting their homes. He suspect- Medical and Health officer Tuesday at the Kasturba PM's Fasal yojana absence of opposition was not allowed of government to give noti- Indian celebrities who have ed that one of the students Chandrasekhar, Educational Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya. In all, procurement centres. to raise people's concerns fication for Group I posts. received the Covid vaccine, might tested positive for the Officer Raju, Revenue Divisi- 13 Class X students, 12 Class IX Bhatti Vikramarka said how could they expect The opposition would sup- including veterans like Hema virus and could have spread to onal Officer Srinu, Tahsildar students, three Class VII stu- that the only progress that response from the Chief port the government if it Malini, Mohanlal, Paresh other students affecting the Prem Kumar and Medical dents and four Class VI stu- was witnessed in the state Minister. exerted pressure on Centre Rawal, Satish Shah, Jeetendra, total of 32 students. He blamed Officer Susmita Roy accompa- dents tested positive for the was rising liquor sales and At one stage, Finance for ITIR project. Kamal Haasan and others. the negligence of the school nied the District Collector. virus. CPI supports bandh call by Konda quits Cong, says party failed to take KCR to task Set up Saudi PNS n HYDERABAD committed to the people of and suggestions for the revival Reddy said that importance Consulate in Telangana and to the develop- of the Congress party to should be given to leaders of all farmers against farm laws Former MP and Congress ment of his constituency and emerge as strong opposition to castes and communities at all PNS n KOTHAGUDEM that were detrimental to the leader Konda Vishweshwar the State. He mentioned that he the TRS and oppose the con- public meetings and events to Hyd: GTWCA welfare of farmers across the Reddy, who had expressed his had waited for the conclusion trol of K.Chandrasekhar Rao drive home the party's mes- PNS n HYDERABAD The CPI (Maoist) Party has nation. Jagan said the farmers intention to "take a break from of the MLC elections for and his family over several sage. He wanted the Congress endorsed the 'Bharat Bandh' were putting up a great strug- politics", on Wednesday quit putting in his papers as he did media organizations -- news- to immediately launch party Gulf Telangana Welfare and called on March 26 by the gle for over 100 days against the Congress party by formal- not want to damage the papers and media channels -- membership drive, along with Cultural Association presi- Samyukta Kisan Morcha, an the harmful farm laws, which ly submitting his resignation prospects of Congress candi- and expose the 'corruption' Rs.5 lakh accident insurance. dent Patkuri Basanth Reddy umbrella body of 40 farmers' the BJP government had letter to Telangana Pradesh dates Chinna Reddy and indulged in by the TRS party Congress leaders should has appealed to Minister KT unions, in protest against the passed amid Opposition par- Congress Committee presi- Ramulu Naik. He reiterated led by Chandrasekhar Rao." counter KCR's derogatory Rama Rao to initiate moves three Central farm laws. ties' objections. dent Uttam Kumar Reddy. that he would take "two to Reddy submitted a six-point remarks in aggressive lan- for the setting up of a Saudi The party's Telangana State He said the agrarian com- On Monday, Vishweshwar three months' time" to decide agenda for the Congress party guage and failure to do so Consulate in Hyderabad. Committee official Spokesper- munity was at the heart of the Reddy announced that he was about his political future. to take on the TRS, including would be seen by people of “Many workers from TS son Jagan said CPI (Maoist) action during the struggle distancing himself from the Meanwhile, Reddy said, he boycott of the Kalvakuntla Telangana as a sign of weak- are working in Saudi. In the Party was supporting the against the British rule in Congress party to "consider would meet and discuss with family-controlled media orga- ness and submission on the past, discussions were held nation-wide strike called by India. Now the same agrarian various options" before finaliz- his followers and supporters nizations, filing of cases against part of Congress leaders. between Telangana and Saudi the farmers' unions. He called community was waging a tire- ing his future course of action. whether to join a different the TRS party and its top lead- Telangana Congress leaders government regarding setting upon different sections of less fight against the 'Black Thanking party workers in his party, set up a new party, or ership in respect of various should not come under the up of a Saudi Consulate in society to extend their support Laws' that were meant to ben- constituency who had given remain an Independent. scams in every government influence of Andhra Congress Hyderabad but nothing con- to the bandh to express their efit the capitalist corporate him tremendous support, Expressing his disappoint- the Congress party, he said: "I department in the High Court leaders with a conflict of inter- crete has come of it till date," protest against the farm laws forces. Reddy said he would remain ment with the functioning of worked hard, gave my inputs on a regular basis. est, he suggested. Basanth Reddy said. VIJAYAWADA | THURSDAY | MARCH 18, 2021 nation 05 Cooperation must for ensuring resilience of global system: PM

PNS n NEW DELHI seven billion people, our The Covid quest for resilience must Noting that many infra- build on the initiative and structure systems cover pandemic has imagination of each and the entire world, Prime shown us how every individual on this Minister Narendra Modi planet," Modi said. on Wednesday said the impacts can The International effect of a disaster in one quickly spread Conference on Disaster part can quickly spread across the world, Resilient Infrastructure across the globe and coop- (ICDRI 2021) is an inter- PM asks Karnataka govt to eration is a must for ensur- and on the other, active virtual conference ing the resilience of the it has shown how which follows global system.Addressing International Workshops the International the world can on Disaster Resilient focus on controlling Covid Conference on Disaster come together to Infrastructure (IWDRI) Resilient Infrastructure, held in 2018 and 2019. PNS n BENGALURU Yediyurappa told reporters. bypolls to Belagavi Lok Modi said the COVID-19 fight a common ICDRI is the annual He, however, said there Sabha constituency and pandemic has taught that threat, says Modi international conference Prime Minister Narendra was no need to panic as the Maski and Basava kalyan in an interdependent and of the Coalition for Modi has asked Karnataka cases were well under con- assembly segments. interconnected world, no Disaster Resilient to focus on Bengaluru, trol. According to the Chief country -- whether rich or spread across the world, structure, shipping lines, Infrastructure (CDRI) in Kalaburagi and Bidar in Quoting the Prime Minister, Union Home poor, in the east or west, and on the other, it has and aviation networks adding that cooperation partnership with member view of the rising Minister, Yediyurappa said Minister appre- north or south -- is shown how the world can cover the entire world, he is a must for ensuring the countries, organisations Coronavirus cases in these there was adequate vac- ciated Karnataka for con- immune to the effect of come together to fight a noted. resilience of the global and institutions to regions, Chief Minister B S cines. ducting over 93 per cent global disasters. common threat, Modi The effect of a disaster system. strengthen the global dis- Yediyurappa said on He added that coron- RT-PCR tests. On the one hand the said. in one part of the world "Just as the fight against course on disaster and cli- Wednesday. avirus can only be con- The Prime Minister pandemic has shown us Many infrastructure sys- can quickly spread across the pandemic mobilised mate resilient infrastruc- Addressing reporters trolled but cannot be wiped insisted that vaccines how impacts can quickly tems such as digital infra- the world, Modi said, the energies of the world's ture. after the Prime Minister's out completely. should be utilised optimal- video conference with chief Ruling out any curfew ly with less wastage. ministers on the COVID or night ban, the Chief Yediyurappa apprised situation in the country Minister appealed to the Modi of the state govern- INDIA CORNER following spurt in cases in people to observe the ment target's of vaccinating a few states, Yediyurappa COVID guidelines and use three lakh people every- NIA must complete probe, said people should follow masks and maintain social day and its plan to take up Stalemate in Odisha Assembly the appropriate guidelines. distancing. the drive at old age homes over MLA's suicide bid "As cases are going up in He also asked people to and mega residential com- give details: Maha minister Bengaluru, Kalaburagi and be extremely careful during plexes. disha Assembly Bidar which are located at congregation within four Out of 2,042 centres Wednesday failed to the border of Maharashtra, walls. selected for carrying out Otransact any business and PNS n MUMBAI Asked about the recovery of Prime Minister Narendra However, there will not the vaccination drive, 1,439 was adjourned till postlunch the cash and a note- counting Modi asked us to focus on be any restrictions on pub- are yet to resume their task, session as BJP, Congress and The NIA should complete its machine from the car, Patil these three districts," lic gathering during the the chief minister said. BJD MLAs created a ruckus probe into the recovery of an said the NIA is probing into over alleged ismanagement in explosive-laden SUV near the details which have surfaced paddy procurement and industrialist Mukesh Ambanis and names of those who are suicideattempt by a saffron party lawmaker in the House. The members residence here and then tell the involved are also coming to the India asks SL of ruling BJD, opposition BJP and Congress for the fifth day on conclusion, instead of disclos- fore slowly. Wednesday raised slogans in the well making their respective demands ing details of investigation in- "I think, I demanded yester- to fulfil as soon as the House assembled for the Question Hour at 10.30 am. between, Maharashtra minis- day also, that the NIA should While the BJD members demanded unconditional apology from BJP's ter Jayant Patil said on Agency (NIA) on Tuesday said complete the entire probe and Tamil people’s Deogarh MLA Subhas Panigrahi for making a suicide bid by attempting Wednesday. it has seized a Mercedes car tell the conclusion. It will be to drink sanitiser in the House, the BJP and Congress members sought Patil, who is the that was used by Waze and better if it (the NIA) completes aspirations a statement of assurance from Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for lifting Maharashtra NCP chief, was recovered Rs 5 lakh from the its investigation and reaches of paddy from all the mandis across the state. Unable to run the House talking to reporters after a vehicle after searching his some final conclusion instead PNS n NEW DELHI due to the noisy protest in the well, Speaker S N Patro adjourned the meeting of key MVA (Maha office from where "incriminat- of disclosing details in- House several times till the post lunch session at 4 pm. As soon as the Vikas Aghadi- comprising the ing" documents were recov- between," Patil said. India on Wednesday said it House was adjourned, the ruling party members including women Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress) ered. State Urban Development has consistently called MLAs marched to Raj Bhavan and submitted a memorandum to ministers at the Sahyadri Guest Waze is at the focus of the Minister and Shiv Sena leader upon Sri Lanka to fulfil its Governor Ganeshi Lal seeking his intervention to upkeep the dignity of House here, against the back- NIA's probe into the case relat- Eknath Shinde, who also commitments to meet the the House. drop of the arrest of Mumbai ed to the recovery of the SUV attended the MVA leaders' expectations of the Tamil police officer Sachin Waze by with explosives near Ambani's meeting, earlier told reporters Election to 3 RS seats people for equality, justice the NIA. house in south Mumbai on that the Waze episode was not and peace. In response to Commandant sought sexual The National Investigation February 25. discussed in the meeting. a question in the LS, MoS from Kerala on Apr 12 for External Affairs V favours, alleges Home Guard Muraleedharan also said PNS n NEW DELHI issued on March 24. that External Affairs home guard posted here has States like As per practice, votes will Minister S Jaishankar in accused the district commandant Sidhu not in politics for Election to three Rajya Sabha counted in the evening of meetings with his Sri Aof trying to force him into having Maha should seats from Kerala falling April 12 after conclusion of Lankan counterpart has sex with him, a charge denied by the vacant next month will be held polling at 4 pm. reiterated India's support officer, who claimed that the home any post, says his wife on April 12, the Election Members of legislative for the reconciliation guard was levelling "baseless cut taxes on Commission said on assembly elect Rajya Sabha process in the island allegations" as he was reprimanded for being absent from duty for days. PNS n CHANDIGARH Wednesday. members. The MLAs of the nation. Speaking to reporters, the home guard also alleged that the fuel: Pradhan Abdul Wahab of the IUML, outgoing assembly, in which "Government has con- commandant takes Rs 1,000 from him every month. In a complaint sent Ahead of a meeting between PNS n NEW DELHI K K Ragesh of the CPI-M and the ruling LDF has a majori- sistently called upon Sri to the director general (home guards) a fortnight ago, the home guard, Punjab Chief Minister Vayalar Ravi of the Congress ty, will elect the three new Lanka to fulfil its commit- who is posted in Chinnor here, alleged that the district commandant has Amarinder Singh and Navjot Petroleum Minister are retiring on April 21, the members. Kerala assembly ments relating to the Tamil been putting pressure on him to give him (commandant) a massage, Singh Sidhu, the former min- Dharmendra Pradhan on Commission said. elections will be held on April community in Sri Lanka," cook for him and have sex with him. The home guard told reporters that ister's wife on Wednesday said Wednesday said states like The notification for the 6 and counting will take place he said. the commandant also takes Rs 1,000 from him every month. He also he was not after any post but Maharashtra should biennial elections will be on May 2. claimed that the commandant took money from three other home only wanted to serve the peo- reduce taxes on fuel to give guards to reduce their age on paper, allowing them to work even after ple of the state. relief to consumers and retirement. However, the accused district commandant dismissed the Navjot Kaur Sidhu said she remained non-committal allegations and claimed he is "completely innocent". and her husband are not in met in November, their first on cutting central taxes. politics for this reason. interaction of the kind after "I don't want to do Won’t import soldiers' clothing if "Otherwise, he could have the strained relations between politics. ..In Maharashtra, Congress claims vaccination been a Union minister,” she them forced Sidhu to quit the especially Mumbai where claimed, referring to his deci- Punjab cabinet in 2019. they do politics and in India manufactures them: CDS drive not going on properly sion to quit the ruling BJP in Navjot Kaur Sidhu said her that city state taxes are PNS n NEW DELHI ing orders for such clothing. ongress MP Manish 2016. husband was not after any maximum. If they reduce And if we find that this thing Tewari on Wednesday She was talking to the media post. “He wanted to serve taxes, definitely will give The armed forces will com- can take off and support us, we Cclaimed that the COVID- a few hours ahead of a sched- Punjab and people are with relief to Mumbai people," pletely ban the import of cloth- will not hesitate in putting the 19 vaccination drive is not uled meeting between her him.” he said during Question ing, required to sustain its entire clothing or the entire going on properly and alleged husband and the CM, amid “Had he been interested in Hour in the RS. The soldiers at extreme tempera- 'techno clothing' that we are that the government is giving speculation over the crick- any post, he could have been Union Finance Minister tures across the country, if the using in the armed forces on more stress on the export of eter-turned-politician's return somewhere else in the last one has already clearly stated Indian textile industry is able the positive indigenisation list, vaccines rather than to the Punjab cabinet. and half years,” she said. why the Centre was not to innovate and manufacture mountainous terrain," he said which we were earlier calling inoculation of the country's citizens. However, BJP ally JD-U's Rajiv Sidhu was earlier invited by Answering another ques- reducing taxes on fuel, he them, said Chief of Defence in his speech at an event the negative list for imports," Ranjan Singh strongly refuted the charge and commended PM the CM for lunch but the tion, she said, “We both are in added. Staff General Bipin Rawat on organised by industry body he said. "This means we will Narendra Modi for controlling the pandemic. Initiating the debate on meeting was rescheduled for not in politics for any post. He was responding to Wednesday. "We are looking at FICCI. completely ban the import of Demand for Grants for the Ministry of Health, Tewari demanded that tea at 4 pm because of Prime Otherwise, he could have been Shiv Sena leader Anil Desai's the kind of clothing that can As of now, a large amount of these items and make sure that India must take the initiative as the current head of the executive Minister Narendra Modi's a Union minister. But he left query why the government sustain our soldiers in the clothing for the armed forces the defence services have to board of the World Health Organisation to hold China responsible for video conference with all chief Modi ji,” she said. was increasing percentage of kind of extreme cold climate is being imported but in the depend only on the Indian spreading coronavirus across the globe."India should not be part of ministers to discuss the fight “Our struggle is only for ethanol blending and not and in the hot, dry and humid past one or two years, there has industry as part of our the culpability to allow China to go scot-free. As the chair of the against COVID-19. Punjab and it will always be taking immediate steps like climate in the deserts and the been a lot of innovation by the Atmanirbhar Bharat support WHO executive board, India must take the initiative to order an The two leaders had earlier that,” she said. decreasing taxes on fuel. north-eastern regions where Indian industry, he said. that we wish to give to the inquiry so that China, where the virus had originated, could be held we have the jungle and semi- "We have now started plac- industry," he added. responsible for spreading the disease throughout the world," he said. Muslim outfits slam Waseem Envisaged for a year, Chandrayaan-2 Three information Razvi; Shia boards calls meeting ore Muslim organisations commissioner posts on Wednesday slammed orbiter likely to last seven years Mformer UP Shia Waqf Board chairman Waseem Rizvi, PNS n NEW DELHI orbiter, lander and rover. The mission has accom- tured in 3D images shows that in CIC vacant while his family members Planned to land on the plished the objective of expand- it has a depth of around 1.7 tisement and then particulars appeared to shun him for his PIL The life of the orbiter of South Pole of the Moon, ing lunar scientific knowledge kilometres, taken from its PNS n NEW DELHI of applicants are tabulated in the Supreme Court seeking Chandrayaan-2 was initially Chandrayaan-2 was launched through detailed study of raised rim, and the slope of and sent to the search commit- removal of some Quranic verses envisaged for a year but the on July 22, 2019. However, the topography, mineralogy, sur- crater walls is in between 25 to Three posts of information tee (constituted by the prime which he claimed promoted ISRO expects it to last for seven lander Vikram hard-landed on face chemical composition, 35 degree. These findings will commissioners were lying minister) chaired by the cab- terrorism. The All India Shia years, Union minister Jitendra September 7, 2019, crashing thermo-physical characteris- help space scientists to under- vacant in the Central inet secretary for shortlisting. Personal Law Board has called an emergency meeting on Thursday to Singh said on Wednesday. India's dream to become the tics and tenuous lunar atmos- stand further the process on Information Commission "Shortlisted names by the discuss the issue and decide on a plan of action, its spokesperson In a written response to a first nation to successfully land phere leading to a better under- the lunar region filled with (CIC), the government said on search committee along with Maulana Yasoob Abbas said. Terming the incident a test of patience of question in the LS on India's on the lunar surface in its standing of the origin and evo- lava, Singh had said. Wednesday. particulars of all the applicants the entire community, Abbas said, "Despite this, no action has been second lunar mission, Jitendra maiden attempt. lution of the moon, it added. ISRO's missions are known The CIC consists of a chief are sent to the committee initiated against Rizvi. This is a big question in itself. The petition filed by Singh, the minister of state in "But for achieving soft land- In August last year, Singh to have an enhanced life than information commissioner constituted under Section Waseem Rizvi is an insult to Muslims of the entire world, and it has hurt the PMO, said Chandrayaan- ing at the intended spot, the had announced that what is earlier envisaged. and 10 information commis- 12(3) headed by the Hon'ble them significantly." Senior member of the All India Muslim Personal Law 2 was a highly complex mission other objectives of the mission Chandrayaan-2 orbiter has The planned life span of sioners. Prime Minister,” Minister of Board Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali asked why no action has to develop and demonstrate the have been significantly captured the images of craters Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM)/ Explaining the process of State for Personnel Jitendra been initiated in the case, and added, "Whose patronage is Rizvi getting? key technologies for end-to- attained. So much so, that on the Moon. They were chris- Mangalyaan after its insertion appointment of information Singh said in a written reply in Rizvi has broken all the limits by raising a finger on the Quran. The end lunar mission capability, against an initially envisaged tened "Sarabhai crater" after into the Mars orbit on commissioners in the trans- Lok Sabha. government must initiate stringent action against Rizvi for playing with including soft-landing and rov- one-year life of orbiter, we Vikram Sarabhai, father of the September 24, 2014 was six parency watchdog, the govern- Persons recommended by the sentiments of a large section of people of the country." ing on the lunar surface. expect it to be serving for Indian space programme. months and it was to complete ment said applications are the committee are appointed The mission comprised an seven years," Singh said. The Sarabhai Crater cap- on March 24, 2015. invited through open adver- by the president, he said. VIJAYAWADA | THURSDAY | MARCH 18, 2021 06

