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,8823( “Phir ye jhoot kyon failaya Opposition is feeling slight- matter is growth and progress He said farm reforms did “Today I want to expose ja raha hain?” asked the Prime ed as “we have delivered on for farmers,” he said. not happen overnight, years of those who have absolutely no day after the Supreme Minister as he defended three farm reforms”, said the Prime Modi said all old mani- discussion and consultations care or genuine concern for you ACourt suggested that the farm reform laws. Minister. festos of other parties said the have gone into it. — our anna-daata (farmers). I Centre should put on hold the Farmers have been asking Modi said Opposition par- same thing “what his “In the new farm laws, the want to caution all those who three contentious farm laws the Modi Government to pro- ties are using you (farmers) to Government has dared to centre has only stated that are being misled and instigat- and open talks with the agitat- vide a written guarantee on the do politics to find relevance implement”. whether the farmer sells his ed in the name of these farm ing farmers, Prime Minister continuation of the MSP, appre- today, since they have lost their Without taking any name, produce in the market or out- laws,” the Prime Minister said. Narendra Modi on Friday hending that farm reforms political ground. “They fear the Prime Minister said side, it will be his will,” Modi It is the 20th day of protest made another outreach to the which now allow trading, that Modi will get the credit for Opposition parties are trying to said, adding that not a single by farmers on the outskirts of farmers and said he is ready would gradually end the MSP reforms. Please take the cred- take mileage from farmers’ market has been closed after Delhi and agitators hope that R with folded hands to discuss and the mandi system. it, for me, the only thing that protests. the new laws were enacted. the Government would take their concerns. concrete steps to resolve the !"# The PM emphasised that stand-off by walking the talk as the system of Minimum the Government seeks farmers ,8823( Support Price (MSP) will stay to not to press for scrapping the and “talk about MSP ending new laws. he CBI on Friday filed a after the new laws is the biggest Tchargesheet against four lie ever”. accused in the gangrape and tered vide CC No-136/2020 at “If anyone has any con- ++" !$,- murder case of a 19-year-old Police Station Chandpa, district cerns, then with our heads Dalit woman in Hathras. Hathras on a complaint, was bowed and our hands folded, .!/"/ 01 2.3/ Those charged for gan- taken over by CBI. with humility, we are willing to grape and murder in the case The victim was cremated discuss with them and assuage +324!-!, % are Sandeep, Luvkush, Ravi in the dead of the night near their fears,” Modi said, address- and Ramu. The Dalit victim her home on September 30. ing farmers in Madhya Pradesh !- 3"!/ was allegedly raped by four Her family alleged they were via video as part of the upper-caste men in Hathras on forced by the local police to Government’s redoubled efforts ,8823( September 14. She died on hurriedly conduct her last rites. to reach out to farmers. September 29 at the Safdarjung Local police officers, however, Modi said the Government nion Agriculture Minister Hospital here during treat- had claimed the cremation was is ready to alley farmers’ fears UNarendra Singh Tomar — ment. carried out “as per the wishes and maintained that “they are who is leading the negotiation “The Central Bureau of of the family”. being misled by Opposition with about 40 farmer unions Investigation has today filed a The UP Government had parties” who are supporting the along with Food Minister chargesheet against four faced a lot of flak over handling protests to promote their own Piyush Goyal and Minister of accused (residents of district of the case, compelling it to agenda. State for Commerce Som Hathras) in the Court of Special entrust the investigation to the “Agar hamain MSP samapt Parkash — asserted the three Judge, Hathras (Uttar Pradesh) Central agency. Karin hoti to hum new farm laws are beneficial for in a case related to an incident State police officials had Swaminathan Committee farmers and the Government is at Hathras,” the CBI said in a refuted allegations of gangrape report kyon lagu kartain”, h e ready to give a written assur- statement here. leading to a massive uproar. said. ance that the MSP and mandi The CBI had registered Senior Congress leader Seeking to dispel farmers system will continue. the case on October 11 this year Rahul Gandhi, Priynaka apprehensions, Modi said, “It is He put the blame on on the request of Uttar Pradesh Gandhi and a host of politi- six-month since the new farm Opposition parties for mis- Government and further noti- cians had marched to Harthras laws have come into effect but leading the farmers and fication from the Centre. to express solidarity with the not a single mandi has been accused them of changing their Accordingly, the investiga- victim’s family. shut down.” P stance on the reform process. tion of the case, earlier regis- Continued on Page 2 $% ( & & ! & ' )*& R ! ,8823( held nearly 11 weeks after the other in the Ladakh sector. !" December 21. Then only I will last round on September 30. In the virtual WMCC talks, be able to accept his resigna- ith the stand-offs con- These talks, though incon- the sixth since the face-offs Q R % tion. Till then he continues to 9.29&$& IPS officers to report to the Wtinuing for the ninth clusive, could pave the way for began in early May, the Indian be a TMC member of the Centre setting a reporting month at the Line of Actual the ninth round of Corps delegation was led by Joint & R House,” Mamata said. he high voltage tension deadline of 5 pm on Friday. Control (LAC), India and Commander-level talks Secretary (East Asia) from the 'R Adhikari a former MP and Tbetween the Centre and The MHA had issued China held yet another round between the armies of the two Ministry of External Affairs Bengal Transport Minister later West Bengal Chief Minister transfer letters to the three of diplomatic-level parleys on countries. The two comman- Naveen Srivastava. The 9.29&$& said he would meet the Speaker Mamata Banerjee escalated officers — Rajeev Mishra Friday to break the logjam. ders had met last on November Director General of the at the Assembly on the desig- with the Trinamool Congress (ADG, South Bengal); Praveen There was no breakthrough, 6 but of now no avail. Department of Boundary & day after senior Trinamool nated date. Government on Friday decid- Kumar Tripathi (DIG, but both the sides agreed to Given the apparent mis- Oceanic Affairs of the Chinese ACongress leaders Suvendu The leader who had ing to move the Supreme Court Presidency Range) and Bhola sustain the process of dialogue trust at present, India has Ministry of Foreign Affairs Adhikari and Jitendra Tiwari expressed concern about his after the Centre issued a Nath Pandey (SP, Diamond and ensure speedy disengage- ramped up its military pre- Hong Liang led the Chinese left the Bengal ruling outfit, two at Midnapore. personal safety and that of his mandatory order to three Harbour) — over alleged laps- ment at the border. paredness and has deployed delegation. more legislators, one from Adhikari has been sum- followers was being provided Bengal cadre Indian Police es in security arrangement to The latest round of diplo- additional mountain warfare The two sides reviewed TMC and the other from the moned by Mamata to explain with Z-category security by the Services (IPS) officers — whom BJP chief JP Nadda during his matic level talks under the trained troops for the winter the developments along the CPI(M), quit their respective his position personally to him Union Government sources they had earlier ordered on December 10 visit to Bengal. aegis of Working Mechanism months all along the 1,700 km LAC since the last round of the parties dropping hints of their before considering his resig- said without providing further Central deputation — to report The convoy of Nadda was for Consultation and long LAC in Ladakh. More WMCC, the External Affairs rightward movement. nation. Shah is coming to clarifications. in Delhi by Friday. attacked by an alleged crowd of Coordination on India-China than one lakh troops from Ministry said here. Sources close to Adhikari Bengal on a two-day organisa- The other two leaders who Even as the State TMC leaders in which a num- Border Affairs (WMCC) was both the sides are facing each Continued on Page 2 whose resignation from the tional trip. on Friday left their respective Government refused to release ber of vehicles were damaged Bengal Assembly was not “The letter he submitted parties are TMC legislator and the officers accusing the BJP of and senior leaders like Kailash immediately accepted by personally to the Assembly Mukul Roy confidant Sil violating federal norms — that Vijaybargiya and Mukul Speaker Biman Banerjee on secretariat has no date while the Bhadra Dutta and Tapasi made the State’s clearance nec- Roy received injuries leading ! “technical grounds” said he e-mailed letter to me contains Mandal a CPI(M) MLA from essary to send Central ser- the Centre to question the would join the BJP in the pres- a date ... this discrepancy has to Haldia whose husband left the vices officers on deputations — law and order situation of the ence of Home Minister Amit be clarified by him for which I Marxist outfit on November 21. the Ministry of Home Affairs State. Shah during his Saturday rally have asked him to meet me on Continued on Page 2 (MHA) summoned the three Continued on Page 2 ! "* "* - !"""575 <"=" !55"5 O // 9 6 5! >!!6"6"565>= +) " + & % "55" 7 5 5 "77>=6 !"# $, " <7= !!6=<5" 6!= . taken against those who are , ,8823( 5%66%67%86 9 76>"77 5=" 7> 7= violating Covid-19 guidelines & and SOPs, irrespective of their ndia’s coronavirus tally 5%79%5(: 7!<55= 56%'5&=6>!>5 position. !"!#!$ $ % & - Icrossed one crore mark on + % =5 !67 "!=<=<7 "5 + The bench said there ' ( Saturday. The country added => 76= 6 55= <>=> should be more police person- &L M ** ,8823( + , - over 26,896 cases and with 339 &9%7&%6 . > == = !"" > 6<5 nel at food courts, eateries, veg- new fatalities, its Covid-19 ,8823( etable markets, sabzi mandis, . /+,-.0 elhi is likely to witness death toll reached 1,45,168. 8%6%59: ;? 6=6=> ="6 565!5 bus stations, railway stations, 1 D“severe” cold on Saturday With a continuous trend of $ " !6= != 7 5!7<6 he Supreme Court on etc, as these are the places 2 ( # and Sunday. “Cold wave” con- daily reductions, India’s share 7<"6" >!7> << <5 TFriday said that any deci- which are seeing gathering of ditions are predicted in Delhi of global active coronavirus sion to impose curfew or lock- people. on Saturday and the cold spell cases is down at 1.51 per cent 3 =7<55 " > <5 65 down must be announced in No permission shall be %&'() * is likely to continue till (one in 66). The last one mil- <=6>> !>6=>" advance so that people may granted for any celebration as * $ ( Monday, the the India lion cases for India have come @ ? >> 7> < !75"> make provisions for their liveli- far as possible, the SC noted Meteorological Department in 29 days. hood. adding that there should be 3 4 (IMD) said. Continued on Page 2 - % 6!> ><=> !>" ! The court said this while mechanism in place to check $ /(02 The minimum tempera- observing that Covid-19 pan- the number of people attend- ture dropped below the three demic has spread like wildfire ing such gathering. The bench 56 7 degrees Celsius-mark in parts owing to the lack of imple- also observed that there shall be of Delhi on Friday as frosty R. + mentation of guidelines and more and more testing and the winds from snow-covered SOPs. focus should be to declare cor- Western Himalayas continue to # office)” of Modi, who repre- Bhelupur police station, and the “Curfew on rect facts and figures. '# sweep the national Capital. sents Varanasi in the Lok matter is being probed,” he said. weekends/night may be con- Continued on Page 2 The mercury plunged to -&. Sabha, and put it “up for sale” “Four people involved in sidered by States where it is not 2.7 degrees Celsius at Jafarpur. on OLX website, they said. the case have been taken in cus- in place. However, any decision It settled at 3.5 degrees Celsius :&;&,&1( The office is located in the tody,” the SSP said, adding to impose curfew or lockdown , + and 3.8 degrees Celsius at Jawahar Nagar locality of the that the person who took the must be announced long in Ayanagar and Lodhi Road our people have been arrest- city, and it falls under the picture and put it on the web- advance so that the people Dehradun:Uttarakhand toms. So on the advice of doc- weather stations, the IMD said. Fed for allegedly posting an Bhelupur police station limits, site is among them. may know and make provisions Chief Minister Trivendra tors, I will remain in home The Safdarjung online advertisement listing Varanasi Senior Superintendent The accused are being for the livelihood, like ration,” Singh Rawat said he tested isolation,” tweeted Rawat. Observatory, which provides Prime Minister Narendra of Police (SSP) Amit Pathak said. questioned, and further legal a Supreme Court bench com- positive for Covid-19 on The CM also requested representative data for the city, Modi’s Varanasi office for “sale”, “Yesterday, it came to our proceedings are being carried prising Justice Ashoke Friday. “I had undergone a the people who had come into recorded a minimum of 4.4 police said on Friday. notice that the Prime Minister’s out, he said. Modi was first Bhushan, R Subhash Reddy coronavirus test today and my his contact over the last few degrees Celsius. The maxi- The accused had taken a office here has been put up on elected to the Lok Sabha from and MR Shah said. report has come out positive. days to get themselves tested mum, however, rose to 19.8 picture of the “Jansampark sale on OLX website. An FIR Varanasi in 2014 and then re- The apex court said strict I am well and have no symp- for the infection. degrees Celsius. Kaaryalay (public relations was immediately lodged at the elected in 2019. and stern action should be ! "#$%&%& ! + ! 5677
