9, # '%: $ %: $ : *+!,*-./01 !"# $ %& # ! @ 6&58 .1+&665,& ?5A5 &8#>8 2 >># !58 ,567&6= + > (7># 6(7=( 5" 8 65 ,58"7&# (6 "" !58 88&@ 6>! 5 >@ 78&66& & 8 7&8 &#=8 7 ,& 87 ,578 ,= 7?,58 ( ,@&) ? , ;6 '().4**" 4<4 ; " 5 $$ 2 % & 3.245456.43 L M ! " " ! # $ % !"# $ % 5,567& On the unions’ demand for $ the repeal of farm laws, the $ he sixth round of talks Minister said that this too can % Tbetween the Centre and be referred to a committee protesting farmers’ unions on which will study the constitu- Wednesday failed to break the tional validity and propriety P impasse with the latter sticking keeping in mind the welfare of !"#" & to their position over the repeal farmers. of three farm laws and a legal The Minister asked the '()# guarantee for minimum sup- Union leaders to put forward * $ port price (MSP). But the two their proposals which the + ' sides reached some consensus Government will study and $ to address farmers’ concerns discuss. % over rise in power tariff and This meeting came after a exclusion of farmers from Air long gap as after the last meet- $ Quality Management ing the situation hit a dead end % Ordinance. with farmers stern on their Both sides have agreed to demand for a complete with- , hold further talks on January 4. drawal of the laws and the After nearly five hours of Centre not accepting it. ./ negotiations between three # . 0 10 0 2 While farmers have decid- !# $ %& Union Ministers and 41 farm- ed to carry on their agitation till ers unions, Agriculture 2 & % their demands are met, they the Acts and sought to know $ % Minister Narendra Singh ' !# $ have, however, deferred their specific problems faced by the 0 0 Tomar said at least 50 per cent %& proposed tractor march so that farmers. resolution has been reached it does not clash with their next Tomar hailed the unions , .1% with mutual agreement on two as a guarantee for farmers will On farmers’ demand for a round of talks with the for maintaining peace and dis- of four items on the agenda. continue in the next meeting legal guarantee for procure- Government on January 4. cipline during their protest, but $ P The Minister said talks scheduled for January 4,” ment at MSP, the Minister said Sources said that firm on urged them to send the elder- % were held in a cordial atmos- Tomar added. the Government has already backing the farm laws, the ly, women and children back to 5,567& hours of discussions had taken " ) phere and the two sides have “First issue was an ordi- said that it is ready to give a Government has offered to their homes due to the extreme place and the two sides took a reached an agreement on two nance related to the environ- written assurance. form a committee to look into cold weather. hree Union Ministers break for tea and snacks. $ issues — one relating to the ment. Both sides agreed to Tomar assured the unions farmers’ demands. Sources said Tomar was accompanied Tjoined farm leaders on Sources present at the ( 2 proposed electricity law and the farmers’ exclusion. Farmers that MSP and the Mandi sys- the Government also explained by Food and Railways Minister Wednesday to share “langar” venue said that Agriculture other about an Air Quality feel that if reform is introduced tem will continue like before. to the farmers that the process Piyush Goyal and Minister of food arranged by protesting Minister Narendra Singh "$ Management Ordinance to in the Electricity Act, they’ll The demand of the farmers’ of withdrawing laws is a long State for Commerce Som farmers during their sixth Tomar, Food and Railway keep farmers outside the ambit suffer loss. The unions wanted unions for an MSP law and the one. Parkash at the meeting. round of talks to resolve the Minister Piyush Goyal and * of the penalty clause (up to 1 the electricity subsidy given to difference between MSP and The Minister said the Farmers’ leader Rakesh deadlock over new farm laws. Minister of State for 0$ 31 crore) for the stubble burning farmers by States for irrigation market rates for agricultural union leaders kept insisting on Tikait said that the farmers are The langar (community Commerce Som Parkash ' ordinance. should continue. The consen- produce would be referred to a repeal of the three farm laws, insistent that the Government kitchen) food arrived in a van joined the farmer leaders to “Discussions on the three sus was reached on this issue committee when it is consti- but the Government side tried should repeal the farm laws and at the meeting venue, Vigyan share their langar food during , 4.% agriculture laws and the MSP also,” Tomar said. tuted. to explain them the benefits of give legal guarantee for MSP. Bhawan, after around two the break. ' $ )*+* ,-.P 0 5,567& SEC,” said the Ministry. & 5,567& The analysis of the addi- 5,567& ndia will take a call on giv- tional data and information is two-year-old girl who Iing approval to the three going on. SEC will convene n an effort to give a boost to Arecently returned to Covid-19 vaccines developed in again on January 1, 2021, said Idefence exports, the Union Meerut with her parents from the country on January 1. the statement. Cabinet chaired by Prime the UK has been found to be A high-level DCGI panel However, sources said the Minister Narendra Modi on infected with the new Covid-19 met on Wednesday to discuss approval by the UK is likely to Wednesday gave the go-ahead strain. With this, the number the approval issue even as the pave the way for authorisation for export of indigenously- of UK returnees found carry- UK became the first country to of the vaccine in several coun- developed and manufactured ing the new variant of SARS- give nod to the Covishield tries. India successfully com- Akash short range surface-to- CoV-2 has increased from 6 on shot from the stable of drug pleted two-day dry run of the air (SAM) missile. Tuesday to 14 on Wednesday firm AstraZeneca and the Covid immunisation. The Cabinet also approved out of 107 positive Covid cases. University of Oxford. India is hoping to launch the setting up of a committee As a preventive measure, In India, Serum Institute of the immunisation drive soon comprising Defence and the Centre has dashed off a India is developing the vaccine once vaccines are approved. External Affairs Ministers, missive to States asking them to in collaboration with Oxford Earlier this month, the besides the National Security wants to breach the 15,000 many countries also want to curb crowding in the wake of University and pharmaceutical SEC had sought more data on Adviser (NSA), to clear such crore mark in the next fiscal. acquire coastal surveillance New Year celebration and keep Integrative Biology in Delhi. Of the wake of New Year and var- company AstraZeneca. the safety and efficacy of exports. This committee will The Cabinet approval on system, radars and aircraft and a strict vigil on all events that the total 107 cases, eight are ious celebratory events associ- The Union Health Covid-19 vaccine candidates also explore various available Wednesday will facilitate helicopters. could be a potential super from the national Capital. ated with it as well as the Ministry in a statement here after deliberating on the com- options, including the Indian manufactures to par- Giving these details, the spreader. The new variant is consid- ongoing winter season, a strict said the Subject Expert pany’s application that sought Government-to-Government ticipate in tenders issued by Defence Ministry officials said Of the 20 new UK coron- ered to be more lethal than the vigil is required to be main- Committee (SEC) in the emergency use authorisation. route. It will help in forging various countries. in order to fast track exports avirus mutant strain, 8 have original coronavirus and is tained to curb all potential Central Drugs Standard While considering the stronger strategic and defence The major decision came through quick approvals, a been registered at the National more transmissible among ‘super spreader’ events and Control Organisation application submitted by ties with various countries all against the backdrop of sever- committee comprising of Centre for Disease Control in young people. places where crowds may gath- (CDSCO) had met on Serum Institute of India, the over the world. The aim is to al countries, especially in the Defence Minister, External Delhi, 7 at National Institute of Keeping in view the fresh er,” Bhushan said in the letter. Wednesday to consider the committee had recommended touch the five-billion dollar Indian Ocean region, keen to Affairs Minister and NSA has Mental Health and Neuro- surge of coronavirus cases in A senior official with the Emergency Use Authorisation that the firm should provide mark in the next few years by procure Indian missile sys- been created. Sciences in Bangalore, two at Europe and America, Union Union Health Ministry said the (EUA) request of Pfizer, Serum safety data of phases 2 and 3 exporting high-value defence tems, including the superson- “This committee would Cellular and Molecular Biology Health Secretary Rajesh two-year-old girl in Meerut and Institute of India (SII) and clinical trials in the updated platforms. ic Brahmos and Prithvi. authorise subsequent exports of in Hyderabad. Bhsuhan said in the letter to the her parents, who have also Bharat Biotech Pvt Ltd. applications. At present, India is one of So far, India only exports major indigenous platforms to One each has been logged States and UTs that there was tested positive for the new “While further time was The committed had also the biggest importers of components and specialised various countries. The com- at the National Institute of still a need for maintaining strain, had returned from the requested on behalf of Pfizer, sought immunogenicity data weapons, while the exports are parts. mittee would also explore var- Biomedical Genomics near comprehensive precaution and UK. The child is in an isolation the additional data and infor- from the clinical trial in India relatively poor. In the fiscal year Moreover, with the Indian ious available options including Kolkata, National Institute of strict surveillance within ward with her parents at mation presented by SII and as well as in the UK along with 2019-2020, the export figure industry ramping up its pro- the Government-to- Virology in Pune and CSIR India. Meerut’s Subharti Medical Bharat Biotech Pvt Ltd was the outcome of the assess- stood at slightly more than duction capabilities and sophis- Government route,” the Institute of Genomics and “You will appreciate that in College. perused and analysed by the ments made by the MHRA. 8,000 crore. The Government tication in the last few years, Ministry stated. 2 +
8 7& 687 persons per square kilo- metre. The total area of Gomiya hief Minister Hemant city council is 66.40 square Ranchi: Covid-19 cases in the State crossed 220 CSoren has asked officials to kilometres. mark again on Wednesday with 223 people arrange shelter for women The heads of the panchay- found to be infected on the day, figures com- labourers, who come to the ats under the Gomia block, piled by the state health department revealed. Capital City in search of work local public representatives and The number of people declared recovered and and often spend nights under villagers objected to the for- discharged from health institutions stood at 185 the open sky taking rest on mation of the Gomia on the day. footpath. After CM’s directive Municipal Council. They said Ranchi district reported at least 87 cases Ranchi Deputy Commissioner that the entire area covered by against 90 recoveries, while East Singhbhum dis- 0+ apprised the CM that he has the city council area is rural in trict on Saturday reported 40 cases against 21 +01 % made Ranchi Municipal nature and most of the popu- recoveries. The number of Covid-19 patients Corporation officials aware of 23 lation is dependent on agri- reached 791 in Ranchi and 1640 in Jharkhand the matter and has requested to culture. Daily wage workers after Wednesday's findings. Two persons died 15,534 people on the day and more than one per take necessary action. migrate to other areas for work. of COVID-19 on Wednesday in the State – both cent of them were found infected. So far, the gov- Soon, arrangements are can spend the night on the + 0 1 In such a situation, the tax bur- the deaths were reported from Ranchi district ernment has collected swab samples of 47.79 being made for the women sidewalk and look for work the den will increase on the pub- taking the total death toll in the State to 1027. lakh people and tested 47.78 lakh of them. labourers to stay in the nearby next day. After the information lic when the city council is Apart from Ranchi (87) and East Health workers on Saturday collected swab sam- night shelters. Also, the com- of the case, the CM had direct- band Gomia Municipal Council by combining 8 vil- formed, so the notification Singhbhum (40), 20 from Bokaro, 1 from ples of only 12,557 people. mon people are also being ed the Deputy Commissioner Council class-B, consisting of 8 lages. related to the formation of the Chatra, 6 from Deoghar, 18 from Dhanbad, 1 As per government data, the Covid recov- made aware of the availability Ranchi to make arrangements villages of Gomia block of The Gomia Municipal city council should be with- from Dumka, 40 from East Singhbhum, 3 from ery rate in the State was 97.67 per cent against of night shelters. for women labourers to stay in Bokaro district. The proposal Council was formed by com- drawn. The proposal to dis- Garhwa, 3 from Giridih, 2 from Gumla, 13 from the national average of 96.00 per cent. The The CM was informed that the night shelters and to pub- will now be put up for Cabinet bining the villages of Gomia, solve the Gomia city council Hazaribagh, 2 from Khunti, 1 from Latehar, 1 growth rate of the virus in Jharkhand was 0.14 women labourers working in licize these centres. So that approval. It may be noted that Palihari, Gurudih, Sarabeda, was prepared by the Municipal from Lohardaga, 7 from Palamu, 8 from per cent against the national growth rate of 0.17 Ranchi from nearby villages are common people can take on 7 September 2018, the Khambra, Swang, Pipradih, Development and Housing Ramgarh, 5 from Saraikela, 3 from Simdega and per cent. As per figures with the NHM, it would forced to sleep on the pavement advantage of these facilities. Urban Development and Hazari and Khudgadda. It has Department after taking sug- 2 from West Singhbhum were found positive on take 510.32 days for the cases to double in at night. They bring clothes Meanwhile, in another Housing Department had a total population of 48,141 gestions from the Deputy the day. Jharkhand. The doubling rate in India was with them in the bag, so that if development the CM has issued a notification to consti- (according to the 2011 census), Commissioner of Bokaro The government tested swab samples of 407.37 days. PNS they do not get work, then they approved the proposal to dis- tute Gomiya Municipal while the population density is regarding the objections. !"#$#$
area as a strategy to frustrate the gathering picnickers there. Apart from the Dimna lake area, Jamshedpur: In view of the spots. The team strength at engaged. Chhat. However, with the special security arrangements New Year and the threat of a Dimna Lake has been increased Revealing about the steps, beginning of New Year it is have been made at Narwa lake fresh wave of Covid-19, the from two to four in view of the district civil surgeon RN Jha said being increased. Tests are being in Jadugora and at Burudih administration has increased heavy rush of picnickers while that the regular test of samples conducted at picnic spots. Dam in Ghatshila. the number of teams conduct- in other picnic spots two-two had dropped considerably dur- Presently, about 1,000 peo- The district police have also ing Covid-19 tests at picnic additional teams have been ing the Puja and festivity till ple tend to visit the Dimna lake pressed into service the cops on area every day, but on the motorcycle for patrolling the December 31 and on New Year, picturesque Dimna lake area thousands of picnickers are this picnic season. The initiative expected to visit the place, giv- is aimed at providing better ing the police administration a security to the tourists as well as tough time. A senior police offi- the picnickers who throng to cer said that they have started a this tourist destination in large large-scale Covid test at the lake numbers around this time. PNS
O !" ! " " $ %& % ! ' P & & created to act as a safety net to the farmers would also contin- he Indian farmers have felt ue to exist. The act opens the Texploited for a long due to facility of online trading of a huge disparity between agri- farm goods. It legally empowers culture & other sectors despite the farmers to receive the pay- economic liberalization. The ment on the same day or max- fragmented and insufficient imum within three working markets with high market fees, days where procedure so inadequate infrastructure,cred- requires. Farmers it facilities, and information (Empowerment and Protection) asymmetry were the center Agreement on Price Assurance points for the disparity. and Farm Services Act, 2020 The much-awaited reforms provides the legal framework for in the farm sector that the agreements between farmers Centre brought in the form of and sponsors to purchase farm- three acts passed by the parlia- ing produce and provide farm ment in September 2020are services. It also provides the expected to have a far-reaching guidelines for model farming effect in transforming Indian agreements by Central agriculture and reducing the Government wherein the prod- hardship drudgery of the farm- uct's price will be mentioned in ers. Farmer's Produce Trade the contract. The act also pro- and Commerce (Promotion vides a specified dispute reso- and facilitation) Act, 2020, pri- lution mechanism, thereby pro- marily provides freedom of tecting both farmers and buy- choice of sale and purchase and ers' rights. Essential barrier-free trade to the farm- Commodities (Amendment) ers, unlike the erstwhile setup Act, 2020 restricts the govern- that permits to make sales to ment's powers to prescribe stock licensed traders in the APMC limits on agricultural com- mandis only. While mandis modities except under extraor- and APMCs would still exist, dinary situations like war, the act provides the farmers famine, extraordinary price with additional trading oppor- rises, natural calamities, etc. tunities to help them get remu- The writer is Principal nerative prices due to more Scientist, ICAR-Indian Institute competition. The existing MSP of Agricultural Biotechnology, procurement system that was Ranchi