www.dailypioneer.com facebook.com/dailypioneer | @TheDailyPioneer | instagram.com/dailypioneer/ PAPER WITH PASSION Breathless Chinese conundrum Not Shankar Mahadevan's number, we are talking about the plight of Delhi and adjoining regions in raging Myanmar BHOPINDER SINGH aybe you are not a chain-smoker, or even a smoker for that matter, but it hardly matters if you are in Delhi. For, breathing in the Capital itself amounts Mto smoking many packs a day. Though nothing really comes for free, the The common Myanmar citizen has seen through China’s game of Governments can guarantee free electricity and water, relying mainly on public money, but not clean air. The air you breathe comes at the price of your health and, if in Delhi, it may come at the cost of your life. Ranked the world’s most polluted Capital co-opting the junta back to power, putting its ‘investments’ at risk and the 10th most polluted city across the globe in the World Air Quality Report he complexity of the 2020 by a Swiss air technology company, IQAir, Delhi is gasping for breath and so societal tinderbox in are its residents. It’s not that efforts are not being made to tackle the menace but Myanmar has always been shortchanged for these seem to be too insignificant while the prob- simplisticT binaries of “pro-China” lem is gigantic. Last month, Chief Minister Arvind or “pro-India” assumptions, Kejriwal launched the ‘Switch Delhi’ campaign and whereas the realities have been said his Government will ensure that within the next layered and unobvious. Lazy perceptions that Myanmar’s junta six months, only electric vehicles (EVs) are hired rule (1962-2011 or till 2015 with by the Government departments. He also fixed an a dummy civilian Government) ambitious goal of 25 per cent EVs among the total was a Chinese borough or, that vehicle registrations in Delhi by 2024. However, post-2015 till the 2021 coup, it’s easier said than done. With the Centre also Aung San Suu Kyi’s NLD Government was decidedly “pro- putting its weight behind e-mobility, we can only India” are bereft of subtleties and hope that the Governments would work in con- underlying dynamics at play. sonance to mitigate pollution. Fact is, the Chinese were the only However, with the Centre introducing a Bill in major power to support the his- torical pariah-status junta Parliament that seeks to give overarching powers to Delhi’s Lt Governor and the AAP Government as it brooked no dispensation opposing it tooth and nail, the consonance factor seems only a distant “moral considerations” (like for possibility. Besides, the AAP Government has never failed to blame the Governments North Korea or Pakistan), even of adjacent States like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh for the pollution caused by as the Chinese continued stoking ethnic insurgencies within Tatmadaw. But situationally, viable alternatives, the common instigate attacks against Chinese farm stubble burning. Of course, politics and pollution are inter-related. If the situa- Myanmar to keep the Tatmadaw the junta will have to gravitate Myanmar citizen has seen factories are common enemies tion doesn’t improve, the day may not be far when political parties would lure voters (Myanmar’s military) entrapped towards the Chinese as that through the Chinese “adapt- of China and Myanmar.” with the promise of free oxygen supply. The Swiss company’s report also states that and beholden to Beijing. remains its only “power option”, ability” with the situations, and But this time, the Chinese Delhi’s air quality marginally improved by approximately 15 per cent between 2019 The Chinese ignored inter- despite lurking undercurrents. is increasingly blaming the have been caught flat-footed in national sanctions and sup- Similarly, contrary to pub- invisible “Beijing hand” for co- trying to be too clever by half and 2020, but it was due to the pandemic-induced lockdown and not as a result of plied the beleaguered junta lic expectations, Suu Kyi’s opting the junta back to power. with their shifty allegiances the Government’s efforts. However, with the economy having already been thrown with weaponry, critical supplies Government had been As the largest lender, trad- and known interferences in wide open, the ongoing year doesn’t seem to be promising with respect to curbing and diplomatic support towards extremely accommodative and er and sovereign investor in the internal strife. Neither the pollution. Moreover, the study reveals, 13 of the 15 most polluted cities in the world its contentious management of welcoming of Chinese largesse, Myanmar, Chinese “invest- pro-democracy civilian parties the Rohingya issue. Given involvement and investments. ments” are at risk with the nor the junta would court are in north India, with Ghaziabad at the second spot, followed by Bulandshahr. While India’s “moral insistencies”, New The NLD had signed 38 con- brewing public ire. The Chinese China willingly — but because nine of these cities are in the National Capital Region, as many as eight are in Uttar Delhi’s support was more tracts, worth an estimated THE OPTICS OF Embassy has emerged as a hot it emerges as the only bailout Pradesh. It shows that the problem is not limited to only Delhi and, hence, the solu- mealy-mouthed and less forth- $100 billion, towards the spot for protests and murmurs option in the country, it is tions also should be comprehensive. The Governments concerned must set aside their coming for the junta. Yet, the China-Myanmar Economic CHINA PLAYING of Beijing building “firewalls” to always at the forefront of Generals saw through the Corridor (much bigger than COURT TO THE control the internet and flow of defining Myanmar’s narra- differences and sit together to address the problem. However, since the Governments’ Chinese duplicity and realised the China-Pakistan Economic information have gained belief. tive. But perhaps the Chinese anti-pollution action plans are known to exist only on paper, maybe the only thing that India’s “moral” conundrum in Corridor). So, to assume a lin- JUNTA HAVE The international “re-pariahi- have bitten more than they can can help the citizenry again breathe freely is another lockdown. Fighting both the pol- its restraint — whereas unsaid ear “pro-India” or “pro-China” GAINED CREDENCE, sation” of Myanmar, which chew in sanctifying the junta’s lution and the pandemic, let’s hope we come out of it alive. fears about the controlling position onto either the junta traditionally drove it into the return as the citizenry has con- Chinese agenda were clearly or the civilian Government is EVEN AS THAT MAY willing arms of the Chinese, flated the anti-coup senti- felt. Yet, popular perceptions of facile. Situational reality, NOT BE THE may not go so smoothly this ment with the exploitive and PICTALK the junta’s preference for China realpolitik and stark necessities time, given the public pressure. expansionist anti-Chinese sen- persisted outside Myanmar. have defined the preferences WHOLEHEARTED In an unprecedented timent. The international One such Sino-wary of the prevailing regimes VIEW SHARED expression of blame game, sev- sanctions may not have much Myanmar General was Min Aung in Naypyidaw. WITHIN THE eral Chinese factories in impact given that the junta is Hlaing, who led theatre-level Now, given the invested Myanmar were targeted and set well versed in such tactics, as forces responsible for taking on stakes in the Myanmar econo- TATMADAW. BUT on fire last week. These Chinese- also due to the expected the Chinese-supported insurgent my (also given the shaky status SITUATIONALLY, funded projects in Yangon’s Chinese largesse, but the groups in the bloody 2009 clash- of the alternative CPEC), the industrial zone also housed sev- soaked-in-the-blood public es — today, Hlaing has taken over Chinese cannot afford to upset THE JUNTA WILL eral expatriates, and the local perception and expression of absolute power through a military the junta who have re-seized HAVE TO Chinese Embassy issued sever- the anti-China sentiment coup! But again, only China has power — so, the amoral al SOS and warnings to the offers the almost intractable seemingly pitched in favour of the Chinese “flexibility” makes it GRAVITATE authorities and the anti-coup and unresolvable threat to latest junta takeover by calling it the rare country to defend the TOWARDS protesters. The Chinese China’s interests. The Chinese “local issue” and posturing neu- junta’s return at global forums. Government’s mouthpiece, are in a clear conundrum. trality. Consequentially, the optics But, for once, beyond the usual THE CHINESE Global Times, asked for the per- (The writer, a military vet- of China playing court to the compulsions of the Myanmar petrators to be booked and eran, is a former Lt Governor junta have gained credence, even dispensations to remain ingra- compensation for the destruc- of Andaman & Nicobar Islands as that may not be the whole- tiated to China owing to their tion. It warned: “Those who and Puducherry. The views hearted view shared within the selfish requirements and lack of maliciously defame China and expressed are personal.) LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SOUNDBITE Farmers winnow rice grains in a field on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam PTI MEN ALSO NEED PROTECTION OF LAW The risk is increasing Sir — This refers to the editorial ‘Crying in Goa. I appeal to wolf ?’ (February 17). I concur with the Complete the vaccination course all Goans and tourists view that if women don’t play fair and Governments to mandatorily disburse relief to wear masks and Holier than thou? wrongly accuse men of misconduct, they through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme maintain social distancing in public should also face the music. Although into the account of the beneficiary. The commit- places. Rahul’s proclamation that the Congress nurtures women have equal rights and special laws tee should be appreciated for asking in its report have been made to protect them as they Goa CM as to how many States are sending relief — differences and dialogue raises a few questions are vulnerable, in my view the existing laws through DBT while observing that the matter are gender discriminatory. n his first acknowledgement of the group of 23 dissenters (G23) and in an oblique should be pursued with the States that have not In most of the cases, it is enough for come on board for the purpose. It suggested that The Australian attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, Congress’ former president Rahul a woman to just complain to the police the MHA should assist those States facing bot- Government will send IGandhi has claimed that the leaders belonging to the ruling party at the Centre are who take action against the accused with- tlenecks in transferring money through DBT. 8,000 AstraZeneca scared of freely airing their opinion. In his own party, however, free speech and differ- out confirming whether he is even prima We must realise that it is our collective vaccines and provide facie guilty or not. The onus of proving t is really worrisome that the Parliamentary essential personal ences of opinion nurture and flourish, he hinted. The comments, ostensibly to under- Standing Committee on Home Affairs has responsibility to fight the menace of the COVID themselves “not guilty” lies on men. pandemic and we will sink or swim together. protective equipment supplies to line the Congress’ inclusive nature that allows “con- Further, without knowing the reality, Iexpressed concern over the slow pace of the Papua New Guinea. ongoing vaccination drive in the country and Vaccination is futile unless all the doses are taken versations and negotiations” and to show that it cares society also looks down upon those who within the stipulated time period as immunity are accused in dowry harassment and observed that, at this rate, it will take many years Australian Prime Minister for intra-party democracy, come just weeks ahead to vaccinate the entire population. The panel also against the Coronavirus can be only developed domestic violence cases . Media houses — Scott Morrison of the Assembly elections in four States and a Union expressed concern that a large number of peo- if we get ourselves properly vaccinated. There are pass judgment long before the court actu- reports that even after getting the first shot, some Territory and were made during an interaction with ally delivers it. Many women use these laws ple are missing the second dose. It is really a matter of concern as the people get infected. We should keep in mind that the faculty and students of the US-based Brown to extort money and blackmail colleagues, even after the inoculation, we need to wear masks, Do not put forth your Coronavirus is mutating and new variants are theories about me University. Rahul asserted that a group like the G23 husband and in-laws. The menfolk are the maintain social distancing and regularly sanitise being reported from different parts of the world. quitting social media. I ultimate victims. No remedy is available our hands. cannot exist in any other political party and imme- The committee also noted that the Ministry of live by my will and, diately pointed the finger at the major political rivals. for men to establish their innocence or CK Subramanian | Mumbai ignorance. Many have served even jail sen- Home Affairs (MHA) had instructed all the State above all, where am I He went on to extol the democratic virtues of his own on social media? tences for no fault of theirs and they were Actor party but, of course, a slight oversight made him con- eventually released. killing but the murder of a law-enforcement bricks from the foundation of the pillar veniently overlook as to how his grandmother and In such a situation if marital rape also officer who was a defender of justice. True, called PSBs.” The Government has — Aamir Khan mother had handled dissent — or whatever smelled becomes a law, many ill-intentioned mar- many of our soldiers are killed by terror- already chosen amalgamation as the like it — within and outside the Congress. ried women can use it as a tool to target ists in encounters. It’s ironical that human remedy and brought down the number African football needs their husbands. They will make their hus- rights organisations never express concern of Public Sector Banks from 19 to ten, partners who can Piloo Mody famously called Indira Gandhi’s MPs “bonded labour”, alluding to the band do all the household chores and will when the Army, police or paramilitary per- which includes the five kept out of last make things happen. servitude to which she had reduced her party men, for which the then Prime Minister torture him. If the poor fellow tries to resist sonnel are killed but make an outcry when year’s merger exercise. What is prevent- We need partners who never forgave him. He also mocked her with an “I am a CIA agent” placard in the or refuse, he would be threatened in the terrorists are gunned down by our secu- ing the Government from going for will be with us on the Parliament complex, reacting to her tendency to label her political opponents as agents name of law. Not all women are good- rity forces. another merger exercise involving the ground, who will intentioned and so are not all the men. The gruesome incident took place a left-out banks, either among themselves make a difference. of US imperialism. People familiar with the internal functioning of the ‘Grand Old Party’ Hence laws should not be gender discrim- week after five serial blasts occurred in or with the Big Five? are quite aware how fond Sonia Gandhi was of dissent; she even sent her own party’s inatory. They should be gender neutral. Delhi on September 13, 2008, in which at The Government is ill-advised in the African Football Confederation chief Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on ‘maun vrat’ for at least 10 years. Then there’s NR Ramachandran | Chennai least 30 people were killed and over 100 matter of privatisation of nationalised — Patrice Motsepe Rahul himself, who publicly tore up the then PM’s ordinance on allowing convicted injured. Though it took more than a decade banks. It is good for the Government if lawmakers to contest elections. Besides, his hint that he might return as the party pres- JUSTICE DELAYED BUT NOT DENIED for the court to give the verdict, but jus- it decides against going ahead in its Sir — Finally, justice was done in the 2008 tice is only delayed and not denied. obsession with disinvestment. It will The matching grants ident following the “election” and virtually staking claim to the top post, saying that Batla House encounter case when a Delhi Yash Pal Ralhan | Jalandhar prove to be as much a retrograde step as for modernising nobody in his family has been the Prime Minister since 1989, again reeks of a sense court awarded the death penalty to Ariz demonetisation. village ‘chaupals' of entitlement. But Rahul may have a point when he talks about the change in the polit- Khan for murdering Delhi Police inspec- PRIVATISATION OF BANKS IS REGRESSIVE MR Anand | Vrindavan would be increased. ical discourse since 2014, the eroding credibility of democratic institutions in the pub- tor Mohan Chand Sharma. Police had Sir — The Finance Minister’s statement sought the death penalty for Ariz, alleged- that the Government is privatising only lic eye and the BJP’s control over the political narrative. Of course, all’s not hunky- Haryana Deputy CM ly associated with the terror outfit Indian two Public Sector Banks is amusing. It is Send your feedback to: dory with the BJP and it also needs to answer some tough questions. Mujahideen, saying it was not just any like saying “I am removing only two [email protected] —Dushyant Chautala VIJAYAWADA | THURSDAY | MARCH 18, 2021 07 www.dailypioneer.com facebook.com/dailypioneer | @TheDailyPioneer | instagram.com/dailypioneer/ FIRSTCOLUMN The rhetoric vs reality

