Follow us on: RNI No. APENG/2018/764698 @TheDailyPioneer facebook.com/dailypioneer Established 1864 Published From ANALYSIS 7 MONEY 8 SPORTS 11 VIJAYAWADA DELHI LUCKNOW NO POWER IN NEW MUTATION OF VIRUS PULLS DOWN BOXING DAY TEST WILL BHOPAL RAIPUR CHANDIGARH THESE REFORMS INVESTOR WEALTH BY RS 6.59 LAKH-CR DECIDE SERIES FATE: BURNS BHUBANESWAR RANCHI DEHRADUN HYDERABAD *Late City Vol. 3 Issue 42 VIJAYAWADA, TUESDAY DECEMBER 22, 2020; PAGES 12 `3 *Air Surcharge Extra if Applicable

AVIKA GOR ON A ROLL { Page 12 } www.dailypioneer.com

India halts UK flights over deadly strain of Covid-19 n PNS NEW DELHI Does not appear to be The Government on Monday Big concerns over new UK virus Maharashtra Vaccine equally banned flights from the UK till December 31 over a new fast- deadlier: Vivek Murthy imposes effective against new spreading strain of the strain: is it resistant to vaccines? WASHINGTON: Indian-American physician Vivek Coronavirus in that country. LONDON: Faced with a newly emerging coronavirus mutation with Murthy, US President-elect Joe Biden's pick for mutant : CSIR DG The ban will start from "significantly faster" transmission rates, Britain on Saturday Surgeon General, has said there is no evidence night curfew Wednesday and all passengers announced tightened pandemic restrictions that returned London to suggest that a new and more contagious MUMBAI: Maharashtra has PNS n NEW DELHI arriving from the UK before and parts of the country to virtual lockdown and reversed earlier coronavirus variant reported in the UK is any imposed a night curfew - 11 then will be tested on arrival at promises for relaxed rules over the holidays. deadlier. Murthy, 43, said that there was no PM to 6 AM till January 5 - The coronavirus vaccines will be On alert, no need to airports. The new mutation, or variant, was first detected in southeast reason to believe that the for Mumbai and all municipal equally effective against the new "Considering the prevailing England in September and is quickly becoming the dominant strain coronavirus vaccines that have corporation areas, in view of mutant of the virus and there is panic: Govt situation in UK, the govern- in London and other regions in Britain. Experts said it does not already been developed would the mutated strain of no reason to panic, Council for ment of India has decided that appear more deadly or resistant to vaccines. not be effective against the coronavirus that has emerged Scientific and Industrial all flights originating from UK At a news conference from 10 Downing Street, British Prime new strain as well. "This news in the United Kingdom and Research Director General to India to be suspended till Minister Boris Johnson said the new variant "may be up to 70 from the UK appears to be caused several nations, Shekhar Mande said on Monday. December 31," said the aviation percent more transmissible" than previous versions of the virus about a new strain of the virus including India, to temporarily He said the transmissibility of 5 ministry after a joint monitor- here. "This is spreading very fast," he said, announcing local and that's more transmissible, more ban flights to and from that the new strain N501Y is a "bit ing group on Covid-19 met this international travel bans and other extreme measures for about 18 contagious than the virus we've seen country. Passengers from higher" but this does not mean morning to discuss the mutant million people in England beginning Sunday. prior to this," he said. European countries other it is more lethal and more peo- than the UK, or any in the Coronavirus that has spread 2 2 ple are going to die due to it. rapidly in the UK, sending Middle East, will be sent to "It is likely that there will be cases rocketing within days. any interjection of a SARS- Passengers on flights from 14-day institutional differences between certain Union Health Secretary enhanced epidemiological sur- tained decline in the number of CoV-2 variant virus through Britain arriving before midnight quarantine, and others must aspects like anti-bodies but it Rajesh Bhushan said the new veillance, enhanced contain- fresh Covid-19 cases for over passengers with air travel histo- tomorrow will be subjected to adhere to a similar period of doesn't necessarily mean that variant had an unusually large ment" and other measures to two months now, accompa- ry could pose critical risks for RT-PCR tests at the airport. home quarantine, vaccines will be ineffective. number of genetic changes and effectively tackle the challenge. nied by a decline in the num- pandemic management in 2 Vaccines will be equally effec- the development "calls for "India has been seeing a sus- ber of deaths. In this scenario, India," he said. 2 tive despite the mutation. Govt rethinks JV with NCC All sorts of petitions being filed The writing is on the wall for Mamata NCC Urban Infra proposes 97.2 acres prime property be made freehold by those in power: HC Judge Banerjee SNV SUDHIR ment buildings will be located, C PRADEEP KUMAR Court would decide whether n VIJAYAWADA NCC was offered 3 options is close to Madhurawada. n VIJAYAWADA he should continue hearing the Property demand in Madhu- case. The YSRCP government has PNS n VIJAYAWADA on December 19, 2016 to rawada and Kapuluppada is An emotional Justice Rakesh Adjourning the hearing to decided to appoint two reput- APHB requesting for amica- expected to soar once the exec- Kumar of the Andhra Pradesh December 28, the judge said 2 ed consultancy firms to re- Aggrieved by the termination ble settlement and has pro- utive capital functioning begins High Court on Monday that he has always worked for evaluate the project cost and of the joint venture deal, the posed three options – To in Vizag. expressed regret that he had to the system without bias or dis- revenue share of a joint venture developer has filed a writ make the land freehold after The present government’s hear such cases as the ‘Mission crimination of any kind. Naveen Patnaik extends project to develop 97.3 acres in petition (No. 202 of 2014) in receipt of revenue share move comes after NCC put Build AP’ case at the fag end Referring to the recusal peti- Madhurawada of Vizag, the pr- the AP High Court and payable to APHB; Return forth a proposal to provide of his career. tion filed by Mission Build AP support to farmers’ oposed executive capital. The obtained status quo orders on the amounts paid by them ‘freehold’ of this valuable land Expressing disappointment director Praveen Kumar, demand estimated market value of the January 3, 2014. along with interest at not less to it to withdraw a case the over the recusal petition filed Justice Rakesh Kumar said for MSP land is close to Rs 1,000 crore. The counter, along with a than 12 percent per annum company filed in the High by the State Government to get with power in hand, petitions 4 Significantly, the Governm- petition to vacate the stay was or to to execute revised devel- Court after the then state gov- him to withdraw from the of all sorts are being filed. ent is also evaluating the pro- filed as well as an expedite pe- opment agreement between ernment had cancelled the JV trial, Justice Kumar said that the Chief Justice of the High posal put forth by the private tition by APHB on August 6, APHB and the developer, agreement in 2013. 2 TODAY joint developer of the project 2015 and however the same duly incorporating the mutu- The joint venture agreement – NCC Urban Infrastructure is yet to come up for hearing. ally agreed terms and the was signed in 2007 with devel- ALMANAC Ltd – which will give ‘freehold’ In the meanwhile, the time lines for the implemen- opmental charges of Rs 93.2 AP to launch of this prime land to the reput- developer has submitted a tation of project. lakh per acre and also a mea- CM launches land Month & Paksham: ed infra firm. representation vide its letter gre 1.75 percent revenue share watershed Margashirsha & Shukla Paksha NCC Urban Infra Ltd is a 2 on residential development to Panchangam subsidiary of Nagarjuna Con- AP Housing Board joint devel- Tithi : Ashtami: 06:13 pm struction Company Group. location in Vizag where the Kapuluppada, where it is oper of the project from the survey project projects in Nakshatram: Uttara Bhadrapada: 01:37 am Currently, Madhurawada market value of an acre stands speculated that the Secretariat government side. (Next Day) region is the most-sought after at Rs 10 crore to Rs 12 crore. and other important govern- PNS n VIJAYAWADA rightful owner. five districts 2 PNS n VIJAYAWADA Time to Avoid: (Bad time to start Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister YS the Chief Minister said such any important work) Jaganmohan Reddy on an exercise was being taken up The State government is lau- Rahukalam: 02:59 pm – 04:21 pm PM, leaders greet Monday, incidentally his birth- after 100 years and was a his- nching the Rejuvenating Wa- Yamagandam: 09:30 am – 10:52 am Train derailment not sabotage day, laid the survey stone at toric event as the survey will tersheds for Agriculture Res- Varjyam: 09:40 am – 11:27 am Jagan on birthday Takkellapadu village near here check land grabbing and ease ilience through Innovative to symbolically launch the the process of registration, Development (REWARD) Gulika: 12:14 pm - 01:37 pm PNS n VIJAYAWADA · NIA suspected plot behind Hirakhand Express mishap comprehensive land resurvey sale, resale, transfer of and project in five parched dis- Good Time: (to start any important work) exercise – the YSR Jagananna other property-related trans- tricts and also the tribal belt Amritakalam: 08:18 pm – 10:05 pm Prime Minister Narendra PNS n NEW DELHI after the NIA stated in an FIR tongue rail". Shaswata Bhu Hakku Bhu actions which would here- in Visakhapatnam district of Abhijit Muhurtham: 11:52 am – 12:36 pm Modi and a host of leaders that it suspected "sabotage". The tongue rail – a nine- Rakshana. after be done at the Village the state, to be implemented greeted Chief Minister YS The Commissioner of Railway In his final report on the metre piece also called ‘switch As part of the programme, Secretariat level. A clear deed over the next six years. VIJAYAWADA Jaganmohan Reddy as he Safety has attributed the 2017 accident, the Commissioner of rail’ – is linked to both rails on every inch of land in the State will be given after the survey The total project cost is Rs WEATHER turned 48 on Monday. derailment of Hirakhand Railway Safety (SCR Circle) a track and helps a locomotive will be surveyed, using mod- and social audit to the right- 200 crore of which the World "Birthday greetings to Express in AP that left 40 dead Ram Kripal said the accident change directions. ern technology and give a ful owner. Bank will fund Rs 140 crore. Forecast: Sunny Andhra Pradesh CM Shri to a rail "fracture", three years occurred due to a "fracture of conclusive title deed to the The state government will Temp: 30/16 @ysjagan Garu. I pray that 2 2 spend Rs 60 crore. Humidity: 49% Almighty blesses him with a The Cabinet, at its meeting Sunrise: 06:42 am healthy and long life," Modi here last week, cleared the Sunset: 05:47 pm tweeted. project to be implemented in Current Weather Conditions 58% of milk samples found to be poor quality the four Rayalaseema districts Updated December 20, 2020 5:00 PM 2 of Anantapur, Chittoor, Kadapa and Kurnool besides National Milk Safety and Quality Survey finds antibiotics in 2.3% of the samples in AP Prakasam in south coastal AP. VANTAGE POINT -NNARSIM The tribal belt in Visakh- SUMIT ONKA quality of feed and rearing which showed noncompliance apatnam district will also be n VISAKHAPATNAM practices or due to dilution of in the range of 37 percent to 60 covered under the project. milk with water, but such non- percent with respect to quali- The project will be imple- While the detection of nickel in compliance in standardised ty and safety. mented in Karnataka and the milk samples by AIIMS and and processed milk is surpris- Andhra Pradesh is one of Odisha also, with the World other research institutes during ing. them. The sample data also Bank lending USD 178 mil- the investigation into the Eluru Of the 344 samples collect- indicates indiscriminate usage lion for the three states. mystery illness came as a ed from across Andhra of antibiotics in the states of The total project cost in the shocker, the fact that goes Pradesh, 193 were of poor Andhra Pradesh. In the State, three states is estimated to be unnoticed is that the National quality and seven were unsafe antibiotics were found in four $350 million. Efficient water Milk Safety and Quality Survey for consumption. The survey processed and three raw milk management, soil fertility had found the quality and was conducted by Food Safety samples. The tests were con- improvement, adoption of safety of milk falls short of and Standards Authority of ducted to check the presence of standard agricultural prac- compliance. India (FSSAI) and published in adulterants, pesticides, antibi- tices and enhancement of About 58 percent of the meter or standard. Both raw fat or low SNF (solids, not fat). 2019. otics and Aflatoxin M1 were cultivation are some of the samples, though safe, fall short and processed milk samples Such non-compliance in raw From 29 states and 7 UTs, tested. salient features of the pro- of one or another quality para- have failed on account of low milk could be either be due to there were about 17 states/UTs posed project. 2 TUESDAY | DECEMBER 22 2020 02 The writing is on the wall for Mamata Banerjee he BJP’s conquest of people did not welcome the party in Bengal. In the 2019 the anticipated results. In such a scenario, Mamata states across the country, BJP’s policies and Narendra West Bengal was a citadel of the Left General Elections, Moreover, political opted for a collision course Tincluding the northeast, Modi’s leadership and see from 1977 to 2011. In these 34 years, the BJP secured violence, goonda raj, with the Centre instead of did not happen in one day. through the politics of conspir- 18 seats out of TRULY corruption and cooperating with it to develop It’s one thing for the Jan acy being practised by the poverty increased in the state, 42 with a 40.62 appeasement of the state. Sangh’s metamorphosis into Opposition. agriculture development was on the vote share. SPEAKING minorities were on She prevented the CBI from the BJP and another for the The joining of prominent West Bengal the rise. questioning the police com- BJP to come to power in 2014 Trinamool Congress leader wane. At a time reforms are being was a citadel of the Because of the violence missioner over the various and conquer state after state Suvendu Adhikari and other implemented in the rest of the country, Left from 1977 to unleashed by TMC activists, scams. thereon. Congress and Left leaders, West Bengal stuck to its policies leading 2011. In these 34 years, pover- many parties dreaded fielding Goondaism in the state has Did anyone ever speculate including 10 MLAs, in the BJP to flight of industries to other states. ty increased in the state, agri- candidates against TMC can- increased to the point of BJP the BJP coming to power in in the presence of Union culture development was on didates in local body elections. national president JP Nadda Tripura, once a stronghold of Home Minister Amit Shah is the wane. At a time reforms are During the past nine years, being attacked when he visit- the Left? Did anyone predict no trivial development. TMC to the BJP has been others made sacrifices for the being implemented in the rest several scams surfaced in West ed the state recently. the BJP capturing all North- Suvendu Adhikari is no going on. sake of unity and integrity of Y SATYA KUMAR of the country, West Bengal Bengal, including the Sarada When the Union Home Eastern states? ordinary political activist; he West Bengal provides the country. BJP National Secretary stuck to its age old policies Chit Fund and Rose Valley Ministry summoned the state Did anyone predict the BJP had contributed his mite to favourable conditions for the Because of their achieve- leading to flight of industries Chit Fund scams worth thou- Chief Secretary and DGP, opening its account in bring Mamata Banerjee to spread of BJP’s ideology. ments, Jan Sangh could win to other states. sands of crores. Mamata Banerjee did not Telangana in the Lok Sabha power. His clout spreads over Historically, Hindutva forces in two Lok Sabha seats and nine cent of the vote share in 2011 Education, medical and CBI had to file cases against allow them to go to Delhi. She polls two years ago? at least 65 seats in six districts West Bengal have taken part in Assembly seats in the first-ever Assembly elections in Bengal, health and power supply are some TMC MPs too. Lakhs of also tried to prevent three IPS Can the pseudo-secularists of West Bengal. Such a leader national movements. General Elections in 1952. improved its tally to four seats the worst in Bengal, roads are people lost their life savings. officials from being shifted to deny that the BJP would joining the BJP reveals the Freedom fighter Veer When Modi led the BJP to and vote share to 10.16 per- even worse. Bihar is compar- Unemployment increased in the Centre on deputation. emerge stronger in West writing on the wall very clear- Savarkar is a personification of victory with a huge majority in cent. In many seats, the BJP atively better placed with more the state. The recent GHMC elec- Bengal and take the space ly. patriotism. Syama Prasad 2014, a socio-political and finished second. amenities. Corruption goes unchecked, tions held in Hyderabad indi- vacated by the Left parties? Ever since the right hand Mookerjee fought for Kashmir cultural renaissance took birth With the BJP securing 18 Unable to bear this, the while educated youth of West cate that the people are keen to The saffron party wouldn’t man of Mamata Bannerjee – through his Hindu in Bengal. percent of the vote share in the people of the state gave man- Bengal in their thousands are get rid of KCR, who is follow- have been able to expand its Mukul Roy – joined the BJP, Mahasabha, while That was why the BJP, Panchayat elections, it is clear date to Mamata. However, the migrating to other states and ing in the footsteps of Mamata base in almost all states if the migration of leaders from Nirmalchandra Chatterjee and which secured only 4.06 per- that the conditions favour the people of the state did not get countries for greener pastures. Banerjee. PM, leaders greet Train Vaccine logistics Jagan on birthday Give it in writing, NGT tells derailment PNS n HYDERABAD the issues raised by him by an Continued from Page 1 The AP govt independent committee. not sabotage Governor Biswabhusan A bench of the National informed the Responding to this, Justice Harichandan led the state in Green Tribunal comprising Ramakrishnan said that the Continued from Page 1 fine-tuned by Govt greeting Jagan. "My heartiest Justice Ramakrishnan and NGT that it was bench would record the felicitations and warm greet- expert member Sibal Das not carrying out explanation offered by coun- The broken piece was ings on your birthday.May Gupta on Monday directed sel for the AP government found near the accident site PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM the next phase. For the subse- includes a waiting room, vacci- Lord Jagannath and Lord the AP Government to submit any work on the that it was not carrying out and was handed over to the quent phases, 16.83 per cent nation room and observation Balaji shower their blessings an affidavit stating that it is project but was any work. NIA. The state government is fine- population of Krishna district room. for your happiness, good not carrying out any works on Justice Ramakrishnan also The CRS report makes tuning plans for Coronavirus alone was identified as that of During registration, the health and lead AP on path of Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation only doing prep- opined that there was scope no mention of the NIA FIR, vaccination in phases, and 50 years and above with co- recipients should provide any development and prosperity Project. aratory works that the officials would hide but says while the Civil deservingly so, the vaccine will morbidities. The authorities are one of the 11 identity cards so with your dynamic leader- The Green Panel was react- and conducting the facts. He also stated that Engineering Department of be first administered to working out the logistics that the regime is set for the sec- ship," the Governor said. ing to a Contempt of Court they will conduct checking if the East Coast Railway was Healthcare workers fol- of administration of ond dose. The entire data would Leader of Opposition N petition filed by one Gavinolla a study. they failed to satisfy the writ- "blameworthy", there was lowed by frontline the vaccine like stor- be stored in Covid Vaccination Chandrababu Naidu tweeted: Srinivas, a former sarpanch of ten explanation submitted by no official or any other per- workers. age, transportation, Intelligence Network (COVIN) "Birthday greetings to @ysja- Bapanpally village in Nara- the AP. son either "primary respon- In the next phase, training the staff system. gan garu. May you be blessed yanapet district of Telangana, Reacting to a petition filed sible" or even "secondary people aged 50 years and identifying the Krishna district Collector A with a long and healthy life". alleging that the AP Gover- whether the AP Government by one Thummalapally responsible" for the acci- and above with co- recipients. Md. Imtiaz said that the chance Jana Sena chief Pawan nment had violated the NGT has challenged its directions Srinivas alleging that the dent. morbidities will be Accordingly, cold of Covid resurgence couldn’t be Kalyan also extended his directions telling it not to take in the Supreme Court. Telangana state government The NIA has not yet filed given the vaccine, fol- chain facilities would ruled and people should follow birthday greetings to the CM. up any works on the project. Counsel Venkata Ramani has been going ahead with a chargesheet in the case. lowed by those aged below be established to store the Covid-appropriate behaviour TTD Chairman YV Subba Earlier, the AP government informed the bench that AP expansion of the Kaleswaram The 18448 Hirakhand 50 years with co-morbidities. vaccine between -2 to -8 degrees by wearing marks, using sani- Reddy along with Vedic pun- informed the NGT that it was would be a responsible gov- project disregarding the NGT Express, a scheduled passen- The general public will get C and Ice Linked Refrigerators tiser time and again and main- dits also reached the CMO at not carrying out any work on ernment and not challenge it orders not to take up such ger train from Jagdalpur to their vaccine shots last. (ILR)s are being set up in the taining social distance. Tadepalligudem where, after the project but was only doing in the Supreme Court. work without environment Bhubaneswar, derailed near Accordingly, an estimated districts. Transportation of the He said that the people in the Vedasirvachanam, Jagan was preparatory works and con- However, Sravan Kumar, permissions, the bench direct- Kuneru village in Vizian- 33,000 healthcare workers will vaccine and arrangement of district were following Covid presented with Theertha ducting a study. appearing for petitioner ed the petitioner to lodge a agaram of AP on January 21, be vaccinated in the first phase, session sites are also made. guidelines that enabled the gov- Prasadams, 2021 Calendar, Responding to this, the Gavinolla Srinivas, urged the complaint with the Union Jal 2017, killing 40 people and over 40,000 frontline workers in The session sites arrangement ernment to contain the virus. Diary and Seshavastram. NGT bench sought to know NGT to order an inquiry into Shakti Ministry. injuring 68 others. AP's active cases drop India halts UK flights over... Govt rethinks JV with NCC... Continued from page 1 Continued from Page 1 an order from the state govern- below 4,000 Those who test positive will be Big concerns over new UK virus... The then government had ment says. sent to institutional quarantine Continued from page 1 terminated the joint venture Accordingly, the govern- NCC was offered 3 options PNS n VIJAYAWADA while the rest will be asked to Wales and Scotland followed with their own tightened restrictions, includ- agreement due to delay in ment ordered that the present home-isolate for seven days. ing banning all but essential movement around the isle. Many countries grounding the project, among cost of the project, including Continued from Page 1 the 97.30 acres, 33 acres was Andhra Pradesh on Monday Canada, Saudi Arabia, and have reimposed tough social distancing measures as coronavirus cases other issues, as per a report the estimated saleable value of NCC Urban Infrastructure residential, 14.8 acres ‘hilly saw the addition of 214 fresh several European countries roared back in second and third waves. Britain, however, appears to be given by the Vigilance and areas of the project as on date, Limited was awarded the area’ and 49.5 acre was agri- Covid-19 cases, which have suspended flights from the first to point to a specific coronavirus variant for a surge in infec- Enforcement Department. will be evaluated by two reput- joint venture project for cultural and required change pushed its overall tally to the UK over the new strain, tions and the need to bring back the toughest measures."We have alert- Now, after almost seven years, ed valuers as per the develop- development of 97.30 acres at of land use to meet develop- 8,78,937, while the active believed to be 70 per cent ed the World Health Organization and are continuing to analyze the avail- the Jagan government that had mental standards. Madhurawada on payment of ment requirement of 90 per- cases skid below the 4,000 more infectious. British able data," said England's chief medical adviser, Chris Whitty. shifted focus to Vizag, has Upon valuation, the highest development fee at Rs 93.2 cent residential and 10 per- mark. Health Secretary Matt shown interest in reviving the of the project cost and the said lakh per acre besides pay- cent commercial. Change of The latest bulletin said 422 Hancock says "the new vari- project. saleable value is to be consid- ment of revenue share at land use of hilly area of 14.80 patients recovered and two ant is out of control". “The Government, consid- ered. 1.75 percent from residential acres was approved July 7, more succumbed in the 24 Much is unknown about Does not... Maha imposes.. ering the initiative in boosting The Revenue share will be and 2 percent from commer- 2009. Change of land use of hours ending 9 am on the strain, but experts say Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 development of assessed and collected on both cial development. an agriculture area of 49.5 Monday. The active cases current vaccines should still "While it seems to be more the state government said late residential/commercial pro- residential at 3.5 percent and Accordingly, a develop- acres was approved on dipped to 3,992 after a total be effective against it. Health transmissible, we do not have Monday evening, after Chief jects to cater to the ever-grow- commercial at 4 percent as per ment agreement was con- September 6, 2014. of 8,67,867 recoveries and Minister Harsh Vardhan said evidence yet that this is a more Minister Uddhav Thackeray held a ing needs of the people in the the development agreement cluded on March 16, 2007 Meanwhile, the Vigilance 7,078 deaths, it said. the government was fully deadly virus to an individual who meeting to discuss the mutant State, and considering the time conditions taking into consid- and power of attorney was & Enforcement conducted All districts reported less alert about the new strain and acquires it," Murthy said. virus strain. Earlier today the centre that may be taken in the adju- eration the highest valuation executed on February 4, 2010 an inquiry and submitted an than 50 new cases each as a stressed "there's no need to Several countries have announced announced a ban on all flights from dication of the pending matter with 20 percent extra over to undertake development alert note on June 23, 2012. total of 40,295 samples were panic". restrictions on UK travel and the UK till December 31. The ban before the High Court, has and above the Revenue share prior to the effective date. Accordingly a show cause tested. Guntur and Krishna There had been calls to ban suspended flights amid growing will start Wednesday and all decided to consider the offer of so arrived. As there was a delay in notice was issued by the reported one coronavirus flights from the UK since concerns of an "out of control" new inbound passengers from the UK the developer who expressed “The land will be made free- commencement of all the APHB to the developer on death each in a day, the bul- Sunday. Delhi Chief Minister variant of coronavirus spreading at before then will be administered his interest to seek amicable hold after receipt of revenue joint venture projects, the the events of default. letin added. Arvind Kejriwal tweeted a much faster pace in parts of RT-PCR tests on arrival. Those who settlement for making the land share payable to APHB, subject revenue share was doubled APHB obtained a legal The state so far completed Monday morning: "New England. It is thought the variant test positive will be sent to freehold after receipt of to withdrawal of Writ Petition and revised revenue share opinion on November 30, a sum of 1.13 crore sample mutation of coronavirus has either emerged in a patient in the institutional quarantine and the rest Revenue share payable to No 202 of 2014 filed before the was set at 3.5 percent from 2012 on the recommenda- tests, at the rate of 2,11,631 emerged in the UK, which is UK or has been imported from a will be asked to home-isolate for APHB, subject to withdrawal High Court and payment of residential and 4 percent tions of Vigilance which per million population, with a super-spreader. I urge the country with a lower ability to seven days. Union Health Minister of Writ Petition filed and pay- revenue share and cost of the from commercial develop- opined that the dispute reso- an overall infection positivi- Central government to ban monitor coronavirus mutations. Dr Harsh Vardhan has assured ment of revenue share and cost LIG Houses as assessed,” said ment. lution mechanism shall be ty rate of 7.78 per cent against all flights from the UK imme- "The bottom line is, it does not people the government has the of the LIG Houses as assessed,” the government. As per the Master Plan, of invoked before termination. the national average of 6.20 diately." change what we do in terms of situation under control and "there is per cent. precautions as individuals,” he said. no need to panic". CM launches All sorts of petitions being filed VIJAYAWADA land survey BULLION RATES 58% of milk samples found GOLD project by those in power: HC Judge ` 51, 380 (10 gm) ` 330 to be poor quality... Continued from Page 1 Continued from Page 1 government, with National properties to fund the Mission SILVER Building Construction Build. During the hearing, ` 73, 700 (1kg) Continued from Page 1 but are added to raise the able substances not intention- The survey aims to avoid The case refers to the deci- Corporation (India) Limited, a Justice Rakesh Kumar asked ` 2200 level of fat and SNF of milk. ally added but unavoidably prolonged litigations and land sion of the YSRCP Navratna Central Public Sector counsel appearing for the State As many as 132 of the sam- This is not acceptable. present owing to environmen- grabbers creating disputes Government to auction nine Undertaking under the Government if there was a ples tested were of processed The survey did not find tal contamination or food pro- and manipulating land parcels of land as part of its Ministry of Housing and Urban financial emergency in the CHICKEN milk and 60 were raw. Total any non-compliance on duction and handling practices records as they are being ‘Mission Build AP’ initiative to Affairs, is auctioning vacant country. “Is there such a situ- RATES `/KG non-complaint sample due to account of other parameters and/or adulterants (substance looked after by four different promote infrastructure devel- government land parcels ation that the state should sell quality concern was 38.4 per- such as cellulose, glucose, not legally allowed but added departments without any opment and mobilise through e-auction on an ‘as is its assets?” the judge asked. Dressed/With Skin `157 cent. Non-compliance for fat starch and vegetable oil. to food by unscrupulous ele- common thread. The survey resources. The reserve price of where is’ basis in phases”. On August 27, the High Without Skin `178 was 17.2 percent, SNF was 52.6 The survey concluded that ments for undue profits) find will be conducted by the these land parcels was fixed at To implement the Build AP Court had stayed the sale of Broiler at Farm `108 percent, Maltodexgtrin was the problem of adulteration their way into milk. This may State Government in Rs 208.62 crore and land Mission, the state government two out of the six sites that the 13.7 percent and sugar was and unsafe milk exists, but it is sometimes result in milk qual- Association with Survey of parcels in Visakhapatnam and constituted a state-level mon- State Government wanted to 11.7 percent. confined to certain locations ity or safety issues. India and departments con- Guntur were to be used to fund itoring committee, headed by sell through e-auction to fill its EGG On the other hand, 2.3 per- and in peak season. The desired approach to cerned of the State. the State Government’s flag- the Chief Minister, and issued coffers. These two properties RATES cent of the samples were non- A few reputed internation- ensure food/milk safety is to The survey will be taken ship programmes such as GO Ms No. 447 in this regard. were the 75 cents of land on `/100 compliant samples with safety al researchers also find that make all the possible efforts up in three phases after Navaratnalu and Nadu-Nedu. Expressing incredulity at the premises of District VIJAYAWADA 499 issue due to presence of antibi- nickel cannot be a natural during all the stages of food almost 100 years in a fool- The rest would have been used the decision, the High Court Training Centre in Chinagadili HYDERABAD 500 otics and Aflatoxin M1. constituent of milk. production and handling that proof manner by partnering to develop infrastructure in the wondered if there was a finan- mandal of Visakhapatnam dis- The processed milk was Despite most sincere efforts, the levels of contaminants in with the Survey of India and State, an official release had cial emergency in the country. trict and also the sale of one VISAKHAPATNAM 480 found to have maltodextrin there remains a possibility that food at the time of consump- appointment of over 16,000 said. The High Court was hearing a acre land in Armed Reserve RETAIL PRICE `4.99 and sugar. These are not unsafe certain contaminant undesir- tion are below safe levels. surveyors. The release said that “the AP plea pertaining to the sale of Police Quarters. (IN VIJAYAWADA)

