www.dailypioneer.com VIJAYAWADA, FRIDAY DECEMBER 25, 2020; PAGES 12 `3 RNI No. TELENG/2018/76469 Established 1864 Published From HYDERABAD DELHI LUCKNOW BHOPAL RAIPUR CHANDIGARH BHUBANESWAR RANCHI DEHRADUN VIJAYAWADA *LATE CITY VOL. 3 ISSUE 45 *Air Surcharge Extra if Applicable www.dailypioneer.com FRIDAY | DECEMBER 25, 2020 nation 02 Govt again invites farmers, says There's no democracy left in , says Rahul Gandhi discussing MSP is ‘not logical’ PTI n NEW DELHI There is "no democracy in PTI n NEW DELHI In the December 24 letter, India" and it exists "only in the government reiterated that imagination", Congress leader The government on Thursday it is ready to find a "logical Rahul Gandhi alleged after again invited protesting farmer solution" on the issues raised by meeting President Ram Nath unions for talks, but made it protesting farmer unions. Kovind on Thursday and clear that it would not be "log- Aggarwal said it is important demanded a joint session of ical" to include in the agenda to keep all doors open for dis- Parliament to repeal the three any new demand related to cussion for the government. It agri laws. minimum support price is the responsibility of the gov- If the prime minister does (MSP), which is out of the ernment to listen to farmer not repeal these laws, the purview of three new farm organisations and farmers and country will suffer, he said. laws. the government cannot deny Gandhi along with Leader of In a three-page letter written this. Opposition in the Rajya Sabha to 40 farmer leaders, Joint The government with open Ghulam Nabi Azad and Leader Secretary in the Ministry of heart has held several rounds of Congress in the Agriculture and Farmers' of discussion with farmer Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury met Welfare Vivek Aggarwal said, "I unions under the Samyukt President Kovind and handed again request you that the gov- Kisan Morcha and urged them over to him a memorandum ernment has been discussing to choose a date as per their signed by two crore farmers destruction. The way the agri terrorists to transfer the wealth all issues with open heart and convenience for the next round seeking withdrawal of the three laws were passed in Monsoon of these people to three-four good intention to end the of talks, he added. legislations. session of Parliament in crony capitalists close to them," protest, and will continue to do Thousands of farmers from "We told the president that September, without any discus- Gandhi alleged. so. Kindly suggest a date and Punjab, Haryana, UP and some the new agri laws are anti- sion and consultation, they About Congress MPs and time (for the next round of other states are protesting farmer. The farmers and need to be withdrawn." leaders not allowed to stage a talks)." of farm laws, is not logical to against the Farmers (Empowe labourers will suffer due to this. The farmers are in pain and protest march to Rashtrapti Previous five rounds of talks The farmers have expressed include in the talks. As rment and Protection) The government said that also dying. The prime minis- Bhawan, he said, "It is an between the government and apprehension that the new laws informed earlier, the govern- Agreement of Price Assurance these laws are in favour of the ter will have to listen to them, assault on the idea of India. the unions have failed to break would pave the way for eliminating ment is ready to discuss all the and Farm Services Act, farmers, but the country is see- the Congress leader said and The government is stopping the deadlock with the farmers issues raised by farmer unions," Farmers Produce Trade and ing that it is the farmers who asserted that all opposition our MPs from moving out of insisting on repeal of the three the safety cushion of MSP and do he noted. Commerce (Promotion and are against these legislations," parties are standing in solidar- our office. PM needs to realise laws and camping at various away with the mandi system, leaving Aggarwal's letter has come in Facilitation) Act, and the Gandhi said. ity with the farmers. that there is limit to this... border points of Delhi for them at the mercy of big corporates. response to the Samyukt Kisan Essential Commodities "The farmers (camping at Launching a scathing attack There is no democracy in nearly a month now. Morcha's December 23 letter, (Amendment) Act. Delhi borders) would not on PM Narendra Modi, the India, it is only in imagination, Aggarwal asked the union through which it had informed Enacted in September, the return till these laws are former congress president not in reality." leaders to provide details of the government that the farmer three farm laws have been repealed. The government alleged that anyone "trying to "China is sitting at the bor- other issues they want to dis- with the price regime nor it has also been made clear that unions are ready for talks but projected by the central gov- should convene a joint session take power from him will be der and has snatched our land. cuss. The talks will be held at would have any impact on the the government is ready to give asked it to send a "concrete ernment as major reforms in of Parliament and repeal these dubbed as terrorist and anti- But why does the PM not Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi procurement of farm produce written assurance on MSP, he proposal in writing instead the agriculture sector that will laws," he told reporters after national"."He will make sure speak up on it?" Gandhi said, at a ministerial level, he said. at the fixed rates. said. repeating rejected proposals remove the middlemen and meeting the president. the wealth of people is trans- adding the country was "mov- On MSP, Aggarwal said the This has been told to the "Any new demand related to around meaningless amend- allow farmers to sell anywhere "If you destroy the agri sys- ferred to crony capitalists. He ing on a dangerous path" and farm laws have no connection unions in every discussion and MSP, which is out of the ambit ments." in the country. tem... There will be massive will call people anti-nationals, "it will suffer". Canada-based man SHORT TAKES Siddaramaiah demands Yediyurappa's 16-year-old girl sexually mulls staying back immediate resignation as Karnataka CM assaulted by man in UP's Shamli uzaffarnagar, Dec 24 (PTI) A 16- PTI n BENGALURU a fair and impartial investiga- year-old girl was allegedly to support farmers tion, so Yediyurappa should Msexually assaulted by a young The Leader of Opposition in not be in power and should man at a village in Shamli district of PTI n NEW DELHI While he is putting up at his the Karnataka Assembly resign immediately. Uttar Pradesh, police said on Thursday. ancestral home in Nawa Shahr, Siddaramaiah on Thursday Let him come back once The victim was going to collect water With the protesting farmers Singh has been visiting the demanded that Chief Minister acquitted, we don't have any from a public handpump in Kaniyan remaining steadfast in their Singhu border protest site of B S Yediyurappa resign imme- objections," he said. village on Wednesday when the assault demands, a Canada-based the farmers every couple of diately after a High Court If Yediyurappa respects the took place, SHO of Kandhla police man, who arrived in India a days. order dismissing his petition law and believes in democra- station Rozan Tyagi said. A case was registered against the accused, week ago, is mulling the idea He said he felt the need to seeking rejection of an old cy he should resign immediate- identified only as Shamim, based on a complaint from the mother of of prolonging his stay here as participate in the protest not corruption case against him. ly, the CLP leader said. the girl, he said. The complainant has also alleged that her daughter he feels the need to participate just because he hails from a Urging the BJP leadership "If he is adamant and does was beaten up by the accused when she resisted him, the SHO in the agitation. farmer family, but also because including Prime minister not resign, then the BJP and said.The accused in on the run, he added. Gurbaksh Singh, who has what is happening is an "injus- Narendra Modi to intervene Prime Minister must inter- been a businessman in tice to the most important cit- and ask Yediyurappa to step vene. Toronto for the last 30 years, izens of the country, that is the down, the senior Congress Those who had claimed 'Na PM to virtually inaugurate said he came to India last week farmers". leader said the saffron party Khaunga, Na Khane Dunga' to be part of the agitation Several rounds of talks high command that has been Speaking to reporters here, by H D Kumaraswamy. (PM Narendra Modi's slogan Kochi-Mangaluru GAIL pipeline demanding the revocation of between the government and planning to replace the Chief he said BJP leadership has to Noting that the judge in his promising to end corruption) rime Minister Narendra three new farm laws that the farmers have resulted in a Minister has now got a strong immediately intervene and ask order has in detail explained must act," he said. Modi would virtually "threaten the land ownership" stalemate. weapon against him. Yediyurappa to resign. the reason why investigation He said if Yediyurappa does Pinaugurate the Kochi- of thousands of farmer fami- Enacted in September, the "I demand the resignation The Karnataka High Court has to continue and FIR can- not resign,the congress will Mangaluru GAIL pipeline on lies, including his. three farm laws have been pro- of Mr Yediyurappa, because his on Tuesday had rejected not be quashed, Siddaramaiah take to the streets and January 5, Chief Minister "Although I have my return jected by the government as petition for quashing the FIR Yediyurappa's plea seeking wanted to know how protest."...but I feel he may Pinarayi Vijayan said on Thursday. tickets booked for next week, major reforms in the agricul- against him was dismissed by quashing of an FIR against him Yediyurappa could continue as resign on his own," the con- Vijayan told reporters here that it after seeing all this, I am ture sector that will remove the the High Court of pertaining to illegal denotifica- CM. gress leader said. was a matter of happinessthat the thinking if I should prolong middlemen and allow the Karnataka.Therefore he has tion of land in 2006-07 when "As he is the Chief Minister "We will decide in party Prime Minister had agreed to my stay here," Singh, who is farmers to sell their produce no right to continue as Chief he was the Deputy Chief and has powers, there are forum and decide what to be launch the natural gas pipeline project. "Union Minister originally from Punjab's Nawa anywhere in the country. Minister for a second," Minister in the BJP-JD(S) chances of influencing the done to put pressure on him to Dharmendra Pradhan called yesterday. He informed that the Prime Shahr village, said. Siddaramaiah said. coalition government headed investigation.There cannot be resign..," he said. Minister consented to virtually inaugurate the Kochi-Mangal uruGAIL pipeline on January 5," he said. It was a matter of happiness that a project, believed to never materialise, was finally ready and the Prime Minister himself was inaugurating it, the Chief Minister added. The 444-km long pipeline was launched in 2009 at Gadkari starts Rs 8,341cr projects an estimated cost of Rs 2,915 crore and was to be commissioned Arrest of Kerala journalist: Case in 2014.

PTI n NEW DELHI laid the foundation stone of 18 Minister Rajyavardhan highway projects in Rajasthan Rathore as well as several min- transferred to sessions judge Lawyer murder: Two suspects Union Minister Nitin Gadkari today (Thursday). isters of the state also attend- on Thursday inaugurated and "These projects carry a road ed the event. PTI n MATHURA (UP) passed by District and Sessions laid the foundation stone of Rs length of nearly 1,127 kilome- These projects will ease the Judge Yashavant Kumar held after encounter in UP 8,341-crore highway projects tres, involving a construction transportation of commercial The Additional District and Mishra earlier this week. wo persons suspected to be involved in Rajasthan. value of Rs 8,341 crore," the goods within and across the Sessions Judge-I of Mathura Journalist Kappan and three in the killing of a lawyer in Greater Addressing a virtual event Ministry of Road Transport state, will improve connectiv- will now hear the case involv- others were arrested by TNoida last week were arrested after an on the occasion, the road and Highways said in a state- ity to the borders, enhance ing Kerala journalist Siddique Mathura police on October 5 encounter with the police, officials said on transport, highways and ment. employment opportunities, Kappan and three others, with when they were on their way Thursday.The gunfight broke out near MSMEs minister also said Rajasthan Chief Minister and improve tourism and infra a court here holding that the to a village in Hathras to meet Chuharpur underpass in Beta 2 highway works worth Rs 1 lakh Ashok Gehlot presided over development, among others, Chief Judicial Magistrate was the family members of a Dalit police station area late on crore are either ongoing or at the virtual function. Union the statement said. not competent to hear the transfer of all the records, woman who had died after her Wednesday night. The the DPR (detailed project ministers Gajendra Singh Addressing the event, matter and order remand of remand papers, etc. to the gangrape and assault. accused were identified as report) stage. Shekhawat, V K Singh, Arjun Gadkari said work is ongoing the accused. court of the Additional District Kappan, Atiqur Rahman, Sanjeev Singh and Subhash "Road Transport Minister Ram Meghwal and Kailash or is at the DPR stage for pro- "The Chief Judicial Magi- and Sessions Judge-I immedi- Aalam and Masood, with Singh, police officials said. Lawyer Fateh Mohammad Khan, aged Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and Choudhary and former Union jects worth Rs 1 lakh crore. strate, Mathura, would ensure ately," according to an order alleged links with the PFI. around 50, was shot dead on a road near his home in Sector 36 of Greater Noida on December 17 by two unidentified bike-borne assailants, according to the police. "While one accused was held after the encounter, the other managed to escape but was caught during a combing operation," DCP, Greater Noida, Rajesh Kumar #MeToo: Did not meet Ramani in hotel, Akbar says Singh said."It appears there was a deal between the accused and the deceased lawyer over multiple properties but eventually the two PTI n NEW DELHI allegation”. sides had a fallout and the accused eliminated the lawyer," he said. Akbar made the submission during the Akbar had filed the criminal Former Union minister M J final hearing of a criminal defamation defamation complaint against Akbar Thursday said before a Ramani in October 15, 2018. Delhi court that there was no complaint filed by him against Ramani He had resigned as Union Former CEO of rating agency meeting between him and jour- for accusing him of sexual minister on October 17, 2018. nalist Priya Ramani in the misconduct 20 years ago when he Akbar had earlier told the BARC arrested in TRP scam hotel where she alleges that he was a journalist. court that Ramani had he crime branch of Mumbai sexually misbehaved with her. defamed him by calling him Police on Thursday arrested a Akbar made the submission with adjectives such as 'media's Tformer CEO of the Broadcast during the final hearing of a biggest predator' that harmed Audience Research Council (BARC) criminal defamation complaint not make averments on a social resume the proceedings on his reputation. from Pune district in the fake TRP filed by him against Ramani for media portal some 30-40 years January 4. Akbar has denied all the alle- scam, an official said. Partho accusing him of sexual miscon- later and tell a person that this Akbar had earlier told the gations of sexual harassment Dasgupta, the accused, is the duct 20 years ago when he was is what happened. It has to be court that Ramani should have against the women who came fifteenth person to be arrested in a journalist. responsible and with evidence. taken recourse to law instead of forward during #MeToo cam- the case related to alleged rigging Ramani had made the alle- “What part of the incident that I didn't address”. Delay defeats the ends of jus- making allegation of sexual paign against him. of Television Rating Points (TRP) by some TV channels. He was gation of sexual misconduct has not been addressed? They “You (Ramani) haven't tice," she said. misconduct against him on Over 20 women came up arrested by Crime Intelligence Unit (CIU) from the jurisdiction of against Akbar in the wake of say complainant has avoided proved any date, hotel register, Ramani had earlier said that social media. with accounts of the alleged Rajgad Police Station in Pune district and will be produced before a #MeToo movement in 2018. the meeting. When I (Akbar) CCTV or ticket of entry in car she made the allegations in Ramani had earlier said her sexual harassment by Akbar court here on Friday, the official said. Earlier, the CIU had arrested Senior advocate Geeta have denied it, where is the parking. You haven't proved 2018 as there was a global allegations of sexual miscon- him while they were working former chief operating officer (COO) of BARC Ramil Ramgarhia in Luthra, appearing for Akbar, issue of not addressing.” anything,” she added. movement where women from duct against Akbar were her as journalists under him. the case, among others.Mumbai police began the probe after the said: “The moment a meeting She said that when Akbar Luthra further said delayed all walks of life were calling out truth and were made in public He termed the allegations BARC, a rating agency, filed a complaint about rigging of TRP by is denied, further questions are has denied the meeting, “there allegations are not permissible the persons who sexually good. “false, fabricated and deeply some channels. TRP, measured by recording viewership data at not warranted. None of the can't be a question of whether in a court of law. assaulted them in the past. She disputed Akbar's claims distressing” and said he was sample households, is crucial as it helps TV channels attract suggestions are warranted. The sofa was blue or pink... “Principles of rule of law and The hearing remained incon- of having a stellar reputation taking appropriate legal action advertisers. meeting in the hotel is denied. Completely misleading to say natural justice say that you can- clusive and the court will “that had been tarnished by her against them. Follow us on: RNI No. APENG/2018/764698 @TheDailyPioneer facebook.com/dailypioneer Established 1864 Published From ANALYSIS 7 MONEY 8 PAGE 10 VIJAYAWADA DELHI LUCKNOW EMPOWER CONCERN OVER LACK OF FREEDOM BENEFITS OF BHOPAL RAIPUR CHANDIGARH ADOLESCENTS AMONG ‘INDEPENDENT’ DIRECTORS PRESERVING CORD BLOOD BHUBANESWAR RANCHI DEHRADUN HYDERABAD *Late City Vol. 3 Issue 45 VIJAYAWADA, FRIDAY DECEMBER 25, 2020; PAGES 12 `3 *Air Surcharge Extra if Applicable ‘ROLE IN SOLO BRATHUKE SO BETTER IS CLOSE TO MY REAL LIFE’ { Page 11 } www.dailypioneer.com