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')*+', 8 7& towards the development of should work with a new think- Jharkhand.” ing,” added the Principal n order to strengthen the Principal Secretary (Health Secretary. Ihealthcare system of the and Family Welfare “There is scope of improve- State, Health Minister Banna Department) Dr Nitin Madan ment in the number of doctors Gupta distributed appointment Kulkarni said, “Doctors are in Jharkhand. In this regard letters to as many as 43 Medical being appointed after 2015, more doctors have been Officers, 44 Senior Medical which is a good sign for the appointed by NHM and the Officers appointed by NMH health system of the State. Half Department. The appointed and 280 doctors by JPCC in the of the people join this profes- doctors should do their duty State capital on Wednesday. sion because they do not want and work as per the system of Addressing the gathering to work while half want their the government,” said National Gupta congratulated those dowry rates to increase. Health Mission Campaign associated with the govern- The doctors have been Director Ravi Shankar Shukla. A 5 8 B5 8C$ ment health service during the posted after a lot of thinking. On the occasion Dr Manoj $ ( %3/4B&&CD %EF/4B& Cocid-19 outbreak and said, There will no impact on the Kumar, HOD Microbiologist, FC # $ 8 8 ( “The government is hopeful family life of the people as hus- Dr Pravin Karn State 0 #$ B # C D that all appointed doctors will band and wife doctors have Epidemiologist IDSP and = $%7 $ :8 serve the needy in primary been posted in the same dis- 3 #' 123 Tejkaran Charan CM Health 8 ( :# "*+ A %! health centers, community trict. If any patient comes to 0 % Advisor were awarded certifi- @ health centers and their post- primary health centres and were closed. Patients were cates for their contribution 8 88( $ % A ed health centers and work as community health centres then lagers.” people for four months during being treated and children towards the control and pre- $ ' ' & pillars of the government. It is they must be present in the “Only government hospi- the Covid-19 outbreak as were also being delivered. The vention of the global pandem- '$ expected that they will work hospital and serve the vil- tals continued to serve the almost all private hospitals newly appointed doctors ic Covid-19. O >@&,0.H$ % & 7& &$' A 8 ' -.. " % A 8 F1F1 L( ( M%' Q) " R +) & 8 F1F1%' *- $ P % A 8 O 8 7& $ '6 >@&,0.H 8 $ >@&,0.H 8 harkhand’s main Opposition 8 7& " ' & Jparty BJP today hit back at the "" ( " 8 " ( State Government, highlighting uling party JMM and 8 "' & , ! ' department-wise failure of gov- RCongress today ! 0 '! ! ! 0 # $ + ernment on its completion of one claimed that the 8 A ' # " # # year. Former Urban Mahagathbandhan gov- # # # $>$ @' '8 Development Minister and ernment headed by Chief 8 ! 8 $ D % Ranchi MLA CP Singh said most Minister Hemant Soren of the schemes and projects, of will complete most of the 4545% ' which the State Government on poll promises the alliance Tuesday tried to take credit were #7% 2% ! % has made to people at the initiated by the former BJP gov- ' .: 3; same time hitting back ernment headed by Raghubar 1 1 <% Opposition BJP for tar- Das. geting the State govern- Singh said, “The Raghubar Das gov- ing corona pandemic, Ranchi Mayor ment on its first anniver- ernment had initiated the three phase Asha Lakra had demanded fund release sary. Both JMM and drinking water schemes out of which from State government for keeping the Congress claimed that the 7' 0 ,!. % < , 2 2 0 work on phase one has been complet- city neat and clean, but the State gov- present government will 0. $+ ,<. 1: ' 2 1 ed. Under phase one, water towers were ernment has failed to provide funds, fulfill the aspirations of % erected at 14 places. The State while on other hand during BJP regime people. Government to take credit has inaugu- funds were released funds with open JMM General Secretary cum for being unsympathetic towards blanket scam, Meinhardt scam, rated work on an already existing one hand to municipal bodies at cities and spokesperson Vinod Pandey farmers’ issues claiming that three momentum Jharkhand scam, sew- phase.” town so that the development work addressing a press conference said, controversial farm laws have been erage drainage scam, lecturer scam, He also said that as per 2011 cen- doesn’t get hampered. “The present government during the tabled in Parliament without taking rat bridge clipping scam, and many (' " # sus, the urban population of State is Highlighting some of work carried corona pandemic despite limited into consideration farmers' issues other scams occurred. “These BJP $ $ around 80 lakh, but in actual the urban out by Raghubar Das government, the resources tried to fulfill people’s and interest. leaders who are questioning the 0.H F1F1% ("6 $ population is around one crore which minister said that during Raghubar Das’ aspirations. The government with an Meanwhile, State Congress Government will be behind the bars # ' , 0 ("6 is around one third of total population tenure, 40,000 street lights where aim to address the issue of farmers spokesperson Alok Kumar Dubey, once the probe in these scam inten- ..31I $ 4FHEE1 of State. The BJP leader claimed that replaced from sodium to LED lights, has waived farm loan upto Rs 50,000. Lal Kishore Nath Shahdeo and sifies,” added Dubey. $ $ %" infrastructure development at urban drinking water arrangements were At the same time steps have been ini- Rajesh Gupta ‘Chhotu’ slammed State Congress Committee $ $ cities is important as urban population made in major urban cities, at the same tiated in improving the health and former urban development minister spokesperson Shahdeo said that the > $ constitutes a major share in GDP time work on modular toilets were done education sector.” The JMM and Ranchi MLA CP Singh for his work of upgrading the Harmu River ( 0.%$ (! growth of the State. during BJP government. The minister spokesperson also claimed that with remark that the State government had started during the tenure of CP $ ' ,& ,&* Singh said, “The former govern- claimed that the present government has an aim to protect the State’s culture has failed in utilising funds meant for Singh, but the status of the river is 0 % ment not only increased the urban bud- not only failed in executing work but has and identity the government has urban infrastructure still intact and everyone is aware of get of the State but also launched vari- also stopped the ongoing work. passed the Sarna religious code . The three leaders claimed that it. % ous schemes for infrastructure devel- Highlighting some of the work, pro- which is pending before the Centre. CP Singh as public representative has He said that the work of con- opment of cities. In 2013-14 the urban jects which were halted by the present Targeting the Opposition, the represented Ranchi for 30 years, but struction of drainage and sewerage development department budget was Rs government include stopping the flyover JMM leader claimed that BJP and has not done anything for improv- system in the city started during the 900 which was raised to Rs 2829 crore. construction at Kanta toli, Ratu road and AJSU party to hide their failure are ing urban infrastructure in Capital. tenure of CP Singh as minister, but We have not increased the budget but Harmu bypass. attacking the government, but the Dubey said, “The former govern- where the water of that drain will initiated various infrastructure pro- He also said that during Raghubar people of the State have seen the real ment in the name of smart city, come out has also not been cleared jects in urban areas, but the present gov- Das government some of the infra- colours of BJP and AJSU party. adopting villages has wasted public yet. The construction of Ranchi ernment which cries over fund short- structure work which were initiated He said, “The people have not money as civic issues remain the Tata Highway was assured to be age has failed to complete work on any included construction of Haj House, even rejected BJP and AJSU in the main problem for residents of completed during BJP rule, but of these projects.” Vendors market while work on Assembly poll, but have also reject- Capital.” despite Jharkhand High Court’s Targeting the State government, Rabindra Bhavan, Birsa Munda Smiriti ed the two parties in bypolls too.” Shahdeo said that in the BJP intervention the work is yet to be the former minister claimed that dur- Park is ongoing. The JMM leader also attacked Centre regime numerous scams such as completed. ?1 8@ 6 ! 8 & B!8 &C) ' $ 8 7& 68136 two destinations from January Ranchi- 2 onwards. $'$ " $ %" wing to the Covid-19 Lohardaga- “For the benefit of the pas- 'A Oimposed lockdown opera- Ranchi sengers the operation of these %!8 & $$ tion of numerous trains had MEMU will trains has been resumed and a A 7 " $ F ' been stopped in the month of be opera- few new trains have also been $ $ March. The Ranchi Railway tional daily introduced. Keeping the pan- ' Division of South Eastern from the two demic in mind, the trains are $ %" Railways (SER) has now decid- stations from being thoroughly cleaned and A J % ed to resume the operation of January 3. sanitised on a regular basis. 10 mail, express MEMU and Train num- Passengers will be required to & % $'%!1 % 4 1 passenger trains in different 11 1 % bers 68141 strictly adhere to all safety 5 $'% 6 , 7 8, directions from the first week and 68142 protocols regarding Covid-19 7 0 05& of January. In this regard the functional on a daily basis. Ranchi- Lohardaga- Ranchi pandemic,” said Neeraj Kumar, , + %,% Railway Ministry has also given Train numbers 68037 and MEMU will also be operational Chief Public Relations Officer, 4 ! % its approval. 68038 Ranchi- Tori- Ranchi between the two stations from Ranchi Division. As per the information MEMU will run between the January 2 regularly. For devotees wishing to provided by the railways, train two stations on a daily basis Train numbers 68041 and visit Vaishno Devi, Sambalpur- < numbers 08619 and 08620 from January 3 onwards. 68042 Adra- Barkakana- Adra Jammu Tavi- Sambalpur Ranchi- Dumka- Ranchi Similarly, Ranchi- MEMU will run fbetween the Special via Ranchi will be oper- Special train will run from Lohardaga- Ranchi MEMU two stations on a daily basis ational from Sambalpur from 2=8> Ranchi on a daily basis with train numbers 68039 and expect Sundays with effect January 11 and from Jammu effect from January 2. From 68040 will ply between the two from January 2. Hatia- Tavi from January 14 till fur- Jamshedpur: In view of the Palekar, Uday Prakash, Dumka to Ranchi it will be stations regularly from January Rourkela- Hatia Passenger ther notice. ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Harivansh Narayan Singh, operational from January 3 2. Kharagpur- Ranchi- train numbers 58659 and Train number 08309 orig- the 2021 edition of Tata Steel Jairam Ramesh, Devdutt onwards regularly. Kharagpur Special train num- 58660 will run from Hatia and inating from Sambalpur will be Bhubaneswar and Tata Steel Pattanaik, Mahadev Toppo, Train number 68035 and bers 08085 and 08086 with Rourkela daily with effect from operational on Monday, Jharkhand Literary Meets have Ashwini Kumar Pankaj, 68036 Tatanagar- Hatia- effect from January 2 from January 2 and January 3 respec- Tuesday, Thursday and been put off for now. Vandana Tete and Rekha Tatanagar MEMU will be oper- Kharagpur and January 4 from tively. Saturday whereas train number 0 :$ The Tata Steel Bhubaneswar Bhardwaj among several others. ational from Hatia from Ranchi will also be operational Hatia- Tatanagar- Hatia 08310 from Jammu Tavi will ( ! % Literary Meet and the Tata Steel It is a matter of pride for us January 3 and Tatanagar from daily. Passenger train numbers 58662 run on Thursday, Friday, 8$ 8' #$ 8 * # ' "' Jharkhand Literary Meet were that the literary meets have January 4 onwards. It will be Train numbers 68135 and and 58661 will ply between the Sunday and Tuesday. " A " , launched in 2016 and 2017, become an integral part of , 8 " $ " " % respectively, with the belief that Bhubaneswar (Odisha) and culturally-rich regions like Ranchi (Jharkhand)’s annual & Odisha and Jharkhand need a cultural calendar and the over- $ festival that would celebrate lit- whelming response encourages erary and allied cultural pursuits us keep our emphasis on a con- Ranchi: Lohardaga MP and former Union ji is a true Kabir loving saint, Sadhguru $ - dance, music, recitation, and sistently-high quality of partic- Minister Sudarshan Bhagat on Wednesday should give him courage to run this ashram theatrical performances. The ipants, and an inherent con- asked people to follow the ideals of Saint and make him fearless,” he said. # idea was to take Odisha and nection with the local cultural Kabir. Addressing a gathering during a reli- The present Mahant of this ashram, who ,#"(' Jharkhand to a wider world ethos.On the development, gious event at Saint Kabit Math Banagutu has crossed the age of 100 years, was pre- ! audience and to bring the world Chanakya Chaudhary, vice pres- in Gumla district the MP blessed Mahant sent in the programme. He blessed Shri , $ closer to both the culturally-rich ident, corporate services, Tata Sant Bindu Das Ji, terming him a true fol- Yadunandan Das ji, blessed Sant Bindu Das States in eastern India. Steel, said: “We are indeed dis- lower of Saint Kabir’s ideals he pledged to ji and expressed happiness at the decision # $ Since its inception, the lit- appointed to be unable to host help the Math in all possible ways for social of Acharya. He said that now his health is &% erary meets have drawn premier the Tata Steel Bhubaneswar and betterment. not good. Due to this, he is unable to attend % authors and speakers from Jharkhand Literary meets this Earlier in the day a small ‘satsang’ pro- < % # ,% Satsang programmes also. across India and the world, year owing to the COVID-19 gramme was organised at the Math, where ! 0: On this occasion, Saint Dr. Bhagirathi, $ $ having hosted eminent delegates pandemic. As a responsible cor- the Head of Kabirpanth Peethadhishwar # ' Dr. Ravindra Sahay, Tribhuvan ji, retired for- such as Manoj Das, Ruskin porate, the health and safety of Aacharya Mahant Vivekdas ji was also pre- % est officer Lakshminath Baraik, who were % Bond, Jayanta Mahapatra, our patrons is our greatest con- sent. He declared Sant Bindu Das, the suc- from Kabirchaura Math Moolgadi also # $ %"% $ $ Sitakanta Mahapatra, cern. We hope to be back with cessor of the ashram. He also made him a is why a lot of people are attracted to Kabir. expressed their views. '$ % Ramakanta Rath, Nayantara the next edition of the premier future mahant of the ashram by perform- In such a situation, some people are trying Prof. Harish Das of Patna University, 0 $%& Sehgal, Kiran Nagarkar, literary meets with increased ing rituals. to make their business out of it. Therefore, who also belongs to Siddhapeeth # $ Sharmila Tagore, Ileana Citaristi, participation of all our stake- He said that Saint Kabir’s teachings have there is a need to stay away from the fraud- Kabirchaura Math Moolgadi, conducted the $$ $ $ $ ' Mark Tully, Nandita Das, Amol holders.” PNS become very relevant in today's time. “This sters in the name of Kabir. Shri Bindu Das programme flawlessly. PNS $ % !"#$#$ /
