Follow us on: @TheDailyPioneer facebook.com/dailypioneer RNI No. TELENG/2018/76469 Established 1864 ANALYSIS 7 MONEY 8 SPORTS 12 Published From HYDERABAD DELHI LUCKNOW EMPOWER CONCERN OVER LACK OF FREEDOM KOHLI, SHAMI ABSENCE BHOPAL RAIPUR CHANDIGARH ADOLESCENTS AMONG ‘INDEPENDENT’ DIRECTORS ADVANTAGE FOR OZ: LANGER BHUBANESWAR RANCHI DEHRADUN VIJAYAWADA *LATE CITY VOL. 3 ISSUE 66 HYDERABAD, 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." Infected UK returnee found in KTR Pattabhishekam Rajahmundry, kept in isolation talk gains traction again PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM Rajahmundry by the AP MLA jumps the gun as ‘unwell' KCR stays put in Special Express, which arrived The horror of the new strain of at midnight yesterday. farmhouse post Delhi trip Covid-19 gripped people When asked about the rea- across the country after a sons the woman violated the VENKAT RAM REDDY LAKKADI woman from Rajahmundry in quarantine rule at Delhi airport, n HYDERABAD East Godavari disappeared East Godavari district coordina- Focus on local products from Delhi airport after testing tor for health services Dr T Although there has been a lot to help create job oppor- positive for Coronavirus upon Ramesh Kishore said "Early of wishful thinking among a returning from the United She then travelled morning today, both the woman section of the TRS leadership tunities: Goyal Kingdom on December 21. with her son and her son reached here. We and occasional open utter- She was traced to the AP from Delhi to are yet to question her as to why ances that the party working Express that runs between she escaped from quarantine." president KT Rama Rao could Delhi and Visakhapatnam daily Rajahmundry by They were traced after infor- be crowned as the next Chief 8 and taken to a Covid-19 isola- the AP Special mation about their train trav- Minister, with TRS supremo tion centre after the train Express, which taken to the Safdarjung hospi- el was shared with district and CM K Chandrasekhar reached Rajahmundry on tal and reportedly advised authorities from Delhi. The Rao expanding his national Thursday. arrived at midnight home isolation as she was woman had tested positive for footprint; the plausible propo- Her 22-year-old son, who yesterday asymptomatic. The woman, a Covid-19 at Delhi airport and sition had receded to the Speculations are rife once galvanized on Thursday when had come to pick her up, test- teacher in the UK, allegedly her samples were sent for background with KCR, con- again that KTR's pattab- party MLA Redya Naik ed negative. Passengers on UK told officials that she left on her genome sequencing to identi- trary to expectations, not hishekam as CM of Telangana declared to everyone's con- flights are being tested at air- spreading mutant variant of the own as she was asymptomatic. fy if she was infected with the finding an opportune could happen in New Year sternation "KTR will become ports across the country to coronavirus that has emerged She then travelled with her new strain of the virus. moment to switch to nation- 2021. TRS circles eagerly CM by March 2021". check the spread of a fast- in Britain. The woman was son from Delhi to 2 al politics. waiting for this moment felt 2 VANTAGE POINT -NNARSIM ED attaches assets worth Rs 4,109 cr in Agri Gold case Cops beef up PNS n VIJAYAWADA They were sent to belonging to Agri Gold Companies. According to the judicial custody on Group. ED, Venkata Rama Rao security at The Enforcement Directorate Wednesday. On ED has initiated hatched a well planned con- (ED) has provisionally attached Thursday, ED had investigation spiracy and along with his Bratya: Mamata was assets worth Rs 4,109 crore attached assets, under PMLA seven brothers and other asso- Medak not invited to Visva- under Prevention of Money including 2,809 based on multiple ciates setting up more than 150 Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) landed properties, FIRs lodged in the companies and started col- Church for Bharati centenary in the Agri Gold ponzi fraud Haailand states of AP, lecting deposits from general meet case. Amusement Park of Telangana and public with a promise of pro- ED sleuths had on December M/s Arka Leisure and Karnataka. viding developed plots/farm Xmas 21 arrested three promoters of Entertainments Private The scam was perpe- lands or withdrawal at a high the scam tainted Agri Gold Limited in AP spread over 48 trated by accused Avva rate of return on maturity/pre- 5 Group and produced them acres, shares of various compa- Venkata Rama Rao through term. before the ED’s PMLA court. nies, plants and machinery Agri Gold Group of 2 Page 4 Two cops booked TS seeks funds for L&T prints 3D BJP to fight TS polls without for ‘misbehaving’ ground plus with girl students textile, handlooms one building projecting CM candidate PNS n HYDERABAD PNS n HYDERABAD in India PNS n HYDERABAD recent Dubbak Assembly ical strategy' has been adopt- The Telangana government PNS n NEW DELHI bypoll and the Greater ed by the saffron Two police personnel in civil on Thursday sought allocation Of course, it is too early for any Hyderabad Municipal party in West dress allegedly misbehaved of funds in the 2021-22 Union Larsen & Toubro party to talk about its 'CM can- Corporation elec- Bengal for the with some girl students in the budget for development of Construction on Thursday didate' for the 2023 Assembly tions. In spite of May 2021 campus of the University of the Kakatiya Mega Textile said it has successfully 3D polls. Still, the Bharatiya Janata requests from the Assembly polls. Hyderabad (UoH) here on Park (KMTP) and sanction of printed a ground plus one Party, positioned as an 'alter- state BJP leader- "As of now, it Thursday under the influence Mega Powerloom Cluster at building, claiming it to be the native' to Telangana Rashtra ship to project a has been decid- of liquor, police said. Sircilla, besides other propos- first in India. The company Going home for Samiti in TS, has decided well strong CM candi- ed that BJP The incident occurred in als. has 3D printed the building in advance to fight the next TS date who can match won't project the evening and students and In a letter to Union Minister of 700 square feet built-up festival gets costly Assembly polls without pro- and take on anyone as our the university security per- for Textiles Smriti Irani, area at its Kanchipuram facil- jecting its CM candidate, Telangana Chief chief ministerial sonnel caught the Reserve Minister K T Rama Rao said external infrastructure works ity with an in-house devel- with a section of the Minister K face. We will fight under Sub-Inspector and the Head the KMTP was being devel- urgently needed at the park," oped concrete mix, using party leaders and Chandrasekhar Rao, the leadership of Modi and Constable and handed them oped at a total estimated pro- he said. indigenously available regu- cadre pitching the BJP high com- Amit Shah and win the elec- over to the police, who reg- ject cost of Rs 1,552 croreof KMTP can be taken up lar construction materials. 3 for naming mand is learnt to tion. Once voted to power, the istered a case. which the core infrastructure under the Mega Textile Parks "L&T Construction, the con- Bandi Sanjay or have decided to legislative party, in consulta- UoH's Security Officer works would cost approxi- scheme of the Centre, he struction arm of the USD 21 Kishan Reddy ensure that the tion with the central leader- filed a complaint stating that mately Rs 1,094 crore. added. billion technology, engineering as the CM can- Telangana ship, will decide on its chief the two policemen in civil "Under the proposed Requesting the union min- & construction conglomerate TODAY didate. Assembly polls are ministerial choice only after dress entered the varsity cam- scheme, we understand that a ister to establish a Mega Larsen & Toubro, announced The BJP is fought under the Assembly polls. Right now, pus on a patrol bike and total of Rs 500 crore capital Powerloom Cluster at Sircilla having successfully 3D printed ALMANAC deemed to have leadership of Prime our target is to win 80 to 90 allegedly misbehaved and support is available for a Mega under Comprehensive a G+1 (Ground plus one) Month & Paksham: emerged as an alterna- Minister Narendra Modi seats in the 119-member harassed a few girl students Textile Park. We request that Powerloom Cluster Building with reinforcement for tive to the ruling TRS in and Union Home Minister Assembly," official sources in under the influence of liquor. approximately Rs 300 Cr of Development Scheme the first time in India," the com- Margashirsha & Shukla Paksha Telangana in view of its stu- Amit Shah. BJP said. this amount be released at the (CPCDS), pany said in a statement. Panchangam pendous performance in the Noticeably a similar 'polit- 2 2 earliest to kick start major 2 2 Tithi : Ekadashi: 01:53 am (Next Day) Nakshatram: Ashwini: 07:36 am Time to Avoid: (Bad time to start GHAC to deliver Covid any important work) Mutating Covid virus proving to be deadlier Rahukalam: 10:54 am – 12:16 pm Yamagandam: 03:00 pm – 04:23 pm vaccine from Hyderabad RAJESH JAIN NIDARKAR o LOSS OF TASTE AND SMELL: It has been found that most of the corona patients have symptoms of Varjyam: 06:24 pm – 08:12 pm n HYDERABAD Symptoms PNS n NEW DELHI loss of taste and smell. Medical experts say the second-generation virus may not have any of those Gulika: 08:09 am - 09:31 am update The mutating corona virus symptoms. Studies have found the virus could spread to others without any signs or symptoms Good Time: (to start any important work) SpiceJet said on Thursday it (SARS-Cov-2), which present- o CHILLS: In o SORENESS: Many of the infected persons lost o INFLAMMATION Amritakalam: 05:11 am – 06:59 am has signed an agreement with ly has known symptoms such as o DIARRHEA: Experts have many cases, their teeth by biting on the side due to cold sores OF THE THROAT: Abhijit Muhurtham: 11:54 am – 12:38 pm the GMR Hyderabad Air cough, cold, sore throat, loss of underlined the need for doctor chills are More than 60% of Cargo (GHAC) to ensure taste, and odor among infected consultation if there is severe considered a o MUSCLE ACHES: o HEADACHE: Do not take it corona cases suffer seamless delivery of the coro- persons, is proving to be dead- pain, diarrhea, etc., considering minor problem. This symptom has been lightly even if the head feels from cough and sore HYDERABAD navirus vaccine from the lier, with additional symptoms the number of corona patients Experts say cold reported in more than dizzy or the whole head feels throat. Consult a WEATHER Hyderabad