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4 Trial of 20 men accused in 2015 Paris attacks begins At least 14 members of ’s WORLD govt on UNSC’s terrorism blacklist 9 Can’t create separate avenue for scribes to come to apex court for quashing FIRs: SC BJP names poll in-charge for NATION assembly polls www.thehillstimes.in Voice of the hills people Vol .No. XXII Issue No. 233 Regd. NGG-709 RNI-ASSENG/2000/12862T HEDIPHU, KARBI ANGLONG,H ILLSTHURSDAY, SEPTEMBERT 9, 2021 IMES PAGES 12 PRICE ` 8 Young college teacher among dead Three officials suspended CM to visit Jorhat today

Several casualties feared in Nimatighatneer, IWT, Dibrugarh Division, sized boat and then sank. The passen- mishaping from Kamalabari Ghat in Mukut Gogoi, i/c assistant ex- gers' luggage along with motor- Majuli to Nimatighat at about 4 ecutive engineer, IWT, Jorhat bikes and cars on board the pm here was coming in to dock PM, Shah, Sonowal express Sub-Division and Ratul Tamuli, ferries were also washed away in with passengers aboard and the junior engineer, IWT, Jorhat the river,” an IWTD official single engined Ma Kamala Sub-Division under suspension said. ferry, a private ferry run by NEW anguish,DELHI, Sept 8 (PTI): assure Prime Minister help Narendra with immediate effect for the The figures of those who IWTD, outbound from Ni- Modi, Union Home minister Amit Shah and Union mishap. have drowned could be much matighat to Kamalabari, had Shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday About 40 persons were res- higher if the ferry had 130 pas- started to leave the space where expressed anguish over a boat tragedy in Assam where cued by boatmen at Nimatighat, sengers on board as is being re- Tipkai was to dock when Tipkai many are feared drown and assured all help from the till the time of filing this report. ported. hit Ma Kamala. He said that Ma Central government in rescue operations. A lecturer of a local College, Another IWT official said Kamala was running late and Both Modi and Shah also spoke to Assam chief min- Porismita Das who had been more than 120 passengers were was trying to pick up more pas- ister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who briefed him about the admitted to Jorhat Medical Col- on board of the boat, but many sengers. steps taken for rescue of the victims. lege and Hospital succumbed to of them were rescued by 'Tip- The smaller ferry reportedly "Anguished to learn about the tragic boat accident in her injuries soon after being ad- kai' which is owned by the de- broke on one side and capsized Assam. Have spoken to CM Shri @himantabiswa, the mitted. This was confirmed by partment. District after water rushed in from the state administration is doing everything possible to res- deputy commissioner Ashok administration officials are not turbulent river. A person sta- cue the people. We are continuously monitoring the sit- Kumar Barman. The collision sure how many people were on tioned at the dock said that the uation. Also assured full support from the Central occurred when the private boat board with figures ranging from ferry drivers probably lost con- government," Shah tweeted. 'Ma Kamala' was headed to Ma- 70 to 150. trol while making a turning as Sonowal directed his ministry to provide all necessary By: Smita Bhattacharyya drowned in the Brahmaputra Wednesday afternoon, even as juli from Nimatighat and the An eyewitness said that the the Brahmaputra is in spate and help for the rescue operations. after two boats collided and the the state government placed government-owned ferry 'Tip- double-engined Inland Water has a swift current. One of the He also spoke to the chief minister and enquired about JORHAT, Sept 8: More than single-engine one capsized and three officials– Bikramaditya kai' was coming from Majuli. Transport Department govern- boatmen who rescued about six the tragedy. 80 people have been feared sank at Nimatighat here, on Choudhury, i/c executive engi- “The boat 'Ma Kamala' cap- ment ferry named Tipkai com- people (CONTD. ON PAGE-9) Bhupen Hazarika’s 15 mobile vaccination vans flagged off; Vaccination Centre at ISBT opened birth anniv Anti-accord people HT Correspondent BAKALIA, Sept 8: Bakaliaghat Intensify drive to vaccinate all residents Anchalik Yuva Sangha (BAYS) or- misleadingHT Bureau public: CEM ganised a Shradhanjali programme DIPHU, Sept 8: Chief executive member on the occasion of the 95th birth an- by Oct 30: CM to Health department (CEM) of KAAC, Tuliram Ronghang on niversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhu- HT Bureau Wednesday said that certain social organisa- pen Hazarika in its office premises. GUWAHATI, Sept 8: Chief minister Hi- tions are misleading the general public by The president of Langpher Gaon- manta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday inau- criticising the recently signed peace accord. bura Association Akon Hazarika gurated a vaccination centre on the The CEM was speaking in a ceremony or- led the lighting of lamps in front of premises of Interstate Bus Terminus at ganised by Karbi Anglong Autonomous the photo of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Betkuchi here. Council (KAAC) to welcome the signatories and floral tributes were also paid. The vaccination centre has been of the peace accord at Joysing Doloi Audito- Secretary (CONTD. ON PAGE-9) opened to bring the unvaccinated passen- rium here. gers under total vaccination following the The tripartite peace accord was signed re-opening of inter-district and inter-state among six armed organisations with state and Record-holder transportation services which were closed the Centre on September 4. following a spike in Covid-19 positive Chief executive member (CEM) of Kropi felicitated cases. KAAC, Tuliram Ronghang congratulated the Autonomous State is granted, we need a full- HT Bureau It may be noted that the vaccination organisations for the peace agreement for the fledged university, we need Degree College DIPHU, Sept 8: Karbi Anglong centre would prove to be a great help for development of Karbi Anglong and West at Hamren in West Karbi Anglong, a Veteri- Autonomous Council (KAAC) fe- the passengers who will be coming to Karbi Anglong. With the signing of the peace nary College in Diphu and one in West Karbi licitated Purthimi Kropi of Bakulia Guwahati without receiving any jab for accord the Karbis in the plains will be granted Anglong, Agriculture College and Forest for registering her name in the the coronavirus. The Health and Family ST status. Training College in West Karbi Anglong.” Cholan Book of World Record and Welfare Department with the help of the state to target the unvaccinated people. step of the targeted eligible population. CEM said, “There are some social organi- He further said, “We need to appreciate the six assistant engineers, who National Health Mission has opened the Under the programme chief minister Speaking on the occasion, the chief sations criticising the peace accord, but I can six organisations for demanding 34 reserved cracked the APSC examinations, at vaccination centre. flagged off 15 mobile vans to be pressed minister thanked all the functionaries as- confirm 99 percent of the people have ac- seats for ST communities out of the 44 the conference hall of old KAAC On the other hand, Sarma also flagged into service for Kokrajhar, Baksa and Ba- sociated with Covid vaccination process, cepted the peace accord. We will not stop de- elected seats in KAAC. With the peace ac- Secretariat here on Wednesday. off mobile vaccination vans to be pressed jali districts. These vaccination vans will as they endured a lot for making the vac- manding Autonomous State, but before cord there will (CONTD. ON PAGE-9) Purthimi Kropi, daughter of into service in different districts of the provide vaccination services at the door cination