MERRY BRITAIN FORMALLY LEFT THE EU, BIRYANI ORDERED MORE THAN ONCE PANDEMIC DELAYED RANBIR CHRISTMAS! EVERY SECOND IN 2020: REPORT KAPOOR-ALIA BHATT MARRIAGE The Pioneer POST-BREXIT TRADE DEAL FINALISED wishes ritain and the European Union struck a post-Brexit trade he year 2020 or the year of the pandemic has made anbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt would have been married by a very happy Bdeal Thursday that they hope will cushion the economic Tan indelible impact on our lives. We have adjusted Rthis time now had the pandemic not hit their lives, the blow of the UK's imminent departure from the bloc after to the 'new normal' of working or studying from actor revealed in a recent interview. The couple occupied Christmas months of tortuous negotiations. "The deal is done," home, ordering nearly everything online and the top spot on the list of trends on Thursday after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted, venturing out as less as possible. Food habits too Ranbir Kapoor's interview with film critic Rajeev Masand declaring that the UK would remain Europe's ally and have undergone a vast change, whether for surfaced on the Internet. In the interview, Ranbir called "number one market". "We have finally found an better or for worse. People have innovated in Alia Bhatt his "girlfriend" and also spilled the beans on agreement," the president of the European their home kitchens, cooking all sorts of his wedding plans with the actress. When asked Commission Ursula von der Leyen said. "It was a long interesting recipes at home. But one thing that whether he and Alia had considered marriage, Ranbir, and winding road, but we have a good deal at the end of has not changed is Indians' love for Biryani. who was living with the actress during the lockdown, it," she said. "The single market will be fair and remain According to Swiggy's 5th Annual StatEATstics said: "It would have already been sealed if the pandemic so." tweeted Boris Johnson. Britain formally left the EU in report, Biryani was ordered more than once every hadn't hit our lives. But I don't want to jinx it by saying January after a deeply divisive referendum in 2016. second in some form in the year 2020. anything. I want to tick mark that goal soon in my life." PEDALANDARIKI ILLU LAUNCH TODAY Infected UK returnee reaches Jagan set to fulfil dreams Rajahmundry, kept in isolation PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM Railway officials seal coach of lakhs of AP’s homeless The horror of the new strain of Covid-19 gripped people PNS n VIJAYAWADA For the first time in the across the country after a of AP Express at Vizag country, a house site patta is woman from Rajahmundry in The State government is all set being given for just one rupee East Godavari disappeared The bogie of the AP Express in travelled on the AP Express on for the launch of and will be registered in the from Delhi airport after test- which the woman who returned December 22 are being traced "Pedalandariki Illu", the flag- name of a woman of the house- ing positive for Coronavirus from the UK was travelling in, very carefully, so that they do not Focus on local products ship programme of the hold. All the beneficiaries will upon returning from the was detached from the train after get scared and goes into hiding. to help create job oppor- Navratnalu this Friday, coin- be given either 1.5 cents in United Kingdom on December its arrival in Vizag and sealed at The health departments of the ciding with Christmas and rural areas or one cent in 21. She was traced to the AP the coaching complex in the city. respective states are in touch tunities: Goyal Vaikunta Ekadasi. urban areas. Express that runs between The AP Express runs between with the Railways. Chief Minister YS The State government had Delhi and Visakhapatnam Delhi and Visakhapatnam daily. Though the woman travelled in Jaganmohan Reddy will launch acquired 68,361 acres of land daily and taken to a Covid-19 According to railway officials of the first class where the the programme at Komaragiri worth Rs 23,535 crore. Of this isolation centre after the train Waltair Railway Division, the interaction with co-passengers is 8 layout of U Kothapalli mandal 25,120.33 acres belong to the reached Rajahmundry on bogie will be sanitised and will minimal, the government in East Godavari district and it government which is valued at Thursday. be used after 12 days. authorities are trying to trace, would be rolled out across the about Rs 8,000 crore and Her 22-year-old son, who The coach was replaced with test and quarantine her co- State over the next 15 days, 25,359.31 acres were purchased had come to pick her up, test- another one to ensure safety of passengers. benefiting over 30 lakh bene- at a cost of Rs 10,150 crore. ed negative. Passengers on UK the passengers. There were "There were many stoppages for ficiaries. The YSRCP Government beneficiaries will be given D- Also, 4,457.05 acres were flights are being tested at air- around 60 passengers travelling the train. We don't know who Also on the same day, the then tried to roll out the pro- form pattas. Once the legal acquired under land pooling ports across the country to in the coach. came in touch with the woman. government will commence gramme on various occasions cases are resolved, land deeds scheme in Visakhapatnam, check the spread of a fast- "We are not exposing anyone to So, it is better to track down the the construction of 15.60 lakh like Ambedkar Jayanti, Gandhi will be handed over in the 1,074.18 acres owned by spreading mutant variant of the coach. Hence, we sealed it. passengers and advise them to houses in the first phase. In Jayanti, Independence Day etc., name of women beneficiaries. AMRDA in the capital the coronavirus that has The coach needs to be sanitised be in quarantine. We are sharing addition to these, the govern- the initiative was halted as the So far 30,75,755 beneficia- Amravati area, 2,550.96 acres emerged in Britain. carefully. It's better to not take the passenger details to the state ment will also distribute sale court proceedings were going ries have been identified for the was acquired for TIDCO hous- The woman was taken to the any chance," said a senior official governments and tracing is agreements for 2.60 lakh on. scheme, of which 23,37,067 ing, and another 9,800 acres for Safdarjung hospital and report- from the Waltair Division. being done confidentially," said TIDCO houses. In this context, the govern- will be given houses in over those living on occupied lands. edly advised home isolation as Meanwhile, all those who the Railway official. The Government had initial- ment had finally decided to 17,000 developed layouts 'YSR Besides these, the govern- she was asymptomatic. Rajahmundry by the AP coordinator for health ser- ly decided to launch the mas- distribute the house site pattas Jagananna Colonies'. ment has proposed to con- The woman, a teacher in the Special Express, which arrived vices Dr T Ramesh Kishore sive event on Ugadi festival day in areas that are litigation- About 4,86,820 people struct 28.30 lakh houses in the UK, allegedly told officials at midnight yesterday. said "Early morning today, (March 25) this year. However free. In the areas where there already living in unauthorised State at an estimated cost of Rs that she left on her own as she When asked about the rea- both the woman and her son legal hurdles had prevented it is some legal objection and sites, will be authorised and the 50,944 crore. was asymptomatic. sons the woman violated the reached here. from going ahead with the other places that are not in the remaining 2,51,868 will be She then travelled with her quarantine rule at Delhi air- schedule. initial phase of the roll-out, the allocated TIDCO houses. 4 son from Delhi to port, East Godavari district 4 Bratya: Mamata was not invited to Visva- Bharati centenary BCCI approves BEFORE THE HIGHEST COURT meet Mutating virus proving to be 10 teams for 2022 IPL deadlier with newer symptoms 5 n PNS AHMEDABAD RAJESH JAIN NIDARKAR The BCCI's governing body n NEW DELHI on Thursday ratified the entry of two new franchises The mutating corona virus in the IPL to make it a 10- (SARS-Cov-2), which present- team affair from 2022 and ly has known symptoms such TODAY also decided to back the as cough, cold, sore throat, loss ICC's push for cricket's inclu- of taste, and odor among ALMANAC sion in the 2028 Olympics, infected persons, is proving to Month & Paksham: during its Annual General be deadlier, with additional Meeting (AGM) here. symptoms such as diarrhea, Margashirsha & Shukla Paksha "Two new teams will be vomiting, and headache also Panchangam introduced in the 2022 IPL," being reported in various parts Tithi : Ekadashi: 01:53 am (Next Day) a Board source told PTI. of the world. Nakshatram: Ashwini: 07:36 am It is learnt that time at hand Medical experts make it Time to Avoid: (Bad time to start is too short for even a nine- clear that the only course of Chief Justice of India SA Bobde is received by TTD chairman YV Subbareddy on his arrival at Tirumala, on Thursday any important work) team IPL next year as an elab- action to keep it at bay is to orate tender-floating process, wear mask, maintain physical Symptoms update Rahukalam: 10:54 am – 12:16 pm increase of matches and distance from all people in all Yamagandam: 03:00 pm – 04:23 pm ensuring that all foreign play- situations, take nutritious food n Loss of taste and smell: It has "n Muscle aches: This Varjyam: 06:24 pm – 08:12 pm er' international calendars on a daily basis, and follow been found that most of the symptom has been reported in are adjusted, would be prove ED attaches properties worth hygiene. corona patients have symptoms more than 14 per cent of corona Gulika: 08:09 am - 09:31 am to be a herculean task. A recent study by a team of of loss of taste and smell. Medical victims in more than 50 Good Time: (to start any important work) In another major develop- scientists at the Los Alamos experts say the second-generation countries. People, especially the Amritakalam: 05:11 am – 06:59 am ment, the Board, in principle, National Laboratory in the virus may not have any of those elderly, suffer from muscle pain Rs 4,109 crore in Agri Gold case symptoms. Studies have found n Headache: Do not take it Abhijit Muhurtham: 11:54 am – 12:38 pm decided to back the ICC's bid United States of America for inclusion of cricket, in the found that SARS-Cov-2 has the virus could spread to others lightly even if the head feels dizzy T20 format, in the 2028 Los PNS n VIJAYAWADA December 21 arrested three Entertainments Private Limited become much stronger. without any signs or symptoms or the whole head feels pain. VIJAYAWADA Angeles Olympics "after get- promoters of the scam tainted in AP spread over 48 acres, Scientists say the mutating n Chills: In many cases, chills Headaches are common when you ting some clarifications from The Enforcement Directorate Agri Gold Group and pro- shares of various companies, virus has potential to spread are considered a minor problem. have a cold. However, the study WEATHER the International Olympic (ED) has provisionally attached duced them before the ED’s plants and machinery belonging around the world. The newer Experts say cold should also be found that headaches were also Forecast: Sunny Committee". assets worth Rs 4,109 crore PMLA court. They were sent to to Agri Gold Group. symptoms have been reported considered a health problem in seen in some of the latest cases Temp: 31/18 "Look, the BCCI is an under Prevention of Money judicial custody on Wednesday. ED has initiated investigation more from the east coast of the the face of new viruses n Inflammation of the throat: Humidity: 61% autonomous body and it Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) On Thursday, ED had attached under PMLA based on multiple US, where many people are n Soreness: Many of the More than 60% of corona cases Sunrise: 06:43 am would like to maintain its in the Agri Gold ponzi fraud assets, including 2,809 landed FIRs lodged in the states of AP, infected. infected persons lost their teeth suffer from cough and sore throat. Sunset: 05:49 pm autonomy. case. properties, Haailand Amusement Telangana and Karnataka. by biting on the side due to cold Current Weather Conditions 4 ED sleuths had on Park of M/s Arka Leisure and 4 sores Updated December 24, 2020 5:00 PM 4 VANTAGE POINT -NNARSIM Utilising MPLADS funds no priority for Telugu MPs SNV SUDHIR State for Home Affairs G every year to carry out devel- Another 10 MPs were rated GROUND REPORT n VIJAYAWADA Kishan Reddy, who represents opmental activities in their ‘good’ and seven have been Secunderabad Lok Sabha seg- respective constituency. They rated as ‘average’. Performance Criteria: Dec 23, 1993 Inexplicable as it may sound, ment also figures in this list of get the amount in every finan- Among the 17 MPs from n Excellent: Performance 60% n In 1993-94, Rr 5 lakh per MP nine of the 42 MPs from both ‘non-spender MPs’. cial year starting April. Telangana, only two managed and above was allotted, enhanced to Rs 1 Telugu states failed to spend Unfortunately for the As per an analysis to get a ‘good’ rating’, five were n Good: Performance 25% and crore from 1994-95, Rs 2 crore even one paisa of the funds people that elected done by Delhi based deemed ‘average’ and three above - below 60%. from 1998-99 and now it is Rs 5 allocated by the Union them, not one of parliamentarybuis- ‘below average’. n Average: Performance 10% crore from 2011-12 Government under the MP the MPs from both ness.com, a website The Union government in and above - below 25%. n The Ministry of Statistics and Local Area Development the states was rated that tracks the per- April temporarily suspended n Below Average: Performance Programme Implementation Scheme (MPLADS) since the with ‘excellent’ per- formance of the MPs, MPLAD Funds during 2020-21 above 0% and below 10%. (MoSPI) has been responsible for start of the . formance in spend- the performance in and 2021-22 in view of the the policy formulation, release of Noticeably seven of these ing these funds. spending these funds of adverse impact of the out- Non Performer: 0% funds and prescribing monitoring nine MPs are from Telangana. Each member of the Lok five MPs from break of Covid pandemic. Performance. mechanism for implementation Significantly, Union Minister of Sabha is allotted with Rs 5 crore was rated ‘below average’. 4 n MPLADS was launched on of the Scheme VIJAYAWADA | FRIDAY | DECEMBER 25, 2020 04

SBI employee Naidu, Lokesh decry atrocity strangled, set on Sanitation workers dump fire by ex-lover on Anantapur Dalit girl PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM garbage in front of bank PNS n VIJAYAWADA Two persons have been Naidu launches iTDP app, arrested in connection with Former Chief Minister N the murder of a 19-year-old PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM He said that every bank Chandrababu Naidu on links leadership with cadre woman who worked at the was receiving thousands of Thursday condemned the SBI in Dharmavaram Mandal In a bizarre protest, sanitation applications for different alleged victimisation and Vijayawada: TDP chief and information about issues to be of Anantapur district. workers in Krishna district schemes announced by the atrocity on an innocent girl in former chief minister N passed both ways. With its The accused strangled the dumped garbage in front of state government. "With lim- Anantapur district. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday volunteers extending to even the woman and set her body on bank branches in Vijayawada ited manpower and time, Naidu telephoned the par- launched the 'iTDP', the Telugu village level, iTDP works on fire after she rejected his and Vuyyuru to vent their bank branches are working ents of the victimised girl and Desam Party’s digital wing meant gaining news about any kind of advances. anger at the delay in disbursal day and night to clear the enquired about how and when for facilitating quick issue happening at the According to the police, of their loans under various sanction and disbursement of the ghastly incident took place. communication between the grassroots,” the TDP said in a Snehalatha dated the accused, welfare schemes of the AP loans," the Confederation He assured that the TDP cadre and party leadership. statement. Gooty Rajesh, who worked as government. explained urging all the con- would fight on their behalf till The iTDP app is designed as a “Any party worker can post a mason, but had reportedly The beneficiaries alleged cerned to maintain harmony stringent punishment is platform to post info by anyone content about local issues or distanced herself after she got that despite repeated requests, understanding the pandemic accorded to the culprits wishing to raise their voice on receive updates about the party’s a contract job in the bank. the bank officials neither sanc- situation. involved in the atrocity. urgent grassroots problems. instructions in real-time. It gives She later grew close to her tioned loans under YSR However, the top brass of The girl's mother told Naidu These past few weeks, this wing youth a direct line to the party classmate in college, and this Cheyutha scheme nor did give the banks escalated the mat- that the victim would have be- was instrumental in bringing headquarters in highlighting allegedly angered Rajesh, who proper replies. ter to the Municipal en saved if the Anantapur pol- testimonials from victims to urgent social issues,” said devised a plan to kill her. Call The district Collector, criti- Administration secretary, ice responded in time. Though reach the government, especially Chinthakayala Vijay, son of records revealed that cal of the behaviour of the Vijayawada and Vuyyuru on organisation. Ajay Jain and apprised him of complaints were given against disaster-affected farmers who former minister Ch Ayyanna Snehalatha and Rajesh spoke municipal staff, ordered them Thursday. "We served the public dur- the exceeding of loan dis- the culprits two to three times, were unable to gain any Patrudu. 1,618 times in the last year. to remove the garbage imme- "We noticed that the munic- ing the pandemic. No other burse target by 128 percent. there was no response from the compensation. iTDP is the first app of its kind Last Tuesday, Rajesh called diately. ipal staff were instructed to industry served the public The heads of the banks also police, she said. On December 24, the iTDP app for a regional party. With its base Snehalatha to meet him and Meanwhile, the AP state dump the garbage before directly by taking huge risks to shared about the humilia- In a statement here, the was launched officially through of 60 lakh party workers, this app took her on his bike, police unit of All India Bank Officers' banks. It is an unethical prac- their lives. Many employees tion of staff stating that TDP chief expressed anger the iTDP Digital Conclave could be a breakthrough in said. Rajesh started ques- Confederation condemned the tice by a government body to contracted the virus in the line implementation of govern- over the failure of the Jagan attended by a thousand viewers. removing accessibility issues tioning her about her intima- action of the municipal work- do harm to the image of the of duty," said Y.V ment schemes becomes diffi- regime in protecting women “Considering the proliferation of between local leaders and those cy with her Praveen and in a ers to dump garbage in front of public sector," read a statement Satyanarayana, AP Unit secre- cult for the bank staff if such from attacks and atrocities. social media platforms, this app heading the party at the state- fit of rage, killed her. the bank branches at from the bank employee tary of the bank organisation. a situation is repeated. The law and order situation in aims to be a one-stop app for level. Andhra Pradesh has touched the face of this atrocity. tortured in the name of love the lowest point ever, he said. In a separate statement, but this Government advised On its part, the Telugu Desam TDP national general secretary the victimised family to change Infected UK... ED attaches... Party would extend all kinds of Nara Lokesh alleged that the residence, Lokesh claimed. Mutating virus proving to be support and assistance to the Dalit girl was a victim of the He said that when the par- Continued from Page 1 Continued from Page 1 victimised family, Naidu said. negligence of the YSRCP ents complained that their He consoled and told the pa- Government. daughter was missing, the We are yet to question her The scam was perpetrated rents of the girl to remain Her mother wailed incon- police asked them to wait for as to why she escaped from deadlier with newer symptoms by accused Avva Venkata courageous and confident in solably that their girl was being a day. quarantine." Rama Rao through Agri Gold They were traced after Continued from Page 1 Group of Companies. information about their train Symptoms update According to the ED, travel was shared with district The virus, apart from Venkata Rama Rao hatched a authorities from Delhi. becoming more powerful, n Consult a doctor as these considering the number of well planned conspiracy and Vijayasai lists ‘encroachments’ by The woman had tested could infect a person more than symptoms cannot be ignored corona patients reporting along with his seven brothers positive for Covid-19 at Delhi once. Scientists say that a in the