airport to domes- such as diarrhea, vomiting, and reporting them. should also be 14 per cent of corona pain. Headaches are common doctor as these tic and international markets. headache also being reported in o VOMITING: Experts say that if Forecast: Sunny considered a victims in more than 50 when you have a cold. symptoms cannot be Hyderabad and its sur- transportation of COVID-19 various parts of the world. you are suffering from fever and health problem in countries. People, However, the study found that ignored in the Temp: 27/13 rounding districts have a num- vaccine domestically and glob- Medical experts make it clear vomiting, you should definitely Humidity: 59% the face of new especially the elderly, headaches were also seen in present ber of pharmaceutical compa- ally. In a press release, SpiceJet that the only course of action to consult a doctor viruses suffer from muscle pain some of the latest cases circumstances Sunrise: 06:43 am nies. The Hyderabad airport, said as part of the keep it at bay is to wear mask, Sunset: 05:49 pm which is managed and operat- Memorandum of maintain physical distance from and follow hygiene. Laboratory in the United States of Scientists say the mutating virus been reported more from the east Current Weather Conditions ed by the GMR group, is Understanding (MoU), all people in all situations, take A recent study by a team of sci- America found that SARS-Cov- has potential to spread around the coast of the US, where many peo- Updated December 24, 2020 5:00 PM expected to be a key hub in 2 nutritious food on a daily basis, entists at the Los Alamos National 2 has become much stronger. world. The newer symptoms have ple are infected. HYDERABAD | FRIDAY | DECEMBER 25, 2020 hyderabad 02 Telugu states have 826 leopards KTR Pattabhishekam PNS n HYDERABAD mented, and such small frag- mented areas with low wild The leopard population in the prey densities cannot harbour talk gains traction again two Telugu states is estimated a sizable population of leop- to be 826, according to status ards. This has resulted in leop- Continued from page 1 2021 by March, things fell changed dramatically due to of leopards in India 2018 report ards venturing out into human into their place again. the outcomes of the polls. As released by the Union dominated landscapes and KCR has been largely out of Redya Naik, while address- the TRS put up a poor show Environment, Forest and ending up in conflicts." action since December 13. ing a gathering, recalled that in the elections, there has Climate Change Ministry. There have been many He has confined himself to his he had sought sanction of been a stunning silence in the While Andhra Pradesh is instanced of leopards straying farmhouse, after returning funds for a degree college in TRS camp on the talk of estimated to have 492 leopards, into human habitations over from his rather secretive trip his constituency during KTR's KTR becoming CM. That sit- the cat population in Telangana the last few years. Officials to Delhi, fuelling specula- last visit and asserted that it uation too changed post is 334. attribute this to shrinking tions that he would step down would materialise as "KTR KCR's trip to Delhi, where he The overall leopard popula- forests and low prey. as CM on 'health grounds' will become CM by March met Prime Minister Narendra tion in Andhra Pradesh could In October this year, a male anytime in New Year 2021 2021" and sanction the funds. Modi and Union Home be between 461 to 523, while leopard was captured near and make his son KTR as This statement, with a Minister Amit Shah between in Telangana this figure could Water and Land Management CM. timeline and with no ifs and December 11 and 13, with the be anywhere between 318 and Training and Research Institute Ever since the ruling TRS buts, surprised the crowd BJP state unit chief Bandi 350. at Rajendranagar on the out- retained power in Telangana present there, while others are Sanjay subsequently harping In 2014, the leopard popu- skirts of Hyderabad. Earlier, in for a second term in the wondering why the MLA on his ominous statement lation in combined Andhra May a leopard was found sit- December 2018 Assembly made such statements out of that "KCR would go to jail" for Pradesh was estimated to be ting near a median on a busy polls, there has been a strong the context. alleged corrupt deeds. 343. Thus there has been an region is estimated at 8,071 According to forest officials been able to survive better in road at Mailardevpally, also on buzz that KCR would play an So far, neither KTR nor any With KCR staying put in increase of 140 per cent in the against 4,456 estimated in in both the Telugu states, there an increasingly human domi- the city outskirts. enlarged role in national pol- of the other TRS leaders have his farmhouse since then, his cat population in the two states. 2014.Leopard population has is scope for further increase in nated landscape, largely due to Telangana has also seen itics, after seeing through responded to the comments 'health issue' is being hotly Among seven states in the been estimated based on pic- the number of leopards if its adaptable behaviour and death of five leopard between KTR's coronation. made by Redya Naik. debated in TRS circles. KCR central and eastern ghats, tures of animals captured issues related to their habitat due to protection," says the 2010 and 2019. Two leopards TRS leaders and cadre feel In November, just before skipped Union Minister Nitin Andhra Pradesh has the fifth through camera-trapping and are addressed. report. were killed in road accidents that had the results of the last the Dubbak Assembly bypoll Gadkari's virtual programme largest number of leopards gathering other evidence, the "Leopards are widely distrib- "Despite their widespread while two others were run Lok Sabha election been and ahead of the GHMC to launch highway projects in while Telangana is at the sixth same method which was uted species and in comparison distribution, leopard habitats over by trains. One leopard mixed, KCR would have done elections, there were intense Telangana three days ago. TS place. The cat population in the adopted for the tiger census. to other large carnivores have are being increasingly frag- died of electrocution. it by now. Although that did speculations that KCR, "soon Roads and Buildings Minister not happen, almost all the after winning the elections", Vemula Prashanth Reddy, TRS ministers, MLAs, MLCs would make his son as the who deputized for KCR, told and other leaders strongly Chief Minister and shift his Gadkari that KCR "is unwell". believe that KTR is in any case own focus on building an KCR also skipped PV ED attaches assets worth the next CM candidate from anti-BJP campaign at the Narasimha Rao's death MLRIT opens STI hub TRS. When the TRS MLA national level to fight the anniversary programme on from Dornakal constituency "anti-farmer and anti-labour Wednesday. in Mahabubabad district said policies of the Narendra Modi All this suggests that all is Rs 4,109 cr in Agri Gold case for SC/ST community openly that KTR would occu- government". not well in the TRS camp with py the CM chair in New Year Post elections, things its supremo in the dumps. Continued from page 1 estate deal. Vizianagaram, East Godavari, PNS n HYDERABAD ventions that are developed by Investigation under PMLA West Godavari, MLRIT will directly benefit Thousands of commission further revealed that Avva Visakhapatnam, Nellore, Pointing that human capabil- the community. The objective agents were engaged to lure Venkata Rama Rao and his Prakasam and Srikakulam dis- ities - living a quality life - was of the proposed project is to GHAC to people with various schemes family went on a siphoning tricts. overlooked when taken in the improve the socio economic BJP to fight TS polls for hefty commission and spree and illegally diverted In Karnataka, they are locat- context of economic growth of status, health and sustainable deliver Covid managed to collect Rs 6,380 the deposits to myriad verticals ed in Bengaluru, Kolar, Yadgir SC and ST Communities in livelihood of target population crore from 32,02,628 investor and in private companies and Mandya districts. the state, the Marri Laxman through science and technol- accounts. which were directly owned by The properties are also Reddy Institute of Technology ogy. without projecting... vaccine from In the end, the gullible their family. located in Odisha’s Khurda (MLRIT), Hyderabad which Dr K Srinivasa Rao said that Continued from page 1 ed as the president of investors got neither plots nor Investigation conducted so district and Krishnagiri district has decided to focus on based on the interventions, Telangana state BJP in March Hyderabad could recover their deposits. far led ED in Identification of of Tamil Nadu. improving quality of life of various training programmes, Meanwhile, BJP state president 2020, many eyebrows were Continued from page 1 Investigation under PMLA assets totalling to Rs 4,109 In Telangana, the properties SC/ST has established Science technology development pro- Bandi Sanjay is trying to con- raised in BJP as well as other further revealed that Agri Gold crore which has been provi- are located in Mahbubnagar, and Technology Innovation grammes, business develop- solidate his position as CM political circles. For, Sanjay the GHAC will provide Group of Companies used to sionally attached under PMLA. Narayanpet, Khammam, (STI) Hub for SC Community ment assistance and others will material by planning bus was a little known face in the required space at the lure the gullible public to join The properties are located in Hyderabad, Rangareddy, to improve the livelihood of be provided to the target ben- yatras and padayatras in the party unit till then. He was Hyderabad airport "on prior- as depositors in their schemes Andhra Pradesh in Anantpur, Vikarabad, Medchal, SC community of the eficiaries. coming days. Supporters of "too local", insiders believed ity" for the airline's vaccine either directly or through their Kurnool, Krishna, Chittoor, Malkajgiri and Nalgonda dis- Medchal, Malkajgiri district Marri Rajashekar Reddy Union Minister of State for then. He was a corporator in shipments and it will also agents under the pretext of real Guntur, Kadapa, tricts. supported by Central asserted that a common facil- Home G Kishan Reddy are Karimnagar Municipal train the airline's personnel. Government. ity centre will be established projecting the Secunderabad Corporation in the past and "SpiceJet on its part will Labour Minister Ch Malla and the developed equip- MP as the