Although every possible care and caution has been taken to avoid errors or omissions, this publication is being sold on the condition and understanding that information given in this publication is merely for reference and must not be taken as having authority of or binding in any way on the writers, editors, publishers, and printers and sellers who do not owe any responsibility for any damage or loss to any person, a purchaser of this publication or not for the result of any action taken on the basis of this work. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent court and forums in Delhi/New Delhi only. Readers are advised and requested to verify and seek appropriate advice to satisfy themselves about the veracity of any kind of advertisement before responding to any contents published in this newspaper. The printer, publisher, editor and any employee of the Pioneer Group's will not be held responsible for any kind of claim made by the advertisers of the products & services and shall not be made responsible for any kind of loss, consequences and further product-related damages on such advertisements.

Printed and published by B Krishna Prasad for and on behalf of CMYK Printech Ltd., Phone: 040-23322341, Hyderabad Office: F-502, Diamond Block, Lumbini Rockdale, Somajiguda, Hyderabad - 500 082. Telangana. Printed at Sree Seshasai Enterprises, Plot No.19, IDA Balanagar , Hyderbad-500037, Medchal -Malkajgiri District, Telangana. Chief Editor: Chandan Mitra. Resident Editor: B Krishna Prasad, AIR SURCHARGE of Rs 2.00. TUESDAY | DECEMBER 22, 2020 03