0')'1')2 3'45 )4-'P *'+45 ))'6 2 0 O + P P , -% up a seven-member panel !" & 5,567& comprising local veterinarians and NGOs, animal welfare ith men’s best friend—the activists belonging to SPCA, Wdog—proving threat to panchayat representatives for the activities for the one-year however, undertook new ini- 5,567& said. the wildlife in and around the technical guidance and imple- commemoration starting tiatives towards preserving There have been demands country’s tiger reserves, the mentation of interventions, January 23, 2021. Bose’s legacy, including setting he entire Nagaland was on from various organisations in National Tiger Conservation especially for planning and Sensing the major trac- up a museum at Red Fort and TWednesday declared a “dis- the Northeast as well as in Authority (NTCA) has for- management of dog control tion that the memory of Bose In 2018. turbed area” for six more Jammu and Kashmir for mulated guidelines to keep ing to experts. There have programme. has with people of Bengal, BJP Three islands in Andaman months by the Central repealing the AFSPA, which, them at bay by treating them as been instances of feral dogs It also asks to delineate 5,567& has already roped in Chandra and Nicobar- the Ross Island, Government, enabling the con- they allege, gives “sweeping ‘street dogs’ which needs to be mauling chinkaras and big areas of feral dog movement Kumar Bose in the party. He is the Neil Island and the tinuation of the controversial powers” to security forces. The sterlised and vaccinated. predators like tigers as well. and areas vulnerable to stays head of the high-stake the grand nephew of Netaji Havelock Island were renamed AFSPA which empowers secu- AFSPA has not been with- But unlike those in the In fact, in August, the lat- and map them on the GIS AWest Bengal Assembly Subhash Chandra Bose and as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose rity forces to conduct opera- drawn even after a framework urban cities, the dogs found in est tiger survey had found domain and coordinate with polls, Prime Minister Narendra grandson of Sarat Chandra Dweep, Shaheed Dweep and tions anywhere and arrest any- agreement was signed on the tiger reserves should not more dogs than tigers in 17 the local animal husbandry Modi is likely to visit West Bose, elder brother of Netaji Swaraj Dweep. one without any prior warrant. August 3, 2015, by Naga insur- be released back in the big cats’ reserves across the country. department. Bengal on January 23, which is Subhash Chandra Bose. Modi’s expected visit to The Armed Forces (Special gent group NSCN-IM general habitat, indicates the Standard There are total 50 tigers in the Vaccination of dogs is celebrated as Netaji Subhash He was at the head of a West Bengal assumes signifi- Powers) Act (AFSPA) has been secretary Thuingaleng Muivah Operating Procedures (SOP), country. The wildlife experts expected to reduce the threat Chandra Bose’s birth anniver- campaign for the complete cance and set the pitch for the in force in Nagaland for sever- and government interlocutor R released by Minister of State warned that when tigers prey of transmission to wild ani- sary. declassification of Bose-related BJP campaign ahead of the al decades. N Ravi in the presence of for Environment, Babul on them or consume the meat mals. The Centre has constitut- documents. state Assembly elections due in The Union Home Ministry Prime Minister Narendra Supriyo recently. of animals dogs may have Abi Tamim Vanak, a con- ed a high-level committee to After coming to power at April-May 2021. said in a notification that the Modi. “All dogs within tiger killed, the virus can be servation scientist at the commemorate Bose’s 125th the Centre in 2014, the Modi BJP is looking to make Central Government is of the The framework agreement reserves will be dealt with in transmitted to the big cats. Ashoka Trust for Research in birth anniversary as a mark of government had promised to major inroads in the WB polls opinion that the area compris- came after over 80 rounds of keeping with the Animal Birth After sterlisation and vac- Ecology and the Environment his contribution to India’s declassify all the secret docu- buoyed by its win in 18 out of ing the whole of Nagaland is in negotiations spanning 18 years, Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001, cination, the dogs have to be (Atree), Bengaluru noted that, freedom struggle. ments on the possible last days 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in such a “disturbed and danger- with the first breakthrough in but the clause that after ster- rehabilitated at a suitable alter- the free-ranging dogs posed Headed by Union Home of Bose, still shrouded in mys- the 2019 General Election. ous condition” that the use of 1997 when the ceasefire agree- ilization and vaccination they nate site outside the tiger the biggest threat to wildlife, in Minister Amit Shah, the com- tery. Both Union Home armed forces in aid of the civil ment was sealed after decades be released where they were reserves say the guidelines. Rajasthan and across the mittee also includes experts, Some documents were Minister Amit Shah and BJP power is necessary. “Now, of insurgency in Nagaland. picked up from, will not be The SOP has also asked all country. historians, authors, family made public but they hardly president JP Nadda have therefore, in exercise of the However, the peace process applied in tiger reserves,” the reserves to create immu- “Our data from Spiti, members of Bose as well as threw much light on the cir- expressed confidence in the powers conferred by Section 3 has been stuck for some time points out the SOP. nization buffers around tiger Himachal Pradesh, and Kutch, eminent persons associated cumstances leading to the party winning more than 200 of the Armed Forces (Special as the NSCN-IM has been “Feral/stray dogs captured reserves to keep wild animals Gujurat, shows dogs hunting with Azad Hind Fauj. death of Netaji. seats in the coming Assembly Powers) Act, 1958 (No. 28 of pressing for a separate flag from within tiger reserves safe from being hunted by feral a range of wild species—from This panel will decide on The BJP Government, polls. 1958), the Central Government and Constitution, a demand should under no circumstance dogs and to avoid transmission black-naped hare (herbivore) hereby declares that whole of rejected by the Central be released back and a suitable of diseases between them and to red fox (carnivore). Feral the State of Nagaland to be ‘dis- Government. alternate site be selected for wild animals. dogs are even known to attack turbed area’ for a period of six Previous week NSCN-K their rehabilitation,” it said “The aim is to ensure that critically endangered bird ' -.P+0 months with effect from 30th also declared their intention for aiming to immunize the feral or stray dogs are handled species such as the Great December 2020 for the purpose a ceasefire and engage in peace canine against contagious dis- inan appropriate manner to Indian Bustard and Bengal of the said Act,” the notification talks. eases like canine distemper avoid disease spread and phys- florican,” he said, as per a virus and controlling their ical injury to the tigers and report. numbers which are on the rise. other wild animals. Due to Snow Leopard The dogs survive on many villages inside the tiger Conservancy India Trust, a 5,567& 4 approved and now 4,573 crore B>5C* + garbage thrown by villagers reserves, the menace is grave wildlife conservation NGO !7 !" has been sanctioned,” said located inside the reserves as not only at the fringers but also based in Leh too has flagged he Union Cabinet on 7 " 7" $ Pradhan. well on the fringes. AS they within the reserves,” said the issue of the feral dog prob- TWednesday approved a The Cabinet approved a 0 7. multiply rapidly they lose their NTCA head SP Yadav. lem, saying that it is acute scheme to provide bank loans at ! multi-modal logistics and trans- fear of humans and turn feral As per the SOP, respective across Ladakh, Jammu and lower rates to distilleries pro- "" port hub (MMTH) at Greater 5,567& with the production activities. or free-ranging dogs, accord- field directors will have to set Kashmir, too. ducing ethanol for doping in $ Noida in Uttar Pradesh with a Under this scheme, money is petrol, with a view to raising view to making India a strong hadi and Village Industries directly transferred into the &$ India’s ethanol production %" player in the global value chain. KCommission (KVIC) lent bank accounts of artisans < 0 0= capacity to suck out surplus 97 The Union Cabinet also special focus on Khadi artisans through DBT. sugar as well as cut oil imports. "" approved a proposal to set up in Jammu & Kashmir during During the Covid-19 lock- Oil Minister Dharmendra industrial corridor nodes at the Covid-19 period. It dis- down period, a special drive + .P 0< Pradhan said the Government Krishnapatnam and Tumakuru bursed 29.65 crore to Khadi was also launched by KVIC to is targeting to more than dou- The Government would under CBIC, said Minister of Institutions in the hilly terrains settle 951 old MMDA claims of ble blending of ethanol in petrol bear interest subvention for five Information and Broadcasting of J&K alone, which has been J&K Khadi institutions that 2$2 P & to 20 per cent by 2030, for which years, including one-year mora- Prakash Javadekar. “The pro- the focus area of the Central were related to 2016-17 to 5,567& domestic production capacity torium against the loan availed posals have a total estimated Government. 2018-19, pending due to vari- 4 :/9 9" has to be augmented. Cabinet by project proponents from cost of 7,725 crore and an esti- KVIC Chairman Vinai ous technical reasons. 5,567& also approved a multi-modal banks, at the rate of 6 per cent mated employment generation Kumar Saxena said through “Ap a r t f r o m e n s u r i n g 1 ! he India Meteorological logistics and transport hub per annum or 50 per cent of the of more than 2.8 lakh persons,” this special drive, the payment financial assistance through ok Sabha Speaker Om Birla $! " TDepartment (IMD) has (MMTH) at Greater Noida in rate of interest charged by banks, he said. of Rs 29.65 crore released to 84 MMDA Scheme to Khadi Lon Wednesday called for a said that severe cold wave Uttar Pradesh with a view to whichever is lower. The inter- The Cabinet also approved Khadi institutions has directly Institutions and artisans, KVIC high-level probe by an inde- conditions sweeping across making India a strong player in est subvention would be avail- a 3,000 crore project to turn benefited 10,800 artisan fami- also roped in thousands of pendent agency into the death down from the Chair by some north and northwest India the global value chain. able for setting up new as well Paradip Port into a world-class lies in J&K. This goes on to women artisans working in of Karnataka Legislative Congress legislators, who pushed mercury to sub-zero The Cabinet Committee as an expansion of existing port by setting up a dock. The strengthen the Prime Minister’s self-help groups in Jammu, Council Deputy Chairman S L accused him of occupying it as levels at many places in Jammu on Economic Affairs (CCEA), molasses or grain-based distil- decision to set up a western dream of making every weak- Udhampur, Pulwama, Kupwara Dharme Gowda. Deputy Chairman against and Kashmir, Punjab, headed by Prime Minister leries and for units that will pro- dock was taken by the Union er section “Aatmanirbhar”, he and Anantnag in stitching of The 64-year-old Deputy rules, as part of the BJP’s plan Rajasthan and Himachal Narendra Modi, approved a duce ethanol from other feed- Cabinet in its meeting held on said. Khadi face masks. Almost 7 Speaker was found dead on to unseat Shetty, who is from Pradesh, Delhi and NCR on modified scheme for extending stocks such as sugar beet, sweet Wednesday, Ports, Shipping and This amount was disbursed lakh Khadi face masks were rail tracks in the the Congress. Wednesday. interest subvention to augment sorghum and cereals. Waterways Minister Mansukh from May 2020 to September stitched by these women arti- Chikkamagaluru district of Referring to the incident, The severe cold wave con- ethanol production capacity, “Previously, 4,687 crore Mandaviya said. Paradip port in 2020 to 84 Khadi institutions in sans and supplied to the J&K Karnataka in the early hours of Birla said, “The unfortunate ditions have intensified over he said. interest subvention scheme was Odisha is one of the 12 major J&K under Modified Government,” Saxena said. Tuesday, with police sources incident in the House, when the region as icy winds with ports under the Marketing Development At present, 103 Khadi insti- claiming that it was a case of he was in Chair, is a serious moderate speed have been control of the Assistance (MMDA) scheme of tutions are working in J&K. suicide. He was a JD(S) MLC. attack on democracy. It is blowing sharpening the wind ? '+% 1 Centre. KVIC, which is directly linked He was at the centre of a necessary to have a high-level chill factor and therefore drop high drama on December 15 probe through an independent in the feel like temperature. in the legislative council, agency into his death.” The IMD also warned of D58B 2 % D= which saw BJP, JD(S), and According to an official state- continuing cold wave condi- Congress members hurling ment, the Lok Sabha Speaker tions across the Indo-Gangetic 5,567& Hence effective connect with our : abuses and pushing each other said, “It is the duty of all of us plains, Bihar, Odisha, Madhya diaspora has been a challenge not only over a row on a no-confidence to safeguard the prestige of leg- Pradesh and parts of Gujarat he External Affairs Ministry on during normal circumstances but also 5,567& hearing a petition filed by urgency to entertain this motion against Chairman K islative bodies and dignity till January 1. TWednesday launched the Global during emergencies. This is to have a R Venkatesh who has writ petition in the vaca- Pratapachandra Shetty. During and freedom of presiding offi- Under the influence of Pravasi Rishta portal and app to con- three-way communication between he Supreme Court challenged the December tion. the ruckus, Gowda was pulled cers.” the cold wave, some parts in nect with the nearly 3.12-crore strong the ministry, our missions and the dias- TWednesday sought 3 notification and ques- Notice be issued to Gujarat and Odisha have been Indian diaspora across the world. pora,” he said. response from the Andhra tioned the eligibility the respondents in the reporting a significant drop in Speaking at the launch of the por- Muraleedharan said this portal is Pradesh Government on a requirement of three-year meanwhile. Let the writ &"! ' the night temperatures. tal and app, Minister of State for created to enable the registration of plea challenging the con- practice as an advocate. petition be listed for hear- Pahalgam (-9 degrees External Affairs V Muraleedharan Indian diaspora members i.E. NRIs, dition which mandates The petitioner has ing on Tuesday, the 5th Celsius), Churu (-1.5 degrees said it aims to create a three-way com- PIOs and the OCIs which is not just three years of practice as also challenged Rule January, 2021,” the bench 8 * $ $ Celsius), Kullu (-0.2 degrees munication between the ministry, going to facilitate the Indian govern- an advocate to be eligible 5(2)(a)(i) of the Andhra said in its order. Celsius), Amritsar (1.8 degrees Indian missions and the diaspora. ment to connect with the overseas for appearing in exam for Pradesh State Judicial The December 3 noti- 5,567& perception to coal-based Celsius) and Jammu city (2.9 “The government recognises the Indian community but also facilitate appointment as civil judge Service Rules 2007, which fication, which has invit- supercritical thermal power degrees Celsius) remained importance of India diaspora and has NRIs, OCIs and PIOs community by in the state. was notified/amended by ed application for gener- n armed contingent of plants situated across the coun- among the coldest places in been engaging with them in various connecting them to various new and A vacation bench of the state government on al recruitment to the post Aover 190 CISF personnel try”. north India. ways. One such innovative step is the existing government Justices Indira Banerjee July 28, 2017 and man- of civil judge (junior divi- has taken over the security of Hence, the power plant at Wednesday was the cold- global Pravasi Rishta portal and mobile “This portal and app will also and Aniruddha Bose also dates three years of prac- sion), has said that recruit- Rajasthan’s largest thermal Suratgarh is “inherently vul- est December day for Churu app through which Government of assist during any crisis management issued notice to the tice as an advocate to be ment process shall be gov- power plant located in the nerable to threats from anti- since 2008. Similarly, Jammu India aims to connect with the over- and lend a helping hand to the NRIs Registrar (recruitment) of eligible for appointment to erned by Andhra Pradesh border district of Sri nationals and saboteurs”. city recorded one of its cold- seas Indian community, not just cer- and PIOs. The rishta portal will enable the Andhra Pradesh High the category of civil judge. State Judicial (Service and Ganganagar, officials said on A contingent of 191 est December days emonially but at every step,” he said. communication with the diaspora on Court seeking reply on the “The petitioner has, in Cadre) Rules 2007. Wednesday. Central Industrial Security Wednesday. The plains of Muraleedharan said the mobile a realtime basis and will have the abil- petition which has also the writ petition, also During the hearing The plant’s chief engineer, Force personnel led by a deputy Jammu previously experienced app will be used by the diaspora and ity to issue emergency alerts and advi- challenged the December challenged Rule 5(2)(a)(i) conducted through video- B Kumar, handed over a cere- commandant-rank officer will such conditions in 2014 (2.4 the Indian nationals, while the portal sories. It will also enable the diaspora 3 notification inviting of Andhra Pradesh State conferencing, the peti- monial key of the facility to guard the facility, he said. degrees), and the city holds an web interface will be used by the mis- to reach the consular officers and ser- applications for appoint- Judicial Service Rules, tioner’s counsel told the CISF Deputy Inspector The power plant is the all time record of 0.9 degrees sions. vices in time of emergencies,” he said. ment to the post of civil 2007 notified/amended court that as per the General Prabodh Chandra largest in the state in terms of in 1998. Pahalgam last report- “As of now, there is no effective Presently there are nearly 3.12 judge (junior division) in by the respondent No. 1 December 3 notification, He added that the plant capacity and is located in the ed such a cold December in communication channel available with crore overseas Indians globally of the Andhra Pradesh State (state of Andhra Pradesh) the last date for submis- has been provided with an Sri Ganganagar district that 2013, when the night temper- the ministry to connect with the which nearly 1.34 crore are PIOs and Judicial Service. on July 28, 2017. sion of online application armed cover of the force “in shares its border with Pakistan ature recorded was -9.6 Indian diaspora worldwide. 1.78 crore are NRIs, he said. The apex court was There is no such was January 2. the light of the increased threat along the Thar desert. degrees Celsius. ) % "" % " % % % 7" & .