next CM of had lost the Assembly elec- keep a dedicated fleet of Reddy, Secretary of MLRIT ment's will be placed in the Telangana, should the BJP tions twice. There was no freighters, including wide- Mobile SHE and TRS Malkajgiri CFCs of 3 identified villages of come to power in the 2023 comparison between Sanjay body aircraft, at the L&T prints 3D Parliament in charge Marri Medchal, Malkajgiri district by Assembly polls. and seasoned BJP leaders in Hyderabad airport to handle toilet Rajashekar Reddy, Principal investing Rs 40 lakhs. It is widely believed in Telangana like Ch Vidyasagar all domestic and interna- Investigator Dr Karthik Marri Rajashekar Reddy Telangana political circles that Rao, N Indrasena Reddy, G tional consignments," the Rajendra, principal of MLRIT reiterated that we, as a college, one of the biggest reasons for Kishan Reddy, Bandaru release added. ground plus one... launched Dr K Srinivasa Rao and oth- will extend our services to help the Congress' and BJP's loss in Dattatreya and even Dr K As part of this MoU, PNS n KARIMNAGAR ers were present at the inaugu- the community to strengthen the Telangana Assembly elec- Laxman or T Raja Singh. SpiceXpress the cargo arm of Continued from page 1 slab members, the entire ration ceremony. the downtrodden in the best tions in December 2018 was However, after his victory in SpiceJet envisions to provide building structure was 3D Municipal Corporation of Four technological inter- possible way. the lack of an efficient leader the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, efficient, speedy and reliable With the country aggressive- printed 'Cast in Situ' at the job Karimnagar has launched a who could be projected as a he came into limelight and has solutions for vaccine deliv- ly pursuing the objective of site in an 'open to sky' environ- mobile SHE toilet in chief ministerial candidate by started making loud noises, ery, while also creating a sus- creating 60 million houses ment within 106 printing Karimnagar town for the the respective parties to take both within and outside the tainable cold chain network, under the Housing for All by hours, using a fully automat- convenience of women. on a mighty leader like KCR. party. For some strange rea- according to the release. 2022 programme, this achieve- ed 3D printer, the statement Purchasing a bus from ‘Celebrate Xmas While there were too many son, the high command chose "SpiceXpress aims to pro- ment will certainly give a huge said. TSRTC, a bio-toilet was chief ministerial aspirants in him as the party president vide the first mile pick up fillip for the mass housing seg- 3D printing is a process, in developed with modern facil- the Congress, the BJP could after Laxman stepped down. and last mile delivery to ment, it added. which the material is printed ities by spending Rs 13 lakh. following norms’ not project anyone, but This has angered seniors carry COVID 19 vaccines "3D concrete printing is under computer control to Besides a western toilet, nobody had the stature or like T Raja Singh, who has across the domestic and one of the technology disrup- build a 3-dimensional prod- two normal toilets, a diaper PNS n KHAMMAM bers Elizabeth, Ernest Paul, capacity to take on KCR. been aspiring to be the next international markets in a tors with the potential to rad- uct, typically layer by layer. It changing room, baby feeding Peter, corporator Pagadala However, things changed dra- BJP chief in the state. But in no temperature-controlled envi- ically redefine construction is predominantly used in man- room, rest room and canteen New clothes and food grains Nagaraju, Bonakal ZPTC matically for BJP in Telangana time Sanjay proved a tough ronment," it added. methodologies and I am ufacturing industries to print were also arranged. 1 KW were distributed to poor Modugu Sudhir Babu, for- with the appointment of nut to crack for his detractors extremely happy that by rapid prototypes, complex solar power system, 800 liter Christians and pastors under mer MPTC Banoth Konda party's Karimnagar Lok Sabha within the party. He could demonstrating our growing shapes and small batch pro- capacity bio digester, 2,000 the aegis of Gospel for and others were present. member Bandi Sanjay as head attract people as well as party expertise in 3D printing, we duction using special poly- liter capacity water tank are Tribals Social Service Society In a similar programme at of BJP unit in the state. cadre with his rabble-rousing are well-positioned to push the mers, metal alloys etc. also arranged. 1 KW capaci- marking the Christmas cel- Annam Foundation premis- When Sanjay was appoint- speeches across Telangana. Two cops booked boundaries of automated 3D printing with concrete is ty solar power system will ebrations. es 'Annadanam' was con- robotic construction," said M still largely work in progress help to run lights and fans for The Zilla Parishad ducted by Palla John Ramulu for ‘misbehaving’ V Satish, Whole Time across the globe. 12 hours. Chairman L Kamalraj and Trust chairman Palla TS seeks Director & Senior Executive Earlier in November 2019, Karimnagar Mayor Y Sunil the District Collector RV Rajashekar on Thursday as a Goat, stray dog with girl students Vice President (Buildings), the team had 3D printed 240 Rao along with Collector K Karnan have distributed 250 Christmas charity act. Nearly funds for... Larsen & Toubro. square feet 1 BHK, in line with Shashanka, Commissioner of rice bags and the clothes to 300 inmates of the orphan- mauled to death Continued from page 1 It will not only accelerate the the typical EWS Police VB Kamalasan Reddy, as many as 250 persons at a age run by the foundation Continued from page 1 pace of construction but also (Economically Weaker MCK Commissioner Valluru programme in Khammam were offered food. Breathalyser tests conducted significantly improve build Sections) building layout to Kranthi inaugurated a mobile on Thursday. The foundation chairman by leopard Rao said as per the geo- tag- on them showed positive for quality, he added. explore the feasibility of this toilet at Telangana chowk on Speaking on the occasion, Annam Srinivas Rao PNS n NIRMAL ging report as many as 35,588 liquor consumption, a police The building was printed innovative technology. Thursday. Mayor informed he appreciated the society thanked the trust office bear- power looms are in official said quoting prelim- with both vertical reinforce- Larsen & Toubro is an Indian that based on the Chief office bearers for their char- ers for their kind act and A goat and stray dog were Telangana, with a majority of inary investigation. ment bar and horizontal dis- multinational engaged in engi- Minister K Chandrashekhar itable act. recalled the services made by reportedly killed by a leopard 25,495 in Sircilla District. A case of trespass and mis- tributors, using a welded mesh neering, procurement and con- Rao's instructions, they He asked the Christians in John Ramulu to the society. on the outskirts of Sirala vil- The Telangana Minister also behaviour underrelevant sec- that satisfies provisions in the struction projects, manufactur- developed a mobile SHE toi- the district to celebrate the Pastor Y Vedaratnam, Palla lage in Bhainsa on Thursday. requested the Centre to sanc- tions of IPC has been regis- Indian codes and optimises ing, defence and services with let for the convenience of the festival by strictly following Kishore, E Kishore, A The incident created a flutter tion an Indian Institute of tered against the two and fur- the cost of construction. over USD 21 billion in revenue. women, who could utilize it the Covid-19 norms. Bishop Upender and others were in the rural parts of this Handloom Technology for ther probe was on, the official Except for the horizontal It operates in over 30 countries. at crowded areas. Jacob, the community mem- present. mandal. The animals received the state. added. fatal injuries on their necks HYDERABAD and died on the spot. BULLION RATES TSEDCET Residents of Borigaon claimed that a leopard sight- GOLD ed in the edges of the habita- tion recently. The same car- ` 50, 940 (10 gm) Certificates verification deadline extended nivore might have attacked ` 140 PNS n HYDERABAD uploading scanned copies of 7, 2021. January 15, said Professor P the two animals, suspected a SILVER certificates for verification A list of provisionally Ramesh Babu, Convener, local. Bhainsa Forest deputy ` 71, 300 (1kg) The last date for online regis- for TS EdCET first phase selected candidates would be Telangana State-EdCET 2020 range officer said that no pug ` 800 tration cum verification, pay- admission counselling has prepared college wise and Admissions in a press release marks were recovered at the ment of fee online and been extended up to January placed on the website on on Thursday. spot of the incident. CHICKEN RATES `/KG

Dressed/With Skin `160 Infected UK returnee found in Rajahmundry... Without Skin `182 Continued from page 1 tion, they were shifted to an woman was sent to a virology virulently spreading in the state not to panic. Broiler at Farm `110 isolation ward in the govern- lab in Pune to check for the UK. Passengers are being "The woman travelled in Anticipating that she might ment hospital. presence of the new strain," Dr screened at all the airports of first class. So, the interaction EGG have boarded a train to reach RT-PCR tests were con- Ramesh Kishore said. Andhra Pradesh and thus far, with other passengers could be RATES Rajahmundry, the state ducted on the duo and the Health Minister Alla Kali the new strain of Covid-19 minimal. The other co-pas- `/100 authorities with the help of mother tested positive for the Krishna Srinivas told the detected in the UK has not senger of the woman was test- HYDERABAD 519 Railways searched passenger virus while her son tested media that the swab samples been found in the state, the ed negative at Rajahmundry," manifest in Delhi- negative. of the woman will be sent to Minister assured. the Minister explained. VIJAYAWADA 506 Visakhapatnam AP Express. "The woman is stable and the National Institute of He reiterated that the State He also rejected the possi- VISAKHAPATNAM 480 The woman and her son were doing well. She doesn't have Virology, Pune, to ascertain government is on high alert bility of the new strain of RETAIL PRICE `5.19 traced and once they arrived any symptoms like fever and whether she contracted the for the possible second wave Covid-19 having entered (IN HYDERABAD) at Rajahmundry railway sta- cough. Swab sample of the new strain of Covid-19 that is and advised the people of the Andhra Pradesh.