DGP Sawang YSRCP cadres relish cake opens CCPWC centre virtually on party chief’s birthday PNS n VIJAYAWADA Andhra Pradesh DGP PNS n VIJAYAWADA Goutam D Sawang virtually inaugurated the new Cyber Prime Minister Narendra Crime Prevention against Modi, Vice-President M Women and Children Venkaiah Naidu, Chief (CCPWC) training centre in Ministers of neighbouring Anantapur from Mangalagiri states, Governor Biswabhusan DGP office. CID ADG Sunil Harichandan were among Kumar IPS was present at the those who greeted Chief virtual inauguration of Minister YS Jagan Mohan CCPWC centre. Reddy on his birthday. Speaking on the occasion, He cut the cake at the Camp he said, "Best training will be Office to celebrate the event given to cops using latest Lammasingi shivers, records amid his cabinet colleagues, technology to trace the cul- officials, well-wishers, while prits at the training centre. the Tirumala priests chanted The DGP hailed the AP vedic hymns and blessed the Police (CID Division) officers season's lowest temperature Chief Minister. for setting up the training Prime Minister Narendra centre for cops. The main PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM The officials of Regional perature at Chintapalle was Modi, Governor Biswabhusan objective of CCPWC centre is Agriculture Research Station around 9.5 degrees Celsius. Harichandan, Opposition to have an effective mecha- Known as Andhra Pradesh's (RARS) at Chintapalli in Vizag We are expecting that the leader Nara Chandrababu nism to handle cyber crimes Kashmir, Lammasingi record- Agency record the tempera- temperature will further dip in Naidu, film actors and others against women and children. ed this winter season's lowest ture. They also calculate the the coming days and it may took to twitter to greet the AP Police Seva App temperature, hovering around temperature of surrounding touch to around 4 degrees Chief Minister on his birthday. tricycles and fruits to patients enables registration of com- 5 degree Celsius on Monday. areas of Lammasingi and Celsius by December 2020, 'Birthday greetings to Record set in blood donation in hospitals. plaints online and monitor With people preferring to Tajangi by deducting 1 to 2 Rao added. Andhra Pradesh CM Shri At the camp office, Deputy follow-up action by police visit the local picturesque degree Celsius from the tem- The locals have been @ysjagan Garu. I pray that PNS n VIJAYAWADA adequate blood with this blood Chief Minister Darmana and 80 other services. places in view of the Covid-19 perature at RARS. appealing to the visitors to Almighty blesses him with a donation programme. The health Krishna Das, Ministers Sunil Kumar IPS AP CID, pandemic, the Vizag Agency As there is no weather sta- keep the surroundings clean healthy and long life," the The YSRCP has set a world officials are coordinating with Peddireddy Ramachandra Additional DGP CH Dwarka areas are witnessing a good tion of India Meteorological by not littering the liquor Prime Minister tweeted. record with 34, 723 people other state functionaries to store Reddy, Balineni Srinivasa Thirumala Rao IPS Railways, inflow of tourists. Department (IMD) at bottles, plastic bags and glass- "My heartiest felicitations donating blood in just eight hours blood units safely. Government Reddy, Adimulapu Suresh, Ravi Shankar IPS Additional The mercury level has been Chintapalli, the weather es, and others. The tiny trib- & warm greetings on your on the occasion of Chief Minister Advisor (Public Affairs) Sajjala Pineni Viswarup, Vellampalli DGP Law and Order, Bala falling drastically in many equipment (Automatic al hamlets - Lammasingi, Birthday @ysjagan YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's Ramakrishna Reddy said YSRCP Srinivas, MPs Vemireddy Subrahmanyam IPS parts of the Agency particu- Weather Station) at RARS Tajangi and Yerravaram @AndhraPradeshCM. May birthday. Representatives of the has organised the mega blood Prabhakar Reddy, Alla Additional DGP, Shri Sunil larly at Lammasingi, Tajangi, Chintapalli authenticates the waterfalls under Chintapalle Lord Jagannath & Lord Balaji Wonder Book of Records donation camp to support health Ayodhya Rami Reddy, Chief Kumar Nayak IPS Rayalase- and few other areas under temperatures at Chintapalli. mandal have emerged as the shower their choicest blessings International, who certified the sector during the times of Secretary Nilam Sawhney, ema, Hari Krishna IPS, Hari Chintapalli mandal for the Associate Director of most sought after places for on you for your happiness, record, had presented the citation pandemic. Municipal Minister DGP Goutam Sawang, Kumar IPS Retired, Retired past two days. Research, RARS, Chintapalli, the youngsters during the good health & lead and a medal to Government Botsa Satyanarayana, Additional Secretary to the IPS officer Muralikrishna, The youngsters from Vizag Dr G Rama Rao said that winter as the hilly areas have #AndhraPradesh on path of Advisor (Public Affairs) Sajjala Endowments Minister Vellampalli Chief Minister K Dhananjay Nagendra Kumar IPS officer and other parts of the region Chintapalli shivered at 6.5 unique features of chilling development & prosperity with Ramakrishna Reddy at the Party Srinivas, MLA Usha Sri Charan, Reddy were among those who and Anantapur SP Babu and are thronging these places to degrees Celsius, the lowest so weather and thick cover of the your dynamic Leadership" the Central Office. A total of 278 YSRCP Leader Lella Appireddy, greeted the Chief Minister. other senior officials were witness the cool and foggy far this season on Monday. On fog till 10 am during the win- Governor has tweeted. blood donation camps were Skill development corporation Celebrations were held at present. weather conditions. Sunday, the minimum tem- ter season. Lok Sabha Speaker Om setup in 175 constituencies in AP, chairman Challa Madhusudan Party Central Office. Birla, Minister of Micro, Small Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. As Reddy, Special representative for Government Advisor (Public and Medium Enterprises, Nitin many as 34,723 people donated North America Pandugayala Affairs) Sajjala Rama Krishna Gadkari, Union Education 12,153 litres of blood. YSRCP Rathnakar, Sridhar Reddy, Reddy MLC Ummareddy Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal, have decided to organise blood Naryana Rao ( Redcross ) and Venkateshwarlu, Skill Bhu Raksha to help YSRCP men grab lands: TDP MP Parimal Nathwani, British donation camps as part of CM the representatives of World Development Corporation PNS n VIJAYAWADA Pattabhi cautioned the land The TDP spokesman recalled online property records every Deputy High Commissioner Jagan's birthday celebrations as Book of Records International Chairman Challa and property owners to be vig- how YSRCP minister week. If they notice any foul for Andhra Pradesh & there was severe shortage of Bingi Narendra Goud, Vijaya Madhusoodhan Reddy for- TDP spokesman Kommareddy ilant as the YSRCP leaders were Gummanuru Jayaram tried to play, people may contact the Telangana Andrew Fleming, blood in the blood banks due to Lakshmi, Veeru Mama, Dr.P mally launched blood donation Pattabhi on Monday raised getting ready to change online change names in the records to local TDP leaders who would Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Covid-19 pandemic. All the blood Eshwar and De D. Bhandari were camp and distributed clothes to apprehensions that the YSRCP property records overnight in take over 204 acres in Kurnool give all the required support to Edappadi K Palaniswam, banks in the state received present. orphans, sarees to women and government could use the 'YSR order to grab their assets. district recently. save their property, he assured. Karnataka Chief Minister B.S tricycles to differently-abled Jagananna Saswatha Bhu The government was trying The TDP showed proof of He said that the TDP govern- Yediyurappa, Telangana IT people. Parliamentary Party Raksha Pathakam' to encourage to begin property registrations this, but the Chief Minister has ment had started the Bhuseva Minister Kalvakuntla Taraka and others extended their Minister on a grandscale across leader, V Vijaya Sai Reddy, par- litigations in the name of re-sur- at grama secretariats itself only not taken any step against the project, in 2018 itself, under Rama Rao, Film actors greeting to the Chief Minister. the state by cutting cakes, ticipated in the birthday cele- vey and resort to land settle- with an ulterior motive to help minister till now. which unique identification Nagarjuna Akkineni, Mahesh YSRCP cadres celebrated organising blood donation brations of the Chief Minister ments in a large scale all over the the ruling party leaders to loot If this situation continues, numbers were given to every Babu, Chiranjeevi Konidela the birthday of the Chief camps, distributing clothes, at Vishakapatnam. state. property of private persons. people will have to check their property and land. MLA: Frontline SHORT TAKES Release schedule warriors deserve Durgesh Dubey assumes charge first shot of vax as VPT deputy chairman for recruitment, SPNS n VIJAYAWADA VISAKHAPATNAM: Durgesh Repalle MLA and TDP leader Kumar Dubey assumed Anagani Satya Prasad on charge as the Deputy fill posts: TDP Chairman of Visakhapatnam Monday made a strong plea Port Trust on Monday. PNS n VIJAYAWADA to only YSRCP activists. He to the YSRCP government to Dubey is an Officer of Indian asked the Chief Minister to give priority to frontline war- Railways Traffic Service from TDP leader Dr Saptagiri give suitable jobs to youth if he riors like doctors, police, 2006 batch. He has worked Prasad on Monday appealed to really considered his manifesto journalists and health work- in various capacities under Chief Minister YS Jagan as the Bible, the Quran and the ers while administering vac- Government of India. He Mohan Reddy to provide suit- Bhagavadgita. cine for Covid-19. served as Divisional able jobs to educated youth to The YSRCP is spending In a letter written to Chief Operations Manager during fulfil the promise he made public money worth Rs 4,000 Minister YS Jagan Mohan the year 2008-2011 in during Padayatra and which crore every year to pay its 4 Reddy, Satya Prasad stressed Bilaspur. During the year was also included in election lakh activists working as vol- the need for covering all the 2011-2013, he served as Area Manager at Prayagraj and Senior manifesto. unteers and secretariat staff. frontline workers in the first Divisional Commercial Manager at Jhansi from 2014-17. He was Accusing the Chief Instead of celebrating his month of the vaccination serving as Deputy Chief Operations Manager (Coaching), North Minister of betraying the birthday on a grand note, the drive. The AP government Central Railways, Prayagraj till date. unemployed youth by not CM should fulfil his promis- has proposed to administer releasing the annual job calen- es. If Jagan Reddy fails to ful- over 1 crore doses in one dar in January 2020, Dr fil his promise, the same youth month once it gets the vac- Revenue JAC celebrates VMC Commissioner V Prasanna Venkatesh inspecting the development works at Rajiv Gandhi Park on Monday Prasad demanded that the who brought him to power cine supply from the Central government should release would remove him from job, government. Village Secretariat Day the job calendar in the com- he warned. He said that doctors, health ing January 2021. Stating that the YSRCP also workers, police, media per- VIJAYAWADA:: AP Revenue Association JAC Chairman VS Divakar Rajiv Gandhi Park to get a facelift The TDP leader bemoaned cheated contract and out- sons and sanitation staff Reddy on Monday credited Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy that unemployed youth voted sourcing employees, Dr deserved first doses as they with establishing village and ward secretariat system for providing PNS n VIJAYAWADA The commissioner instruct- take measures to develop for Jagan Mohan Reddy Saptagiri said that Jagan Reddy have been risking their lives better services to common man. The JAC leaders celebrated the ed the officials to take mea- greenery in the park by plant- believing that he would fill 2.3 promised of making their ser- to save lives of others ever birthday of Jagan on a grand note at association office on Monday. VMC Commissioner V sures to set up games equip- ing beautiful and attractive lakh jobs. "Jagan ignored his vices permanent. since the first case surfaced in A cake was cut celebrating Village Secretariat Day on the occasion. Prasanna Venkatesh on ment for children in the park. plants to create a pleasant poll promise and filled only Contract and outsourcing March this year. Addressing the gathering, Diwakar said CM was working relentlessly Monday visited Rajiv Gandhi He inspected the pathway and ambiance for the visitors low-paid volunteer jobs. employees who have been The TDP MLA told the for the welfare of common people. JAC state general secretary Park and inspected the devel- told the workers to complete besides providing a parking lot Moreover, the volunteer jobs working for 10 to 20 years Chief Minister that there was Abdul Razzak said that the CM has provided lakhs of jobs to the opment works going on in the the works at the earliest. at the dismantled sheds. are also given only to ruling trusted the CM blindly. But he also an urgent need for unemployed youth in the state through village and ward volunteer park. He instructed the offi- Asking the staff to restore ADH in-charge officer and YSRCP goondas and rowdies," has removed 1.5 lakh staff. increasing the vaccine storage system. He said that the association would support the CM who has cials concerned to complete water fountain and bridge, he zonal commissioner B he said. Even the existing outsourcing capacity from the existing implemented various schemes for the poor in the state. State the development works at the instructed them to follow rain- Sumaila, executive engineer YSRCP MP Vijaya Sai employees are being paid half 1.46 lakh litres to 3 lakh president Rajesh said that CM realised Mahatma Gandhi's dream of earliest and ensure a pleasant water harvesting method to Srinivas, Dy engineer Naga Reddy himself said that 90 per of their salaries ranging from litres in the state to avoid Grama Swarajam by setting up village and ward volunteer system. ambiance to the visitors of the drain rainwater Varaprasad and others were cent of the grama and ward Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 per problems in meeting the full Association leaders KR Surya Rao, A Rao and others were present park. He directed the officials to present. secretary posts would be given month. requirements. on the occasion. ‘Hawala' racket busted: Vijayawada railway division saves big using solar power 2 held, Rs 1 cr seized VISAKHAPATNAM: In a joint operation, Special Enforcement Bureau PNS n VIJAYAWADA Ramana gave a PowerPoint 13.97 lakh. and City Task Force personnel raided a lodge near Vizag Railway presentation on the usage of Solar water heaters supply Station and claimed to have busted a suspected hawala racket seiz- V Venkata Ramana, Sr DEE, solar energy in Indian about 60,200 litres of hot ing Rs 1 crore from two persons hailing from Hyderabad on Vijayawada, said that Railways and explained the water every day to inmates of Monday. They accused were identified as Raj Purohit Bharat Kumar Vijayawada division was sav- various ways of exploring running rooms, retiring (30) and Chota Ram, both residents of Abids in Hyderabad. ing Rs 2.04 crore per year by solar power for different types rooms, rest houses, hospitals, Giving details of the case, ACP Prem Kajal said Bharat Kumar and using solar power for water of electrical purposes. etc saving 16.22 lakh units Chota Ram were doing electrical works for a builder Pralabh Bhai, a heating, pumping, streetlights, He said that Energy worth Rs 1.36 crore. construction contractor in Hyderabad. On instructions from Pralabh, light pipes, etc. Conservation Week is cele- About 25 pumpsets are both came to Visakhapatnam, to collect money from one Raju at By adopting various energy brated to create awareness working on solar energy dur- Duvvada. After collecting Rs 1 crore, Bharat Kumar and Chota ram conservation measures, the among the people, staff and ing day saving 3.0 lakh units checked in a lodge near railway station waiting for train to proceed division saved 40,01,047 units family members of Railway worth Rs 27.27 lakh. to Hyderabad. On tip off, the City Task Force personnel and Town -II of electrical power during employees on energy conser- About 102 solar streetlights police raided the lodge and took them into custody as they failed to 2020-21 amounting to Rs 3.58 vation, global warming and are installed at different loca- provide sufficient proof for the source of the money Two mobile crore. As part of Energy con- climate change. tions saving 0.44 lakh units phones were also seized from them and the investigation is on. servation week, various activ- The solar projects complet- worth Rs.4.05 lakh. Seven LC In another incident in the same area, both the police and SEB staff ities are organised by sporting ed in the division were inte- gates are based on solar power raided a lodge and caught two persons who were in possession of energy conservation slogans, grated photo-voltaic (BIPV) with 6.22KWp plants to silver ornaments weighing about 29.5 kg. They were taken into conducting seminars and solar plant of capacity 65KWp rooftop solar panels on build- Godavari of 10KWp capacity KCC totaling to 10KWp, save ensure uninterrupted power custody and produced before a mandal executive magistrate for meeting with users, besides installed on PF No. 4&5 of ings, saving 1.38 lakh units at each station save 0.49 lakh 0.098 lakh units worth Rs supply for safe running of further investigation. They were identified as Suhan Singh and explaining the conservation Vijayawada Station saving 1.06 worth Rs 12.59 lakh installed units of electrical bill per 0.83 lakh. trains since these gates are Himmat Singh of Rajasthan and worked as delivery boys for one CS measures to occupants of lakh units per annum, i.e Rs with an expenditure of Rs1.14 annum i.e Rs 4.77 lakh. Solar plants of 150KWp on prone to prolonged power Rathod, a jeweller in Vijayawada. The SEB and CTF sleuths also quarters. 8.18 lakh with an investment crore. Two solar trees each of platform shelters at Tenali interruptions of rural feeder, arrested one J Gaurav and seized 100 kg of ganja under Duvvada As part of the Energy of Rs 60 lakh. Energy neutral stations - capacity 5KWp installed at and Nidadavolu stations save saving 0.12 lakh units worth police station. The car in which the contraband was hidden was also Conservation week, Venkata The division has R137 KWp Kadiyam, Dwarapudi and ETTC / BZA and MDTC / 1.65 lakh units worth Rs Rs 1.15 lakh. seized. TUESDAY | DECEMBER 22, 2020 nation 04 Sena links Ram temple fund Naveen Patnaik extends support drive to LS polls; BJP refutes PNS n MUMBAI to farmers’ demand for MSP The Shiv Sena on Monday alleged that the mass contact PNS n BHUBANESWAR initiative to collect funds from Odisha the public for the Ram temple Odisha's ruling Biju Janata Dal construction in Ayodhya is supported farmers demand for cabinet meeting akin to "canvassing" for the Minimum Support Price and chaired by 2024 general elections in the resolved to fight for implemen- name of Lord Ram. tation of M S Swaminathan Chief Minister The BJP, however, dismissed Committee report on the issue. Naveen Patnaik the charge, saying it is not a The party stated that inclu- political issue for the party, and sive development of the farm- approved a accused the Shiv Sena of lay- ers has always been a key focus proposal to ing roadblocks earlier in the of the BJD government in the demand the bhoomi pujan of Ram temple Yatra' taking the campaign state. construction and now by cre- Dismissing the across the country, while "Our party is with the farm- Centre to ating hurdles in the donation "hammers came down" on the ers on MSP issues and we will implement initiative "in which people are allegations, tomb of Babri Mosque through continue our fight for the same participating voluntarily". BJP accused the inspiration of Shiv Sena's Swaminathan as per the Swaminathan An editorial in Sena mouth- Shiv Sena of founder late Bal Thackeray, it Committee recommenda- committee piece 'Saamana' said it was said. "This is the history. But tions," the party said in one of never decided that the grand laying today, Ayodhya's Ram temple recommendations the resolutions passed at its temple will be constructed roadblocks is becoming a subject of own- state executive commnittee on MSP through public donations, and ership rights," it alleged. meeting that ended last political campaigning in the earlier in the Talking to reporters here on evening. name of Lord Ram has to be bhoomi pujan Monday, Shiv Sena MP and The Odisha cabinet had at a stopped at some point of time. Saamana's Executive Editor recent meeting chaired by The party has expelled "But, the issue of public of Ram temple Sanjay Raut said, "It is the insult Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Panigrahi, once a close aide of donations is not simple. It is construction of Lord Ram and Hindutva if approved a proposal to the chief minister, from the Group of farmers sit on relay political," it alleged. donations are sought in the demand the Centre to imple- BJD following his alleged Shri Ram Janmabhoomi and now by God's name, going door-to- ment Swaminathan committee involvement in the job scam. fast against farm laws in UP Teerth Kshetra Trust's gener- creating hurdles door." recommendations on MSP. The opposition parties are al secretary Champat Rai last sWithout naming any party, The Naveen Patnaik-led attacking the BJD government PNS n FATHEPUR (UP) Bindki Satyendra Singh said. week said the trust is going to in the donation he also called for stopping the party has opposed the Farmers' on the issue. Bablu said that the new farm start a mass contact and con- initiative "political drama" in the name Produce Trade and Commerce The party would will fight group of 11 farmers here laws are "death warrant" for tribution campaign across the of the Lord Ram. (Promotion and Facilitation) against the centre's "negligence Asat on an indefinite relay the farmers and they will country for construction of the The temple is being con- Act, Farmers (Empowerment and negative attitude" towards fast against the three agri protest it till they are temple. The temple will be asked who the volunteers (for structed after court order. The and Protection) Agreement on the state, BJD General laws in Bindki area, police withdrawn. The SHO said built using domestic funds the mass contact drive) exact- prime minister performed its Price Assurance and the Farm Secretary (organisation) said on Monday. The that on Sunday they left collected from the general ly are and sought clarity about bhoomi pujan, he noted. Services Act, in Parliament. Pranab Prakash Das, MLA, farmers, led by District after giving memorandum to public through the mass con- their parent organisation. Several generous people are The BJD, however, stayed considered as number two in Panchayat member Bablu the district administration tact programme as the trust It said hundreds of kar making donations in the trust's away from the December 8 the party after Patnaik, said Kalia, sat on the relay fast but on Monday they again doesn't have required sevaks "shed their blood and bank account, Raut said, Bharat Bandh against the new while addressing the meeting. from Sunday at Ambedkar came and are sitting on the approvals for accepting dona- made sacrifices" during the adding that the Shiv Sena, agri laws. One of the important reso- party, Station House Officer fast. tions from abroad, Rai said. temple construction campaign, too, has given Rs 1 crore for the As many as nine political lution approved unanimously The Marathi daily, without and asked whether it should be purpose. "For whose cam- resolutions were passed at the was to demand 33 per cent naming any party or organisa- built seeking donations. paigning are you then sending two-day meeting taking place reservation for women both in tion, said, "The temple, basical- "It will be an insult of each these four lakh volunteers? ahead of the party's 24th the Assembly and Parliament on protection of Odisha's lan- has been betrayed," the resolu- due to effective and visionary ly, is not being built for polit- soul that shed blood for the Now, stop this political drama Foundation Day scheduled to as well as protection of Odisha's guage, culture and tradition. tion said. leadership of Patnaik, they ical gains of a political party, temple (construction purpose) in the name of Lord Ram. The be observed on December 26. rich culture and heritage. The chief minister has taken Dasburma said, "Odisha is said. but for unfurling the pen- if the volunteers are going to Ram temple is being con- Patnaik, who also heads the The BJD's primary member- all responsibilities for the the most deserving state to get Though the state is being nants of Hindu pride of the campaign for a political party structed and now you stop this regional party, attended the ship number has crossed one growth of the Odia language, the special category status. ut, frequently hit by natural country." It claimed four lakh in the name of seeking dona- politics," he said. executive meet virtually. crore in the state, party leader BJD vice-president and MLA the centre has failed to meet its calamities like cyclones and volunteers will implement the tions," the Shiv Sena said. Meanwhile, reacting to the Stung by arrest of the party Sanjay Dasburma said, adding Debi Prasad Mishra told commitment to grant it". floods, Odisha successfully mass contact initiative. "The fight for the temple was editorial, BJP MLA and former legislator from Gopalpur that the regional party has reporters after the meeting. While attending the meet- handles all such disasters due "This mass contact pro- not political, but an outbreak Maharashtra minister Ashish Pradeep Panigrahi on charge of emerged as the number one The meeting also resolved to ing, many leaders opined that to effective management by the gramme is campaigning for the of Hindu emotions," it claimed. Shelar said, "Why are they cheating and fraud, the BJD organisation in the state. continue the party's demand the centre's negative attitude chief minister, they said. 2024 Lok Sabha polls in the VHP leader Ashok Singhal, afraid? Why is Raut publicly leaders asserted they would not "One in every 4.5 persons in for special category state status towards Odisha and negli- The party also passed a res- name of Lord Ram. The polit- Vinay Katiyar and others had laying the foundation of their allow any attempt to tarnish the Odisha is now a BJD member," for Odisha. gence have come has hurdles olution for the development of ical campaigning of Lord camped in Ayodhya during the defeat in the 2024 polls?" "For clean image of Patnaik, the Dasburma claimed. "Though the central govern- before the development of the the people belonging to sched- Ram's name has to be stopped early days of the temple con- the BJP, it (temple construc- USP of the party which is in He said the government led ment gives assurance to fulfil state. uled tribe, scheduled caste, at some point of time. But it struction campaign, the edito- tion) was not a political issue power in the eastern state con- by chief minister Naveen Odisha's demand for special However, the state has suc- minority and other backward cannot be seen (as happen- rial noted. BJP veteran L K and is not a political issue," he tinously since 2000. Patnaik has been emphasising category state status, the state cessfully overcome all hurdles classes. ing)," it said. The editorial Advani launched the 'Rath asserted. RAAS helps modernisation Mumbai Metro land row: Pawar Two held in UP’s SHORT TAKES Kannauj under Two brothers arrested of kirana retail ecosystem speaks to CM Thackeray, Fadnavis anti-conversion for killing parents in UP PNS n JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN Grocery Retail Market with its PNS n MUMBAI Devendra Fadnavis separately tussle over ownership of the wo brothers were on millions of Kirana Stores still over the issue," a source said. land earmarked by the state for law TMonday arrested here for With the expansion of Retail operates independently and NCP president Sharad Pawar "The Salt Commissioner constructing the Metro car PNS n KANNAUJ allegedly killing their parents Industry horizontally across takes care of entire business has spoken to Maharashtra comes under the central gov- shed which was earlier planned in Sanjapur Gulal village in the globe, especially in Food process on their own, right Chief Minister Uddhav ernment. So, Pawar may also at Aarey Colony, a green belt Two people have been arrest- the district last week to get Retailing and Grocery Retail, from sourcing to negotiating Thackeray and BJP leader take up the issue with the in suburban Goregaon. ed in Uttar Pradesh's Kannauj ownership of their property, one breakthrough and pio- with distributors, shelf man- Devendra Fadnavis over Centre, seeking resolution," The previous Fadnavis-led district in separate cases under police said. The accused, neering concept that has agement, display and mer- Kanjurmarg Metro car shed the source added. government in the state had the state's new anti-conversion Sumit and Vikram, had killed caught the eyes of many busi- chandise, negotiating tech- land dispute in Mumbai and The Bombay High Court decided to construct the car law, police said on Monday. their parents Rajendra (60) ness strategists is “Retail As A nology in recent times increas- may take up the issue with the last week stayed the order shed for the Mumbai Metro Mohammad Taufeeq was and Rajvati (55) on December 15 night by allegedly strangulating Service” or commonly known ing the turnaround time for Centre to resolve it, sources passed by Mumbai suburban line 3 at the Aarey Colony, arrested on Sunday for them and later setting them afire by putting plastic and other as RAAS. consumers or even the digital said on Monday. district collector allotting 102 despite opposition from envi- allegedly marrying a 29-year- items over them, Superintendent of Police Sankalp Sharma said. RAAS has helped the unor- payments. The excruciating Thackeray on Sunday said acres of salt pan land in ronmentalists and activists to old woman by hiding his reli- During the time of the incident, neighbours heard cries and ganized retail sector a great process that demands signifi- he is open to a resolution of the Kanjurmarg area here for the the vast tree-cutting for the gion and then forcing her to rushed to their house to find them severely burnt, the police said, deal in getting more agile in cant man hours from these land row through dialogue construction of an integrated project. convert, Superintendent of adding that the couple died before they could be taken to a their processes and leveraging one man operated stores is with the Centre and asserted it Metro car shed. The present Thackeray-led Police (SP) Prashant Verma hospital.Prima facie it appeared to be a case of suicide but during years of experience and robust simply time-consuming result- is not an "ego issue" for him. The HC also restrained the MVA government, comprising said. probe police suspected foul play and later arrested their sons, business processes. What start- ing in loosing impact at criti- According to the sources, authorities from carrying out the Shiv Sena, NCP and The FIR in the case was they said. ed as a disruption in organized cal consumer's journey touch- Pawar spoke to Thackeray and any construction work at the Congress, recently took a deci- lodged in Kannauj on a com- Retail market has gained sub- points, lower retention, lower Fadnavis separately on Sunday. said land. The Centre and the sion to shift the car shed from plaint from the woman's stantial significance as a must- average bill value and a dwin- "Pawar saheb has spoken to Shiv Sena-led Maharashtra the Aarey Colony to father, he said. Cold wave sweeps N India, do process for any thriving dling consumer base com- the chief minister and government are locked in a Kanjurmarg. In his complaint, the father 0 Retail organization. Kirana pared to the branded chains of said that Taufeeq "trapped" his Adampur shivers at 3.2 C King Retail Network Pvt. Modern Grocery Retailing daughter by hiding his religion Limited one of the powerful that offer these services and on Saturday, took her to he ongoing cold wave grocery retail aggregator through ‘Economies of Scale'.” Lucknow. There he disclosed Tconditions sweeping which has slated to grow upto Mr. Anup Kumar, Founder Kejriwal asks Centre to ban all flights from UK his religion and married her, Punjab and Haryana for 7000 stores by 2025 & there- and CEO of Kirana King and forced her to convert, the the past few days by raised INR 7 CR from wanted to overcome these PNS n NEW DELHI has called an urgent meeting of immediately," Kejriwal tweeted. SP said. continued unabated on Rajasthan Venture Capital bottlenecks in the Kirana its Joint Monitoring Group on A number of European Besides being charged Monday, with Adampur Fund (RVCF) in a Pre-Series Ecosystem and offer a one stop Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Monday to discuss the emer- countries have banned flights under the Uttar Pradesh recording the lowest A round. Kirana King has solution, hence, introduced Kejriwal on Monday demand- gence of the new strain in the from the UK as the British gov- Prohibition of Unlawful minimum temperature of 3.2 degrees Celsius, Meteorological been successfully operating the RAAS Model which has ed that the Centre ban all UK, which has led to a surge in ernment warned that the Conversion of Religion Department officials said. Amritsar too reeled under an intense all processes across its retail been used by the organisation flights from the UK immediate- the infection rate there. "New potent new strain of the virus Ordinance, 2020, Taufeeq has chill, recording a low of 4.8 degrees Celsius. Minimum Kirana Stores through the and has helped various Kirana ly in view of the emergence of mutation of coron virus has was "out of control" and also been booked under sec- temperatures in Faridkot, Gurdaspur and Bathinda settled at 4 RAAS model. Stores to turnaround their a mutated variant of the coro- emerged in UK, which is a imposed a stringent new stay- tions pertaining to cheating degrees Celsius, 6.2 degrees Celsius and 5.2 degrees Celsius, According to Mr. Anup entire business processes and navirus there. super-spreader. I urge central at-home lockdown from and impersonation of the respectively. Cold weather conditions also prevailed in Ludhiana Kumar, Founder & CEO offer great deal of customer The Union Health Ministry govt to ban all flights from UK Sunday. Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Patiala, which recorded a low of 5.7 degrees Celsius and 6 Kirana King expresses, “Indian satisfaction. Prashant Verma said. degrees Celsius, respectively. Chandigarh, the common capital of the two states, recorded a low of 5.8 degrees Celsius. In Haryana, Ambala experienced a cold night at 3.3 degrees Celsius, while Hisar registered a low of 5.5 degrees Celsius. Karnal recorded a PM Modi to low of 5.5 degrees Celsius, Narnaul's minimum settled at 4.3 Quad is detrimental to inclusive dialogue: Russia degrees Celsius, while Rohtak and Bhiwani recorded respective inaugurate lows of 5.8 degrees Celsius and 5.3 degrees Celsius. PNS n NEW DELHI strategic partners. I do really IISF 2020 dream and I really wish your Quad, comprising the US, India, Japan Russia on Monday supported relationship with China reach- and Australia, is aimed at ensuring a PNS n NEW DELHI India's vision for the Indo- es the same level. In our capac- Drugs party busted in Kerala: Pacific but at the same time ity as a friend to both India and free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Prime Minister Narendra criticised the Quadrilateral China, we will welcome China has increasingly considered the Woman among 9 arrested Modi will on Tuesday inau- coalition or Quad, saying it enhanced dialogue between gurate the sixth edition of the would be detrimental to inclu- Beijing and New Delhi," he Quad as a mechanism to contain it in ine people, including a India International Science sive dialogue for ensuring said. the maritime domainss Nwoman, have been Festival, a four-day science peace and stability in the "We believe that this is the arrested in connection with carnival, Union Science and region. key to future progress of your a drugs party in a Technology Minister Harsh Russian Ambassador ties with the People's Republic problem with Prime Minister create a safe and secure mar- Babushkin said. private resort here, police Vardhan said on Monday. Nikolay Kudashev, replying to of China and for regional sta- Narendra Modi's Indo-Pacific itime domain. "We are facing The 10-nation Association said on Monday. The party Vice-President M a question at a media briefing bility and security," he said. Ocean's Initiative (IPOI) while some attempts by some coun- of Southeast Asian Nations held on Sunday night saw Venkaiah Naidu will also on China's growing belliger- Kudashev's comments came Deputy Chief of the Russian tries to create containment (ASEAN) is a major stakehold- least 60 people in address the IISF on ence in the Indo-Pacific, said nearly two weeks after Russian mission Roman Babushkin and alienation in the Indo- er in the Indo-Pacific region. attendance, disregarding the COVID-19 protocol, the police said. December 25, the last day of Moscow would welcome Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said his country supports Pacific region which could The Quad, comprising the The resort is owned by a local CPI leader and former the festival, Vardhan said. enhanced dialogue between accused the Western powers of Indian vision for the region. threaten and jeopardise basic US, India, Japan and Australia, panchayat president of Elapara, Shaji Kuttikatt.Kuttikatt had told "Prime Minister Narendra New Delhi and Beijing and pursuing an "aggressive and At the East Asia Summit in principles for regional cooper- is aimed at ensuring a free, television channels that he had got the online booking for three Modi will address the IISF on even wished that relations devious" policy to engage New Bangkok last year, Modi pro- ation, for example ASEAN open and inclusive Indo- rooms for a birthday party. The organisers had assured that the December 22 at 4.30 pm and between the two sides reach the Delhi in "anti-China games" by posed setting up of the IPOI to centrality and ASEAN Pacific. China has increasing- party would be over by 8 pm and that they would disperse by Vice President M Venkaiah level of Indo-Russia ties. promoting Indo-Pacific strate- conserve and sustainably use unity...Quad would be detri- ly considered the Quad as a then. Eleven rooms had been booked online for the party. Naidu on December 25," "We (India and Russia) are gies. The Russian envoy said the maritime domain and to mental to the inclusive dia- mechanism to contain it in the Congress and BJP workers took out separate marches to Vardhan said. special privileged and trusted Moscow does not have any make meaningful efforts to logue in the region," maritime domain. the resort, demanding the arrest of all the accused. TUESDAY | DECEMBER 22, 2020 nation 05 UK VIRUS SCARE BJP will struggle to cross On alert, no need to panic: Govt double-digit mark: Kishor PNS n KOLKATA PNS n NEW DELHI flights from the UK immedi- ately in view of the emergence A day after Home Minister The government is fully alert of a mutated variant of the Amit Shah left West Bengal, and there is no need to panic, coronavirus there. following his two-day high- Union Health Minister Harsh Several European coun- voltage campaign in the state, Vardhan said on Monday amid tries -- France, Germany, the election strategist Prashant concerns over the emergence of Netherlands, Belgium, Austria Kishor on Monday claimed on a new coronavirus strain in the and Italy -- have banned flights Twitter that the BJP will strug- UK. from the UK with the British gle to cross the double-digit The Union Health Ministry government warning that the mark in assembly polls. has called an urgent meeting of potent new strain of the virus Kishor, who has been roped its Joint Monitoring Group on was "out of control" and in by TMC supremo Mamata Monday to discuss the new imposing a stringent new stay- Banerjee to strengthen her strain, which has led to a surge at-home lockdown from party's poll prospects, said in the infection rate in the UK. Sunday. that he would quit the Responding to a question British Prime Minister Boris microblogging site if the saf- on the panic and a demand to Johnson last week said a fast- fron party does any better ban flights from the UK, moving new variant of the than what he predicted. Vardhan told reporters, "I virus that is 70 per cent more "For all the hype amplified BJP MP's wife joins TMC would say this to all that all transmissible than existing by a section of supportive PNS n KOLKATA and its spokesperson Kunal these imaginary situations, strains appeared to be driving media, in reality BJP will strug- Ghosh. Asked about the imaginary talks, imaginary the rapid spread of new infec- gle to cross double digits in Sujata Mondal Khan, wife of reaction of her husband, who is panic... don't involve yourself tions in London and southern West Bengal," he tweeted. BJP MP Saumitra Khan, also the Bharatiya Janata Yuva in this." England in recent weeks. But "Please save this tweet and if switched over to the TMC from Morcha (BJYM) state unit "The government is fully minister said. last one year. The scientific needed to combat and under- he stressed "there's no evidence BJP does any better I must quit the saffron camp on Monday, chief, she said it was up to him alert about everything. If you He said the government had community, he added, had stand any aspect of COVID- to suggest it is more lethal or this space!" Kishore added. claiming that she did not get to decide his future course of ask me, there is no reason to done everything that was very ably risen to the occasion, 19. Delhi Chief Minister causes more severe illness," or The saffron party, which her due recognition even after action. "I hope he would realise panic the way we are seeing in important to handle the continuously striving and con- Arvind Kejriwal has demand- that vaccines will be less effec- recently received a shot in the taking several risks to get her one day... Who knows he might this press conference," the COVID-19 situation in the tributing to whatever was ed that the Centre ban all tive against it. arm after political heavyweight husband elected during 2019 be back in the TMC one day," Suvendu Adhikari, a TMC Lok Sabha elections. the newly inducted leader of MP and nine MLAs joined its She alleged that "newly the Bengal's ruling party said. camp, has asserted that it inducted, misfit and corrupt would win over 200 seats in the leaders" are getting more Resignation as MLA has been India has one of lowest COVID-19 deaths per million globally upcoming polls. importance in the saffron camp accepted, says Adkhikari BJP national general secre- than the loyal ones. Newly inducted BJP leader PNS n NEW DELHI according to the Union Ministry ensured that daily fatalities are cases reached 1,00,31,223 on tary Kailash Vijayvargiya, in "Despite enduring physical Suvendu Adhikari on Monday of Health and Family Welfare under 400,” MOHFW tweeted on Sunday, according to the Union response to Kishor's tweet, attacks, sacrificing so claimed that his resignation as India continues to witness a (MOHFW). Monday. 341 case fatalities have Ministry of Health and Family said the country would end up much to get my husband West Bengal MLA has been declining trend in average daily “#IndiaFightsCorona India has been reported in the past 24 Welfare (MoHFW). India’s losing a poll strategist after elected to Parliament, I got accepted following his meeting new deaths due to coronavirus one of the lowest deaths/mn hours, taking the toll to 1,45,477 present active caseload consists Bengal elections. nothing in return... I want to with Assembly Speaker Biman amid decreasing new cases in the population globally (105.4). on Sunday. A week earlier from of just 3.04 per cent of the total "Given the ongoing BJP work under our beloved leader Banerjee. "Assembly speaker past few weeks. With only 351 Focussed measures including December 7-3, 450 average daily positive cases. The difference in tsunami in Bengal; once the Mamata Banerjee and our dada had called me regarding my average daily COVID-19 fatalities targeted testing, early COVID-19 fatalities were reported. the new recoveries new government is formed, the Abhisek Banerjee," Mondal resignation as MLA of the reported between December 14- identification, timely isolation & With 26,624 new COVID-19 outnumbering new cases has country will have to lose an Khan said, after joining the House. Today, I met him... I 20, India continues to have one of prompt hospitalization & cases recorded in the last 24 also improved the recovery rate election strategist," party in the presence of TMC was told my resignation has the lowest deaths per million, Standard Treatment Protocol have hours, India’s total coronavirus to 95.51 per cent. Vijayvargiya quipped on MP Saugata Roy been accepted," he said. Twitter.