present circumstances them. and other associates setting airport and her samples were patient who has recovered n Diarrhea: Experts have n Vomiting: Experts say that up more than 150 companies sent for genome sequencing could be re-infected as the new underlined the need for doctor if you are suffering from fever and started collecting TDP MLA, supporters in Vizag to identify if she was infect- strain has been found to spread consultation if there is severe and vomiting, you should deposits from general public ed with the new strain of the rapidly to the cells in the lungs. pain, diarrhea, etc., definitely consult a doctor with a promise of providing PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM He said that political leaders virus. developed plots/farm lands or of the previous regime built Anticipating that she might withdrawal at a high rate of Rajya Sabha member and sheds and thatched houses have boarded a train to reach return on maturity/pre-term. senior YSRCP leader V over 40 acres of land. The Rajahmundry, the state Thousands of commission Vijayasai Reddy on Thursday GVMC officials demolished 50 authorities with the help of BCCI approves 10 teams for... agents were engaged to lure listed the land encroachments thatched houses and 13 sheds Railways searched passenger people with various schemes he alleged were by TDP in the recent drive. manifest in Delhi- Continued from Page 1 that if its does not get full tax USD 123 million, will be for hefty commission and Visakhapatnam East MLA The MLA had plans to Visakhapatnam AP Express. exemption from the govern- deducted from our annual managed to collect Rs 6,380 Velagapudi Ramakrishna encroach and grab all the The woman and her son Our legal team is looking to ment of India to host the revenue, so we will get crore from 32,02,628 investor Babu. vacant lands under his con- were traced and once they get a few clarifications. World T20 next year, as sought around USD 267 million. But accounts. The MP reiterated that the stituency but this would not arrived at Rajahmundry rail- Obviously, cricket in Olympics by the ICC, then it would agree India is hosting the 2021 In the end, the gullible government would be the cus- happen under the present gov- way station, they were shift- is great for the game. Let's hope to deduction from its annual T20 World Cup," the source investors got neither plots nor todian of all state-owned land. ernment, the Rajya Sabha ed to an isolation ward in the we can move in the right revenue of USD 390 million said. could recover their deposits. He said the TDP men, led by member said. government hospital. direction," the member, who from the global body. Also, it was decided that all Investigation under PMLA Ramakrishna Babu, resorted to The government, as custodi- RT-PCR tests were con- attended the AGM, said. "We have told the ICC that first-class players, both men further revealed that Agri large scale encroachment of 837 acres of land of which an of the lands, would take ducted on the duo and the The Board, however, did we will approach our govern- and women, will be suitably Gold Group of Companies government lands under 136.36 acres of land is in legal back all the encroached land, mother tested positive for the not reveal the nature of its ment for tax rebate but if we compensated for the cur- used to lure the gullible pub- Survey No 26 and 27 in Zone disputes. Around 213.13 acres Vijayasai Reddy said, citing the virus while her son tested queries with regards to the don't get that exemption, the tailed domestic season due to lic to join as depositors in -2 of the Greater were given on lease to various examples of land being retak- negative. matter. The BCCI has decided amount, which is around the COVID-19 pandemic. their schemes either directly Visakhapatnam Municipal government departments. en from GITAM University or through their agents under Corporation. TDP leaders grabbed 73.01 and former mayor Sabbam the pretext of real estate deal. The Corporation has about acres, Vijayasai Reddy said. Hari. Investigation under PMLA further revealed that Avva Utilising MPLADS funds no priority for... Venkata Rama Rao and his family went on a siphoning Continued from Page 1 Ramulu Pothuganti repre- Of the total ‘below average’ GROUND REPORT spree and illegally diverted Jagan set to fulfil dreams of senting Nagarkurnool, performing MPs of Andhra the deposits to myriad verti- Parliamentarybuisness.com Congress MP from Bhongir Pradesh, YSRCP’s Gorantla Non Performer: 0% cals and in private companies analysed the spending of the Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, Madhav and Performance. which were directly owned by MPs from the beginning of the Nalamada Uttam Kumar who represent Hindupur and n A Department in each their family. lakhs of AP’s homeless 17th Lok Sabha session till Reddy representing Nalgonda, Kakinada respectively had State/UT is designated as the Investigation conducted so Continued from Page 1 NIT. house has to pay Rs 50,000 as December 20 this year using BJP MP and party state unit spent only Rs 0.05 crore each Nodal Department with the far led ED in Identification of Each house will consist of his share and the beneficiary the information provided by chief Bandi Sanjay who rep- of the total funds. overall responsibility of assets totalling to Rs 4,109 Of these, 15.60 lakh hous- one bedroom, living room, of a 430 sq ft house has to pay MPLADS Ministry of resents Karimnagar and Another ‘below average’ supervision, monitoring and crore which has been provi- es will be taken up in the first kitchen, toilet and verandah, Rs 1 lakh but the government Statistics and Programme junior Union Minister G performing MP from coordination of the MPLADS sionally attached under phase at a cost of Rs 28,084 with a total plinth area of 340 has also announced a 50 per Implementation. Kishan Reddy from Machilipatnam Vllabhannei implementation with the PMLA. crore and the remaining sq. ft. and will be provided cent subsidy for them. “The basis of the rating and Secunderabad have scored a Balashowry had spent only districts and other Line The properties are located 12.70 lakh houses will be with basic facilities like lights, To that extent, the benefi- ranking of MPLADS expendi- zero and rated as ‘non-per- 0.1 crore. YSRCP MP from Departments in Andhra Pradesh in taken up in the second phase fans, overhead tank and water ciary of a 365 sq ft house will ture of an MP is their expens- formers’ for not spending Vizianagaram Bellana n MoSPI disburses funds to Anantpur, Kurnool, Krishna, at a cost of Rs 22,860 crore. connection. AP TIDCO has have to pay only Rs 25,000 es of Rs 5 crore in one year even a single rupee of Chandrasekhar topped district authorities, not directly Chittoor, Guntur, Kadapa, The first phase of works already undertaken the con- and the beneficiary of a 430 spent for the development of MPLADS funds. among the Andhra MPs in to MPs. MPs can only Vizianagaram, East Godavari, shall commence from struction of 2,62,216 houses sq ft house will have to pay their area. The basis of rating Among Andhra Pradesh spending these funds. recommend, but district West Godavari, December 25 onwards, where across the state. only Rs 50,000 as their share. and ranking is calculated by MPs, Chinta Anuradha and While Chandrasekhar had authorities have the ultimate Visakhapatnam, Nellore, 15.60 lakh houses will be The houses are being con- The subsidy will be borne by the total expenditure of their Margani Bharath of YSRCP recommended works worth power to sanction it Prakasam and Srikakulam constructed in 8,929 layouts structed on three floors with the government. MPLADS funds,” Mahesh representing Amalapuram Rs 4.71 crore, he had spent n This annual entitlement is districts. in 175 constituencies, while an area of 300, 365, 430 sq. Ft. For TIDCO houses, Shukla of and Rajahmundry segments Rs 2.4 crore. released conditionally in two In Karnataka, they are in the second phase, 12.70 The State government is only 1,43,600 beneficiaries have Parliamentarybuisness.com respectively were rated as In Telangana TRS MP instalments of Rs 2.5 crore located in Bengaluru, Kolar, lakh houses will be con- charging one rupee from the been identified for 300 sq ft told The Pioneer. ‘non-performers’. Both from Warangal, Pasunuri each Yadgir and Mandya districts. structed in 7,141 layouts in all beneficiary for a 300 sq ft houses, 44,304 for 365 sq ft In Telangana, TRS MPs Anuradha and Bharath had Dayakar topped the list as n Funds are non-lapsable in The properties are also constituencies. house and will be given to the houses and 74,312 beneficia- Kavitha Malothu representing recommended works worth he spent Rs 2.47 crore of the nature. In case of non-release of located in Odisha’s Khurda The government has decid- beneficiaries through an ries for 430 sq ft houses. They Mahbubabad, Manne Srinivas Rs 1.75 crore and Rs 2 crore total Rs 4.89 crore worth the fund in a particular year it is district and Krishnagiri dis- ed to inspect quality houses agreement of sale. Similarly, will also be given sale agree- Reddy of Mahbubnagar, respectively. works recommended. carried forward to the next year. trict of Tamil Nadu. by experts from IITs and the beneficiary of a 365 sq ft ments from Friday.

VIJAYAWADA BULLION RATES All set for Vaikunta Dwara Darshan to devotees Burglars target marriage party GOLD PNS n VIJAYAWADA The TTD decided to PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM Rs 30 lakh in Vizag city on ` 50, 940 (10 gm) Wednesday night. All arrangements are in place provide 10 day-long Hours before marriage of an The burglary took place at ` 140 for Vaikunta dwara darshanam Vaikunta Dwara Dars- affluent family at a resort, a a well-known resort when SILVER that commences with group of burglars decamped the family members and rel- ` 71, 300 (1kg) Vaikuntha Ekadasi on han this year after pr- with bridal ornaments atives of the bride were ` 800 December 25 onwards, said the olonged consultations weighing over 500 gm worth asleep. TTD chairman YV Subba Reddy on Thursday evening. with Jeeyarswamijis, CHICKEN Speaking to reporters at the Agama advisors and RATES `/KG Annamaiah Bhavan along with TTD EO Dr KS Jawahar Reddy pontiffs of various Dressed/With Skin `157 and Additional EO AV mutts Without Skin `178 Dharma Reddy, the TTD Broiler at Farm `108 Chairman said the Vaikunta Dwara Darshan for common mences only after weekly devotees who had booked their Abhisekam followed by dar- EGG online tickets will commence shan for VIPs and Srivani from 7.30 am onwards. Trust donors from 4 am RATES `/100 He said the TTD board had onwards and for common VIJAYAWADA 516 decided to provide 10 day-long devotees from 7.30 am. HYDERABAD 519 Vaikunta Dwara Darshan to sors and pontiffs of various guidelines, the TTD resumed getting the Lord's blessings. He appealed to all devotees devotees this year after pro- mutts across the country. daily Srivari Darshan for 5,000 He said as it is Friday, the to follow Covid guidelines and VISAKHAPATNAM 505 longed consultations with Subba Reddy said after the devotees from June 8 and now Dwara Darshanam on beget blessings of Lord RETAIL PRICE `5.16 Jeeyarswamijis, Agama advi- lockdown and as per Covid-19 nearly 35,000 devotees were Vaikuntha Ekadasi day com- Venkateswara. (IN HYDERABAD)

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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. FRIDAY | DECEMBER 25, 2020 nation 05 PM: Tagore's vision is Difficult year for transgenders, elderly, disabled PNS n NEW DELHI The ministry is also plan- ning separate special helplines Transgenders, elderly and the to help the elderly and trans- Atma Nirbhar Bharat disabled population had a dif- gender community members, ficult 2020 due to the coron- an official said. PNS n SANTINEKATAN (WB) Bharati was the embodiment of avirus pandemic which kept The Centre constituted the the vision and the hard work of the Ministry of Social Justice National Council for Gurudev Rabindranath the Nobel laureate and a "vener- and Empowerment on its toes Transgender Persons in August Tagore's vision is the essence of able source of constant energy to throughout the year. to formulate policies, pro- 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' mission the country." He said, today, India While the elderly battled grammes, legislation and pro- of his government for empow- was spreading Visva-Bharati's high susceptibility to COVID- jects regarding members of the erment of India and the world, message to the world. "India is 19, transgenders and the dis- community for achieving Prime Minister Narendra today leading the world in the field abled population were hit by its equality and full participation Modi said on Thursday, as he of environment protection social repercussions. by them. took forward his outreach to through the International Solar Relegated to the sidelines of In November, the ministry premier educational institu- Alliance and is the only country the society, many of the coun- launched a portal that allows tions. Addressing a function to siveness that strengthened "vish- moving at a rapid pace to achieve try's estimated 4.88 lakh trans- transgender persons to apply mark the centenary celebra- va bandhutva" (universital broth- the goals of the Paris Accord," he gender people are forced to online for certification of their tions of Visva-Bharati, the coun- erhood). asserted. He recalled the role of the make a living through begging, self-perceived gender identity. try's oldest Central University, he The prime minister, who leaders of the Bhakti Movement dancing at celebrations like In September, the Transg- extolled the pivotal role it played addressed the convocations and like Guru Nanak, Kabir and weddings and sex work, ender Persons (Protection of in India's freedom movement centenary celebrations of four Surdas, who sowed the seeds of according to rights groups. government to consider the Elderly, especially those liv- with visual impairment, video- Rights) Act aimed at securing and in furthering the cause of universities--the Mysore the freedom movement long But ever since the outbreak concerns of transgenders while ing in old age homes, also had graphic material with subtitles rights and mainstreaming of universal brotherhood. University, Lucknow Univer-sity, before it started in the 19th and of the COVID-19 pandemic, framing policies and strategies. a difficult year due to their and sign language interpreta- transgender persons was also Visva-Bharati was declared a Aligarh Muslim University and 20th century. The Bhakti many trans community mem- "The trans community needs high susceptibility to COVID- tion for people with hearing implemented after the Centre Central University and an Visva-Bharati--within a span of Movement, he asserted, strength- bers have lost their means of the help and support of the 19. impairment and through notified the rules. Institution of National little over two months, dwelt on ened India's spiritual evolution livelihood and have been strug- society and the government Soon after the implementa- accessible websites. Amid the prevailing situa- Importance by an Act of the role played by educational and collective consciousness. gling to earn. more than ever now," she tion of the nationwide lock- It also directed that people tion due to COVID-19 pan- Parliament in 1951. institutions in driving the free- He said after the long period of They say they have been noted. down in March, the Ministry responsible for handling emer- demic, the government organ- "Gurudev's vision for Visva- dom movement. the Bhakti Movement arrived subjected to taunts, verbal The disabled community of Social Justice and gency response services should ised virtual camps for distrib- Bharati is the essence of He said from the "Vedas to Ramkrishna Paramh-ansa who abuse and domestic violence by battled the impact of the dis- Empowerment issued com- be trained on the rights of per- ution of aids and assistive Atmanirbhar Bharat. Vivekananda", Tagore's thoug-hts discovered Swami Vivekananda their partners and family mem- ease and also that of social dis- prehensive disability inclusive sons with disabilities, and on devices to the people with Atmanirbhar Bharat is the path reflected the collective thought of who was a "blend of Bhakti bers in the last few months. tancing. guidelines to states and union risks associated with addi- disabilities. The purpose of to India's development for the India, which was never introvert- (devotion), Gyan (knowledge) Meera Parida, co-founder of Touch, which is the most territories for protection and tional problems for persons organising such camps is to development of the world. It's a ed or exclusive. "His vision was and Karma (action)". "The Bhakti NGO Sakha, said, "The prevalent means of spreading safety of persons with disabil- having specific impairments. provide direct benefit of the campaign for India's empower- that what is best in India the world Movement united us, the COVID-19 outbreak has COVID-19, is also the most ities (Divyangjan) in light of The Centre launched a 24x7 government run schemes in a ment and prosperity, and through should benefit from it, and India Movement for Knowledge gave us pushed us back to those times prevalent method to commu- COVID-19. toll free mental rehabilitation transparent way and also to it, the prosperity of the word," he should learn from the good intellectual strength and the when we were struggling to nicate for most disabled peo- It directed states that infor- helpline for providing psy- generate awareness about the told the gathering through video things they have. Now look at the Movement of Karma, exemplified come to terms with our iden- ple, especially those visually mation about COVID-19, ser- chological support to people various other programs and conferencing from New Delhi. very name of your university-- by the likes of Shivaji, Maharana tity, get heard and save our- impaired. vices offered and precautions and a national toll free drug initiatives undertaken by the He said Tagore and the insti- Visva-Bharati....coordination and Pratap, Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi selves from life-threatening They also struggled with e- to be taken should be available de-addiction helpline num- government of India for the tution he founded not only cooperation of India with the and Khudiram Bose and Prafulla challenges." education with lack of facilities in simple and local language in ber which provided telephon- persons with disabilities strengthened the spirit of nation- world," he said. Chaki gave us the spirit and In the context of the coron- for them like translators on the accessible formats i.e. in Braille ic counselling and also linked (Divyangjan) senior citizens alism but also promoted inclu- The prime minister said Visva- courage to fight for our rights." avirus pandemic, she urged the online medium. and audio tapes for persons callers to de-addiction centres. across the nation. INDIA CORNER Bratya: Mamata was not invited App launched to identify, Kerala smuggling Shripad Naik congratulates DRDO case: ED attaches on launch of new missile to Visva-Bharati centenary meet geotag insanitary latrines Rs 1.85 crore n n nion Minister of State for PNS KOLKATA Satyen Tagore's wife PNS NEW DELHI is the main reason for manu- (Rabindranath Tagore's sister- al scavenging," the Union worth FDs, gold Defence Shripad Naik on n UThursday congratulated the The ruling TMC in Bengal on in-law) learnt how to drape A mobile application to Minister said. PNS NEW DELHI DRDO for the maiden launch of a Thursday alleged that Chief sarees in a certain fashion identify and geotag insanitary Prohibition of Employment medium range surface-to-air missile. Minister Mamata Banerjee was from Gujarati women. The latrines and manual scav- as Manual Scavengers and The Enforcement Directorate The missile, successfully test-fired not invited to the centenary fact is that she learnt it from engers was launched by Union their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, (ED) has attached assets from the Odisha coast on celebrations of Visva-Bharati. the Gujaratis as well the Parsis. Minister for Social Justice and mandates survey of insanitary worth Rs 1.85 crore in con- Wednesday, has been developed by Addressing a press meet here, But the prime minister would- Empowerment Thaawarchand latrines, their demolition and nection with its money laun- the Defence Research and state minister and TMC leader n't mention Parsis. Gehlot on Thursday. construction of sanitary ones dering probe in the alleged Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Israel Bratya Basu also claimed that "The PM also spoke about He urged all citizens to in their place. The government Kerala gold smuggling case, Aerospace Industries. "Congratulations to Team at @DRDO_India Prime Minister Narendra the varsities of Delhi and download the app, 'Swachhata has been implementing the agency said on Thursday. for Maiden launch of Medium Range Surface to Air Missile Modi, who attended the cen- Lahore during his address, Abhiyan', and through it pro- Swachh Bharat Mission for the The case emerged on July (MRSAM) Army Version from Integrated Test Range Chandipur, off tral varsity's meet on the occa- but failed to make a mention vide the authorities concerned same purpose. 