the PM said in a tweet respond- Among other stand-out speakers for music lovers. er, refrigerator and washbasin. 5,567& ing to Railway Minister Piyush features of the new vistadome “Content on Demand” Wi-fi The new coaches are also Goyal’s post on the microblog- coaches are that they are facility has been provided on equipped with a CCTV system rime Minister Narendra ging site introducing the new equipped with air-spring sus- personal gadgets of passengers, for onboard surveillance and PModi on Wednesday coaches. pension in secondary stage for wider entrance doors for per- have aesthetically designed praised the newly designed “It is rightly said, ‘Journey better ride comfort, large glass sons with disabilities on wheel- interiors and FRP panelling, vistadome coaches developed is best measured in terms of windows and glass roof that chairs and automatic sliding FRP modular toilets with pres- by the Integral Coach Factory memories rather than miles’. boast electrically controlled doors at the compartment’s surized flushing system and bio and said the comfort they will Take a look at the new opalescence, transparent roof entry on both sides. tanks and automatic fire detec- provide will make journeys Vistadome coaches of Indian for the passengers to get a The coaches are connected tion with an alarm system for more memorable. Railways that will give an panoramic view of their jour- with GPS-based Public safe travel. The vistadome tourist unforgettable travel experience ney, and observatory lounge Address-cum Passenger The ICF will be manufac- coaches, which have larger to passengers and will ensure with a larger window at one Information System (PAPIS), turing 10 such coaches at pre- viewing area including roof top that they truly have a journey end. sunk-in type LED destination sent. Two coaches have been glass and 44 seats for passen- to remember,” tweeted Goyal. In the newly built coaches, board, stainless steel multi- rolled out and the remaining gers that can rotate up to 180 The coach also has a Wi- a mobile charging socket has tier luggage racks outside the will be finished before March degrees, completed the 180 Fi-based passenger information been provided passenger area, mini pantry to 31 next year. kmph trial run on Tuesday. system and for the first time the for each passenger below provide refreshments to the The two coaches which “Comfort and cutting edge vistadome coach has been built the seat armrest, an entertain- passengers, service area con- were rolled out have gone to the technology! Will make train on the LHB platform, which is ment system integrated with sisting of hot case, microwave Central Railway, one of which journeys more memorable,” safer. digital display screens and oven, coffee maker, bottle cool- had cleared the speed trials. !"#$#$ ;
P & , N . ) # $ " $ O " % % +>6+ his party “We submit that the + ' Jaipur: Rajasthan Housing (5 6=8= them in taluk or zilla panchayat + ' " 5 Basavaraju said. Governor has failed to pre- Commissioner Pawan Arora and even assembly polls when- During the election, ballot he first play between Bengal serve, protect, and defend the % % +>6+ said the contractors are contin- nitial trends indicate that ever it happens. FF3 papers were used in all districts TGovernor Jagdeep Constitution, and repeatedly uing to buy the properties of the IThe candidates backed by the According to sources, the ' except Bidar, election officials Dhankhar and the Mamata breached law declared by SC.” an Mamata Banerjee do housing board in Malmas. BJP have won a majority of BJP has so far secured 4,228 said. The elections to 5,728 vil- Banerjee Government on Apart from Roy the letter Cbetter what Amit Shah This Wednesday the auction panchayat seats in Karnataka as seats, followed by the Congress J lage panchayats had taken place Wednesday reached the was signed by TMC MPs like does? In an apparent bid to bal- sold 246 properties in the fest e- the counting of votes pro- with 2,265 seats, JD(S) 1,167 0.H$ across 226 Taluks of the state President’s House with the rul- Sudip Bandyopadhyay, Derek ance out the Union Home bid submission and Apni Shop- gressed on Wednesday. seats and independents 678 for 82,616 seats. ing Trinamool Congress writing O'Brien, Kalyan Banerjee and Minister’s lunching sessions at Apna Business Scheme, result- Though these polls don't seats. Karnataka State Election ' They were conducted in a letter of protest to President Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar. tribal hutments during his ing in a revenue of Rs 34 crore take place on party symbols, all Commission officials said two phases on December 22 Ramnath Kovind urging him to Even as the letter demand- Bengal visits the Chief Minister 50 lakh to the board. political parties have put in counting was on at all 226 cen- and 27 where 78.58 per cent call back the Governor for his ed immediate recall of the on Wednesday engaged in “chai He said that the residential efforts to ensure that the can- tres at the Taluk headquarters voting was registered. unconstitutional ways. Governor the BJP immediately pe charcha” in villages en route and commercial properties of didate supported by them wins, by adhering to strict COVID- Over 1,100 security per- As many as 2,22,814 can- Accusing the Governor’s retorted saying it was not the to Kolkata from Bolpur where the Board remained the center so as to have their hold on 19 protocol of mandatory sonnel have been deployed at didates contested the election office of ‘serious breach of oath Governor but the ruling party she held a triumphant road of attraction for the people even grassroot level politics, which wearing of face masks, social the counting centres, State whereas 8,074 candidates were Trinamool MP Sukhendu which was conducting itself in show on Tuesday. in this era of Malmas and Covid- may prove advantageous for distancing and hand hygiene. Election Commissioner B elected unopposed. Sekhar Roy wrote on behalf of most unconstitutional manner. The Chief Minister made 49 epidemic. This Wednesday sudden halts at Ballavpur Daga sold 224 residential properties and then Sarkarpur Daga, two and 25 commercial properties. -<= " !! 7 tribal hamlets nestled by the Shri Arora said that 32 FD 0 shrubby forests and engaged in properties were sold in Jaipur ) AA= traffic. On Wednesday, Mohd Mohd. Shafi Khan ji, an ex-ser- cated. One would always find private conversations with Circle First, Second and Third, ) AA= pistol shooting etc stay nor- Shafi suffered a heart attack and viceman was currently serving him there at that busy junction locals and even cooked inside due to which the Board got rev- mally with their family”. For ammu and Kashmir on died with his boots on. as SPO in Jammu and Kashmir managing the traffic as a lone a shop. enue of 6 crore 67 lakhs, Jodhpur he gunfight which erupted instance, one student from JWednesday lost another Acknowledging his devo- police. He handled traffic out- warrior. May his soul rest in Returning to her former Circle First and Second, 50 Tbetween the joint team of Pulwama who was taking unsung hero Mohd Shafi Khan tion towards his duty, SSP side Govt Hospital, Anantnag peace”. “He needs no intro, res- self that perhaps earned her the properties were sold in which security forces and a group of coaching in Srinagar was while he was discharging his Anantnag Sandeep Choudhary for more than a decade with idents of in & around popular adage‘ Didi,” the Chief the board got revenue of 6 crore 'unidentified' terrorists on the caught for lobbying a grenade duties on ground zero. paid rich tributes to him. great dedication”. Anantnag township know him Minister made a sudden stop 64 lakh rupees, 29 properties outskirts of Srinagar near with the help of CCTV’s An ex-serviceman, Mohd SSP Anantnag while shar- A young IAS officer from very well for his dedication & over at a tea stall atSarkarpur were sold in Kota circle, which Lawaypora late Tuesday footage. His parents were total- Shafi was serving as Special ing a picture of an-serviceman Kashmir, Athar Aamir Khan honesty towards the job of Daga, walked up to the earth- got revenue of 4 crore 82 lakh evening ended with the elimi- ly unaware about his terrorist Police officer in Jammu and tweeted, “Today we lost an also acknowledged his services traffic regulation outside en oven where a woman was rupees, 88 properties in Bikaner nation of all three terrorists at activities. Kashmir police and was extremely hardworking and towards the society even after District Hospital Janglat Mandi cooking an overflowing pan of circle, which gave the board 8 the end of the 15 hour long Police is investigating the deployed outside Government kind gentleman colleague to a hanging his boots. “So sad and Anantnag from years” another vegetable. crore 45 lakh rupees. operation on Wednesday. case and after thorough inves- hospital,Anantnag to regulate heart attack while on duty. unfortunate. He was so dedi- netizen wrote while paying However, within hours tigation will come to the con- after the operation was over clusion soon on merits. some families from South The police spokesman said . 8E + ?$ Kashmir staged demonstra- the families have been sent to tions in front of PCR, Srinagar Ganderbal for further identifi- % A=A( & has allowed me to appear before “if the BJP unleashes ED against and claimed them to be their cation and participation in last it after 14 days,” Khadse said. me, then I will release CDs wards. rites in the presence of a enior NCP leader Eknath Khadse went on to say that against the BJP leaders”, con- Jammu and Kashmir police Magistrate. SKhadse, who had been sum- once he recovered from his ill- firmed on Saturday last that he identified those killed in the In this connection a case moned by the Enforcement ness, he would extend his full had received summons from the operation as Ajaz Maqbool under relevant sections of law Directorate (ED) on Wednesday cooperation to the ED in its ED and he would appear before Ganie, Ather Mushtaq both has been registered and inves- in connection with a question- investigations. the investigating agency on +>6+ residents of Pulwama and tigation has been initiated. able land deal in Pune, has Khadse’s decision to skip his December 30. Zubair Lone resident of Police spokesman also claimed sought and obtained 14 days’ date with the ED came a day “I have received the sum- ays after BCCI president Shopian. in the past a few terror inci- time to appear before the ED, after Shiv Sena leader Sanjay mons from the ED to appear DSourav Ganguli met Police also recovered One dents have occurred in this area citing health reasons. Raut’s wife Varsha sought time before it on December 30. I will Bengal Governor Jagdeep AK 47 rifle & two pistols & recently and reportedly these Less than a week after he till January 5 to appear before the appear before the agency on that Dhankhar for around two ammunition and other incrim- terrorists have also come from was summoned before the ED central investigating agency in day. I have already four inquiries hours during which he report- inating material along with South Kashmir to target a con- on December 30 in connection connection with the PMC bank in this land deal. I will cooper- edly invited her to inspect the some documents from the voy of security forces. with the Pune land deal, said that scam. Sixty-eight-year-old ate with the ED. As far as my Eden Gardens senior CPI(M) encounter site. Earlier, briefing media per- he was planning to appear before Khadse, who had – while quit- releasing CDs against the BJP leader and former Bengal Interestingly, a police sons in the premises of 2RR the central investigating agency, ting the BJP and joining the leaders, I will do it at a later Minister Ashok Bhattacharya spokesman claimed, “the ter- headquarters in Srinagar, but he had sought and sought 14 NCP two months ago – said that stage,” Khadse had said. on Wednesday called on the rorists killed in today's General officer Commanding days’ time owing to his sudden former India captain. encounter were not mentioned (GoC) Kilo Force H S Sahi indisposition. “Based on the 3 #7% ?$ Bhattacharya a former in our list of terrorists “. Wednesday said the killed ter- summons I had received, I was Mayor of Siliguri Muncipal Accordng to police records, two rorists were planning a big to appear before the ED on "8,! A 7 $ Corporation who had for of them were hardcore associ- strike on the National highway December 30. But, on the mid- A ,' A decades enjoyed a good chem- ates of terrorists (OGWs). to gain publicity. The army offi- night of December 28, I sud- ()# 5, istry with Ganguli reportedly Police spokesman claimed, one cer while sharing details of the denly developed fever, cold and A@ $$ requested him not to join pol- of the two is a relative of top 15 hour long operation said dry cough,” Khadse said in a (& % itics as it was not a place meant HM commander Rayees “We were receiving intelligence statement issued here on ' (& for people like him. Kachroo who was killed in inputs on a regular basis about Wednesday. " ()#0 = %( The former India south 2017. Reportedly, a third the movement of terrorists on “After medical examination, L M paw reportedly enquired might have joined very recent- the Srinagar-Baramulla high- doctors told me that I had 5,$ LM whether the CPI(M) MLA ly. Police spokesman further way”. He said, on the receipt of symptoms of Covid-19. % ' (& would be contesting elections added, “generally parents don’t an intelligence input late Subsequently, I underwent $ ,' A % this time round. A picture of have an idea about the activi- Tuesday evening, a joint cor- Covid-19 and its report is await- ()# (& '$ the two leaders chatting at ties of their wards. Several don and search operation was ed. The doctors have advised me L$ Ganguli’s Behala house was OGWs after committing terror launched in Lawaypora area 14 days’ rest. Accordingly I M $ later posted by the former crimes like grenade throwing & near HMT, Srinagar”. communicated to the ED which %L& $ ' A %M minister. , ,- #)
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n an embarrassment to Chief IMinister Pinarayi Vijayan, the additional chief judicial magis- trate court in Kochi on Wednesday dismissed the bail application petition filed by M Sivsankar, the former principal secretary in the CMO. Sivsankar had approached the court with a bail plea in the case filed by the Department of Customs in which the former has been accused of misusing his official position to facilitate gold smuggling through Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. The Customs has also told the court of Sivsankar’s close liaison with Swapna Suresh, the kingpin of gold smuggling and her associ- ates Sarath and Sandeep Nair. All four mentioned above have been arrested and impris- oned. The court observed that if Sivsankar was granted bail, there are possibilities of him influ- encing the witnesses and derail- ing the investigation process. The court also took into consideration the fact that Sivsankar had suppressed details about his second mobile phone which the Customs had seized in the course of investigation. The Customs Department had told the court that though Sivsankar was aware of the ille- gal activities carried out by the officials of the UAE Consulate General at Thiruvanantha- puram, he deliberately kept the information as a secret and did not alert the Government of India agencies. !"#$#$ YEAR 2020 : # % #" '%: $ 9, # %: $ : #(#)* +,- #(..+/ %& ' & ) "R , " " ) S $ ( J $ " ) S ( $ $$ >@&, # " S ; + # &'( )*')25 # he World Health ( Organisation (WHO) calls % S out a parallel and equally . S % Tserious challenge that accompanies any medical crisis by calling the same “Infodemic” and + $ describes it as an “overabundance 5 % - of information — some of it accu- rate and some not”. From political leaders, opinion makers and quasi- # ( medical practitioners to even yoga 0 $ 5 gurus, the urge to partake the ‘moment’ for personal, financial or % S even political glory has been irre- + - $ 4+-$6 ( sistible. Such a medical crisis always * ( tests the patience of society towards the seemingly drab advisories that ( " are fact-based, science-based and 5 empirically proven as opposed to +-$ getting drawn towards ostensible ) % “cures” that are rooted in personal belief-systems, word of mouth or +-$ under the pretext of “age-old ) % ( nuskhas” that have a cure-all solu- ( tion. However, the COVID pan- demic has exposed the sham of # assorted televangelists, godmen and religio-cultural personalities al influenza, promoted unproven mockery of the required safety cine. Bolsonaro is clearly max- 3 who, in the initial days of the cri- treatments like hydroxychloro- sensitivities like wearing the face imising the truism that bad eco- sis, had claimed miraculous quine (even injecting disinfec- mask and punted on the nomics and bad scientific panacea against COVID in com- tants!), politicised the vaccine unproven hydroxychloroquine. approach often make for very 9 plete defiance of medical science development narrative and Soon enough, Bolsonaro too good politics in a polarised and and all the necessary rigour that openly disagreed from the sage was infected! Continuing his struggling society. Tragically, his ought to have accompanied its test- advice given by his own public unscientific tirade with pan- approval ratings stay at the high- ( ing. health experts. Today, the United demic management of calling the est levels, his irresponsible behav- ( However, one category of peo- States is reeling as the worst !58A> +& use of mask as the “last taboo to iour notwithstanding. ple who are still contributing to the impacted nation by the COVID fall”, he had gone to the extent of It had taken a brave and con- persistence of the “Infodemic” outbreak with approximately 18 saying that Brazilians shouldn’t scientious judge to call the bluff S " ( have been the publicly elected law- million cases and nearly 3,20,000 75" !5? , be required to take a vaccine of Jair Bolsonaro by entertaining $ . makers and leading politicians deaths — that Donald Trump got 7? &5 5 when it finally becomes available. a plea which sought to criticise who ought to have demonstrated himself too infected while Joe Now, Bolsonaro has scaled the “irresponsible conduct of the highest levels of adherence, Biden remained safe was made #8>> >6" newer heights of irresponsibility the President” and later decreed . compliance and insistences towards worse by the fact that Trump lost by casting aspersions on the effi- that if the President did not wear ( ( safety protocols — yet, many chose the presidential race as well to #=(6& 6? , cacy of the COVID vaccine, just a mask in a public place, he was ; $ ! # to be cavalier, reckless and simply Biden. when there seemed a glimmer of liable to a fine. Despite facing unconcerned about the personal Another leader who has 85#5 5,6? science-based hope to combat the accusations like “lethal incompe- % - : ( examples they were setting. The constantly remained blasé about virus. In his bizarre and unsub- tence”, “homicidally negligent” ; 5 3 brazen trivialisation of all medical COVID is Brazil’s strongman (>7,> 6, stantiated rant, he claimed: “In and suchlike, Bolsonaro has yet " advisories — like social distancing, and President Jair Bolsonaro. the Pfizer contract, it’s written to get into the nitty-gritties of a shunning congregations or simply Like Trump, Bolsonaro too had 8=A#D) &8 very clearly: ‘We are not respon- detailed and robust national vac- ) P wearing protective masks — in dangerously downplayed the sible for any side effects.’ If you cination plan. A leading Brazilian +-$Q their personal conduct contradict- COVID threat by calling it a “lit- (>6"> 8> turn into a crocodile, that’s your newspaper was left fuming in its ) <= ed the daily blast and beaming of tle cold” and pushed for early > 8 5,75 problem.” He also invoked his editorial: “It’s time for him to S public messages that repeatedly opening up with a standard “so sexist and chauvinistic side when abandon this criminal reckless- advised uncompromised use of the what?” every time he was shown >@&,0.H@&8=" he went on to add: “If you ness and at least pretend to have 5 3>$ face mask (and other safety/hygiene the spiralling health numbers become superhuman, if a woman the ability and maturity to lead a protocols) as the literal vaccine, till and the country’s worsening starts to grow a beard or if a man nation of 212 million at such a a proven vaccine actually came out. crisis. The denialist attitude of starts to speak with an effeminate dramatic moment in its collective Some, like the outgoing United Bolsonaro has ensured that voice, they [Pfizer] won’t have history. Enough tomfoolery with ( 0 ' States President Donald Trump, not Brazil has approximately 7.3 anything to do with it.” His the vaccine!” This global pan- only refused to wear a mask but million cases and 1,87,000 deaths boorish aversion to the vaccine demic has regrettably exposed the went on to ridicule his rival, Joe and is now widely castigated as has a distinct political logic, risks of negligent and nonchalant ") )) ) / Biden, by saying that “every time the latest global epicentre of the besides sheer ignorance — it leadership — as also of the igno- you see him, he’s got a mask (on). current resurge. Unfortunately, feeds his rakish anti-establish- rant masses who still support 0 1 " 2 He could be speaking 200 feet away this devastation was in the mak- ment and devil-may-care image, such a political leadership despite from them, and he shows up with ing with shockingly irresponsi- allows him to focus on more pop- paying the incalculably painful the biggest mask I’ve ever seen”, ble leadership of Bolsonaro, who We have to stop being a country ulist moves like cash transfers as and high personal price. ( ( almost likening the mask to a had disbelievingly stated: “All of of sissies.” The imagined politi- opposed to propagating the social (The writer, a military ) political statement. But Trump us are going to die one day.” With cal muscularity of Bolsonaro distancing sobriety and, above all, veteran, is a former Lt Governor * went many steps further with his typical machismo, he said anoth- was sooner or later going to deny the credit of a potential pan- of Andaman & Nicobar Islands irresponsibility and had dangerous- er time: “There is no point run- make Brazil pay dearly — and, demic savior to a political rival and Puducherry. The views ( ( ly equated COVID to the season- ning away from it, from reality. like Trump, he too made a who is espousing a specific vac- expressed are personal.) ( 0 ) 1 *'4 ) +, % - & " * > $ % & 0 $ ( $ $ > : 2 $$ ( $$ % $ $$ . & % $$ J' $ % % % ( #*- + % #8 *+# ;+(# $!! -;!9+! K8 + K( ) K& ,N K+ )S / # ) 4 4 + 4 0 44 5 1'40+
( ( ) Sir — Now when actor Sir — Winning the civic elec- Rajinikanth has decided 0$ ( '$ $ % tions by handsome margins, S ( against floating a new politi- 0$ $ 0 women have broken through the $ % # cal party and contest the elec- glass ceiling to grab top jobs in tions, it is clear that the real A 8 ( '& B8(&C 0$ many corporations, municipal- 0 fight in the next Tamil Nadu $$ $ $ '$( ' ities and panchayats in Kerala. 1% ( Assembly elections is going to % 21-year-old Arya Rajendran ( ' $ be only between the two is the new Mayor of Dravidian majors, the Dravida ' 0 Thiruvananthapuram which is )2 3 ( Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) $ '%,$ known as the city of Lord " 4 #56 and the All India Anna 0$ % Ananda, alluding to the Shree & ' ( P Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Padmanabhaswamy temple (AIADMK). ' $ $ ' 0 located in the city. Arya, who Q # While the DMK alliance that %$ ' 0 ' ' 0 was elected on Monday, made 9 ) ( won the last Parliamentary % 0$ 0 %A 0$ ' 0 headlines for being the youngest / elections stands intact, fis- ' $$ in the country to hold the post. sures in the AIADMK alliance ' % $ % Another young leader, 22-year- ( ( are apparent. 6 0$ ' ' ! 0 old Saruthi is all set to assume BJP was of the belief that % ' the office of panchayat president ( 0 it could align with the & $ 0$ ' ' $ ' of Olavanna, a big panchayat in Rajinikanth’s party in case % % Kozhikode. The list is quite long. AIADMK refused it in the $ ' $$ Sarv Jit Singh Chatrath It is important for these ( number of seats it wants to 0$ 0 Chandigarh young women politicians to " ( contest. imbibe traditional leadership Now the BJP has no other New Vistadome coaches, also have an observation lounge, traits and also remain open- 0 way but to join the AIADMK Sir — It is really delightful to having a plethora of tourist- glass window and adjustable minded and innovative. Of % alliance and accept the seats know that the Railways have friendly amenities, will be intro- seats for a more comfortable course, the inherent gentle nau- )( : that are going to be conceded come up with a new design duced on specific routes that are and enjoyable journey for pas- ture that women have will help to it by the AIADMK. It will Vistadome tourist coaches to good for sightseeing. As these sengers. them in establishing better rap- also have to accept E give a breathtaking experience to coaches provide a panoramic Operating trains having port in society. * # Palanisami as the chief min- the tourists. The recent trial run viewing experience through large Vistadome coaches on more Haridasan Rajan ( isterial candidate of the of these coaches at 180 km per windows and transparent roofs, such routes will definitely boost Kozhikode # " alliance. hour was successful and was passengers will get an exhilarat- tourism and benefit the economy. Tharcius S. Fernando completed without any technical ing travel experience. M Pradyu +0 F 2 Chennai snags. The Vistadome coach will Kannur ++#*+(9( #: 8!);(8 !"#$#$ YEAR 2020 " > # % #" ,'+40.) )+ '( 0)4+'( % 27 2 + % & &' &7 )% &) 2 & = ) ( 5= L L ' N O 5 % $ ' 3
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bullet train project between Mumbai that was stalled for years was com- ate job opportunities on a large scale. jects of Modi will contribute towards the apex court’s decision, no new ing the NDA Government’s and Ahmedabad had faced resis- pleted under the NDA Those who are critical of this pro- fulfilling this aspiration. construction or demolition activi- response to the pandemic would tance, too. Many Opposition lead- Government’s watch. Similarly, the ject need to examine it in a larger Unfortunately, travel and ty can take place on this project. know the kind of attention, energy, ers and parties had criticised it. Modi Government brought many context. tourism is one of the worst hit sec- According to some experts, the and effort the NDA Government Some experts like E Sreedharan — other stalled projects to fruition. What holds true for the Indian tors because of the ongoing project spells disaster for the envi- has put into it. Even so, it has not the man behind the Delhi Metro — Indeed, some of its own projects Railways, also holds true for city Coronavirus pandemic. But this is ronment and indigenous bird and let other development activities slammed the project for being high- have been completed before time metros. Given the speed at which only a temporary setback and the plant species that stand to be dislo- come to a halt. Every other day, the ly expensive and designed to cater and with less than allocated budgets. Indian towns and cities are expand- sector will bounce back soon cated and destroyed. Centre has been launching several only to the elite. In his view, what The nearly $17 billion bullet ing, the country will probably need enough as “revenge tourism” has The Supreme Court has new development projects. It is India needs is a modern, clean, safe train project is one of Modi’s pet several new metros. Recently, the already started in the country and rebuked the Centre and ordered the trying to convert the current crisis *.0))/ 5- and fast rail system that caters to the projects. There is no doubt that it is PM inaugurated the Agra Metro globally, too. The cost of these pro- Government to halt all construction into an opportunity to put India on masses and not just to the privileged. expensive and will not benefit the Project in Uttar Pradesh (UP). The jects needs to be evaluated against activities until it decides on a bunch a high growth trajectory. It has been ecently, Kamal Haasan, chief The same happened when the people from the lower income benefits of having a rapid mass their benefits, in totality, to get a full of petitions challenging the mega agile to usher in reforms to promote of the Makkal Needhi Maiam world’s tallest statue, the Statue of group, initially. But if one thinks of urban transit system that is also account of their worth. redevelopment plan. On the other growth and development and to R(MNM), questioned Prime Unity, was built and inaugurated. it objectively, the bullet train project environment friendly can’t be However, as far as the Central hand, having world-class facilities make India “atmanirbhar” in many Minister Narendra Modi regarding Some critics argued that the 3,000 is not such a bad idea. The major- overemphasised. Vista project is concerned there is for the efficient functioning of the aspects. Nevertheless, the Modi the construction of the new crore spent on building the statue ity of the project’s funding (nearly Similarly, the Statue of Unity a little difference. The redevelop- administration of the country, mer- Government would do well to invite Parliament building. He asked Modi could have been put to more pro- 90 per cent) is coming as a soft loan built in the honour of Sardar Patel, ment project envisages a new trian- its a project like this. greater discussion and debate on the to explain the rationale behind the ductive use. This makes one think, from the Government of Japan. The India’s first Deputy Prime Minister gular Parliament building, a com- Further, having an architectur- Central Vista project as several project worth hundreds of crores at has the Modi Government been so loan is to be repaid over a 50-year and a statesman, is a landmark cre- mon central secretariat and revamp- al icon may be consistent with the Delhiites feel it will take away their a time when millions are going hun- inefficient in its use of public period with a moratorium of 15 ated to attract both domestic and ing of the three-km-long Rajpath image of a rising India and its wide, open spaces and alter the look gry and the nation is reeling under resources? Is it so insensitive to the years. Not only are the loan terms international tourists. It is expect- from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India “atmanirbharta (self-reliance).” But of their beloved city. the socio-economic impact of the criticism coming from not just quite attractive but the project will ed to have a huge spillover benefit Gate. the timing of the project is both Kamal Haasan is too smart to be Coronavirus pandemic. political leaders but also experts? Or also have huge spillover benefits for for the local economy. Likewise, However, in the current sce- good and bad. While there is a case ignorant of the larger picture. By The actor-turned-politician is is there something that these politi- the Indian Railways, which badly many tourist spots across the coun- nario when the health of citizens has for having the project ready when being critical of Modi and question- not the first public figure to ques- cians and experts are missing in needs modernisation. try are being developed and promot- assumed top priority and the eco- India commemorates its 75th year ing him, the star seems to be trying tion the Central Vista Modi’s larger vision and purpose Most of these benefits will take ed. The revenue potential of the nomic fallout of the pandemic of Independence, initiating the pro- to gain some publicity. But the Redevelopment project. Earlier this behind these pet projects? the form of the transfer of knowl- Statue of Unity project must be needs urgent attention, the Central ject when the world is fighting the truth remains that the Central Vista year, Congress president Sonia The Modi Government’s track edge and technology. With high- looked at against this backdrop. Vista project may look a little flam- Coronavirus pandemic makes it project should be made into a peo- Gandhi, too, wrote a letter to Modi record on infrastructure projects speed connectivity, the project is Indeed, the promotion of travel and boyant. Further, some experts have ill-timed. ple’s project. The Government must urging him to suspend it. However, doesn’t seem to suggest that it has supposed to connect the bustling tourism has been high on Modi’s raised red flags on its environmen- Needless to say, the take the citizens along with it. this is not the only pet project of the been inefficient in the use of pub- economic corridors of Gujarat and agenda to take India’s Gross tal impact. For these and related rea- Government has accorded top pri- (The writer is a development Prime Minister (PM) which has lic money. For example, the Kundli- Maharashtra and facilitate econom- Domestic Product (GDP) to the $5 sons, multiple petitions have been ority to fighting the pandemic. economist and author. The views been questioned. Modi’s ambitious Manesar-Palwal Expressway project ic growth. It is also expected to cre- trillion mark by 2025. These pet pro- filed in the Supreme Court. Pending Those who have been closely follow- expressed are personal.) !"#$#$ " @