INDIA CORNER BJP will form Homage paid next govt in ‘BJP to form govt on its own in future’ to Surendra 5-yr-old girl raped, killed in PNS n MUMBAI opportunity to grow bigger on our own strength (in Haryana's Jhajjar district West Bengal: Senior BJP leader Devendra Maharashtra). We have to fill Singh Jeena, Fadnavis on Monday said sev- the entire political space and five-year-old girl was Athawale eral leaders will join his party create a party that will form a former MLAs allegedly raped and killed in the time to come, and government on its own," PNS n DEHRADUN Aby a man living in her PNS n PANAJI pitched for ensuring that it Fadnavis added. neighbourhood in Haryana's forms a government in its own All BJP MLAs are "intact", The winter session of Jhajjar city, police said on Union minister Ramdas in Maharashtra in the future. Fadnavis said, and claimed Uttarakhand Vidhan Sabha Monday. The 30-year-old man, Athawale on Monday Fadnavis' comments come those joining his party were began here on Monday with who has a criminal expressed confidence that in the wake of a statement by "mature and understand poli- tributes to BJP MLA Surendra background, kidnapped the girl the BJP will win more than state NCP chief Jayant Patil that tics" and know Congress leader Singh Jeena, who died due to from her house at night and 200 seats in the forthcoming 10 BJP MLAs were in touch to Rahul Gandhi or the UPA are COVID-19 recently, and four took her to his residence where West Bengal Assembly elec- join the Sharad Pawar-led not the future of the country. former legislators. Chief he allegedly raped and then killed her, a police official in Jhajjar said. tions nd form the next gov- party. "They have an idea that Minister Trivendra Singh The body was recovered from the house of the man and he has ernment in that state. Fadnavis, however, said such both the present and future of Rawat, who joined the session been arrested, police said. The official said that a case has been Talking to reporters here, claims were being made by this country is (Prime online as he is in home isola- registered against him under relevant provisions of the law. He said the girl's father is a migrant worker and belongs to Madhya Athawale, whose party is an parties to ensure unhappy Minister) Narendra Modi," the tion after testing positive for Pradesh while the accused hails from Jhajjar. ally of the BJP-led central MLAs don't quit the ruling former Maharashtra chief min- COVID-19, said he was deeply government, also said he will alliance, comprising the Shiv stituents, which would be to he ernments in Karnataka, ister asserted. aggrieved at the sad and seek four to five seats for his Sena, Congress and NCP. advantage of the BJP which Rajasthan, Gujarat and Fadnavis was speaking at an untimely demise of Jeena. He Mumbai coastal road to be Republican Party of India(A) He claimed the Maha Vikas would getter a larger field to Madhya Pradesh after it was event here where former remembered the MLA for in the West Bengal polls. Aghadi (MVA) contesting polls occupy. "cornered". Nashik Shiv Sena MLA being extremely well-behaved, functional in July 2023: BMC chief He claimed Union Home unitedly would shrink the Fadnavis said the BJP "The parties (MVA con- Balasaheb Sanap joined the humble and dedicated to the Minister Amit Shah's recent political space for its con- expanded and formed gov- stituents) have given us the BJP. people of his constituency. he ambitious eight-lane visit to West Bengal has coastal road being proved that the days of Chief Tconstructed in Mumbai to Minister Mamata Banerjee's ease traffic woes will be government are numbered. functional in July 2023, BMC "The BJP will win more Big B remembers ‘most beautiful mother' commissioner Iqbal Singh than 200 seats in West Chahal said on Monday. Bengal. The party will form PNS n MUMBAI added. The 29.2 km-long seaside the next government there," Teji Bachchan was Amitabh Bachchan said his road project has been the RPI(A) leader claimed. Paying tributes to his mother, born in Faisalabad, mother resides in him through undertaken by the Shiv Sena-led Brihanmumbai Municipal He said Mamata Benerjee social activist Teji Bachchan on her unending love and bless- Corporation (BMC) to connect Marine Drive in south Mumbai to is getting baffled which is her 13th death anniversary, Punjab, Pakistan in ings. Borivali in north Mumbai. Sharing the status of the Rs 12,721-crore reflected in acts like the megastar Amitabh Bachchan 1914 and was married "Her memory, her presence, project with reporters here, Chahal said nearly 17 per cent work of recent attack on the convoy of on Monday said her blessings her blessing... with us tonight the road project has been completed so far. The coastal road will be BJP president J P Nadda in continue to be with the fami- to Hindi poet for the tomorrow and the "functional in July 2023", he said. West Bengal. ly. many tomorrows that shall Teji Bachchan was born in Harivansh Rai follow." Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan in Bachchan for 62 years Teji Bachchan also played 1914 and was married to Hindi Lady Macbeth in her hus- 11 grenades dropped by Pak drone poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan till his death in 2003. band's Hindi adaptation of for 62 years till his death in Shakespeare's play "Macbeth" recovered near IB in Gurdaspur 2003. imagery that shall never be and did a cameo appearance in unjab Police on Monday "She left us, the most beau- "Go and work, do not think wrote on his blog. erased... Never say die for her the 1976 romance drama said it seized 11 hand tiful mother in the world. They of me in grief. Be in the hap- The 78-year-old actor said was a command. In the most "Kabhie Kabhie", which fea- Pgrenades, suspected to all are, the most beautiful, that piness of the entire universe, we his mother brought laughter, desperate situations, she sat tured Amitabh Bachchan as have been dropped by a drone is why they are Ma. I shall work shall perish but our blessings joy and the "essence of life in beside you, caressed your fore- one of the leads. flying in from Pakistan, from a early and in the schedule that shall ever be by your side; she all of us in every situation". head and suddenly the softness She died at the age of 93 on field near the International has been planned. She would would have said and what we "Those moments of her pass- of her palms took away all anx- December 21, 2007 following Border (IB) in Gurdaspur have wanted that to happen. all believe," Amitabh Bachchan ing shall ever remain in an iety, anxiousness and fear," he prolonged illness. district. The consignment was found in a field in Salach village, located about 1 km from the border, in Gurdaspur district, Gurdaspur Senior Superintendent of Police Rajinder Singh AI can help better predict cholera outbreaks in India Sohal told PTI over the phone. The grenades were hidden in a box and it was attached to a wooden frame, he said, adding the recovery PNS n NEW DELHI predictions. was made Sunday evening. Sohal said the Border Security Force The research, published in the The algorithm was trained had seen the movement of a drone on the intervening night of Cholera outbreaks in coastal International Journal of Environmental on disease outbreaks reported December 19 and 20 and had even fired at it. “We conducted a regions of India can be predict- in coastal districts in India search operation with the BSF personnel on Sunday and recovered ed with an 89 per cent success Research and Public Health, is the between 2010 and 2018, and grenades,” he said. rate using climate data taken first to demonstrate the use of sea learned the relationships with from Earth orbiting satellites surface salinity six satellite-based climate combined with artificial intel- records generated by ESA's ligence (AI) techniques, Climate Change Initiative Counting of votes for 280 DDC according to a study. to the presence of suspended example from the monsoon (CCI). The research, published in particles -- and can be har- season, the researchers By including or removing seats to begin today the International Journal of boured by plankton and debris explained. environmental variables and Environmental Research and in the water. They say machine learning sub-setting for different sea- he fate of nearly 4,200 Public Health, is the first to Researchers noted that glob- algorithms can help to over- sons, the algorithm identified candidates for the 280 demonstrate the use of sea al warming and an increase in come these issues by learning key variables for predicting TDistrict Development surface salinity, or dissolved extreme weather events are to recognise patterns across cholera outbreaks, including Council (DDC) seats in salts in water, for forecasting driving outbreaks of cholera - large datasets in order to make land surface temperature and Jammu and Kashmir will be cholera. - a disease that affects 1.3 to 4 testable predictions. sea surface salinity. decided on Tuesday, as The researchers from ESA "The model showed promis- with the bacterium Vibrio million people each year world- Machine learning (ML) is a "It would be interesting to counting of votes will begin Climate Office and the ing results, and there's a lot of cholerae, which is found in wide, and causes up to 143,000 type of AI which involves the test the impact of including for the eight-phase polls held Plymouth Marine Laboratory scope for developing this work many coastal regions of the fatalities. study of computer algorithms socio-economic datasets; for the first time in the union (PML) in the UK focused on using different cholera sur- world, particularly in densely The relationship between that improve automatically remote sensing data could be territory. Officials in the State predicting cholera outbreaks veillance datasets or in differ- populated tropical areas. the environmental drivers of through experience. used to develop records to Election ommission said a total of 4,181 candidates, including over around the northern Indian ent locations,” said Amy The pathogen generally lives new cholera cases during a The research team used an account for human factors 450 women, were in the fray for the the 280 DDC seats. The Ocean, where they said over Campbell, who led the study. under warm temperatures, time period, are complex, they ML algorithm called the ran- that are important for cholera elections to this third tier of the Panchayati Raj system were held for half of global cases of the bac- Cholera is a waterborne dis- moderate salinity and turbid- said. dom forest classifier which incidence, such as access to the first time in Jammu and Kashmir and were the first mass polls terial disease were reported in ease caused by the intake of ity -- the degree to which They vary seasonally, with can recognise patterns across water resources," Campbell after the abrogation of provisions of Article 370 in August 2019. the 2010-16 period. water or food contaminated water loses its transparency due different lagged effects, for long datasets and make testable added. TUESDAY | DECEMBER 22, 2020 op nion 06 www.dailypioneer.com facebook.com/dailypioneer | @TheDailyPioneer | instagram.com/dailypioneer/ PAPER WITH PASSION Nepal on the boil As Oli dissolves House, losing the majority to challengers, Unity in diversity it’s time for India to manoeuvre the crisis to its advantage or some time now, Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has been co-opted by China which has Disregarding respective political ideologies and affiliations, the Union and State Fturned the Himalayan frontier State against India, challenging us on redrawing borders and questioning Governments joined hands with healthcare professionals to beat the virus our shared civilisational heritage. And now that he is fac- ing a rebellion in his Nepal Communist Party (NCP), with rival contenders Pushp Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and Madhav Nepal now claiming majority support — both nurtured by India for a while — he has done the unthink- able. Cornered and desperate, Oli has dissolved the 275- member House of Representatives — the Lower House A SURYA PRAKASH of the country’s Parliament. Not only that, he got the ith COVID cases in President to issue a communiqué on elections in April-May with his Government holding India falling from a forth in the interim. The move is unconstitutional as the Pratinidhi Sabha has a five-year peak of 98,000 new cases per day last term and cannot be dissolved earlier. There is no provision that allows the Prime Minister WSeptember to below the 25,000 to dissolve it unilaterally. Logically, he would have to face a trust vote by his own party, mark, it can now be said that the which would suggest the contender, in this case Prachanda, as Prime Minister for the remain- collective efforts of the Union Government, the State ing term. Of course, the matter is pending before Nepal’s Supreme Court. An adverse ver- Governments, health administra- dict would mean he will have to resign. If not, he would continue until the summer elec- tors and the entire healthcare sec- tions. The dissension in the NCP is not new, with India trying to neutralise a hostile Oli by tor over the last eight months is propping up the other two. But every time China has stepped in to broker a deal and keep finally yielding the results. Prime Minister Narendra Oli in the chair, simply because it wants to step up its offensive against India and keep the Modi has been leading from the borders hot. In fact, China couldn’t have asked for a more servile leader than Oli, who got front and has taken 10 meetings into a map war with us at its behest to further its expansionist agenda. Beijing has been of Chief Ministers devoted whol- ly to the tackling of this pandem- investing heavily in the infrastructure of the Himalayan nation, making it impossible for ic. His hands-on approach, con- even the rival faction to ignore its geo-strategic heft. India has been trying to keep Oli in stant State-wise monitoring of the check and rework bilateral ties on more equitable terms with the Army chief, Gen MM spread of the virus, interaction with Chief Ministers of the worst- Naravane, visiting in November, followed by Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla. Oli thought hit States, visits to pharmaceuti- that by grandstanding against India, he would have inspired a nationalist tide that would cal companies to get an update on make him an indispensable leader of his party. But not all in his party or the Opposition the manufacture of the vaccine have all contributed in a substan- municipal corporation levels. nurses working there had in it by the Constitution to deal want to burn bridges with India. Besides, the rival faction is looking for its own political tial way not only in controlling Yet, despite the fractious nature themselves contracted COVID with national emergencies and legitimacy. When the NCP was formed in May 2018 by merging the Oli-led Communist the disease but in keeping the of our politics and high-decibel in the course of duty. Yet, they disasters. The States also realised Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) and the Prachanda-led Communist Party of Nepal morale high among doctors, nurs- political battles that have been were back at work after recov- that in the absence of unity of es, paramedical staff and admin- fought between the BJP-led ery. There are many such action, all States would be (Maoist Centre), both leaders had agreed to a power-sharing deal under which both would istrators and researchers in the Centre and States run by other reports from other hospitals as doomed because the virus be Prime Minister for two-and-a-half years. But the deal never got ratified and Oli avoid- field of medicine. parties in the recent years, they THIS IS THE SPIRIT well. But the one disturbing fac- respects no geographical bound- ed taking it up with the combined general council, relegating it to a no-priority list and height- Apart from the Prime have by and large put aside their tor is the rapacity of some pri- aries separating States. Minister, many Chief Ministers political differences and come OF CO-OPERATIVE vate hospitals and reports of Those who breathe nega- ening anti-India rhetoric. But Prachanda is restless to realise his political ambition than sac- have put politics aside and worked together to fight the pandemic. FEDERALISM THAT them charging mind-boggling tivity are unable to see all this. rifice it to a manipulated threat perception from India. This could be an opportunity like no tirelessly alongside the Union This is the spirit of co-operative sums just to provide a room for They are the doomsayers, hop- other for India to play upon Prachanda’s anxieties and rebuild its relevance in the ensuing Government to control COVID- federalism that Modi was keen MODI WAS KEEN TO COVID patients. The ing that this diverse nation will 19 in their respective States. At last to usher in and it goes to the USHER IN AND IT Government has a responsibil- collapse like a house of cards. power play. Besides, there has also been a resurgence of pro-royalists, who want a return count, there are over 40 political credit of all the players that they ity to identity these institutions, But all indicators show that this to monarchy, an aspiration that India could smartly play into, using the sentiment for a parties governing this country at have displayed a unity of pur- GOES TO THE investigate their practices and country’s political leadership, Hindu kingdom to strengthen ties with the Narendra Modi Government. Not that Nepal’s the national and State level. This pose to fight COVID-19 which CREDIT OF ALL THE penalise them once the pan- both at the national level and includes members of the National is in contrast to the intense polit- demic is under control. in the States, is capable of ris- monarchy was anti-China but at the moment a swell of opinion in its favour could give Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the ical battles that are fought on the PLAYERS THAT Meanwhile, Modi has ing over petty politics to offer India a certain comfort level and help it bargain with both Oli and Prachanda. Centre, regional parties with huge ground in normal times. THEY HAVE reviewed India’s vaccination a united challenge to this pan- Having been a Hindu kingdom and given its contiguity to India, Nepal has had a com- majorities in States like the Biju A good example of keeping strategy, the current status of the demic and to win the battle. monality of interests, which has been one of the reasons for the open borders between Janata Dal in Odisha, the Aam politics out and putting in a joint DISPLAYED A research and the distribution of Just look at the situation in the Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi, the effort can be seen in the initia- the vaccine when it is available. US and you will realise how both countries. But Oli has been putting up cultural barriers, and is determined to delink All India Trinamool Congress in tives taken by Union Home UNITY OF PURPOSE Here again, consultations with blessed we are. Unfortunately, any interdependent association with India. He is decidedly hawkish about China, willing West Bengal, the YSR Congress in Minister Amit Shah to reach out TO FIGHT COVID-19 the States is already on. America has been unable to to be its vassal State. In fact, China has upped its cultural diplomacy, too, in Nepal, help- Andhra Pradesh and the to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind This brings us to the lessons show a unity of purpose and Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) Kejriwal and to find ways to IN CONTRAST TO that we have learnt over the last the confidence to deal with the ing it rebuild old temple complexes and shrines that were damaged in the earthquake of in Telangana. There are also sev- improve Delhi’s infrastructure to THE USUAL INTENSE 10 months. If one reflects over pandemic and this has result- 2015. Oli’s latest tirade against India questions Indian claims around the Lipulekh Pass eral States like Kerala, led by the tackle COVID-19. Shah had POLITICAL BATTLES the situation when the crisis first ed in COVID-19 spiralling out based on varied interpretations of the British-era maps. Though there is a long history of Communist Party of India more than a couple of meetings hit us and the Union of control in that country. (Marxist) and Bihar with the with the Chief Minister and his Government announced a lock- Hopefully, the new year both nations making claims and counterclaims over this area, according to a 1954 treaty Janata Dal (United) at the helm, officials when the COVID sit- down and decided its extension, should see COVID-19 cases signed between them and China, Lipulekh Pass is very much an Indian gateway. Although which are run by coalition uation in the Capital began to there was a nation-wide debate decline in India to the barest the new road near it, built by New Delhi to facilitate pilgrim traffic to Kailash Mansarovar, Governments. Apart from these cause concern. He was joined by on the efficacy of the lockdown minimum, followed by a credi- parties, we have the national par- Union Health Minister Harsh itself. Thereafter, many Chief ble, reliable vaccine. That day, we is now one of the quickest links between Delhi and the Tibetan plateau, China, too, has ties — the Bharatiya Janata Party Vardhan, who has been work- tackle COVID-19. Ministers were highly critical of must wholeheartedly acknowl- not objected to it. In fact, it recognised India’s sovereignty by agreeing to expand trade (BJP) and the Congress party ing vigorously over the last 10 This is also the moment to the Centre and the latter had a edge the integration that the through the Pass. India’s over-dependence on historical, spiritual and geographical con- (INC) — running several big months to confront and contain acknowledge the work of our lot of complaints about the non- political leadership brought States like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya the biggest challenge to public doctors, nurses and paramed- response of States like West about and the heroic fight that nect as a leitmotif of diplomacy is being tested severely. And though we are investing in Pradesh, Karnataka, Haryana, health in this country. ical staff, especially in the Bengal to the directions issued our doctors, nurses and every- bilateral relations on more favourable terms and pushing COVID-19 aid, we can’t beat the Rajasthan, Punjab and The meetings in November Government sector, who have by the Centre. It took some time one in the healthcare sector put Chinese, who make up 90 per cent of Nepal’s Foreign Direct Investment. Chhattisgarh, to name a few. resulted in Delhi getting more been working relentlessly for all the stakeholders to realise up against COVID-19 which This is indeed a mind-bog- ICU beds and equipment. After against huge odds to treat that the Union Government’s enabled us to overcome the gling kaleidoscope of political this meeting, the Delhi Chief COVID-19 patients. On testing directives regarding the lock- deadliest health crisis this coun- parties governing 1,400 million Minister thanked Union Home COVID positive, this writer down, social distancing, wearing try has faced in the recent times. people and this does not include Minister and said he had the was treated at the Trauma of masks, closure of businesses, (The writer is an author Unanswered virulence several dozen more sub-regional assurance that all Central and Centre at AIIMS, which has entertainment industry, educa- specialising in democracy political entities in positions of State Government agencies been converted to a COVID tional institutions and so on studies. The views expressed are The festival season’s spirit has been marred by a new power at the zila parishad and would work together to Centre. Several doctors and flowed from the powers vested personal.) virulent strain of COVID-19 in the United Kingdom he British Government claims that a new strain of S O U N D BITE the Coronavirus is spreading like wildfire across the Prashant Kishor has said The developments that took I want to play characters that The shorter the format, the island nation which has led to several curious ques- that he would quit Twitter if place yesterday may seem challenge me. I constantly tell more exciting the game T the BJP performs well in unpredictable and abrupt, but myself to choose films and becomes. I can't wait to play tions. When the books about the Coronavirus pandemic the Bengal elections. (Then) this situation has been created characters that help me tap at the Zayed Cricket Stadium are written, several politicians will find themselves remem- The country would lose an by some inconsistent and into a different side of me. again. Watch out Abu Dhabi, bered poorly by historians, at least by those who have election strategist. distorted leaders of the party. Comfort is boring. a Gayle storm is coming. the ability to write freely. One of them who is almost cer- BJP general secretary Nepal's Prime Minister Actor Cricketer —Kailash Vijayvargiya —KP Sharma Oli —Amit Sadh —Chris Gayle tain to be pilloried is Boris Johnson, the man in 10 Downing Street in London. Not only was Johnson one of the first world leaders to get a bad case of the virus, the way the L E T T E R S T O TH E EDITOR British Government has handled the virus with impossi- bly complicated tiered lockdowns and protocols that have Local sports get attention Rahul has task cut out been duly disobeyed by the public, now it emerges that Sir — It is truly delightful that the India becoming centre for global wellness Sir —This refers to the editorial there is a new virulent strain of COVID-19 doing the rounds in the British Isles just as the Sports Ministry has approved the hat, after the “Pharmacy of the world”, India could also ‘Congress deal for Rahul?’ nation heads for its strictest lockdown yet just ahead of Christmas. It is claimed that this new inclusion of four indigenous get to be recognised as the centre for global wellness (December 21). Since the Gandhi Indian sports which are very pop- Tis no longer something in the realm of imagination but scion and young Congress leader strain is allegedly 70 per cent more virulent than the regular virus, albeit, we are assured, no ular and hail from different regions a declared truth. And this declaration of India being cho- quit as the party chief, taking less fatal. But that is a moot point, even with systems in place, the harsh winter across Europe — Gatka (Punjab), Kalaripayattu sen as the global centre for traditional medicines came from moral responsibility for his party’s and North America has made cases alongside fatalities spike and that has led to hospital (Kerala), Thang-Ta (Manipur)and none other than Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s embarrassing drubbing at the BJP’ Mallakhamba (Madhya Pradesh Director General, when he sent his message through the hands in the last parliamentary systems being overwhelmed. However, with the suggested lockdown to keep the virus in and Maharashtra) — in the forth- video on the occasion of the 5th Ayurveda Day, in which election, the grand old party has check coming just ahead of Christmas, a particularly festive time in the United Kingdom, coming Khelo India Youth Games Narendra Modi inaugurated through video conferencing the been at the receiving end of one many on either side of the political aisle believe that this is a conspiracy theory. It has been 2021, scheduled in Haryana. two future ayurveda institutions to come up in Jaipur and after another body blow as sever- Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju Jamnagar. In comparison to last year, this year in al dissenting leaders from both the said that this is a ploy to ensure everyone gets vaccinated, this at a time where prominent has rightly said that India has a September the export of ayurveda products increased to the category of Harit Udyog (green organic industry) was new and the old guard have desert- celebrities like Eric Clapton have come out publicly against wearing face masks and believe rich heritage of indigenous sports 45 per cent which is enough to understand as to which extent done. And then only the National Medicinal Plant Board grew ed the Congress with several heavy- that the virus is a ploy to take away freedoms, sounding little different from some of Donald and it is a priority for the Sports the world showed its trust in ayurveda. And this is the only conscious about chalking out a specific policy for the con- weights even joining the ruling Ministry to preserve, promote reason that WHO’s response came into such form. servation and breeding of aanwla, chandan (sandalwood), BJP’s juggernaut, either after sulk- Trump’s more hyper supporters. Others have claimed that this is a way for the British Government and popularise these games. India accounts for more than half of the herbs produced ashwagandha and such other herbs and plants. ing over having no say with the to justify its decision to clamp a lockdown and ensure that people stay home. The Khelo India Games is def- in the world. But attention in the real sense toward this was In this time of Corona, ayurveda brought a new hope party leadership or for the sake of But it takes a lot of courage to shut the borders down, and ruin the most critical shop- initely an excellent platform where paid for the first time when in 2000 a national policy was to those facing extreme distress. So much so that having seeking greener pastures on the athletes of these games can compete drafted under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led Government for crossed the nation’s boundary, it has even begun to gain other side of the fence. ping season of the year. Even in India despite numbers spiking, governments across the board and showcase their talent not only the Indian medical therapies. Under this policy, unprece- the limelight in foreign lands. I subscribe to the editorial view ensured that there were no lockdowns during the festive season. Indeed, a few kilometres in these sports but also bring dented work of bringing ayurveda and unani therapy under E Rajesh Pathak, Bhopal that this rapprochement between beyond the Delhi borders you would not know that there is an ongoing pandemic with mask national and global attention to the Gandhi first family and the dis- these sports which are very popu- Dharna not the answer ground with the Government in involvement of corporates who senters is driven with the dual pur- compliance almost non-existent and large social gatherings carrying on merrily. If the British lar since the ancient times. talks that have been held so far. might later control the fortunes of poses of keeping the Congress’s Government is indeed telling the truth, it is imperative that India also closes her borders to Rijiju stated that these four Sir — This refers to the report One can understand the issues the agriculture market, thereby flock together and paving the way all, including Indian citizens coming from the United Kingdom. There are currently nine non- disciplines, along with yogasana, ‘Government plans breakthrough in raised by the farmers with the putting farmers in the background. for Rahul’s comeback at the helm stop flights a day from four Indian cities to London, an estimated 2,000 passengers daily. At will get due attention among the kisan talks’ (December 21). Government but to put up such a But the laws do farmers a simultaneously by convincing the sports enthusiasts and the youth. Farmers have put themselves in massive congregation at the bor- favour by eliminating the com- dissenters over the redressal of their least at the Government’s level we must believe that Boris Johnson and his Cabinet are not The Sports Ministry is planning to great inconvenience by staging ders of the Capital is perhaps not mission agents. So one does not grievances. lying. Hopefully, the Brits will be able to get control of this strain before it spreads although include more indigenous sports in protests in cold weather conditions. the best way to resolve the impasse. know as to where things are Azhar A Khan, Rampur it already appears to be too late. The Indian Government and State Governments should be Khelo India Games. They are putting their lives in The farmers’ concern is that headed with regards to the talks. M Pradyu danger and, at the same time, the new farm laws initiated by the Devendra Khurana Send your feedback to: prepared for the worst case scenario. Kannur unable to find a common meeting Government would facilitate the Bhopal [email protected] TUESDAY | DECEMBER 22, 2020