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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. HYDERABAD | FRIDAY | DECEMBER 25, 2020 hyderabad 03 Going home for festival gets costly CCMB director briefs V-P PNS n HYDERABAD After unlock, the about new Corona strains As the auspicious festival of Sankranti closes in, people passenger rush PNS n HYDERABAD who plan to go to their native has increased. places for the festival have no Over 1.6 lakh The Director of the Centre for easy way to go home. Buses Cellular and Molecular Biology and trains are fully booked. In passengers are (CCMB), Dr Rakesh Mishra fact, reservations for these days keen to travel by on Thursday met the Vice were closed over two months President of India, M Venkaiah ago. trains per day. Naidu in Hyderabad and The waiting list in trains run But only 76 trains briefed him about the new long upsetting the denizens' strains of SARS-Cov-2 found plans to visit their native places are available in the United Kingdom and for festival. for them South Africa recently. Unless new trains are pressed Dr Mishra apprised the Vice into service, it is not possible to President that the mutations in visit their places in the Telugu trains are available for them. the new strains are less likely States for the city residents. It Therefore, the waiting list runs to change the efficacy of the tions were underway to find ly due to novel India specific may be recalled that the South long on these trains too. vaccines under development. out whether the new strains are clade, named I/A3i clade. The Central Railway has cancelled Annually, the SCR runs hun- Besides, there is no evidence present in India. I/A3i clade had likely entered 80 regular express trains and dreds of special trains for the that suggests the strains are Making a presentation to the India from other Southeast 120 passenger trains being Sankranti festival, but this time associated with worse out- Vice-President on the work Asian countries. The analysis operated from Secunderabad, it is operating only 64 special comes for the patients, being done at the CCMB on by CCMB had further revealed Nampally and Kachiguda sta- trains for Christmas, Sankranti although they are more infec- SARS-CoV-2, he said that the that, with time, the weaker A3i tions owing to the Covid-19 Express via Mumbai and on the book last-minute depending lar train services, the railways and Ayyappa season. The reduc- tive. The same disease man- new strain was 71 per cent clade was eventually replaced guidelines. Falaknuma Express. on availability of the cars and have been operating special tion of special trains has been agement strategies are expect- more infectious than the other by the A2a clade, which is also In their place, only limited The Secunderabad- due to the Covid situation. trains in all routes in a phased causing severe inconvenience ed to work for the variants too. strains. A parallel strain iden- the globally prevalent strain. train services are being oper- Machilipatnam Express has a Upon lifting the lockdown, manner. to commuters. The Vice-President sought tified in South Africa sug- He said CCMB was the first ated in a phased manner. The waiting list up to 84, 92 and 110 the railways have operated Daily at least 2.5 lakh peo- According to the CPRO of the to know about the likely gests that it affects younger non-ICMR lab to start testing waiting list for the on January 10, 11 and 12. The Secunderabad-New Delhi and ple travel to various destina- SCR, Rakesh, the train services impact of the new strains in people more, though more samples for the novel coron- Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam waiting list for Rayalaseema Bengaluru-New Delhi services. tions from Secunderabad, are being run keeping in mind India and the work being car- thorough research is required, avirus SARS-CoV-2. It also Godavari Express on January Express runs up to 97 on these By June, 22 pairs of trains have Kachiguda and Nampally sta- the pandemic. The trains are ried out on various aspects of he explained. established SoPs for other 10, 11 and 12 runs up to 300, days. been started operating to des- tions in 200 trains. operated as per the Railway the novel coronavirus at He explained that the analy- research institutes and uni- 340 and 399. While self-drive cars may tinations like Vijayawada, After unlock 4.0 and unlock Board guidelines. This year, the CCMB. Dr K Lakshmi Rao, sis of the genomes sequenced versities for testing. It has The railway authorities indi- cost less, booking via cab aggre- Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, 5.0, the passenger rush has demand for trains for those senior principal scientist at by CCMB and other trained more than 200 per- cated 'No Room' on these three gators such as Ola and Uber is Tirupati, Bengaluru, Mumbai, been increased. Over 1.6 lakh travelling to their native places CCMB was also present. researchers in the country has sonnel from medical hospitals days on Bhubaneshwar Express, not only expensive but also Danapur and so on. passengers are keen to travel by for Sankranti is anticipated to be Dr Mishra informed the revealed that the initial spread and other testing centres on Secunderabad-Bhubaneshwar risky as people are forced to Without restoring the regu- trains per day. But only 76 not much. Vice-President that investiga- of the virus in India was main- the testing protocols. CITY LIGHTS 574 new Covid cases Cyb CP meets Regional Director, RBI on online loan applications push TS tally to 2.8L PNS n HYDERABAD are in home or institutional yberabad Police Commissioner isolation. VC Sajjanar on Thursday held Telangana reported 574 new During the last 24 hours, Can interaction and detailed Covid-19 cases on Thursday, Greater Hyderabad Municipal discussion with the Regional taking the state's tally to Corporation (GHMC) report- Director, RBI Ms K Nikhila, and 2,83,556, health officials said. ed 109 new cases. other officials in the Regional Office During the last 24 hours, Rangareddy district saw the of Reserve Bank of India, two more persons succumbed second highest number of Hyderabad on the misuse of online to the virus, pushing the death new cases at 48 followed by applications by the NBFCs and toll to 1,524. The fatality rate Medchal Malkajgiri (42), War- other entities in the name of instant remained 53 per cent against angal Urban (34), Karimnagar personal loans. DCP Crimes Ms the national average of 1.4 per (30), Khammam (25), Nalgon- Rohini Priyadarshini, Cyberabad cent. According to director of da (22) and Bhadradri Kotha- explained the modus operandi of public health and family wel- gudem (22). Of the 44,516 these online loan applications. These applications are developed by fare, 44.96 per cent of the tests conducted during the companies that have an agreement with various NBFCs and others. deaths occurred due to Covid last 24 hours, government-run These entities run the application and also the call centers for while 55.04 per cent had co- laboratories accounted for making calls to the loanee in case of default. They categorize the morbidities. 40,900 while the remaining defaulters into different buckets based on the number of days The state saw 384 recover- 3,607 samples were tested in lapsed from the due date and make threatening and abusive calls ies during the last 24 hours, private labs. and also send messages not only to the loanee but also to the taking the cumulative num- Samples tested per million relatives and his/her contacts. They are also resorting to sending bers to 2,75,217. The recovery population ratio rose further A beautiful new walking track with coloured fake legal notices as if it is sent from CBI in order to induce fear rate stands at 97.05 per cent as to 1,77,622. The daily testing street lights along the Tank Bund in the city is among the defaulters/loanee. In this connection, RBI officials have against the national average of target for the state is 5,600 per bringing residents out from vehicles for walk as brought to the notice of the Police authorities, the extant RBI 95.7 per cent. The number of day as per the WHO bench- never seen before. regulations on Digital Lending Platforms/Mobile Apps. active cases in the state is now mark of 140 per million per — SV CHARY 6,815 including 4,487 who day, officials said. Aurobindo Pharma signs pact with Covaxx for Covid vaccine Police arrest six ATM robbers, Two persons held for urobindo Pharma Ltd and Covaxx, a US-based burglary in Nacharam Acompany, have entered recover property worth Rs 20L PNS n HYDERABAD The two moved around in into an exclusive license a car in colonies and identified agreement to develop, PNS n HYDERABAD The Rachakonda Police arrest- locked houses. During the commercialise and ed two persons involved in a night they would break into manufacture UB-612, the first The city police on Thursday burglary at Nacharam and such houses and steal valu- Two arrested for Multitope Peptide-based arrested six professional inter- recovered 42 tolas of gold and ables. "The gang was involved vaccine to fight COVID-19, for state ATM theft offenders. 70 tolas of silver ornaments in two property offences in smuggling ganja India and UNICEF. According Police also recovered one from them on Thursday. Nacharam and one in to a release issued by the city-based drug maker, Covaxx is Tata sumo, gas cylinder, Rs The arrested persons were Dundigal police station limits PNS n HYDERABAD currently conducting a Phase 1 clinical trial for the vaccine 73,060 net cash and seized one identified as Mohd Sabdar, 25, this year," Bhagwat said. candidate. Managing Director of Aurobindo Pharma Ltd, N lorry, one pulsar, two gas cylin- a native of Uttar Pradesh and Mahesh M Bhagwat said The Commissioner's Task Govindarajan, said, "We are proud to partner with Covaxx in ders (Oxygen, LPG) and gas Mohd Ayub, 58, of Moinabad. Ayub was arrested several Force (west) team on developing the first-ever synthetic peptide-based vaccine to combat cutter with pipes all worth Another suspect, Mohd times earlier and was involved Thursday caught two persons the COVID-19 pandemic. This vaccine has immense potential in about Rs 20 lakh from them. Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. paint on the CC Cameras to Nayeem, is absconding. in 118 cases. who were found smuggling eliminating shedding, and hence containing, the spread of the On credible information, The modus operandi was avoid their identity, they will ganja and seized 4 kg of the pandemic." Under the signed agreement, Aurobindo Pharma has the sleuths of Central Crime that the offenders knew very cut the ATM Machine's front contraband from them. obtained the exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and sell Station and Special Operation well about the ATM mecha- portion with gas cutters, The duo - P Anil, 22, and Covaxxs UB-612 vaccine in India and to UNICEF, as well as non- Team LB Nagar, along with nism, centralised alarm system remove cash and escape in S Srikanth, 27, both resi- exclusive rights in other select emerging and developing markets, it Abdullapurmet Police appre- and they chose the iron frame stolen four-wheelers. dents of Karwan had kept the said. Aurobindo Pharma and Covaxx are partnering on clinical hended six professional ATM ATM bodies. They are target- The accused later abandon contraband in an auto-rick- development, manufacturing and marketing of the vaccine theft offenders at Sampoorna ing ATM without watchman stolen vehicles on the way. shaw and were searching for candidate. Hostel in Abudullapurmet and without Alarm system. Before and after crime mostly customers when they were here. They will commit theft of the they travel in inter-state trans- caught at Langer Houz, the The accused hailing from four wheeler or two wheeler port trucks. Sometimes they police said. Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar vehicles before committing plan in advance through the Both the persons were Pradesh had committed 11 offences. people of their native state handed over to the Langer ATM offences in Telangana, They conduct recce of the located in the towns where Houz police station for fur- Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, isolated ATM's, spray black there was ATMs. ther action. Ensure students to take sem exams Three persons held, at centres near their homes: JNTU 100 kg ganja seized ANUSHA PUPPALA students studying in such col- PNS n HYDERABAD n HYDERABAD leges and appearing for the var- ious semester examinations in Three persons were arrested Keeping in view of the pre- risk and causing anxiety and and 100 kg of ganja, which vailing Covid pandemic situa- inconvenience to the parents they were allegedly smuggling tion, Jawaharlal Nehru and students concerned." from Visakhapatnam to the Technological University, All the principals of engi- city, was seized by the Hyderabad (JNTUH) has neering colleges affiliated to Rachakonda Police on instructed the principals of JNTUH are instructed to pro- Thursday. affiliated colleges to conduct vide option to the students to The arrested persons were semester examinations of appear for the forthcoming identified as Shaik Ismail of Ismail brought the contra- B.Tech and B.Pharm at the semester examinations either Visakhapatnam, Mankari band in an auto-rickshaw from nearby centres of hometowns from the parent college or at Satish of Bagh Amberpet and Visakhapatnam and informed of the students. the centres which are near to Mankari Prakash of Arun Singh who sent the The principals have been their respective hometowns / Goshamahal. One suspect, other two to Uppal. They requested by University to villages out of the three options Arun Singh of Dhoolpet, is were shifting the consignment obtain from students (at most (in the order of preference) absconding. According to the to a hideout when they were three options - in the order of exercised by the respective police, the three were sourcing caught," Rachakonda preference) from each student neering or pharmacy college. neering colleges affiliated to students for writing their the contraband from one Raju Commissioner Mahesh M for writing their examinations, In an official circular JNTU Hyderabad are not examinations so as to mitigat- of Chinthapally hills in Bhagwat said. provided the places which the JNTUH on Tuesday stated, "It adhering to the above instruc- ing the hardship and risk to the Visakhapatnam and supplying A case under the NDPS Act students are opting have at least has come to the notice of the tions issued by the University, students in the prevailing it to customers in the city. was registered and efforts are one JNTUH affiliated engi- undersigned that certain engi- thus putting the safety of the Covid pandemic situation. "On Wednesday evening, on to nab Arun Singh. HYDERABAD | FRIDAY | DECEMBER 25, 2020 hyderabad 04

OLD CARD SYSTEM Credai hails TS RTC to phase out deluxe services Suspense over new TPCC govt's decision PNS n HYDERABAD chief position to end soon PNS n HYDERABAD The Telangana State Road Tra- nsport Corporation (TSRTC) KOLISHETTY The Confederation of Real would be phasing out the VENKATESHWARLU Estate Developers' deluxe category buses from its n HYDERABAD Associations of India fleet and replace them with (Credai)-Hyderabad, hailed other services. Therefore, the Suspense over announcement Telangana government's deci- deluxe services will not be of new Telangana Pradesh sion to allow registration of there in the new buses to be Congress Committee chief non-agricultural properties. acquired by the RTC. comes to an end after rumours The registrations were on The demand for super lux- were spread that the high com- hold to facilitate the transi- ury category buses, which are mand has finalised the candi- tion to the new system mostly run as non-stop ser- date for the post. (Dharani) enabling increased vices, is very high from the The party leaders have split transparency by removing commuters. Their speed is into two factions over the discretion and ensuring 100 also higher compared to other appointment of the TPCC per cent online advance slot services. Exception to some chief and the party appears to booking, which was kept in routes, they are being operat- have gone into damage control abeyance due to the order of ed on most of the routes as luxury bus services. All these commuters travelling by deluxe Currently, the RTC has pre- mode before announcing its the High Court. non-stop bus services. services are non-stop services bus services will patronise mier bus services called pick. A team representing the Therefore, the commuters pre- and run without conductors. super luxury buses because of Vennela sleeper service, But, to the latest develop- real estate developers led by fer them over other bus ser- Therefore, the RTC has decid- the push-back seats and non- Garuda plus and Garuda. For ment rumour mills state that his name any time soon, as it Jagga Reddy reiterate that the Ramakrishna Rao, president, vices. ed to withdraw these services. stop services. these services, the RTC uses the TPCC working president A convinced another aspirant high command has to take a Credai Hyderabad along with Some of the express services The RTC decided to phase Two decades ago, there used buses from Volvo and Benz Revanth Reddy's name has Komatireddy Venkat Reddy final decision ensuring that the representatives of TREDA, are non-stop services, while out the deluxe services as it is to be semi-luxury bus service companies. The Garuda bus been almost finalised for the that it is appointing TPCC party doesn't split into two. TBF and TBA requested the some others halt at important almost similar to express ser- run by the RTC. Then it was service will have multi-axle bus post of TPCC chief, after a chief position to Revanth While there is a chance for cabinet sub-committee places. The bus fare on these vice. There were instances of the only top-category bus ser- service offering practically no senior leader close to the Delhi Reddy, it is learnt. some senior leaders to shift chaired by Vemula Prashanth services is comparatively less. commuters, who got in to vice. Later, it was converted in bumpy ride to the travellers. leadership said that the party The high command also their loyalties to another party, Reddy, Minister of Roads & After the Palle Velugu bus ser- deluxe services treating it as to high-tech service. At the After comes the Rajadhani is definitely looking for an convinced the senior leaders especially BJP, could Revanth Buildings, Legislative affairs vices, comes the express ser- express buses, arguing with bus same time, deluxe service was A/c, super luxury, deluxe, aggressive leader who can reju- who addressed letters to it Reddy convince the senior & Housing, Telangana on vices. Deluxe services are fea- drivers stating that the bus fare launched. Later the high-tech express and palle velugu and venate the cadre that is suffer- opposing Revanth Reddy for leaders if given responsibilities the initiation by Minister KT tured between express services is a bit high. Therefore, the service has been changed to palle velugu mini bus services. ing with low confidence now. the position of TPCC chief. to him? is the new question Rama Rao, to allow registra- and super luxury services. The RTC felt that the deluxe service super luxury bus service. Prior The officials feel that the Initially, the party's senior While the rumours were with the leaders of the party. tion using the old Computer- deluxe bus services have push is useless. The withdrawal of to becoming deluxe bus ser- commuters are being subject- leaders under the banner of out that Rahul Gandhi also Meanwhile, it is also learnt aided Administration of back services and their speed service would end confusion vice, it was run for some time ed to confusion because of the Congress Loyalists Forum have suggested Revanth Reddy that the CLP leader Mallu Registration Department sys- is almost equal to that of super among the commuters and as super deluxe service. Now, more number of categories. opposed Revanth Reddy to name for TPCC chief position, Bhatti Vikramarka is also try- tem to help the industry get luxury services. But, the fare is improve the RTC's income. the RTC is going to apply They decided to withdraw the be chosen for the post. But, the several Telangana leaders ing vigorously to grab the cov- back to regular operations. a bit less than that of the super The RTC is of the view that the brakes on the deluxe service. deluxe bus services. high command may announce including Sangareddy MLA T eted post. TS Guv, KCR Cops beef up security at convey Xmas Laxman fires fresh Medak Church for Xmas greetings salvo against KCR PNS n HYDERABAD PNS n MEDAK CSI Church for Christmas as PNS n HYDERABAD Meanwhile, referring to it is one of the largest church- Chief Minister K the farmers' protest, Laxman The Telangana State Police es in India. Therefore, to avoid Chandrashekhar Rao and Firing a fresh salvo against the said that the Opposition have strengthened security in any inconvenience to the Governor Dr Tamilisai government, BJP OBC parties are misguiding the