** hospital or 12500 Mohalla clin- The scam of Rs 2500 crores is Terming the 15-years of the model in the coming days," he said that the Delhi government ,8823( ics could have been created just one MCD of this year, the BJP rule in Municipal added. is saving every single penny in using the entire public exche- three MCDs must have done Corporation as black era, he “It is unfortunate that all all its projects. “It has recently he Delhi Assembly on quer lost of Rs 2500 crore. unaccounted scams in the 15 said “I hope that the people of the three MCDs are locked as constructed a flyover worth Rs TFriday passed a resolution, “The Congress party did years of their rule," he said. Delhi will collectively end this mayors are out sitting on the 325 cr in Rs 200 cr and is pro- demanding a CBI enquiry into many scams in its tenure, one "Everyone knows that the black era. The people of Delhi protests and Commissioners viding facilities to the people of ‘financial mismanagement’ and of the most famous scams BJP ruled MCDs takes money have two models in front of have not been appointed. I Delhi with the money saved. an alleged Rs 2,500 crore scam being the Commonwealth from the people of Delhi to them; one is BJP's model in hope that the people of Delhi The court has also said that the in BJP-ruled municipal corpo- scam. But the BJP-led MCD build a residential property in MCD and AAP's model in will keep all these in mind next Delhi government has paid its rations. has left Congress behind, and Delhi. Only RSS has the share Delhi government. During the year during the municipal elec- dues in full to the MCD, yet the Addressing the assembly the people are saying that the of discount per lintel to build assembly elections this year in tions. I support the proposal BJP is seeking Rs. 13000 crores session, Chief Minister Arvind Rs 2500 crore scam of the BJP a property. And there is a year- February, people had to choose tabled by Saurabh Bhardwaj in from the Delhi government to Kejriwal said that BJP's Rs is even bigger than the ly scam of Rs 5000-10000 between two models, and they the Delhi Assembly," he added. again loot the money and do 2500 crores scam in MCD is a Commonwealth scam of the crores in the lintel in buildings chose the AAP model and The chief minister further corruption,” he added. bigger scam than Congress's event for the people of Delhi, gathered here today to discuss Congress. Imagine what they alone, which they can earn if gave us 62 seats as against 8 Commonwealth scam. the Delhi Assembly and the the biggest scam in the histo- would have done, had they they stop this corruption,” he seats to BJP. I hope that they "This is a very painful entire state because we have ry of Delhi. A 7500-bedded formed a government in Delhi. added. will entirely reject the BJP !! (6 " 7(%1 +5. # $ %"&' & Q #"*& +& + + ** ,8823( including the rollout of finan- tions in the first phase”. ** ,8823( of their predecessors in cor- cial incentives for EVs. We More than 130 participants ** ,8823( ruption," he claimed. ith an aim to create a would like to see Delhi as the from auto, charging and fleet ** ,8823( arrange your forum. The solu- enior Aam Aadmi Party "The MCD is like a Wtransparent, accessible EV capital not only of India but sectors along with civil society B@3&G(&& tion will be found only when he Delhi Lieutenant S(AAP) leader and chief daughter of Delhi which was and effective process to deploy of the world.” organisations and experts you come in the middle of the TGovernor’s office on Friday spokesperson Saurabh given to the BJP that has ‘Electric Vehicles’ (EVs), charg- Highlighting the need for attended the virtual meeting. armers stayed put at plowman,” said Tikait. transferred and gave new post- Bhardwaj on Friday criticised acted as a mother-in-law. The ers and to create awareness a robust EV ecosystem, Jasmine There were discussions around FGhazipur border (UP Gate) Tikait termed the govern- ings to six Indian Police Service the Bharatiya Janata Party BJP is acting the same by about making Delhi pollution Shah, Vice Chairperson of creating joint awareness pro- on 23rd day to mark their ment as Jungle Raj rule and (IPS) officers in National (BJP) for opposing the motion demanding Rs 13,000 crore free by adopting clean modes DDC said, “It is a privilege for grammes by government protest against the Centre’s said that farmers like them Capital. In the order issued on in the Assembly, demanding from the AAP. In the 2017 of transport, the Delhi Gov- DDC to host the Delhi EV departments and industry to new farm laws. Following spe- should also be part of the Friday, IPS 1988 batch, a ‘Central Bureau of municipal polls, BJP changed ernment on Friday held its first Forum. This forum creates a promote EVs; ways to deploy cific inputs regarding some traders meet organized in Sunandri Nanda, Special Investigation’ (CBI) into the all its sitting councilors meeting on Friday in which much needed platform for the charging infrastructure at anti-nationals forces do not Delhi's FICCI auditorium. Commissioner of Police (CP) alleged Rs 2500 cr scam. because people were unhap- industry representatives high- entire community of people appropriate spaces; need for keep any explosive items at the Tikait said that the government Vigilance has been given the “The Assembly passed a py with them," Bhardwaj said. lighted challenges and oppor- passionate about deploying high quality EVs and encour- movement site and to avoid any neither called them to Delhi charge as Special CP resolution that a CBI probe The AAP MLA alleged tunities in implementing the electric vehicles at scale in one aging fleet operators to convert kind of untoward incident, the nor did it come to the villages. Establishment and General should take place on the mat- that the scam runs into thou- EV policy in the national Indian city, to come together existing fleets to electric. police dog squad also checked Administration. ter of BJP ruled MCD’s scam sands of crores of rupees. "The Capital. and make it happen.” Considering that the EV the area for unclaimed items IPS 1988 batch, Balaji of Rs.2500 crores. Delhi Chief building department of corpo- The ‘Delhi EV Forum’ Shah further highlighted ecosystem is relatively new and area. Shrivastva has been appointed Minister Arvind Kejriwal and rations is known for corruption established to serve as a plat- that the government can do its and still in the initial stages of Meanwhile, Rakesh Tikait, as Special CP, Vigilance while Cabinet Minister Satyender and demanding bribes. A BJP form for continuous engage- part but there has to be a joint development, consultations the national spokesperson of IPS 1990 batch, Dependra Jain also supported the councillor was caught red- ment with stakeholders in the vision. “Five years from now, and stakeholder discussions the Bharatiya Kisan Union, Pathak has been given the motion. But while the voting handed by the CBI for taking EV ecosystem for successful when we talk about a global are expected to prove crucial in while addressing the gathering charge of Special CP, was taking place the BJP got Rs 10 lakh for construction of implementation of the Delhi lighthouse city, Delhi's name the early stages of implemen- on Friday said the next revolu- Intelligence. fully exposed. The Delhi BJP a building," he added. EV Policy. On behalf of the should be there. If that is the tall tation of the Delhi EV Policy, tion in the country will be Kisan “IPS 1992 batch, Satish MLAs did not vote in support However, Leader of Delhi government, Dialogue ambition that is to be achieved, the office of DDC said in a Kranti, if the Government does Golcha, Special CP, Central of the motion. Earlier, the BJP Opposition in the assembly and Development Commission this will require combined statement. not agree to our demands and Zone has been transferred as leaders were claiming that a Ramvir Singh Bidhuri termed (DDC) hosted the first meeting efforts of all of us,” he added. Therefore, think-tanks, repeal the laws. Special CP, South Zone while CBI probe should take place the allegations of misappro- of the forum with RMI India’s Commenting on deploying civil society organizations He said the BJP-led Centre IPS 1994 batch, Rajesh but now when the assembly priation of funds worth Rs support. more charging stations in the (CSOs), Original Equipment Government has launched a Khurana, Special CP, moved the motion they 2,500 crore "baseless". BJP Speaking at the meeting, capital, Padmini Singla, Manufacturers (OEMs), charg- campaign to convince the Intelligence has been trans- opposed it,” he said. MLA OP Sharma boycotted Kailash Gahlot, Minister of Secretary (Power) Delhi gov- ing infrastructure providers, farmers in every district. “Why ferred as Special CP, Central Initiating a discussion on the House when he was not Transport and Environment, ernment said, “There is a chick- fleet-aggregators, first and last- is the Government setting up Zone,” as per the order. the issue following which the allowed to speak in the debate. Delhi government said, “Under en-egg situation with EVs and mile service providers, among camp in the city, this camp IPS 1991 batch, Nuzrat resolution was passed, Party legislators displayed the leadership of the Chief charging stations. Delhi gov- other mobility service should be set up in the village. Hassan, Special CP, SPUWAC Bhardwaj said "Scams come placards at their seats, Minister, the EV policy is being ernment is trying to solve this providers and government The farmer whom you want to has been additional charge of up regularly in BJP-ruled cor- demanding the release of implanted in Delhi. Its execu- by deploying charging infra- agencies will be invited to fur- explain must also hear what Special CP, Provisioning and porations. The new coun- financial dues of Rs 13000 tion has been systematic, structure by providing 100 sta- ther quarterly meetings, it said. you want to explain, we will Logistics. cilors have broken the record crore to the civic bodies.
& 888 work towards early and com- mutually acceptable solution ( & )777 /012 plete disengagement of troops for complete disengagement From Page 1 along the LAC in accordance at the LAC. From Page 1 circumstances when the Centre The two sides agreed that with the existing bilateral agree- The Bengal Government could lift officers from the 34 based on the guidance provid- ments and protocols, and fully moved the Apex Court citing State and “there is nothing ed by senior leaders and the restore peace and tranquility. the provisions under Article that the State can do about this.” agreements reached between Airing more or less same ! 312 of Constitution according The Centre-State tussle ** enue have been Rs 4,600 crore cussion with the state govern- the two Foreign Ministers and views, the official Chinese to which the officers could be went beyond the IPS transfer ,8823( and estimates show that by ments and we will resume the Special Representatives, they communiqué also said the two !888 taken on Central deputation controversy with the MHA March 2021, the figure is services when and where we would continue to work sides had candid and in-depth only after getting clearance once again summoning Bengal ailway Board Chairman expected to rise to Rs 15,000 get the go-ahead. Even now, the towards ensuring complete dis- exchange of views on the situ- from the respective State. Chief Secretary Alapan RVK Yadav on Friday point- crore so far in the current fis- situation is not normal,” he engagement in all friction ation along the LAC. From Page 1 The law suit came hours Bandopadhyay and DGP ed out that it has seen an 87- cal. added. points along the LAC in the The two delegations “One must be transparent after Bengal Chief Minister Virendra for meeting in Delhi per cent drop in the earnings The chairman, however, "So far, our earnings from Western Sector at the earliest. agreed to earnestly implement in number of testing and called the Centre’s attitude as which the officers politely from the passenger segment so said the loss in the passenger passenger revenue are Rs 4,600 The two sides noted that the five-point consensus declaring the facts and figures “expansionist” and vowed not refused to comply with citing far this year, compared to the segment will be overcome from crore and by the year-end, the 7th and 8th rounds of reached between the foreign of the persons who are Corona to cow down before News the ongoing Covid-19 pan- last year. the earnings through freight, our aim is to take our total Senior Commanders meetings ministers of both countries at positive. Otherwise, the people Delhi. Interestingly retired IAS demic. The two officials how- Addressing the media, which is expected to cross last earnings from the passenger held on October 12 and the Moscow meeting. The will be misled and they will be officers, Bikram Sarkar and ever proposed virtual meeting Yadav said that the railways' year's figures. He said by segment to Rs 15,000 crore. In November 6 respectively had talks also focused on the dis- under impression that every- IPS officer Gautam that the Centre had agreed to earnings from passenger rev- December, the national trans- the last fiscal, our earnings in-depth discussions in this engagement of front-line thing is all right and they will Chakrabarty referred to special sources said. porter had already achieved 97 from this segment were Rs regard and that these discus- troops and take concrete mea- become negligent,” the bench per cent of last year's loading. 53,000 crore. This makes our sions had also contributed to sures to deal with the issues on noted. “Railways has suffered earnings 87 % less than last ensuring stability on the the ground to further deesca- “Another issue is the fatigue 777 massive losses in passenger year," Yadav said. ground. late the border situation. The of the frontline healthcare offi- revenue due to the suspension He pointed out that even Both sides agreed to main- two delegations also reiterated cials. They are already exhaust- From Page 1 was forcefully cremated, and of train services because of the the trains that are currently in tain close consultations at the their commitment to continue ed physically and mentally due The agency has looked there were attempts to tarnish coronavirus pandemic. It is operation are witnessing diplomatic and military level. dialogue at the military and to tireless work for eight into the role of accused her image. The family was not possible to give a definite around 30-40% occupancy on They agreed that the next (9th) diplomatic level. months. Some mechanism may Sandeep, Luvkush, Ravi and threatened. But, in the end, date for the resumption of an average, reflecting round of Senior Commanders India on Thursday had be required to give them inter- Ramu who are currently in truth has prevailed. Satyamev normal train services. The gen- that the fear of pandemic is still meeting should be held at an stressed the need for further mittent rest,” the apex court judicial custody, officials said, jayate,” Priyanka Gandhi said in eral managers have been in dis- there. early date so that both sides can discussions with China for a said. adding the accused were also a tweet put through various forensic The CBI investigators had tests at the Forensic Science also met doctors at the "* " + Laboratory in Gandhinagar, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical Gujarat. College and Hospital, where From Page 1 the state to 2,757. Reacting to the CBI charge the victim was treated after the Meanwhile, ICMR DG Maharashtra's coronavirus sheet in the case, Priyanka said alleged gang rape on September (Prof) Balram Bhargava has tally has reached 18,88,767 despite the campaign against 14 as part of the probe, they tested positive for COVID-19 after 3,994 people tested posi- the 19-year-old, Dalit woman said. and been admitted to AIIMS tive for the infection in the last and attempts to threaten her The CBI had constituted a trauma centre on Friday. 24 hours. With the death of 75 family, truth has ultimately team to probe the incident The Covid-19 cases in patients, the fatality count went prevailed. “On one side, there and handed over the probe to India are steadily coming down up to 48,574. A total of 4,467 was government-protected its Ghaziabad unit which also while the caseload of infection patients were discharged after injustice. On the other hand, recorded statements of family in many parts of the world is recuperating, taking the recov- was the victim’s family’s hope members of the victim. experiencing a second or even ery count to 17,78,722. for justice. The victim’s body a third peak. The global tally of Mumbai division, which com- coronavirus cases stands at prises Mumbai city and its 75,456,940. While satellite towns, reported 1,250 53,012,389have recovered, new cases, taking its total to $%888 1,671,822 have lost their lives. 6,46,756. As many as 18,809 From Page 1 ple and not the party… cur- Meanwhile, the US continues people have died so far in the Even as a video showing rently the TMC and BJP are to be the worst-hit country region due to the infection, the Mandal holding a closed-door engaged in a dirty game of with 17,628,578 cases. official said. Mumbai city parley with Bengal BJP presi- leader swapping that may not According to the health reported 642 new cases, which dent Dilip Ghosh went viral, go down well with the people ministry’s data, the five most pushed its overall count to the Marxist outfit promptly of the State.” affected states by total cases are 2,85,632, while its death toll expelled her from the party Meanwhile, Trinamool Maharashtra (1888767), rose to 10,970 as nine patients where after she said, “It had Congress top brass on Friday Karnataka (9,07,123), Andhra succumbed to the infection become impossible to work met at the Kalighat residence of Pradesh (8,77,806),Tamil Nadu during the day. with the CPI(M) and so I am Mamata apparently to weigh up (8,04,650), and Kerala West Bengal has reported leaving the party.” the present political situation in (693866). 2,239 fresh cases , taking the She too is likely to join the Bengal against the backdrop of Kerala has reported 5,456 total tally to 5,32,695. With 42 BJP in presence of Shah on frequent desertion by party fresh case in the last 24 hours, deaths, the total fatalities rose Saturday. leaders. highest in the country, taking to 9,277. When contacted CPI(M) The meeting that started the total number cases to With 1,418 fresh COVID- legislative party leader Sujan late in the evening was had bat- 6,93,866; even as 4,701 patients 19 cases and 37 deaths in the Chakrabarty said, “She must tle plans for the 2021 elections have recovered from the dis- last 24 hours, the number of have done what she has done prime on its agenda said ease. Meanwhile, 23 deaths in total cases has touched 6,14,775 either out of some pressure or sources, adding efforts would the last few days were con- and death toll rose to 10,219 some lure … no it is for her to also be taken to assuage the ruf- firmed, taking the death toll in in Delhi. explain her stance to the peo- fled feelings in the party.