5 when gold, weighing over the Coast of Odisha yesterday," Naik tweeted. "It destroyed high sion over a video conference, (Banerjee) is the chief minis- of Calcutta University, which details of any insanitary latrine Under the Swachh Bharat 30 kg, was seized by the speed unmanned aerial target with direct hit depicting successful made "factual errors" during ter of a state." played a important part in the or manual scavenger they Mission, more than nine crore Customs department from outcome," he added. The MRSAM has been manufactured by Bharat his speech. The senior TMC leader fur- country's freedom movement," notice. sanitary latrines have been the "diplomatic baggage" that Dynamics Ltd. After its induction into the Indian Army, the missile "Mamata Banerjee did not ther claimed that the prime Basu claimed. This would help in rehabil- constructed, Gehlot said. had landed by air cargo at the will significantly enhance the combat effectiveness of the defence receive any invitation for the minister, during his address, Talking about the 'Duare itating all manual scavengers "The country has been forces, sources said on Wednesday. centenary meet of Visva "denigrated" Bengali culture Sarkar' initiative of the Mamata and replace insanitary latrines declared as open-defecation- International Airport from Bharati," Basu said. and traditions in more ways Banerjee government, Basu with sanitary ones, Gehlot free. More than 66,000 man- the Gulf. The seized gold is Responding to a query by a than one. said at least 1.42 crore people said. ual scavengers have been iden- stated to be worth Rs 14.82 reporter, he said, "Even if the "Gujarat cropped up often in have directly benefited from "Census 2011 reported that tified since 2013-14 through crore and the ED said that it Centre should listen to invitation, as you suggest, was the PM's speech. Why is he various welfare schemes, and there were over 26 lakh insan- surveys by states and also was "camouflaged as diplo- sent last night, should that be confining Rabindranath Rs 8,700 crore has been itary latrines in the country. through a national survey in matic baggage to the UAE opposition parties: Bhujbal the decorum? After all, she Tagore to Gujarat? He said released for the purpose. Existence of insanitary latrines 194 districts.” Consulate." ssues can not be solved if opposition is stopped from raising Ithem, Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal said on Thursday Kidnapped construction after Congress leaders were detained ‘Oppn to EWS Maratha quota driven by politics’ in Delhi during a protest against farm laws. Congress leaders Priyanka workers released by ultras Gandhi Vadra and others were PNS n MUMBAI Weaker Sections (EWS). The to provide EWS quota to ment ought to have taken detained after they staged a sit-in PNS n AGARTALA station, about 140 km from 10 per cent EWS quota is ear- Marathaswho have been such a decision," he said. protest as they were not allowed to march to Rashtrapati Bhawan.. here, were kidnapped on Maharashtra PWD minister marked for those who are not brought under the category The state government has Bhujbal, a senior NCP leader, said the Union government should Three construction workers December 7, police said. Ashok Chavanon Thursday covered under any social of socially and educational- to file an affidavit in the high listen to opposition parties when they raise any issue. "You don't who were kidnapped by They were released on said opposition to the state reservations. ly backward class (SEBC). court on the matter on listen to farmers. If opposition parties try to raise the issue you stop insurgents of the banned Wednesday evening, AIG of government allowing "There is opposition to "But (Maratha) communi- January 8, the Congress min- them. How will issues be solved then?" he asked. National Liberation Front of Tripura Police Subrata Maratha candidates to avail any decision being taken in ty leaders like VinayakMete ister said. Tripura (NLFT) from a village Chakraborty said. benefits of the EWS quota this regard (reservation). and Sambhaji Chhatrapti He said the cabinet deci- near the Indo-Bangla border A group of six insurgents, was mere politics. This is mere politics just for (also a BJP MP) opposed the sion taken on Wednesday in Tripura have been released, armed with automatic The state cabinet, in a the sake of opposing," he move (on EWS quota for was as per the HC directives. Gangrape victim claims she was police said on Thursday. weapons, had raided the con- decision taken on said. Marathas). "It (seeking EWS benefits) The workers engaged by struction site bordering CHT Wednesday, allowed Talking to reporters here, "But some groups is not compulsory. Those raped again by sub-inspector NPCC for erection of border of the neighbouring country Marathas to apply for educa- Chavan,who heads a cabinet approached the Bombay who wish to avail can do it, n alleged gangrape victim fencing at Maldapara village in and taken away the three tional admissions and gov- sub-committee on the High Court for EWS quota but they will not be eligible here has charged a police Dalai district, under the juris- workers to Bangladesh, the ernment jobs under the Maratha quota, said the gov- for the SEBC and the court for the SEBC quota," Chavan Asub-inspector with raping diction of Ganganagar police police officer said. quota for Economically ernment had earlier planned also ruled that the govern- said. her when she had gone to a police station to get her complaint lodged. ADG, Bareilly Avinash Chandra has ordered an inquiry on the 11 passengers from UK have tested Covid +ve in Goa complaint of the woman, who met him on Wednesday. The PNS n PANAJI have been sent to the National Country's first oldest Covid survivor dead 35-year-old woman, a resident Institute of Virology in Pune of a village under the Jalalabad police station area, told reporters on Eleven passengers among those for further testing, said Rane, Pathanamthitta: The country's State Health Minister K K Shailaja Thursday that on November 30, while she was on her to Madanpur who arrived in Goa from the who is in Mumbai for his first oldest COVID-19 survivor had congratulated the doctors, on foot, five men came in a car, forcibly dragged her to a nearby UK after December 9 have test- health checkup. Thomas Abraham died of age- nurses and other staff of the field and raped her. She alleged that when she went to the Jalalabad ed positive for COVID-19 so He said it is proposed to related ailments on Thursday, his Medical College Hospital for police station, a sub-inspector present there took her to his room far, state Health Minister keep these patients at the ESI family said here. saving the elderly couple. and raped her. Vishwajit Rane said on hospital in Margao town of The 93-year-old died in Ranni Along with the seven-member Thursday, amid concerns over South Goa, as "all those test- village in the district and the team of doctors who led the detection of a new coronavirus ed positive after arrival from funeral would be held at a church treatment, 40 medical staff variant in Britain. the UK are supposed to be at Aithala on Friday. including 25 nurses had actively Traffic to Delhi hit as pro-agri Talking to PTI, Rane also kept in separate institutional He is survived by his wife and taken part in various stages of said that RT-PCR testing of isolation". three children. The recovery treatment of the two. laws farmers gather in Noida 979 passengers, who came to Meanwhile, a senior Goa of the 93-year-old Abraham and The couple had contracted the Goa from the UK after health official said they would his 88- year-old wife after a battle virus from their son, daughter-in- raffic movement from December 9, is currently ask the state government to against coronavirus in March this law and grandson who returned Noida to Delhi was going on. sanction one lakh more RT- year was dubbed by the medical from Italy in March. Taffected on Thursday The state government has PCR test kits to tide over any community as a miracle cure. This was the first case of COVID- afternoon as hundreds of decided to designate the ESI possible shortage. They were discharged from the 19 when the pandemic hit the farmers, who support the Hospital in South Goa district "The state government has Government Medical College southern state in the second Centre's new agriculture laws, for the purpose of keeping all to be prepared for mass test- Hospital, Kottayam, on April 3. phase. assembled near the the patients who have tested ing, if required," he said. Mahamaya Flyover here, positive for COVID-19 after Earlier, in the morning, an officials said. These farmers, their arrival from the UK, he official from the state Asymptomatic passengers won't be tested on arrival: Maha govt belonging to various districts said. Directorate of Health Services of western Uttar Pradesh, have come for the demonstration on the "As per guidelines, RT- said they are trying to track Mumbai: Passengers arriving regions on December 21 hospitals. passenger will be discharged call of farmers' union Kisan Sena and want to go to Delhi to meet PCR testing of 979 passengers down 602 people who arrived from Europe, South Africa and following the detection of a The circular said that no RT- from institutional quarantine Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, according to the who came after December 9 in the state from the UK and the Middle-East will not be new variant of coronavirus in PCR test will be conducted on but he or she will have to outfit's conevnor Thakur Gauri Shankar Singh. This demonstration is going on. Nine passengers the UAE since December 9. subjected to RT- PCR test for the UK. arrival for asymptomatic stay in isolation at home for in Noida comes even as two major farmers' unions – the Bharatiya were initially found positive Goa on Wednesday report- coronavirus immediately upon Seven-day institutional passengers. The test further seven days. Kisan Union (Bhanu) and the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Lok Shakti) – for COVID-19 after their ed 125 new coronavirus arrival, the Maharashtra quarantine has been made will be conducted at the hotel If the result is positive but are camping at the city's border for over three weeks now to arrival from the UK, while cases, taking the count of government said in a fresh mandatory for asymptomatic where the passenger is the patient is still demand the repeal of the three new central farm laws. Besides them, two more subsequently infections in the state to circular on Thursday. passengers arriving from quarantined between 5th and asymptomatic, he or she will thousands of farmers, mainly from Punjab and Haryana, have stayed approached after being symp- 50,364. The circular amended the Europe, South Africa and the 7th day, it said, adding that stay in institutional put for nearly a month at other border points of Delhi, including tomatic and have tested pos- The state has so far report- Standard Operating Protocol Middle-East. Symptomatic the cost of test will be borne quarantine at the same hotel Singhu and Tikri, to protest against the laws. Scores of BKU (Bhanu) itive," the minister said. ed 727 deaths due to the dis- (SOP) issued for dealing with passengers are immediately by the passenger. or at COVID-19 hospital for members have dug their heels at the Chilla border while BKU (Lok Samples of these patients ease, as per official figures. passengers arriving from these shifted to designated If the report is negativethe 14 days, the circular said. Shakti) supporters are at the Dalit Prerna Sthal. FRIDAY | DECEMBER 25, 2020 op nion 06 www.dailypioneer.com facebook.com/dailypioneer | @TheDailyPioneer | instagram.com/dailypioneer/ PAPER WITH PASSION Sailors stranded As China blocks Australian coal vessels in the middle of a Are we a civilised society? trade war, India must intervene to rescue our seamen humanitarian crisis is brewing in the middle of a China-Australia trade war, which has left strand- India's intellectuals need to ensure that the principle of trusteeship is strictly Aed stocks as well as sailors on the high seas, and neither country is claiming responsibility for either upheld in the thought and deeds of those who have the reins of authority the return of the cargo ships or allowing even tem- porary docking rights. China, which has so far pro- cured coal from Australia, has refused the consign- ment following growing diplomatic hostilities, what with Australia increasingly showing a pro-West tilt and ini- tiating the global fair probe demand for the Wuhan con- tagion, implicitly holding China responsible for the JS RAJPUT spread of the COVID virus. Now 400 sailors and two emocracy depends upon million tonnes of coal are stuck on ships off China’s northeast coast. The shipment objective interactions, is spread across 21 bulk carriers and is valued at around $200 million, so there is a respectful dialogues and mutual trust. People may huge economic cost involved. Reports say that 15 of the ships have been waiting since Ddiffer in their viewpoints but they June, stranding the crew on board, who are not allowed to get off, given the existing need not resist combined efforts to maritime COVID protocols. Many of the sailors on the Australian vessels are Indian. find solutions and settle differences, no matter how serious these may China says they can turn the vessel around but the seafarers were prevented from doing be. The year 2020 shall be remem- so by the owners, who didn’t want to readjust a “non-profitable” sailing plan. As the bered for the Shaheen Bagh dhar- two nations are engaged in diplomatic sabre-rattling, 40 Indian sailors are suffering na and Kisan Satyagrah. Normally, because travel restrictions in the wake of new pandemic alerts mean that they can’t the word “Satyagrah” reminds one of Gandhiji who had modified the be offloaded on to another ship passing by the waters. Apart from the complete vio- original term “Sadagrah” to lation of labour codes and human rights, the blockade has also halted the movement “Satyagrah”. Democracy allows of other ships in the maritime corridor, affecting global supply chains. protests; Gandhiji gave the weapon of Satyagrah not only to India but In no small part, China is using the crisis to arm-twist both Australia and India. Apart to the entire world, and its poten- from rallying behind the global probe demand on the Wuhan contagion, what has really tial was never in doubt. It took angered the Chinese is that both the nations have joined the US and Japan in policing its roots not only in India but was also used by luminaries like Martin ambitions in the South China Sea as part of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad. Luther King Jr and Nelson This new grouping also formalised its military vigilance and cooperation strategies through Mandela. As the inheritors of soil degradation, melting of glac- by the alien rulers and, unfortu- national welfare uppermost in tant than literacy; academic a series of recent naval drills. In fact, at one time India was wary of Australia’s role, con- Gandhian legacy, India and Indians iers, vanishing of species, flora and nately, the model was perpetuat- their mind and retain objectivi- learning is only a means to this have a special responsibility to fauna, and much more. The ide- ed by those who inherited power ty even in provocative situa- great end.” Character formation sidering its deep dependence on Chinese markets. After all, China continues to be Australia’s ensure that it is not converted into ology of progress has to be rede- and authority at the time of tions. JNU is a great institution was the strength of the tradition- largest trading partner and accounts for 32.6 per cent of its exports. Besides, China has ‘Asatyagrah’. In umpteen agitations fined in national context, keeping Independence. Over the decades, that should be the melting pot for al Indian system of knowledge sourced iron ore, coal and gas from Australia because of its geographical proximity and organised within India, Satyagrah in view the global considerations people have realised the gravity of varied thought, ideas and imag- quest that included creation, gets reduced to a mockery. and treating the world as one fam- the folly and there are enough ination. In a world torn by con- generation, utilisation and trans- quality, preferring the latter over Brazil. India had never thought that Australia would do No one cares for the truth, non- ily. India must rise and present indications in the National flicts, violence, wars and weapon- fer of knowledge to the future anything to jeopardise this mutually beneficial relationship. Also, both India and Australia, violence invariably becomes a casu- before the world a working model Education Policy (NEP), 2020, isation, universities have a great generations. With all the expe- being in the neighbourhood, didn’t exactly want to rile up China or risk a hit back by overt- alty and human lives are wasted of “science with humanity” and that things shall change. The pol- role to play in augmenting social riences gained globally in vary- without any hesitation or a sense of “knowledge with character”. It is icy formulates: “A holistic and cohesion and religious amity. ing contexts and approaches, it ly upping the dragon’s anxieties. But the Wuhan contagion and Beijing’s imperialist aggres- shame. These days, the “leaders” go time that the contours of civilisa- multi-disciplinary education They have to work for the culture is now accepted globally that siveness in the region changed all that. This is significant geopolitically because four of on hunger strike — Upvaas — for tion are incisively delineated and would aim at developing all of acceptance, far ahead of toler- education in every country must the biggest democracies with stakes in the region are collectively committed to preserv- just a few hours! The literal mean- the march towards a world of capacities of human beings — ance. This is the Indian tradition be rooted in culture and com- ing of Upvaas is “being near the soul” peace is guided by humanism, intellectual, aesthetic, social, phys- which has to be strengthened. mitted to progress. Character ing open waters and holding off China’s misadventures to monopolise them. The initia- but most demonstrations and welfare of all and a practising civil ical, emotional and moral, in an Universities, including JNU, building just cannot be envi- tive allows inter-operability among the four partners, which means accessing and using protests are hijacked by politicians. society that cares for everyone. It integrated manner.” The formu- just cannot afford to ignore the sioned in isolation to culture. No one another’s strengths and bases to pursue their common mission. This makes the Quad India seriously needs its intellectu- would require a long-term strat- lation is further augmented by the stirring words of Jawaharlal culture would flourish in isola- als to play their role: Get out of the egy and it shall have to be imple- emphasis on value-based educa- Nehru who considered these as tion and there can be no barri- formidable. The full-fledged military alliance gives a robustness of entity, one which can slumber of callousness and take a mented through education. There tion “which will include the the pace setters of peace and ers erected in the way of