www.dailypioneer.com analysis 07 FIRSTCOLUMN The unfruitful POINTCOUNTERPOINT DIDI IS MAKING DESPERATE ATTEMPTS TO MAKE HER I WOULD LIKE TO CLARIFY THAT NO ONE IN spring NEPHEW ABHISHEK BANERJEE THE NEXT MAMATA’S FAMILY IS EAGER TO BECOME THE NEXT CHIEF MINISTER OF BENGAL. CHIEF MINISTER OF BENGAL. THE BJP IS LYING. The problem resides in the Arab world, where the —UNION HOME MINISTER —TMC MP political climate has only two seasons: Brief AMIT SHAH KALYAN BANERJEE springs and very long winters No power in these reforms GWYNNE DYER Just as the UDAY scheme was meant to extinguish the liabilities of discoms, the proposed en years ago in the middle of December, Mohamed Bouazizi, a street vendor in Tunisia, set himself alight in front of a electricity distribution reform programme, too, seeks to give them the money on a platter TGovernment building in rage at the corrupt dictatorship that had ruined his young life. His sacrifice wakened hope in mil- lions of others — but then half a million of them also died, although not at their own hands and the rest went quiet. It was called the Arab Spring. It should have worked. Non-violent democratic revolutions had overthrown around two dozen other tyrannies in the previ- ous 20 years. So when people in half a dozen Arab dictator- ships, galvanised by Bouazizi’s action went out into the streets to demand democracy in late 2010 and 2011, most onlookers expected them to win. In fact they all lost, except in Tunisia. In Egypt the protest- UTTAM GUPTA ers forced the old dictator to quit but the army was back in power in less than two years. In Syria, Yemen and Libya, the protests he Government is expected to announce a morphed into savage civil wars that continue even today. Smaller `3,00,000 crore electricity distribution reform protests in Lebanon and Bahrain were shut down by force. Tprogramme to reduce losses and improve the This is a stunningly unimpressive record and it’s not because efficiency of power distribution companies or dis- coms. Christened ‘Reforms-Linked, Result-Based the whole non-violent technique is falling out of favour. There Scheme for Distribution’, the move is aimed at help- are non-violent attempts to remove dictators underway right now ing discoms trim their electricity losses to 12-15 per in Thailand and Belarus, both with a reasonable chance of suc- cent from the present level and gradually narrow the cess. deficit between the cost of electricity and the price So what’s wrong with the Arab world, where only four out at which it is supplied, to ‘zero’ by March 2025. This of 22 countries are classed as “free” or “partly free” by Freedom is quite similar to the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance House? No other region of the world scores this badly. Don’t Yojana (UDAY) launched in 2015, wherein the tar- say “meddling imperialists” or the International Monetary Fund gets were missed by a huge margin. The Centre’s (IMF) or give some other alibi involving foreigners, because three- planned electricity distribution reform programme quarters of the world’s countries could use that excuse if they will also meet the same fate as the real intent is not wanted. Most don’t, because they don’t need excuses. reform but to give money to the beleaguered dis- coms so that they can clear dues to power genera- There have been lots of attempts at democratic revolutions tors and other suppliers. in the Arab world too, but the good guys keep losing. What is Meanwhile, amid the cacophony of farmers’ so different there? Here’s one possible answer. Everywhere else, protest over the enactment of the three farm laws the political choice is binary: Tyranny or democracy. In most of by the Narendra Modi Government, a demand that the Arab countries there are three choices: The dreadful status went unnoticed relates to doing away with an amend- quo, democracy or Islam. In every Arab country, out in the open ment to the Electricity Act (2003) that requires farm- or operating underground, there is also an Islamist opposition ers to pay tariff for electricity supply at the un-sub- promising that, “Islam is the answer.” sidised rate even as the State concerned provides The right answer depends on what the question was and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of subsidy to their as a non-Arab and non-Muslim I am not the one setting the ques- bank account. Reportedly, the Centre has accepted HOWEVER, THE this demand. DBT’S LAUNCH IS tions. I just observe that in the Arab world, unlike elsewhere, What it means is that the Centre will continue two alternative routes out from the existing oppression are on A PIPE DREAM AS with the existing dispensation of supplying power ALL POLITICAL offer to the public. Both have considerable popular appeal but at subsidised rates to farmers (in some States it is been on top of the Central Government’s The reforms are also aimed at improv- That the Government is not serious they are mutually exclusive. even free of charge). If it is done for farmers then PARTIES, agenda. In November 2015, it launched the ing the reliability and quality of power sup- about the reforms agenda in the power Equality and its political expression, democracy, are logically, other beneficiaries of subsidised power, such IRRESPECTIVE UDAY. The prime objective of the scheme ply. It may also have a compulsory pre- sector, it has further vindicated by promis- human values. However, for historical reasons it is easy for as poor households should continue under the sub- OF THEIR which ran for nearly four years was to cut paid and smart metering component to be ing farmers that DBT of power subsidy Islamists to portray political democracy as an alien, Western sisting arrangement, too. You can’t have two differ- IDEOLOGICAL the losses of discoms by reducing AT&C implemented across the power supply won’t be implemented. DBT is a transfor- value. Equality just for the true believers is a viable rival doc- ent methods of delivering subsidy to different albeit MOORINGS — losses and the ACS-ARR gap. These loss- chain, including in about 250 million mative reform. Under it, subsidy is given trine for revolutionaries in countries where most people are Muslim vulnerable sections of society. WHETHER IN THE es were a result of the increase in the cost households. directly to the beneficiaries even as tariff — and that is the fault line that the dictators exploited. Do we then take it that the Government has GOVERNMENT of power purchase on one hand and sup- The Government is expected to con- is cost-based or market-determined. The junked its plan on DBT? A cursory glance at a spate OR IN THE ply to farmers at heavily subsidised rates tribute around `60,000 crore to the discoms will set tariff in a manner as to That’s why the first thing Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad of announcements coming from the top may help on the other. They were required to reduce scheme’s corpus and the rest may be raised fully recover their cost of purchase, did when the pro-democracy protests began was to free sev- OPPOSITION — us in unraveling the truth in regard to the DBT or WANT AT&C losses from 20.7 per cent during from multilateral funding agencies such wheeling and distribution thereby avoid- eral thousand Islamist activists from his prisons. Rival sets of for that matter, fate of other reforms in this crucial 2015-16 to 15 per cent by 2018-19. as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) ing loss. They won’t also be saddled with enemies out in the streets is far better than a united opposition. sector. Under the special economic and comprehen- THEMSELVES Further, they were asked to reduce the and the World Bank (WB). The Centre’s pending subsidy dues from the State as It led to a ten-year civil war that has driven half the population sive package for the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ TO BE SEEN AS ACS-ARR gap from `0.59 per unit dur- contribution will be met through the pre- then, the latter will be dealing directly with into exile but Assad is still in power today. announced in May, Finance Minister Nirmala SUPPLYING ing 2015-16 to ‘zero’ by 2018-19. vious commitment of the ongoing beneficiaries for subsidy transfer. The Egyptian army was more subtle. It let its old, discred- Sitharaman had provided for a special loan of ELECTRICITY TO Simultaneously, the Government gave schemes viz. the Integrated Power Under the DBT dispensation, discoms ited leader go under, knowing that a free election would bring `90,000 crore from the Rural Electrification FARMERS FREE OF them a financial restructuring package Development Scheme (IPDS) and the also need not charge more from industries the Islamists to power because most voters were rural and social- Corporation (REC) and the Power Finance CHARGE. HENCE (FRP). Put simply, this was nothing but Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojna and businesses which they have to do ` ly very conservative. The military calculated that the urban young Corporation (PFC) to discoms. This was done to THEY HAVE A condoning their debt of about 4,00,000 (DDUGJY). The funds will be released under the present regime to offset the loss enable them to clear their dues to independent power VESTED INTEREST crore (while 75 per cent of this was taken subject to their meeting reform-related suffered on subsidised sale to farmers and who made the revolution would be dismayed and seek the army’s producers (IPPs) and generators in the public sec- over by the States, for the balance, discoms milestones. poor households. This in turn, will help help when the Islamists began forcing their values on the coun- IN CONTINUING tor, such as the National Thermal Power Corporation WITH THE STATUS were allowed to issue bonds at a prefer- The proposed electricity distribution the latter reduce their cost of operations try. That’s exactly what happened and the new dictator, General (NTPC). But, this was conditional upon the discoms QUO ential interest rate). The stated rationale reform programme is more or less simi- and stay competitive. The new regime will Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, then closed the door on the whole episode implementing reforms such as DBT of power sub- . TILL THERE behind giving FRP was to enable them lar to UDAY but for the change of name also empower consumers as then, it will by massacring about 4,000 Islamists on the streets of Cairo. sidy, “open access” i.e. allowing consumer to draw IS NO POLITICAL start on a clean slate. In return, discoms and insertion of some catchy phrases such be easier to implement the “open access” Variants of this scenario played out in other Arab countries with power from a supplier of his/her choice and so on. WILL TO END were expected to set their house in order as Reforms-Linked, Result-Based and so policy thereby enabling them to source more or less violence and only Tunisia managed to create a last- Sitharaman had linked the hike in the borrow- THIS, THERE CAN by achieving the milestones as specified on. One sees the typical syndrome of “old power directly from a supplier who offers ing (so far) democracy. ing limit of States to the extent of 0.25 per cent of BE NO REAL above. But, they did not deliver. wine in a new bottle.” Just as the real pur- the lowest tariff. This is not uniquely an Arab problem, of course. Iran has the State Gross Domestic Product (SGDP) (out of POWER REFORMS During 2019-20, AT&C losses of pose of the UDAY scheme was to extin- In short, DBT will be a win-win for been an Islamist theocracy for 40 years and Turkey’s once live- an overall increase of two per cent allowed to them) IN INDIA discoms were 18.9 per cent against the tar- guish the liabilities of discoms, the pro- all stakeholders viz. agriculture, industry, to power sector reforms. Of this, 0.05 per cent is pred- get of 15 per cent for 2018-19. As regards posed electricity distribution reform pro- businesses, exchequer (both Centre and ly democracy has been slowly strangled during Recep Tayyip icated on the State reducing aggregate technical and the ACS-ARR gap during 2019-20, it gramme, too, seeks to give them the States) even as farmers have nothing to Erdogan’s 17 years in power. But as the distance from the Arab commercial (AT&C) losses (a sophisticated nomen- stood at `0.42 per unit against target of money on a platter. This will help them lose (as only the method of delivering sub- heartland grows, so do the prospects for democracy. clature for theft) of its discoms, another 0.05 per cent ‘zero’. This would mean that after initial clear their dues to power generators and sidy changes). Pakistan manages to be a (quite corrupt) democracy about to their reducing the gap between the average cost reduction from `52,000 crore during keep some cushion to take care of future However, the DBT’s launch is a pipe half the time, Bangladesh and Malaysia are quasi-democratic of supply and average revenue realisation (ACS-ARR 2015-16 to `17,000 crore during 2017-18, losses. dream as all political parties irrespective all the time. And Indonesia is a fully fledged, full-service democ- gap) from the sale of electricity and the remaining the discoms’ loss increased to over `30,000 The talk of trimming AT&C losses or of their ideological moorings — whether racy. These four countries account for almost half the world’s 0.15 per cent to DBT. crore during 2019-20. In turn, this has led lowering the ACS-ARR gap to zero is in the Government or in the Opposition Muslims — and African Muslims don’t seem to have particu- Each State was required to formulate a scheme to a piling up of their dues to IPP/PSUs laughable when seen in the backdrop of — want themselves to be seen as supply- lar problems with democracy either. to roll out DBT to farmers in lieu of free electrici- in excess of `1,30,000 crore. similar target having been missed in the ing electricity to farmers free of charge. The problem resides in the Arab world, where the political ty from 2021-22. The scheme has to be implement- Faced with the same predicament as past. Under UDAY, discoms were required Hence they have a vested interest in con- ed in at least one of its districts by December 31. in 2015, the Government is working on to reduce AT&C loss to 15 per cent in tinuing with the status quo. Till there is no climate has only two seasons: Brief springs and very long win- Based on the progress on the above three parame- a `3,00,000 crore electricity distribution 2018-19; now the reformers want this fig- political will to end this, there can be no ters. It may not be an insoluble problem but there’s certainly ters, the Power Ministry was required to recommend reform programme, which may be ure to be reached in March 2025. Similarly, real power reforms in India. no solution in sight, at least in the near future. (to the Expenditure Department under the Finance announced in the ensuing Union Budget. the zero gap for ACS-ARR was targeted (The writer is a New Delhi-based (Gwynne Dyer’s new book is ‘Growing Pains: The Future Ministry) the release of 0.25 per cent by January 31, It was approved by the Public Investment for 2018-19; under the new scheme, this policy analyst. The views of Democracy and Work.’ The views expressed are personal) 2021. Even prior to this, power sector reforms have Board (PIB) early this month. gets shifted to 2025. expressed are personal) Yet another bid at Opposition unity State leaders believe that they must emerge as an alternative to the Congress and the ruling BJP for democracy to thrive in the country FOREIGN EYE