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2 ! $ %-H %&'()&* +$, - R 3 $ "# ,8823( !=4 C he Central Bureau of 81$(-&$8.1$ TInvestigation (CBI) has reg- istered two separate cases relat- !><= ;.;8 ed to bank fraud to the tune of about 7,926.01 and 313.79 ,8823( crore. The agency also con- ,8823( ducted searches at several loca- ith India facing hostile tions at the premises of the he Prime Minister’s new Wsituation on the Line of accused in Hyderabad, Guntur Tresidential complex will Actual Control(LAC)facing and Chennai. have 10 four-storey buildings China and the Line of Control The first case has been reg- with a maximum height of 12 (LOC) with Pakistan, Defence istered against Hyderabad- metres. Minister Rajnath Singh said on based private company Official sources said that Friday these posed challenges Transstroy (India) Ltd. and oth- there is “no question of drop- to resources. ers including its CMD ping” the proposed new He expressed confidence Cherukuri Sridhar, Additional Prime Minister’s Office that to meet the twin chal- Directors Rayapati Sambasiva (PMO) from the Central Vista lenges, the Government will Rao and Akkineni Satish, Redevelopment project, after ensure there is no shortage of unknown public servants ,8823( India and Vistara carried 6.56 cent respectively, according to the CPWD did not mention resources, he said. besides unknown others on a lakh, 5.77 lakh, 4.21 lakh and the DGCA. India resumed the same in its new proposal Meanwhile, apparently automatically detecting the ence. “As times change, the complaint from Canara Bank. s many as 63.54 (6.35 mil- 3.97 lakh passengers respec- domestic passenger flights on before an expert panel of the referring to the impact of intrusions in harsh high-alti- nature of threats and wars is “It was alleged that the pri- Alion) lakh domestic pas- tively in November, the data May 25 after a gap of two Ministry of Environment and social media in conflicts tude sub-zero temperature also changing. In the future, vate firm based at Hyderabad sengers travelled by air in showed. The occupancy rate or months due to the coronavirus Forest. The Central Public between nations, Rajnath said areas with remote operation other security-related issues and its directors had availed November as compared to load factor of six major Indian pandemic. Indian airlines are Works Department (CPWD), the reach of the mobile phone capability,” the Defence may come before us.” He credit facilities on multiple bank- 52.71 lakh in October and airlines was between 66.3 and allowed to operate a maxi- which is executing the project, now was bigger than that of a Ministry said in a statement. added that conflicts are grad- ing arrangements. The consor- 39.43 lakh in September. 77.7 per cent in November, it mum of 80 per cent of their has revised the estimated cost missile. The system is being produced ually becoming “comprehen- tium was formed with other According to the Directorate stated. pre-COVID-19 domestic from 11,794 crore to 13,450 “Covid-19 has adversely by Bharat Electronics Limited sive” in the manner never banks, led by Canara Bank. It General of Civil Aviation “The passenger load factor flights. crore. impacted our economy and we (BEL), Machlipatnam. imagined earlier. was further alleged that the (DGCA), the number of pas- in the month of Nov 2020 has The DGCA data showed The Prime Minister’s new need to pay special attention for The IMSAS is state-of-the- Possibly alluding to the accused had involved in falsifi- sengers travelled in November shown some recovery due to that in November, IndiGo had residence will be built on a efficient utilisation of our bud- art, fully indigenous, high per- power of social media and cation / fabrication of books of is less than 51 pe rcent as com- increased demand after the the best on-time performance 15-acre plot and it will have get,” the Minister said address- formance intelligent software mobile apps, he said, “Today accounts, fudging of stock state- pared to the corresponding opening of Lockdown and of 97.5 per cent at four metro 10 buildings and they will ing scientists of the Defence system that provides global the range (marak Kshamta) of ments, tampering of balance period last year. onset of festive season” it said. airports—Bengaluru, Delhi, have ground plus three floors, Research and Development maritime situational picture, a mobile has crossed even the sheets, round tripping of funds The DGCA data showed The occupancy rate at SpiceJet Hyderabad and the CPWD said in its pro- Organisation (DRDO) at the marine planning tools and reach of a missile,” he said. etc,” the CBI said in a statement. that IndiGo carried 34.23 lakh was 77.7 per cent in November. Mumbai.AirAsia India and posal. annual awards ceremony. analytical capabilities to Indian He added that the enemy It was also alleged that the passengers in November, a Meanwhile, the occupancy Vistara were at number two Permissible ground cov- Stating that the armed Navy. The system provides can now reach people even accused misappropriated bank’s 53.9 per cent share of the total rate for other major airlines and three at these four airports erage at the prime minister’s forces will be facing many new masritime operational picture without crossing any borders, funds and diverted the loan domestic market, SpiceJet flew IndiGo, Vistara, GoAir, Air in November with 95.6 per cent new residence would be challenges and security threats from Naval headquarters to and urged everyone to play the amount sanctioned by the banks 8.4 lakh passengers, which is India and AirAsia India was 74 and 94.8 per cent on-time per- 30,351 square metre, it stated, in the days to come and tech- each individual ship in sea to role of a soldier. and caused loss of 7,926.01 13.2 per cent share of the mar- per cent, 70.8 per cent, 70.8 per formance, respectively, the adding that a building for the nology can be used positively, enable naval command and “We should remain alive crore to Canara Bank and other ket. Air India, GoAir, AirAsia cent, 69.6 per cent and 66.3 per DGCA said. Special Protection Group will Rajnath said in such a situation control, it added. to these dangers and save our- member banks. The account come up on a 2.50-acre plot. while carrying out a realistic Addressing the scientists, selves from wrong and mis- had become NPA and the fraud The Central Vista assessment, there is need to Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) leading information and save was reported. #+& %%&'-+ &#-" Redevelopment project also develop our capabilities quick- General Bipin Rawat said the others too, and festivals like Searches were conducted includes the new Vice ly, according to our needs. private industry is also moti- this can play a key role in this,” at the premises of private com- President’s Enclave which will At the ceremony, he hand- vated and need the scientists he said, urging literary figures pany/other accused at $"+ &--&+#- "/ " 0 be built on 15-acre land and ed over the DRDO made support. “I feel that in case of to make use of their talent to Hyderabad and Guntur, which will have five-storey buildings Indian Maritime Situational war in future, we will win it the full for this. led to recovery of incriminating with a maximum height of 15 Awareness System (IMSAS) to through indigenous weapons,” The defence Minister did documents, it said. metres, the CPWD said in its Navy chief Admiral Karambir he said. not specifically refer to China. The Second case was regis- proposal.The VP Enclave will Singh and the Border Addressing the annual But in recent months, since the tered against a private company have 32 buildings. Surveillance System (BOSS) to Military Literature Festival in standoff between the two sides based at Chennai Agnite Reacting to the CPWD’s Army Chief General M M Chandigarh, Rajnath warned began at the LAC , India has Education Ltd. and others move to drop the proposed Naravane. that different kinds of securi- banned several Chinese including its Chairman K new Prime Minister’s Office “The system (BOSS) has ty threats may emerge in the mobile apps, citing concerns Balasubramaniam, Director K in its latest proposal, Kanchi been deployed at Ladakh bor- future. related to national security Padmanabhan, unknown pub- Kohli, legal researcher, Centre der area for day and night sur- “This event is important and privacy. These included lic servants and private persons for Policy Research, said that veillance. The system facilitates from another point of view,” he the popular TikTok and on a complaint from State Bank the documents submitted to monitoring and surveillance by said through video confer- WeChat of India. the Environment Ministry do not give any justification on why some plots or offices have been excluded or why "" # + the costs have increased despite such exclusions. ,8823( charge as the next president of desire not to continue as inter- Anand Sharma. “But equally important is the Congress. im Congress chief and asked Former Madhya Pradesh the CPWD’s answer to he Congress on Friday said Electoral College of the party to start the process to chief minister Kamal Nath, whether any alternatives to Tthe party will soon start the Congress, AICC members, elect a new party chief. who lost power in the state, the present proposal were procedure to elect a new pres- Congress workers & members The party’s recent poor after his bete noire Jyotiraditya considered is a No. ident and indicated that Rahul will choose who’s best suited, performances in the state Scindia quit the party and The study of such alter- Gandhi may be back in the sad- Surjewala said at AICC Press assembly elections of Bihar joined the BJP along with sev- natives is required to be done dles again, saying that majori- conference. and Maharashtra have turned eral MLAs, is also slated to ,8823( Cold day to severe cold day before seeking ty of Congressmen want that he While Rahul Gandhi early several of its eminent leaders meet Sonia and discuss the fall- conditions would occur in environment clearance,” Kohli be again chosen as full-time this week during a meeting into dissenters. out of the recently-concluded s winter chill grips the some to many pockets over said. party chief. with few senior leaders reiter- Sonia is expected to hold bypolls in the state, in which Aplains, the India Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh The CPWD’s proposal for The grand old party is ated his stand that he will not talks with her confidants about the Congress failed to make a Meteorological Department and Delhi, north Rajasthan terms of reference, which is a likely to hold the AICC session wear the chief’s mantle again the new Congress chief and mark. (IMD)on Friday said night and northwest Uttar Pradesh step before the environment in January to elect the new which he relinquished last year revive the party in states going This is the first time that temperatures would continue !"# " during next two days and abate clearance, was discussed by president, for which the party after the dismal performance of to poll in 2021. Sonia Gandhi will be meeting to be below normal in north thereafter, it said. A cold wave the Environment Ministry leadership will discuss and the party in Lok Sabha elec- AICC sources said Sonia her party leaders in person after India over the next week and a $ % $ has swept the north Indian expert appraisal committee chalk out the plans. tions. will also meet some of the the pandemic. So far she has slight relief can be expected &$ " $ plains since last week with day (EAC) on Thursday. AICC chief spokesman and Incidentally, , AICC prominent members of the been holding virtual meetings only a week later. ' $ and night temperatures dipping The EAC had approved party General Secretary sources said incumbent chief “letter-writers group”, who had including the crucial CWC In its forecast from below normal. the CPWD’s proposal to con- Randeep Surjewala said that Sonia Gandhi is scheduled to been demanding an overhaul meet in which party leaders December 17-24 and from $ During the second week, struct a new Parliament Congress will soon start the meet party dissenters and other of the party. Among them are discussed the “letter” by the December 24-30, the IMD said $ % there would be slight rise in Building earlier this year. procedure to elect a new party top leaders soon to discuss the Leader of Opposition in the group of 23 leaders demanding the minimum temperatures minimum temperatures as The redevelopment pro- president, adding that 99.9 per- “key” issues concerning the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi a change in the leadership and would be below normal by 2- compared to the first ject of Central Vista — the cent of people, including him- grand old party. Azad and the deputy leader of an overhaul of the party orga- 6 degrees Celsius over most week.However, the minimum nation’s power corridor — self, want Rahul Gandhi to take Sonia has expressed her the party in the Upper House, nizational structure. parts of northwest, central and wave conditions would occur temperatures would be below also envisages a new triangu- east India. Near normal or in some pockets over Punjab, normal by 2-4 degrees Celsius lar Parliament building, a slightly above normal temper- Haryana and Chandigarh, west over most parts of northwest, common central secretariat atures are likely over remaining Uttar Pradesh and north central and east India, and and revamping of the three- parts of the country during the Rajasthan during the first half near normal or slightly above km-long Rajpath, from first week. of the first week and decrease normal over remaining parts of Rashtrapati Bhavan to India “Cold wave to severe cold thereafter,” the IMD said. the country, the IMD added. Gate. . .