children now embolden Quad plus the US to coalesce together against China. Except for the US, strictly objective view of national is no other way out. development of humanistic, eth- progress at the national level, and being made aware and conver- nobody in the group had directly dared to call out China. With a military-level agreement, aspirations, expectations of the What is civilisation? This ical, constitutional and universal from there it must extend to the sant with their own culture there should not be trust issues anymore. And if mutual interests and concerns find con- young as well as to ensure that the query was once posed by Swami human values of truth (satya), global scenario: “A university before being introduced to the principle of trusteeship is strictly Vivekananda, and his own answer righteous conduct (dharma), stands for humanism, for toler- others. India painfully suffered gruence, it could over time become what the US calls a NATO-like presence in Asia that upheld in thought and deeds of was: “It is the feeling of the peace (shanti), love (prem), non- ance, for reason, for the adven- as the transplanted system that could contain China’s expansionist designs. Most significantly, the military alliance could those who have the reins of author- divine within.” And how does one violence (ahimsa) and others”. ture of ideas and for the search deliberately kept young educat- also be strengthened to being an economic coalition; for example setting up a Quad Free ity. It is their obligation to name and discover that divinity? Through One fervently expects all this to of truth. It stands for the onward ed Indians debarred from get- shame all those who have forgotten education that is both secular and equip every learner to discover the march of the human race ting familiar with the nuances of Trade Agreement (FTA) to attract investment and set up an alternative supply chain and about human values, social obliga- spiritual. He gave us that illustri- treasure within him. This is the towards higher objectives. If the their own culture; they were sys- management network. This is what riles China, which now sees both India and Australia tions, the responsibility to give dig- ous eternal statement: “Education path to a truly civilised world. universities discharge adequate- tematically indoctrinated in the as US stooges in the region. Earlier, it had imposed an 80 per cent tariff on Australian nity to every human being, to be spe- is the manifestation of perfection There, however, are serious ly, all is well with the people and “superiority of the western cul- cially concerned and supportive of already in man.” He was con- impediments to traverse the the nation.” Great universities ture”. This was very comprehen- barley and banned beef imports. Ever since, Australia has been looking for allies to divert children, women and those stand- vinced that what India needs newly chalked out pathway. would never relish the tag of sively articulated by Gandhiji in its exports. One of the results was the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, to which ing last in the line. While the devel- most is “education, education Prime Minister Narendra Modi, being politically or ideological- the Young India of September 1, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed on oped and modern countries may be and more education”! The first in the virtual mode, unveiled the ly oriented. The people and the 1921: “It is my firm opinion that overwhelmed in their materialistic duty of the nation is to educate statue of Swami Vivekananda on nation expect JNU to become a no culture has treasures so rich June 4. One hopes that Modi can prevail upon Morrison to ensure that some rehabilita- pursuits, India just cannot abandon people, extricate them out of igno- the campus of the Jawaharlal centre of nourishing civilisa- as ours. We have not known it; tive measures can be taken since China is testing the new strategic friendship. its eternal responsibility to move rance and self-negation: “Educate Nehru University (JNU). There tion. It could really work serious- we have even been made to ahead in spiritual quest, and there- people and they would be able to was sustained opposition to the ly on comprehending the culture depreciate its value. We have by place the right path in front of solve their own problems.” To very installation of the statue, and of acceptance of diversity. almost ceased to live it.” humanity. Indians are inheritors of him, education was of no use if it was not a rare occurrence. In In his 1932 book, Remakers Let us hope that the pro- a civilisation which respects the crit- it didn’t prepare the masses for the this university, the activities, agi- of Mankind, Carl Washburne posed educational reforms Logistical headache icality of the sensitive man-nature struggles of life. More important- tations and full-throated support writes that when asked “What is would prepare the young with relationship and believes in meeting ly, it was to bring out the strength of certain ideologically con- your goal in education when credentials and they would Delivering the COVID vaccine across India will be a challenge human survival needs from nature; of character, spirit of philan- strained groups of students and India obtains self-rule”, Gandhiji look after the masses. and despises its wanton destruction thropy and the courage of a lion. teachers to even the groups and replied: “Character building. I Education must lead to human and the Government must be prepared to face a few setbacks to meet his greed. India alone could India has suffered enough in the individuals who do not believe in would strive to develop courage, dignity for one and all. get the humanity out of concerns like way of negative education. India’s unity and integrity as a strength, virtue, the ability to for- (The author works in educa- e should be clear about one thing: The COVID-19 environmental destruction, climate Delinking of Indians from India nation often baffle those who get oneself in working towards tion and social cohesion. The outbreak might not be the last such pandemic to changes, water scarcity, air pollution, was a deliberate strategy imposed think independently, have the great aims. This is more impor- views expressed are personal.) Wscourge mankind. And while pandemics usually occur every few centuries, the next one could be just around the corner. We have in the past nine months developed and S O U N D BITE deployed protocols, technology and, most importantly, bol- Today, the Congress high There is no possibility of a Happy happy birthday Ajinkya Rahane’s calm and stered public health systems. Yet, thousands have died in command has formally backdoor or diplomatic daddy... you’re the most composed demeanour approved the electoral dialogue with India in the positive, kind, liberal human shouldn’t be mistaken for India and we may not know the accurate death toll for some alliance with the Left prevailing situation. It is not being, and we are blessed to him being weak and he will more time to come. Even going by the Union Health Ministry’s parties for the impending possible until Indian atrocities have your values instilled in be as aggressive as Virat data as updated on Thursday, the single-day rise of 24,712 elections in West Bengal. are stopped in Kashmir. us. I miss you so much. Kohli as the stand-in captain. COVID-19 cases and 312 fatalities has pushed India’s virus Bengal Congress chief Pakistan Foreign Minister Actor Indian cricket legend —Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury —Shah Mahmood Qureshi —Sonam K Ahuja —Sachin Tendulkar caseload to 1,01,23,778 and the death toll to 1,46,756; and sceptics don’t seem to be too kind on the Government when they proclaim that the estab- lishment is deliberately downplaying the figures to shroud its incompetence and poor han- L E T T E R S T O TH E EDITOR dling of the scourge. But as multiple vaccines are developed to combat the virus that has ripped the global economy asunder, we should be pragmatic about how the Government J&K’s vocal verdict Budget should spare a thought for the elderly Electoral reforms will deliver the vaccine across the country. There will be missteps and some failures, too, Sir — By no stretch of imagina- Sir — With time, the Indian from people jumping the queue to the almost certain petty corruption, many of which instances tion can the results of the District nion Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is democracy has become suffi- will be played up by those trying to score political points. There is almost certainly going Development Council (DDC) nowadays holding consultations with various ciently mature to enable us to elections in Jammu and Kashmir Ustakeholders regarding the Union Budget for 2021- think about evolving political to be an anti-vaccine campaign as well, by some because they don’t believe in vaccina- (J&K) be seen as an endorsement 22. In this document, I would expect special provisions systems that suit the needs, size tions and by others because they will say that the technology rolled out to manage the of the Centre’s abrogation of for senior citizens to ease their problems. and population of our nation. deployment will be an affront to their right to privacy. There will always be malcontents Article 370. On the contrary, if The Centre and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Reforming the polling system is anything, it was an unequivocal should jointly introduce a special long-term investment one of them. In this particular and those who are dyed-in-the-wool anti-establishment people disguised as libertarians. verdict against the move. The scheme with interest payable monthly for senior citizens, sphere, we have been able to Thankfully, as of now, there is widespread support for inoculation among the public claim of victory by the BJP is replacing the existing Senior Citizens Savings Scheme develop an election machinery in India who have witnessed how the nation eradicated polio and has taken massive strides belied by actual results. However, (SCSS) which is available at public sector banks and post by way of the Election it is gratifying to see some sem- offices, and Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojna Commission whose robust and in public health in the past two decades. There will have to be fairness in how the vac- blance of democracy brought (PMVVY) through the LIC of India with the maximum specifically for senior citizens. efficient system has become an cine is rolled out and we must prioritise frontline healthcare and security staff as well as about by the DDC polls. investment limit for both schemes being `15 lakh each. For other citizens, different banks have FD schemes envy of not only the smaller senior citizens who are among the most susceptible groupings to the risk to contracting Overall, the constituent parties The suggested scheme should have a combined of various durations but the interest rates are causing countries but also of the devel- of the Gupkar Alliance that are maximum investment limit of `50 lakh instead of the utter confusion to those desirous of a safe investment oped ones. But we must end the the virus. And there should be an active campaign by the Government to curb the inevitable opposed to the abrogation of Article current total of `30 lakh (`15 lakh plus `15 lakh in the as the rates are fixed differently by different banks. situation wherein the nation is spread of fake information. Many individuals and entities have rightly argued that false infor- 370 and insistent on their demand for two schemes). This step has been necessitated in view Currently, the lesser known PNB Housing Limited, continually in election mode, mation and fake news have been a pox on democracy and fake news and information on regaining what they believe is right- of the fall in interest rates in the Government schemes a subsidiary of the public sector Punjab National Bank, thereby creating an atmos- healthcare carry the very clear and present danger of death. Several groups on social media fully theirs, have emerged the clear and fixed deposits (FDs). The interest should be paid offers the most lucrative interest rate. phere of political upheaval. winner and gained legitimacy as the per month and the Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) pro- Subhash Chandra Agrawal We must also eliminate polit- sites are already filled with snake-oil solutions such as immunity boosters which actual- people’s voice. They still occupy vision must not apply to the savings schemes meant Delhi ical corruption in the form of ly do nothing to stop the spread of the virus. This is a problem that policymakers on the much of the political space in the State midterm defections and Aaya health front have to deal with as urgently as they are tackling the challenges of deploy- and remain vibrantly relevant there. CBI at the receiving end Rams and Gaya Rams. Also, it The argument that the Government of the latter.In this context, a plausible explanation from the will help if the problems of a ment. Already, amid mounting concerns over the detection of a mutated and more viru- can unilaterally do whatever it wants Sir — After being a caged parrot recent verdict of the Madras High CBI, the High Court told the State particular State get sufficient lent strain of COVID-19 in the United Kingdom (UK), one State after another is scamper- on the strength of its parliamentary of the powers that be, the inabili- Court questioning the compe- CB-CID to probe the matter, a attention in its Assembly elec- ing through to trace the UK returnees in the past month, with the Meghalaya Government majority is of dubious legitimacy. ty of the Central Bureau of tency, expertise and integrity of move fiercely opposed by the CBI tions and not get overshad- The people of any region cannot be Investigation (CBI) to take probes CBI officers should come as anoth- but to no avail.Generally, the CBI owed by national issues. altogether barring the entry of individuals from the European country into the State with mainstreamed or integrated by dis- and prosecution in sensational er wake-up call. The CBI “lost” in is entrusted a case after a State’s BP Srivastava immediate effect. In view of such scary developments, it is, therefore, essential on sev- empowering them. cases to their logical conclusion is its custody 103 kg of the 400 kg probe agencies fail but, in this Noida eral fronts that India deals with the pandemic and gets back to work with its full might, G David Milton dismaying. That the courts are gold it had seized from a corporate case, the reverse happened. Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu increasingly questioning the CBI’s giant in 2012 and which was kept Ganapathi Bhat intent and purpose. Send your feedback to: integrity is a shocking indictment in its vaults. In the absence of any Akola [email protected] FRIDAY | DECEMBER 25, 2020

www.dailypioneer.com analysis 07 FIRSTCOLUMN Many lessons in POINTCOUNTERPOINT THE BJP IS THE SINGLE-LARGEST PARTY TO HAVE THE PEOPLE OF JAMMU & KASHMIR HAVE SAID IT co-operation WON THE PEOPLE’S MANDATE AND NOT THE WITH A HUGE MAJORITY THAT THEY DO NOT OPPORTUNISTIC GUPKAR ALLIANCE. ACCEPT (THE DECISIONS OF) AUGUST 5, 2019. The virus has shifted the axis of power and made —UNION LAW MINISTER —FORMER J&K CHIEF MINISTER the ground ready for an alliance of like-minded geographies with a focus on regional strategic ties RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD OMAR ABDULLAH Empower adolescents KUMARDEEP BANERJEE Teenagers are thirsting for information about themselves and the changes that puberty s the world lurches towards a new year, the axis of strategic ties among nations for mutual economic and geopolitical ben- brings to their bodies. It is time to pay greater attention to their voices and needs Aefits seems to be taking a new turn. To begin with, in nearly three decades a British Prime Minister is slated to be the chief guest at the Republic Day function in New Delhi. Almost at the same time, a new President is expected to take charge of the world’s oldest and most prosperous democracy, the US. Third, millions around the globe would have been vaccinated with first doses of the Coronavirus vac- cine, which is expected to bring the relentless march of the deadly infection to a halt. All these developments, when looked at from an India-specific prism provide significant opportunities and associat- ed trap doors for the projected $10 trillion economy by 2030. First, the promised visit of Boris Johnson to a function which marks the celebration of the Indian Constitution is an optical land- SWAPNA MAJUMDAR mark that showcases the warming of many decades of frigid ties riddled with terms like colony and colonisers. Historically, the UK t was late at night when Seema Kumari, an has been seen as a former coloniser wishing to poke its nose in accredited social health activist working in regional issues such as Kashmir and the Afghanistan war, tilting in IBihar’s Sitamarhi district, heard the news. The 16-year-old daughter-in-law of her neighbour had favour of Pakistan. Slowly, it turned towards defence ties where India given birth at home earlier than expected. chose French fighter planes over the UK’s multirole fighter, while it Despite the late hour, she rushed to their house was still miffed with the steady fall in students to the UK due to a to see if she could be of any help. Unfortunately, scrapping of the work permit policy. In between, a very large British the infant, weak and born prematurely, did not telecom giant and one of the largest Foreign Direct Investment con- survive. In Sitamarhi, 106 newborn babies die for tributors to India had to get into an uneasy relationship with an Indian every 1,000 live births according to the operator to remain in business. Government’s statistics. Early marriage further However, the global pandemic has shifted the axis of power and exacerbates the vulnerability of adolescents. made the ground ready for an alliance of like-minded geographies According to the fourth National Family Health with a focus on regional strategic ties. The UK took the first bold Survey (NFHS-4), in Sitamarhi, 50.5 per cent of the women aged between 20-24 years had been step, effectively banning Chinese telecom equipment makers from married off before the age of 18 and 11.7 per cent the fifth generation telecom networks, while making strong state- of girls/women aged 15-19 years were already ments on Beijing’s expansive moves in the South China Sea. It is mothers or pregnant at the time of the survey in here that the recent visit of British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab 2015-16. to New Delhi assumes significance as he mentioned upgrading of Although she was deeply saddened by their India-UK ties as well as Free Trade Agreements between the two loss, Kumari took the opportunity to convince MANY GIRLS nations as top priorities. Putting the economy right in the middle of the mother-in-law that she would not insist on ON THE BRINK a new era of partnership is a win-win situation for both countries. another grandchild until her teenaged daughter- OF PUBERTY A post-Brexit UK will need new markets and templates for trade rela- in-law had recovered physically and mentally. In KNOW LITTLE tionships with individual nations such as India. On the other hand fact, Kumari extracted a promise that they would ABOUT India will most likely be able to forge a strategic long-term alliance wait for at least three years before trying for MENSTRUATION another baby. By this time not only would Pinky for its technological, healthcare and financial targets. AS NO ONE turn 19 and be better prepared for motherhood, PREPARES On the same page comes a new administration in the US, which it would also reduce the risk of infant mortali- is likely to push for a multilateral approach on tricky topics like cli- THEM FOR ty. Over the next three years, Kumari kept an eye IT WHEN THEY this major change in their bodies. mentions the services the clinic offers. Adolescents between 10-19 years mate change, digital regulation (digital tax and data flows across inter- on the family. It meant daily visits, talking to the There is also an acute shortage of The dilapidated board and the faded comprise 22 per cent of Bihar’s