ENSURE EQUITABLE SOUMYADIP ARJUN ACCESS TO LIQUOR of ‘atmanirbhar’ cities CHATTOPADHYAY KUMAR A change in Delhi’s liquor retail ecosystem is long overdue and will complement its global appeal Concomitant institutional reforms with a focus on empowered city governments having the capabilities to implement strategies that are feasible are urgently needed apid urbanisation in India has not met adequate planning, governance and infrastructure devel- Ropment. The impact of the pandemic has exposed the shortcomings of our cities in address- LLOYD MATHIAS ing urban densification and the inadequacies of basic s a global city Delhi has a lot going for it: The broad, tree-lined services, including power, transportation and sani- roads; the colonial-style facades of the Connaught Place area and tation. Given the predominance of informal produc- tion and labour relations, a cessation of major eco- Athe majestic Central Vista; Mughal grandeur and history and four nomic activities in the cities during the lockdown and UNESCO World Heritage sites; some of India’s finest public parks and beyond has had an adverse socio-economic impact, a world-class metro rail system. Inextricably linked with these sights especially on the urban poor. Nevertheless, the out- are the images of long unruly queues outside liquor shops. Yes, this is break has provided a window of opportunity to a common plight for Delhi’s consumers and the situation has just got rethink the glaring gaps in our cities and the policy worse over the years. rhetoric. Against the backdrop of the pandemic, For millions of consumers, a visit to a liquor shop is far from a pleas- Finance Minister prioritised urban development in the Union Budget 2021-22, ant experience. Unruly queues, dimly lit shops resembling cages, stores which is evident from the nine per cent increase in that do not give receipts or even carry bags and a “take it or leave it” financial allocation from `50,040 crore in the attitude of the sales staff gives one a sense of doing something illegal. Financial Year (FY) 2020-21 to `54,581 crore in the Delhi was voted among the top 10 popular travel destinations in 2019 FY 2021–22. However, the revised estimate (RE) for THE RECENT by Euromonitor. This implies that the city offers a good, international FY 2020-21 was `46,791 crore, suggesting a decline APPROACH OF standard travel experience to discerning guests. The proverbial fly in from the Budget Estimate (BE) owing to the pandem- MAKING OUR the ointment however, is the lack of a good liquor ecosystem for pur- ic. The urban sector RE for FY 2020-21 reported the CITIES COMPETE capital expenditure at around 22 per cent vis-à-vis AMONG chase of spirits. I have personally seen tourists horrified when they see the 42 per cent envisaged in its BE; thus, highlight- what it takes to buy a pint of beer off a retail store in the Capital. THEMSELVES BY ing the impact on infrastructure projects too. VARIOUS PERIODIC tion, approval, and implementation of Centres (ICCCs) as 24X7 war rooms February 2021, more than 21 lakh As a consumer, I see these as symptoms of a deeper malaise. When Public Transport: Augmentation of transport RANKINGS SUCH projects at the State level. Nonetheless, for creating situational awareness loans were sanctioned under PM- things are this wrong, there must be an incorrect approach in the fun- infrastructure of cities in the form of investment in AS THE SWACHH the operationalisation of these and real-time coordination of emer- SVANidhi. But, despite the success of damentals of the policy. It is fairly obvious that a shortage of retail out- metro rails and buses in Chennai, Bengaluru and SURVEKSHAN, THE schemes portrays a worrisome picture. gency response services amid the MGNREGS scheme in providing lets will make for longer queues outside shops. If customers are fac- Nagpur is an important development. An innova- EASE OF LIVING As the city selection under the SCM COVID-19 crisis. Therefore, acknowl- some income security to the rural ing problems then it clearly means that the number of shops is not ade- tive Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model is is based on the city’s competence and edgmentof the loopholes in the imple- people and migrant labour and the envisaged to enable private sector players to enter the INDEX, THE smartness of the proposal, State actors mentation of SCM and AMRUT and cash transfer scheme PM-KISAN for quate to meet the demands of consumers at a particular location. So, domain of bus services. Importantly, the Budget MUNICIPAL engage themselves in a competitive some policy reorientation with farmer households, there is no simi- there clearly is a need for more shops in more locations across the city. extends the transport outlay to peripheral areas of PERFORMANCE mode to attract capital investment and emphasis on co-producing the bot- lar employment guarantee scheme or It is a well-known fact that Government-owned retail outlets provide Tier-1 cities primarily through the greener and cheap- INDEX AND to create new institutions like Special tom-up solutions will be useful. cash assistance this year for the poor. abysmal services, where the store staff is neither motivated nor incen- er light rail systems. However, an overt emphasis on SO ON, HAS Purpose Vehicles that are directly con- PMAY: There has been a big push COVID-19 has reignited the PPP is problematic. One of the main reasons for lim- DEMONSTRATED A trolled by State institutions to man- in urban housing for the flagship housing vulnerabilities of the urban ited private investment in infrastructure is the absence LIMITED IMPACT. age the new space. These are headed scheme Pradhan Mantri Aawas poor. It has impacted the real estate of a revenue model, making a large part of the urban TIME AND AGAIN, by the State Government officials and Yojana–Urban (PMAY-U) with and construction sector and highlight- infrastructure sector financially non-viable. Lack of THE VARIOUS city governments do not have much resources also being raised from ed the need for adequate housing, the enabling PPP legislation, multiplicity of agencies, the GLOBAL RANKING role in the decision-making process- Extra Budgetary Resources (EBR) structural and institutional deficien- inability to select and structure a PPP project, lack- OF CITIES REVEALS es of the SCM projects, thus eventu- such as the Affordable Housing Fund. cies in urban governance and man- adaisical political will towards project implementa- THE PRECARIOUS ally weakening the municipal gover- However, the pandemic has highlight- agement. India needs to invest in tion and lackluster citizen participation further com- STATE OF OUR nance structure. The actual decision- ed the focus on the issue of redevel- urban infrastructure to bridge the plicate the entire process of formulation and imple- URBAN SPACES making processes have fallen into a opment of slums, congestion and investment deficit and to upgrade the tivised to serve customers. Government-owned hotels, emporiums, shops mentation of PPPs. In fact, the relative success of tech- pattern of strict investment logic, informal housing. The Budget has quality of existing services. and transport services all bear testament to this fact. nically simple projects with small gestation periods resulting in preference to larger and provided some indirect benefits for The recent approach of making emphasises deft crafting of PPP models with a well- costlier infrastructure over the needs the urban housing sector via, an addi- our cities compete among them- Another worrying aspect concerns the dated legal drinking age restric- defined role of the private sector as well as clear vis- of urban deprived communities. tional deduction of interest amount- selves by various periodic rankings tions mandated in Delhi’s antiquated excise policy. A young adult who ibility on both costs and risks, making them viable Several projects under the SCM ing to `1.5 lakh for purchasing an such as the Swachh Survekshan, Ease enters college and is eligible to vote and drive at 18 and start working in the long-term. The vulnerability of the urban poor (parking facilities or real estate devel- affordable house and tax breaks for the of Living Index, Municipal and get married by the age of 21, is legally not permitted to drink until can be addressed through the adoption of an inde- opment or commercial real estate) developers of notified affordable Performance Index and so on, has he turns 25. This really doesn’t make any sense. Tales about the drink- pendent regulatory mechanism with the responsi- seek to build the financial corpus of housing projects as well as rental hous- demonstrated limited impact. Time ing age in India are told the world over, and not in a complimentary way. bility of accurately assessing as well as monitoring the city. Given the SCM’s emphasis on ing projects for one more year up to and again, various global ranking of the cost of service delivery by leveraging smart tech- the convergence of funds from other March 31, 2022. The Affordable cities reveals the precarious state of College students cannot consume liquor legally in Delhi but if they cross nology and use of a cross-subsidy model to ensure schemes, the possibility of transmis- Rental Housing Complexes for ours. The FM has attempted to aug- over to neighbouring Noida they can do so freely. In fact, there are dif- cost recovery at an overall level. sion of the inherently unequal nature Migrants Workers/Urban Poor ment urban investment with an ferent legal drinking age rules all over the country, as the policy is inde- Smart Cities Mission (SCM) and AMRUT: of fund allocation for Area Based scheme, launched in 2020 amid the emphasis on private financing. pendently framed by each State. These are just pointers to how con- Even after five years, the progress of the SCM has Development projects into them is set migrant crisis did not see much of a Concomitant institutional reforms sumer unfriendly liquor policies across the country are. been disappointing and the BE for SCM remains the Chattopadhyay is to make the policies more exclusion- push in the Budget. with an explicit focus on empowered In Delhi, it’s no secret that consumers drive across State borders same between the FY 2020-21 and 2021-22 at `6,450 Associate Professor of ary. The provision of end-to-end Livelihoods in the lurch: There city governments having enhancing to pick up liquor at cheaper rates, which causes huge revenue losses crore. The RE for FY 2020-21 for SCM was `3,400 Economics, Visva Bharti support by the Project Development was an absence of any additional bud- capabilities to develop and implement crore, almost half of the BE, suggesting a continued University and Senior and Management Consultants for getary provisions for urban poverty strategies that are feasible and effec- to the State Government. All it takes is to have parity in pricings and trend in the implementation lag. Also, there has been Fellow, IMPRI, while planning, design, management and alleviation programmes like the tive in their local contexts is urgent- allowing consumers the right to choose. For a woman consumer, the Kumar is Director, no change in the budgetary provisions for AMRUT IMPRI and CIVS monitoring of urban projects have led Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana ly needed. Financially empowered city pain points are multifold. Only private liquor shops provide an ambi- as the BE remains the same as 2021-22 at `7,300 crore. Fellow at Ashoka to the splintering of resources away National Urban Livelihood Mission. governments with a clear functional ence where women can actually buy liquor without feeling insecure. As opposed to the centralised one-size-fits-all University and Asian from the purview of democratic The Prime Minister Street Vendor’s domain can bring self-confidence to All this clearly goes against making Delhi a world-class tourist desti- approach of JNNURM, SCM and AMRUT through Century Foundation. accountability. On a positive note, 45 Atmanirbhar Nidhi (PM-SVANidhi) our cities which can, in turn, lead us the Service Level Improvement Plans, provide, at least The views expressed smart cities in India have set up was launched in 2020, to help for- towards fulfilling the vision of a New nation and hampers the growth of the city. Moreover, it is bad eco- are personal. nomics and unfair to citizens who pay taxes for getting good infrastruc- on paper, some degree of flexibility in the formula- Integrated Command and Control malise 70 lakh street vendors. Till India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. ture. A change in Delhi’s liquor retail ecosystem is long overdue and should be based on a pragmatic approach of lowering the drinking age, increas- POINTCOUNTERPOINT ing the number of retail outlets across locations and having more pri- vate shops, where consumers have a pleasurable shopping experience. THE VERY NEXT DAY AFTER FORMING THE WHY DOESN'T YOUR NIA ENTER BENGAL AND PROBE Also, there is a need to provide consumers with a wider choice instead GOVERNMENT IN WEST BENGAL, WE WILL SEE WHO IF BOMBS ARE BEING MADE THERE, LIKE IT ENTERED of forcing brands on them. Addressing these pain points will go a long way towards making millions of consumers happier and keeping the MAKES BOMBS HERE AND THROWS IT ON PEOPLE. MUMBAI WHEN GELATIN STICKS WERE FOUND? liquor revenue in the Capital. —DEFENCE MINISTER —SHIV SENA MP (The writer is an angel investor and business strategist. The views SANJAY RAUT expressed are personal.) Meeting the challenges of urban water supply in India We need to ensure water use efficiency across all sectors and reallocate water among them without compromising their productivity arly forecasts suggest that water resources, lack of data-dri- events in over 40 per cent of itated through transparency in water pricing. Water utilities are of irrigation water could be 2021 might be one of the ven approach to water manage- Indian districts. Flood-prone data sharing. Recently, the often underfunded and their saved in 2030 to 2050, without Ehottest years ever record- ment, inadequate budgetary areas are now becoming Ministry of Housing and Urban operation and maintenance suf- compromising yield, if low-to- ed. If the mercury touches allocation, weak policies and drought-prone and vice-versa, Affairs launched a pilot water fer. While vulnerable popula- high water-saving irrigation record highs while we are still archaic governance structures. increasing water stress. survey under the JJM (U) in 10 tions can be covered through methods are adopted. For recovering from a pandemic, Further, the increasing fre- For the long-term success of cities. Data collected through subsidies, ensuring utilities’ instance, 1 BCM of water saved can India ensure water supply to quency of non-linear tail-end JJM (U), the implementation such surveys should be made financial sustainability, requires from agriculture could provide its vast urban population? risks such as extreme climate strategy should be built on four available on a digital dash- a viable revenue model. To domestic water supply to 4.2 Where do we stand in terms of SURABHI MILAN events — cyclones, floods, and pillars — identifying vulnerabil- board. The dashboard should enhance revenue collection, million urban households for a water security for our econom- SINGH JACOB droughts — and climate ities, data-driven circular water also integrate data on city-level options such as prepaid meters, year. To facilitate water reallo- ic hubs? In the Union Budget change-induced disruption in management, utilities’ finan- water balances, water demand, increased pay points and digi- cations, we need to devise State- 2021, Finance Minister Nirmala the pattern of rainfall, exacer- cial sustainability, and realloca- near-real-time water availabil- tal payment channels, which specific water reallocation Sitharaman signalled that water bates water stress. Delhi recent- tion. First, JJM (U) should ity and quality, wastewater gen- offer discounts and cashback for strategies based on existing security is one of the priorities ly faced water shortages after the focus on districts having a high eration and treatment, the timely payments should be con- institutions, an enabling envi- of the Government and Chamoli flash floods increased proportion of vulnerable pop- potential for water reuse and sidered. ronment and participatory announced an outlay of `2.87 turbidity in water fetched from ulations. While the National rainwater harvesting, and the Finally, we need to ensure stakeholder engagement. lakh crore for the national Jal the Upper Ganga canal. In Sample Survey Office’s (NSSO) status of urban water bodies to water use efficiency across all Equitable and reliable access Jeevan Mission (Urban) JJM(U). recent years, Chennai has been study of urban slums is already phase of implementation. facilitate smooth multi-stake- sectors and reallocate water to safe drinking water is not only The Mission, which has set a the biggest victim of urban available, more data could be Second, we must readily holder interaction. The data- among sectors without compro- a basic right but is also essen- target of supplying piped drink- drought but the ground and sur- crowdsourced through map- adopt a data-driven circular driven approach also has the mising productivity. By 2050, tial to maintain a healthy and ing water connections to 2.68 face water availability in cities athons and inter-Ministerial water management approach potential to minimise wastage the JJM (U) supply would have productive workforce in urban crore urban households by like Delhi, Bengaluru and coordination to identify vulner- for managing urban water by optimising supply. It’s high to be pushed up to at least 54 bil- India. It’s safe to say that the 2026, gets `60,000 crore this Singh is a Research Ahmedabad are also precarious. abilities. India’s drought-affect- resources. It starts with a shift time that we start conducting lion cubic meters (BCM) com- Union Budget’s ambition of financial year. Analyst and Jacob is a Meanwhile, a recent study by ed district hotspots — Rajkot, from the “use and throw — lin- periodic water-use surveys both pared to 17 BCM municipal laying the foundation of India’s It’s a known fact that sever- Communications the Council on Energy, Anantapur, Aurangabad, ear” to a “‘use, treat, and reuse online and offline. water supply in 2010. next phase of growth would al parts of urban India are Associate at CEEW. Environment and Water Barmer, Bijapur, Churu, — circular” approach that Third, if JJM (U) is to suc- How can we source the have fallen short without invest- water-stressed. The crisis stems The views expressed (CEEW) found a shift in the Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur — ceed, we must have a dialogue additional supply? According to ing in water security for urban are personal. requires multi-stakeholder from a myopic understanding of pattern of extreme climate should be prioritised in the first engagement. This can be facil- with citizens on the need for a study, about 20 to 47 per cent areas. VIJAYAWADA | THURSDAY | MARCH 18, 2021 Money 08 Follow Australia lead, make Sensex tanks 562 pts; Nifty slumps below 14,800 FB, Google pay for news: BJP PNS n MUMBAI equities dropped for the fourth of the country and high infla- ICICI Pru MF consecutive day as concerns tion continued to weigh on PNS n NEW DELHI journalists and reporters who Dropping for the fourth pertaining to recent rise in investors' sentiments, said launches new gather information, verify it straight session, equity bench- COVID-19 cases in various Binod Modi, Head-Strategy at Taking a cue from Australia, and deliver credible news. mark Sensex tumbled 562.34 parts Reliance Securities. India should enact a law to But advertisement, which points on Wednesday follow- Additionally, he noted that exchange- make tech giants such as is their main source of revenue, ing losses in index majors weak cues from global markets Facebook and Google pay local has in the past few years shift- Reliance Industries, HDFC ahead of the US Federal traded fund publishers of news content, ed away from them with the Bank and ICICI Bank amid a Reserve meeting outcome PNS n MUMBAI senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar advent of tech giants like weak trend in global markets caused selling in domestic Modi demanded in Rajya Google, Facebook and ahead of the US Federal equities. The two-day meet ICICI Prudential Mutual Sabha on Wednesday. YouTube, he said. Reserve's policy outcome. started on Tuesday. Fund is launching a new Raising the issue through a "Advertising earnings are After a volatile session, All key sectoral indices wit- exchange-traded fund Zero Hour mention, the for- going to these tech giants (and) the 30-share BSE index nessed selling pressure with targeted at the 30 least mer deputy chief minister of because of this print media, tanked 562.34 points or PSU banks, metals and auto volatile stocks from the Bihar said, "The government news channels are passing 1.12 per cent to close at indices witnessing steep cor- Nifty 100 index. must make Google, Facebook through a financial crisis," 49,801.62. The broader rection. The new fund will and YouTube pay print and Modi said. NSE Nifty slumped 189.15 Elsewhere in Asia, bourses open on March 23 and news channels for the news "I would urge (that) we points or 1.27 per cent to in Shanghai, Tokyo and Seoul close on April 6, the content they are using freely." should follow a country like 14,721.30. ended on a negative note, AMC said on The Indian government that we can compel Google to media, whose content is freely Australia which has taken the ONGC was the top while Hong Kong was in the Wednesday. should take a cue from the share its revenue with tradi- available on platforms run by lead by enacting a law -- News loser in the Sensex pack, positive terrain. ICICI Prudential Nifty Australian parliament that tional media," he added. the tech giants, are passing Media Bargaining Code -- by declining around 5 per Stock exchanges in Low Volatility 30 index is passed the world's first law last India, Modi said, should take through their worst phase in which they have compelled cent, followed by NTPC, Europe were largely an open-ended fund of month to ensure news media the lead in making Google and recent history as advertise- Google to share advertisement Sun Pharma, SBI, trading in the red in funds that will invest in businesses are fairly remuner- Facebook pay a fair share of ments have shifted to tech revenue with the news media," IndusInd Bank, Bajaj mid-session deals. these stocks, and the ated for the content they gen- their earnings from domestical- platforms. he said. Auto, PowerGrid and Meanwhile, the underlying ETF repli- erate, he said. ly produced news content on "They are in deep financial Google threatened to black- Reliance global oil cates the Nifty 100 low "I would urge the govern- the internet to the publishers. crisis. Earlier, it was because of out news from its portal but Industries. benchmark volatility 30 index, the ment of India that the way they Rajya Sabha Chairman and the pandemic and now it is ultimately surrendered, the On the other Brent crude fund house said. have notified Intermediary Vice President M Venkaiah because of tech giants like BJP leader said. hand, ITC, was trading It will invest in a port- Guidelines and Digital Media Naidu remarked that the sug- YouTube, Facebook and "Australia has set a prece- Infosys, TCS 0.89 per folio of 30 least volatile Ethics Code to regulate social gestion is "worth consider- Google," he said. dence and now France and and HDFC were cent lower large-cap stocks in the media and OTT platforms, ing". The traditional news media, other European countries are among the gain- at USD 67.78 Nifty 100 index. they should enact a law on the Modi said the traditional Modi said, make heavy invest- making laws for advertisement ers. per barrel. pattern of Australian Code so print and news broadcast ments employing anchors, revenue sharing," Modi said. Domestic Goyal: Govt received plaints MONEY MATTERS against some e-comm firms Rupee settles flat at PNS n NEW DELHI 72.55 against US dollar The government has received he rupee closed flat 72.55 complaints against certain e- NPAs expected T(provisional) against the commerce companies alleging US dollar on Wednesday as violation of foreign direct to increase in selling pressure in domestic Hitachi Power Grids investment (FDI) policy and equity markets weighed on necessary actions have been first half of ’21: investor sentiment. Losses taken for investigation by the in the equity markets and a bags Rs 124 cr order Enforcement Directorate, FICCI survey strengthening dollar against Parliament was informed on major currencies overseas PNS n NEW DELHI crore by BALCO to ensure Wednesday. PNS n MUMBAI kept the pressure on the improved reliability of the In a written reply to the Lok rupee, forex traders said. At the interbank forex market, the local unit Hitachi ABB Power Grids in power distribution system at Sabha, Commerce and Asset quality of banks, opened almost flat at 72.56 against the greenback and witnessed an India has won an order worth its Korba plant in Industry Minister Piyush which saw some improve- intra-day high of 72.51 and a low of 72.62. It finally ended Rs 124 crore from leading alu- Chhattisgarh, a company Goyal said no representation ment in the second half of unchanged at 72.55 against the American currency, compared to its minium producer Bharat statement said. from All India Chamber of 2020, is likely to worsen previous close. The dollar index, which gauges the greenback's Aluminum Company According to statement Commerce and Industry during the first six strength against a basket of six currencies, advanced 0.03 per cent (BALCO) to strengthen its technology pioneer is deliver- (AICCI) was received regard- country covering total area of "The major items of import months of 2021, accord- to 91.91. Meanwhile, Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, power infrastructure at its ing fully-engineered 400-kilo- ing banning of some big e- 4,20,671 hectares. from China are products such ing to a survey. fell 0.82 per cent to USD 67.83 per barrel. plant in Chhattisgarh. volt gas-insulated switchgear commerce companies from He said the Tea Board has as telecom instruments, com- The findings are part of All the equipment for this (GIS) substations that will operating in India. provided financial assistance puter hardware and peripher- the 12th round of bankers' project is being manufactured replace an existing apparatus "The government has of Rs 217.77 crore to tea als, fertilizers, electronic survey carried out by domestically in line with the to better assimilate power received complaints against companies from 2017-18 till components/instruments, FICCI-IBA between July Gold rises by Rs 60 government's Make-in-India from BALCO's captive gener- certain e-commerce compa- February 1, 2021. project goods, organic chem- and December 2020. drive and is aimed at ensuring ation plants, delivering it with nies alleging violation of FDI In another reply, Singh said icals, drug intermediates, con- The survey was con- the plant's complex smelting efficiency to the Korba alu- policy and necessary actions the top five countries from sumer electronics, electrical ducted on 20 banks, tracking global trend operations run smoothly, minum smelter. under the provisions of where India has imported machinery," he added. including public sector, old rose by Rs helping BALCO meet its pro- “Domestic consumption of Foreign Exchange goods during 2020 (January- To a separate question, private sector and foreign 60 to Rs 44,519 duction enhancement plan, aluminum is forecast to reach Management Act, 1999 have December) include China, Singh said the government banks, representing about Gper 10 gram in the company said in a state- 10 million tonnes over the been taken for investigation the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia has received representations 59 per cent of the bank- the national capital ment. next 10 years and key players by the Enforcement and Iraq. regarding under invoicing ing industry, as classified on Wednesday Hitachi ABB Power Grids such as BALCO are preparing Directorate," he said. India has imported goods and smuggling of raw human by asset size. supported by in India (listed on the stock to be able to cater to this Replying to a separate worth USD 143.5 billion from hair. In the current round of strength in global exchanges as ABB Power demand,” said N Venu, CEO question, Minister of State for these five nations during the "The matter has been the survey, half of the precious metal Products and Systems India and Managing Director, Commerce and Industry period, which is about 39 per referred to the Ministry/ respondent banks report- prices and rupee depreciation, according to HDFC Securities. In the Limited) has been awarded a Hitachi ABB Power Grids in Hardeep Singh Puri said there cent of India's total inbound Agencies concerned for nec- ed a decline in NPAs dur- previous trade, the precious metal had closed at Rs 44,459 per 10 project worth over Rs 124 India. are 1,569 tea gardens in the shipments. essary action," he said. ing the second half of gram. In contrast, silver declined by Rs 200 to Rs 66,536 per 2020. About 78 per cent kilogram from its previous close of Rs 66,736 per kilogram. "Spot of participating state-run gold prices for 24 carats in Delhi were up by Rs 60 supported by banks have cited a reduc- strong global gold prices and rupee depreciation," according to HDFC tion in NPA levels. Securities, Senior Analyst (Commodities), Tapan Patel. In the De-risking biz from climate "However, in terms of international market, gold was trading with gains at USD 1,735 per No plan under consideration ounce and silver was flat at USD 26 per ounce. "Gold prices rose for outlook, nearly 68 per change impact top priority cent of respondent the third day of the week ahead of US FOMC (Federal Open Market bankers expect the NPA Committee) meeting," he added. to bail out pvt telcos: Dhotre PNS n NEW DELHI switching to renewable ener- levels to be above 10 per gy. cent in the first half of PNS n NEW DELHI whether the government has De-risking business from "A majority of 2021," the survey showed. any plans for bailing out such impacts of climate change and Maharashtra's industrial sec- Close to 37 per cent of DLF plans to raise up to There is no plan currently telcos. becoming environmentally tor (more than 70 per cent) respondents expect NPA under consideration to bail out Dhotre said while the gov- sustainable is one of the top believes that climate change is levels to be upwards of 12 private telecom operators that ernment has not given any priorities alongside increasing a real issue, however, some per cent. Rs 500 cr via NCD issue are under financial loss, exemption to the operators on worker productivity and pro- nuances exist," the survey said. The Reserve Bank of ealty firm DLF plans to Parliament was informed on Adjusted Gross Revenue relat- duction, a new survey has said. "Those associated with largest India's Financial Stability Rraise up to Rs 500 Wednesday. ed dues, the Telecom The survey of over 400 industries have a stronger Report, released in crore through issue of Also, no proposal is under to the Lok Sabha. Department, following a industrial companies in acknowledgment of the issue January this year, showed non-convertible deben- consideration at present on the "At present, there is no plan Cabinet nod, had filed an Maharashtra by Climate compared to those working that gross non-perform- tures (NCD) to investors. allocation of 5G spectrum to under consideration to bail out application seeking the permis- Trends revealed that a major- with MSMEs." Nearly half of ing assets (NPAs) of In a regulatory filing, DLF state-owned Bharat Sanchar private Telecom Service sion of the Supreme Court to ity of 65 per cent would priori- those surveyed believe that cli- banks may rise to 13.5 per informed that a finance Nigam Ltd, Minister of State Providers (TSPs) which are allow telcos to make the pay- tise reducing dependence on mate change impacts their cent by September 2021, committee, constituted by for Communications Sanjay under financial loss," Dhotre ment of the AGR dues in 20 non-renewable resources, industries and business "by a under the baseline stress the board of directors, on Dhotre said in a written reply said replying to a question on years' time (or less if they opt). water harvesting/recycling and lot". scenario. Wednesday approved the company's proposal. The panel gave nod to "issuance of secured rated Gati-KWE plans to invest listed redeemable non 16.5L benefited under Rozgar Yojana convertible debentures (NCDs) at a coupon rate of 8.25 per cent with an aggregate principal amount of up to Rs 500 crore on a private Rs 100 cr in infra and tech PNS n NEW DELHI In another reply on job the wage for the wage month placement basis in one or more tranches to certain eligible PNS n MUMBAI creation in the House, the from March to August, 2020, investors." The company did not disclose where it will utilise the Around 16.5 lakh people have minister stated, "Under the for the establishments hav- proceeds of the proposed issue. Express logistics company benefited from the ABRY, approximately 16.5 ing up to 100 employees Gati-KWE plans to invest Rs Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar lakhs beneficiaries have reg- with 90 per cent of such 100 crore in infrastructure Yojana (ABRY) which was istered themselves with the employees earning less than and technology development launched in October to Scheme from October 1, Rs 15,000. Online multi-brand EV store next fiscal as it aims to clock encourage hiring in the coun- 2020. Out of this, approxi- Under the PMGKY 30 per cent year-on-year try amid the COVID-19 pan- mately 13.64 lakhs are new scheme, Rs 2,567.66 crore BLive raises USD 1 million growth by FY22 driven by air demic, Union minister joinees with UAN (universal was credited in EPF accounts freight business. “We are committed to add Santosh Gangwar said on account number) generated of 38.82 lakhs eligible nline multi-brand EV store The company, which is a value to our customers' supply Wednesday. on or after October 1, 2020 employees, the minister told BLive has raised USD 1 part of the Allcargo Logistics, chains by providing end-to- "As on 9th March, 2021, mented through the and approximately 2.86 the House. Omillion (around Rs 7.25 also launched an advanced air end air cargo and multi-modal 16.49 lakh employees were Employees Provident Fund lakhs are re-joinees who In another reply to the crore), as part of follow-on cap- freight solution for pharma, transport solutions in a time- registered for availing the Organisation (EPFO), were rendered un-employed House, about women job ital of Pre-Series A round, led by electronics and auto ancillar- efficient and cost-effective benefits (under ABRY)," reduces the financial burden during the pandemic from creation, minister told the Lets Venture, Mumbai Angels, ies segments. The Gati-KWE manner,” said Bala Labour Minister Santosh of the employers of various March 1, 2020 to September House,"During April– Credit Wise Capital and JITO has also earmarked a budget of Aghoramurthy, Deputy Gangwar said in a written sectors/ industries and 30, 2020 & rejoined from December, 2020, there is an along with some HNIs. The fresh capital raised is planned to be Rs 100 crore for infrastructure Managing Director, Gati- reply to the Rajya Sabha on encourages them to hire October 1, 2020 onwards." addition of around 9.27 lakh invested in people, processes and technology to scale up the com- and technology development KWE. Wednesday. more workers. Under Pradhan Mantri female subscribers under pany's presence across India, said Sandeep Mukherjee, Co-Founder in FY21-22, the company said The advanced customised The scheme has been Under the ABRY, the Garib Kalyan Yojana Employees' Provident Fund and COO, BLive.A major part of the investment will be utilised towards in a release. “We have an air freight solutions, launched introduced to incentivize cre- Government of India is cred- (PMGKY), the Government (EPF) Scheme, 1.13 lakh brand building and customer acquisition for electric vehicle (EV) mar- aggressive expansion plan, tar- by the company, offer the ation of new employment iting for a period of two of India has contributed female subscribers under ketplace, BLiveEV Store, he said. Earlier, the company had raised Rs geting robust growth of 30 per convenience of nationwide along with social security years both the employees' both 12 per cent employer's the New Pension Scheme 1 crore in seed capital, he added. Founded in 2018 by Samarth Kholkar cent year-on-year (YoY) by reach, smooth connectivity benefits and restoration of share (12% of wages) and share and 12 per cent (NPS) and around 2.03 lakh and Sandeep Mukherjee, BLive offers experiential, guided tours on FY22 with the air freight busi- and tie-ups with leading com- loss of employment during employers' share (12% of employee's share under female subscribers under electric bikes with an aim to promote sustainable tourism in the coun- ness contributing a healthy mercial airlines in the country, the pandemic. wages) of contribution Employees Provident Fund Employees' State Insurance try. It is the official EV tourism partner of Goa Tourism, according to double digit to the topline. he said. This scheme being imple- payable. (EPF), totaling 24 per cent of Scheme." the company release. 9