,8823( action be taken by the State,” said the bench, also comprising he Supreme Court Friday Justices R S Reddy and M R Tdirected all the States to Shah. constitute a committee in each The top court directed that district to conduct fire audit of all states and Union Territories Covid-19 hospitals at least once should appoint one nodal offi- a month, inform the manage- cer for each COVID hospital, ment of medical establishment if not already appointed, who about any deficiency and report shall be made responsible for to the Government for taking ensuring compliance of all fire follow up action. safety measures. A bench headed by Justice “In each district, state gov- Ashok Bhushan said that ernment should constitute a COVID-19 hospitals,which committeeto carry fire audit of have not obtained no objection each COVID hospital at least certificate from the concerned once in a monthand inform the fire department, should be deficiency to the management asked to immediately apply of the hospital and report to the for NOC and after carrying government for taking follow necessary inspection, decision up action,” the bench said in its shall be taken in this regard. order. “Those COVID hospitals The apex court had last who have not renewed their month taken cognisance of NOC should immediately take the fire incident at a COVID steps for renewal on which hospital in Gujarat’s Rajkot in appropriate inspection be taken which five patients had died. It and decision be taken. In event, had also taken note of similar COVID hospital is found not incidents which had happened having NOC or not having earlier in other COVID hospi- obtained renewal, appropriate tals. ! "#$%&%& ) + (6.! .! ' 8 ( ,/ + -+-&( high court’s stay on the the car shed project would Another BJP leader Asish Kanjurmarg in nortjh-east Mumbai Metro-III car shed jeopardise the terminus loca- Shelar was equally critical of the Mumbai. fresh war of words broke project at Kanjurmarg), the tion Prime Minister Narendra Uddhav Thackeray govern- Nearly three weeks after the ( * * + "&, Chirikot Sector". Aout between the Opposition need not get wor- Modi’s pet Bullet Train project. ment for its move to re-locate Maharashtra scrapped the pre- The twitter handle also Opposition BJP and the Maha ried about the location of the Former chief minister and the project at BKC. “Just vious BJP-led government’s * claimed in a separate tweet, "It Vikas Aghadi (MVA) govern- car shed project. Today reports senior BJP leader Devendra because the metro car shed decision to locate Metro phase- & must be noted that the UN ment on Friday over the latter’s have been published that the Fadnavis hit back at the Shiv project has run into rough III car shed at Aarey colony at vehicles are clearly recognisable proposal to shift the Mumbai state government is consider- Sena-led MVA government weather because of the high Goregaon and moved the pro- $ $ even from long distances due to Metro III car shed from ing re-locating the car shed at describing the move as “ridicu- court’s ruling, the MVA gov- ject to Kanjurmarg, the Centre’s their distinct make and type Kanjurmarg to a location ear- BKC. Yes. We are examining lous” since it would involve ernment is now spokes into the Department of Promotion of F&--+ "- & ! and clearly visible markings. marked for the proposed Bullet that venue for re-location”. exorbitant costs. “Whoever is Bullet train project by choos- Industry & Internal Trade ./" ! )0 While the vehicle was dam- terminus at Bandra-Kurla Incidentally, the plot of advising the state government ing the same venue for metro (DPIIT) had shot off a letter to esorting to cheap publicity 0 aged, the two UNMOs luckily Complex (BKC) in north-cen- land where the Uddhav is doing a bad job. The advisor car shed project. the state government opposing Rtactics the Pakistani army remained unharmed. They tral Mumbai. Thackeray dispensation is con- is out to deplete the state The latest exchange of the location of car shed project Friday claimed Indian army were safely rescued & evacuat- The Shiv Sena, which sidering to re-locate the exchequer. This is because the barbs between the Ma govern- at Kanjurmarg would be had deliberately targeted a 1 1 ed by the Pakistan Army to heads the three-party govern- Mumbai Metro-III car shed is BKC plot is a price land. In all, ment and BJP comes in the “against the interest of the United Nations vehicle with , Rawalakot". ment in Maharashtra, lent cre- a state-owned land unlike the the car shed project needs 25 wake of Wednesday’s order of Government of India''. The two military observers on !, % $ The publicity wing of the dence to the reports in a sec- Kanjurmarg land which is hectare land. Going by the the Bombay High Court’s fur- DPIIT also claimed ownership board along the line of control. Pakistan army went too far to tions of the media that in the trapped in litigation. current land rates there, the ther staying implementation of of the 102-acres land there. Highly placed Indian army $ % claim that "Such illegal and wake of the Bombay High Maharashtra’s Urban land itself would cost as much a Mumbai collector’s land allot- Lodging a protest with the sources, however, denied these $ % unlawful acts against all estab- Court’s stay on the Mumbai Development Minister Eknath as Rs 1000 crore” ment order dated October 1, state government against the claims while clarifying that $ , lished international norms, sig- Metro-III car shed project at Shinde also confirmed that “The bullet train terminus transferring the Kanjurmarg move to relocate the car shed these reports of targeting nify mal-intent of Indian Army Kanjurmarg, Chief Minister the state government was con- that is coming up there is land to the state-run Mumbai project at Kanjurmarg, DPIIT United Nations vehicles were 2 $ to target not only innocent Uddhav Thackeray had asked sidering the BKC plot for relo- going to be three levels under Metropolitan Region Secretary Guruprasad not 'true'. & $- civilians residing along the the senior officials to explore if cating the car shed project. “We the ground. Above the ground, Development Authority Mohapatra said: “The improp- In Jammu,Defence Line of Control but UN the car shed project could be are studying the Bombay High an international business cen- (MMRDA) for the project. The er and unilateral action of the spokesman Lt-Col Devender PeaceKeepers as well". re-located at BKC. Court order. At the sqme tre is coming up. When it was high court has put a stop to all Mumbai Suburban District Anand also issued a written He added, Indian army retali- "This act only goes to show Shiv Sena spokesperson time,we have asked officials to decided to build the bullet construction activities at the Collector and Mumbai statement which said, "on ated befittingly. Indian Army’s complete disre- and MP Sanjay Raut ticked off the land at the BKC as an alter- train terminus, we realised it Kanjurmarg site. Though the Metropolitan Region December 18, at about 5.40 p.m Posting a series of tweets gard to principles enshrined in the BJP – which in the wake of native for the car shed project”. would cost Rs 5,000 to 6000 Shiv Sena-led state govern- Development Authority has Pakistan initiated 'unprovoked' around the same time late the UN Charter. It is indeed a the high court’s ruling felt vin- The BJP -- which had crore. If we decide to locate the ment is also considering mov- caused severe loss” to the ceasefire violation by firing Friday evening the twitter han- new low for Indian dicated over its earlier stand on opposed the the Uddhav metro car shed, which cur- ing the Supreme Court against DPIIT and the Government of with small arms and shelling dle of Pakistan armed forces Army. the Mumbai Metro-III car shed Thackeray dispensation’s deci- rently costs Rs 500 crore, it the high court’s order, it is now India”. with mortars along the line of spokesperson said, "Indian Pakistan Army stands in project – when he confirmed sion to shift the car shed pro- would cost Rs 5 to 6,000 crore trying to arm twist the Centre The latest move by the control in Mendhar sector in Army resorted to unprovoked solidarity with #UNMOGIP that the reports that the plot at ject from Aarey colony at if we decide to locate it under- into having its way. Sena-led MVA government to District Poonch". In a span of fire in Chirikot Sector of LOC. officials and appreciates the BKC for re-locating the Goregaon in north Mumbai to ground. Plus, the annual main- It may be recalled that relocate the Mumbai Metro III 10 minutes, Defence Indian troops deliberately tar- selfless services rendered by all Mumbai Metro-II was being Kanjurmarg in north-east tenance cost would go up five during the end of October this at BKC is being seen a tit-for- Spokesman further added, geted a United Nations vehicle members of UNMOGIP in considered. Mumbai – has not taken kind- to six folds. Hence it is not fea- year, the BJP-led NDA gov- tat act against the Centre for its Pakistan army also violated with 2 Military Observers on discharge of their UN man- Talking to media persons ly to the Maharashtra govern- sible to locate the metro car ernment had opposed the re- earlier opposition to the relo- ceasefire agreement in the board, enroute to interact with dated duties" the twitter handle here, Raut said: “(In the wake ment’s move to re-locate the shed project at BKC,” Fadnavis location of the Mumbai Metro- cation of the car shed project at Balakote sector of Poonch also. CFV victims in Polas Village in of the DG ISPR tweeted. of the high court’s stay on the project at BKC, as it feels that said. III car shed project at Kanjurmarg. F,- %C , &-+ 1 99 Aligarh: Dr. Kafeel, a pediatri- local advocate Irfan Ghazi said Take back the charges leveled administration and the state C cian from Gorakhpur who came that the petition filed by the state against them. Today, after this government. It was also uncon- to address the public in AMU government and administra- move of the Supreme Court, it stitutional to file a case against .% on the Citizenship Amendment tion concerning Dr. Kafeel has has become clear that Dr. Kafeel Dr. Kafeel. After this, when Dr. I- Aligarh: There is bad news for Act in December last year got been rejected by the Supreme is completely innocent. Kafeel got relief from the court the people having more than 2 relief from the Hon’ble Supreme Court. According to Syed Majid in one case, the administration Aligarh: The Outpatient Raipur: Chief Minister of licensed arms. The commis- Court. After his release from the Dr. Hamza Malik, Former Hussain Zaidi, Former Vice and the state government acted Department (OPD) services Chhattisgarh said that some sioner has ordered the cancel- High Court, the State President, Resident Doctors President, AMUSU, he also under the National Security of the Departments of people use name of Lord Ram lation of licenses of people Government and administra- Academy said that this is the heard the speech of Dr. Kafeel Act in the wrong sense. These Dermatology, Psychiatry and pretentiously to serve their who have 2 arms licenses under tion had filed SLP in the victory of justice. We were con- Khan when he came to address steps of the government have Ophthalmology, Jawaharlal selfish motives. But we have the new arms act. In view of the Supreme Court but the Supreme stantly saying that Dr. Kafeel the movement against the proved unconstitutional after Nehru Medical College always adored every person as upcoming panchayat elections, Court refused to hear. had done nothing wrong. We Citizenship Amendment Act the Supreme Court's decision. (JNMC), Aligarh Muslim a reflection of Lord Ram. he also instructed to increase There is a wave of happiness had earlier appealed to the last year. According to him, On 12th December 2019, University (AMU) will resume Chief Minister expressed police patrolling in the village among the students of Aligarh Chief Minister of the state and Dr.Kafeel made his statement Dr. Kafeel addressed the stu- from December 22. the aforementioned views panchayats, also ordered for the Muslim University after this those in other positions not to within the constitutional limit. dents in AMU against the "Registration of patients while addressing the pro- arrest of history sheeters and decision. They have called it a persecute Dr. Kafeel. Release But matter ignited due to the Citizenship Amendment will be done from 8: 00 am to gramme organized in sent them directly to jail. victory for justice. Dr. Kafeel's them from jail immediately. oppressive policies of the Act. PNS 9: 00 and initially only first 70 Chandkhuri near Raipur to Directives have also been given patients daily per OPD will be mark the completion of two for the allotment of agricultural registered," said Prof Haris M years of the new government. phase, nine out of 75 locations land lying in the irrigation Khan, Medical Superintendent. Mr. Baghel said that when would be developed as tourist department. Asked to develop "Restarting of OPDs will Mahatma Gandhi was shot, he destinations under the scheme; Sarol bus station in modern benefit many patients. uttered the name of Lord Ram Chandkuri, also called Mata and State of the Art form. However, restoring OPDs to as his last words. Kaushalya's maternal home, is In the meeting, their full capacity will take This programme organized one of these. Commissioner GS Priyadarshi time, but the number of at the birthplace of Mata Chief Minister Mr. Baghel said that the canceled arms patients to be seen physically Kaushalya marked the con- said that Mata Kaushalya had should be deposited in the will increase in the days to clusion of 'Ram Van Gaman greatly influenced the nature police stations. Under the come," said AMU Vice Path Yatra' and Bike Rally and character of Shree Ram. amendment in the Arms Act, Chancellor, Prof Tariq which were commenced three Similarly, people of cancel the arms license of those Mansoor. days back from North and Chhattisgarh are also greatly who have more than 2 arms. Earlier on December 1, South side of Chhattisgarh influenced by Mata Kaushalya's The commissioner also OPD services of the simultaneously. nature. It was her who taught instructed to allot the agricul- Departments of General The rally had started from Ram to live in harmony. Rama tural land allocated to the irri- Medicine, TB and RD and Koriya in North Chhattisgarh learned tolerance and dutiful- gation department under the ENT were resumed. and Sukma in South ness from Mata Kaushalya. He open process. All the shops in Doctors at various JNMC Chhattisgarh simultaneously said that State government is the mandi committees were departments were providing on December 14 . During his giving a new global identity to asked to allot under the statu- tele-consultation to patients exile, Ram had entered Chhattisgarh by developing tory process. He also instruct- after hospital services all over Chhattisgarh from Koriya and Ram Van Gaman Path as a ed to speed up the revenue col- the country were abruptly shut had travelled through Sukma to tourism circuit. Till a few years lection, he said that the DM due to fear of Coronavirus reach South India. State ago, people of other states should review land revenue spread among patients and for Government has prepared an knew Chhattisgarh either by cases effectively and take action diverting health workers to ambitious plan of Rs 137 crore the name of Bhilai or due to the against illegal possession of Covid duties. The services are to develop these places on problem of naxalism, but now private and government prop- now opening in a phased man- Lord Ram's path in forest as Chhattisgarh is known for its erties under the Gunda ner. PNS tourist destinations. In the first cultural richness. Act. PNS &-+ ' "#"& *&+ 1/123 %& #" /+45 %- I1 9 $ + Aligarh: The acceptance of the :0001;1 Honourable Prime Minister of Mumbai: Interim Congress India, Shri Narendra Modi Ji to President Sonia Gandhi has 0<1 be the Chief Guest for a cente- written a letter to ally and nary celebration programme of Maharashtra Chief Minister -+-&( the Aligarh Muslim University Uddhav Thackeray asking him (AMU) via video link on to implement the Common n a marginal increase in the December 22 has been well Minimum Programme in the ICovid-19 infection and fatal- death figures, while the infect- received by the AMU fraterni- state 'in letter and spirit,' espe- ity tallies, as many as 3994 peo- ed cases went up by 642 to trig- ty. cially pertaining to the welfare ple tested positive for ger a jump in the infections Welcoming the decision of of the Dalits and tribals. Coronavirus while 75 more from 2,84,990 to 2,85,632. the Vice Chancellor, Professor Referring to suggestions people died of the pandemic in Meanwhile, the number of Tariq Mansoor to extend invi- she had received, Gandhi said various parts of Maharashtra “active cases” total cases in the tation to the Prime Minister; that the budget allocation for on Friday. state dropped from 60,905 to famous alumnus, entrepreneur the development of SC/ST A day after it logged 3880 60,352. The fatality rate in the and author, Dr Frank Islam, communities should be in pro- fresh Covid-19 infections and state stood at 2.57 per cent who donated Rs 12 crore to the portion to their share in the 65 deaths, Maharashtra wit- Pune district, which con- Department of Business population with focus on nessed 3994 new infected cases tinued to be the worst-affected Administration and Rs 1. 