churches across the state ahead devotees, stringent measures Soundararajan on Thursday Morcha chief Dr K Laxman farmers. Pointing out that of Christmas celebrations. have been taken up for park- conveyed Christmas greet- alleged that Chief Minister K when PV Narasimha Rao Superintendent of Police ing the vehicles and to regu- ings to the people in the State. Chandrasekhar Rao was sup- introduced the economic Chandana Deepti has said late the traffic in the city. To Stating that if everybody pressing the dissenting voice reforms, the Opposition par- that the security has been avoid any untoward incident, followed the teachings of with an iron hand. ties had opposed them, beefed up at the CSI Church five sectors of forces have Jesus Christ of love, peace and Addressing the media at Laxman claimed that they here and its vicinity on been deployed to beef up compassion, they could lead the BJP office here on are doing exactly the same account of Xmas celebrations. security. Three DSPs, 11 CIs, a peaceful life, the Chief Thursday, Laxman ques- now as well. He On the directions from the 50 SIs and ASIs, 75 head con- Minister said adding that the tioned KCR, who gave mentioned that SP, Medak DSP Krishna stables, 208 constables and 61 teachings of Jesus Christ have a call to observe 'Bangaru Murthy and town CI Venkat woman constables, 88 home influenced the world. bandh against Telangana' with the help of drone cameras guards, 8 access control teams, The CM also urged people farm bills, why cannot be inspected the arrangements four day-binocular teams, spe- to celebrate Christmas by he had failed to achieved in for security in the church and cial parties, armed reserve following all the Covid-19 meet the agitat- a State its surrounding area. force personnel have been guidelines strictly. ing farmers. He where The SP said that lakhs of drafted to provide security Meanwhile, the Governor alleged that KCR farmers are devotees would throng the arrangements for the festival. extended warm greetings to has the habit of in distress. all on the auspicious occasion maintaining He point- of Christmas. diplomacy in Delhi ed out that "Christmas is a joyous on one hand and rais- KCR has the occasion to celebrate the ing his voice against the habit of luring the birth of Jesus and cherish his Central government in students and unemployed ideals. His life symbolizes Hyderabad on the other hand. youth in the name of job noti- love, forgiveness, truth, com- He lashed out at the Chief fications ahead of elections. passion, brotherhood, and Minister for perpetuating the KCR enacting dramas in the sacrifice. I wish this family rule in the State and name of 50,000 jobs for the Christmas to bring in bound- alleged that 'Kalvakuntla votes of graduates in the forth- less joy, love, peace and pros- Constitution' is being imple- coming graduate MLC elec- perity to all.” mented in the State. tions, he alleged.

Vijayashanti to head ‘bus ‘KCR using money, police to woo corporators' PNS n HYDERABAD crores to Rs 6 crores. He alleged the Old City area yatra' in TS Telangana BJP Chief Bandi has become a den for anti- PNS n HYDERABAD Sanjay Kumar alleged that the social elements and the K Chief Minister K Chandrase- Chandrashekhar Rao-led TRS Telangana BJP leaders are khar Rao was acting in such a government failed to weed making arrangements to way that some IPS officers them out. If given a fair chance, launch a bus yatra and paday- were 'belittled' while some the state police would chase atra in all the 33 districts of being used to influence corpo- them away in 15 minutes, he Telangana soon. rators, elected in the recently told a party meeting here. According to sources, it is concluded Greater Hyderabad He accused the TRS and learnt that the party is going Municipal Corporation elec- AIMIM of conspiring to keep to utilise the services of tions, to defect. the Old City area away from Vijayashanti in a big way by While addressing the gath- He said that KCR conduct- Chief Minister to tell why he is developmental activities and handing over the responsibil- ering on Thursday after ed GHMC elections in hurry not holding GHMC meet and becoming a hi-tech city. ities of bus yatra to her. inducting TRS leaders from with the fear of defeat similar delaying elections to choose "Had the BJP been given a The leader who recently Khammam into the party, to that of Dubbak by-elec- Mayor? Bandi Sanjay alleged chance to become Mayor of the rejoined the BJP is likely to Bandi Sanjay has said that tion. "KCR didn't give time for that TRS leaders are forcing city, would there be Rohigyas? attract the people towards KCR's arrogance has not yet BJP, but still people gave ver- IPS officials to influence BJP illegal residents of Pakistan BJP using the bus yatra in the decreased though the TRS lost dict in favor of BJP," Bandi corporators to join TRS, offer- and Afghanistan in the Old state. election at Dubbak by-polls. Sanjay said questioning the ing money ranging from Rs 5 City area? he asked. Maoists make their presence felt in TS again PNS n HYDERABAD informants about their where- police. The police have been abouts. conducting extensive combing The police have been combing The Maoists have been lurk- to rein in the Maoists. The in the forest area of Bhadradri- ing in Chhattisgarh and sneak- higher authorities have been Kothagudem district and wide- ing into Bhadradri- reviewing the situation from ly circulating the pictures of the Kothagudem district's forest time to time. Maoists to trace their where- area which geographically suit- Meanwhile, Telangana abouts. ed their purpose. Director General of Police M In this backdrop, the pres- Now another team being Mahendar Reddy on ence of Maoist was felt in the led by Bade Chokka Rao also Wednesday said the police was state again, the DGP, Mahender has been touring the district taking steps to prevent entry of Reddy's recent visit to the dis- obviously with strong plan to Maoists into the state. trict assumed significance. make their presence felt in the The DGP said, "We are mov- Till recently, Maoist party district. ing forward with the aim at Telangana Committee mem- In last October, the Maoists making Telangana a Maoist- bers Mylarapu Adellu alias police and the Maoists had Committee member of the killed Eswar branding him as free state." Bhaskar, Kankanala Raji Reddy taken place in Tiryani forest Maoist party Bade Chokka the police informer. Earlier, He said, "With people's and Koyyada Sambaiah toured area. Later, the DGP toured the Rao alias Damodar is leading they killed TRS leader cooperation, the police will be Adilabad district and recruit- Adilabad district and surveyed a team comprising Kurasam Bheemeswar Rao in Mulug able to gather information on ed Maoists into the party to the forest areas. Mangu alias Bhadru, Pandu district. In an exchange of fire, any movement of Maoists and strengthen the party in the The DGP, who visited Mangulu, Kovyasi Ganga alias the police succeeded in neu- they have designed a strategy state. Kothagudem on Wednesday, Mahesh, Manglu, Bura Rajesh tralising three Maoists in accordingly." As a precautionary mea- had a meeting with Bhadradri- alias siva, Yatam Narendra September. After the "We are trying to resolve the sure, the police extensively Kothagudem district police alias Sampat gushed into the encounter, the presence of the problems of the youth in bor- combed for them in the forest personnel to discuss the Maoist forest area and touring in the Maoists was not felt in the state der districts with the help of the areas of Adilabad district. activity in the region. forest area close to later. government machinery so that There were many incidents The police have already Chhattisgarh. The police have The presence of the Maoists they do not get lured by of exchange of fire between the information that Telangana announced suitable reward to now felt again annoying the Maoists," he said. HYDERABAD | 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 Thiruvananthapuram 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. HYDERABD | 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] HYDERABAD | 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) HYDERABAD | 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. Follow us on @TheDailyPioneer facebook.com/ dailypioneer

Friday December 25, 2020 There is no looking New parents Benefits of do various things back on Indian originals! and learn via trial preserving cord blood SHIKHA DUGGAL and error to ensure 020, apart from being the year the entire their baby is safe and world was forced to 2 stay inside their protected. Among homes, was certainly good for Indian talent them, preserving the in a way that it transcended all boundaries. While recognition baby's umbilical cord had certainly been coming our way in the past too, 2020 saw a lot of it happening on a large blood is one thing they scale. It started with the International Emmy nomina- must do, believes Dr tions, a wow moment for the country! So how many of Chirayu Padhiar, Senior these shows or movies have you watched? Check them Medical Director, out! Made in Heaven LifeCell International When your wedding planner becomes your life coach, your emotional derailment Pvt Ltd. He shares is at an alarming edge and there is some fun in that imminent dysfunction too, or with The Pioneer's in the premise that weddings aren’t made in heaven and could suspend you in hell's K RAMYA SREE belly — this was the turning point for Indian actor Arjun Mathur to be nominat- the benefits of ed for best performance for his role in the Made in Heaven series created by Zoya of metabolic disorders Since it is carried out by a Akhtar and Reema Kagti. Can we thank doing so and through stem cell transplant. dedicated physician, it does The Sleepwalkers Zoya Akhtar enough for selecting out- Especially in the case of not pose any risk to baby and numbered topics like homosexuality, more. The cord blood collected from an inborn errors of metabolism, does not affect the care of Actress Radhika Apte’s first dowry or betrayal in love and be recog- umbilical cord is rich in stem cells there is a loss of enzyme cells both mother and child during short film as a director The nised internationally? that carry out essential the delivery itself. Sleepwalkers won The Best that help in curing 80 plus blood chemical reactions in our Myth: Cord blood collec- Midnight Short Award at Palms related disorders. These stem cells can body. A disruption of this tion is painful Spring International Short Fest! regnancy morph into all kinds