drives (CONTD. ON PAGE-9) Borsing Kro and Rengmirso En- glengpi of Bakulia was spotted in Cholan Book of World Record for Inter-state border issue with Assam her running. Chief executive mem- Flood submerges ber (CEM), KAAC, Tuliram Rong- ASDC, KNCA, KSA several houses in hang felicitated her and awarded a cash award of ` 20,000. The six Diphu town M’laya Guv constitutes three panels candidates (CONTD. ON PAGE-9) HT Bureau HT Bureau ton Lyngdoh Tongkhar and for East geographical location of the villages unhappyHT Bureau withelected with accord 34 reserved for ST DIPHU, Sept 8: Heavy downpour SHILLONG, Sept 8: The state Jaintia Hills by Sniawbhalang Dhar. and their contiguity, to examine the DIPHU, Sept 8: Autonomous and 10 seats open for all cate- in the wee hours has flooded sev- government has constituted three The three regional committees status of the population of villages CM attends review State Demand Committee gories. The MP and MLA seats eral low-lying areas of Diphu town. regional committees to examine the have been asked to submit their re- as per census records including eth- (ASDC), Karbi Nimso Chingthur are reserved. But in the case of Among the several localities that present status of the six areas of dif- port to the state government within nicity. The committees are also meeting with CCTOA Asong (KNCA) and Karbi Stu- were submerged is Rongpangbong ference along the inter-state border a period of 30 days based on the in- asked to prepare an ‘As-Is’ Public HT Bureau KAAC all the seats should be re- dents Association (KSA) said under Ward No. 8 where five with Assam. spection of the villages and based Asset Register in the villages, cre- GUWAHATI, Sept 8: Chief min- served. Non-ST communities can they are dissatisfied with the houses were completely sub- A notification issued by the chief on the agreed yardsticks of histori- ated by both the state governments, ister Himanta Biswa Sarma on be represented in the KAAC by peace accord merged. The rain water entered the secretary MS Rao said, “The Gov- cal perspective, ethnicity of the to visit each of the villages, and in- Wednesday said that the state gov- increasing signed by six houses and all belongings were ernor of Meghalaya is pleased to local population, administrative teract with the communities living ernment would form a three-mem- the num- armed organi- soaked with dead poultry floating constitute three regional committees convenience of local people, contigu- in the villages including the elected ber cabinet committee to discuss bers of sations of around. One of the residents as described below to examine the ity with the boundary and the percep- representatives of the autonomous and resolve all issues of the tribal nominated Karbi Ang- Reshma Phangchopi said, “The rain present status of the six ‘areas of tion of the people living in the area. district councils to learn about the people. The chief minister said this MACs.” long. ASDC came in around 2 am. It was all of difference’ viz, Tarabari, Gizang The notification said that the term perception of the people living in while taking part in a review meet- He fur- said Article a sudden when we were all asleep. and Hahim in West Khasi Hills dis- of reference of the regional commit- the area, to document the factual in- ing with the representatives of Co- ther said 244(A) of the When we woke up our house was trict, Boklapara and Khanapara-Pil- tees would be to coordinate with the formation regarding the physical & ordination Committee of Tribal the power Indian consti- full of water. All our belongings in- langkata in Ri Bhoi and Ratacherra relevant regional committee set up time-wise distances from the vil- Organisations of Assam (CCTOA) given to tution for cluding utensils and poultry were in East Jaintia Hills.” by Assam government, to cross-ref- lages to the nearest public service to discuss about various issues of DC to su- granting Au- floating on the water. As our house It informed that the regional com- erence and verify the names of the point/administrative unit. the tribal people, which was held at pervise de- t o n o m o u s is on low laying area and every year mittee for Ri Bhoi district will be villages (sub-villages) claimed by It also added that the committee No. 1 State Guest House, Koinad- velopment State for the three hill districts of we have to experience flash headed by deputy chief minister Meghalaya with the names of vil- can co-opt any member including hara in Guwahati on Wednesday. works of KAAC is not right. The Assam has not been reflected. floods.” Another villager Mirlong Prestone Tynsong while for West lages as per records of Assam gov- from the Forest department, when- Altogether 24 students and social ASDC is also not in favour of Addressing a press conference Bey said (CONTD. ON PAGE-9) Khasi Hills by PHE minister Renik- ernment, to establish the ever necessary. organisations of the ST communi- being controlled by the state in here on Wednesday at the ASDC ties took part in the meeting. the affairs of the KAAC. central committee office, ASDC The CCTOA representatives The ASDC president also said president, Chandra Kanta Terang submitted a memorandum to the that the ASDC is in support of said, “The total seats in KAAC as ULFA(I) terms Assam chief minister ‘capable person’ chief minister underscoring ten de- granting ST status to Karbis liv- mentioned in the peace agreement mands (CONTD. ON PAGE-9) ing in the plains. Before every will be 50. Out of this 40 will be election (CONTD. ON PAGE-9) Himanta welcome as mediator Unrest in Tripura after BJP-CPI(M) clash According to sources, CPI(M) for talks: Paresh Baruah party offices in Agartala, Bishalgarh GUWAHATI, Sept 8 (PTI): The banned ULFA take the process forward to resolve it, Baruah and Kathalia, were also vandalised (Independent) has said the outfit has "no objec- added. and set on fire, after the Udaipur tion" if Assam chief minister Himanta Sarma is Sarma, after taking oath on May 10, had ap- clash. appointed the mediator by the Centre for talks pealed to the ULFA(I) to come forward for peace The clashes follow an earlier with the outfit, saying that he is a "capable per- talks and resolve the issue. round of violence on Monday be- son" who knows the historical perspective of the He had recently claimed before reporters that tween workers of the two parties, problem. an informal channel of communication has been when former Tripura chief minister The chief minister has been repeatedly saying opened with the ULFA (I) and said he was hope- Manik Sarkar was allegedly pre- since assuming office that he will try his best to ful that the "matter will be resolved in the next vented from proceeding to Dhanpur. solve the problem of insurgency and his initiative two to three years". The ULFA(I) chief claimed Police said the injured BJP ac- appears to be "genuine and a bold step towards no other chief minister has shown "this kind of tivist from Udaipur, who was in a resolving the long-standing problems of the genuine interest" to resolve the issue. critical condition, was shifted to state", ULFA(I) chief Paresh Baruah told a local "He has been able to assure the people of AGARTALA, Sept 8 (PTI): Vio- a procession and a few activists G.B Pant hospital in Agartala. television channel. Assam that a solution may be possible and so we lent clashes erupted between ac- from the rally allegedly attacked a A large contingent of police had "If the government of appoints him as the background before the powers in Delhi in a much are also hopeful. In an armed struggle, operations tivists of the ruling BJP and the ruling BJP activist who was passing to be deployed to disperse the mob mediator, then we have no objection to it. He is a better manner than any other mediator appointed and negotiations continue simultaneously. We are principal