Vijayawada Thursday March 18 2021 what’s brewing? Jisshu Sengupta on announcing PRIYANKA CHOPRA autobiography: It was the right time he 44-year-old actor also reveals what prompted SLAMS JOURNALIST T him to come up with his autobiog- raphy, which will release in 2022. “Last year, FOR JIBE ON the entire world went through lot of emotions. I was at home, spending time with my family, but I also spent a lot of time with ‘QUALIFICATIONS’ myself, which I don’t get time for otherwise. I was seeing people around me riyanka Chopra on Twitter by posting a Screenwriter-editor and they were going Jonas added to photo of their moment Apurva Asrani too high- through so much anxiety the numerous from the Academy Awards lighted PeeCee’s work, and negative thoughts. I was feats of her presentation. Starting with including 13 of them as thinking that you don’t P career, becoming ‘no disrespect’, he stated producers and the last know about the future, you the first Indian that he was not sure about one, The White Tiger bag- don’t know what is going to to present the Oscar nom- ‘their contribution’ to the ging Oscar and BAFTA happen tomorrow. What we inations on Monday, movies that ‘qualifies’ nominations. went through last year with alongside husband Nick them to be announcing He also shared her fea- the pandemic is still going Jonas. However, there Oscar nominees. turing on the Most on. I think it was the right seemed to be some who Priyanka was not Powerful Women lists and time to talk about it,” he told were not pleased with the pleased and shared a video her book featuring on the a news agency. selection of presenters, of an online list of her best seller list. Teasing the idea of a and one of them was an work and wrote that she The journalist, however sequel to his book, he international journalist would love to know his defended his statement, added: “There are many who questioned their ‘con- ‘thoughts’ on ‘what quali- and admitted not being problems I have faced tribution to movies’. The fies someone.’ The Mary aware about her achieve- through my career and it journalist received a befit- Kom star handed out 60+ ments, but termed her might help people in the the OTT space. few interviews but not in ting response from the film credentials for his contribution to industry who are trying to Jisshu recalled being details. That is what people ‘Desi Girl’, making even ‘adept consideration.’ Hollywood as ‘minimal’ make a mark. If it helps even called ‘unlucky’ before he will like about this autobiog- celebrities laud her. Actor Ashish and that it was not about one person who reads my made a name for himself. raphy,” he said. The book’s An Australia and New Chowdhry, Hairstylist- Bollywood. He did not book, I think I have done “I have 23 long years of title is that of his acclaimed Zealand-based filmmaker Sapna mince words in calling my job. That’s why the career. I started my career film Abahaman, which was Entertainment reporter Bhavnani were among Nick Jonas’ contribution book’s name is Abahaman, with television and came directed by acclaimed direc- Peter Ford took a dig at those who praised to the film industry as which in Bangla means ‘con- into films and was labelled tor Rituparno Ghosh. Is Nick Jonas and Priyanka Priyanka for the reply. ‘zero.’ tinuously flowing’. It says an unlucky actor. I then there a connection between ‘journey so far’. So, it is became and actor, went on his autobiography and the about my journey till now. to become a hero and then movie? Probably in the next 10 started working in Indian “There is no connection years there might be a sec- cinema in different lan- with the film, but yes there ond version. guages. It’s a huge journey is a connection with the “The actor started his till date. There are lots of name and, of course, career with television and ups and down I have gone Rituporno Ghosh. The name Elliot Page: I would eventually ventured into through. Whenever I speak suggests that life is continu- films. Many of his Bangla to the next generation, they ously flowing. Change is the films have won critical and always ask me how I did this only constant. I thought this ask my mom if I could commercial acclaim, before and what my inspiration name would be apt for the be a boy someday he ventured Bollywood and was. I have said things in a book,” he said.