25 schemes that would help bring and 75 deaths. city-district in Maharashtra, crores for the auditorium at the them on par with the rest of With 3994 fresh infections, saw the total number of cases Department of Mass society at the earliest. the total infections in the state increase from 3,65,101 to Communication said: "The In her letter earlier this climbed from 18,84,773 to 3,65,652, while the total num- invitation to the Prime Minister week, she also urged for leg- 18,88.767. Similarly, with 75 ber of deaths in Pune increased will mark a new beginning to islative backing to utilise the new deaths, the Covid-19 toll from 7654 to 7667. bring people closer. Whenever, funds allocated during the in Maharashtra rose from Thane district remained we come together, we get aston- same financial year and 48,499 to 48,574. in the third spot --after Pune ishing success." recalled laws enacted by previ- As 4467 patients were dis- and Mumbai – after the total He added, "Prime Minister ous Congress governments in charged from the hospitals number of infections rose from is the Prime Minister-regardless Karnataka and the undivided across the state after full recov- 2,48,979 to 2,49,436 while the of cast, creed and religion. I am Andhra Pradesh. ery, the total number of people total deaths climbed from 5424 proud of the achievement of With a view to stimulating discharged from the hospitals to 5475. Vice Chancellor, Prof Mansoor, entrepreneurship among since the second week of March Of the 1,19,96,624 samples whose four years in office SC/STs, Gandhi suggested this year rose to 17,78,722. sent to laboratories, 18,88,767 blazed a trail of success." introducing reservations in The recovery rate in the state have tested positive (15.74 per Meanwhile, a number of contracts and projects for rose marginally from 94.14 per cent) for COVID-19 until faculty members have wel- enterprises promoted by the cent to 94.17 per cent. Friday. comed the decision to invite the SC/STs, something that was With 10 new deaths, the Currently, 5,03,886 peo- Prime Minister saying 'cente- done by the UPA Government Covid-19 toll in Mumbai came ple are in home quarantine nary celebration is above poli- at the Centre in the past as well down from 11,013 to 10907 while 4168 people are in insti- tics.' PNS as in Karnataka. IANS because of reconciliation of tutional quarantine. ! "#$%&%& 3 6 "*- &6' # BC A$ % # BCB 932%:-/ / R (6 + 9 = 3= $ H -1% # C > 2 *?$ < * C 4 C # , -#7,. 7 * 7> *?$S (( 2 8 7 * S , *?$ 944 07&44 96@ 2 emunerative jobs for / > #7, farmers might sound ) 9@ incongruous when 8 remunerative pricing for their products is the # Rargument of the season. Believe it ( or not, the Narendra Modi ( Government is currently looking for two seasoned persons whose * main profession would be farm- $ A #7, *?$S ( ing, who could be leaders of the / Kisan movement. It is a Level 14 post in the pay band of 1,44,200- # ( 2,18,200. Counterintuitively, they *?$S will not be deployed to win over 2 the agitating farmers to the side of the Government. They will con- 7S ? # #7, 7> 2 tribute towards determining the A 1 " / *?$ Minimum Support Prices (MSP), ( , , which the Government currently 2 * 2 # , offers on 24 agri products, includ- ing rice, wheat and coarse grains. 2 S / ) For several years now, the B4( Commission of Agricultural Cost 7 (( and Prices (CACP) has gone without two unofficial members *?$ 1 7 ! on its panel. Is that really news under this Government where 2 8 < 7S ! many institutions have gone head- less for years on end or held as ( additional charge by senior Services Tax (GST) was institu- improving the terms of trade Development Services (ICDS) Yamuna Link has been lying *?$S 9436 > 2 bureaucrats? This writer recent- tionalised through a GST with industry and so on. The scheme and Mid-Day Meal for defunct for the past 40 years. 2 ) 7 ly found out through an applica- Council comprising the Finance Government could have gener- long. These three are statutori- However, Punjab virtually tion under the RTI Act, 2005, that Ministers of various States. ated a trust surplus rather than ly guaranteed under the exports a huge quantity of * 1$2 , " a position under Article 350-B of Though agriculture marketing deficit as at present. It could National Food Security Act water in every grain of rice it * the Constitution of India viz. is indeed in dire need of reforms have made the farmers an ally (NFSA), 2013. The TDPS alone produces, meant largely for P Q 7 Commissioner for Linguistic but everything cannot be a sur- in its mission. However, at pre- reaches out to 80 crore people consumption by people outside Minorities has been vacant since gical strike. Pulling rabbits out sent, the Government is shy of through 24 lakh ration cards. the State. That Punjab’s wheat 2 , # February 2016. The Commission of the hat might not be the best quoting from its flagship com- Without the Government being and rice contain the highest ( resultantly has not been able to way to pursue reforms. Having mission report. The 14-Volume sincere about TDPS, it would concentration of chemicals is 2 2 ( file a single annual report of its failed to drum up support from Report of the Committee on not have implemented the ‘One also a cause for concern. The activities before Parliament in the the States on the Model Doubling Farmers’ Income Nation, One Ration Card’ pro- Government could promote 2 # *?$ past four years. These two adver- Agriculture Produce and (2017-2018) chaired by Ashok ject. Thus as long as the FCI crop diversification, like culti- 9436 3@: 96@ tised positions are meant to fill Livestock Marketing (APLM) Dalwai, IAS, is nowhere in the Act, 1964, and the NFSA, 2013, vation of pulses and oilseeds, 5 2 vacancies in the CACP. The farm- Act, 2017, and also the Model Government’s discourse. This are in currency, the farmers which is likely to fetch higher ers had flagged this vacancy issue Agriculture Produce and begs for an explanation. have little to fear about the profits through the MSP route. *?$S * S 3=B way back in February 2018. Livestock Contract Farming The farmers, fearing the MSPs which have actually been The Supreme Court’s pro- =4 7 8 However, the Ministry of Act of 2018 that the Centre had MSP will be withdrawn, want significantly enhanced in the posal of forming a committee 2 9@ $ Agriculture and Farmers Welfare circulated, it decided to cut the it to be legally guaranteed. The past six years. having representation from the notified these only last month. Gordian knot by promulgating truth is that MSP itself has However, this MSP-orient- Government and farmers’ *?$ ( ,8 The Modi Government, to its the three agricultural laws. never been legally defined. ed rice-wheat agrarian culture unions raises hope. A good way -,. ! ,8 - !,. credit, has substantially increased It cannot be gainsaid that Even the CACP, the commis- has become the bane of Punjab to defuse the farmers’ agitation # *?$ the MSP on most of the agri pro- the Modi Government initiat- sion which recommends the despite contributing to its would be to follow the repeal duces since taking office. However, ed several welfare measures for MSP every marketing season, material prosperity. Punjab is and re-enact principle. Merely 1 " it perhaps felt that appointing the farmers. It would be sad to is not a statutory body. reluctant to diversify its agricul- repealing the three new farm #7, 2 two unofficial members, represent- see them drowned in the din of However, it is the Siamese twin ture. With 75 per cent of its laws — particularly the 2 % ing the farming community, into the agitation. However, if only of co-born Food Corporation population relying on farming Farmers’ Produce Trade and the CACP was redundant. This the Government had gone into of India (FCI), a statutory as a source of livelihood direct- Commerce (Promotion and S ( mindset, one is afraid, is dis- consultative mode rather ear- body. The FCI, being estab- ly or indirectly (as per Punjab’s Facilitation) Act, 2020, and cernible in the formulation of the lier, it could have linked certain lished under the Food Agriculture Department’s web- the Farmers (Empowerment three agricultural laws as well. national agricultural goals with Corporation of India Act, 1964, site), which is far above the and Protection) Agreement on They were introduced through the the issue of remunerative pric- on the same day as the CACP national average, the progress Price Assurance and Farm 9 ; Ordinance route on June 5. There ing. These goals could be iden- (January 1, 1965), should be of industrialisation has been Services Act, 2020 — might is no evidence of any consultation tified as crop diversification, considered guarantee enough. stymied. The introduction of appease the agitating farmers. & .*, + with the State Governments, reducing dependence on chem- Without procuring food rice cultivation on a commer- However, then the much-need- farmer unions, agri economists icals in farming, water conser- grains in both Kharif and Rabi cial basis since early 1970s had ed reformation in agricultural and allied stakeholders. vation, reducing the regional marketing seasons, the led to the exploitation of marketing would be left with- One can argue that consulta- imbalance in procurement, Government will not be able to groundwater and poisoning of out a future roadmap. * tions are lengthy processes. reforms in the APMC Act, run its Targeted Public soil through excessive use of (The writer is an author However, to obtain durable results, increasing IT literacy in farm- Distribution System (TPDS) chemical fertilisers and pesti- and independent researcher ) there is no shortcut to this grind. ers to take advantage of eNAM and manage allocations under cides. Water is a big issue in based in New Delhi. The views + , -+,. The consensus over the Goods and (National Agriculture Market), the Integrated Child Punjab, which is why the Sutlej- expressed are personal.) " ,/01 ( ( 5 6 & 7*4 (C K & 4 ( ( CC -$ N C C !# C H ### 4 #( # / +10 4 C 1 #( C (,'$ #(4 C 2 , + , 2 # ###.C1$ # O $# 3,-/ !$/ 1 !, / $,2 ,-/ ,$!, 122/ % K; @ K:% KF , K%:1 / +, 4 4 ' 4 5 44 # &*45' 1S # # Sir — This refers to the editorial Sir — The reports that the # ( ‘Stop blockades’ (December 18). C Government is planning to arm ,/01 ( The Supreme Court has rightly ( C 4 itself with powers to interfere with 344 # said that the farmers protesting #( 4C N 4 O the functioning of the Indian against the new farm laws have the C Institutes of Management (IIMs) constitutional right but cannot C C C # are disconcerting as the move can # block a city and destroy property $ @ @% only harm them. +,S 5 ,/01 (36 or endanger life. But who forced /@%0 # The HRD Ministry was these farmers to sit on protest and 2 @ apparently provoked to take this ( block the Capital’s borders? C C ? step after the decision of the IIMs * ) 7 8 ( It is the Central Government OC #- to introduce one-year degree (, which did not consult them on the C O@ C course for experienced working laws, then didn’t listen to their #1 C #$ professionals. The Ministry wants 1 grievances, ignored their demands C to call it a diploma. The world , and dictated its own terms and C # # 4 over, business schools offer a one- +, conditions to try and crush their C year degree course for working protest. Despite many rounds of 4 C professionals. Besides, it is ridicu- 5 ) 7 94(:4 talks between the farmers and the C 1 ? 4 C K lous that the Government consid- 2 1 1 ,+/ $ ( Centre, the dialogue failed every CC N O #& 1 O ers the terminology of an award 2 (/ time due to the rigidness of the # C a matter serious enough to be & C# # / latter. The idea of setting up an taken up with the IIMs. impartial and independent com- C #& C O Pachu Menon It is worse that the issue has mittee by the Supreme Court is a 4 Margao turned into a ground for stand- # # good one and both the parties can off and the Ministry threatens to offer their sides of the story to Q Two days later, his tone create confusion among the farm- launch an inquiry against the IIM resolve the impasse. changed when Tomar wrote in an ers about its justification. Board. Such an interventionist ( But the growers are bent Sir — I am unable to understand eight-page open letter that those A convenient argument that if attitude by the Government is ( # ( upon protesting until the why Union Agriculture Minister stopping trains carrying supplies there’s a blockade around Delhi, the unfortunate and cannot aid the " Government repeals all the three Narendra Singh Tomar suddenly to soldiers at the borders, especial- supply chains of our forces at the growth and development of aca- laws. It is time that the Supreme changed his stance? Hardly two ly at a time when the situation in borders will suffer. But have these demic institutions. * +, +07 ( Court puts a stay on the three days ago, he sounded egoistic in Ladakh was “challenging”, cannot farmers become a threat to nation- Shovanlal Chakraborty laws and their implementation till an interview while saying: “Our be farmers. It’s nothing but a ploy al security? Shame on the Centre Kolkata # " * # the issue is completely resolved. (BJP) 303-seat mandate was given to kill two birds with one stone: for such poor preparedness! Bhagwan Thadani to the Government not just to stay Creating anger among the public Bidyut Kumar Chatterjee ." # + +, ; Mumbai in power but to effect change.” against the roadblock; and to Faridabad 22/ 23+3,/=-"!;43" ! "#$%&%& 8 6 "*- &6' 9*'4526 * -- 564' * '"-+&+-& * ; ; ; ; $ .:(4!6 L * L * =
7 #'2 R= + ++ ,/01 (36 # # 1 ( " # " ( 1 ( ( # E F64 ( 9436 34 943= ( + ( 7 ( ( 4'*4#: # ( hinking of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ,/01 (36 5 ( as a post-modernist is a little intriguing for ( Tintellectuals but a no-brainer for both, his ( admirers and detractors. For the former, Modi O carries the hopes and aspirations of millions and there is little that he cannot do, so there is no rea- O son why he cannot be a post-modernist. For the detractors, he epitomises everything that ails India, so it is not a stretch to assign a post-mod- ern dimension to him. Given that the latter group -27. H: 943= ( has already assigned the choicest of adjectives to H6 9439 Modi that establish his limitless power and 949B 9439 5 ) absolute control over the Indian body politic, they 1 + cannot deny a mere post-modernist tag to him. ,/01 (36 That said, Modi’s supposed post-modernity ( may evoke surprise and even derision from the intellectual class who, for the first time, see them- < selves as powerless and realise that the cliché ) 2 (B - <)2(B. “speaking truth to power” is just an honourable 33 3= trope. For them, the very idea of yoking Modi 2 3@ with post-modernity is an act of violence and may 3H 2 / be a cruel joke that compromises the emancipa- tory promise of post-modernity and complete- # ly de-intellectualises the concept. 9B:B44 ( In fact, they could imagine this proposition 39944 as a game plan to control knowledge. Having been 33BH444 forced to cede political space to Modi, they had -&,&2 retired to their comfort zones of universities and ment, even by demolishing many his modernist development agenda reservation and can be the site of a BFH44 # NGOs. The possibility of Modi’s post-moderni- %.2($(13& Hindu temples in Gujarat’s Capital but by working around it and mediat- counter-OBC formation. 3=(9: ty may appear to them another strategy to rob %.2($((18 Gandhinagar. ing the universal development through He also worked around the creamy # % $ -% $. 1 them of their safe spaces and legitimise him intel- &'8 Modi took upon himself the particularist identities. layer among the OBCs (mostly the F3 943= @9 9436 36 lectually. .-(,&,$ responsibility of creating a new polit- The mistake many intellectuals salaried and middle-class) who are usu- < S 4= Modernisation first: Let me assure them I &1$81# ical culture where nationalism is no make is imagining that Modi and his ally vocal about rights. He knew that (7 9494(9493 $ have no such objective and that the present -.