popu- national borders). The initial choice of US President-elect Joe Biden’s mother-in-law and constantly reminding her of REACH medical counsellors as well as women writing is the first sign of the clinic’s pre- lation. The RKSK strategy was to pro- top Cabinet members could reflect a completely new template for the promise. She also provided reproductive and PUBERTY. doctors. Though the biology textbook sent state of health. The clinic doubles vide a continuum of care for the health New Delhi-Washington engagement. This could mean India may have sexual health information and aids to Pinky so IN FACT, has a chapter on reproductive health, up as an Outpatient Department since and development of adolescents. Also, a better say in issues on multilateral platforms on topics like climate that she could plan her family and delay moth- MENSTRUATION most teachers in rural areas skip it. This there is no other room. Adolescents envisioned was a convergence model of focus, while facing flak on issues related to digital diplomacy and erhood till she was ready for it. In January this COMES AS trend was more prevalent in co-educa- prefer not to come to this clinic primar- service delivery by involving ANMs, strategy. Also, the Centre may be subjected to a not so sweet dis- year, Kumari’s hard work bore fruit when Pinky A SHOCK FOR tional schools where the teacher was too ily because there is an acute shortage ASHAs, AWWs and volunteers of the gave birth to a healthy girl at the local primary MANY AND embarrassed to teach this important of staff and privacy. Apart from a lack Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan. course on management of human rights and some old regional issues health centre. chapter to a class full of boys and girls. of a counsellor dedicated solely for ado- Several Union Ministries were to may be occasionally brought up. The high point of this long, large- AFFECTS THEIR Women like Kumari are among the many MENTAL HEALTH Eighteen-year-old Fatima, who lescents, the Auxilliary Nurse Midwife provide various components for ado- ly politically agnostic journey could be optically measured with a town frontline health workers who are making a dif- travels 20 kilometres daily to a college (ANM) was on contract from the sub- lescent development through special hall or Republic Day appearance by Biden in the next four years. The AS THEY ARE ference between life and death for mothers and UNABLE TO from Sherghati block of Gaya District, centre! programmes like the Integrated Child key aspect of change is expected to be in the manner the two admin- babies. Pinky was fortunate that Kumari was able admitted that she wanted to know more The clinic was supposed to have Development Services. Adolescent istrations move beyond social media diplomacy to real world, deep to persuade her conservative marital family that GRAPPLE WITH about sexual and reproductive health. seven doctors but it had only two. The health programme managers at the impact agreements, which should reflect in increased partnerships, there was a need to wait before the next pregnan- THIS MAJOR Fatima said the only information she lack of a woman doctor meant that few State and district level were to oversee investments and opportunity creations in the two economies. cy. The likelihood of girls aged between 10-14 CHANGE had gleaned on this subject was from abortions were conducted there. the initiative based on project imple- China would continue to play a significant role in global poli- dying during pregnancy and childbirth is five IN THEIR television programmes but that was not According to ANM Rakhee Kumar, the mentation plans. tics. However, a stronger alliance of like-minded nations moving times higher than for women aged between 20- BODIES. enough. Neither was it comprehensive. lack of a woman doctor was the reason Further, at the community level the 24. An estimated 6,000 adolescent mothers die THERE IS ALSO Under the RKSK, peer educators and why very few came to seek abortion ser- intervention was to be through peer towards globally accepted, interoperable technology regulations for every year in India. The underlying reasons are Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics vices at the clinic. The fact that parents educators, holding quarterly Adolescent the 21st century could be steered by India and the US. AN ACUTE early marriage coupled with a lack of sexual and SHORTAGE (AFHCs) are supposed to bridge this and girls preferred to visit quacks for Health Day meetings, providing week- Finally, the super news for 2021 would be universal vaccina- reproductive health information. It was to dis- information gap. For a population of abortions underlines just how vital ly iron and folic acid supplements and tion. It is heartening to see India working with both, the UK and the OF MEDICAL rupt the vicious circle of having too many chil- COUNSELLORS 1,000 people, there are supposed to be functioning AFHCs are for adolescents through a Menstrual Hygiene US, towards urgent and decisive elimination of the virus which has dren, too quickly and provide adolescents with four peer educators, two boys and two to access sexual and reproductive infor- Management scheme. The facility- cost thousands of lives and millions of livelihoods across the world. appropriate information on reproductive and sex- AS WELL AS girls. The Accredited Social Health mation and safe abortion services. based intervention was through setting In a couple of months a substantive portion of the population would ual health that the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya WOMEN Activists (ASHAs), panchayats and Sadly, girls visit trained healthcare up and strengthening of AFHCs. have been immunised but, the outbreak has taught lessons for the Karyakram (RKSK) was launched by the DOCTORS local Non-Government Organisations workers only when abortions are Despite such good intentions, the future and led to greater international co-operation. Government in 2014. are part of the group to select and train botched up by the quacks. And some- Government has failed in implemen- The virus has been a reminder for nations at different levels of Although the RKSK prioritised sexual and the peer educators or “Sathiyas” as they times it is too late to help them. tation due to the lack of convergence reproductive health as one of its six strategic areas are called. It is their responsibility to When mothers are well-informed among the various departments and technological advancements to join hands and use the power of tech- of adolescent well-being, talking about this remove all doubts and fears of the ado- there are better chances that adoles- lack of trained service providers and nology to eliminate global challenges related to climate change, envi- sensitive issue remains a taboo. In Bihar, lescents by bringing them to the cents, both girls and boys, will better supplies. There is an urgent need to ronmental degradation, access to safe housing and food, sustain- entrenched patriarchy has made RKSK even more AFHCs. understand the changes their bodies are empower frontline health workers like able agriculture and good health for all. After all, the wealth of nations critical as adolescents, especially girls, are forced Unfortunately, in many villages of undergoing. In turn, well-informed ASHAs, ANMs and AWWs in under- lies in the well-being of citizens. If advancements in technology have to remain invisible and refrain from being seen rural Bihar, such clinics remain on teenagers are able to help their friends standing the voices, aspirations and shrunk boundaries and created wars as well, there lie the seeds for or heard. It becomes difficult for them to con- paper. During a social audit conduct- cope with their problems. potential of adolescents and providing providing greater economic benefits to citizens by using the same fide in their parents. Hence, they desperately need ed to assess the ground realities, it was The three daughters of Anganwadi accurate information. Adolescents are technology. The highest laurels for leadership in the 21st century, someone they can turn to for advice. But there found that even where they did exist, Worker (AWW) Anita Devi are differ- thirsting for information about them- much like the post-World War planet, would go to those who find is a shortage of trained, skilled human resource the absence of qualified service ent from their friends. They understand selves and the changes that puberty technology-aided solutions to increase the well-being of the human who can be their friend and guide. providers including counsellors man- the importance of education and the brings to their bodies and way of think- Many girls on the brink of puberty know lit- dated under the RKSK, made these clin- pitfalls of early marriage. They have ing. It is time to pay greater attention race. In more ways than one, this year has been a watershed moment tle about menstruation as no one prepares them ics mostly non-functional. accurate information on puberty and its to their voices and give them the in human development. Now it is for strong leaders to move ahead. for it when they reach puberty. In fact, menstru- One such AFHC is at the Belsand related changes. They have taken on the power of information. (The writer is a policy analyst. The views expressed are ation comes as a shock for many and affects their Primary Health Centre in Sitamarhi. responsibility of sharing this knowledge (The writer is a senior journalist. personal) mental health as they are unable to grapple with The signage on the board outside with their friends. The views expressed are personal) A vital analytical tool for business decision-making Financial ratio analysis can be helpful if used in conjunction with proper knowledge of factors affecting a business, and not just mechanically

ratios. Later, with corporate organi- one’s performance in comparison to Second, solvency ratios measure the assets and liabilities to earn revenues tance of historical numbers is ments occurs against financial and sations emerging, the relevance of industry competitors, identify gaps, firm’s ability to meet any long-term and profits. A higher efficiency quo- decreasing by the day. Predictive fore- business ethics. Ratio analysis tech- ratio analysis was understood even assess competitive advantages, fiscal commitment and the fact that tient generally means that the busi- casting models which help in capital niques may also not give proper more. After the second World War, strengths, weaknesses, opportuni- in the long-term, it owns more than ness is more efficient. budgeting decisions and choices results for comparison when differ- with the advent of science and tech- ties and threats. This information can it owes. The solvency of firms is mea- Coverage ratios, too, measure an regarding sources of funds and oper- ent companies use different valuation nology and increased market compet- be used by decision-makers to sured by the debt-to-equity and organisation’s ability to cover its debt ations have gained more prevalence. techniques for inventory and depre- itiveness, new tools and techniques improve the organisation’s position in debt-to-assets ratios. Profitability obligations. A higher coverage quo- The existing business environment is ciation. Another aspect which goes were added to financial ratio analy- the industry. Ratio analysis is also a ratios are the third category used to tient shows the ease with which it can uncertain and volatile with increased against ratio analysis is that it just sis. The series of additions and tool to discern how efficiently an measure the capability of an organ- service borrowings. Some of the fre- focus on people, the planet and sus- gives the results in numbers and does HIMA BINDU KOTA improvements continued in the 1960s organisation is using its assets and lia- isation to earn profits when com- quently used coverage ratios are debt tainability. This is particularly true not reflect the causation factors, well into the ‘90s to come to the exist- bilities and whether the financial pared to the costs associated with the coverage ratio, interest coverage ratio, since the outbreak of the which can make these numbers ing analysis methods. resources are over or underutilised. business. A higher profitability ratio, fixed charge coverage ratio and Coronavirus. So, non-pecuniary meaningless. Further research should inancial ratio analysis is used to Over the years, researchers have To help managers in their decision- compared to itself in the previous EBITDA (earnings before interest, information that is not reflected in be done to capture the new-age convey the fiscal health and per- continually established the utility of making process, several categories of year or its competitor, shows an taxes, depreciation and amortisation) the financial statements is also gain- trends in financial ratio analysis to Fformance of an organisation to financial ratios in investigating var- ratios are used. First, the liquidity improvement in fiscal strength. Some coverage ratio. And last but not the ing importance now, which is not make them even more relevant. various stakeholders such as owners, ious aspects of business like prof- quotients like current ratio, quick important profitability ratios that least, market ratios help investors to replicated in the current ratios used Financial ratio analysis can be a customers, managers, suppliers, ven- itability, solvency and efficiency. It ratio and cash ratio, measure the abil- are used in financial analysis are gross analyse their investments in the in financial analysis. Globalisation has very important analytical tool for dors, lenders, regulators and competi- provides trends within organisations ity of an organisation to meet its cur- profit margin, net profit margin, organisation and help them predict also increased cross-border transac- business decision-making if it is tors. This is done by analysing infor- by analysing fiscal statements over a rent liabilities with the use of current return on equity, return on assets and future stock prices and returns due tions, mergers and acquisitions, used in conjunction with a proper mation available in a firm’s financial large number of financial years (FYs). assets. return on capital employed. to dividends. Price-to-earnings, earn- movement of people and technology knowledge of factors affecting a statements. This is extremely useful to under- In case an organisation is facing Fourth, efficiency quotients like ings per share, dividend yield and div- transfer, making pecuniary state- business and not just used mechan- This system originally started in stand the direction of growth of an financial trouble in repaying its debt, the asset turnover ratio, inventory idend payout ratio are some examples ments more complex than ever. ically. If the limitations are consid- banks in the US in the 19th Century organisation and identify any trends it is captured in these ratios. Such ratio, fixed assets turnover ratio, of market ratios. Although financial ratio analysis is ered, they can be very useful to a to gauge the loan repaying capacity that affect performance. This type of quotients are used primarily by working capital turnover ratio, How is financial ratio analysis important for making decisions, it is savvy business manager. of organisations. It was later extend- trend analysis is not possible with the lenders, bankers and creditors to payables turnover ratio and receiv- changing in the present world order? not without its limitations. This (The writer is Associate Professor, ed to investors’ decision-making for data of a single financial year. Ratio ascertain an organisation’s capacity to ables turnover ratio measure how The trend in today’s times is more technique may not give the actual pic- Amity University, Noida. The views business purposes using financial analysis is also crucial to benchmark honour its financial commitments. effectively an organisation uses its predictive in nature and the impor- ture when window dressing of state- expressed are personal) FRIDAY | DECEMBER 25, 2020 Money 08 Indian economy recovering fast, Focus on local products to help create job opportunities: Goyal growth to turn positive in Q3: RBI PNS n MUMBAI PNS n MUMBAI Union Commerce and Impacted by the coronavirus Industry Minister Piyush The economy is coming out of pandemic, the Indian economy dipped Goyal on Thursday said the the COVID-19 pandemic's by a historic 23.9 per cent in the first focus on 'Vocal for Local' and deep abyss faster than most of manufacturing of value-added the predictions, and the growth quarter of the current financial year. products in India can create will enter positive zone in the The contraction narrowed down to 7.5 job opportunities for the youth third quarter of the current per cent in the second quarter and boost economic growth of financial year, said an article on the country. the 'state of economy' in the As consumers emphasise RBI Bulletin. tion expenditure in Pradhan macroeconomic policies, more on quality products and "...more evidence has been Mantri Garib Kalyan Package spurring a faster unlock and services at the right price man- turned in to show that the (PMGKP) to investment normalisation of the economy," ufactured in the country, it will Indian economy is pulling out expenditure in Aatma Nirbhar it added. create more jobs for the youth of COVID-19's deep abyss and 2.0 and 3.0," the article added. RBI said the views expressed and help in accelerating the is breaking out amidst winter's Abstracting from the inher- in this article are those of the growth of the country's econ- lengthening shadows towards ent flux in high frequency authors and do not necessari- omy, Goyal said while address- a place in the sunlight...it is indicators, the underlying ly represent the views of the ing a virtual event on the the country," he added. He said right price and not get attract- reflating at a pace that beats trend would reveal that the central bank. occasion of the National it is a collective responsibility ed to the low-quality or low- most prediction," said the arti- quarter. "First, India is bending the pick-up in momentum of eco- Authors of the article further Consumer Day. of both the consumers and the priced product, this will force cle written by the officials of the Quoting reports, the article COVID infection curve: since nomic activity that com- said that contractions forecast "The economy is consumer- manufacturers to become the manufacturers to produce Reserve Bank of India (RBI). said, "Real GDP growth is mid-September, barring menced with the onset of the by various agencies for the year driven and 130 crore con- vocal for local, which will help and sell quality products across Impacted by the coronavirus expected to break out into localised surges, infections are second half of 2020-21 is sus- as a whole are already being sumers in the country have the in providing jobs for everyone the country at the right price. pandemic, the Indian economy positive territory in Q3 - albeit, slanting fashion to support tained, it noted. trimmed, and if the current power to decide how fast the in the country and also help in "This will also help the dipped by a historic 23.9 per to a slender 0.1 per cent." investment and consumption "The absence of the dreaded momentum is maintained, the economy of the country can growing the country's export industry to take up this as a cent in the first quarter of the Two important forces are demand," it said, 'second wave' of pandemic in bounce back expected in the grow. The more value-added share in the global markets. challenge to only sell good- current financial year. The conspiring to bless this turning "The fiscal measures have India so far has imparted ele- last quarter of the year may be products are manufactured in The minister further said quality products or the con- contraction narrowed down of the page on the virus, the been sequenced in a designed vation to this momentum in an stronger than postulated under the country, the more jobs that if the youth demand the sumers will reject them," he to 7.5 per cent in the second article said. shift in focus from consump- environment of supportive baseline assumptions. opportunities it will create in best-quality products at the added. MONEY MATTERS ESIC scheme adds 