R " R 0 " . &'( ) -' * + ( . /$ ) Washington: US Vice 6 abducted and beheaded while stand trial here,” he said. President-elect Kamala Harris , he was in Pakistan investigat- In a surprise move, a two- Washington: President Donald has received the first dose of the ing a story in 2002 on the links judge bench of the Sindh High Trump lashed out at congres- Moderna COVID-19 vaccine AdenYemen: At least 10 peo- -" 7 between the country’s power- Court last week directed secu- sional Republicans a day after live on television as part of ple were killed Wednesday as ful spy agency ISI and al- rity agencies not to keep Sheikh the House easily voted to over- efforts to build public trust in explosions rocked Yemen’s Washington: The US has said Qaeda. and other accused under “any ride his veto of a defence pol- the inoculation and urged Aden airport moments after a it is ready to take custody of “We understand that sort of detention” and declared icy bill. Americans to get vaccinated for new unity government flew in, British-born al-Qaeda leader Pakistani authorities are taking all notifications of the Sindh A total of 109 Republicans, the virus. in what officials charged was a Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, steps to ensure that Omar government related to their including Wyoming Rep. Liz Harris and her husband “cowardly” attack by Iran- accused of kidnapping and Sheikh remains in custody detention “null and void”. The Cheney, a member of GOP Doug Emhoff were adminis- backed Huthi rebels. murdering American journal- while the Supreme Court court observed that the four leadership, joined with tered the vaccine at United “Dozens” more people ist Daniel Pearl, asserting that appeal seeking to reinstate his men’s detention was “illegal”. Democrats on Monday to Medical Center in Washington, were wounded, a medical Washington will not allow him conviction continues,” Rosen Days later the Sindh approve the override, which DC.”Let’s do it,” Harris said source told AFP, although all % to evade justice. said in a statement released by province government said it would be the first of Trumps before she received her shot on government ministers were Acting US Attorney the US State Department. has decided not to release presidency. The Senate is should not approve NDAA Tuesday. She took the vaccine reported to be unharmed. waiting to greet the new gov- General Jeffrey A Rosen’s “The separate judicial rul- Sheikh and his three aides in expected to consider the mea- until fixed!!!? one week after President-elect Plumes of smoke billowed ernment fled, terrified.Sporadic remarks comes days after a ings reversing his conviction view of a Supreme Court’s sure later this week. The 322-87 vote in the Joe Biden received his. from the airport building in the gunfire was heard soon after. Pakistani court ordered release and ordering his release are an September 28 order. Trump on Tuesday House sends the override effort Describing the process as southern city as debris lay It was not immediately of Sheikh and his three aides, affront to terrorism victims A three-judge apex court slammed GOP lawmakers on to the Senate, where the exact ‘relatively painless’, Harris strewn across the area, with clear what had caused the convicted and later acquitted in everywhere,” he said. bench headed by Justice Mushir Twitter, charging that “Weak timing of a vote is uncertain. urged all Americans to get vac- people rushing to tend to the explosions. the kidnapping and murder “We remain grateful for Alam, which is hearing the and tired Republican leader- Senate Majority Leader cinated. ‘It’s about saving your wounded, footage broadcast Yemen’s internationally case of Pearl. the Pakistani Government’s appeal by the Sindh govern- ship will allow the bad Defence Mitch McConnell wants a vote life, the life of your family by Saudi television channel recognised government and “We cannot allow him to actions to appeal such rulings ment and the family of the slain Bill to pass.? as soon as Wednesday, but members, and the life of your Al-Hadath showed. southern separatists formed a evade justice for his role in to ensure that he and his co- journalist against the acquittal Trump called the override Vermont Sen Bernie Sanders community,’ she said.”I trust “At least two explosions power-sharing cabinet on Daniel Pearl’s abduction and defendants are held account- of Sheikh by the Sindh High vote a “disgraceful act of cow- objected to moving ahead until scientists. And it is the scien- were heard as the cabinet mem- December 18, forging a joint murder,” Rosen said on Tuesday. able. If, however, those efforts Court in April, on September ardice and total submission by McConnell allows a vote on a tists who created and approved bers were leaving the aircraft,” front against the Huthi rebels Pearl, the 38-year-old do not succeed, the United 28 noted that till the next date weak people to Big Tech. Trump-backed plan to increase this vaccine. So I urge every- an AFP correspondent at the who have seized the capital South Asia bureau chief for The States stands ready to take of hearing, the accused shall not Negotiate a better Bill, or get Covid-19 relief payments to one, when it is your turn, get scene said.Crowds who had Sanaa and much of the Wall Street Journal, was custody of Omar Sheikh to be released. PTI better leaders, NOW! Senate $2,000. AP vaccinated.” PTI gathered on the airport apron north. 5 5 7 , ) 8 /$*
# >!#! ' = 9 '1. " * ' 0 + $ )58=" 65A A video released by $ " Netanyahu’s office showed $ onathan Pollard, who spent Pollard walking down the stairs 8 Beijing: A Chinese court on The court said it had held Bihac(Bosnia-Herzegovina): of the plane and kissing the '! A J30 years in US prison for spy- % Wednesday sentenced 10 pro- a private hearing for two under- Hundreds of migrants from a ing for Israel, arrived in Israel ground. democracy activists who sought aged suspects and would not burned-out tent camp in early Wednesday with his wife, Pollard, a civilian intelli- +! +! $ to flee Hong Kong by speedboat charge the them for illegally northwest Bosnia have spent triumphantly kissing the gence analyst for the U.S. Navy, $ ' $ to between seven months and crossing the border even though the night in buses after an ground as he exited the aircraft sold military secrets to Israel 0 three years in prison, in a case they pleaded guilty. attempt to relocate them failed, in the culmination of a while working at the Pentagon with major political overtones Another organiser was reflecting confusion in the decades-long affair that had in the 1980s. He was arrested ="" %A F%4 for the territory. given two years while other par- Balkan country’s dealing with long strained relations between in 1985 after trying unsuc- $$ The Yantian District Court ticipants were given seven the crisis. the two close allies. cessfully to gain asylum at the $ in the southern city of Shenzhen months in prison. Bosnian authorities sent Pollard was welcomed at Israeli Embassy in Washington + = 0 + gave the harshest sentence to Relatives of the accused buses on Tuesday to transfer Israel’s international airport by and pleaded guilty. The espi- % + , 2 # , , one of the two accused organ- said they were prevented from the migrants from the much- Prime Minister Benjamin onage affair embarrassed Israel ? ' isers of the ill-fated Aug 23 hiring their own lawyers and criticised Lipa camp to an Netanyahu, who presented him and tarnished its relations with Buenos Aires: Argentina’s It was already approved by attempt to reach self-ruled that the charges are politically army barracks in central Bosnia and his wife Esther with Israeli the United States /H%4$ Senate has passed a law legal- Argentinas Chamber of Taiwan. Relatives said all defen- motivated. but this was canceled after ID cards granting them citi- for years. $ ising abortion, a victory for the Deputies and has the support dants pleaded guilty, a move The defendants could have locals there organised protests zenship. Pollard was given a life sen- $ women’s movement that has of President Alberto apparently aimed at receiving been sentenced to up to a year to prevent the relocation. On “Welcome back. How good tence and U.S. Defense and (* been fighting for the right for Fernández, meaning the Senate lighter sentences. in prison for crossing the bor- Wednesday morning, migrants you’ve come home,” Netanyahu intelligence officials consis- $ decades. vote is its final hurdle. The defendants are believed der and seven years for organ- were still inside the buses, said, according to a statement tently argued against releasing $ $$ Under Wednesday’s major- Argentine senators debat- to have feared they would be ising the trip. local media reported. issued by his office. He said Pollard. AP $ % ity vote, abortion is legalised up ed for hour after hour over prosecuted for their activities in They were picked up after The Lipa camp near they could start new lives in to the 14th week of pregnan- legalising abortion, wrangling support of Hong Kongs pro- entering mainland Chinese Bosnia’s border with European Israel, “in freedom and happi- cy, and is also legal after that into the early hours of democracy movement. Hong waters for crossing the maritime Union member state Croatia ness.” “We are ecstatic to be time in cases of rape or danger Wednesday before a vote that Kong media reports said at border without permission. was demolished in a fire last home at last,” said Pollard. to the mother’s life.The vote marked the culmination of a least one may have had a war- While Hong Kong is part of week and lacked basic facilities The statement also quoted was passed with 38 votes in decades-long fight by women’s rant out for his arrest under a China, travelers must still pass such as running water or heat- Pollard as saying he was “very favor, 29 against and one groups in Pope Francis’ home- tough new national security through immigration when ing. Some 1,000 migrants were excited to be home” after a 35- abstention, after a marathon land and have repercussions law imposed on the semi- going to and from the mainland, stranded there for days during year ordeal. He thanked 12-hour session that began across a continent where the autonomous territory by Beijing which surrounds Hong Kong by a spate of snowy winter weath- Netanyahu and the Jewish peo- late Tuesday. procedure is largely illegal. in June. land and sea. AP er that followed the fire. AP ple for supporting him. !"#$#$ % A
1 & " 0 A '4+ $" " $ ! " "" - B 2343 5!6 * + .I< O , 7 B; $ 7! A=A( & " $ +>6+ nomic recovery, self-reliance ndia’s current account sur- will be the new mantra to sail A=A( & 5,567& filing ITR for 2019-20 fiscal Iplus moderated to USD 15.5 iti Aayog member VK through the crisis,” he said. year (2020-21 assessment billion or 2.4 per cent of the NSaraswat On Wednesday Saraswat said that the gov- he Maharashtra Goods and he Government on year) and is for those indi- GDP in the July-September said that self-reliance will be the ernment is looking at flatten- TServices Tax Department TWednesday extended the viduals whose accounts are quarter of the current fiscal. new mantra of the Government ing the recession curve. (GST), which exposed a mas- deadline to file income tax not required to be audited and The same was at USD 19.2 to sail through the crisis caused “Market functioning sive tax evasion racket in return (ITR) for individuals who usually file their income billion or 3.8 per cent of the by the Covid-19 pandemic. has restored. November, has made its second by 10 days to January 10, tax return using ITR-1 or GDP in the preceding three Speaking at a webinar But economic recovery will major arrest in the case, of a 2021. ITR-4 forms, as applicable, the months on account of a rise in organised by Merchants’ be incremental. Both discre- prominent businessman own- The deadline for filing tax statement said. the merchandise trade deficit, Chamber of Commerce and tionary and non- discretionary ing at least four companies, an returns by businesses too has The deadline for other the RBI said on Wednesday. Industry, Saraswat said that spending are now taking place,” official said here on been extended till February taxpayers whose accounts are A current account most economists are expecting he added. Wednesday. 15, the finance ministry said required to be audited deficit of USD 7.6 billion or 1.1 the fiscal as against a deficit of rent account surplus in the sec- U-shaped recovery pattern for He said that due to the Carrying out a raid at the in a statement. (including partners of a firm) per cent of the GDP was 1.6 per cent in the corre- ond quarter of 2020-21 was due the GDP which will be in the impact of the pandemic, real home of businessman Yogesh J. This is the third time that and/or those who have to recorded in the second quarter sponding period of 2019-20. to a rise in the merchandise form of low short-term growth GDP has fallen to its lowest in Kanodia, the GST Department the government has extended submit report in respect to of 2019-20. This was mainly on account of trade deficit to USD 14.8 billion rate. six years, while the lockdown sleuths seized various incrim- the deadline to file ITR -- first international financial trans- India recorded a current a sharp contraction in the from USD 10.8 billion in the “In the current scenario, has brought economic activity inating documents pertaining from the normal deadline of actions has been extended to account surplus of 3.1 per cent trade deficit. preceding quarter, the central where an extended first wave of to a standstill, the Niti Aayog to the 185 crore scam being July 31 to November 30, 2020, February 15, 2021. of the GDP in the first half of The narrowing of the cur- bank said. the pandemic could stifle eco- member said. probed. and then to December 31, Amid a blip in the num- 2020. ber of ITRs filed by individ- Also, the due date for fil- uals vis-a-vis last year, the , -R " " ')*+', ing declaration under the finance ministry said the 2 direct tax dispute resolution extension in various deadline scheme Vivad Se Vishwas has was given in view of the con- ) % been extended by a month till tinued challenges faced by " $ (756 January 31. taxpayers in meeting statuto- : ;;: ) 4 $ $$ 4F8 7 Besides, the date for fil- ry compliances due to the out- # $ & 6B # &6C% ing GST annual return for break of COVID-19. "" 5,567& destination to freight compa- # &6O! $ & O 2019-20 fiscal has been For companies, the date nies and customers, an official 0 $/11A# 7 extended by two months till was extended from October A=A( & high of 47,807.85. he Union Cabinet on statement said. 8 B#78C$ February 28, 2021. 31 to November 30 and then Similarly, the broad-based TWednesday approved con- The facility will not only % The extension of the to January 31, 2021. he Sensex and Nifty raced NSE Nifty rose by 49.35 points struction of multi-modal logis- provide standard container deadline till January 10 is for Tto fresh record highs on or 0.35 per cent to finish at its tics and transport hub at handling activities but also % Wednesday as gains in finan- lifetime high of 13,981.95. It Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh provide various value-added #* ( 'B# (C & O $ cials, auto and cement counters touched all-time peak of 13,997 with an estimated cost of services to reduce logistics cost ' $ & helped benchmarks extend in intra-day trade. 3,883.80 crore. with improved efficiency of =( '& % their winning run for the sixth The Cabinet Committee operations, it added. & > ( ' straight session amid positive +88 on Economic Affairs, chaired The multi-modal trans- ' F1F1%# ( global cues. by Prime Minister Narendra port hub project located near ( ' European equities Modi, also approved proposals the already existing Indian $ marched higher after the UK of the Department of Railways station of Boraki will ( 'O ' became the first country to Promotion of Industry and act as a transport hub with pro- # (O ( ' $ '& ( ' A approve the COVID-19 vaccine B= Internal Trade (DPIIT) for visioning of rail, road and ( ' % developed by AstraZeneca and construction of various trunk MRTS accessibility for the pas- Oxford University. Mumbai:Rising for the fifth infrastructure components for sengers in a seamless manner. &% % Serum Institute of India straight session, the rupee on Krishnapatnam Industrial Area It will have space for inter ," (SII) termed the approval as Wednesday appreciated by in Andhra Pradesh and state bus terminal, local bus ter- , * + , encouraging news and said 11 paise to close at more than Tumakuru Industrial Area in minal, metro, commercial, , ! FE,F1F1 the company would now wait two-month high of 73.31 Karnataka at estimated costs of retail and hotel space and green "( ' , % for the final nod for the vaccine against the US dollar on the 2,139.44 crore and 1,701.81 open spaces. “The project will , ! , in India. back of foreign fund inflows crore, respectively. provide world-class passenger $ $ After succumbing to prof- and a weak greenback in the The multi-modal logistics movement facilities for the $ it-booking in afternoon trade, global markets.At the inter- hub project will be developed growing population of the $ % the 30-share BSE Sensex closed bank forex market, the as a world-class facility that will catchment zone catering to up by 133.14 points or 0.28 per domestic unit opened at 73.35 provide efficient storage/tran- upcoming developments in ' cent at a record high of against the US dollar and wit- sitioning of goods to/from the Uttar Pradesh, sub-region of "#" #!8 ( , 8&5"6 B "5O8&5" ("5O 47,746.22. The barometer nessed an intra-day high of Dedicated Freight Corridors the NCR and thus, decongest