((1$&9(,@ longer a bad word and development is party as intellectually challenged. They their exclusion from the OBC umbrel- " , engagement comes from within the same think- ($$.($1 the master legitimator of contemporary too, imagined the strategy of fragmen- la would dilute the narrative of OBC 4: BB # ing class. I would much rather identify the shift 2.@(&2 politics. His rationalisation of develop- tation as the bulwark against Modi’s jug- assertion. So far as Dalit votes are con- 9446 1 943= "( in Modi’s politics that makes his post-moderni- .,2+1(., ment as the new mantra may be dis- gernaut (that depended on universals cerned, every State has a few dominant 1 :B3 ( ty an eminently believable idea. Before Modi E;8&9(,@ missed as reflective of a post-World such as nationalism and development) castes (Jatavs, Mahars, Madigas became the phenomenon that he is today, he was $38-.,.2($3# War mentality but the fact that India and highlighted difference, fragmenta- depending on the region) who are heav- " =9 2 a moderniser. After an accidental ascension to continues to be underdeveloped is the tion, particularism and so on. If Modi ily politicised to the extent of hijacking 94 "( the Chief Minister’s chair, he capitalised on the 1(-(2&;2E reason behind Modi’s success as a spoke of Hindutva, the post-modern the Dalit movement away from margin- 7 entrepreneurial community of Gujaratis and $381(,@28 moderniser. His promotion of women’s impulse was to highlight caste differ- al Dalit communities. , channelised their success to a pan-Indian aspi- :.$(,@2.9 empowerment (through the ‘Beti ence; if he spoke of nationalism, the Now Modi and the BJP are active- ration, to be known as the “Gujarat model”, .'&2($1(1 Bachao, Beti Padhao’ initiative), more post-modern impulse was to offer ly working with these marginalised $ though critics would still find many contradic- .:8;&, seats for women candidates in IITs and regional and religious challenge; if castes and are integrating their practices # tions within that claim. %.2($((&,1&, the ‘Ujjwala Yojana’ for rural women, development promised equal opportu- in the Hindu cultural sphere. They are In terms of Hindu consolidation against an (,$8228$+&21 among others, created development as nity, the post-modern alternative was also actively empowering them through * aggressive Mandalisation of politics and the divi- &,,.$ the new universal and legitimated to highlight development’s religious and mobilisation at the grassroots level. sion of Hindu society along caste lines, BJP vet- .-%2&(, development as the new catch-all cat- caste blindness. Modi used their tool of Conclusion: Mandal politics had eran leader LK Advani had already sought to egory of Indian politics. So much so fragmentation to fragment further. politicised a few dominant castes. # ( &@&(,1$ unify Hindus through the Ram Mandir agitation. that all parties reimagined themselves Most politicians and intellectuals Modi is taking it to its logical conclu- Modi took this unification strategy from Advani 1.-8$3(,@ as development-oriented ones. were convinced that particulars such as sion by breaking the monolith. 2 and gave it a developmental idiom. Whether it $3&$$38E The post-modern turn: The Dalit or Muslim or Other Backward Similarly, the single voting block of was intended to arrest the fragmentation of $38-182:81 Opposition had understood that to Classes (OBC) can never be another Dalits is over and politicians and intel- A ,/01 (36 Hindus for cultural or political reasons is any- 3&-%(.,8 keep their hopes alive they had to universal, but Modi knew better. He lectuals cannot complain against some- ( body’s guess, but what we can agree on is the fact reclaim Backward communities from criminalised triple talaq and broke the thing that they themselves championed. # ( that Modi went beyond Hindu unity and creat- Modi and bring them to make common Muslim universal and its inherent On top of that, Modi’s introduction of ( ( ed a developmental unity. cause with minorities. The fact that patriarchy, something that had been the Economically Weaker Section quota ( As a modernist he was both, disruptive in non-BJP parties had benefitted heavi- avoided by most political parties. was a masterstroke that brought class terms of breaking away from traditional politics ly from this so-called Backward-Dalit- The Mandalisation of politics had rather than caste into distributive pol- 1 1 , ( and constructive, as in ushering in a new type Muslim unity, something which devel- created the greatest monolith of OBCs itics, something Indian communists of politics that was the beginning of development. opment started eroding steadily, made but Modi knew that OBC is a political had chosen to ignore. * 7 7 , His modernity was palpable when he invested his them jittery. construct and so can be refashioned. Intellectuals and politicians did not + political future in the idea of development as uni- Theirs was a post-modern chal- More than 50 per cent of the country’s have the foresight to see the vulnera- versal with the hope of neutralising particular- lenge that survived on dissociating population cannot be a monolith and bility of their position. In their enthu- ,/01 (36 ist assertions. Dalits, OBCs, women, Muslims from that it cannot be a cohesive unit. In siasm, they had forgotten that though If secularism was the master code of the pre- the modernist project of development. 2018, the Rohini Commission recom- the minority/Dalit/OBC difference can ( Modi era, his counter master narrative was devel- Modi needed a new strategy to reinvent mended splitting of the OBC quota of threaten the universal nation, the for- # opment. The slogan “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, himself and he found one, to beat his 27 per cent because about 25 per cent mer is equally vulnerable to contradic- ,/01 (36 Sabka Vishwas’’ articulated a new India’s resolve critics in their own game. His mod- of the 27 per cent OBC quota is usual- tions within. Modi beat them in their for the 21st century. This is not to gloss over ernist thrust had created a catch-all and ly gobbled up by around 10 dominant post-modern game. alleged incidents of atrocities against minorities all-encompassing category such as castes and the remaining 1,000 castes (The writer is Professor, Faculty of after his rise as Prime Minister, though they are development that appeared to have are largely left out. Modi instinctively Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT - ! not unique to his era. As Chief Minister, Modi replaced politics. Now began Modi’s understood that these silent groups can Madras and a cultural critic. The views " # . had shown his resolve in infrastructure develop- post-modern politics, not by replacing be persuaded to see the irony of OBC expressed are personal) 9/(* + + XxuAuqrquut qt qsqy q qsxqvqq y ywyvqy qtxywv w xqus suut 95'*;6:
and at current prices it turns out to much direct fiscal support, the RBI conduct of its monetary policy and RBI pegged CPI inflation at 6.8 per optimistic about the scenario one be only four per cent. did most of the heavy lifting by debt management. One of the uncon- cent for Q3 of 2020-21 and to 5.8 per year ahead as reflected by the Future Reviewing the macroeconomic reducing rates by a cumulative 115 ventional monetary policy tools to be cent for Q4. These projections were Expectations Index. Hence, manag- and financial developments of the basis points this year and pumping adopted by the RBI was the owing to the likely persistence of food ing inflation is critical to sustaining domestic and global economy as well ample liquidity into the system. ‘Operation Twist.’ This refers to the prices at elevated levels and cost-push the growth stimulus spurred by the as the evolving outlook for the The RBI’s flexible inflation target- purchase of Government securities of pressures on core inflation. policy stimuli of the Government and Indian economy, the Monetary Policy ing will be up for review after March longer maturities and selling of an Apart from some cheer coming the Central bank. Committee (MPC) decided to keep 2021 and some economists think that equal amount of securities of short- in with the Q2 GDP figures, there is Till now, the RBI’s efforts for liq- ,88.'$38 the repo rate unchanged at four per the Central bank should keep a er maturities under Open Market a fear about the uncertainty of the uidity injection as a response to the 3.+;(,+9 7 +;4 cent, the Bank Rate and Marginal watch on overheating rather than try- Operations (OMO). The procedure macroeconomic conditions and the COVID-19 pandemic and to support Standing Facility Rate (MSF) ing to keep inflation within a target- is designed to exert downward pres- fact that the current upturn may be the Government’s fiscal responsibil- 1 CC unchanged at 4.25 per cent and the ed range. The US Federal Reserve, sure on longer term interest rates by only due to the pent-up demand, the ity, have achieved their purpose, as he National Statistical Office’s reverse repo rate at three per cent. too, has indicated that it would lowering long-term yields. Besides, festival season and initial easing of assessed by the it. estimates for the second quar- The Consumer Price Index (CPI) actively seek and tolerate higher measures to enhance liquidity sup- the supply chain. Liquidity influx with Foreign 4 P 4 Tter (Q2) (July-September) of inflation at 7.6 per cent in October inflation in America. port to targeted sectors, it has been The results of the Consumer Portfolio Investment and Foreign 2020-21 came as a relief to all, rais- is higher than the mandated two-six Reviewing the inflation target for taking initiatives to deepen the finan- Confidence Survey by the RBI also Direct Investment has been high and ing hopes of the much-talked about per cent inflation target. The man- the RBI may give it the much-need- cial markets, conserve capital among showed that consumer confidence the RBI has been sterilising them V-shaped recovery. The Gross date set in 2016 requires the Central ed leverage as pressure builds on it banks and NBFCs through regulato- remained very low in November as with reverse repo operations. Going Domestic Product (GDP) at constant bank to keep the headline inflation to do more to revive the economy. ry support, strengthen supervision compared to a year ago. However, it forward, the Central bank needs to (2011-12) prices in the Q2 of 2020- at the mid-point of its range at four The RBI has rendered support through strengthening audit func- showed marginal improvement from adopt a cautious approach as far as 21 is estimated at 33.14 lakh crore, per cent. For most of the year, retail through its monetary policy and used tion, ease external trade and expand its all-time low recorded in the pre- monitoring inflation and pushing for C as against 35.84 lakh crore in the Q2 inflation has been outside the Reserve a host of unconventional monetary financial inclusion. vious cycle (September). growth are concerned. It should be #( of 2019-20, showing a contraction of Bank of India’s (RBIs) tolerance policy tools to support the Going forward, the primary chal- Low consumer confidence is ready to do the balancing act. 7.5 per cent as compared to 4.4 per limit, mainly due to supply-side Government’s fiscal measures. It has lenge for the Central bank is going reflective of the people’s insecurities (The writer is Joint Director, the C CC cent growth in the Q2 of 2019-20. pressures owing to the lockdowns. made efforts to ensure liquidity in to be dealing with sticky inflation regarding the job scenario, employ- National Institute of Labour This contraction of 7.4 per cent as The sticky CPI inflation has sectors with multiplier effects, while its eye is firmly set on the ment levels, household incomes and Economics Research and CC # against a contraction of 23.9 per cent prevented the RBI from announcing nudged the bond markets to respond recovery of the economy. In the economic recovery in the country. Development, Niti Aayog. The views +9# in Q1 is a tremendous improvement further rate cuts. In the absence of to the signals from the RBI in the December 3 Monetary Policy, the However, the households remain expressed are personal.) / 0 ! "#$%&%& /
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/ + /(*( @ C 0 ! C ,8823( -+-&( On the other hand, > ood Minister Piyush Goyal IndusInd Bank, ONGC, HDFC -+-&( Fon Friday said the govern- arkets darted up to fresh Bank, Maruti, Bajaj Finserv C 5>#=7 ment cannot reduce the FRP, Mpeaks on Friday, capping and Bharti Airtel were among he Reserve Bank of India the minimum price at which off a stellar week where equity the main losers, skidding up to T(RBI) said its Central Board sugar mills buy cane from benchmarks closed at record 3.30 per cent. on Friday reviewed the current farmers, and asked the indus- highs every session on unabat- During the week, the economic situation in the back- try to be efficient, profitable ed foreign fund inflows. Sensex rallied 861.68 points or drop of global and domestic and diversify product portfolio After opening at its life- 1.86 per cent, while the Nifty Mumbai:The rupee appreci- challenges. with less dependency on the time intra-day high of surged 246.70 points or 1.82 ated by 3 paise to close at The Central Board met central subsidy. 47,026.02, the 30-share BSE per cent. 73.56 against the US dollar on under the chairmanship of Addressing the 86th annu- Sensex succumbed to selling Continuing their buying Friday amid sustained foreign Governor Shaktikanta Das the central bank’s financial al general meeting (AGM) of as other bye-products to boost stress” on the government’s pressure but rebounded in fag- spree, foreign portfolio fund inflows and positive through video conferencing. It year from July-June to April- industry body ISMA, Goyal, their income. subsidy. On the government’s end trade to finish at a record investors (FPIs) purchased domestic equities. Traders was the 586th meeting of the March and the changes in the who is also the railway and “Let’s be practical about it. decision to give a subsidy of Rs 46,960.69, up 70.35 points or shares worth a net Rs 2,355.25 said weakness in the Central Board. unit of presentation from mil- commerce minister, said the We cannot reduce the FRP. It’s 3,500 crore to sugar mills for 0.15 per cent. crore on Thursday, according American currency in the “The Board reviewed the lions / billions to lakhs / crores. government’s decision to pro- an institutional mechanism the export of 60 lakh tonnes of Similarly, the broader NSE to provisional exchange data. overseas market supported current economic situation in Besides the deputy gover- vide Rs 3,500 crore subsidy for going on for several years,” he the sweetener during the ongo- Nifty rose 19.85 points or 0.14 FPIs have been net buyers the domestic unit. At the the backdrop of global and nors, directors of the board N exports of 60 lakh tonnes of said.Goyal also expressed con- ing marketing year 2020-21, the per cent to 13,760.55 -- its new in the domestic capital markets interbank forex market, the domestic challenges and vari- Chandrasekaran, Ashok Gulati, sugar in the current marketing cern about some mills being minister said this will “give closing record. in each session this month so local unit opened at 73.55 ous areas of operations of the Manish Sabharwal, Prasanna year 2020-21 (October- profitable and others in bad some comfort to industry in IT stocks hogged the lime- far, following record inflows of against the greenback and Reserve Bank including the Kumar Mohanty, Dilip S September) will help in liqui- shape and asked the Indian disposing surplus sugar stocks”. light as better-than-expected Rs 60,358 crore in November. witnessed an intra-day high customer education initiatives Shanghvi, Satish K Marathe, S dating surplus sugar stocks. Sugar Mills Association He said the sugar output is results from Accenture Plc “Domestic equities recov- of 73.49 and a low of 73.57. and resolution of customer Gurumurthy and Revathy Iyer On the industry’s demand (ISMA) to undertake a gap expected to rise 20 per cent in enthused investors. ered from today’s low in tan- It finally ended at 73.56 complaints,” it said in a state- attended the meeting. that the sugarcane purchase study to make mills efficient the current marketing year. Infosys was the top gain- dem with recovery in banking against the American cur- ment. Tarun Bajaj, secretary, price be linked with sugar and competitive. He said a Goyal said the food min- er in the Sensex pack, jumping stocks. IT index was top per- rency, registering a rise of 3 The Central Board also Department of Economic price realisation, he said it is holistic assessment should be istry will also soon clear the 2.64 per cent, followed by Bajaj former today with strong buy- paise over its previous close. discussed the draft report on Affairs and Debasish Panda, not practical to reduce the fair made to find a sustainable subsidy worth Rs 5,361 crore of Auto, SBI, ICICI Bank, HCL ing in many IT counters due to On Thursday, the rupee set- trend and progress of banking secretary, Department of and remunerative price (FRP) solution, which is workable previous marketing year, to Tech, Titan, Asian Paints and strong performance and upbeat tled flat at 73.59 against US in India, 2019-20. Financial Services, also attend- and told the industry leaders to and make industry efficient as mills pertaining to exports and TCS. commentary from Accenture. dollar. It also noted the change in ed the meeting. produce more ethanol as well well as profitable with “least ethanol programme. P 7# P"" "' ;C ! "6 *67'*9 $# # +-& " C C ) 5&(6(%" . ,-1 %& #+ #"& + C #, - C !57" /,-0 C C? C -/+ . 