struggling with depression, formed my life,” he says of Vir Das to be part of Judd Apatow’s anxiety, and panic attacks, the procedure, adding that especially after the fame he not all trans men have the received for his roles in surgery, and notes that it is upcoming projectThe Bubble Juno and Inception. quite expensive. “I just never recognised The pandemic led him to ctor-comedian Vir Everyone on this cast is including Karen Gillan, Iris ctor Elliot Page has pened,” said Elliot, who was myself. For a long time I come to terms with his gen- Das is excited to be immensely funny and we’re Apatow, Fred Armisen, opened up about his formerly known as Ellen could not even look at a der identity. a part of Hollywood making something special,” Maria Bakalova, David A new identity. The Page when she was a photo of myself,” he said. “I had a lot of time on A filmmaker and Vir said. Duchovny, Keegan-Michael 34-year-old came woman, during an inter- So, the only decision my own to really focus on comedian Judd The feature is a comedy Key, Leslie Mann, Pedro out as a transgender man in view with Time Magazine. Page made to help him feel things that I think, in so Apatows upcoming comedy about a group of actors and Pascal and Peter December last year. “I felt like a boy. I wanted more comfortable in his many ways, unconsciously, project The Bubble. actresses stuck inside a pan- Serafinowicz. Vir is not only “What I was anticipating to be a boy. I would ask my own skin was to get top I was avoiding. I was finally “I have been shooting for demic bubble in a hotel and a part of the show but is was a lot of support and mom if I could be some- surgery, which is a surgical able to embrace being this for a bit now and I’m are attempting to finish a also producing it. love and a massive amount day,” he added. During the procedure to remove one’s transgender and letting very excited to be part of studio franchise film. The show will stream on of hatred and transphobia. course of the interview, breast tissue. myself fully become who I this mega comedy project. The show has a huge cast Netflix. That’s essentially what hap- Page also talked about “It has completely trans- am,” he said. FUN