Opposition, CPI(M), in by, injuring him seriously. and avoid further rioting. Officers capable person who knows the historical perspec- by the Government of India," he said. not opposed to dialogue and our doors for talks different parts of Tripura on Police said a group of BJP ac- also said a group of unidentified tive of the problem. We are hopeful that he will Baruah said his underground organisation is are always open," he said. Wednesday. tivists, who were camping nearby, miscreants also vandalized find a remedy to the 42-year-old issue," Baruah hopeful that Sarma will be able to convince the Baruah said informal talks have taken place at Trouble started at Udaipur town retaliated by attacking the DYFI CPI(M)'s Udaipur party office, said. Centre about the complexity of the problem different times during the tenure of previous chief in Gomati district of Tripura after procession. Police said two to three while a vehicle belonging to the for- It is ULFA's firm belief that as the chief min- which needs to be resolved. ministers, including Hiteswar Saikia of the Con- CPI(M)'s youth wing Democratic persons were injured but their polit- mer Left Front minister Ratan ister is "fully aware of our struggle, he will be Sarma knows that this is a "political issue cre- gress but negotiations did not move in the right Youth Federation of India took out ical affiliation was not known. Bhowmick (CONTD. ON PAGE-9) able to present the problem and its historical ated by political leaders" and it is they who must direction. (CONTD. ON PAGE-9) Page 2 September 9_Normal Pages 9/8/2021 10:34 PM Page 1

2 THE HILLS TIMES BUSINESS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 ` Maruti Suzuki’s Aug Cabinet approves 10,683 Cr production falls 8% amid PLI scheme for textiles The cabinet has approved the PLI scheme for textiles for MMF apparel, MMF fabrics and ten segments/products of technical textiles global chip shortage NEW DELHI, Sept 8 (IANS): The Union The government will give higher priority the development of man-made fibre and Cabinet on Wednesday approved the much- for investment in the aspirational districts technical fibre segments that are in high de- anticipated production linked incentive and tier-3 cities. Industry participants have mand in advanced economies where India (PLI) scheme for the textiles sector. lauded the decision of the government. already has a big presence with its technical Under the scheme incentives worth Rs Apparel Export Promotion Council products. 10,683 crore will be provided over five (AEPC) chairman A. Sakthivel said that it Commerce and Industry minister Piyush years. will be a game changer for the Indian textile Goyal said that fabric and garments made According to the government, the move industry and will transform India's growth from these fibres would be a focus of the will especially positively impact states like story. scheme so that world class facilities are built Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Sakthivel said that the scheme will result in the country. Nadu, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, in fresh investment of gigantic proportions, He also said that the government was also Odisha among others. expand manufacturing capacities and en- working on free trade agreements (FTAs) The government expects investments of hance exports multifold. with advanced economies such as the UK, more than ` 19,000 crore into the sector dur- “It will make India a key player in the the US, EU that will help the country both ing the five-year period. global textile value chain with focus on high ways to get requisition imports as well boost It is also expected to bring about addi- value MMF products. Besides, it will pro- exports. FTA would also help the textile sec- NEW DELHI, Sept 8 (IANS): As the light commercial vehicle, also tional production turnover of over Rs 3 lakh directly and several lakhs more for support- mote industrial development in backward re- tor, the minister said, in getting a level play- the automobile industry wades increased to 2,569 units from crore during the period and create employ- ing activities, as per the government. gions of the country,” he added. ing field that faced unequal duties in some through a severe semiconductor 2,388 units in the year-ago period. ment opportunities of over 7.5 lakh people The focus of the PLI scheme would be for of these markets. shortage, Maruti Suzuki India on The decline in production comes Wednesday reported an 8 per cent at a time when the automobile in- fall in its vehicle production in Au- dustry worldwide is facing a se- ONGC Jorhat donates gust. vere crisis of chips. It produced a total of 1,13,937 Last month, the company had IPO-bound OYO raises authorised share capital to Rs 900 cr toilet block to units last month, compared to said in a regulatory filing that it has NEW DELHI, Sept 8 (IANS): cluding JP Morgan, Citi and According to the copy of the the strong pipeline of firms filing 1,23,769 units in August 2020, the been informed by its contract man- The board of Oravel Stays Private Kotak Mahindra Capital to man- filing, OYO's board approved a for IPOs. In the coming years, it Sildubi LP School company said in a regulatory fil- ufacturer - Suzuki Motor Gujarat - Limited, operator of the travel age its public issue slated to raise resolution to increase its autho- is going to become a significant HT Bureau ing. In the sub-segment of mini that production will be partially technology platform OYO has ap- between USD 1.2-1.5 billion at a rised share capital. part of the Indian stock markets GUWAHATI, Sept 8: Under its cars, which includes S-Presso and impacted in August owing to chip proved the increase in the autho- valuation range of USD 14 bil- Earlier in July, it became the which can be anticipated post the Corporate Social Responsibility Alto models, the automaker pro- shortage. rised share capital of the company lion-16 billion. first Indian startup to raise USD bumper listing of Zomato. (CSR) policy, ONGC Jorhat do- duced 20,332 units during the pe- “This is to inform you that from Rs 1.17 crore to Rs 901 Authorised capital is the maxi- 660 million through the term B OYO has earlier raised funding nated a toilet block and furniture to riod under review, compared to owing to the semiconductor short- crore, according to a regulatory mum amount of capital that a loan (TLB) route from global in- rounds from marquee global ven- the students of Sildubi LP school, 22,208 in the same period last year. age situation, the company has filing. company is authorised to issue at stitutional investors, including Fi- ture capital funds like Softbank, Borhollla, Jorhat. Notably, ONGC The compact cars sub-segment, been informed by its contract man- The development comes ahead any point of time. Such a limit is delity Investments to refinance Sequoia, Lightspeed Venture Part- spent Rs 10.02 lakh for the con- consisting of WagonR, Celerio, ufacturing company, Suzuki Motor of its much-anticipated IPO, for decided by the shareholders and is and simplify its existing borrow- ners, Hero Corporate and leading struction and procurement of Ignis, Swift, Baleno and Dzire, Gujarat Private Limited (SMG), which DRHP is likely to be filed prescribed in the Memorandum of ings. global consumer tech companies school furniture. witnessed the sharpest decline in that production will be partially in the next few months. Association, constituent docu- The company also became the like DiDi, Grab and Airbnb. In a brief function held on production from 67,348 units in impacted in this month. SMG will Sources said that the move is a ment of the company. first Indian startup to be rated by Its business involves more than Wednesday in Sildubi LP School, August 2020 to 47,640 units in Au- tentatively not carry out production precursor to the initial public