it wasted away soon, yielding space to ambitious regional satraps who are (TRS) chief Chandrashekhar Rao ing the roost for the last six years. most States. They hope that this pow- another Front called the United Front dreaming of national leadership, on the announcing on the eve of the recent Fourth, the regional leaders do not mind erful alliance against the BJP would in 1996, of which Deve Gowda became other. Greater Hyderabad Municipal taking issue-based help from the work in their favour. There is no doubt the Prime Minister, followed by IK The question is, can this alliance, Corporation (GHMC) elections that he Congress, both in Parliament and out- that for any democracy to function Gujral. This alliance too, was short-lived. when it is formed, survive? The answer plans to visit Delhi soon to discuss a side, as the alliance would be opposed properly, there is a need for a powerful The next Front was the National to this can only come with time. But non-BJP alliance. to the BJP in their respective States and and effective Opposition. It is also clear Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by AB there is no doubt that the regional lead- Second, leaders like the Biju Janata also at the national level. The regional that the splintered Opposition in the THE PEOPLE Vajpayee in 1998 and 2004. Soon after, ers view this as an opportune time to Dal (BJD) chief Naveen Patnaik, bigwigs are miffed with the Centre as country has not been effective, even Congress chief Sonia Gandhi formed strengthen their positions further and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo they feel that Prime Minister Narendra with a majority in the Rajya Sabha. The STRUGGLE ON KALYANI SHANKAR the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), work towards an alliance. They are qui- Mamata Banerjee, Nationalist Congress Modi is not adhering to the dharma of ruling NDA has been able to get many Over this year, goodwill has not which ruled for ten years. The year 2014 etly sounding out the other regional Party (NCP) head Sharad Pawar, Shiv federal cooperation on many issues, controversial Bills passed in the House only been drained by the n the early ’80s, buoyed by his big saw the grand return of the BJP-led strongmen and mobilising their sup- Sena president Uddhav Thackeray are including the Goods and Services Tax of Elders because of the disunity in the victory against the Congress the then NDA and its winning streak is still con- port. They realise that the Congress really worried about the way the BJP is (GST) and the money due to them for Opposition ranks. lockdown but squandered by IAndhra Pradesh Chief Minister NT tinuing. As the late Congress leader Party has lost its sheen and there is also growing in their backyard and they have dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak. Hence, State leaders believe that official incompetence and the Rama Rao (NTR) talked about the for- Ahmed Patel used to point out, the UPA a leadership crisis in the Grand Old been unable to check its growth. Even Fifth, many senior leaders in the they must emerge as an alternative to the discovery that while millions are mation of a Front for regional satraps was not a Front after the 2014 elections. Party. Moreover, in the last six years, the neutral leaders like Rao and Patnaik are regional parties are reluctant to work Congress and the ruling BJP for democ- struggling economically, in the called the Bharat Desam. But, this did The Congress’ slide has made it easier Congress has failed to lead the considering joining this Front, as they under the leadership of former Congress racy to thrive in the country. Earlier not materialise for many years as NTR’s for the regional satraps, who are grow- Opposition, despite repeated attempts were hesitant to part of any group in president Rahul Gandhi. They would efforts to form a Third Front were all UK “chumocracy” has vision was ahead of his time. Finally, in ing in number, to come together. to do so. which the Congress was a partner. not mind, for instance working under short-lived because of the ego problems prospered from Government 1989 the National Front was born, of Several of them, with a strong base in The purpose behind the bid to form Third, they are concerned about the the leadership of Sharad Pawar because, among them. From the Janata Party days handouts dished out with little which NTR became the chairman. their respective States, are now think- a new alliance is to stall the BJP’s jug- aggressive campaigning by the BJP for being a senior both in terms of age and to the present times, every decade the scrutiny. That people still want The National Front came to power and ing of forming a non-BJP and pro- gernaut. They want to float it now so even municipal polls, like it did in the political experience, he is more accept- idea of a Third Front surfaces. The pre- to do the right thing is despite, VP Singh of the Janata Dal became the Congress alliance. This is necessary that they will not be caught napping in recent GHMC elections. The BJP has able to the other stalwarts. Last but not sent move is one of them. Prime Minister defeating the Congress because of the vacuum created by a the next Lok Sabha polls. One might jumped from two seats to 48 — just a the least, the satraps think that the BJP (The writer is a senior journalist. not because of, the Government. Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. However, weak Congress on the one side and the recall the Telangana Rashtra Samithi few less than the TRS — which was rul- does not have any leader of stature in The views expressed are personal) (The Guardian editorial) TUESDAY | DECEMBER 22, 2020 Money 08 Reintroduce Sebi slaps Rs 15 Lakh fine gas subsidy New mutation of virus pulls down scheme: APP on three individuals PNS n NEW DELHI investor wealth by Rs 6.59 lakh-cr PNS n NEW DELHI Goverdhan Ajwani. The indi- was observed at the time of viduals were the directors of investigation that summons The Association of Power PNS n NEW DELHI Bank, M&M, SBI, NTPC and Stock market regulator Sebi the company at the time of were delivered to the individ- Producers (APP) has urged ITC which shed up to 6.98 per has slapped a total fine of Rs 15 investigation. uals (noticees), seeking infor- the government to reintro- Investor wealth eroded by Rs cent. lakh on three individuals for An investigation was con- mation on preferential allot- duce gas subsidy scheme for 6.59 lakh crore on Monday as "Concerns of new COVID-19 their failure to comply with ducted by the watchdog in the ment. revival of gas-based electric- equities tanked after the UK strains in the UK and emerging summons issued by the regu- shares of Global Securities The individuals were ity generation projects in the reported a new strain of the doubts over efficacy of COVID- lator in Global Securities Ltd during the period from May granted ample opportunities country. COVID-19 virus. 19 vaccination dented investors' case. 1, 2010 to April 30, 2014 to and time to submit the requi- The body has also sought The 30-share BSE Sensex sentiments globally. A fine of Rs 5 lakh each has examine the matters relating site information on several dedicated allocation or auction plunged 1,406.73 points or 3 per "Indian markets were the been imposed on Umesh to preferential allotment occasions, as sought under of gas for power sector and cent to close at 45,553.96. The worst performer today... profit- Kashinath Gawand, Kamlesh process and utilisation of summons, to the investigating inclusion of natural gas under benchmark hit an all-time high booking could also be a key rea- Kanahiyalal Joshi and Jagdish preferential issue proceeds. It officer, the order said. GST regime to maintain 5 per of 47,055.69 during the session. son as domestic equities have cent tax across the country. In Following the sharp selling, outperformed global markets by a letter shot off to Power the market capitalisation of BSE- a wide margin in recent Minister R K Singh last week, listed firms plummeted by Rs months," said Binod Modi, Head MONEY MATTERS APP asked for reintroduction 6,59,313.65 crore to Rs Strategy at Reliance Securities. In of a modified E-RLNG (elec- 1,78,79,323.05 crore. the broader market, the BSE Noise partners Vijay Sales to tronic auction of subsidy to "Brutal bloodbath witnessed mid-cap and small-cap indices buy regasified liquefied natur- in today's session after a new tanked up to 4.57 per cent. al gas) scheme to improve the coronavirus strain was found in sentiments," said Sumeet lockdown in London and south- All BSE sectoral indices also expand presence to offline retail PLF (plant load factor or Britain. Market extended losses Bagadia, Executive Director, east England, warning that the closed lower, with metal, oil and mart wearables company Noise capacity utilisation) of stressed in late afternoon session, track- Choice Broking. potent new strain of the gas, utilities, realty, basic mate- on Monday said it has partnered gas- based power generation ing sell-off in the European Global markets were knocked COVID-19 virus was "out of rials, industrials, power and Swith electronics retail chain plants. It pointed out that due markets amid concern of fresh off highs after the UK govern- control". bankex falling as much as 6.05 Vijay Sales to make its products to the limited supply of gas, travelling lockdown restrictions ment reported a new strain of All 30 Sensex companies per cent. available in the latter's stores across these power plants are operat- across countries. the coronavirus that was up to closed the day with losses, with At the BSE, 2,433 companies the country. Under the partnership, ing at extremely low PLF of 22 "Uncertainties over the Brexit 70 per cent more contagious. ONGC tanking the most by 9.15 declined, while 592 advanced Noise products will be available per cent. deal also dented the investors' The UK imposed a fresh per cent, followed by Indusind and 167 remained unchanged. across 50 stores out of Vijay Sales' Vineet Agarwal 103 outlets in the country as well as its online store. "With this partnership, we will be registering our first takes over as retail presence. We have seen strong growth in the online space and we were keen to set up an offline presence to get more customers to Power Minister unveils rules to new Assocham see and experience the brand," Noise co-founder Gaurav Khatri said. GMR Infra gets The partnership will help the brand to expand its reach by tapping President into a large customer base and strengthening its foothold in India protect electricity consumers through both offline and online channels, he added. nod for rejig plan PNS n NEW DELHI PNS n NEW DELHI of these rights be put in place," PNS n NEW DELHI he added. Managing Director of logis- Isuzu Motors India to hike prices Power Minister R K Singh on The rules provide that its the tics major Transport GMR Infrastructure on Monday issued a set of rules to duty of every distribution Corporation of India Limited Monday said it has received ensure the rights of electricity licensee to supply electricity on Vineet Agarwal has taken of pick-up range from January consent from stock exchanges, consumers, asserting that now request made by an owner or over as the new President of tility vehicle maker Isuzu Motors with no adverse observations, the consumer is not "power- occupier of any premises in The Associated Chambers of India on Monday said it will hike on its proposed restructuring less". line with the provisions of the Commerce and Industry of Uprices of its pick-up range - D- involving demerger of its non- The rules provide for penal- Electricity Act. India (Assocham), the indus- MAX Regular Cab and D-MAX S-CAB - airport vertical business. ties for power distribution It is the right of consumer to try body said on Monday. from January 1 to offset increasing The company said it will file utilities (discoms) for not have minimum standards of He replaces Niranjan input and distribution costs. The the scheme with the National maintaining mandated stan- service for supply of electrici- Hiranandani, Co-Founder increase is expected to be Company Law Tribunal dards of services under the ty from the distribution and Managing Director, approximately Rs 10,000 from the current ex-showroom price, the (NCLT) within six months. Electricity (Rights of con- licensee, it says. Hiranandani Group of company said in a statement. Isuzu Motors India currently sells its D- "...The company has Infra (GPIL), GMR sumers) Rules. The rule also provide for a Companies. Sumant Sinha, MAX Regular Cab with prices starting from Rs 8.64 lakh and D-MAX S- received consent of the stock Infrastructure, GMR Power "Now the consumer is not transparent, simple and time Chairman and Managing CAB with starting price of Rs 10.62 lakh. "The increase in price is due to exchanges, with no adverse and Urban Infra and their powerless....(discoms) have to bound processes for release of Director of ReNew Power, is the increasing input and distribution costs," the company said in the observations, to file the respective shareholders provide service...if these(rules) the conviction that the power new connection and modifica- the new Senior Vice-President statement. German luxury carmaker BMW too on Monday said it will scheme with the National (scheme)". are not adhered to, there would systems exist to serve the con- tion in existing connection. of Assocham. Agarwal is a increase prices of its entire model range in India by up to 2 per cent Company Law Tribunal, The restructuring is a step be penalty," Singh told sumers and the consumers The rule provide that the appli- graduate from Carnegie from next month. Rival Audi has already announced a price increase of within six months," GMR in the right direction reporters in a virtual media have rights to get the services cant for electricity connection Mellon University, USA. “The up to 2 per cent across its entire model range, effective from January 1. Infrastructure said in a reg- towards creating pure plays briefing on the rules. and reliable, quality electrici- has option for online applica- post-pandemic period would ulatory filing. in different businesses of The Ministry of Power has ty. Distribution Companies tion. be full of challenges and The company said it had the group thereby attracting promulgated rules laying down across the country are monop- Besides the discoms would opportunities; I would work Mahindra's SsangYong Motor filed an application to "the sector-specific global the rights of consumers. olies – whether government or have to provide or modify an with all the stakeholders - BSE and National Stock investors and unlocking While issuing these rules, private – and the consumer has electricity connection within industry, government, acade- files for bankruptcy Exchange of India towards value for the current share- Singh said that these rules no alternative – therefore it was a maximum time period of mic, civil society and the ahindra & Mahindra (M&M) the composite scheme of holders of GMR shall empower the consumers necessary that the consumers seven days in metro cities; 15 Assocham employees to lever- on Monday said its loss- amalgamation and arrange- Infrastructure, the company of electricity. rights be laid down in Rules days in other municipal areas age the unfolding opportuni- Mmaking South Korean arm ment amongst GMR Power had then said in a statement. "These rules emanate from and a system for enforcement and 30 days in rural areas. ties,” said Agarwal. SsangYong Motor Company (SYMC) has filed for bankruptcy. The SYMC has filed an application for commencement of For hospitality and tourism sector, Indigo rehabilitation procedure with the Seoul Bankruptcy Court under the Debtor Rehabilitation and Bankruptcy Act of South Korea, M&M said partners with in a regulatory filing. The troubled automaker has also applied for an ARS programme which is a court designed process, it added. "If the 2021 is all about survival, recovery Urban Drive Court approves the ARS, SYMC will continue to function under the supervision of its board and will negotiate with stakeholders to reach PNS n NEW DELHI PNS n NEW DELHI an understanding about a revival package which may include equity and debt financing and other related actions," M&M said. As the uninvited guest coron- IndiGo announced on avirus pandemic checked in, Monday it has partnered with India's hospitality and tourism car rental company Urban sector suffered three quarters Drive so that passengers can Govt identifies new routes for ferry of economic wipeout estimat- book self-driven and chauf- ed to be up to Rs 15 lakh crore, feur driver services across 60 and the industry is desperate- cities in India. Passengers BMW to hike vehicle services through inland waterways ly looking forward to govern- will be able to book this ser- o promote coastal shipping and ment support to survive and vice using the airline's web- boost tourism, new routes for recover in 2021. site, said its statement. prices by up to 2% Tferry and RO-RO (Roll-on Roll- With business coming "Through this collaboration, off) services have been identified almost to a standstill, the trav- IndiGo customers will be PNS n NEW DELHI Group India will introduce that include Somnath Temple, el and tourism industry play- able to book a chauffeur-dri- the new pricing for BMW Hazira, Okha and Jamnagar, the ers want the government to ven cab service across 60 German luxury carmaker and MINI portfolio, increas- government said on Monday. The provide targeted support to the cities which are serving 42 BMW on Monday said it will ing the prices marginally by destinations along with six sector till vaccine-based con- another two quarters till vac- dropped more than the econ- airports on IndiGo domestic increase prices of its entire up to 2 per cent to offset the international routes have been identified under the Sagarmala fidence comes, to help them cine is deployed across all omy," he added. network: with options of model range in India by up to increasing input costs," project, a flagship programme of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and meet their operating costs and source and destination mar- Further, Anand said that hourly, intercity and airport 2 per cent from next month. BMW Group India President Waterways (MoPSW). The programme aims to promote port-led retain jobs. kets," Federation of while there will be "some green transfer packages," it noted. The automaker will intro- Vikram Pawah said. development in the country through harnessing India's 7,500 km Although the black swan Associations in Indian shoots of recovery in tourism, The additional benefits of duce the revised pricing for all The company sells a range long coastline and potentially navigable waterways. "MoPSW has event shook the very founda- Tourism and Hospitality it will be extremely narrow- booking through this collab- BMW and MINI models of locally produced cars in identified domestic locations namely Hazira, Okha, Somnath Temple, tion of this vibrant and (FAITH) Chairman Nakul based in some locations, across oration would be that the pas- effective January 4, 2021, India including the 2 Series DIU, PIPAVAV, Dahej, Mumbai/JNPT, Jamnagar, Kochi, Ghogha, Goa, bustling sector, the players are Anand told PTI. some long weekends in drive sengers will not have to pay BMW Group India said in a Gran Coupe, 3 Series, 3 Mundra and Mandvi...for the commencement of ferry services putting up a brave front, opti- The apex sectoral body had down, domestic locations". any waiting or cancellation statement. Series Gran Turismo, 5 through inland waterways," the ministry said in a statement. Besides, mistic to regain the "lost in the beginning of the pan- The impact of COVID-19 charges for the service incase Prices will increase by up Series, 6 Series Gran six international routes, connecting 4 international destinations vibrancy in the latter half of demic forecasted almost three has been such that all other of delay or cancellation of to 2 per cent across the port- Turismo, 7 Series, X1, X3, namely Chattogram (Bangladesh), Seychelles (East Africa) 2021" and are banking on quarters of economic wipeout segments of tourism -- their flights, the statement folio, it added. X4, X5, X7 and MINI Madagascar (East Africa) and Jaffna (Sri Lanka) from Indian major 'revenge travel' once the health impact on tourism at between inbound, outbound, corpo- mentioned. "In an unprecedented year, Countryman. BMW also coastal port towns have been identified for these services. The crisis is controlled to help the Rs 10 lakh crore to Rs 15 lakh rate, MICE (Meetings, the company has been sells 8 Series Gran Coupe, ministry said it has been working continuously for the promotion of sector recover. crore. "On an accumulated Incentives, Conferences and focused on providing best- X6, Z4, M2 Competition, coastal shipping under Sagarmala programme. MoPSW, through "This was the worst three basis this would have played Exhibitions), adventure and in-class products and unpar- M5 Competition, M8 Coupe, Sagarmala Development Company Ltd (SDCL), is desirous of quarters ever for the tourism out as has been evident in both leisure -- will continue to alleled services to its X3 M and X5 M which come facilitating the companies to operate RO-RO, RO-PAX and ferry industry over a century and Q1 and Q2 GDP data, show- underperform till the next esteemed clientele. From as completely built-up units services on various routes across the nation and provide the required this is expected to play out till ing tourism almost double two quarters. January 4, 2021, BMW (CBUs). support to make the project operational, it said. $107 mn in NIIF’s Housing sales to fall 47 pc in 2020 across 7 top cities PNS n NEW DELHI ongoing discounts and offers, master fund the prevailing lowest-best PNS n MUMBAI Housing sales across seven ‘States must cut stamp duty home loan interest rates and major cities are estimated to fall limited-period stamp duty cuts The National Investment and 47 per cent year-on-year to 1.38 in states such as Maharashtra, Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) lakh units this year on lower to boost housing sales’ he added. Mumbai on Monday announced a USD demand because of the he Maharashtra government's decision to reduce stamp duty on Metropolitan Region is expect- 107 million investment into its COVID-19 pandemic, accord- Tregistration of properties has helped boost housing sales in the ed to see maximum sales of 'master fund' from Canada's ing to property consultant Mumbai region during this pandemic and other states should follow about 44,320 units this year fol- PSP Investments, US The master fund invests in Anarock. suit to give a filip to the real estate sector, Naredco President lowed by Bengaluru with International Development operating assets in core infra- New housing supply, too, is Niranjan Hiranandani has said. In an interview with PTI, Hiranandani, 24,910 units. As per the data, Finance Corporation (DFC) structure sectors, primarily likely to fall 46 per cent to 1.28 the founder and Chairman of Mumbai-based Hiranandani group, said housing sales in MMR are and domestic private sector transportation and energy, lakh units in 2020 in seven the centre should incentivise rental housing, increase tax sops on likely to be around 44,320 lender Axis Bank. according to a statement. cities -- Delhi-NCR, Mumbai interest paid on home loans and stop taxing unsold inventories lying units this year, a decline of 45 After the new commitment Public Sector Pension Metropolitan Region (MMR), with developers. per cent from 80,870 units in from the three investors, the Investment Board or PSP Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, 2019. In Bengaluru, housing overall size of the 'master fund' Investments, one of Canada's Chennai and Kolkata. sales are estimated to fall 51 per has touched USD 2.34 billion largest pension investment man- Releasing its data 10 days 2019. New housing supply in the previous peak of 2014, said: "2020 has been an two quarters of 2020 on the cent to 24,910 units in 2020, and NIIF also announced the agers and DFC, a development before the end of this year, 2020 declined to 1.28 lakh there are strong revival signs unprecedented year due to back of growing homeowner- against 50,450 units in 2019. final close of the master fund. finance institution of the US fed- Anaraock said the total home units this year from about 2.37 during the October-December COVID-19, causing all-round ship sentiment - catalysed by Housing sales in Pune are The NIIF also announced that eral government, are new investors sales in seven cities are estimat- lakh during 2019. quarter, the report said. upheaval. However, the resi- the exigencies of the pandem- expected to drop 42 per cent to it is targeting to raise USD 2.1 in the master fund, while Axis ed at over 1.38 lakh units in While residential real estate Commenting on the data, dential segment was quick to ic". This pent-up demand was 23,460 units in 2020 from billion for a private equity fund. Bank was already invested. 2020 against 2.61 lakh units in bottomed out in 2020 against Anarock Chairman Anuj Puri pick up momentum in the last further accelerated by the 40,790 units last year. 9