ARCHIE CALVIN AND HOBBES

GARFIELD REALITY CHECK SPEED BUMP CROSSWORD

NANCY

SUDOKU Yesterday’s solution

GINGER MEGGS

Rules l Each row and column can contain each number (1 to 9) exactly once. l The sum of all numbers in any row or column must equal 45. Follow us on @TheDailyPioneer facebook.com/ dailypioneer

Thursday March 18, 2021 FLOURISHING, THROUGH THICK AND THIN

RACHEL DAMMALA said, “It is only in our dark- community in the city is all teach the younger lot about included traditional est hours that we may dis- for holistic growth. Right the history and greatness of Maharashtrian dances, rope cover the true strength of from education — thanks to the leaders from their com- malkhamb, and pole mal- home away the brilliant light within the Vivek Vardhini school munity, and like you lakhamb. Over 2000-3000 from home, ourselves that can never, that is more than a 100 guessed it right, the pan- members attended the festi- that’s exactly ever, be dimmed.” The same years old, and many such demic only pushed them to val and it was such a joy to what the holds true to the communi- institutions — to literature, inspire themselves better. be able to meet and greet in A Marathis in ty of Marathis in art, music, dance, food, “The organisation would person after months,” Hyderabad think Hyderabad, especially since health, and more. Events ising events for the commu- Tasa, a famous and success- post a series of videos of Akhilesh tells us. of the city. Most of these the past year. Despite the like Shivaji Jayanti, Gudi nity and elsewhere, is a ful play running in great leaders and saints of Apart from these, the families have migrated setbacks due to the Covid- Padwa (their new year), and lover of theatre and is a the- Maharashtra too. Maharashtra and share group also has their more than 300 years ago induced lockdown, they more are a rich cultural atre personality too. He Since the lockdown, the knowledge about their work Marathi Sahitya Katta, that and have made this comfy managed to find and spread affair in the city. “Last year, shares, ‘Rangadhara — The community has been taking and more,” the community was started by city their abode. They joy in the struggles of life. celebrations were a little Theatre Streams’ was one extra care of their health, informs. Kulkarni, where members thrive on all things cultural, “We set out at the very dull for obvious reasons. active organisation that had especially of their young As events and places are can share and showcase social, and more recently, start in March (2020) to We did try to shift celebra- been organising virtual ones, courtesy: Health slowly opening up, their own literary work. Not health too. help people stranded in the tions online and conduct all plays in Marathi. “The plays League. Today, the organi- Mitraangan — an organisa- to forget their Marathi One of the many such city to get back home. We the events virtually, but were recorded in Marathi sation has many district tion of Maharashtrians of Granth Sanghralay that flourishing Maharashtrians were able to help several truth be told, the shift was- and streamed globally. level and national level Hyderabad in association opens twice a week and is proud of settling here in families, labourers, artists, n’t smooth, because some of Credit must be given to malkhamb champions. with Shilparamam, Uppal mostly visited by the elderly Hyderabad is Akhilesh and students with food, the most loyal members of director Suhas Barve and Health League was one of has organised a Marathi and kids. The community’s Washikar. “The city has shelter, and other basic our community are the others, especially for the the most active organisa- Cultural Festival for 2 days strife to promote their lan- welcomed and housed us essentials they needed, to elderly, and this switch was play Natak Baste Aahe.” As tions during this pandemic recently. Many guage, culture, cuisine, warmly. Communities like survive those trying times,” not an easy one for them,” things are crawling back to in promoting health-related Maharashtrian food stalls, while joyfully and peaceful- ours thrive in cities like informs Akhilesh. Akhilesh tells us. normalcy, they have their activities. Not to forget the handicraft goods, jewellery, ly gelling with, and adopt- Hyderabad,” he shares. When they say flourish, Akhliesh himself, apart next play coming up on Kalabhishek Pariwar, an etc., were put up. “It was a ing Hyderabadi culture, Doe Zantamata once they mean it. The Marathi from managing and organ- April 2, called Tu Manshil organsation that strives to crazy cultural fest which shows in their progress.