of- A company increases its autho- international ratings agency 1.58 lakh hotels and homes and executive director, basin manager gust 2021. on the three Saturdays (August 7, fering (IPO). rised capital when it anticipates Moody's and Fitch. has store-front presence in more of ONGC’s Assam and Arakan However, the production of the 14 and 21),” the filing had said. According to people in the any further capital requirement or Tech-based companies like than 35 countries, while employ- Basin, Jorhat, Sushma Rawat inau- sedan 'Ciaz' increased to 3,001 Besides, the company had said know, OYO has initiated discus- intends to go public and list its OYO are expected to play a key ing more than 70 per cent of its gurated the toilet block in the pres- units last month from 1,190 units a that some of the production lines sion with investment banks in- shares on the stock exchanges. role in Indian stock markets with workforce in India. ence of SDO, Titabar, Gayatri year ago. may see temporary reduction from Devidas, IAS, who appreciates The utility vehicle sub-segment, two-shift to one-shift operations. ONGC for the dedicated welfare which includes the models Gypsy, Globally, various industries, in- itel launches premium social activities. The school head- Ertiga, S-Cross, Vitara Brezza, cluding consumer durables as well master expressed his gratitude to XL6 and Jimny, witnessed a rise to as automobiles and other sub-seg- affordable Vision Bank of Baroda launches ONGC for providing the toilet 29,965 units last month from ments, are facing semiconductor or block and school furniture. Speak- 21,737 units in August last year. electronic chip shortage due to S smartphone ing on the occasion, Rawat men- The production of Super Carry, high demand. full-service digital banking ecosystem tioned that ONGC is committed to HT Bureau ings, which can be accessed by and 24*7 in a seamless manner. provide basic amenities for the GUWAHATI, Sept 8: Aiming at customers, both domestically and With ‘bob World’, we offer all ONGC operated surrounding providing an all-inclusive and globally. our digital offerings under one areas, in the field of education. She ZHIYUN India launches seamless virtual banking experi- Since the pilot launch of ‘Bob umbrella so that the customer is informed that ONGC would work ence encompassing all its digital World’ on August 23, the app is provided with all digital services together with the local administra- banking services under one roof, already being used by more than under one roof with a consistent tion in uplifting the needy in what- Smooth-Q3, Weebill 2 Gimbal Bank of Baroda announced the 50 lakh users. On the occasion, experience. ever possible way. launch of its digital banking plat- Sanjiv Chadha, managing direc- Embedded finance is a big form ‘Bob World’. The app will tor & CEO, Bank of Baroda said, theme across the ‘bob World’ ap- offer a wide repertoire of over “The new corporate sub-brand plication as is the enriching loy- Emami played 220 services converged into one for digital is testimony to our alty program, which underlies all single app, covering nearly 95% commitment to serve the cus- digital interactions with the contrarian to market of all retail banking service offer- tomers across the world, digitally bank.” HT Bureau sentiments: MD KOLKATA, Sept 8 (PTI): Home- GUWAHATI, Sept 8: After the grown FMCG company Emami huge success of its premium-afford- Limited took a contrarian view in a able Vision series in India, itel an- weak consumer market caused by nounced the launch of itel Vision 2S Guwahati based Company the pandemic, it's MD Sushil under its flagship Vision series. With Goenka said. Goenka said in the this launch, itel reinstates its com- exports LAM coke to Italy company's annual report that most mitment towards providing seam- HT Bureau companies would have deferred less and superior smartphone GUWAHATI, Sept 8: Adding launches of new products in such a experience at a highly affordable another feather to its cap, Maha- weak market. But Emami went quotient to cater to the aspirations of laxmi Continental Limited, a sub- ahead with 40 new launches in the new age consumers. sidiary of domestic market last fiscal, he Commenting on the launch, Ari- Guwahati-headquartered Maha- HT Bureau plates, and boasts a simplified and added. “This contrarian streak had jeet Talapatra, CEO, TRANSSION laxmi Group, has exported a con- GUWAHATI, Sept 8: ZHIYUN, detail-oriented design. helped Emami to capture consumer India said, “Today in the new world signment of Low Ash the world’s most popular gimbal Additional new features include attention and expanded its product order, usage of a smartphone device Metallurgical (LAM) coke to brand for cameras and smart- gesture control, Smart Follow 3.0 portfolio,” he stated.Goenka said has increased multifold with con- Italy. A vessel, MV AS ELBIA, phones has launched 2 new Gim- Object Tracking, an instant Dolly Emami will continue to adopt this sumers spending more time on their carrying 21,590 MT of LAM coke bals in India – Smooth-Q3 and Zoom, and Magic Clone contrarian stance, new products mobile devices. Keeping this trend (blast furnace grade) set sail for Weebill 2. Smooth-Q3 is a com- Panorama which is operated by a will be launched and brand exten- in mind, with premium design and Italy from Paradip Port in Odisha pact, feature-rich three-axis gim- single press trigger button to mark sions will be made, while other cat- best-in-class features, Vision 2S on September 4, informed Rajesh bal that comes with a unique the target and activate smart fol- egories will also be explored. comes with power-packed battery to Thapar, Group President, Trading, rotatable fill light, 17 smart tem- lowing. empower consumers with seamless Mahalaxmi Group. smartphone experience. We are con- Notably, the consignment is fident that Vision 2S will be a great meant for Acciaierie d’Italia, Flipkart strengthens its Kirana Delivery success with better capabilities and which specialises in the produc- trendy features will help customers tion of carbon steel products. This meet their digital needs whether it is is the second export order exe- Program for upcoming festive season for studying, binge-watching or en- cuted by the company after it dis- HT Bureau ing its last-mile network and reach, kirana ecosystem in the country. tertainment. The evolutionary up- patched 22,000 MT of LAM coke GUWAHATI, Sept 8: In view of especially in pin-codes and towns This will play a pivotal role in of- grade of Vision 2S continues our to in July this year. the upcoming festive season and that are difficult to reach. fering faster and personalised de- legacy of democratizing technology The major portion of the cargo from a reputed manufacturer in port more such consignments to the Big Billion Days, Flipkart an- Hemant Badri, senior vice-pres- livery experience to customers for the masses and enriching cus- was produced by the in-house Odisha by fulfilling stringent different parts of the world, in- nounced the strengthening of its ident, Supply Chain at Flipkart, during this festive season and our tomer’s smartphone experience at company of Mahalaxmi Group, quality standards stipulated for cluding South East Asia, every ‘Kirana Delivery Program’, on said, “Flipkart is committed to cre- annual flagship event, the Big Bil- an affordable price point.” while some quantity was sourced export. The group has plans to ex- month. Wednesday. This festive season, ating value for all our stakeholders lion Days (BBD), and augment the Flipkart aims to strengthen its Ki- including sellers, MSMEs, arti- income of these Kirana partners.” rana delivery program with more sans, customers and kiranas. Being The Kirana Delivery Program than 1,00,000 Kirana partners from one of the oldest retail formats in has seen consistent growth in the