Tuesday December 22, 2020 Calling for introspection Words that became with objectivity common in 2020

the narrative that will catal- too cute! Actor Rajesh, is still Actor Rajesh yse you for more introspec- an old school romantic at tion along with objectivity,” heart who loves the courtship Jais, known for shares the actor. that people used followed OTT is the new tide before they actually started his roles in sweeping over into the world dating, considering new age of showbiz and many indus- relations to be fast-paced. In Rab Ne Bana try insiders called it a dis- the movie too, Indoo, played turbing facet amidst the pan- by Kiara Advani, is living in Di Jodi, Sonu demic for the film trade. the digital era where young- However, they have made sters propose to each other ke Titu ki their peace with it now. And, on phones, ask a girl out on a in a country like India, we phone and so on. The per- Sweety, feel there will be opposition sonal touch seems to be lost as well as repercussions to somewhere as the years are whatever new is entering into moving on, feels Rajesh Jais. hat do pandemic, reminder of one of the Coro- became our new reality. It has Airlift, Raazi the markets. Nobody wants Working with brimming Coronavirus and navirus’ most challenging been a year unlike any other and Rocket to be unfair and give a blan- talent like Kiara added more Wquarantine have in characteristics that people and quarantine is the word ket statement about choosing finesse to Rajesh on the sets common? They are all words who are without symptoms that connected the worldwide one medium over another of Indoo Ki Jawani as accord- that got added to our dictio- can be contagious too. People medical emergency to the Singh, among and this Bollywood per- ing to him, she brought a nary of slangs in the year of were clearly paying attention political response and to our former feels the same about very fresh energy to the sets 2020! With entire societal to the news and to early personal experience of it all. others, is all it. Telling us in the candid creating a certain kind of construct being challenged, descriptions of the nature of Community spread conversation about how both admiration for her. “Kiara governments being toppled this disease. Because the COVID-19 cri- set to play dad the mediums are competing has her own vulnerable box- and human survival hanging Coronavirus sis developed at such a rapid with each other at par, he office charm and as a col- in the balance, 2020 didn’t A jargon for medical pro- pace, the word community to a millennial says, “Earlier it was OTT v/s league, she’s got great skills. exactly spark joy. fessionals became general spread associated with the cri- Cinema, although now, while Comfortable and cordial to Looking back isn’t The public’s everyday vocabulary, sis familiarised with us. daughter undertaking OTT arena, we work with, I must say,” he Pioneer’s style. That’s why though not a new word, Falling under the category of are challenging international adds. Commenting on instead of a single word from Coronavirus rocketed from diagnosis, just as vaccines whose dating web shows as well. OTT is Kangana Ranaut v/s Diljit this year, we picked several of being insignificant to appear- begin to offer hope for a path not just becoming hard-hit- Dosanjh’s Twitter war, he them. ing everywhere in a span of out of the pandemic, there life invites ting for us actors only but the asserts, “I concur with none Pandemic few weeks. The word was was an urgent alarm about filmmakers as well. Directors at the moment as both of Sometimes a single word largely ignored as the year what they called a highly con- and script writers are always them are carrying huge defines a whole epoch and the began but that indeed tagious Coronavirus circulat- trouble in at the top of their game to responsibilities on their word pandemic was one of changed on March 23 and as ing. present unique, artistic and shoulders as a notable per- those words which no less news coverage continued, Lockdown Indoo Ki societal content. Nonetheless, sonalities from entertainment than defined the whole year panic among the public was Lockdown was declared the nothing can beatt the visual industries, people look upto for us. It exceptionally fit into rising. word of the year for 2020 by Jawani. In an understanding of a theatre them as their role models. our mundane lives always Quarantine Collins Dictionary, after a because of its inherent 7.1/5.1 They should have comment- reminding us of how the year As reality of the global pan- sharp rise in its usage during exclusive canal surrounded by Dolby ed responsibly on a public was filled with an unexpected demic set in, we went into a the pandemic. It came into sounds in a pitch dark cine- domain where denizens are difficulty. This word immedi- state of enforced common expression as gov- interview with ma hall with multi-fold larg- very susceptible to power ately came onto the fore- isolation which ernments responded to the er-than-life imagery that is influences. It was a claim front out of nowhere was spread of Covid-19 in early The Pioneer’s unparallel to mobile-viewing associated with a very sensi- and became the word designed 2020 by placing strict measure practice. It’s a very phenome- tive issue that has divided of the year! to pre- to stop transmission of the SHIKHA nal phase of entertainment our country into two per- Asymptomatic vent the virus. industry that’s going on! spectives leading to a Bharat In this year, spread Social-distancing DUGGAL, he Until now, over the top plat- Bandh as well, so decorum when the public’s of the Everyone’s talking about ctor Rajesh Jais humour. forms are riding high on the needs to be maintained.” mind was so focu- disease. social distancing and how it talks about his seems to be having a “When I first received the liberty of uncensored content With a dream role of hav- sed on COVID-19, can prevent the spread of Agood run in the film call for this offer, the only yet with a drama series like ing to exhibit an undercover the word Basically, COVID. It basically means industry with the kind of thing I could put forward Scam 1992, it sets a brilliant agent from Intelligence asymp- this isolat- keeping a safe distance of role, the quality work he has been humbly was that ‘boss, I don’t example of how one can Bureau sacked on the allega- ing ship was about three to six feet from doing in all forms of media. do such films!’ However, make a luminous series with- tion of mishandling a high in charge of others that will not only sensitivity it Venturing more into OTT when the caller relented and out any cuss words, violence profile case and heavily protecting the prevent contraction of now, a form of creative story- explained that the movie is or explicit prospects that bagged with his personal Bye bye 2020 whole country and with this any infection but will also required, telling platform with his lat- being made by ace producer broke records everywhere.” emotional-cum-traumatic tomatic was a word stay at home orders break the chain of the disease. est release Indoo Ki Jawani Nikhil Advani, that made me Indoo Ki Jawani, the com- past, he very much wants to working with that has a young woman’s change my mind. I had earli- ing-of-age comedy film that be seen protecting the under- experiences with dating apps er worked with Nikhil in revolves around a girl from world. Going beyond his act- Nikhil Advani, turn into pot full of troubles, Airlift and I was inspired to Ghaziabad and her misad- ing competence, Rajesh Jais is he is making his own rules do more meaningful cinema ventures with dating apps all set to entertain us in his OTT vs. and enforcing them in his because his craft speaks for makes the actor feel surreal upcoming film Roohi Afzana life. The effortless actor that himself. In fact, the director’s about old school romance starring opposite Jhanvi Cinema, and he is, Rajesh dons the charac- approach was also very more because of its longevity, Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, ter of Kiara Advani’s father to accommodating and crystal the quirk behind getting Gormint and Inside Edge 3 more perfection in the film bring- clear without compromising rejected and still not separat- lined up on OTT and the ing out a very important on any of the essence of ing, the thrill, poetic ambi- mega musical play Mughal-e- facet about providing a feel- scenes. And, not to forget the ence and a reality full of day- Azam tour running on ing of security with plenty of hysterical comic scenarios in dreaming. Dating in 90’s was Indian Broadway.

K. RAMYA SREE in an Anand Karaj ceremo- was a low-key affair with Nikhil ny at a gurdwara on October only his family members Gowda - 24. in attendance. Dil Raju Revathi his may have been an married an air hostess exceptionally difficult named Tejaswini. Nikhil Gowda, Tyear, but all over the However, post-wed- Kannada actor world, couples proved that it ding, the bride is and son of former will take more than a global believed to have Karnataka Chief pandemic to stop romance; changed her name to Minister HD parking lot drive-up mar- Vygha Reddy. Kumaraswamy, got married riages, virtual weddings, and Actor to Revathi in April at a farm- social bubble nuptials have Raja - Hima Bindu house near Bidadi in all become a regular occur- Telugu actor Raja ding Ramanagara district amid the rence as people in love found Chembolu married Hima with a lockdown. It was said that the new ways to share their affec- Nikhil - Pallavi Bindu at a ceremony in crowded “wedding was simple without tion with the world. For Happy Days actor Nikhil Hyderabad. Actor Raja dance floor but the pandemic frills”. many stars, the new normal Nithin - Shalini Siddhartha tied the knot with Chembolu, well known for ruined their plans. has been all about new his longtime girlfriend Pallavi John Cena - Shay working in Telugu films such beginnings. Despite the lock- Actor Nithiin married his Varma at a farmhouse in as Bhanumathi & down, several among the git- long term girlfriend Shalini Hyderabad in May. The cou- Wrestler-actor John Cena Ramakrishna, Fidaa, V and terati have tied the knot in in an intimate affair in ple were earlier planning to tied the knot with his girl- Chanakya among other pro- intimate affairs and it’s safe to Hyderabad in July. The cou- get married in April but had friend Shay Shariatzadeh in a jects, tied the knot with say it’s raining weddings in ple had plans of getting mar- to postpone the wedding secret wedding ceremony Venkata Lakshmi Hima tinsel town. We bring to you ried in Dubai but due to owing to the lockdown. The after dating for a year. Bindu at a private ceremony the list of star couples, who lockdown restrictions, they wedding was attended by Reports claim that the duo in Hyderabad on October 31. sealed their ‘forever together’ had decided to host the event only a few family members of got hitched on October 12 in in 2020. here in Hyderabad. Despite the bride and the groom. a hush-hush ceremony in the lockdown and the pan- Tampa, Florida. The actor's Niharika - Chaitanya demic, the couple managed marriage certificate is going to host a grand wedding, viral on the internet. The duo Actress-producer Niharika Scarlett Johansson - while following the rules and was first seen together in Konidela, got married to Colin Jost restrictions imposed by the March 2019 in Canada while Hyderabad-based techie government due to the pan- John was filming Playing Chaitanya on December 9. Hollywood star Scarlett demic. with Fire. Later, there were Niharika and Chaitanya’s Johansson has married her rumours that Cena popped wedding happened at the Kajal garwal - Gautam fiancé Colin Jost in a low-key the question as Shay was seen Udaivilas Palace in Udaipur Kitchlu ceremony in October. Far flaunting a big diamond ring amid huge fanfare. The cou- from the traditional wedding on her left hand. ple hosted a grand wedding Actress Kajal Aggarwal announcement, news of the Vivek Athreya - Srija reception on Friday and the love of her life couple’s nuptials was shared Filmmaker Vivek Athreya Rana Daggubati - (December 11). Her lavish Gautam Kitchlu tied the knot by the charitable organisation is the latest member from the Miheeka Bajaj wedding is currently the talk in an intimate ceremony in Meals on Wheels who broke industry to have walked of the town. Mumbai on October 30. The the news along with a special down the aisle this year. On The Baahubali star got couple had been the talk of request from the newlyweds December 17, the director Sujeeth Reddy - Neha Kakkar - married to Miheeka Bajaj on PRravallika the town for their gorgeous to their well-wishers. who has delivered memo- August 8 in the presence of Rohanpreet Singh pictures as well as their love rable films like Mental close family and friends. The Saaho director Sujeeth Singers Neha Kakkar and story. The duo dated for Madhilo and close-knit yet glamourous Reddy got married to Rohanpreet Singh took the three years and then Brochevarevaruraa, married affair was hosted at the Pravallika on August 2 in nation by surprise with their remained friends for seven Srija, with whom he has been Ramanaidu Studios in Hyderabad. It was a close- wedding just days after mak- years. What made her marry in a steady relationship for Hyderabad. It was in May knit ceremony with only ing their relationship official Dil Raju - Vygha Gautam in the lockdown, you the past many years, reports that Rana made his relation- family members in atten- on Instagram. Neha and ask? The actress claimed that have it. While details are in ship with Miheeka public. dance. On June 10, the cou- Rohanpreet’s wedding festivi- Popular producer Dil Raju when the two were not able short supply, it is said that Sharing a photo of the cou- ple got engaged in an inti- ties were spread across has tied the knot for the sec- to see each other for a few Vivek wanted the wedding to ple, the actor wrote on mate ceremony. They were in Mumbai, Delhi and ond time on May 10 in an weeks, they realised they be a low-key affair and only Instagram: “And she said yes! a relationship for the past few Chandigarh over several intimate ceremony at Sri wanted to be together. Kajal his close friends from the #MiheekaBajaj years. days. The couple got married Venkateswara temple in wanted a destination wed- industry graced it. Nizamabad. The wedding 10

Tuesday December 22, 2020 what’s brewing? Ariana Grande announces engagement

op star Ariana Grande tographs in all. Besides a close- account. Ariana’s friends from the has announced her up of the oval stone apparently Among the first to celebrate world of showbiz have posted P engagement on set on a platinum ring, she has the news was Ariana’s mother, congratulatory messages, too. Instagram to realtor also shared three mushy images Joan. “I am so excited to wel- “Soooo happy for u guys!!! Dalton Gomez by shar- of the duo, who were reportedly come Dalton Gomez into our Love you!!!” wrote reality TV ing a photograph of a diamond dating since the start of the year. family! Ariana, I love you and star Kim Kardashian. ring he gave her. The couple has “Forever n then some,” she Dalton so much!!!! Here’s to “YAYYYYYY!!!!! so so happy been dating for nearly a year. wrote as caption with the pic- happily ever after!” tweeted for you guys!!” wrote model Ariana posted four pho- tures on her verified Instagram Joan. Hailey Bieber. Singer Benny Dayal on how Bruno Mars inspires his music ilm- maker cclaimed multi- Calling Bruno Mars — the he said. F Vikram lingual singer winner of 11 Grammy awards Elaborating on the influence Bhatt has Benny Dayal and four Guinness World the Uptown Funk creator has on started A says that it was Records — as one of the most him, he said: “Yes, Bruno Mars shooting his next series from the con- relatable musicians for 80’s and has inspired me a lot since the titled Anamika, starring certs of 90’s music, Benny said recreat- last four years since the last Sunny Leone. American pop artist ing his songs is a dream-come- album came out. I got to see “Shooting was on hold for Bruno Mars that he true for every musician and a him perform live in Amsterdam some time. But the industry learnt how amazing an challenge simultaneously. He and Abu Dhabi and it was an never stops working. So here we artist needs to be while adds, “He has been my current amazing experience because I are back where we love to work,” performing live on the inspiration for the last four learnt how amazing an artist Bhatt said. stage. years. I have always been listen- needs to be on stage and at the He added: “We have just started Benny recently re- ing to him, however, his last same time carry his music, cre- shooting with Sunny and it has created the songs of song 24K Magic, his personality ate music, produce music and at been a great as well as an exciting Bruno Mars in a con- and virtuosity got me head over the same really excel at it. It’s start. The audience will have a cert by Paytm heels. I'm glad to have this just an amazing task and his delite to watch Sunny doing a blend Insider’s Jim Beam opportunity by Paytm Insider’s (Bruno Mars’) dedication and of martial arts with firearms. This Originals. His pick Jim Beam Originals to recreate brilliance in music is so amaz- action series is going to be a stems from his love his music.” ing.” thrilling project.” for the Grammy- In a brief chat with IANSlife, Ask him which other interna- Anamika is a Gun-Fu action winning artist. Benny shared what kind of tional artists feature on his series with 10 episodes. Sunny will Given that when music inspires him to create playlist, he names Billie Eilish be seen in an action avatar as never Benny isn’t doing and what he listened to in his and Dua Lipa as two of the before. The series will be shot in film music work, early years? newer artists. Mumbai. The first schedule is slat- he’s jamming “The kind of music that For the concert, Benny said ed to be wrapped up by end of with his indie inspires me to create is some- he kept a majority of the songs the year. band, thing that is fresh, something I from Bruno Mars songs and Written and directed by Funktuation, it’s haven’t heard before and is at some from his album with his Vikram Bhatt, the series is no surprise that the same time, rooted, yet is band Funktuation which have produced by Bhatt and his the works of urban and earthy. been inspired from his sound a daughter Krishna Bhatt, one of contem- “In my earlier years, I lis- lot. “This is what happens when and set to release on porary funk’s tened to a lot of Malayalam film Bruno Mars comes into your MX Player. biggest names music, classical music, a lot of life — he really influences your

Vikram Bhatt’s web-series Vikram inspires him Michael Jackson, Stevie music a lot,” signs off the greatly. Wonder, Queen, Sting, R&B,” Badtameez Dil singer. Sunny Leone starts shooting FUN

ARCHIE CALVIN AND HOBBES

GARFIELD REALITY CHECK SPEED BUMP CROSSWORD

NANCY

SUDOKU Yesterday’s solution

GINGER MEGGS

Rules l Each row and column can contain each number (1 to 9) exactly once. l The sum of all numbers in any row or column must equal 45. sport 11 TUESDAY | DECEMBER 22, 2020