359:;1Q R R(( ,-1 4 New Delhi:Jaiprakash R. ,8823( ' & & :43 1K & & :4 -+-&( months of the current fiscal, Salunke Dandegaonkar was %3 @- , 1 41?,, 1 ,8823( % ;, total FDI inflows rose to USD unanimously elected as the he railways is operating = orporate India has invest- 35.73 billion, the highest-ever President of the National T1,089 mail and express C # Ced USD 12.25 billion over- for the period, and 13 per cent Federation of Cooperative reparing for the demand in trains as compared to 1,768 "<3 ! ! seas during the first eight higher than same period in Sugar Factories Ltd. at the apex Pfuture as part of its National trains which used to run before * months of the current fiscal, FY20 when it stood at USD Sugar Body’s 214th meeting of Rail Plan, the Indian railways the Covid-19 pandemic, offi- ** 5&:;6' most of which has gone into the 31.60 billion. This was pri- the Board of Directors on is planning to increase its share cials said on Friday. tive season looking at the high 1"#! - '1C C ;=< #=< firms’ wholly-owned sub- marily driven by the string of Friday. in freight movement from 27 Addressing a virtual press demand for confirmed tickets, !6" C (%. sidiaries in the US, Singapore deals that Reliance Industries Dandegaonkar succeeds per cent now to 45 per cent by conference here, Railway Board the national transporter oper- #$ C C$ != or the Netherlands, according clinched for its telecom and Dilip Walse Patil, who had 2030, officials said on Friday. Chairman and CEO VK Yadav ated 618 special trains to clear $ !5 $ (%. to data collated by Care retail arms. For the full FY20, resigned as the President of The railways also plans to said, “As of now we are oper- the rush. #8 Ratings. inflows stood at USD 76 billion, NFCSF on becoming the introduce demand based pas- ating 1,089 mail and express Commenting on the local =# C!6"# # In the whole of FY20, total which after adjusting for repa- Cabinet Minister of State senger trains and doing away trains as compared to 1,768 passenger trains or small route foreign direct investment (FDI) triation of around USD18 bil- Government of Maharashtra, with the wait list tickets by trains.” trains, he said that the railways * by domestic companies was lion, meant USD 56 billion of said the co-operative sugar 2024. He said that the railways is is running 131 passenger trains USD 13 billion, while FDI foreign direct investment, industry body in a statement. Addressing a press confer- operating 264 Kolkata metro across the country. 8%22 8%C 2 inflows had hit a record USD which was the highest achieved A former State Minister of ence here, Railway Board trains and 3,936 suburban ser- “We have asked the O C C C 76 billion, according to the rat- on record. Cooperation and Textile in the Chairman and CEO V. K. vices. The Chairman said that General Managers to speak to & % ; +1& ings agency. In FY20, around USD 13 Government of Maharashtra & Yadav said, “We have been railways is monitoring the train the state government if there % $ 3%8 #M1 Of the total USD 12.25 bil- billion was invested outside, having put in many years in working to prepare the services. “We are also running are requirements for running # lion outward FDI during April- which was the second succes- public service majority of National Rail Plan for last two 20 special clone trains as of now more trains in their zones. So &%; November this fiscal, the actu- sive year of double-digit over- which have been closely asso- years and we are ready with our where there is high demand in we are holding talks with the C al outflow was USD 6.35 bil- seas investment since FY13. ciated with the development of plan that will be shared with terms of waitlist.” state government looking at the C M8%2-S8. lion, of which USD 2.97 billion But the peak was USD 19 bil- sugar sector, Dandegaonkar is everyone. He said that during the fes- Covid pandemic,” he said. 1 : # was through equities and USD lion in FY09 and USD 18 bil- also the current Chairman of 3.38 billion in loan commit- lion in FY08. the Maharashtra State ments and the balance USD From a sectoral point of Cooperative Sugar Factories 5.90 billion was in the form of view, 90 per cent of the money Federation Ltd. He is also the guarantees, the agency said invested overseas was in finan- founder Chairman of Purna quoting RBI data. As against cials, insurance and business Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Ltd., this, during the first five services (USD 3.89 billion). Distt-Hingoli, Maharashtra. 3 R $
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eliance Industries and its Rpartner BP plc of the UK on Friday announced the com- mencement of natural gas pro- duction from Asia’s deepest project, ?putting the second wave of discoveries in the KG- D6 block onstream. The production from ultra- deepwater R-Cluster, the first of the three deepsea projects Reliance-BP are developing in the eastern offshore block, started production, the two firms said in a statement. Reliance and BP are devel- oping three deepwater gas pro- jects in block KG D6 – R Cluster, Satellites Cluster and MJ – which together are expected to meet about 15 per cent of India’s gas demand by 2023.”These projects will utilise the existing hub infrastruc- ture in KG-D6 block,” it said. Reliance is the operator of KG D6 with a 66.67 per cent participating interest and BP holds a 33.33 per cent stake. R-Cluster is the first of the three projects to come onstream. The field is located about 60 kilometres from the existing KG-D6 Control and Riser Platform (CRP) off the Kakinada coast and comprises a subsea production system tied back to CRP via a subsea pipeline. ()* + , . ! "#$%&%&
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he dream of a space telescope took 20 years to realise. Now, 30 years on, Tcomes the incredible story of one of the most complex machines ever made. The Hubble space telescope has made more than 1.3 million observations and enabled over 15,000 scientific papers to be written. Its history has been dramatic. A triumphant launch that turned into disas- ter. Astronauts risking their lives to fix it. But ultimately, it’s an invention that opened up the universe in unimaginable ways. This anniversary film, Hubble: Wonders of Space Revealed, tells the whole story and meets the scientists and astronomers who use Hubble on a daily basis as well as astronauts from each of the missions that have serviced and updated it. We talk to Steve Crabtree, the executive producer of the film, to know more. Excerpts:
What prompted you to bring up a film like Hubble: Wonders of Space Revealed? The film was to celebrate Hubble’s 30th birthday, really. It coincided to mark the 30 years since the telescope was launched into space. So that was the simple reason. We thought to make a special shot, telling the whole story of Hubble, what is often referred to as the one of the most produc- tive scientific instruments that has ever been invented.
The film includes real astronauts who work on Hubble daily. How was the expe- this treatment, high-energy protons trav- rience of filming with them? el at two-thirds the speed of light through I’m the executive producer of the film. !,/!!9* a patient’s body. It can transform treatment So this time round unfortunately, I didn’t for children with inoperable cancers. But get to meet the astronauts, the director bringing it to the UK needs a £250 mil- David Briggs met them. They were super lion investment, and one of the world’s friendly and helpful. I have interviewed best facilities. A nuclear bunker with six- astronauts before and what I love about metre-thick walls. Nearly 2,000 tonnes of them is their training means that they’re *&9/4 kit squeezed under the streets of London very precise and very accurate with any- and Manchester. Horizon goes behind the thing you ask them. They’re almost like scenes of a super-sized engineering chal- sorts of space journalists in a way. They’re $ 3 C C lenge. It’s an amazing piece of technolo- always amazing and way friendly. And, you gy and all of the engineering that goes into know, it’s a real feeling, a real privilege to !#> != it is just awe inspiring. work with them, but there’s not many of them out there. CC #( O What is the future of Proton Beam Therapy in India? How did you go about curating the sto- C C # In India? I don’t know. All I know is ries and choosing the people set to fea- that it seems to be very successful in the ture in this film? 8 C 1$8:8;&$;88 C UK. They’re doing many treatments now. We sat down for a long time along with So, you know, it just seems like it’s a real- the director and we tried to work out how #$8&- :(:& ly good piece of technology. But I don’t to structure a programme such as this. And know the future of it in India. what we settled on was to tell the story basically the farthest Hubble can see. So through each of the service missions. There there’s quite a little narrative there as well. Any message for the Indian audi- were five service missions in total. Each ence? service mission then led to a new discov- What were the challenges involved dur- I would just say that both of these pro- ery because each mission was basically an ing the making of the film? grammes, in very different ways, go upgrade which led to a new discovery. So The big challenge for us in the UK was down to show that not only how impor- we knew that we wanted to structure the that we wanted the programme to tie in tant science, technology and engineering film in that way. The first job was to make with the actual 30th anniversary of Hubble. is, but also how they can sort of bring peo- sure that we had astronauts from each ser- And on every birthday what NASA does ple together. For the Hubble film in par- vice mission. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be is that they release a very special picture ticular, those amazing images that we see able to tell that whole story. Luckily, they that Hubble has taken and we sort of tried of the universe and the cosmos are inspir- were very kind to give us their time. Then, to get hold of that picture earlier because ing for young people, especially who may once we knew we had astronauts, we just we were making a TV programme. We got ture at the end. So that was quite a chal- the editor for horizon when we started want to have a career in science, technol- focussed on one of the discoveries that that finally and we got to see Hubble’s 30th lenge, really. I haven’t had to do that very making it. But then I’d left by the time we ogy or engineering. I mean, if you were each service mission had led to. That anniversary photograph exactly the same often in my television career. I feel live tele- finished it because it took about two years to boil both films down to their core ingre- helped us decide which sciences to pick, time as everybody else did, which was vision is very different. But I don’t gener- to put the show together. Initially, I was dients, what we’re talking about is amaz- I mean, obviously, in real life, there were about six or eight hours before our film was ally work in live television. So this time was involved in the making and the engineer- ing scientists and engineers, building hundreds of discoveries but in an hour going to be broadcast by the BBC. So me, quite interesting. ing part of the technology and then left incredible machines that help humanity. long programme, you can only pick one. the director and the editor were in an edit it midway for the team to finish the show. I think that’s something that we can all So we just picked some that we thought suite together, just waiting for this photo- You have also been a core part of the In 2014, five-year-old Ashya King’s par- aspire to. They spread a positive message was great. If you watch the first one, what graph to be given to us. Once we got the means that there is a sort of another ver- show 250 Million Pound Cancer Cure, can ents were arrested. Unwilling to accept that to say, look, what we can do together when actually happens is as the film plays, each photograph, we then cut the picture and sion of the film without the picture in it you provide some insights into the their son’s brain tumour was incurable. we invent amazing things. discovery is further and further out into re-finish the entire film, and then gave it that’s never been seen by the audience show? They took him to Europe against the doc- (The film premieres today at 9 pm on the universe until the last one, which is to BBC to go on the television. It also because we managed to use the proper pic- That show was really close to me. I was tors’ advice for Proton Beam Therapy. In Sony BBC Earth.) '&*6; *4 + #+ ? 575" & " aving marked her debut with Vicky HDonor in 2012, which won her wide acclaim, there has been no look- ing back for actor Yami Gautam. Her film choices have proved her versatili- ty. A self-made actor who has worked her way up through sheer talent and ;(3&; dedication, she has been hailed for her .1-&, scintillating screen presence and play- ing her characters with a rare elegance # and restraint. After a slew of box office success- $ es in 2019 with Uri: The Surgical Strike police and jumping into the fray and Bala, Yami is all set to have anoth- #1 and action many a time without er eventful year as she has a bunch of warning the police. But, that’s not projects lined up for 2021. A source even half of what this book is reveals that she will have a packed slate 9&:($3& -+;&2( about. While the mystery is get- in the forthcoming year. ting solved, friends are dying of “Yami has now been approached he Thursday Murder Club by old age, spouses getting dementia. with eight interesting scripts and she has TRichard Osman is difficult to Sometimes, flowers are all that one locked in as many as six films for which fit into genres. “Thriller” is one needs to wase through an she will start shooting in 2021. The way to look at it. “Slice of life” is uneventful day. offers are quite overwhelming and another. “The quaint countryside “hep and happening” that is. wine, choice desserts and jigsaw Or two. Perhaps three. If you are curious to know Yami is taking up dynamic roles that will contemporary classic,” if ever Elizabeth is a methodical cru- puzzles. Only, the jigsaws are of Leveraging seniority in age what happens when Miss Marple challenge her as an actor,” says the there was such a genre might fit cifier. Joyce, poor little Joyce, is a the police file kind. Having access and frailty of body, these alert and meets Holmes meets Nancy Drew, source. in too. Ever so slightly. people pleaser, perhaps, there’s to unsolved mysteries from fertile minds of the Thursday all in a quiet little English coun- Her recent release, Ginny Weds Kapoor and Jacqueline Fernandez. As We have septuagenarian and more there than what meets the decades ago, our foursome meet murder club get access to informa- tryside consuming almond flour Sunny co-starring Vikrant Massey, she gears up for a choc-o-bloc 2021, we octogenarian protagonists in this eye. Ib is an analyst with a differ- every Thursday trying to puzzle tion and people the police aren’t cake and mint tea, this is the book proved to be yet another massive enter- are definite that she is all set to surprise unlikely murder mystery set in a ence while Ron, a firebrand out the solution. able to worm out themselves. for you. A light and adorable read, tainer. She recently wrapped up the her fans with her forthcoming projects. hep and happening retirement activist. What happens when these And then suddenly, one day, This strange group then solves the perhaps, a befitting end to this Dharamshala schedule of Bhoot Police Needless to say, 2021 is surely going to community. Well, if Pilates is four get together? Some good old they have a murder in their midst. mystery, trading info with the horrible year. which also stars Saif Ali Khan, Arjun be Yami’s year! ! "#$%&%& ()* + ,..