'" P $ 0 " and beyond the usual “Hello” and a pandemic. There were lock- “How are you?” I was surprising downs and travel restrictions $ O P " 0.5 to see that it took a life-threaten- throughout the world. The air- @ %$ ing pandemic to actually make ports were full of nurses in haz- 3<35 " me converse with my family. We mat suits conducting tests — as invented new ways to talk to each if replicating a scene from % ) 88 other. We came across some new Resident Evil. Apart from becom- L" N * observations about each other. ing a chapter in future history %& t’s commonly said that when unpredictability of life has been We learnt how even in the dark- textbooks, this pandemic has N life gives you lemons, use a driving force for me to savour est times, we could find light and taught many lessons to everyone Ithem to make lemonade and every moment. I have learnt how keep going. and hit each person differently. cool it all down. Well, what if life I can only seize the current During the lockdown, every- My key takeaway — staying $ gives you an eventful year like moment; nor the past neither the thing from my classes to my life at and working from home is not 2020? On the last day of this year, future. had started to map out on my easy. There are many roles to play %"N three students from different Second — importance of mobile phone. I was stuck in when the whole family is living * streams present their take on healthy relationships. Not only another state, away from my in the home at the same time. On $ what they learnt from the year’s we should focus on building family, and in those times, I the other hand, when it comes to unpredictability and its abundant healthy relationships with our would be worried about them. At working, there are many people challenges. Life, certainly, for family and friends but also watch the same time, the pressure of who struggle for devices at home 0 them, had taken a new turn as out for the toxic ones, which missing out on notes and studies because they might not be suffi- students had to adapt to newer heavily impact our mental health. engulfed me as now everything cient for everyone. We had to $ and digital ways of education, This lockdown has been a bless- had shifted to digital. Lectures fight each morning to come at a $$ and no socialising. ing in disguise for me as it has were being conducted on Zoom, consensus on device usage. helped me improve my relation- Google Meet, MS Teams and I Nobody was prepared for such a SHREYA SHARMA ships with the people I care was gradually losing all my inter- strict lockdown. I wondered how What is the life of a college about and form some new, valu- est. It became too boring and even students in the rural landscape M student all about? Certainly, it’s able ones. This in turn has taught more exhausting than attending would have struggled to find about a good college, a great me to be understanding, apolo- college in person. We certainly good network and suitable gad- & group of friends to hang out and getic, empathetic and supportive had no other option than to gets to be able to attend school, % make memories with, attending as a daughter, a friend and an endure. online. and bunking lectures together, apprentice. Also, ending toxic Furthermore, amid the social Second, I started to value > being part of extra-curricular relationships did not just make distancing norms and constraints friendships and relationships. ' activities, having good conversa- me stronger but also made me of not talking to whoever we want The sudden paradigm shift from & tions about the future with fam- realise my independence. I now to, I could find out the people I socialising after classes or hang- ily, meeting new people and know who I am, what I want and cannot separate myself from and ing out with friends to staying put what not. However, a question — I strive for it. the ones important to me. I also at home, hugely impacted rela- ' what if one day you don’t get to The third takeaway was saw how it made my fellow class- tionships. However, it also made do all of that? Well, this thought found in self-awareness, which I I understood the important of evident from Gabriel Garcia mates and our teachers come us realise the importance of & N sounded irrational and did not believe is the ultimate key to liv- conversations. Marquez’ opening words in Love together as if we had known each human contact and interaction. '% trouble me until the day it actu- ing a fulfilling life. Certain argu- The concluding lesson is grat- in the Time of Cholera — “It was other since long. It made us have Eventually, we started adapting to ally came true. And as it hap- ments with my friends and fam- itude. We, as humans, needs to be inevitable” — much like Thanos. conversations with each other, the new normal. We now got pened, over the last 10 months of ily made me realise how I need more grateful for what we have. Well, life happens in its own ways, which were not just related to more to spend time with our O' % $!" the pandemic, I grew in many, to change my sense of self. I have 2020 is evidence of life’s unpre- whether we approve of them or work or studies but also about loved ones at home as well as unimaginable ways. the power to change only myself dictable nature. One moment not. Things will change irrespec- each other’s wellbeing and where- with others away from us, virtu- The very first lesson — life is and take a control of only my you’re breathing, the next you’re tive of our convenience. And the abouts. I certainly learn the value ally. ' highly unpredictable. We all words, thoughts and actions. I not or you’re struggling on a hos- same is happening in the current of human interactions, even if Another lesson I learnt was ! know about this fact but do we can mould them in my way. I am pital bed. Hence, I have started to pandemic. they were over a screen. that happiness comes from with- actually consider it and live our accountable for my doings. I pay gratitude and every day, I However, even if one feels like We became the personifica- in. With devastating news com- "" "" life keeping in mind its unpre- have the key to modify myself thank the mystic forces of this prisoner, being trapped inside tion of the saying, “It ain’t about ing from across the world, peo- 7 " dictability? I don’t think so. All and become a better person. universe for giving me such an homes, cut off from people, social how hard you hit. It’s about how ple losing their loved ones, strug- we do is rant about our suppos- The fourth lesson came with amazing and fulfilling life. I now routines and a world which at hard you can get hit and still, keep gling to earn a living or even a edly boring lives being fully sub- technology’s necessity. In this accept my flaws and aim to grow, times acted as refuge from the moving forward.” We all united meal per day, it became difficult % merged in our work, not enjoy- new normal, it has helped us in become better and stronger everyday realities, behind those and cared for ourselves, our fam- to stay positive and row against % C 4 " $ ing and savouring the moments more ways than one. I realised everyday with whatever I have. shut doors, we became creative. ily, friends, the person living the flow of negativity. The pan- % !" we encounter. We hardly take out how I couldn’t just complete my We, humans, did allow a virus to next door, even the stranger we demic proved that no matter time to acknowledge our loved studies through it but also con- SRISH SRIVATSA push us back but we will be pass by in the corridor. how many material objects you ! ! ones. This pandemic has taken nect to the ones I haven’t been What can be said about life? doomed if we let it pull us down. may own or how many followers ! " many precious lives and now, able to catch up with in a long That it happens. It is beautiful yet I felt stuck in my home with ANURAG GUPTA on social media you may have, when we look back, we regret not time. It has reached masses and hard. It presumably has a sour my family until I realised that Everything was just fine during the darkest storms, only $$C ' % being able to spend time with the helped millions of lonely people tooth because it always seems to they were as stuck as I was. So, when the world first knew that you can find the ray of hope and ones who mattered to us. This connect with each other. Hence, give everyone lemons. That’s also what do we do? Well, we talked, COVID-19 had been declared as sail amid it. C ' % 7! % "" 7 ! CP L. ! " 4 !
@ $ $ # %7 HI% ! 9 " % .H<1 ( & " $ % %% 7 $ ith domestic travel witnessing a said, “With domestic travel and wellness $ Wsteady growth and people’s redis- experiences regaining popularity, we $ % covered love for local attractions, believe it is the perfect time to launch tourists now have the chance of expe- our latest Welcomhotel outpost in 7 L & riencing the rural charm of a Himachali ‘devbhoomi’ Himachal Pradesh. With $ & village surrounded by thick canopies of stunning 360-degree mountain views Cedar trees. It’s the perfect spot for those and striking architectural and interior O %M looking for a break from the mundane design, we aim to attract discerning city life, in the untouched wilderness, leisure and business travellers with amidst nature. It can be your home in our heightened safety measures in the hills. Welcomhotel — ITC Hotels place and the quintessential hospitali- 5 P ""9 has now spread its footprint in ty at the forefront.” 7 " ! Himachal Pradesh, launching its first WelcomCafe Cedar, the all-day property in Shimla. dining restaurant, offers fresh season- 7 Tucked away in an unexplored vil- al specialties from the region along with 0 lage with experiential stays, lush green a holistic menu with signature Indian expanse and breathtaking views of the and international dishes. Guests will be # ' hills, Welcomhotel Shimla comes as the in for a culinary treat with 5 ideal getaway destination for those WelcomSthalika, an assortment of pop- # 0 wanting to reconnect with nature. As ular regional dishes that come on a sin- % one leaves behind the bustling streets of gle platter, strengthening the ‘Vocal for Shimla city centre and drives uphill, the Local’ cause. The ingredients are season- tranquil town of Mashobra is only half al and locally sourced, supporting the an hour away and is a beautiful haven farming community of the neighbour- $ ' for hodophiles. hood. * With a 25-hour check-in and With over 3,186 sq ft spacious, check-out, it gives you an additional seamless, indoor banquet spaces and a hour to explore more. It offers a view huge 3,477 sq ft outdoor venue called ? N5$ % of the green splendour from its 47 the ‘Sunset Garden’, surrounded by the L& '0 rooms and suites overlooking the pic- majestic Himalayan range, the hotel can ( turesque Mashobra valley. The views are host both social and corporate events 6 N panoramic and unparalleled. The build- with élan. For wellness, the hotel will 5 ing is laid out to receive maximum nat- soon be opening ‘K by Kaya Kalp’. The ural light and all guest room windows spa will offer signature, holistic thera- # are designed at very specific angles to pies & personalised wellness experiences ( receive incessant sunlight from dusk to like Yoga and Zumba. $ 5 %6 dawn. Perfect for a leisurely family getaway The modern design philosophy has in the lap of snowcapped mountains, the & elements that add the old-world charm. hotel has indoor and outdoor activities The hotel is committed to sustainable like chess, kids’ play room and guided measures. Its design team was mindful local tours. The outdoor golf area is $ about the authenticity of the land. opening soon. Adding to experiences is # ' R Aligning with its ‘Responsible Luxury bird watching with a local expert, walk 7 ' % Philosophy’ of conservation of with a local historian, cycling within the 7 resources, all grey water is treated in- Shimla Wildlife Sanctuary or picnics house and used for horticulture. Non- and camping in the greens. For the $ $ carcinogenic wooden materials are young adults, ‘Ollies Club’ offers a range L S used around the property and intelligent of activities like archery, skittle, croquet, 6' T&* controls have been built in the elevators badminton, table tennis, pool, board TM to maximise movement efficiency. games and darts. Enjoy walks to Speaking on the launch, Nakul Craignano Trail, Mashobra to Kalyani Anand, Executive Director, ITC Ltd, Helipad and Mashobra Valley Trail. &' BB !"#$#$
he Chief Minister of ') 50+4 Chhattisgarh, Bhupesh $"" ) TBaghel’s monthly radio # $ 1&? programme, Lokvaani, is gain- %(* (7 +7) < , ?F1&?,#?F*E8**C ing immense popularity across ) states. So far, 13 episodes have , been aired from all the centres A(7=#5"7( 756O $ of Akashwani. The 14th * episode will be aired on K K $$ 8@ January 10, 2021. 8B@58* *@ The programme is also it is heartening to know that = 5 simultaneously broadcasted the government cares for on various FM channels and farmers and tribals. Megha, a 7 88,B@B85 regional TV news channels. Class 11th student of Janjgir, 6B8+ EGG + 8D8 Through this programme, said that she received impor- 5 people of Chhattisgarh direct- tant information about the ly connect with the Chief schemes being conducted for $ 1: % , 2$,% , = Minister Baghel. Every women’s empowerment and #-' &&=' episode is based on a different economic prosperity from #-' &&=#+ ,+ topic including agriculture, Lokvaani. The state govern- he Directorate of Tourism, culture, artifacts, ethnic food to + ! 1 rural development, education, ment is doing a great job in TJammu, has organised a the tourists visiting the snow- + + . 170 youth, health, maternal power, educating women about their mega three days Winter clad hills. 70 5$ 0 urban development, tribal rights and giving them equal Carnival 2020 at Patnitop to The inauguration cere- + + development, women and status and opportunities. attract tourists. The three days mony was attended by CEO 53 0 equal opportunities, Nyay Ward Councilor Amit Das Winter Carnival coincides with PDA Sachin Dev Singh + & , Yojana and sports. of Raipur, Mathpuraina, said the New Year celebrations amid Jamwal, KAS, Dy. Director + The major part of that he got information about snowfall season, which is a Tourism (Jammu) Anil Kumar 53 + Chhattisgarh’s population lives the steps being taken by state major attraction for the Chandail, KAS, ADT NHW- &5 in forest regions, where no government towards provid- tourists. The event was a con- Batote Dr Umesh Shan, KAS 2$% , - , mode of mass communication ing high-level health facilities fluence of local dogri art, eth- among other officials of the 88 : 5&#:,': , is available except radio. in government hospitals across nic cuisines, cultural perfor- Tourism Department, District + + Under these circumstances, the state. District President of mances and fun activities. Administration and Patnitop % 5 radio programme Lokvaani is Panchayat Saja, Omprakash The Director of Tourism, Development Authority. the only source of information Verma, said that Lokvaani has Jammu, RK Katoch, KAS, Large number of tourists about government schemes been started to communicate along with IGP Jammu from all over India, especial- and policies for people there. directly with the general pub- Mukesh Singh, IPS inaugurat- ly UP, Gujarat, Kolkata, People not only receive infor- lic of the state. ed the carnival. DIG Ramban Punjab, Karnataka thronged mation from the CM but also Social activist Santosh Doda Kishtwar range Abdul the main meadow and enjoyed asks direct questions regarding Verma said that through the Jabbar, IPS and SSP Ramban all the activities during the his vision and action plan for programme, Baghel patiently Haseeb-Ur-Rehman, KPS also said event. The tourists appre- future. The CM also gets the listens to the views and queries graced the occasion with other ciated the efforts of the direct feedback of the govern- of the people. He gives detailed dignitaries. The festival start- Tourism Department for re- ment schemes from the com- information about the work ed with local dogri kud dance starting the tourism activities mon people. People in various being done by the government and geetru performances in the region and making %', 1, cities eagerly wait for this for the betterment of agricul- among other engaging per- elaborate arrangements for #1< # 1<0 % : programme to be aired as it is ture sector and rural economy. formances by local artists. The the celebration of snow festi- 7. 5!.6,2?- ,1# an important platform for All the episodes of the radio- main attraction of the inaugur- val on New Year’s eve. There ',', 1 them to directly connect with talk have been saved as a doc- al day was the musical evening is a huge rush of tourists at 5!: ,2 - H the Chief Minister. ument on the website of Public along with song, dance and live Patnitop and the footfall has 2 #1<% : '+ 0 Vishnu Paikra, a tribal Relations Department DJ performance which was been increasing day by day. : + . =#52 farmer of the village http://dprcg.gov.in/. Their appreciated by all the tourists. However, the said event is : + Magarchaba in Balodabazar audio files as well as transcript The Directorate of being managed by the + # =# district, says that we listen to file are available on the web- Tourism, Jammu, in collabora- Tourism Department while . 7= =. 7 5 0 every episode of Lokvaani, site. The aired episodes can be tion with Patnitop observing and following all the 8880 L. =#L sometimes at home and other read and heard anytime any- Development Authority protocols which are in place times at the farm. He said that where. intended to showcase local art, regarding COVID-19. 5 L&12-,.12< 1L : 5 & here used to be a time admission process and ensure 0 &&1 0 ,&&$ ,$1$-' & Twhen patients who were DMF Sanjeevani establishes patient facilitation centre that they are admitted in 5 referred from Keonjhar to appropriate in-patient (IPD) SCB, Medical College and ward or department. &2 ,1& Hospital (MCH), Cuttack, understand the entire process partner agency to run the Accommodation Centre The referred patients are were completely on their own. of the hospital along with the entire project and a team of (AAC) was also established to generally critical in nature and + When the patients, along with pain and agony of their coordinators were put in place. provide overnight accommo- they require treatment for a their attendants, reached SCB, patients. People lost a lot of Under the project, a Patient dation and food (daily longer duration. In such cases, 0? , they had to first understand their valuable time and money Facilitation Centre (PFC) was allowance) for a maximum of the attendants go through a ? # &2 the cumbersome task of in the entire process. established at SCB to guide and two attendants per patient. tough time with no proper $ < 5 0 admissions in the hospital and This scenario is common provide logistical and hand- After the launch of the pro- facilities for them in the hos- 0 + . 0 , figure out different processes in almost all major hospitals holding support to in-patients ject in March 2020, the entire pitals. The ‘DMF Sanjeevani’ $ '?#&,3 + 53 for availing various health ser- across the country as many (IPDs) from Keonjhar and two referral process was reinvent- project has provided great relief + 0 vices. If you were an illiterate patients who are referred to of their attendants during their ed. The coordinators track to the patients and the atten- belonging to the rural areas of such hospitals are generally treatment at SCB. The dedicat- patients after being referred dants; and the services have 0 Keonjhar, the entire process unfamiliar with the place and ed team of patient facilitators from DHH/DSHs till the time been widely appreciated by , 5 was daunting. There was no surroundings, which adds to project called ‘DMF provide necessary guidance to of arrival at Cuttack. Once the the people of Keonjhar. The +#. 0,3 , helping hand for the poor and their misery. To address this Sanjeevani’, sanctioned for an the patients 24 hours a day and patients reach SCB, the coor- project has facilitated more 2 $ < 53 + the attendants of the patient problem, DMF Keonjhar came amount of 1.45 crores. throughout the year. Along dinators receive the patients than 1,100 patients since its + 53 had an additional burden to up with a unique and novel Karuna Trust was selected as a with the PFC, an Attendant and guide them in the entire launch. &5 $2 Q 45 " DJ