of blood cells which arter- will impact the central ner- Fact: Cord blood collection The actress had once said, “Why and parent- ies that vous system and keep organs process is a safe, painless do we have such weird notions ing are life- can be used to treat/cure immune and blood related carry waste and tissues from functioning process for both mother and that when you start producing P changing ailments like leukemia, sickle-cell anemia and few back to pla- to its fullest capacity. Hence, the baby. or directing it means you are events. kinds of cancer. centa. After a preserved stem cell can Myth: Cord blood is rarely doomed as an actor and why do Bringing new the birth of enable patients to produce the used in medical treatments we look at things in black and life into this world is no Cord blood also holds promise for future your baby, the missing enzyme. today white?” We agree with Radhika, longer a sole responsibility life-saving medical procedures. blood left in the What are the myths peo- Fact: To reiterate, cord why should you limit yourself? of the mother. Fathers also — DR CHIRAYU PADHIAR umbilical cord ple have about this generally blood stem cell transplants It's a story about finding them- take an equal share of respon- and placenta have and, how can we break those are used to treat nearly 80 selves in a delusional state, try- sibility both at a pre-natal and life-saving cells that can myths? and more diseases including ing to discover if they are sleep- post-natal stages to ensure first treat and potentially cure An exciting development in blood cancer, autoimmune walking, a couple dreams of the the mother and baby are and largest serious ailments. the last decade, ‘Cord Blood diseases and bone marrow perfect future. Little did they happy and healthy. Stem Cell Bank, shares with The cord blood collected banking’ is a new term to disorder. The medical world know they would have to face With an increase in the reasons why pregnant moth- from an umbilical cord is rich most parents and there are is opening new frontiers to consequences for their willful Bhonsle number of diseases around ers should preserve their in stem cells that help in cur- undoubtedly many miscon- apply stem cell transplant to blindness. Wanting to explore us, it is crucial for parents to baby’s cord blood. ing 80 plus blood related dis- ceptions about persevering cure rare disorders across both the aspects of cinema, The film might be set in another time ensure all measures are taken How will saving umbilical orders. These stem cells can the same. specialties and hold great Radhika is hopeful about mak- and deals with hatred of a specific kind to protect their child's life. cord blood help one in the morph into all kinds of blood One of the myths that future. ing more such internationally but it still feels prescient at the present One of the key ways to do future? Why should preg- cells which can be used to many parents-to-be are wor- On average, monthly how acclaimed films and bringing because currently, hate hasn’t quite died this, is by preserving the nant mothers preserve their treat/cure immune and blood ried about is: many people choose to save laurels to the amongst us. Hailed as Manoj Bajpayee’s baby’s umbilical cord blood baby’s cord blood? related ailments like Myth: The collection cord blood of their new- country. landmark performance, Bhonsle remains which has innumerable bene- The umbilical cord which leukemia, sickle-cell anemia process of cord blood affects born? How is this scenario to be one of the most underrated films of fits that help the baby and its connects the baby and moth- and few kinds of cancer. delivery and takes blood away changing in Hyderabad? 2020. Yet, for this film, Manoj won Asia’s extended family in a time of er in womb has life-saving Cord blood also holds from the baby So before COVID, the biggest acting award — the Asia Pacific crisis. benefits. It has three blood promise for future life-saving Fact: Cord blood collection monthly enrolment was 330 Screen Award. Smothering you with a Dr Chirayu Padhiar, Senior vessels — a vein that carries medical procedures. One of happens post-delivery of the on an average and during the bleakness, desolation cries out loud in Medical Director, LifeCell food and oxygen from pla- the recent frontiers in med- baby and when the umbilical pandemic the enrolment, has the film through a conscious silence and International Pvt Ltd, India’s centa to your baby, and two ical practice is the treatment cord is clamped and cut. gone down to 260. this precise bang made way for Manoj Bajpayee’s international win!

Four More Shots Please Bye bye 2020 Very recently VJ-turned-actress Bani J was on cloud nine and why wouldn’t ‘Rap has so much she be! Her web series, Four More Shots Please! found a place in the best comedy series category at the recently announced International Emmy Awards 2020 nominations. Season 2 of this Indian web series won big at the Asian Content Awards of Busan fest. The star cast comprising Kirti Kulhari, Maanvi Gagroo, Sayani Gupta and Gurbani Judge jointly won the Best Rising Star more to offer' award too. The show also won Best Web name that is so common; and he sent his verse in Series Award at the 6th Web Series when I was in school there five days and the song Festival Global in Hollywood. You tell were six kids in my class by was ready. us, isn’t it time for a gala celebration as the same name. I told my How did you get the year comes to an end? This season father why not Shah Rukh or interested in was actually miles ahead of the previous Hrithik? He told me that this music? one and the intricate details allowed was the name I would have to them to make it so big globally! live with in this life, at least. I had no interest in But he shortened it to Akki music; I was more inter- and from there, when you ested in playing video Delhi Crime look at it, backwards, it reads games and reading Ikka. comics. I loved to draw An Indian programme for the first time You have also released and was creative. One ever won an International Emmy. At the a new track Angaar. Tell day, a friend got a cas- 48th International Emmy Awards, Delhi us about that? sette of Eminem — Lose Crime was awarded the Best Drama series Yourself. While I didn’t and none of them ever imagined getting The track is about how we understand most of it, I loved to work with some of the best there! It was the culmination of years of have struggled so much and it. The song has a vibe to it. I artists — Guru Randhawa, work by hundreds of people, sometimes in there is so much talent in us - explored hip-hop and listened Diljit Dosanjh, Yo Yo Honey total isolation and defiance that curved that we have achieved things to many artists and loved this Singh — right at the begin- Delhi Crime in a complete labour of love, ad we have grown and style, dress sense and music. I ning of my career. These peo- born out of sadness, anger, frustration and improved as artists. The was totally enamoured with it ple are the best in what they ultimately, compassion. We take a bow at the uniqueness is that it features and my love for music took do. Some gave me a sense of whole team for such a vision and taking a Raftaar and music given by root. music, another taught me pro- heart-wrenching incident, based on true The Family Man Sez on The Beat. Raftaar and I How did you end up duction, yet another taught events, onto an international stage. have known each other for being a rapper? me how to write. I like to sometime but we lost touch observe things and learn and Nowadays, spy thrillers seem due to a misunderstanding I just fell into it. I started things fell into place. a bit formulaic. The same old but that got cleared and 10 with listening to hip-hop and Has the rap scene satu- dashing spy, the large threat years later, now, did this track. just went with the flow. My rated in India? and a sexy femme fatale. apper-lyricist about my journey. There are How did you end up col- friends were those who However, a little show on Ankit Singh Patyal nine tracks here and all of laborating with Divine? rapped. It became my life as Not at all. People have just Amazon Prime decided to take aka IKKA, who them are about my life, my well. I watched documentaries started to listen to rap. Labels the classic tropes and rework R made his experiences and journey till It was during the lockdown. about the history of rap and have started promoting it now. them in their incredible series Bollywood debut now. Some of the tracks are And Divine and I would keep lives of rappers all over the More and more people are — The Family Man. That was with In Da Club, dark and some are about what with each other regularly over world. It felt so real to me and drawn to hip-hop. I see great all it took for it to make it to talks to The Pioneer about his I have achieved. Those who Insta. Over one such chat, he I get influenced by things that things for this genre since the Asian Academy Creative latest track, collaborating with want to know about me, asked me to share a vibe if I are real. Hip-hop was so dif- there is still better things to Awards. It didn’t just bag one, Divine and how he became a should definitely listen to this. had any and why not do it ferent for me. come. but four big awards. There are rapper How did you get your together. I was doing an You are a singer-song- What next? many Manoj Bajpayee fans out What is your new debut name Ikka? album at that time and agreed. writer, rapper, lyricist, there and with or without any album ‘I' about? I had two-three songs ready composer and producer. I am working on my next accolades it’s still an engaging Actually, my name is Ankit. and told him to choose How do you do all this? album. I have a few collabora- thriller, the honour is definitely The album is titled ‘I’ I told my father when I was whichever one he liked and tions and Bollywood projects a cherry on the cake. because this is my story — all young why he had to keep a get back. He loved Level Up I have had the opportunity as well. 10

Hyderabad 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. 11

Hyderabad 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 Telugu cinema 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 Karthik, Tamil actress Ammu Abhirami hurdles he faces while propagating his way GOUD (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. sport 12 HYDERABAD | FRIDAY | DECEMBER 25, 2020