across the country. India, kiranas form the premise of past three years and today accounts Transparent taxation most beneficial Notably, Flipkart started the pro- modern retail in India and Flipkart for nearly one-third of Flipkart’s gram to help local stores and shops endeavours to bring seamless as- deliveries made in a month, further get on board as delivery partners in similation of both forms of retail to augmenting the speed and reach of govt initiative amid pandemic: Survey 2019, and since then, has invested bring customer delight and create the deliveries and supplementing NEW DELHI, Sept 8 (IANS): Bharat revealed that 61 per cent of consistently to get these businesses a shared value. Through a combi- the income of the Kirana partners. From being cautious to being opti- the respondents agree to assimilate ready for making deliveries. With nation of their hyperlocal presence In the past year itself, our Kirana mistic, India Inc's business senti- ESG into the core business agenda. a 1,00,000 strong Kirana delivery and innovations by Flipkart, the ki- partners have registered a nearly ments are drawing closer to The focus has shifted from profit network which doubled from last rana delivery program has become 30 percent increase in the delivery pre-pandemic levels, hinting at a accumulation to building sustain- year, Flipkart is further strengthen- a great enabler in strengthening the income. more robust performance in the able and resilient business models, next quarter, a Grant Thornton which will not only test the waters, Bharat Survey said on Wednesday. but also survive and continue to The government's move to make grow in the long run. Direct selling firm Vestige focuses taxation transparent has been con- While 18 per cent hint on reduc- sidered as its most impactful initia- ing their focus on ESG and sus- tive (40 per cent), followed by the tainability, 16 per cent feel on digitalisation to drive growth Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Covid-19 has not led to an in- HT Bureau fection and, of course, the lock- These measures helped online or- scheme (30 per cent), equalisation creased focus on ESG. GUWAHATI, Sept 8: With the downs have had a significant im- ders to grow by over 300 per cent." levy (20 per cent), and new labour A small section of 5 per cent of coronavirus pandemic severely pact on the business dynamics of While he did not disclose the codes (10 per cent), as per the sur- the respondents have already as- testing the direct selling industry the industry. It is seen that in the total number of distributors citing vey findings. cross-border and domestic trade. feel the second wave of the pan- similated ESG and sustainability and affecting the nature of trade, post-pandemic world, this will business confidentiality, Bali said The survey was carried with “The reduction in the corporate demic has had a devastating effect goals into their overall business Vestige Marketing is focusing on continue as shopping virtually is the company currently has "48 3,700+ respondents across digital tax rates, attempts to reduce litiga- on businesses and economy, while approach. digitalisation. It informed that Ves- the easiest, most time-efficient and branches, with over 3,500 online platforms, hinting at the rising tion through dispute resolution the remaining feel that the second “No future/forward thinking or- tige would continue to leverage productive method. It has opened and offline centres" with over 600 global and domestic optimism re- schemes, bringing in more trans- wave was either not as bad as the ganisation can ignore the sustain- technology to drive its growth. The newer sales avenues and dramati- employees. Explaining the growth lated to revenues in 2021. parency through various tax ad- first one or there is hope for recov- ability revolution and it is evident homegrown direct selling firm is cally enhanced incomes of sellers of direct selling in smaller cities Six out of 10 respondents feel ministrative reforms, boost to the ery in the next two quarters. from the survey report. As sustain- looking to tap on an increase in as well," Vestige Marketing Pvt and towns in the wake of the pan- that reducing the tax and compli- MSMEs through various policy Effective change management in ability and ESG grabs eyeballs, distributors from tier II and tier III Ltd managing director Gautam demic, Bali said, "The nation saw ance burden will help revive busi- initiatives, are all yielding results business strategies, not just re- this needs to be understood for its cities with more people, who lost Bali told PTI. the aftermath of unemployment, nesses post the second Covid and adding to the positive business structuring of businesses, has also long-term value creation. Address- jobs due to Covid-19, taking up di- Commenting on how the com- salary cuts and job displacement in wave. An uptick in direct spend- outlook in India,” said Vikas Vasal, put the focus on integrating sus- ing the risks, envisioning achiev- rect selling as an alternative source pany plans to build on the shift in both the formal and informal sec- ing, followed by additional liquid- national managing partner (tax), tainability and ESG into corporate able targets and investing in the of livelihood. trend, he said, "Vestige will con- tors. Add to this the reverse migra- ity infusion and increased FDI Grant Thornton Bharat. business strategy as stakeholder right strategy will be key in invok- “The pandemic has severely tinue to leverage technology and tion of millions of migrant workers flows, respectively, are also some The survey also noted the im- activism and reputation manage- ing a sense of shared ownership,” tested the direct selling industry. innovation to serve customers and going back to their home states and of the other relief packages that the pact of Covid-19 on businesses. ment gain more ground. said Dinesh Anand, Partner, Grant The need to always follow social communities within a changing en- the emerging young talent pool respondents feel could help boost Half the respondents (50 per cent) The survey by Grant Thornton Thornton Bharat. distancing, the constant fear of in- vironment through digitalisation. that enters the market every year." Page 3 Septenber 9_Normal Pages 9/8/2021 10:57 PM Page 1

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 REGION THE HILLS TIMES 3 Assam Rifles organises online Pijush takes stock of various lecture on International Literacy Day 40 bedded ICU to be set up at SMCH development schemes in Biswanath HT Bureau HT Correspondent HAFLONG, Sept 8: Govt of Assam signs MoU with Coal India Limited BISWANATH CHARI- Assam Rifles organised a HT Bureau ALI, Sept 8: Biswanath motivational lecture on GUWAHATI, Sept 8: Coal India district’s guardian minister “International Literacy Limited has inked an MoU with and minister of water re- Day” at Haflong. the Directorate of Medical Educa- sources, information and Haflong Battalion tion of Health and Family Welfare public relations, etc., Pijush under the aegis of Head- Department, government of Assam Hazarika on Wednesday re- quarter 21 Sector Assam in presence of Assam chief minis- viewed the progress of Rifles and inspector gen- ter Himanta Biswa Sarma to set up work under various depart- eral Assam Rifles (East) a 40 bedded Intensive Care Unit ments at a meeting held at organised an online moti- (ICU) at Silchar Medical College Coal India Limited for helping the principal secretary to the chief the deputy commissioner’s vational lecture on Inter- and Hospital (SMCH) at the con- state government in increasing the minister Samir Kumar Sinha, prin- conference hall in Biswanath Chariali. Taking note of the deplorable road national literacy Day at ference room of chief minister’s ICU capacity at SMCH. He said cipal secretary to health and family condition