79 59 Q8 + R
ctor Aparshakti Khurana in store for me. I am still that Astarted his Bollywood uptempo, jumpy boy who just journey in 2016 with the wants to chill, eat together, Aamir Khan-starrer Dangal. dance together. I am still that After interesting roles over the guy. Well, taking one step at a past four years, he is now gear- time. Whatever god has given ing up for his solo release as me so far, it is just so over- a protagonist, the comedy whelming.” film Helmet opposite actor He added, “I have a lot of Pranutan. talented people around me but The actor is happy the way I don’t know why god has 9&9-09&9@/9 his career is shaping up. He been so kind to me. I feel that says feels amazing when he you have to be at the right looks back at his journey and place at the right time to per- shares that he had no idea that form, and that is something &+ +< <= *"-+ " - " &&- -"& % god has this in store for him. which you can’t plan. It just Before his debut in happens when it happens. So, Bollywood, Aparshakti, broth- I think it just happened to me '" "& " '/' + '"- '+# / " ? er of actor Ayushmann and of course I am not com- Khurrana, was a radio jockey plaining.” n the everyday vocabulary, has become a daily term used instinct, individual dilemmas, in New Delhi. After his shift Aparshakti is now gearing artist Jiban Biswas looks at for comfort. When I create and the complexities of psycho- to Bollywood in 2016, he was up for Helmet. Directed by Icows as individuals. From something, I’m full of confu- Biswas said, “The cos- logical journeys that affect us in seen in hit films such as Satram Ramani, the film is a turban clad to bell necklaces, sion and asking questions with mopolitan grind of daily life our day-to-day struggles. There Badrinath Ki Dulhania, Stree, quirky comedy that depicts Biswas’ cows are surrounded by my characters,” he added. offers a consumer many things. is the stage of the powerful and Lukka Chuppi and Street the ground reality in the a host of scenarios where they Whether single subjects Each person has their place and the powerless. At times, one per- Dancer 3D. heartlands of the country, are festooned, horned and have or many of his larger paintings role and sometimes, I think peo- son gets it all and sometimes, Talking about his journey where talking about protec- gorgeous expressions. His — they all have a common ple are magicians sometimes even the whole crowd is jostling in Hindi cinema from being a tion for sex is awkward. The works are characteristically screen-saver charm. It’s clear, at playing to an audience and for space.” radio jockey to an actor, film also features Abhishek rubbery and colourful. The first glance, that they are cre- sometimes just subjects of fear.” Aparshakti said, “It feels Banerjee and Ashish Verma in cows are silhouetted as stark ated according to a limited Biswas’ each frame is built amazing to see that journey. I pivotal roles. white, shiny-nosed spirits, number of elements arranged on a distinctively accurate D had no idea that god has this —IANS which make them dynamic. It’s according to a limited set of approach to the geometry of Arranging both space and rare that a small suite of works rules on his space. So you reality. He settles into a seeming- subject matter into densely-lay- looks so transformative. Each might suppose that it’s the ly conservative cohesion of ered images, Biswas is informed work is an emblem of elegance cows which are actually a pic- brightly-coloured cows that by a certain collective ethic aes- that dwells on the reality of ture of human beings as potent sometimes seem strange, some- thetic. Memory and experience lived life. atoms in a sea of forces with- times sarcastic and the other become allies that build the ana- With an almost satirical in and beyond their control. times, credulously real and iron- logue. He presents some reflec- simplicity, Biswas conjures a Even their most passionate ically novel. tions — much of what we think window into another world, demonstrations are as formu- “I have used the animal as we know is far removed from revealing a realm of imagina- laic as the history. You might an icon,” said Biswas. “I try to reality like a distortion or an tion, mythic tales of the Biwas’ handling of compo- sorrow or maybe, illusion. But even consider the buoyant interpret the representation of illusion. Puranas, mysticism and the sition suggests a dynamism my intention is showing strong breath and the philosophical magical realism of observation. that seems paradoxical yet impressions. These are my perspective, the placement of His cows are individuals who serene. His paintings create a people, my village, my child- number of heads of cows as an appear in sustained animation stark reality where gods, men hood,” shared he. evidence of how easy it is to eternally placed in the current and beasts live in perennial “I’m also pointing at the fool the eye. But I think they’re life space. Here, the motif of the peace around each other. politics of life. The river and its evidence that even the simplest single or multiple virtuoso values, for common man, of subjects, if you analyse their cows suggests both politics seems to be misinterpreted for presence the right way, can and presence of the essence of “The mud colours I use are the cost of ‘development’, which make magic. conversations that both contra- changing its shade and getting dict and coalesce. transformed to shadows — of . ! "#$%&%&
/@&9 SCG TEST STILL ON, CA MONITORING SITUATION Melbourne: & ' $ 4@ $C ( 4!6 1 #& C - 8 " -&*&& " . 9 :( 1 "'#$ $ 1@ F 5# &82&(8 Bumrah (21-7-52-2) played 2 4/2!,,3231/# 2 After Bumrah removed PEREZ TO RACE WITH RED BULL IN 2021 the night watchman’s role +/.3/"!,4#124/$223 the two openers in the first Milton Keynes: - 1% enior off-spinner after Shaw’s dismissal, giving 2"B,$!C; session, Ashwin did the star -: CC ; Ravichandran Ashwin company to Mayank #3$/!%+121 turn in the second session. ' . '#% C Sproduced one of his Agarwal (5) when stumps 1,$/+/ 1/%01 2 Ashwin set up Smith && - H '!= most memorable overseas were drawn. with a few that were flighted 431$,32-2!, 1 @% performances as Indian Indian magnificent with the angle and then "3",21"3/!, # ; C bowlers collectively ter- bowling effort during the bowled one that straight- C% L M& rorised Australia into sub- day could be segregated into +!/2,/ + 23-2/% ened and bounced a touch 431$,E2F12$32!2 # mission, bowling them out three phases. more. Smith, expecting turn, % 4 # for 191 on the second day of In the early afternoon, 23$!%#1231/23+3/$/ squared up and Ajinkya the opening Day/Night Test Bumrah bowled the fuller ! $3,!-33$03#.3/! Rahane at first slip made no SIMRANJEET ENTERS COLOGNE WC FINALS here on Friday. length to make the first .!/,3; mistake. New Delhi: C C 4 Courtesy Ashwin’s 18-3- inroads. Travis Head (7) wasn’t 1? 9 /7 0 55-4, India successfully man- Ashwin then reading Ashwin well and the + +60"1 H C @ aged to neutralise a sub-par took charge of left-hander got a flighted +H- '#$ &14 first innings score of 244. late afternoon %&'21"' into a defensive shell in their one that took the leading -/?%9/"AB . C<4! C Rival skipper Tim Paine (73 with his perfect 72.1 overs on second day. edge of his bat, which ended 1 #8 4 off 99 balls) was the only length and made It was one of the most in a chest-high return catch 1 2 /=50 C home batsman to show use of the additional bounce ‘Un-Australian’ batting by a for the bowler. C - stomach for a fight. to blow away the middle- team that prides itself on Debutant Cameron +H1 9 >4 # With a handy first order. intent. Save for Labuschagne Green (11) would curse him- innings lead of 53 runs, India And then under lights, (47 off 119 balls), who could- self as his was a long hop ask- SCHALKE FIRES BAUM, RECALLS HUUB found their opener Prithvi Umesh Yadav (16.1-5-40-3) - " #; # # - " ! < n’t capitalise on three ing to be pulled but the extra Gelsenkirchen: 1 - Shaw’s defence being was brilliant with the old reprieves, and skipper Paine, bounce got the top edge and ' C 3 breached again before ending pink kookaburra as he Pat Cummins. down by the fielders as the But Virat Kohli wouldn’t no other batsman seemed to captain Virat Kohli pulled off 1 #$ 1 the day at 9/1 — with an bowled back of the length to Mohammed Shami (17- only glitch in their second mind even four dropped know how to bat on a sur- a fabulous catch at mid- #1 overall lead of 62 runs. get rid of the dangerous 4-41-0) was also immaculate day’s performance was a chances as his bowlers forced face, which picked pace on wicket, diving full-stretch to C ! Pace spearhead Jasprit Marnus Labuschagne and with his length but he was let poor catching effort. the Australian batsman to go the second day. his right. C 4 "4 # PHL POSTPONED TO NEXT YEAR = %/ # & 0 R New Delhi: $ % 3 2 /%320'C C * @8,8:& Ronaldo means a lot to me.” C * &+92&, Guptill in the field. Khan tried to Lewandowski’s stellar season for all-conquering 4!6 C # $ rescue his side’s innings, smash- ayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski was Bayern has already been recognised by UEFA who 1 - ( ew Zealand cruised to a five- ing 42 from 32 balls before Bnamed men’s player of the year on Thursday at awarded the Polish striker European player of the year 1 FC < F ! #$ Nwicket win over Pakistan in Duffy coaxed a top edge to Fifa’s ‘The Best’ awards ceremony in Zurich. in October. # the first T20I at Auckland’s Eden Sodhi. The 32-year-old Lewandowski, top scorer His Bayern teammate Manuel Neuer was cho- Park on Friday. Pakistan’s attack made early in Europe and winner of the Champions sen as ‘The Best’ Fifa men’s goalkeeper. HEGERBERG SIGNS NEW LYON DEAL The Black Caps ended on inroads as two quick wickets League with Bayern, came out ahead of the Bronze, 29, who succeeds last year’s winner Lyon: ' H. & 3 156/5 with seven balls to spare from Rauf restricted New other two nominees, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Megan Rapinoe, won the Champions League 8 C C2 after losing the toss and being set Zealand to 72/3 at the 10-over Ronaldo. with Lyon in August before moving back to '#$ =44, a target of 154. mark. England defender Lucy Bronze took the England to play for Manchester City. 4 F <#1 Tim Seifert top-scored for Seifert brought up his half women’s award, seeing off the chal- France and Lyon’s Sarah Bouhaddi C 3 the hosts with 57, while debutant century off 35 balls but was out lenge of Wendie Renard and capped her fine career with The Best H #3 paceman Jacob Duffy took 4/33. on 57 after a sharp catch from Pernille Harder. Fifa women’s goalkeeper award. !"<2 Pakistan never recovered Ashraf, who then dropped an It is the first occassion for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp C 2 ' ' C ? # from a slow start, despite a fight- 7 "$ " # # easy chance sitter to give Mark both Lewandowski and Bronze to was named men’s coach of the year while ing 42 from stand-in captain & () # Chapman a life. Mitchell Santner win the award, with the Pole only current Dutch women’s national team Shadab Khan. Haris Rauf was the steered his team to victory with the second player after Luka Modric boss Sarina Wiegman took the women’s RASHFORD LEADS MAN UNITED COMEBACK tourists’ best bowler, taking 3/29. Mohammad Hafeez in his sec- a six to seal the win. in 2018 to break a 13-year Messi- award for the second time in her career fol- Sheffield: 3 C Player of the match Duffy ond as Pakistan lost three wick- The second and third T20s Ronaldo hegemony. lowing her 2017 success. - ; # made a sensational start, dismiss- ets in three balls to slump to 20 will be played in Hamilton and “I am very proud and very happy,” The Puskas Award for best goal went $ - + H ing opener Abdullah Shafique for for four. Napier on Sunday and Tuesday, said Lewandowski. “I have to honestly say that to Tottenham’s South Korean striker Son 1 + >4 % a duck in his first over. He then Khushdil Shah was out for with the first of two Tests start- it is a great day for me and for my club. It is Heung-min for a mazy, individual goal 2 $ # 3 2 claimed the scalps of 16 when he mistimed a ball from ing in Mount Maunganui on an unbelievable feeling. Winning an award he scored against Burnley in the Premier + C Mohammad Rizwan and Ish Sodhi straight to Martin December 26. ahead of Lionel Messi and Cristiano League in December 2019. C2C # - STRONG ROOTS ? 7#" : - - - - # " "- :/"- -& %-- % -'
We try to take it as far as we can. We sang labels coming up for Indian Hip-Hop.” ‘Main Kyon Chahoon’ which is a sort of Talking of some other Indian bands a ‘punk’ song. There are songs where whose music he enjoys, he mentions there are downtempo, almost psybient, Bengaluru-based band Parvaaz, the duo elements and others with jazz and blues. Shadow & Light and Advaita. In the sense, my attempt is to get the best $38;8(1&2.$.' Sumit really likes performing at col- of both the worlds.” @..-+1(.-(,@ leges: “I remember there were a couple With the distribution channels of shows we played at the Haldia Institute changing thanks to online platforms, .+$P$38;8(1& of Technology near Kolkata, the Ansal Sumit believes that 2020 will be the last 3+,@8;#2..9&$ Institute and Brijmohan Munjal “tough” year for Indian ‘indie’ (indepen- University near Gurugram. All these col- dent) bands. “There is a lot of good music 1.-8&,1O:(8.1 leges were not just great hosts but had coming out; there is a hunger. Look at @8$$(,@-(22(.,1 great crowds.” Yet with the lack of audi- some bands’ videos getting millions, ences in 2020, thanks to the pandemic, maybe tens of millions, of views.” He -&E8$8,1.' he admits that times have been tough but guess the glitter and glamour of the argues that if a band is good, they will get not just for him, for everyone. “I’ve been stage really appealed to me”, Sumit their market although he feels that there -(22(.,1.':(81 trying to stay strong mentally, spending Pratihast, the lead singer for the are opportunities for the distribution T###UE.+1883(%43.% more time with my family and taking care band ‘Desi Roots’, t e l l s m e a b o u t w h y channels and particularly the manage- of my cat Oreo and, well, focussing on he started singing at a very young ment side. There could be innovations ;8&22E%(9(,@+% 2021.” But with the vaccine coming out, Iage. But it was a Maithili singer singing that would make music in India indepen- (,(,(&&,1. he does expect there to be a much bet- at his neighbourhood Durga Puja that dent of movies. “You see Hip-Hop real- ter situation in 2021. really inspired him. “I think I’ve always ly picking up in India and so many new -&,E,82&821 As we listen to ‘Dekho Na’, one of Desi had a knack for the performing arts,” he .-(,@+%'.; Root’s own tracks on the Kia Sonet’s BOSE adds. audio system, Sumit explains his theory As a trained filmmaker, he doesn’t (,(&,3(%43.% of songwriting. “Well, I do not necessar- just add his voice to the band’s music, ily take inspiration from real life but I which explores multiple Indic genres of imagine a scenario and how it plays out music alongside rock; he also curates in my head. And it is good if it rhymes,” the band’s music videos and has a he says. The song, which explores the hand in poster design as well. issue of toxic love, sends out the message Hearing Sumit talk about his about how bad such a relationship is for musical influences can make both partners. one understand his band’s As for the advice he would give music. Introduced to Md youngsters getting into music: “Well, it Rafi and Kishore Kumar is not a conventional career and you have by his father at home at a to set your goals early. You should know young age, by the time what you want to achieve and spend a lot he was a teenager, he of time and effort, at least four-five hours, was listening to Arctic every day with music. With practice Monkeys, Radiohead, comes perfection but fundamental train- Coldplay, Red Hot ing is really important.” Chilli Peppers and the But 2020 has not been a terrible year like. More recently, for cars, as we saw the introduction of he has been listening the new Kia Sonet, and Sumit who to Arijit Singh’s music admits to liking cars also found the but also drawing inspi- audio system very good. Listening to his ration from western own band’s music, he said: “The sound musicians like Charlie in the car was sharp, crisp and well-bal- Puth and Jacob Collier. anced. This is by far the best set-up of He says that artists like sound I’ve heard in a car. You don’t need The Weeknd and even anything else.” But Sumit is even more Justin Bieber have been thrilled about the Intelligent Manual coming out with some Transmission (IMT) in the Sonet. He great new music. “You was the first musician who saw the IMT can call it fusion because and knew what it was, and couldn’t wait the lyrics I write are in to try it out. “I get the thrill of chang- Hindi and the music that accom- ing gears and I get off the awful clutch, panies it is mostly on western instru- and in city traffic that can be really irri- ments. In essence it is fusion, tating on your left knee. If you would but it isn’t traditional fusion take a test drive on an IMT, you would where you try to mix Indian definitely love it.” ■ Classical and Western Classical.