If you have excellent organising SAY ‘HELLO’ TO skills, knack for planning, project and ‘Charlie’ this summer time t’s summer- seen-before experience cast has phenomenally time and as for everyone out there! helmed their characters management, most of us will Talking about the film, with their unique comic choose to stay producer Ritesh Sidhwani timing and genuine communication, I indoors to said, “With this adventure appeal. It was always great keep away comedy and entertainer, fun on the sets and I am interpersonal from the scorching heat, we aim to push the cine- glad that people from what better way to do it matic envelope further worldwide will be able to and problem- than with films meant for and bring our creative see our film and be enter- the family! vision to life in the come- tained.” So here’s good news: dy space. It brings us About the upcoming solving skills; Family and kid’s enter- immense joy to present entertainer, Vijay tainer Hello Charlie is to this endearing story Subramaniam, Director visual globally premiere exclu- which is sure to elevate and Head, Content, sively, soon! In this hilari- and engage the family and Amazon Prime Video merchandising ous yet goofy teaser, kid-friendly audiences. I India said, “With this Aadar is seen essaying the hope that the viewers will movie, we look forward to offers lucrative role of a young simpleton enjoy watching it as much strengthening our selec- from a small town who as we enjoyed creating it. tion of family-centric options, says has been given the task of Can’t wait to treat the content on the service. transporting a gorilla audience with Hello This is a film made with Dr Roopak from Mumbai to Diu. Charlie!” all heart that the entire This fascinating story will Speaking about work- family can watch together Vasishtha leave you feeling light- ing on this mad-cap and make them laugh in hearted and entertained entertainer, Director unison.” along with other charac- Pankaj Saraswat said, Prime members in t is rightly said ters portrayed by Jackie “Working on Hello India and in more than that first impres- Get creative Shroff, Shlokka Pandit Charlie with Ritesh and 240 countries and territo- sion is the last What is it? Scope and Elnaaz Norouzi. Farhan has been an ries worldwide, can watch impression, more you make the store course of visual merchandis- Riding high on a unique incredible experience. the hysterical story of I whether it’s a job VM is art or activity of attractive through music, ing, students are trained on With the increase in the storyline and its vibrant The film’s unconventional Hello Charlie starting interview, or displaying and promoting lighting, etc., the more con- various aspects related to number of shopping malls, production design, Hello storyline is truly one of its April 9, 2021, so mark attracting customers into the the products in such a man- sumers will be attracted visual merchandising such as five-star hotels, boutiques, Charlie will be a refresh- kind and hoping it your calendars, and fashion store to increase ner that it appeals to the eyes towards your store. store display, presentation of and retail outlets, the ing watch and a never- spreads much joy. The embark on a joy ride! sales. As a fashioniasta, you of the customer. It’s consid- Skills products, and attracting cus- demand for visual merchan- keep an eye on the latest ered an important support tomers through the use of disers have also increased trends, but presenting the for fashion retail operations. Nowadays many institutes various communication significantly. garments strikingly and It includes window displays, offer certificate and diploma tools. VMs can work in fashion appealingly is equally impor- signs, and interior displays. courses. Students who want Personal attributes boutiques, shopping malls, tant. As the fashion industry A good combination of to pursue this course must be emporium, architecture is expanding, new creative colour and theme plays a 12th pass out. However, in It is very important to firms, design companies and career options are coming vital role in visual merchan- most institutes, VM is taught have the quality of designing theme party organising com- into it. dising. The goal is to create a under the fashion designing and creativity among the stu- panies. They can also do Visual Merchandising distinctive atmosphere and or fashion technology dents looking for a career in freelancing on a contractual (VM) is important in the aesthetic appearance to drive course. Given the career this field. A visual merchan- basis for window displays at ever-evolving fashion indus- customers’ in-store purchase prospects in this emerging diser must have excellent exhibitions, fairs, award cere- try as well as creating a decisions. They are creative field, two courses have been organising skills as well as monies and malls. brand identity. It is a rapidly and use their skills to devel- specially designed by qualities like planning, pro- Remuneration emerging sector and there op interest among the cus- Apparel Made-Ups and ject management, and time are good career prospects in tomers by perfectly styling Home Furnishing Sector management. A fresher can earn Rs this field. It’s the art of creat- mannequins and their sur- Skill Council (AMHSSC), Apart from this, they also 10,000-Rs 15,000. After gain- ing visually appealing dis- roundings. They plan store formed under the Ministry need to have communication ing some experience, you can plays that attract customers themes, arrange display fix- of Skill Development and and interpersonal skills, work in a retail outlet of a to the store and promote tures and lighting, set up Entrepreneurship. must have problem-solving big brand and get an attrac- sales. Now this concept is stores before opening, work One is merchandiser and ability and computer knowl- tive package. being used as a marketing with floor plans. Under this, the other is Merchandiser edge. Experts say that VMs Salary package will tool in the retail sector. The he has to work in areas such Made-Ups and Home should know the psychology increase with skill and expe- sector encompasses all activ- as window and interior dis- Furnishing, in which stu- of consumers and should rience. ities that help increase sales plays as well as stock place- dents are also taught about also anticipate the various (The writer is the CEO & of products in retail stores. ment and staff training. The visual merchandising. In the trends. DG at AMHSSC) VIJAYAWADA | THURSDAY | MARCH 18, 2021 sport 11 Must win game for India Kohli’s men aim to negate toss factor in series deciding fourth T20I today India vs Eng (4th T20I) did have some runs to defend Live from 7:00pm IST but the bowlers hardly troubled the opposition batsman with KL is our best T20 STAR SPORTS 1 NETWORK Jos Buttler running away with the contest. PTI n AHMEDABAD The team’s number one spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has batsman: Rathour South Africa players pose with the winner’s trophy after win in the fifth ODI against ndia would aim to take the leaked runs both times India India to take series 4-1 on Wednesday @OfficialCSA toss out of equation and put have set a target. PTI n AHMEDABAD we have in this format,” Iup a much improved all- Hardik Pandya’s return as Rathour said after India lost round show against a formida- a bowling all-rounder has been hree cheap dismissals can’t the third T20I. ble England in their to bid to promising but he is yet to take Tchange the fact that KL “This is the time when SA give India level the series in the fourth a wicket. Bhuvneshwar Kumar Rahul is India’s “best T20 we need to support him and T20, here on Thursday. has kept things tidy in his batsman” and it won’t be long I am absolutely sure he will The template of win the comeback series but the team that one shot or one innings come back out of the lean toss and bowl has been set in expects him to provide regular will get him back to his best, phase,” the batting coach plenty to think the series with the chasing breakthroughs with the new batting coach Vikram Rathour said. team getting home rather com- ball. said, promising support for However, Rathour did fortably. Offie Washington Sundar the struggling opener. agree that rustiness could be PTI n LUCKNOW post-match presentation. However, India skipper has been the stand out bowler Rahul got out without a reason and all it would take “Other than the result, it’s Virat Kohli has repeatedly for India with four wickets at scoring in two of his last is one good shot to get back outh Africa added salt to been a good series for us. stressed on the need to do well an impressive economy rate of three innings while he man- into the groove. SIndia’s wounds by registering Exposure for the young players, whether they are posting totals 6.95. aged just one run in the series- “I agree they do tend to a five-wicket win over the hosts and opportunity to those play- or chasing as part of their Despite India being 1-2 opener. A part of it could be get rusty when they are sitting in the low-scoring fifth and ers looking for rhythm. preparation for the T20 World down, no major changes are attributed to no game time out but only thing we can do final women’s ODI to seal the Congratulations to South Africa Cup at home later this year. expected in the playing eleven. since the end of T20 series in is to provide them practice. series 4-1 here on Wednesday. for doing so well in our condi- In the two games they lost England, like India, also Australia early December. They are having a lot of net Mithali Raj played a cap- tions,” she added. after batting first, India strug- want to win in all conditions “Anybody can have a lean sessions and even on middle tain’s knock by hitting a well- South Africa’s chase got off gled in the powerplay, which and will be buoyed by their phase and KL has been our (centre strips),” he said. crafted 79 not out but it was only to a disastrous start as the visi- impacted their final total emphatic win in the previous best batsman in T20 format. “That’s all they can do and enough to take India to 188 all tors lost their top three batters despite one batsman (Shreyas game. He is averaging 40 plus with we can just hope that one out. including skipper Sune Luus Iyer and Virat Kohli respective- Buttler being amongst the a strike rate of 145 and 3 fail- innings or one shot and they South Africa then rode on (10) for just 27 runs. ly) going on to make a signif- The express pace of Mark post the third game, a third all- runs is also a cause of worry for ures doesn’t change the fact will be back in form. People Anneke Bosch (58) and Mignon Du Preez (57) and Bosch icant contribution. Wood and Jofra Archer has rounder alongside Hardik India as on his day he can that he is the best batsman like KL Rahul.” du Preez’s (57) half-centuries to (58) the stabilised South Africa’s A lot of it was down to KL also made life tough for the Pandya and Washington demolish any attack in the chase down the target in 48.2 run chase with a 96-run partner- Rahul not being amongst the Indians in the first six overs. Sundar can be drafted into the world. overs. ship for the fourth wicket before runs but Kohli made it amply They have been able to extract side with the choice between Jonny Bairstow, who had a Now England are waiting one ranked team from winning The series marked India’s Indian bowlers pulled things clear that the Karnataka bats- disconcerting bounce from the uncapped Rahul Tewatia and horror run in the two Tests he for the world’s number one the series on Thursday night. return to International cricket back, dismissing both the set man and Rohit Sharma remain surface, putting the batsmen in Axar Patel. played against India, came up batsman Dawid Malan to fire. The hosts winning the toss after 12 months. They were batters in quick succession. their preferred opening combi- two minds. Unlike the first game, with a morale boosting 40 on It will take a special effort should make their task less naturally rusty to start with and At that stage South Africa nation. Going by Kohli’s words Kohli’s sublime 77 ensure India Tuesday. from India to stop the number tough. by the end of the series, it were 131 for five, still needing 58 seemed that they have a lot of runs in 13 overs for a win. work to do if they want to be title Marizanne Kapp (36 not PTI n DUBAI contenders for the World Cup out) and Nadine de Klerk (19 early next year. not out), however, ensured there Morgan pioneer in white ollowing his stellar perfor- Virat returns to top 5 The batting needs more was no further hiccups as the Fmance in the ongoing series firepower and bowling con- duo shared unbeaten 58 runs for against England, India skipper up two places to 11th while cerns too need to be addressed the sixth wicket to guide South Virat Kohli on Wednesday seamers Shardul Thakur (up 14 as spinners, traditionally India’s Africa home. ball cricket: Buttler broke back into the top of the places to 27th) and strength, struggled against South For India, left-arm spinner ICC T20 batsmen rankings. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (up seven Africa. Rajeshwari Gayakwad picked up PTI n AHMEDABAD have at the moment is as much fun to play in Kohli, a formerly top- places to 45th) have also gained. Coming back after a long three wickets conceding just 13 as ever. As a really good team, he’s been a huge ranked batsman in the format Jos Buttler has re-entered break, the India players had only runs off her 10 overs. kipper Eoin Morgan is one of the white driver of that alongside a few others. and currently number one in the top 20. His match-winning a handful of training sessions Earlier, Mithali steered Sball “pioneers”, who has propelled English “He is a selfless guy. Today is really about ODIs, gained one slot and a 83 not out has helped him ahead of the series as they also India’s innings after India lost cricket to a different level with his incredi- him and no mean feat to achieve 100 caps,” massive 47 rating points after advance five places to 19th had to undergo a mandatory one three early wickets with the ble leadership, reckons his deputy Jos Buttler. he added. Buttler, who was earlier seen in a unbeaten knocks of 73 and 77 position, just two shy of his week quarantine. scoreboard reading 53 in the Morgan, who had ended his coun- finisher’s role, further said he’s got full back- in the second and third match- career-best 17th position “Clearly, we do need some 13th over. try’s 44-year wait for maiden ODI ing from Morgan to play as an opener es against England, to be placed Shreyas Iyer is up 32 places attained in October 2018. camps before series. We were Together with Harmanpreet World Cup title in 2019, on in T20Is after his skipper promoted fifth. to the 31st spot while Rishabh Jonny Bairstow, who underprepared, coming from a Kaur (30), who retired hurt due Tuesday became the first England him in 2018. KL Rahul remains the top- Pant gained 30 spots to be chipped in with 40 runs has gap. The batting unit tried to to an injury, Mithali shared 71 player and fourth overall to “Now I’ve got the full backing ranked Indian batsmen at the ranked 80th. moved up two slots to 14th improve consistently match by runs for the fourth wicket before make 100 appearances in T20 from Morgs (Eoin Morgan) to go and fourth spot despite three failures Among bowlers, all- position in the list led by his match. Our spinners need to the former left the ground in the cricket. do that and that gives me a lot of con- in the series so far. rounder Washington Sundar is compatriot Dawid Malan. improve,” said Mithali at the 31st over. He celebrated the milestone fidence. And I think, really enjoyed moment with an eight-wicket the role today as I always do,” Buttler, win over India in the third T20. who scored a match-winning unbeat- “He has been a pioneer for en 83, said. English white ball cricketers. “Yeah, it’s (opening) my prefer- Players lacked game time, says Raman after 1-4 defeat He’s always been someone who’s ence in T20 cricket. But I’ll always be been ahead of the curve,” Buttler open-minded, I’m sure certain teams PTI n LUCKNOW come back after 15 and they will work on it. I “As far as the positives are rhythm and perform as well as told reporters after England’s win may ask me to bat somewhere else months and play a have seen them do it in the concerned, the batting unit is they can,” the coach said. on Tuesday. but I know Morgs is keen for me to ndia women’s team head one-day series and past and I have no doubts getting into its probe, despite Harmanpreet Kaur, cap- Continuing his praise for his open in this team and do that with Icoach WV Raman on retain the focus and at all, they will do in the the fact that not all of them tain of the Indian T20 team, skipper, Buttler said Morgan his backing.” Wednesday said his players intensity that is future.” got big scores, we managed was retired hurt when she was along with Kevin Pietersen have Asked whether the knock has lacked game time and were required to put the The selectors were scores in excess of 250 or batting, but the coach was taken their white ball cricket to a dif- ended the debate over who to open, he said: short on “mental stamina and opposition under particularly criticised for around 250. confident that she would take ferent level. “I think people seem to quite enjoy talk- “cricketing fitness” as the hosts pressure. So, these dropping veteran Shikha “I think what probably the field in the upcoming “They were two guys I always ing about it. And yeah, I certainly some- were blanked 1-4 by South things do happen, it Pandey and young hard- did not go in our favour was three-match T20 series. looked up to in white ball teams and times feel the pressure of that.” Africa in a five-match ODI happens to the best of hitting batter Shefali the fact that the bowlers could “From what I gather, she who could do a bit different, who “Every time I do, I have the opportu- series. players and best of Verma from the squad. not be consistent, as I said ear- (Harman) has sustained a hip could take the game forward and look nity to try and make a case because you “In terms of what tran- teams.” “As far as selection lier, but there is no blaming strain grade one and that will to be ahead of the curve. know there’s obviously loads of us who can spired in this series, it is very The former India issues are concerned, I them at all, because it was be monitored and all the nec- “He’s been a pioneer, as a player to open the batting for this team.” simple: the girls lacked the opening batsman think it is only fair that I talk expected.” essary procedures are being start with. And certainly as a captain “Eoin is always clear with every single game time, and they’re obvi- though was confi- to them if required and I “Yes, this is something followed. and a leader. He’s taken English white player on what he expects of them, and how ously short in terms of the dent that his players talk to them directly,” that the girls will definitely “He progress will be mon- ball cricket to a place, it’s never been much he backs people to do that job. At the mental stamina and the crick- would bounce back quipped Raman. work on (and) quite a lot of itored. I don’t think it is a seri- before, to be honest. He’s done that in moment he wants me to open and backs me eting fitness,” Raman said at strongly. Raman also said that the activities going forward we will ous injury, we might see her quite an incredible way. 100 per cent. So that gives me a lot of confi- during a virtual post-match “I am sure that the bowlers were not consis- also help them to achieve that. take the field in the T20 series, “Everyone enjoys playing for him. dence. You’re not out till the end and to see a press conference. girls would have realised tent, but refused to blame I am sure it won’t be too long as things stand now,” he The environment that he’s created, the group we side home is a fantastic feeling.” “I mean it’s not easy to what was not happening them. before all of them get into their signed off.