between Biswanath Chariali and Gohpur town, the minister Haflong on Wednesday. office in Janata Bhawan on that the gesture made by the Coal welfare Anurag Goel, director of said that till completion of the four-lane project on the stretch, the current A total of 42 partici- Wednesday. India Limited under its Corporate Medical Education Dr. Anup road should be in motor-able condition. He has issued instructions to Na- pants attended the lecture. The ICU will be built in conver- Social Kumar Barman, director (Person- tional Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited The lecture focussed on gence between the Coal India Lim- The Responsibility Programme nel) Coal India Limited Vinay (NHIDCL) to immediately undertake repair work on the current road so literacy, teaching and ited and government of Assam. would go a long way in making Ranjan, executive director (Com- that commuters do not face discomfort while travelling on the stretch. He learning in Covid-19 crisis and beyond with a focus on the role of edu- Chief minister Sarma while critical care treatment more acces- munity Development) Coal India has also directed the deputy commissioner of Biswanath to make regular cators and changing pedagogues. Audio visual aids and online demon- thanking Coal India Limited for its sible to the patients of Barak Val- Limited B. Sairam and others were visits to assess the progress of work. stration was also used to make the lecture more receptive. All Covid-19 benevolence, expressed his deep ley region. Health and family present during the He also asked NHIDCL to expedite the four-lane work. With regard to protocols were followed during the lecture. gratitude to the management of welfare minister Keshab Mahanta, MoU signing ceremony. implementation of projects under the Public Works Department (PWD) in the district, the minister asked the department to construct high-quality roads under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). He said the Xudhakontho government will not tolerate any compromise on quality of work and the Srimanta Sankardeva contractors should be issued directions accordingly. “If public is not sat- remembered on Assam CM inspects proposed sites of new office isfied with the quality of work, the government will not sit idle. Action tirubhav tithi would be initiated against contractors who construct poor-quality roads,” his 95th birth said minister Hazarika. The minister has decided to hold another meeting buildings of commissioner of police and DC observed in Sonitpur exclusively with PWD officials and contractors in the next 15 days to anniversary at Tezpur HT Correspondent further assess the quality of work under various road projects. Reviewing HT Correspondent Buildings which have seen 100 springs are to be pre- TEZPUR, Sept 8: The tithi of Sri- TEZPUR, Sept 8: With the rest of the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna (PMAY), minister manta Sankardeva was observed Hazarika said the concerned department should ensure that no eligible the state, the bard of Brahmaputra, served and transformed to heritage buildings throughout the district of Sonitpur music maestro Dr. Bhupen Hazarika beneficiary is left out from availing benefit under the scheme. He also is- HT Bureau buildings so that construction for beautification of the riverfront. with great devotion and respect. was fondly remembered by a several sued instructions to speed-up implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) GUWAHATI, Sept 8: Assam works could be completed within However, the chief minister directed The satras namely Nikamul Satra, socio-cultural organisations here in- in the district so that every household is provided with tap-water connec- chief minister Himanta Biswa a time-frame. Later, CM Sarma to preserve the buildings which are Baralimara Satra at Tezpur and cluding Jyoti Bharati (POKI), tion by 2024. He also asked the agriculture department to ensure that all Sarma on Wednesday inspected also inspected the sites of erstwhile more than 100 years old to trans- Madhab Mandir, Kamrupiya Tezpur Sahitya Sabha, Kalabhumi, eligible farmers in the district avail the benefits under PM-KISAN the proposed sites identified for DC Bungalow, residence of DGP, form them into heritage buildings. Sanatan Dharmamandali, etc., be- Tarun Asam Sangha and Baan The- scheme. Further, the minister has asked the social welfare department to construction of new office build- SP, etc., at Brahmaputra River Housing and Urban Affairs came alive with footfalls of hun- atre on his 95th birth anniversary. In identify 50 most malnourished children in the district and those children ings of the commissioner of police, Front, Panbazar. minister Ashok Singhal, DGP dreds of devotees. Academic connection with the day at Kalab- would be adopted by the minister, local MP and MLAs and all their ex- Guwahati City and deputy com- He also inspected the plots adja- Bhaskarjyoti Mahanta, police institutions like Girijananda humi among other dignitaries, artist penses with regard to nutrition and diet would be borne by them. The min- missioner, Kamrup (Metro) at cent to the Ropeway Terminal at commissioner, Guwahati City Choudhury Institute of Pharmaceu- Santanu Mahanta, Kamal Rasid ister also reviewed the progress of medical and engineering colleges in the Khanapara and Rupnagar respec- Kachari, Guwahati. After the in- Harmeet Singh, Kamrup Metro tical Science, near Tezpur and In- Ahmed, Anup Asamiya, Bitupan district. Wednesday’s meeting was also attended by Tezpur MP Pallab tively. Inspecting the sites, chief spection, the chief minister directed DC Biswajit Pegu, senior officers spire Academy, Tezpur also Bora lit earthen lamps and paid flo- Lochan Das, Biswanath MLA Promod Borthakur, Gohpur MLA Utpal minister Sarma asked the con- the authority to demolish all govern- of PWD (Buildings & NH), observed the day with great enthu- ral tributes before the statue of the Borah, Behali MLA Ranjit Dutta, DC Biswanath Pranab Kumar Sarmah, cerned departments to expedite the ment buildings along the river GMC, GMDA etc., were present siasm and by organising different legendary bard and resonated songs SP Biswanath Leena Doley, SDO (C) Gohpur Aditya Vikram Yadav, ADCs, preliminary works of the proposed which have not completed 100 years during the CM’s visit to the sites. religious programmes. of the music legend. Likewise at administrative officers and heads of concerned departments. POKI under the cultural affairs, gov- ernment of Assam, on behalf of the district administration, Sonitpur DC Bhupesh Chandra Das paid tribute Youth goes missing in Gossaigaon to “xudhakontho” and remembered of a 28-year-old youth since Sep- Modern Integrated Fish Landing Centre to come up in Cachar his contributions towards the As- tember 6 in the district of Kokra- samese culture and music world, in jhar. Upon completion, the centre will be dealing with 10-15 tonnes of fish daily the programme which was organ- The missing youth has been HT Bureau district will be benefitted by this ised under the aegis of district cul- identified as Abhijit Saha, son of SILCHAR, Sept 8: An Integrated project. Ultimately a fisheries hub tural development officer cum one Dipankar Saha of Gossaigaon Fish Landing Centre will be built will come up with the fishing com- POKI’s officer in-charge Jiten town ward no. 2 under Gos- in Cachar district at an estimated munity and fish farmers getting Kumar Das. saigaon police station in Kokra- cost of Rs.25 crore under Pradhan proper facilities with hygienic con- jhar district. Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana ditions for improving their socio- The family members disclosed (PMMSY). economic lot." that the youth went shopping Additional Deputy Commis- Speaking on the occasion, Dis- Victory Flame early in the morning on Septem- sioner, Cachar, Kamal Baruah vis- trict Fisheries Development Offi- ber 6 and did not return home. On ited the fishery proposed project cer, Rafiqul Haque said, "The reaches cultural suspicion, the family members site along with other officials of proposed project to come up at Sil- launched a search operation but to line departments viz PWD (Road), terms of quality assurance of the catch and thereby improve the coorie, Ghungor of Borjalenga capital of Assam HT Correspondent no avail. The family members PWD (Building), APDCL, PHED, landings, its hygienic handling, overall value of fish and fish Block under PMMSY will offer all HT Bureau GOSSAIGAON, Sept 8: Sensa- then approached Gossaigaon po- DAO, BDO, Veterinary, Soil Con- pre-processing, packing, trans- products.” Sharing his reaction, kinds of facilities such as inte- GUWAHATI, Sept 8: The celebra- tion prevailed in Gossaigaon lice station where they lodged an servation, WRD, etc for detail fea- portation and marketing. "Proper Additional Deputy Commis- grated fish auction hall, whole- tion to commemorate 50 years of town following the disappearance FIR in this regard. sibility study of the site located at availability of infrastructure and sioner, Baruah said, "Nowadays salers and retail outlet, ice plant, glorious victory in 1971 is being Silcoorie Ghungor under Bor- accessories, including quality ice, fishery business is not confined cold storage, parking facilities, celebrated as ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ jalenga Block in Cachar on Tues- dry ice, and cold slurry units would within a particular community as water supply, etc to the people in- in 2021. Prime Minister Narendra Srimanta Sankardeva’s tithi day. help maintain the quality of the it is being taken into industrial volved in fishery business. More Modi lit the ‘Victory Flame’ from This place is identified by the landed catch," he quipped. line due to development of recent than 1,000 people will be running the eternal flame of the National observedHT Correspondentat Abhayapuri Fisheries department, Cachar for a Suklabaidya pointed out that technology and has become an their businesses daily at this centre War Memorial, New Delhi on Dec ABHAYAPURI, Sept 8: The namghars and other places of worship at Modern Integrated Fish Landing fish being a highly perishable employment generation avenue." by availing all kinds of modern fa- 16, 2020, marking the beginning of Abahaypuri observed the Tirobhab Tithi of Sankardeva following all Centre worth Rs.25 crore under commodity, requires well-devel- Further elaborating on the proj- cilities. There will be a sea change the Swarnim Vijay Varsh celebra- Covid-19 protocols. Schools including Srimanta Sankardeva Sishu Nike- PMMSY in order to provide vari- oped, efficient landing and han- ect taken up by the Fisheries de- in the fisheries sector." tions of India’s victory over Pak- tan also observed the day in a low-key manner. ous facilities to the fishing com- dling facilities and distribution partment, ADC, Baruah said, "As Haque revealed that around 10- istan in 1971. In continuation of munity. channels. “The new ambitious the project site has vast potential, 15 tonnes of fish will land at the celebrations to commemorate the Minister for Fisheries, Parimal project of the Fisheries depart- all the technical departments are centre whose market value will be Bhupen HazarikaHT Correspondent remembered golden jubilee of 1971 Indo-Pak ABHAYAPURI, Sept 8: Legendary singer Bhupen Hazarika was re- Suklabaidya at whose initiative the ment is a right step towards the requested to co-operate and pro- worth Rs. 20 lakh. war, the Victory Flame reached membered on his 95th birth anniversary at Abhayapuri. Abhayapuri new project is coming up, said a promotion of responsible fish- vide valuable inputs for making This is stated in a Press Release Tezpur amidst grand reception on town committee paid floral tributes at the statue of the Bard of Brahma- well-developed fishing hub can eries. It will help in improving the fisheries project a successful issued from the Regional Office of Wednesday. A wreath laying cere- putra on the bank of Rajpukhuri. A few other socio-cultural organisa- look into the proper development the infrastructure facility, main- one since the people of the entire Information and Public Relations, mony was held at Gajraj War Me- tions also celebrated the day. of all the connected facilities in taining the quality of the landed area as well as other parts of the Barak Valley Zone, Silchar. morial and 1971 war veterans were felicitated by GOC Gajraj Corps. The victory flame was then taken to Solmara Military Station with full Matru Vandana Saptah concludes in Hojai military honours where a series of PIB Guwahati organises webinar on POSHAN Abhiyaan events involving veterans, civil dig- DC Hojai congratulates the health workers nitaries, school children and local Panellists highlight the importance of proper nutrition in 1st 1,000 days of children’s life for successful implementation populace were organised. HT Bureau In his welcome address, joint director trition. She focused on the prevalence of HT Correspondent keep working for the public interest with in- GUWAHATI, Sept 8: With the clarion call PIB, Guwahati Samrat Bandopadhyay malnutrition in tea garden areas of Assam HOJAI, Sept 8: Along with the rest of the tegrity and a positive mindset.” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Poshan highlighted how Poshan Abhiyaan intends and informed about the initiatives taken country, under the aegis of Social Welfare DC also added, “Our work will speak OBITUARY Maah is being observed to improve the nu- to significantly reduce malnutrition in the by the government of Assam to address Department in association with Hojai dis- up and find true places in the hearts of Retd ONGCian and a resident tritional outcome for children, adolescent, next three years. He also informed that the the issue. Through timely implementation trict administration, the closing ceremony the people, it will be our true accomplish- of Melachakar, Dambarudhar pregnant women and lactating mothers chief objective of the mission is to reduce of all the action plans, the dream of Prime of weeklong Matru Vandana Saptah (Sep- ment.” He further said the district admin- Borgohain (82) died of old-age across the country during the month of Sep- the level of under-nutrition and also en- Minister Narendra Modi to eradicate mal- tember 1 to September 7) under Prime Min- istration will ensure all kinds of possible related ailments in a Dibrugarh tember and to address the issue of malnutri- hance the nutritional status of children in nutrition will turn into reality very soon, ister Matru Vandana Yojana concluded here help for the successful implementation of nursing home on Sept 6 last. tion on a mission mode. Accordingly, Press the country by 2022. she said. at DC's conference room in Sankardevnagar this program. Meanwhile, deputy com- Differently-abled Borgohain Information Bureau, Guwahati organised a Joint director Social Welfare Depart- Deputy technical adviser, Food & Nutri- on Tuesday. The objective of the meeting missioner honoured the best compatible was an active member of the webinar on Poshan Abhiyaan on Wednes- ment, Assam Manjori Borthakur elabo- tion Board, Kolkata Nagendra Nath Ti- was explained by district program coordi- child upgrade project for transparency Melachakar namghar and a host day where discussion on the importance of rated on the overall Poshan Abhiyaan in wari, in his address, threw light on how nator Queen Bora. Deputy commissioner for the successful implementation of the of other social organisations. He nutrition was discussed threadbare. The Assam and how the mission is going to Poshan Abhiyaan has been envisaged as Anupam Choudhury graced the occasion as