Kohli, Shami absence advantage for Oz: Langer BCCI approves 10-team IPL from 2022 PTI n AHMEDABAD adjusted, would be prove to be PTI n MELBOURNE a herculean task. Chetan Sharma appointed Aussies set for he BCCI’s governing body In another major develop- ustralia chief coach Justin Ton Thursday ratified the ment, the Board, in principle, ALanger can empathise with entry of two new franchises in decided to back the ICC’s bid new chairman of selectors the Indian team after the 36-run unchanged XI the IPL to make it a 10-team for inclusion of cricket, in the shocker it endured in Adelaide PTI n MELBOURNE affair from 2022 and also T20 format, in the 2028 Los Kuruvilla, Mohanty join five-member panel but he is also “glad” that the vis- decided to back the ICC’s push Angeles Olympics “after getting PTI n AHMEDABAD Meeting (AGM). itors are “stressed” during the ustralia chief coach Justin for cricket’s inclusion in the some clarifications from the The selection panel also Christmas weekend ahead of the ALanger on Thursday said 2028 Olympics, during its International Olympic ormer India pacer Chetan has former India players Sunil second Test on December 26. the home team will be Annual General Meeting Committee”. FSharma was on Thursday Joshi and Harvinder Singh. Having won the first Test unchanged for the second Test (AGM) here. Also, it was decided that all appointed chairman of the Sharma is a former play- within two and half days by dis- against India beginning on “Two new teams will be first-class players, both men senior national selection panel er who represented India in 23 missing India for their lowest Saturday unless there is any introduced in the 2022 IPL,” a and women, will be suitably by the BCCI’s Cricket Tests and 65 ODIs during an Test score of 36, Langer said his unexpected event in the next Board source said. compensated for the curtailed Advisory Committee (CAC), 11-year-old international team would look to drive home two days. It is learnt that time at hand domestic season due to the which also picked Abbey career, the highlight of which the advantage in the absence of Langer said he’d have to be is too short for even a nine- Covid-19 pandemic. Kuruvilla and Debashis was his hat-trick in the 1987 Virat Kohli by putting relentless “pretty courageous” to make any team IPL next year as an elab- The BCCI plans to get the Mohanty in the five-member World Cup. pressure on new skipper Ajinkya changes to a side that dished out orate tender-floating process, domestic season underway, team. As per the BCCI constitu- Rahane. such a dominating perfor- increase of matches and ensur- after several months’ delay, in The new panel was tion, the candidate with the What would he have done mance. ing that all foreign player’ January with the Syed Mushtaq formed on the sidelines of the most Test caps becomes the had he been in India coach Ravi “I’d be a pretty courageous international calenders are Ali T20 championship. BCCI’s 89th Annual General chief selector. Shastri’s shoes? man to change the XI for this “None of my business. I Test match after the last one,” have had enough with stresses Langer said during a virtual ....I empathise with the opposi- media conference. Cool but aggressive Rahane will SINGLES tion and I know what it feels like. “At this stage, unless some- PSG SACK HEAD COACH THOMAS TUCHEL If India are feeling any stress, I thing happens over the next few Paris: PSG have fired their coach Thomas Tuchel with am glad they are and not us over days — and things can happen be able stand-in captain: Sachin former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino lined up as his the Christmas weekend,” Langer in the world we live in — we’ll replacement, according to various media reports on IANS n said during a virtual media go in with the same XI, I’d say.” NEW DELHI Thursday. However the French champions declined to conference. make any to confirm the reports carried by L'Equipe He did admit that the Langer said. ndia’s batting mainstay Ajinkya newspaper and RMC and German tabloid Bild. absence of Kohli (paternity “...Whether it’s his wicket- IRahane’s calm and composed leave) and Mohammed Shami keeping, his captaincy, his bat- demeanour shouldn’t be mistaken for NEW HOCKEY STADIUM IN ROURKELA (wrist fracture) would be an Indian captain Virat Kohli chats with Mohammed Shami on 2nd day of 1st Test AP ting, I have said publicly and pri- him being weak and he will be as Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik advantage for his team but the vately for almost the last year, he aggressive as Virat Kohli, now on on Thursday announced that a new world-class hockey focus firmly remains on its own But he does have trouble batsman through the Adam is our most important player, paternity leave, as the Mumbai batsman stadium would be constructed in Rourkela as part of planning. running? Gilchrist prism but the coach has because he is a lead wicket-keep- steps in as a stand-in captain in the preparations for the 2023 Hockey World Cup which will “Of course, whatever sport “He is starting (to get) a bit enormous faith in his skipper’s er, his leadership on and off the remainder of the ongoing four-Test be hosted by the state. The proposed stadium would be you play, if you take out two of of trouble running at full speed, abilities and the leadership qual- field is incredible,” he said. series against Australia, says Sachin the largest hockey stadium in India with a seating your stars, Virat Kohli is an all- when he gets that back and feels ities he has shown in the past “....We saw he can play, Tendulkar. capacity for 20,000 people. time great player I think and confident with it, of course he two years. how well he batted in first Rahane has captained India twice Shami is a real glue for the team will come back into our team, so “You think about Adam innings under pressure in in Tests and has a 100 per cent win BFI OFFICE-BBEARERS GRANTED EXTENSION because he is so miserly and skil- we will just monitor him regu- Gilchrist, I guess, who trans- Adelaide, probably changed record, with one of those wins coming New Delhi: The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) on ful. It surely gives us some larly and fingers crossed that he formed the game in a sense, and the game actually with the run- against Australia in 2017. Thursday gave a three-month extension to its office- advantage,” he said. will be back,” Langer said. that is why Adam Gilchrist is an out of Virat Kohli, so he is a “Ajinkya has led India earlier also, bearers and resolved to conduct elections by February “We need to start strongly Tim Paine’s batting has been all-time great player because he great player, great leader and I and his calmness doesn’t mean he is not after the process had to be put on hold this year due to on the first day and build pres- a topic of discussion as the transformed the game. I have got literally love having him in our aggressive. Each person has his way of the Covid-19 pandemic. sure on Rahane as he is the new Australians judge every keeper- enormous faith in Tim Paine,” team,” he said. showing aggression. Someone who captain of India for this series. doesn’t show aggression doesn’t mean BHUVNESHWAR OUT FOR 6 MONTHS So the processes don’t change. he’s not aggressive. (Cheteshwar) Pujara, make India win. So, Ajinkya’s would be New Delhi: India pace bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Whenever you take out best for example, is very calm and com- a different style, different strategies. That who has been out of action after injuring his thigh players of any cricket team, it Melbourne standby venue for Sydney Test posed; his body language is into the is up to the team management — how muscle during an IPL game, will remain out of action till weakens them and that’s the PTI n MELBOURNE since earlier this month after a “Should the public health game, focussed. But that doesn’t mean they plan, how the pitch plays, and what the 2021 IPL edition likely to begin in early April. The reality,” he said. fresh Covid-19 outbreak in the situation in NSW render play- that Pujara is trying any less than any- our batting and bowling line-ups would 30-year-old bowler, who is recuperating at Bangalore's While David Warner is out ricket Australia on northern beaches in Sydney, ing in Sydney untenable, CA’s one else,” Tendulkar said. be,” he said. NCA, will complete his rehab next month. of the second Test, Langer could- CThursday said Melbourne which is scheduled to host the preferred contingency plan is to Tendulkar pointed out that Rahane’s “All those things come into play. n’t say with finality whether the has been placed on standby to third Test from January 7. work with the Victorian strategy as captain may be different They will do everything to try and win. MANCHESTER DERBY IN LEAGUE CUP SEMIS dashing opener will be available host the third Test between “CA has reaffirmed its com- Government to play the third from Kohli’s but he and his team Absence of seniors does affect the bal- London: Manchester United will face bitter rivals for the third Test in Sydney. India and Australia if Sydney’s mitment to giving it the best Vodafone Test at the Melbourne would have a common goal, i.e. to win ance of a team, but that gives opportu- Manchester City in the League Cup semi-finals after a “I am very hopeful. ....As I Covid-19 situation renders it chance to play the third Cricket Ground followed by the matches. nities to someone else. Overall, it is dramatic 2-0 win at Everton, while Spurs joined them in said for the last three weeks or “untenable” despite efforts being Vodafone Test at the Sydney fourth Vodafone Test at the “Each person has his own way of about Team India and not about indi- the last four with victory against Stoke on Wednesday. so, he will be doing everything made to continue with the orig- Cricket Ground and the fourth Gabba,” it added. reacting and responding to situations, viduals. Individuals can get injured and United dominated for long periods of their quarter-final, possible to get back out onto the inal schedule. Vodafone Test at the Gabba as A final decision on the but I can assure you everyone’s destina- be ruled out of the series, but Team but it took until the 88th minute before Edinson Cavani ground, so fingers crossed,” he The fate of the third Test has per the original schedule,” CA third Test venue would be made tion is one; they’ve different routes to India will always be there,” added broke the deadlock. Anthony Martial bagged United's said. been shrouded in uncertainty said in a statement. during the Boxing Day Test. get there — and that is how they can Tendulkar. second goal in stoppage time. Agencies