SINGLES CA TO HONOUR INDIGENOUS PIONEER Boxing Day Test will decide series fate: Burns Melbourne: The player of the match in the upcoming Boxing Day Test between India and Australia will be awarded with the Johnny Mullagh Medal as a tribute to PTI n ADELAIDE honour the captain of Australia's first sporting team to Rohit quarantining tour internationally. Mullagh was the leader of the 1868 f opener Joe Burns’ views are If fit, Jadeja likely to replace Aborginal tour to the United Kingdom. “The best player any indication, another oner- in the Boxing Day Test will be awarded the Mullagh Ious task awaits an embattled in Sydney Vihari in playing XI Medal, named after the legendary Johnny Mullagh, Indian team, as Australia are captain of the 1868 cricket team who became the first entering the second Test believ- Adelaide: Senior batsman PTI n ADELAIDE long spells, then there is no debate Australian sporting team to tour internationally! ing that a favourable result for Rohit Sharma can start train- at all. Jadeja replaces Vihari on the #AUSvIND,” CA posted on its Twitter handle. them in Melbourne could “decide ing from January 3 ahead of he Indian team management basis of his all-round skills. Also it the fate” of the four-match series. the Sydney Test. He is current- Twill be keenly monitoring gives us an option to play five INDIAN MEN IN 4TH SPOT IN FIH RANKINGS Trailing 0-1 in the series ly locked in a hard quarantine Ravindra Jadeja’s progress leading bowlers at the MCG,” a senior Lausanne: The Indian men and women hockey teams after the batting debacle in in a two-room apartment in up to the Boxing Day Test against BCCI source told PTI. will finish 2020 in fourth and ninth positions, Adelaide and with Virat Kohli Sydney. Australia this weekend as, if fit, the Jadeja has 1869 runs in 49 respectively, after a major part of the year was disrupted going back to India for the birth Cricket Australia has all-rounder could walk into the Tests at an average of 35 plus which by the Covid-19 pandemic. The International Hockey of his first child, India will be led already flown David Warner playing XI in place of Hanuma includes a hundred and 14 fifties. Federation (FIH) on Monday confirmed that the Belgium by Ajinkya Rahane in the remain- and Sean Abbott from Sydney Vihari. He has struck half centuries in men's team and the Netherlands' women will finish the der of the of the series. to Melbourne due to restric- Jadeja, who suffered a concus- both England Australia on previ- year at the top of the world rankings. In January, the FIH “We have got some scars as tions imposed by the New sion during the first T20I, also sus- ous tours. moved away from the previous tournament-based well, we just have to prepare well, South Wales state Government tained a hamstring injury which On the other hand, Vihari, in rankings system to a dynamic, match-based method start well and carry on the in the wake of another surge ruled him out of the first Test. his 10 Tests, has scored 576 runs where opposing teams exchange points in official, FIH momentum from the last game,” of Covid-19 cases. However, over the past few with a hundred against West Indies sanctioned games. The number of points exchanged Burns said during a virtual press The BCCI, at the moment, days when India were playing the and four half-centuries at an aver- depends on the result of the match, the relative ranking conference on Monday. can’t shift Rohit in the middle Test match, Jadeja has slowly age of 33 plus. of the teams and the importance of the match. “We know that Indians are of quarantine. returned to the nets. There is a school of thought going to bounce back in the The other aspect is that It has been learnt that the that if pure batting skills are taken LILLE RECLAIM TOP SPOT WITH PSG DRAW next Test, which is going to play CA is still confident of hosting senior all-rounder is recovering into account, then there is not Lille: Lille moved back top of Ligue 1 on Sunday after a crucial role in (deciding the) the third Test in Sydney from well but it can’t be said with cer- much of a difference between holding PSG to an uninspiring goalless draw which failed fate of the series.” January 7 as per schedule and tainty that he will be 100 per cent “specialist Vihari” and “all-rounder to live up to its pre-match billing. Lille take first place in The absence of Kohli and in that case, there is no need fit for the second Test in Jadeja”. the French top flight from Lyon on goal difference after a Mohammed Shami will be “big to shift the senior player to Melbourne starting on With Mohammed Shami match which saw just a handful of shots on target and losses” but Burns is expecting a Melbourne as in any case he is December 26. already ruled out of the series very little in the way of incident. PSG are a point back in strong comeback by the visitors. not playing the second game. But if fit, the axe because of a wrist fracture, third after failing to create anything from their territorial “I think Shami and Virat are In case the situation will fall on Andhra India might just be tempted to dominance, shorn of attacking inspiration without obviously big losses for India. In changes and the third Test Pradesh batsman go in with five specialist Neymar and Mauro Icardi, among others, while Kylian saying that the Indian team does match is shifted, the BCCI will Vihari, not because of bowlers instead of the usual Mbappe started on the bench as he reportedly struggles have very good depth as well. So, discuss with CA and take nec- his low scores in the four, which has been their tem- with a thigh knock. they are still going to be very chal- essary steps. PTI Adelaide Test but plate for years. lenging,” Burns said. purely based on HAMILTON WINS BBC'S TOP SPORTS PRIZE “It is always hard to replace saying his goal was to get match- the best combina- PRACTICE CANCELLED London: Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis world class players like that, but winning hundreds. tion that Ajinkya The Indian team had Hamilton capped another successful year by claiming when we look (at the guys) that “We have got three more Rahane and a scheduled practice ses- the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year prize. The 35- year-old driver, who last month equaled Michael they got to come in, we are Australian opener Joe Burns shake hands with Captain Tim Paine after win in 1st Test AP Test matches to go, it is going to Ravi Shastri can sion at the Adelaide going to prepare well for the next be very tough and my job and my put on the field. Oval on Monday but Schumacher's record of seven F1 titles, overcame game. We know that Indians are in Australia’s second innings and world, very confident against goal is to go and get big match- “If Jadeja due to steady rain, it Jordan Henderson and Hollie Doyle to win the British going to bounce back strongly,” he said it felt nice to be back everyone in every venue. Our winning hundreds in those gets fit to bowl had to be cancelled. broadcaster's prestigious prize in a public vote. the opener added. among the runs. bowlers are unbelievable, so I games,” he signed off. “It is obviously nice to make think they bowled well in the first GENOA FIRE MARAN AFTER SLOW START ‘BEST TEAM IN THE WORLD’ some runs myself again. In the innings and didn’t get the Genoa: Italian club Genoa fired coach Rolando Maran Woefully out of form in the lead up to the game I was short rewards; in the second innings, on Monday as the team remained stuck in the relegation run-up to the series opener, of few runs but more than any- they (Indians) just nicked every- Gavaskar wants KL to open in 2nd Test zone following a 2-0 loss to Benevento. Genoa has just Burns got his mojo back with a thing it just was nice get back the thing. New Delhi: Legendary Indian Gavaskar told Sports Tak on pos- with a lot of positivity. Australia’s one victory in 13 games this season in Serie A and was half-century in his team’s second rhythm. “Our bowlers have done for batsman Sunil Gavaskar wants sible changes in the line-up. weak point is their batting,” he said. in 19th place as it prepared to play at Spezia on innings at Adelaide Oval. “I felt fantastic out there and a long time, so we know that KL Rahul to open in place of an He did caution that if India Gavaskar also rued the missed Wednesday. In a brief statement, the team said the 57- Burns said that a pull shot he looked to get the job done, (it game in and game out they are out-of-form Prithvi Shaw and the can’t stay positive, a 0-4 drubbing catches which also reduced the lead year-old Italian coach had been fired. "The club thanks played off pacer Umesh Yadav was) an amazing day for going to be doing that, putting promising Shubman Gill to play in might just be on cards. “India have to a mere 53. “Had we held on to the coach and his staff for their commitment," it said. changed the momentum for him. Australian cricket to back up their pressure on the opposition, it is middle order during the second to believe that they can come back our catches well and had good field “It is funny how in this game bowlers and finish the job really a great luxury that our team has,” Test against Australia at the MCG in the remainder of the Test series. placements, there might not have GAYLE, AFRIDI TO PLAY IN ABU DHABI T10 how often one shot can get you quickly.” he added. from December 26. If India don’t find the positivity, been any problem, Tim Paine and Abu Dhabi: Some of the world's most renowned everything that you are searching Pacers Josh Hazlewood (5-8) Burns took a blow on his “India will look at making 2 then 4-0 series loss can happen. But Marnus Labuschagne would have cricketers like Chris Gayle, Shahid Afridi and Dwayne for as batters. Probably, the first and Pat Cummins (4-21) demol- elbow off a Jasprit Bumrah deliv- changes. Firstly, maybe KL Rahul if they have positivity, why not? It gotten out early. “We could have Bravo will be seen in action in the fourth edition of Abu pull shot I hit off Umesh Yadav, ished India with the pink ball as ery in Adelaide but the opener should replace Prithvi Shaw as an can happen (comeback),” Gavaskar got a lead of 120 runs. Australia got Dhabi T10 tournament, to be played from January 28 to I was on four and felt amazing,” the hosts won by eight wickets to has been cleared for MCG after opener. At No 5 or No 6, said, sounding hopeful. ahead in the Tests because of February 6. The entire tourney will be played at the Zayed said the opener, who has 1438 take a 1-0 lead in the four Test scans. Shubman Gill should come in. “India should start the those dropped catches, they got the Cricket Stadium. While Gayle is part of Team Abu Dhabi, Test runs. series. The batsman has his sights His form has been good. Things Melbourne Test well, it’s necessary lead down to 50 runs,” Gavaskar Afridi will be the icon player for Qalandars, Bravo for The 31-year-old top-scored “We are the best team in the set on the remaining three Tests, can change if we start well,” for them to step onto the ground added. PTI Delhi Bulls, Russell for Northern Warriors. Agencies India’s best chance to win Injured Babar, Imam Saina, Sindhu headline 8-member was in Adelaide: Haddin Melbourne: Former Australia out of 1st NZ Test India squad for Thai tourneys wicketkeeper Brad Haddin reck- PTI n NAPIER PNS n NEW DELHI ments, this will be the first time that ons the opening day/night Test top Indian players, apart from was India’s best shot at winning akistan captain Babar Azam and opener Imam- ndia’s top shuttlers PV Sindhu and Srikanth, will feature in any interna- in the ongoing series as it will be Pul-Haq were on Monday ruled out of the upcom- ISaina Nehwal will be seen in action tional tournament. very difficult for the visitors to ing first Test against New Zealand with thumb for the first time since the coron- The former World No 1, Srikanth script a turnaround after demor- injuries, prompting the tour selection committee to avirus-forced break when they com- had made a comeback when he alizing eight-wicket loss in include rookie Imran Butt in the 17-member squad. pete in three upcoming tournaments played the Denmark Open in Adelaide. The Boxing Day Test is scheduled to be played in Bangkok, including the prestigious October. India were bundled out for in Mount Maunganui from December 26-30. BWF World Tour Finals. “We are very happy to see bad- their lowest-ever Test score of 36 While Babar has fractured his right thumb, With Olympic qualifications in minton finally getting back on the in their second innings as Imam has injured his left thumb during training ses- mind, the Badminton Association of court. It gives us hope that tourna- Australia claimed an eight-wick- sions in Queenstown last week. India (BAI) on Monday announced ments can eventually make a steady et win in the pink-ball Test to According to a statement issued by the Pakistan a strong eight-member squad to par- comeback in near future. Most of our take a 1-0 lead in the Border- Cricket Board, both the batsmen are yet to return ticipate in the three upcoming tour- players haven’t played tournaments in Gavaskar trophy. to the nets and the team’s medical staff was closely naments, scheduled in January. That will be followed by Toyota the last 7-8 months,” BAI general sec- “I don’t think they will India created history by start of day three about how monitoring their progress. The team, consisting of Olympic- Thailand Open (January 19-24) and retary Ajay Singhania said. (recover from the loss),” Haddin registering their maiden series Australia would get back into it, “Decision on their participation in the second bound shuttlers Sindhu, Saina, B Sai the prestigious HSBC BWF World “However, they have been train- told SEN Radio. win Down Under in 2018-19 on but the collapse they had has to Test, which commences in Christchurch on 3 Praneeth, Kidambi Srikanth, Tour Finals which is rescheduled for ing to the best of their abilities at the The 43-year-old, who fea- the back of a lethal pace-bowl- leave some marks.” January, will be made closer to the time,” the PCB Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag January 27-31. camp. The purpose of sending a full- tured in 66 Tests for Australia, ing attack. With skipper Virat Kohli said. In Babar’s absence, wicketkeeper Mohammad Shetty, Ashwini Ponappa and N Sikki After the coronavirus outbreak in strength team in these tournaments feels the conditions at the However, the visitor’s are returning home for the birth of Rizwan will lead Pakistan in the first Test and will Reddy, will begin their campaign with March disrupted the sporting world so that players can get the much- Adelaide Oval were conducive to without the experienced Ishant his child, India are faced with become his country’s 33rd Test captain. Yonex Thailand Open from January resulting in cancellation or post- needed tournament practice ahead of the Indian bowling attack. Sharma and Shami, who suf- selection dilemmas. Also returning to the Pakistan Test side are Abid 12-17. ponement of a number of tourna- the Olympic qualifiers,” he added. “I thought their only oppor- fered a fracture after being hit on “There were a few perfor- Ali, Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Haris Sohail, tunity to win a Test match was the elbow during India’s second mances from the Indian bats- Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Shan Masood, the first Test at Adelaide. “I innings on Saturday. men that will come under scruti- Sohail Khan and Yasir Shah. thought the conditions suited “They had a great bowling ny over the next week. They will replace Abdullah Shafiq, Haider Ali, their bowling and I thought attack the last time they come “Do they go in with Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Real Madrid move level they’d get enough runs. But I out here, and now with Shami (Wriddhiman) Saha? Who goes Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Musa Khan, Usman don’t think they’ll be able to turn out with a broken arm they don’t to the top order for Prithvi Qadir and Wahab Riaz, who will now join Pakistan it around. “You’ve got one Test have enough depth to cover Shaw? Rohit Sharma comes out Shaheens (A team) for five T20 matches against the with Atletico at top up at Brisbane where no one that,” Haddin said. of quarantine, does he come local and New Zealand XI sides. AFP n MADRID ence, but have the better head- beats Australia. These next two Reflecting on the Indian back into the side? “They have The PCB further said that Imad Wasim and to-head record, which is how wickets will be suited to Indian batting collapse Haddin said “I a lot of things they’re going to Mohammad Hafeez will no longer be seen in action arim Benzema was level teams are split at the end of cricket, but I don’t think they’ll think it’s really concerning.” have to tackle over this next on the New Zealand tour. While Imad will travel Kdescribed as “phenomenal” the season. be able to turn it around,” “Yes India were driving the week leading into this next to Australia to join Melbourne Renegades in the after scoring the opening goal Diego Simeone’s Atletico Haddin added. game and we were talking at the Test,” Haddin added. PTI BBL, Hafeez will return to Pakistan. and creating two others as Real have two games in hand, Madrid won 3-1 at Eibar on though, after Saturday’s 3-1 suc- Napoli suffer second Sunday to move level on points cess against Elche. with city rivals Atletico at the top Eibar started brightly, but Kallis appointed England of La Liga. fell behind in the sixth minute Afghanistan gets land for new cricket stadium defeat on trot Benzema and Luka Modric as Rodrygo fed Benzema to slot express my special thanks to AFP n ROME scored inside the first 13 minutes in his seventh league goal of the batting consultant for SL tour Mr President who has always in the Basque Country to put season. London: South African role with the Proteas last supported the development of oach Gennaro Gattuso watched from the Zinedine Zidane’s men on their Benzema created the sec- legend Jacques Kallis was year in the Test series cricket and encouraged our Csidelines with a black patch over his right way to a fourth straight league ond goal seven minutes later, on Monday appointed as against England. players. eye as an out-of-sorts Napoli fell to consecutive win, with Lucas Vazquez scor- cutting inside and picking out the batting consultant of It is not yet known if “After initial formalities, defeats for the first time this season following ing a late third after Garcia Kike Modric who fired home right- the England team for next Kallis’ appointment will the construction of the stadi- a 2-0 loss at Lazio in Serie A on Sunday. pulled one back for Eibar. footed. month’s two-match Test extend to the marquee um will also commence and we Fifth-placed Napoli suffered against Lazio, “He is decisive. What The striker should have tour of Sri Lanka. tour of India beginning will ensure it is done with best in eighth, who are their direct rivals for the he does is phenomenal,” doubled his tally in the 16th The England and February next year. quality,” he said. Champions League places. said Real coach Zinedine minute, but he headed Wales Cricket Board Former England According to the report, Napoli were playing without injured Zidane in praise of French Modric’s cross past the post. (ECB) said in a state- batsman Paul the stadium will include “a five- Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen and club compatriot Benzema. Eibar got themselves ment that the team will Collingwood will be assis- PTI n KABUL um. star guest house, a standard record scorer Dries Mertens, with captain “Not just in back into the match in depart for Sri Lanka on tant to head coach Chris “With the construction of swimming pool, indoor and Lorenzo Insigne suspended for insulting the ref- terms of goals. I’m spectacular style January 2. Silverwood in Sri Lanka, fghanistan Cricket Board this ground, we will be able to outdoor academies, canopies eree in their defeat at Inter Milan last time out. repeating myself before the half-hour “Seven coaches will while Jon Lewis will be Achief Farhan Yusefzai is host international cricket and for crowd, health clinic, Napoli were never really in the game with on Karim, but he mark. join the squad for the the bowling coach. Jeetan confident of bringing interna- our people will watch interna- mosque, car parking, adminis- Lazio goalkeeper Pepe Reina barely tested doesn’t just score Kike collected two-Test tour, with the Patel will be the spin tional matches to the country tional players playing at their trative block and other such apart from a Fabian Ruiz strike after 18 minutes. goals. Karim the ball outside the tour party departing on 2 bowling consultant and in the near future after secur- ground in the centre of the cap- facilities”. Ciro Immobile headed home the opener in brings clear-sight- area before curling a January,” the ECB said. Carl Hopkinson will serve ing land for a new stadium in ital Kabul,” Yusefzai was quot- The stadium will have a the ninth minute, with the Italian forward set- edness to our fine finish past “Former South Africa as the fielding coach. Kabul, having played most of ed as saying by Cricbuzz. capacity to accommodate ting up Luis Alberto for the second on 55 min- game, that’s very Thibaut Courtois. all-rounder Jacques Kallis James Foster will be the their ‘home’ games in India so It is major breakthrough in 35,000 spectators. utes following a blunder in the Napoli defence. important. Vazquez joins the England setup wicketkeeper coaching far. Afghanistan President the strife-torn country’s quest Since getting full member- “A step backwards compared to many “When he scores wrapped up the for the first time as batting consultant. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on to start hosting international ship from the ICC a few years other games, it wasn’t us, lacklustre, ugly, light, it’s even better, but points in injury time coaching consultant,” it Both the Tests will be Sunday allocated more than cricket matches. ago, Afghanistan has hosted all soft,” blasted Gattuso’s assistant Luigi Riccio. beyond that he is very with a cool finish added. played at Galle from two acres of land in Alokhail “Kabul will be home to a its ‘home’ matches at neutral “We’re sorry, but this isn’t the team we are. important to us.” from a tight angle, The 45-year-old January 14-18 and area of Kabul for the construc- standard state-of-the-art inter- venue India, mostly in We have to react immediately against Torino on Real sit behind having been played Kallis worked in a similar January 22-26. PTI tion of a state-of-the-art stadi- national cricket stadium. I Dehradun and Greater Noida. Wednesday.” Atletico on goal differ- in by Benzema. 12

Vijayawada Tuesday December 22, 2020 tollywood Chai Bisket announces foray into production with Lahari music label opular digital content platform PChai Bisket, which has over 1000+ videos in its library, on Monday, announced the launch of their production house Chai Bisket Films. They will be partnering with audio label Lahari Music’s feature film division Lahari Films to roll out a battery of feature films. Speaking about the launch, Anurag, co- founder of Chai Bisket, said “Chai Bisket’s effort has always been to create good quality stuff and provide a platform for aspiring and talented writers, actors, directors and other craftsmen. And bearing the same spirit, the banner will make films with such talent to churn out refreshing cinema.” 5Ws is inspired Chandru Manohar, partner, Lahari Music and Lahari Films, said, “As a 45-year-old music company, feature films have been an area of interest for us for a while now. Currently, we’re already making films in from a real-life Kannada, and Chai Bisket felt like a perfect partner for us to venture into the Telugu film industry. We like the young energy they bring in and our philosophies and vision incident of a match.” Through a video, both the produc- tion houses, which have tapped some young makers, also said the first look of their maid- cop: Makers en film will be unveiled on January 1st. he makers of project, a production ven- role earlier, Payal said that Ayyappanum Payal Rajput- ture of Yashoda Thakore it is any actor’s dream to starrer 5Ws, under Kaivalya Creations. play an IPS officer and she t wherein the Ws Announcing the release realized that with 5Ws very denote who, date, the director-producer early in her career. “I thank what, when, duo said, “The film is an Prandeep sir for showing Koshiyum where and why, on investigative mystery faith in me. It’s a challeng- Monday announced that drama that would present ing role and I hope I did it the post-production of Payal Rajput in new light. well. The film helped me their film at the fag end It would be a feather in her to learn and do many and they are targeting a cap. We were inspired by a things that I have’'t gotten January release. Prandeep real-life incident in the life to do in my career previ- remake Thakore, who worked in of a cop and made the ously. I’ve performed the the direction department movie without compromis- stunts on my own without of Gunasekhar, is making ing on the quality.” a body double,” she had his directorial debut with a Speaking about her cop said. launched

nnounced on @SitharaEnts!! (Sic).” Dasara in While Rana, who is out October, Power of town, was absent at the a star Pawan launch, Pawan graced the Kalyan’s next occasion along with good with Sithara friend Trivikram Srinivas. Entertainments was The actor even sounded launched in Hyderabad on the clapper-board for the Avika Monday. The untitled traditional first shot, while project — an official Trivikram directed it. Tamannaah celebrates remake of Malayalam hit Producer S Radha Krishna Ayyappanum Koshiyum— of Haarika & Hassine will see Pawan pitted Creations handed over the against Rana Daggubati, as script to film’s director Seetimaarr Gor on a the makers confirmed the Saagar K Chandra. b'day on sets latter’s participation just The film will move to before the muhurat. The floors next month in actor’s name was attached Hyderabad with a short Before she flew the weekend in Hyderabad. (Sic), director Sampath to the project ever since action schedule at to her hometown “Fun’tabulous moments!! Nandi posted on Twitter on Sithara first considered Aluminum Factory, fol- Mumbai to ring in Celebrating our very own Monday. The actress plays remaking it with lowed by a lengthy outing a her 31st birthday ‘Jwala Reddy’ Kabaddi coach Jwala Reddy roll Balakrishna and then Ravi in Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, on Monday, @TamannaSpeaks’ birthday in his sports drama. Her Teja. Expressing his joy on with which the entire Tamannaah Bhatia on our #Seetimaarr sets. look too from the film was being able to work with talkie portions will be cut a cake with the cast and Abundance of love is what unveiled on Monday to many stars, Rana posted, wrapped up. crew of Seetimaarr during we all got for you. Shine on! coincide with her birthday. “Another Journey begins!! Directed by the late What joy this is, been able Sachy, Ayyappanum work with so many stars Koshiyum was about a across industries!! And relentless ego clash now joining the coolest between a proud havildar back home Our very Koshiyum (played by own Powerstar Prithviraj) and an upright Red @PawanKalyan!! but occasionally hot-head- sticks Can’t wait ed SI Ayyappanum (Biju thank you Menon), transforming into After staging a an intense psychological game over its running comeback to Telugu time. Saagar tailored the original to suit Telugu cinema with Raju Gari nativity and images of his to Sankranti lead actors. SS Thaman is Gadhi 3, Avika has landed composing tunes. projects with Naveen Chandra (the remake of Marathi super hit Happy ith films like Rang Journey) and Kalyaan Dhev. She has De, Alludu Adhurs now signed a key role in Vikram Kumar's Wand Most Eligible Bachelor more or less vacating Thank You, starring Naga the coveted Sankranti spot due to fewer footfalls in cin- Chaitanya, reports ema halls, the fate of Red, starring Ram, hung in bal- NAGARAJ GOUD ance. However, on Monday, the actor stated that the film will arrive for the festival season. “When we were he filming of Vikram Kumars’s next gearing up for a red-hot Thank You, which was officially summer, corona shook the Tannounced a couple of months ago, has world. Red zones were kicked off in Hyderabad on Monday, with lead everywhere and Red (the star Naga Chaitanya joining the sets on day one movie) stayed home. Now, it’s itself. While the makers haven’t disclosed time for the red alert this names about the film’s leading ladies, The Sankranti,” read a video mes- Pioneer, however, has understood from a sage on the actor’s Twitter source that Avika Gor has been signed as timeline which had visuals one leading lady. “Avika has a substantial from Red. The messaged ended part like the other two heroines. Besides with the trailer release date-Dec her role, the fact that film is giving her 24. an opportunity to work with Vikram In a statement, he said that the and PC Sreeram meant that she didn’t think twice to sign the project,” said team had waited this long because a source. they wanted to give a theatrical expe- Vikram is directing Thank You from a story of writer-director BVS Ravi. rience for the audience. Speaking to us recently, the former said that it’s a story that needs to be Interestingly, Red is the second film told now. “It would resonate with the audience at various levels. That after Krack to have reiterated their Sankranti said it’s not a message-oriented film but has an undercurrent of release plans. something which is wonderful. It got me connected to the story The film will be Ram’s third Sankranti in the first place. It has got all mainstream elements — release after Devadas and Maska. Directed by humour, drama, romance and a little bit of action,” the Kishore Tirumala, the project features Nivetha director had said.According to the grapevine, Pethuraj, Amritha Iyer and Malavika Sharma as lead- Vikram is in talks with Rakul Preet Singh and ing ladies, while Mani Sharma has composed music. An Priyanka Arul for the other heroine investigative thriller, it narrates the confusion that arises among roles. a few cops when they find out that the one accused in the mur- der of a youngster has a look-alike.