11.75 Ind-Ra revises GDP EY to hire 9,000 professionals in 2021 in various technology roles lakh new members in Oct contraction to 7.8% PNS n NEW DELHI August. The report said gross new lobal professional services The government had enrolments with ESIC during organisation Ernst & Young Around 11.75 lakh new mem- imposed a nationwide lock- September 2017 to October GServices on Thursday said it bers joined the ESIC-run social down on March 25 to contain 2020 period were 4.4 crore. Volkswagen to on easing headwinds will hire about 9,000 new security scheme in October the spread of coronavirus The NSO report is based on workforces in India in 2021, in against 11.49 lakh in the pre- infections. Later, restrictions the payroll data of new sub- hike Polo, Vento PNS n MUMBAI ic-related challenges are various technology roles across all vious month, official data were eased for various eco- scribers of various social secu- unlikely to go away till mass member firms. These hires will be showed on Thursday, giving a nomic activities in phases. rity schemes run by ESIC, the Citing the better-than-expect- vaccination becomes a reality, from the STEM (science, perspective on formal sector In March, as many as 8.21 Employees' Provident Fund prices in India ed recovery in second quarter the economic agents and eco- technology, engineering, and employment in the country. lakh new members had joined Organisation (EPFO) and the and the faster than anticipat- nomic activities not only have mathematics) background and in areas including artificial The latest data is part of a the scheme run by ESIC, Pension Fund Regulatory and by up to 2.5 pc ed easing of the pandemic learnt to live with it but are intelligence, machine learning, cyber security, analytics and other report released by the National against 11.83 lakh subscribers Development Authority headwinds, India Ratings on also adjusting swiftly to the emerging technologies, EY said in a statement."Today, our clients, Statistical Office (NSO). in February, according to the (PFRDA). PNS n NEW DELHI Thursday projected 7.8 per new reality, it said. Given this, both in government and private businesses, are embarking on Gross new enrolments with payroll data released in May. It has been releasing such cent contraction for the econ- Ind-Ra now expects third technology-led transformation and we are supporting them in this the Employees' State Insurance The NSO report showed data of these bodies since German carmaker Volkswa omy for 2020-21 as compared quarter to see contraction at journey. With the pace of digital adoption accelerating exponentially, Corporation (ESIC) were 8.27 gross enrolments of new sub- April 2018, covering the peri- gen on Thursday said it will to 11.8 per cent degrowth 0.8 per cent and fourth quar- we are strengthening capabilities in emerging technology roles and lakh in June, 4.87 lakh in May scribers with ESIC were 1.51 od starting from September hike prices of its hatchback estimated earlier. ter to print in 0.3 per cent significantly intensifying our hiring efforts in the coming year," EY and 2.62 lakh in April, show- crore in 2019-20, against 1.49 2017. Polo and mid-sized sedan But the agency was quick to growth as against the earlier India Partner and Consulting Practice Leader Rohan Sachdev said. ing an increase in enrolments crore in the previous fiscal. According to the report, net Vento in India by up to 2.5 question the sustainability of expectation of positive num- after easing of the lockdown, During the period new enrolments with retire- per cent from next the recovery seen in bers only in July-September the latest data showed. September 2017 to March ment fund body EPFO stood month.The company joins September quarter when the 2021-22. Accordingly, it In July, gross enrolments 2018, around 83.35 lakh new at 11.55 lakh in October, down other automobile manufac- Indian economy contracted expects 7.8 per cent contrac- Volkswagen appoints Vishal dipped to 7.61 lakh but subscribers had joined the from 14.19 lakh in September turers such as Maruti Suzuki only 7.5 per cent, after 23.9 tion in 2020-21 as against (-) improved to 9.47 lakh in ESIC scheme. this year. India, Nissan, Renault India, contraction in April-June , 11.8 per cent earlier, and GDP as after-sales service head Honda Cars, Mahindra & saying ''a significant part of the to grow by 9.6 per cent in olkswagen India on Thursday said it has Mahindra, Ford India, Isuzu, impetus came from the festi- 2021-22, mainly due to the appointed Vishal Bhat as the head of BMW India, Audi India and val and pent-up demand.'' weak base of 2020-21, India Vafter-sales service from January 1. Hero MotoCorp, which have Although the headwinds Ratings chief economist Bhat is currently serving as head of corporate Rupee rallies 21 paise already announced that they emanating from the pandem- Devendra Pant said in a report. and pre-owned car sales at Volkswagen, the would hike prices from company said in a release. He would be taking January due to increased over the responsibility from P Ravichan dran, input costs. who is now responsible for the dealer to 73.55 against USD "Effective January 2021, development business, it said. “As we plan for Volkswagen India announces our biggest launch of 2021 with the PNS n MUMBAI had settled at 73.76 against the a price revision of up to 2.5 Volkswagen Taigun, our core focus is to ensure enhanced customer Captech US dollar. per cent across the Polo and experience and value proposition for the customers. With Vishal's The rupee appreciated 21 paise The dollar index, which Vento models in lieu to the vast experience and understanding of customers, we strongly to settle at 73.55 (provisional) gauges the greenback's rising input costs," a believe he will bring-in new growth avenues in our service Technologies against the US dollar on strength against a basket of six spokesperosn of Volkswagen operations," Ashish Gupta, brand head, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Thursday as positive domestic currencies, was down 0.20 Passenger Cars India said in India. With over 17 years of experience in the automotive industry, Private Limited equities and sustained for- per cent to 90.23. a statement. Bhat brings in diverse expertise to the position, the company said, eign fund inflows strength- On the domestic equity adding that in a period of last five years, he has undertaken various PNS n MUMBAI ened investor sentiment. market front, the BSE Sensex roles and responsibilities across functions, which include aftersales, Traders said the weakness of ended 529.36 points or 1.14 customer care, corporate and Das WeltAuto sales operations. Captech Technologies, the American currency against per cent higher at 46,973.54, India's largest and only key rivals also supported the while the broader NSE Nifty Sensex soars 529 pts as labour marketplace has rupee. jumped 148.15 points or 1.09 bagged projects from Realty At the interbank forex mar- per cent to 13,749.25. Sebi orders attachment of demat majors Oberoi Realty and ket, the domestic unit opened Foreign institutional Tata Projects. The develop- at 73.66 against the US dollar investors were net buyers in RIL, HDFC twins shine accounts of Sunshine Global Agro ers via the eFORCE market- and witnessed an intra-day the capital market, as they pur- PNS n MUMBAI Bharti Airtel, Bajaj Finance and tion in stock prices. After the place platform will be able to high of 73.54 and a low of chased shares worth Rs 536.13 Kotak Bank. sharp correction seen on arkets regulator Sebi has access thousands of labour 73.66. crore on a net basis on Equity indices marched high- Index heavyweights RIL, Monday, prices have recovered ordered attachment of bank contractors/ specialized ven- The local unit finally closed Wednesday, according to pro- er for the third session on the HDFC and HDFC Bank in the last three days. Monthly Mand demat accounts of dors to grow the supply at 73.55 against the American visional exchange data. trot on Thursday, propelled by accounted for over half of the expiry has also contributed to Sunshine Global Agro and its chain and will also be able to currency, registering a rise of Brent crude futures, the Reliance Industries and finan- Sensex's gains. On the other the higher volatility. Nifty's directors to recover dues totalling filter and choose contractors 21 paise over its previous global oil benchmark, fell 0.35 cial stocks, amid a positive hand, Infosys, Nestle India, closing near the previous week over Rs 1 crore. The recovery in terms of needs, experi- close. per cent to USD 51.02 per bar- trend in global markets on IndusInd Bank, Dr Reddy's, high indicates strong rollovers proceedings have been initiated ence, and bandwidth. On Wednesday, the rupee rel. prospects of a Brexit trade HCL Tech and Bajaj Finserv on the back of healthy FII flows against the entities after they failed Launched in June, the deal. were among the main lag- seen this month. to pay Rs 1 crore fine imposed on eFORCE app can deploy A sharp jump in the rupee gards, dropping up to 1.32 per "IT stocks have again come them by Securities and Exchange more than 4,00,000 labour via and persistent foreign fund cent. During the holiday-trun- into limelight because of the Board of India (Sebi) in March 2019. The penalty was imposed on thousands of general con- inflows added to the momen- cated week, Sensex inched up large mega deals announced by them as the company mobilised over Rs 38 crore from 39,290 tractors registered on the tum here, traders said. 12.85 points or 0.02 per cent, Infosys and Wipro this week. investors through unregistered collective investment schemes. In an platform. The 30-share BSE Sensex while Nifty slipped 11.30 This week has seen modera- attachment notice on Wednesday, Sebi has ordered attachment of Intending to organize the surged 529.36 points or 1.14 points or 0.08 per cent. tion in flows from both FIIs bank as well as demat accounts of Sunshine Global Agro and its unorganized migrant and per cent to close at 46,973.54. Markets will be closed on and DIIs. We can expect muted directors to recover the pending dues.The pending dues of Rs 1.09 non-migrant labour contrac- The broader NSE Nifty Friday on account of Christmas. FII activity in the next week crore comprises, initial penalty amount, interest and recovery cost, it tor market in the construction zoomed 148.15 points or 1.09 Global equities extended gains also due to year end phenom- added. Sebi asked banks and depositories not to allow any debit industry eFORCE helps the per cent to 13,749.25.Axis as Britain and European Union enon but expect activity to pick from the accounts of these entities. However, credits have been developers to mobilize the Bank topped the Sensex gain- neared a Brexit deal ahead of the up sharply from the first week permitted. Further, the capital markets watchdog has directed the projects quickly and mitigate ers' chart, spurting 3.04 per Christmas weekend, cheering of January," said Rusmik Oza, banks to attach all accounts including lockers held by the defaulters. the delays in project owning cent, followed by Sun Pharma, participants. Executive VP and Head of to a shortage of skilled ONGC, Reliance Industries "This has been a short but Fundamental Research at labours. (RIL), HDFC, ICICI Bank, eventful week with wide gyra- Kotak Securities. Mrs Bectors off to flying start; shares close with 107% premium INDIAN COMPANIES Gold gains hares of Mrs Bectors Food Specialities on Concern over lack of freedom among ‘independent’ directors Rs 385; silver SThursday made a PNS n NEW DELHI across 272 districts of India. is not available with the com- remarkable market debut As many as 65 per cent of mon shareholder. jumps Rs 1,102 and closed with a A significant percentage of individual shareholders said "If these issues are addressed PNS n NEW DELHI premium of 107 per cent individual shareholders believe that independent directors in not only will Indian markets against its issue price of the constitution of the board of publicly traded Indian compa- and corporates earn increased Gold on Thursday gained Rs Rs 288. The stock directors of most Indian com- nies are not acting to protect public trust they will see many 385 to Rs 49,624 per 10 gram opened at Rs 501, panies is tilted towards pro- the interest of minority share- more common citizens invest- in the national capital, reflect- reflecting a jump of moters as many independent holders, the survey said. ing some of their savings in ing gains in global precious 73.95 per cent from the directors are not really inde- Further, the top-3 concerns equities," LocalCircles said. metal prices, according to issue price on the BSE. During the day, it rose to Rs 601.20, up pendent, says a survey. of individual shareholders of It further noted that if cor- HDFC Securities. In the previ- 108.75 per cent. It finally closed at Rs 595.55, a gain of 106.78 per According to the Corporate publicly traded companies are porate governance of Indian ous trade, the precious metal cent.On the NSE, it zoomed 105.72 per cent to close at Rs 592.50. Governance Survey 2020 by accounting fraud, selling of companies improves, it will had closed at Rs 49,239 per 10 The company's market valuation was at Rs 3,498.65 crore on the online platform LocalCircles, company assets without share- most definitely attract an gram. Silver also witnessed BSE. In traded volume terms, 37.81 lakh shares were traded at the 79 per cent individual share- holder knowledge and insider increasing number of foreign buying as it gained Rs 1,102 to BSE and over 3.70 crore units on the NSE during the day. Mirroring holders have expressed concern trading, it added. institutional investors into Rs 66,954 per kg, from Rs massive investor response, Mrs Bectors Food Specialities initial about the independence of Insider trading is the illegal Indian markets. 65,852 per kg in the previous public offer was subscribed a whopping 198 times earlier this independent directors. practice of trading on stock The role of independent trade. In the market, gold was month. The price band for the share sale was at Rs 286-288 apiece. LocalCircles conducted the exchanges to one's own advan- directors has come under ques- trading with gains at USD 1,878 Mrs Bectors Food manufactures and markets a range of products survey after observing citizen over a 12-month period. The 48,000 responses from 21,000 tage after having access to tion many times over the last per ounce and silver was flat at such as biscuits, breads and buns. posts on corporate governance survey received more than unique shareholders located confidential information which few years. USD 25.80 per ounce. 9

Friday December 25 2020 what’s brewing? Ranjeet to make Paatal Lok wins big in the OTT debut with maiden edition of Flyx comedy series Becharey eteran actor there was freedom to cre- Ranjeet, known ate,” said the veteran actor, Filmfare OTT Awards for his roles as an who has tried comedy in v on-screen villain films such as Housefull 4 merging as one content creators, actors and raise the glam quotient on in numerous and Welcome. of the fastest- their creations. Setting new the red carpet. Making a films, will make Becharey will focus on growing indus- precedents, the new OTT clean sweep, Paatal Lok won his digital debut in a come- four boys and a girl strug- E tries, the Indian Awards extended the six- the most awards across cate- dy web series. gling in personal and pro- OTT industry decade legacy of the Black gories in addition to bag- Titled Becharey, the series fessional lives. has been a reckoning force Lady to the digital realm by ging the Filmfare for Best also stars Amita Yadav, Their landlord has a ser- in fostering innovation and celebrating and honouring Series and Raat Akeli Hai Prateek Chaudhary, vice apartment where peo- creativity in the country cel- the unique stories, imagina- won the Best Movie for web Sambhav Jain, Himanshu ple come as guests. ebrating the indelible mark tive narratives and the original. Popular actors Bhatt and Rahul Datta. “I play myself in the show. of the streaming industry exemplary talent of India’s Sushmita Sen who received “I was looking at various He is sent by the landlord to and lauding stellar perfor- emerging digital entertain- Best Actor in a Drama scripts and ideas. I wanted the house because he needs mances. Filmfare hosted the ment industry. The Series Female and Neena to do an episodic series first. to stay with some common- inaugural edition of the Flyx gala event witnessed the Gupta for Best Actor in a I really liked the idea of me ers for a role. And then the Filmfare OTT Awards over most-recognizable Supporting Role in a acting with a young talented fun begins. Becharey is pure the weekend at the Taj names from the Indian Comedy Series Female team in a story of their gen- comedy entertainment. Lands End in Mumbai. It entertainment industry that lighting up the night's eration. I really enjoyed the There are crisp episodes,” was a starry night filled include Pratik Gandhi, Nora extravaganza virtually by shoot. It is a comedy and said Ranjeet. with glamour and brilliance Fatehi, Alaya F, Rajkummar delivering endearing mes- as the Black Lady was Rao, Manoj Bajpayee, sages of love and accep- bestowed on the finest OTT Priyamani and many more tance. Santa Season: OTT goes big with Xmas films and shows a hardworking farmer to sell Oldman, Colin Firth, Bob 2012 release is about a New 2018 film The Christmas her family’s land. It stars Hoskins, Robin Wright Penn, York high-society party Chronicles. The film is direct- Lauren Swickard, Josh Cary Elwes, Fionnula organiser, who needs to ed by Chris Columbus. It Swickard and Ali Afshar. Flanagan, Steve Valentine, decide at the last minute to shows Russell reprising his Sharing Christmas and Molly C. Quinn, the film choose between career and role as Santa Claus to save is available on Disney+ vacation with her boyfriend. Christmas. The highlight is he festival season a good cheer. Directed by Peter Sullivan, Hotstar Premium. It is available on Lionsgate an on-screen reunion is here and it is Operation Christmas the 2017 romantic film is 2020 Global Citizen Play app. between Russell and Goldie time to embrace Drop about Stephanie Nichols, who Prize Home for Christmas Hawn, who plays Mrs. Claus. T Yuletide spirits. gets an opportunity to trans- It is streaming on Netflix. With cinemas yet The film is about a politi- form an old shopping com- Hosted by John Legend, it The Norwegian television Dolly Parton's to draw audience cal aide falling for a big- plex into a prime location. It will feature performances by series dropped its first season Christmas On The confidence fully, OTT plat- hearted air force pilot while is available on Lionsgate Play. John Legend, Carrie in 2019, and has been a teen Square forms are going all-out to looking to shut down his A Christmas Carol Underwood, Gwen Stefani, favourite ever since. is about add a Christmas sparkle with tropical base and its airborne Tori Kelly & JoJo. The pro- Johanne as she tries to find a Starring Dolly Parton, shows and films that cele- Christmas tradition. The The 2009 film remains a gram will also feature appear- boyfriend to bring home for Christine Baranski and Treat brate the season of Santa Netflix film stars Kat Christmas favourite watch. It ances by Elton John, Shawn Christmas Eve. Starring Ida Williams, the holiday movie Clause. Graham, Alexander Ludwig, is about Ebenezer Scrooge, Mendes, Priyanka Chopra Elise Broch, the show is avail- musical is about a woman As we gear up to binge on and Virginia Madsen. an old man of miserly con- Jonas. It will stream on Voot able on Netflix. who plans to sell a small Christmas, snuggled in a A California Christmas tempt, as he finds himself in Select on December 26. The Christmas town without regard for the blanket with a cup of hot the company of the ghosts of All About Christmas Chronicles: Part 2 people, and what happens chocolate, Here is a list of The Netflix film follows a Christmas, who take him on Eve when she gets a visit from an new attractions that toast a wealthy real estate heir who an eye-opening journey. Kurt Russell returns as angel. It is available on happy ending to the year, and poses as a ranch hand to get Starring Jim Carrey, Gary Starring Haylie Duff, the Santa Claus in the sequel of Netflix.