n the occasion of the 83rd emotional capabilities of stu- the way forward, he believes. Dr tributions made to the field of Obirth anniversary of the dents in the initial years and cre- Maharathi talked about recog- education. noted Parliamentarian and ate an entrepreneurial mindset nising the value of traditional The programme was Laureate Dr Shankar Dayal in high school. education in India that goes attended by over 500 people ew Delhi Municipal Singh, the Shankar Sanskriti The other panelists includ- beyond just academics. From from India and across the NCouncil (NDMC) in its Pratishthan hosted a webinar on ed Dr Pramath Raj Sinha, the crafts, handlooms and sculptors world, garnering participants meeting considered 37 propos- the topic of Education, Culture chairman of Harappa to traditional artisans, India from USA, UK, Germany, als under the chairmanship of and Samskara in his memory. Education, Dr Mahashweta has a huge talent pool that cur- France, Poland, Austria, Arvind Kejriwal, CM, Delhi. The programme’s chief guest, Maharathi, the secretary of rently remains untapped and Philippines and Australia. It was The council approved the fol- Manish Sisodia, Deputy Chief Rajgir Buddha Bihar Society, Dr must be made an essential ele- moderated by the son of Dr lowing proposals: Minister of Delhi, recalled his Bal Ram Singh, professor, ment of when we talk about Shankar Dayal Singh, Ranjan NDMC has been adjudged first meeting with Dr Singh at Institute of Advanced Sciences education. Dr Bal Ram Singh Kumar Singh, an author. It was as the National Cleanest the Rajbhasa Committee, when at Dartmouth, USA. also noted the historic signifi- live streamed in Patna and Capital in Swachh Survekshan Dr Singh was a celebrated writer Dr Sinha noted that even cance of India and its place in across different villages in Bihar 2020. The council has passed and a politician, while Sisodia though in-person education the world, stressing upon the using digital medium. Women a resolution for declaring was new to journalism. He has a lot of advantages, there is need for more mainstreaming from self help groups congregat- NDMC as a 7-star rated urban remarked what a coincidence it a lack of qualified and trained of traditional Indian knowledge ed at Kamta Seva Kendra in local body. was that today he was partici- teachers, especially in rural such as ayurveda and yoga. Deo, Aurangabad, the birth- The council has approved pating in a programme hosted India and in government-run Shankar Sanskriti place of Dr Singh, to pay their the proposal for payment of an in the memory of him, now as schools. The best way to ensure Pratishthan also congratulated regards and watch the pro- amount of 200 to the students a politician himself. In his quality education in such cir- Ranjit Singh Disale, the recent gramme live, a true demonstra- of class-10th and class-12th of address, he stressed the need for cumstances might be to teach recipient of Global Teacher tion of bridging urban divide NDMC/Navyug Schools policy measures that inculcate through technology. Digital is Award 2020 and noted his con- through the use of technology. towards data package cost through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for attending ith the year drawing to online teaching learning activ- ' ) Wa close, while tourism ities till the schools are closed. is still strongly impacted by ( ' 8 The council has approved the travel restrictions around the proposal for going ahead A " the world, Monaco 0 ) " 0 , 5 with redevelopment of Khan Government Tourist Market Community Centre Convention Authority is )" (KMCC), New Delhi. #8 76 ,"& 7# 56 ' sending its best wishes to The council has approved everyone who loves to trav- Playcolor Monaco. The first place on their shoes. for revision of renewal of el, whether they are already uses augmented reality to let Health License to five years familiar with the principali- users take selfies with Santa 7 from three years at present. $ * ty or are planning to visit Claus against a glittering ' This is in order to achieve ease once the crisis is over. backdrop or play with differ- In view of the ongoing of doing business for all trades he Minister of State for Tourism Throughout this very special ent personalities. The second health situation and the and mentioned under Section- Tand Culture (I/C), Prahlad Singh year, we have been keen to lets you become “master of resulting organisational 327 to 331 of NDMC Act Patel, took a review meeting of the stay in touch with tourists lights” by changing the restrictions, the principality 1994. Adopt A Heritage: Apni Dharohar, around the world. colours of certain illumina- will be unable to maintain The council has approved Apni Pehchaan project in New Delhi. such as cleanliness, safe drinking We hope more than ever tions. the Christmas village in its for sending a proposal to Secretary Tourism Yogendra Tripathi, water, light and sounds in the lesser- to welcome tourists again. traditional format. Instead, a Ministry of Home Affairs for DG Tourism Meenakshi Sharma, JS known monuments. Monaco is a place for festiv- much-reduced version has considering regularisation of Culture Sanjukta Mudgal, ADG The project, which runs under ities and fun! The principal- In Monaco, you can con- been set up at the Port of 63 contractual doctors by Tourism Rupinder Brar and represen- the Ministry of Tourism, ity gets decked out in its most tact Santa Claus himself by Monaco from December 4 to amending the existing tatives of Archaeological Survey of Government of India, is a collabora- twinkling attire for New email or letters sent via La January 3 with four attrac- Recruitment Rules of the India were present in the meeting. tive effort by the Ministry of Tourism, Year’s eve. But keeping in Poste Monaco. Every letter tions for children — hook-a- respective cadre of doctors A detailed presentation was given Ministry of Culture, Archaeological mind the ongoing pandem- will receive a reply! duck, the traditional (i.e. Allopathy, Ayurvedic about the present status and progress Survey of India and State/ UTs ic situation, Monaco is Carousel, a new merry-go- Physician and Homoeopathy at various monuments. Patel laid Government. It aims to encourage organising mini-islands of % round named Reindeer Ride, Physician). emphasis on timely completion of the companies from public sector, private festive joy for small gather- Don’t worry, avid skaters and another in the shape of The council has approved projects and asked the officials to sector, trusts, NGOs, individuals and ings or in the open-air. The scenes to admire from your a land of innovation, will have their fill of fun this a Christmas tree. the revision of remuneration of review the amenities proposed under other stakeholders to become principality is determined car or from behind a mask. Monaco is always keen to year! The ice rink remains Monaco is known for its salary and allowances to con- the MoUs in discussion with the Monument Mitras and take up the not to let the health crisis Nobody will be able to say explore new technologies open until March 7, 2021. In glittering reputation, be it the tractual doctors in NDMC as nodal departments from time to responsibility of developing and ruin the New Year celebra- that New Year has not been and the results are often addition to the main ice shine of the supercars to the per 7th CPC pay scales. time. upgrading the basic and advanced tions. That’s why Monaco is celebrated in style! highly impressive. This is rink, there is also a smaller shimmer of the The council has approved He said that the project is a well- tourist amenities at these sites as per looking to make advent a never truer than during the ice rink for children to dis- Mediterranean Sea via the the proposal for construction conceived initiative and hoped that their interest and viability in terms of truly festive period this year. ' festive season. Two interac- cover the joys of the ice, many luminaries residing of 160 Type-III Flats at Sector- by leveraging CSR, this would help a sustainable investment model under There will be illuminations tive applications are available accompanied by their par- here. New Year will be small- VI, Pushp Vihar, Saket, New in providing the basic amenities CSR. and traditional nativity True to its reputation as to the public: Playmagic and ents, with mini-skates to er but as festive as ever! Delhi (Composite work). B !"#$#$
WIMBLEDON CANCELLED ATHLETICS FINDS A NEW STAR
Wimbledon organisers scrapped the oldest Grand Slam tennis tour- nament for the first time since World War II because of coronavirus F1F1 $ $ pandemic impact. When pole vaulter Armand The only grasscourt major at Duplantis set a new world record of $$ $ London’s All England Club was due 6.18m in an indoor meet in Glasgow to run for two weeks from June 29, in February a week after clearing $ but tournament chiefs bowed to the 6.17m, the sport of track and field inevitable, saying in a statement on had a new star. The US-based April 1, that they had made the deci- Swede with the teen movie looks $ %> $ sion with “great regret”. then produced the highest outdoor Organisers had earlier ruled vault of all time (6.15m) and fin- * $ out playing the event behind closed ished the year undefeated in 16 doors while postponing it would competitions. $ $ also have created its own problems, with shorter days later in the English HAMILTON MATCHES %( $ nature event, the French Open tality at the US Open. After her first a female line judge in the throat. summer. SCHUMACHER’S RECORD which took place at a blustery match, she said she had prepared Djokovic immediately apologised $ $ Roland Garros in a rearranged late seven masks with the aim to reach but after a lengthy discussion, he was LIN DAN CALLS TIME September/early October slot. the final; and got the chance to sport disqualified, leaving the field open $ Inevitably, and without drop- them all as she banished her demons for Dominic Thiem. ping a set on the way, Nadal bull- to win a thrilling US Open final for $ %8 ' dozed his way to the final where he her third Grand Slam title. SWIATEK TAKES POLE POSI- met Djokovic who was keen to atone TION AT ROLAND GARROS for his mishap at Flushing Meadows. DJOKOVIC’S SENSATIONAL Iga Swiatek was ranked 54th in It was barely a contest with Nadal DISQUALIFICATION the world when she travelled to winning 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 to claim a 13th Roland Garros. Two weeks later, French Open title and match after seeing off Australian Open $ $ % Federer’s record of 20 major wins. champ Sofia Kenin in the final, the 19-year-old had risen to No 17 and #&> 558 "#>8 ' OSAKA SPEAKS OUT WITH had become the first Pole to win a HER MASKS Grand Slam singles title. $ F1F1 Naomi Osaka led the way for It was a breathtaking fortnight athlete activism in tennis in 2020 for Swiatek who capitalised on the with her stand for the Black Lives absence of world No 1 Ashleigh SEE YOU NEXT YEAR Matter movement. Barty and the early exit through Lin Dan, arguably the greatest In the biggest sporting causality She attended a peaceful protest injury of Serena badminton player of the 21st centu- of 2020, International Olympic in Minneapolis in the wake of Williams to become ry, announced his retirement from Committee and Tokyo 2020 George Floyd’s death, wrote an op- the youngest female the sport. Lin, who won two Olympic Organising Committee in a joint ed about racism and Black Lives singles winner Golds and five World titles, dominat- statement on March 24, postponed Matter and later joined the US since Monica ed men’s singles badminton for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 by Sports boycott. Memorably, she Seles in 1992. about a decade along with Malaysia’s an year . wore facemasks with different Lee Chong Wei. When Michael Schumacher Originally scheduled to be held names of black victims of police bru- Lin was at his best in the big bowed out of Formula One, few from 24 July-9 August 2020, the matches and was the kind of thought his record of 91 Grand Prix Games were moved to next year due World No 1 Novak Djokovic player who saved his best for wins and seven world champi- to the developing global situation in went into the US Open looking for the biggest moments. In an onships would ever be matched. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic. an 18th Major triumph in the eight year period between 2020, Lewis Hamilton did just that, However, they will retain the Tokyo knowledge that Roger Federer and 2006 and 2014, he won winning 11 of the 17 races to take 2020 name. Rafael Nadal were absent. Going almost every major final he his tally beyond Schumacher's The announcement came 122 into his fourth-round match against played in, including five record to 95, and equalling the days before the planned Opening 20th seed Pablo Carreno Busta, the Worlds, two Olympics and German's seven titles. Ceremony at the newly-built National Serb had not lost a singles match in two Asian Games Golds. The 35-year-old Briton certain- Stadium in the Japanese capital. LUCKY 13 TAKES NADAL TO 2020. He was particularly domi- ly benefitted from the outstanding While the Olympic Games have RECORD 20TH MAJOR It all went wrong though when nant against Lee Chong Mercedes car at his disposal but previously been cancelled during Rafael Nadal skipped the US the 33-year-old vented his frustra- Wei and Chen Long, who there is little doubt he has etched his wartime, this is the first postpone- Open but there was no way the tion after dropping his service by were easily the best players of name firmly among the greatest of ment of a Games. Spaniard was going to miss his sig- hitting a ball behind him, striking his generation besides him. his sport.
A>= A = =& when the last session grazed the stumps. But the began. pair batted on and on and ew Zealand beat Pakistan Fawad and Rizwan’s their endurance lifted Nby 101 runs in the first 6% stand had begun to seem Pakistan’'s spirits. cricket Test which ended very impregnable. They had Fawad was still able to late on the fifth day Wednesday, assembled a 50 partner- produce a full array of achieving their third straight man Naseem Shah to clinch the day began, more than enough almost five hours - taking Pakistan into ship from 132 balls, their shots. He reached his half win in three home Tests this win after Naseem and Shaheen for New Zealand to achieve the the final session with six overs still century stand from 270, century from 149 balls summer and taking a 1-0 lead Afridi had defied New Zealand seven wickets in needed for a intact. 150 runs together from early in the second ses- in the two-test series. for almost eight overs as the draw. For the batting side, a At that point the match seemed in the 328. Throughout the day sion, then his century - At the same time New number of balls remaining in long day stretched ahead and balance. New Zealand had taken only one there were moments of richly deserved - his 102 Zealand overtook Australia to the day dwindled. an effort an effort of enormous wicket - Azhar’s - in the first two sessions alarm or danger when the coming from 236 balls claim the No. 1 world ranking "For all money it was going character would be required to and that had become a remote memory ball beat the edge or with 14 boundaries. in Tests for the first time in its to be a draw until late in the survive the day. history. piece. A Pakistan win likely was The victory wasn’t the The final day didn’t unfold off the table even at the start. emphatic one New Zealand in quite the way New Zealand With more than 300 runs need- likely had envisaged when they had hoped or even begun to ed for victory on a wearing day came to the fifth day of a test expect when Trent Boult dis- pitch, an attempt to reach the match for the first time this sea- missed the overnight batsman winning target likely would son holding a sizeable advan- Azhar Ali (38) in the second have wise. tage. over of the day. Instead, Fawad and Rizwan Having been set 373 to win, The early blow seemed to put on 165 for Pakistan’s fifth Pakistan was 71-3 - still 301 make a quick resolution more wicket. More importantly, they runs behind - and the New likely. defied the New Zealand Zealand bowlers who had dis- But Fawad Alam and resistance a New Zealand test 90 overs to be bowled when the bowlers for 285 minutes - missed Pakistan for 239 in its Mohammad Rizwan, who has produced on its last day. first innings to give the home came together when Azhar In conditions which were side a 192-run lead, still held was out, took the script New never congenial for batting - the upper hand. Zealand had conceived for the the ball still occasionally reared Pakistan finally was out for day and almost turned it on its from a length or jagged from a 271 at 6.36 p.M. Local time head. crack in the Bay Oval pitch in with fewer than five overs left Far from capitulating Mount Maunganui - they bat- in the day’s play and a draw quickly, the fifth wicket pair ted through all of the first two beckoning. established a magnificent part- sessions and into the last to fuel Left-arm spinner Mitchell nership under pressure and Pakistan’s hopes a draw. Santner dismissed No. 11 bats- led one of the finest acts of There were a minimum of