AFP n MADRID eal Madrid avoided Zlatan eyeing another early Champions Big boys on target RLeague exit on Tuesday by beating Atalanta 3-1 to win the tie 4-1 on aggregate and Benzema, Ramos, Asensio take Real in Champions return vs Utd reach the quarter-finals for the AFP n MILAN first time in three years. League quarters with 3-1 win over Atalanta Sergio Ramos marked his latan Ibrahimovic looks set to face Manchester return from injury by convert- The 35-year-old Modric ZUnited in AC Milan’s Europa League showdown ing a penalty after Karim and Toni Kroos were dominant with the English giants on Thursday as the resur- Benzema continued his scoring in the absence of the suspend- gent Rossoneri aim to announce their return to the streak by capitalising on a glar- ed Casemiro. big stage. ing error from Atlanta goal- “I feel 27!” joked Modric. The Swede should be in good spirits after keeper Marco Sportiello. “The years on your passport announcing his return to International football after Sportiello’s scuffed clear- don’t matter, it’s about what you nearly five years away on Tuesday, and appears to ance in the first half resulted in do on the pitch.” be winning the race to face his old club in the sec- Benzema being given an easy How Madrid’s veterans ond leg of their last-16 clash at the San Siro. finish at the Alfredo di Stefano would fare against more pol- The tie is locked at 1-1, with Milan having the stadium and after an electric ished opposition remains to be Man City swat Gladbach aside slight advantage thanks to Simon Kjaer’s stoppage- start, Atalanta never really seen, after they came up short time away goal in the first leg at Old Trafford last recovered. against Manchester City last Budapest: Kevin De Bruyne’s blister- City has only ever gone beyond the week. Luis Muriel pulled one year and Ajax the year before ing strike set Manchester City on its way quarterfinals once in nine Champions Italian media reported on Tuesday that the vet- back for the visitors late on but that, both in the last 16. to a 2-0 win over Borussia League campaigns, and never under eran forward trained with the rest of the Milan any hopes of a comeback were Also they will be unlikely Monchengladbach and a place in the Guardiola since he arrived as manag- squad and should be available for the first time quickly dashed as substitute to benefit from the same gen- quarterfinals of the Champions League er in 2016. This might be the team’s best since he left his side’s 2-1 win at Roma with a thigh Marco Asensio fired in a third erosity Atalanta afforded them for the fourth straight season under Pep chance given its form — make that 24 injury at the end of last month. for Madrid. across the two legs. Guardiola on Tuesday. wins in the last 25 games in all com- With 14 goals in 14 league games, the 39-year- Zinedine Zidane’s side will Remo Freuler’s red card The Belgium midfielder unleashed petitions — and the fact Guardiola has old was a major reason behind Milan occupying be in Friday’s draw for the last and a late goal spoiled the a first-time shot from the edge of the an injury-free squad at his disposal. top spot in Serie A for large periods of this season eight and with their old guard Italians’ night in Bergamo and area that flew in off the underside of the Gladbach bade farewell to the and his return to Old Trafford for the fit and firing again, they will be it was individual errors from crossbar in the 12th minute, virtually Champions League and the team is first leg had been highly anticipat- hopeful of exceeding what are Sportiello and then Rafael ending Gladbach’s hopes of comeback unlikely to return to the competition ed before he picked up his injury. now dampened expectations of Toloi for the penalty that let after the German team lost the first leg for at least a year and a half, having However to ensure passage to La Liga’s reigning champions. them down again here. 2-0 three weeks ago. dropped to 10th place in the the last eight, Milan will need to “We showed tonight how Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos celebrates with teammate Lucas Vázquez after “We started strong and Ilkay Gundogan added a second Bundesliga on the back of a losing run turn around a dismal recent much hunger there still is in Ramos scores his side’s second goal against Atalanta AP we were succeeding with our goal by finishing off a flowing team since it was announced that coach record at the San Siro which has this team,” said Luka Modric. pressing,” said Muriel. “It’s a move in the 18th minute and the Marco Rose would be leaving at the contributed to their slipping “We can go far. How far let’s see hour in his second appearance games and 70th in the shame because from our two Premier League leaders had no prob- end of the season to join nine points behind Serie A but today was an important since recovering from a knee Champions League, making mistakes came the two goals lem securing a seventh straight clean Dortmund. It’s now seven leaders Inter Milan having step.” injury while Benzema’s goal him only the fifth player to that cut our legs from under sheet in the competition to seal a 4-0 defeats in a row in all been top themselves lit- Ramos played just over an was his eighth in as many reach that number. us.” win on aggregate. competitions. AP tle more than a month ago. 12

Vijayawada Thursday March 18 2021 tollywood

SHRUTI HAASAN wants to develop her “I WANT TO DO FILMS writings into scripts

ctress I have been constantly sharp- has developed an ening my skills over the years.” interest in scriptwrit- At the box office, her year KEEPING FAMILY ing. Shruti, who is started on a good note. The A also a singer, has been Ravi -starrer Krack, which writing songs since features her in the cast, opened the age of 15 and has recently, to phenomenal response in started exploring scriptwriting. theatres. Shruti has a list of “Writing has always been a projects lined up. liberating process for me. I The Srimanthudu actress has have been writing songs, poet- recently completed the shoot ry or at times just my feelings of her Tamil film Laabam, in AUDIENCE IN MIND” down, and I believe it can help which she stars alongside Vijay you express yourself so much Sethupathi. She also has Salaar better. I have been writing with Prabhas, which is being Actor Aadi has been missing in action, especially poetry and stories I would love shot in Hyderabad. She will to develop into full-fledged also be seen in an untitled after not being able to deliver hits like his Prema scripts,” the Yevadu actress OTT series. On her musical shares, adding, “With the hec- career, she has sung the track Kavali and Lovely. The actor talks about his tic schedules, writing helps me Yaazha Yaazha in Laabam. unwind and is therapeutic for The song is written by upcoming film Sashi, his comeback, and the film me. Songwriting is another Yugabharathi and composed aspect I thoroughly enjoy, and by D. Imman. being named after the female lead. He hopes to do more actions and romantic flicks, writes K RAMYA SREE

ctor Aadi Sai named after the heroine, will two more films lined up Kumar has been in played by actress Surbhi of for release. The actor says he the industry for Gentleman and Express Raja is shooting for Jungle, which A quite some time. fame. Aadi asks the audience is a complete horror genre, Having made his to watch the film to know followed by Black, a debut with Prema why they named the film thriller. Another film is Kavali in 2011, the talented after Sashi. set to be launched this actor had been facing a low Speaking about the film, month, details of time at the box office with Aadi shares, “This a love which will be out his films in the last few years. story infused with family soon. “In the The Lovely actor is making a drama. Ajay plays my broth- thriller film, I comeback with another love er. I feel this is one of the play a cop. I story Sashi, which is gearing best roles Ajay anna has want to be a up for a theatrical release. done in his career. He is versatile Unlike Aadi’s other films, known to do negative roles actor. I Sashi got good hype among but he plays a positive char- like the audience even before its acter in this film. Families action release, thanks to its songs, will surely connect with this and I especially Oke Oka Lokam by film and so will the youth.” feel Sid Sriram. The promos of Aadi will be seen playing a very the film were earlier released troubled musician in the com- by Chiranjeevi and Pawan film. The actor, who is fortable Kalyan, creating a buzz known to do love stories, doing among viewers. Directed by wants to do films keeping the action Srinivas Naidu Nadikatla, family audience in mind and films. If I Sashi is produced by R. P. Sashi is one such film fami- get an Verma, Chavali lies can relate to. Speaking action sub- Ramanjaneyulu and about the success of Oke Oka ject and I feel Chintalapudi Srinivasa Rao song, an elated Aadi shares, I will be able under the banner of Sri “I never thought the song to justify the Hanuman Movie Makers. would be such a hit. The only role, I will surely Speaking of how he came thing we thought of, initially, do it. on board Sashi, Aadi shares, was to have Sid Sriram sing Love and action “I was initially approached it, as this will bring us more films are kind of easy by Verma who distributed popularity. For Sid, he sings a for me to work on,” he Lovely in Vizag. After the project only after listening to shares. narration session, I straight the tune. I give all credits to With the film receiv- away said yes to the film for Sid and Chandrabose garu ing decent buzz, the team two reasons — the concept for the song’s success without behind Sashi has pinned was new to me and I loved whom we probably would've all their hopes on March the characterisation. Sashi missed out on the extra buzz 19, its release date. It has all elements to match the the film has been receiving remains to be seen how current trends. I play a guy because of the song.” far the film will help who is seen in every middle- The Prema Kavali actor Aadi succeed in class home.” The film is has his hands full this year Tollywood. CHAY TEAMS UP WITH FARAH KHAN

ilmmaker-choreographer direct his wonderful boy @chayakki- Farah Khan Kunder posted neni for a commercial.. #humble #life- a picture of herself with comesafullcircle #imreallyold.” actor Naga Chaitanya on Naga Chaitanya is currently shoot- F Instagram late on Tuesday, ing for an upcoming Telugu romantic sharing a mix of news film titled Love Story, which co-stars update and nostalgia in the process. actress . In her post, Farah recalled working Besides this, he will be seen in the with Naga Chaitanya’s father film Thank You, which made head- Nagarjuna. Now, she is collaborating lines when a leaked clip from the with Naga for a commercial. film’s set showed Naga Chaitanya “25 years ago I choreographed his playing a fan of Telugu star Mahesh dad #nagarjunaakkineni who became Babu and climbing a huge cut out of a friend for life.. n today I got to the senior actor.

haavu Kaburu Challaga has been Balakrishna's passion for making all the noise CKC, a unique and clean with its trailer, teaser c and songs. The cinema unmatchable: unique concept of a man chasing a widow has the entertainer, say makers Telugu audience awaiting the film’s release on March 19. The film, directed by debutant again, despite his other films ctress Pragya Jaiswal is Koushik Pegallapati has like Hippi, Guna 369 and 90ML currently busy shoot- Kartikeya Gummakonda and not being great hits. Speaking at ing for her upcoming Lavanya Tripathi in lead roles. the event, the actor said, “I play A film alongside Telugu Backed by Bunny Vasu and Allu a typical Vizag guy in the film, star Nandamuri Aravind under GA2 Pictures, I’ve picked up the slang while Balakrishna. The film is ten- the film also features Aamani, shooting here, overhearing fans tatively titled #BB3 and is Murali Sharma, who came to watch us. I hope I directed by . Iyengar, Rajitha, Bhadram and did well.” Saying this character Pragya says Balakrishna’s Prabhu in key roles. of his will be remembered, he passion for cinema is The team’s pre-release event adds, “I’ve always been called unmatchable. in Vizag was held in a mall that RX100 hero. Now you’ll “Working with had thousands of fans cheering remember me as ‘Basti Balraju’. Balakrishna sir is fantastic entire unit and makes us all for the team. Producer Allu I wonder if people remember because he is a powerhouse do our best each day and Arvind thanked fans in Vizag that I’m Kartikeya anymore!” of energy and brings so keep pushing our limits.” for their support for films like Actress Lavanya Tripathi much positivity and energy “The film is even more Geetha Govindam, Ala stole hearts with her perfor- on the sets. His passion for special because it is the first Vaikuntapuramulo.., and more. mances in Bhale Bhale cinema is unmatchable,” says film I started shooting post “You guys have always been Magadivoy, Soggade Chinni Pragya. Srinu has directed the pandemic, so it seems open to new concepts, ideas, Nayana and her most recent A1 Pragya in Jaya Janaki Nayak like it is a fresh start,” says and talent. The plotline is sim- Express. She urged fans to (2017) and Balakrishna in Pragya. The actress, who is ple — a guy chasing a woman watch the film with her trade- Simha (2010) and Legend currently shooting in who’s just mourning her hus- mark cute voice saying, (2014). Talking about being Hyderabad, adds: “I’m happy band’s death. The director, a “Kashtapadi, ishtapadi chesina directed by the filmmaker, to be back to work after newbie, has outdone our expec- film, (we did it with hard work she says: “I have worked with months of lockdown. I was tations. We hope you love the and love), we hope you’ll love Boyapati sir before, so that so looking forward to resum- film,” the producer said. the roles and the film.” made it a bit easy to work on ing work in 2020 and now I Having made his debut with Debutant director Koushik “Lavanya had a tough role to clean and neat. She did a great BB3. His vision, conviction am on the set of two films. 2018’s blockbuster film RX100, Pegallapati lauded both his play in the film. The subtlety job. Kartikeya will mesmerise and clarity are inspiring. He I’m just happy to be living Kartikeya has been impressing actors for their work and said and nuances with which she you once again with his acting is the driving force of the my dream.” the Telugu audience with his people will remember the char- had to carry her role were very skills and his arresting screen solid acting skills time and time acters’ names and not his. important for the role to be presence,” the director said.