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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. 10

Vijayawada Friday December 25 2020 ‘Rap has so much New parents Benefits of more to offer' do various things apper-lyricist vibe to it. I explored hip- Ankit Singh Patyal hop and listened to many and learn via trial preserving cord blood aka IKKA, who artists and loved this style, made his dress sense and music. I and error to ensure R Bollywood debut was totally enamoured with In Da Club, with it and my love for their baby is safe and talks to The Pioneer about music took root. his latest track, collaborat- How did you end up protected. Among ing with Divine and how being a rapper? he became a rapper them, preserving the What is your new I just fell into it. I started debut album ‘I' with listening to hip-hop baby's umbilical cord about? and just went with the flow. My friends were The album is titled ‘I’ those who rapped. It blood is one thing they because this is my story — became my life as well. I all about my journey. watched documentaries must do, believes Dr There are nine tracks here about the history of rap and all of them are about and lives of rappers all Chirayu Padhiar, Senior my life, my experiences over the world. It felt so and journey till now. Some real to me and I get influ- Medical Director, of the tracks are dark and enced by things that are some are about what I real. Hip-hop was so dif- LifeCell International have achieved. Those who ferent for me. want to know about me, sometime but we lost You are a singer- Pvt Ltd. He shares should definitely listen to touch due to a misunder- songwriter, rapper, this. standing but that got lyricist, composer with The Pioneer's How did you get your cleared and 10 years later, and producer. How do fits that help ing 80 plus blood related dis- banking’ is a new term to not pose any risk to baby and name Ikka? now, did this track. you do all this? K RAMYA SREE the baby and its orders. These stem cells can most parents and there are does not affect the care of How did you end up extended family morph into all kinds of blood undoubtedly many miscon- both mother and child during Actually, my name is collaborating with I have had the opportu- the benefits of in a time of crisis. cells which can be used to ceptions about persevering the delivery itself. Ankit. I told my father Divine? nity to work with some of Dr Chirayu treat/cure immune and blood the same. Myth: Cord blood collec- when I was young why he the best artists — Guru Padhiar, Senior related ailments like One of the myths that tion is painful had to keep a name that is It was during the lock- Randhawa, Diljit Dosanjh, doing so and Medical Director, LifeCell leukemia, sickle-cell anemia many Fact: Cord blood collection so common; when I was in down. And Divine and I Yo Yo Honey Singh — International Pvt Ltd, India’s and few kinds of cancer. process is a safe, painless school there were six kids would keep with each right at the beginning of more. first and largest Stem Cell Cord blood also holds process for both mother and in my class by the same other regularly over Insta. my career. These people Bank, shares with reasons promise for future life-saving the baby. name. I told my father why Over one such chat, he are the best in what they why pregnant mothers should medical procedures. One of Myth: Cord blood is not Shah Rukh or Hrithik? asked me to share a vibe if do. Some gave me a sense preserve their baby’s cord the recent frontiers in med- rarely used in medical He told me that this was I had any and why not do of music, another taught blood. ical practice is the treat- treatments today the name I would have to it together. I was doing an me production, yet anoth- regnancy and par- How will saving umbilical ment of metabolic disor- Fact: To reiterate, cord live with in this life, at album at that time and er taught me how to write. enting are life- cord blood help one in the ders through stem cell blood stem cell trans- least. But he shortened it agreed. I had two-three I like to observe things changing events. future? Why should preg- transplant. Especially in plants are used to treat to Akki and from there, songs ready and told him and learn and things fell Bringing new life nant mothers preserve their the case of inborn errors of nearly 80 and more dis- when you look at it, back- to choose whichever one into place. P into this world is baby’s cord blood? metabolism, there is a loss eases including blood can- wards, it reads Ikka. he liked and get back. He Has the rap scene no longer a sole The umbilical cord which of enzyme cells that carry cer, autoimmune diseases You have also loved Level Up and he sent saturated in India? responsibility of the mother. connects the baby and moth- out essential and bone marrow disorder. released a new track his verse in five days and Fathers also take an equal er in womb has life-saving chemical reactions in our The medical world is opening Angaar. Tell us about the song was ready. Not at all. People have share of responsibility both at benefits. It has three blood body. A disruption of this new frontiers to apply stem that? How did you get just started to listen to rap. a pre-natal and post-natal vessels — a vein that carries will impact the central ner- cell transplant to cure rare interested in music? Labels have started pro- stages to ensure the mother food and oxygen from pla- vous system and keep organs parents- disorders across specialties The track is about how moting it now. More and and baby are happy and centa to your baby, and two and tissues from functioning to-be are worried about is: and hold great future. we have struggled so much I had no interest in more people are drawn to healthy. arteries that carry waste back to its fullest capacity. Hence, Myth: The collection On average, monthly how and there is so much talent music; I was more interest- hip-hop. I see great things With an increase in the to placenta. After the birth of a preserved stem cell can process of cord blood affects many people choose to save in us - that we have ed in playing video games for this genre since there is number of diseases around your baby, the blood left in enable patients to produce the delivery and takes blood away cord blood of their new- achieved things ad we and reading comics. I still better things to come. us, it is crucial for parents to the umbilical cord and pla- missing enzyme. from the baby born? How is this scenario have grown and improved loved to draw and was cre- What next? ensure all measures are taken centa have life-saving cells What are the myths peo- Fact: Cord blood collection changing in Hyderabad? as artists. The uniqueness ative. One day, a friend got to protect their child's life. that can treat and potentially ple have about this generally happens post-delivery of the So before COVID, the is that it features Raftaar a cassette of Eminem — I am working on my One of the key ways to do cure serious ailments. and, how can we break those baby and when the umbilical monthly enrolment was 330 and music given by Sez on Lose Yourself. While I did- next album. I have a few this, is by preserving the The cord blood collected myths? cord is clamped and cut. on an average and during the The Beat. Raftaar and I n’t understand most of it, I collaborations and baby’s umbilical cord blood from an umbilical cord is rich An exciting development in Since it is carried out by a pandemic the enrolment, has have known each other for loved it. The song has a Bollywood projects as well. which has innumerable bene- in stem cells that help in cur- the last decade, ‘Cord Blood dedicated physician, it does gone down to 260. 11

Friday December 25, 2020 tollywood Role in Solo Brathuke So Better is close to my real life: Sai Tej

t will be a red-letter day for Sai Tej and more importantly for today as Solo The actor says theatrical I Brathuke So Better (SBSB), a major release, restarts cinemas - release of SBSB is for the more than nine months after they were shuttered due to the pandemic which industry. If the film does dealt a body blow to the industry. The actor admits that he had his apprehensions about well, it will have a positive the release as until last week; there were Jagapathi Babu some issues that the producer’s council was impact on the industry and waging. “As a unit, we only prayed that we get to release our film as we have a good his only wish is to see product in hand and if theatres do open, we headlines Damodar were optimistic of people visiting them and watching it. The release is for the industry. If Telugu film the film does well, it will have a positive Prasad's next impact on the industry. My only wish is to industry as see Telugu film industry as number one (in the country),” Sai Tej exclaims. number production In the film, which he dubs as “a proper Telugu entertainer which can be enjoyed by one (in roducer KL Damodar Prasad, the audience of varied age groups,” Sai plays who produced tasteful films like Viraat, a student who is averse to the idea of the Ala Modalaindi, Anthaku Mundu being in a relationship, leading him to form P Aa Taruvatha and Kalyana a club called SBSB (Solo Brathuke So Better). country), Vaibhogame under Sri Ranjith Nabha Natesh, on the other hand, plays a girl Movies in the past, on Thursday next door Amrutha who challenges Sai’s writes announced the title of his new film as steely resolve to stay single. “Viraat’s philoso- Father-Chitti-Uma-Karthik. Headlined by phy is simple. He believes every man is a NAGARAJ Jagapathi Babu, the film, directed by master of his own freedom and he has to Vidyasagar Raju, also features Ram utilise it properly to lead a happy life. The GOUD Karthik, Tamil actress Ammu Abhirami hurdles he faces while propagating his way (Asuran’ fame) and baby Sahasritha in of life makes for an interesting watch,” he coffee.” central roles. points out, adding that the storyline deals With theatres allowed operating Prasad said the success of his previous with the present youth’s perspective towards at 50 percent occupancy, it wouldn’t films boiled down to the content and the marriage, while simultaneously treading why be a safe proposition for the distribu- performances of the actors and Chitti- parents want their children to believe in the tors and the exhibitors but that is of Uma-Karthik got his green signal as it had institution of marriage. “Subbu (director) the least concern for the actor right now. freshness in the story. “The film’s shooting blended both the perspectives well, with “As far as my film is concerned, the pro- has been wrapped up and post-production humour and family emotions. My role is ducer is safe, while the distributors are happy is currently underway. The film industry is close to my real life and it is the reason why I with the ticket sales. Safety is a top priority slowly beginning to recover after the shut- connected to the film personally.” and only when the audience feels safe, they down of the theatres. Our film will defi- Now that the project blends two perspec- will come to cinemas. What I want right now nitely please the audience who love to tives, did his outlook on marriage change is to see them in cinemas and enjoy the film watch movies along with family in the- after doing the film, we ask. Laughing, he by practicing social distancing,” Sai avers. atres. We are planning to release it next notes, “Irrespective of how strong my opin- Sai will be next seen in a social drama month,” he said. ion is our mothers will be stronger, right? directed by Deva Katta. Speaking about its Director Vidyasagar said the film is a They will win at the end of the day. The only progress, he reveals it is 60 percent romantic-comedy and revolves around the thing I can do is to prolong my marriage completed and with a couple of outdoor emotions of the titular characters. date further. Courtesy lockdown, I extended schedules in Eluru and Kolleru Lake, the Rounding off the main cast are Ali, my date to 18 months more.” entire shooting part will be Daggubati Raja, Kalyani Natarajan, Continuing in the same vein, he adds, wrapped up. Brahmaji, Krishna Bhagavaan, Rajitha, “For the past several months, every day after He is hopeful of a Jabardast Ram Prasad, Naveen, Venky and Suprabatam I would play No pelli song couple of releases Raghava. Bheems Ceciroleo has composed (from the film’s album) at my home in the next year, including the film's soundtrack. morning. I would ensure that the volume is Karthik Dandu’s high so that it reaches my mom. In retalia- mystical thriller, tion, she wouldn’t offer my morning cup of which rolls in March. Pedananna was Sohel begins his second adamant on a theatrical innings in films experience for yed Sohel attempted on Indian cel- this film. The pre-produc- Ryan, who was luloid before. “When tion has already started,” the second Srinivas narrated me the the director said. runner-up of story one and half years Sohel said that before Red: Ram S the reality TV ago, I felt that it would be his Bigg Boss stint, he did show Bigg something very new for a handful of movies but Boss, has signed his maid- our audience. I immedi- none got him any recog- en film as a lead. The ately decided that I would nition. “Thanks to Bigg untitled film, a produc- produce it. We spoke to Boss, I’ve earned fame ctor Ram, who is looking tion venture of George Sohel about the story and new friends. I will be forward to the release of Reddy and Pressure even before he entered indebted to the show all Red this Sankranti, said Cooker producer Appi the Bigg Boss. The project my life. I understand that A that it was his producer Reddy under Mic Movies, will be a game changer there are expectations on uncle Sravanthi Ravi was announced in for him after Bigg Boss,” my feature film movie but Kishore who was particu- Hyderabad on Thursday. the producer said. I assure everyone that this lar about the theatrical release. Srinivas Vinjampati is Srinivas said that he is project will be a different “Theatrical experience is some- debuting as a director close friends with Sohel one. With it, I will win thing altogether different. Because from his own script. for the past seven years everyone’s hearts especial- of coronavirus, there has been a Speaking at a presser, and they discussed many ly women’s,” he stated huge gap with the release. We Appi Reddy said the film’s stories. “I’m happy that with an air of wanted to come in April earlier concept hasn't been our wish is fulfilling with confidence. this year. But pedananna was adamant that it had to be a big screen experience for every- one. Ever since he has been paying (giggles)… It’s defi- nitely worth it,” the actor said. He was speaking after Arvind Swami’s striking new the trailer launch of the film in Hyderabad on Thursday. Ram pointed out that Thalaivi when director Kishore look from trends Tirumala, who is known for his soft romantic comedies, narrated him the script, he n the death MGR, but a great bution in her journey could visualize him as the anniversary responsibility. I thank to stardom and poli- director. “Kishore and of Dr MG director AL Vijay and tics. Beginning with Sameer Reddy (cinematog- O amachan- producers Vishnu her journey as an rapher) are very close to dran on Vardhan Induri and actress, the film will me. They are extremely Thursday, the chief Shaailesh R Singh for end with Jayalalithaa talented individuals and I minister of Tamil having faith in me. I becoming CM for the wanted to see how they Nadu for ten consecu- humbly post these first time. The ups will treat a different film tive years (1977- pics in Thalaivar's and downs she weath- genre-wise. Kishore, you 1987), new pictures of memory, today. ered during that peri- blew my mind while actor Arvind Swami #Thalaivi #MGR od will also dot the Sameer garu took it to the as MGR were #ArvindSwamiasMGR story. next level,” he stated. released. . (Sic).” Produced by Vishnu An investigative thriller, In the loving mem- Thalaivi, directed Vardhan Induri and Red narrates the confusion ory of the late chief by AL Vijay, is based Shaailesh R Singh for that arises among a few cops minister, Swami on the story of the life Vibri Motion Pictures when they find out that the shared new look of former chief minis- in association with one accused in the murder of a posters of himself as ter of Tamil Nadu J Karma Media & youngster has a look-alike. Co-star- MGR and wrote: “It Jayalalithaa. MGR was Entertainment, ring Nivetha Pethuraj, Malavika Sharma and was not just an hon- a very important per- Thalaivi will open in Amritha Iyer, the film is a Mani Sharma musical. our to play the role of son in her life, making cinema halls next Puratchi Thalaivar a humungous contri- year. VIJAYAWADA | FRIDAY | DECEMBER 25, 2020 12