scheme along with anganwadi workers, leaves behind his wife, two theme of the webinar was POSHAN Ab- achieve the target of increasing nutrition India’s flagship scheme to improve the nu- chief guest. Addressing the officers and em- anganwadi helpers, data entry operator, daughters and a son. hiyaan- Women and Child Empowerment standards among the children in the state tritional outcomes of adolescents, children, ployees, DC Choudhury said, “We have to supervisor, best ICDS block. with Healthy Nutrition. while eliminating the menace of malnu- pregnant women and lactating mothers. Plantation drive carried out in Margherita 95th birth anniversary of Bhupen Hazarika celebrated at Nagaon Bhikkhu, Palash Rajkumar Ahom ADC (i/c) HT Correspondent duced Assam on the world stage. Margherita, Partha Pratim Das (IPS) SDPO NAGAON, Sept 8: Along with Assam will forever be in his debt Margherita, Siddhartha Sh Sonowal executive magis- the rest of the state, various cul- for his contributions. trate Margherita, Someswar Konwar officer in charge tural as well as social organisa- Two audio cassettes of Dr Haz- of Margherita police station, Rajendra Nath Koiri tions of the district celebrated the arika's selected songs by artistes president of Tinsukia Zilla Parishad, Hiranya Devi 95th birth anniversary of As- Nabanita Sarma, Rimli Sarma Baruah vice president of Tinsukia Zilla Parishad, Dr samese musical maestro and Bora and Gautom Bora were also Binoy Kumar Das, Ramesh Hatimuria and Rana Dutta ‘Bharat Ratna’ Dr Bhupen Haz- released in the function. both president and general secretary of Sanjeevani arika. Silpi Somaj Asom, Sangeet Artistes Krishna Moni Nath, North East Socio Economic Society, Ram Prasad Silpi Mancha, Nagaon, Silpi Ariful Haque, Pankaj Bezbaruah Ambedkar president of Margherita Journalists Asso- Kanon, Nagaon Lions Club and and Ranjit Bora (Dadu) and other ciation and many more resource and distinguished other organisations celebrated the members of the organisation were persons of Margherita region were present and planted 95th birth anniversary of Dr Bhu- present in the function. saplings on the occasion. pen Hazarika and paid homage to Similarly, Nagaon Lions Club Raju Deori, chief legal advisor and Pallav Shyam the great soul of the soil. also celebrated the birth anniver- Wailung working president and spokesperson of Tirap Silpi Somaj Asom organised a sary of Dr Hazarika at its office HT Correspondent Autonomous District Council Demand Committee function on the occasion near at in the town. The club members lit MARGHERITA, Sept 8: A plantation drive pro- who were present in the birthday celebration said that Nagaon Chariali where the mem- the earthen lamps at the portrait gramme organised by Sanjeevani North East Socio few days ago Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa bers of Silpi Somaj garlanded the Bidhan Boruah, Pabitra Pran with a day-long programme. of Dr Hazarika and paid tributes Economic Society Margherita and Margherita Buddha Sarma has declared a monthly salary of Rs 15,000 to portrait of Dr Hazarika and paid Sarma, Jatindra Kr Das, Dipak Local MLA and the chief patron to the great soul of the soil. Ex- Vihar Committee was held on Wednesday near NH- every Namgharia and Hindu priest which is total dis- tribute to him and also sang Dr Khnahar, Hiranya Kakoti, of Sangeet Silpi Mancha, Nagaon, president and secretary of the 38 on the occasion of 55th birthday celebration of crimination towards other religions such as Buddhist, Hazarika's evergreen song - Nirupoma Sahariya, Deepjyoti Rupak Sarma graced the occasion club Pralay Kr Shaha, Ajoy Mit- Gyawada Bhikkhu, head monk of Margherita Buddha Islam, Sikh, Jain and Christian. 'Manuhe Manuhor Babe'. Medhi and Archana Nath. and paid homage to the legendary tal, Biswajit Mahanta, Pranab Vihar. More than 100 saplings were planted along the They appealed to the Assam CM to treat the priests The organisation also felici- Meanwhile Sangeet Silpi Man- singer. Das, Gurusharan Singh and other NH-38 Margherita. of other religions the same so that they too can enjoy tated noted artistes as well as ed- cha, Nagaon too celebrated the Addressing the occasion, members were present in the pro- Senior Buddhist Bhikkhu professor Pannasara the emoluments. ucationists - Aboni Muktiar, birth anniversary of Dr Hazarika Sarma said that Dr Hazarika intro- gramme. Page 4 September 9_Normal Pages 9/8/2021 9:39 PM Page 1

4 THE HILLS TIMES WORLD THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 The IS had claimed responsibility for the attacks on the Bataclan concert hall, a major stadium, restaurants and bars on 13 Nov, 2015 At least 14 members of Taliban’s govt on UNSC’s terrorism blacklist

PARIS,Trial Sept 8 (AP): ofIn a custom-20 men accused in 2015 Parispeople who planned attacks it, both in Eu- gone," Kielemoes begins said. "The desire built secure complex embedded rope and abroad. The modern to go out, travel – all of that's gone. within a 13th-century courthouse, courtroom was constructed within Even if we still do a number of France on Wednesday began the the storied 13th-century Palais de things, our appetite for life has dis- trial of 20 men accused in the Is- Justice in Paris, where Marie An- appeared.” For Jean-Luc Werten- lamic State group's 2015 attacks in toinette and Emile Zola faced trial, schlag, who lives above the cafe Paris that left 130 people dead and among others. where her son died and who hundreds injured. The defendants For the first time, victims can rushed downstairs soon after the were taken one by one into a glass- also have a secure audio link to lis- first gunshots to try and save lives, enclosed box at the side of the ten from home if they want with a it has even changed the way he courtroom, surrounded by armed 30-minute delay. The trial is sched- moves around the city where he KABUL/PESHAWAR, Sept 8 member in the Cabinet. All of the officers. uled to last nine months. The was born and raised. He never (PTI): At least 14 members of the Cabinet ministers announced on Nine gunmen and suicide month of September will be dedi- leaves home without the first aid Taliban's hardline interim govern- Tuesday are already established Tal- bombers struck within minutes of cated to laying out the police and gear he lacked that night, when he ment in Kabul are on the UN Secu- iban leaders who fought against the each other at France's national soc- forensic evidence. October will be ripped off his shirt to stanch the rity Council's terrorism blacklist, US-led coalition forces since 2001. cer stadium, the Bataclan concert sion, Abdeslam said his “ambition thought they were firing into the given over to victims' testimony. bleeding of a victim. including acting Prime Minister No woman has been named in the hall and Paris restaurants and cafes is to become a fighter for Islamic crowd, into a mass of people. But From November to December, of- "What we did that evening with Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund interim Cabinet. on Nov. 13, 2015. Survivors of the State.” The trial started nearly an it wasn't a mass — these were in- ficials including former French other people, to provide assistance and his both deputies, raising con- Acting Prime Minister Mullah attacks as well as those who mourn hour later than planned. No reason dividuals who had a life, who President François Hollande will to the people wounded during the cern of the international community Hasan has been described as "a their dead packed the rooms, for the delay was immediately loved, had hopes and expectations, testify, as will relatives of the at- attack, was a way to stand against over the composition of the new close associate" of Taliban founder which were designed to hold 1,800 given. Abdeslam is the only one and that we need to talk about at tackers. Abdeslam will be ques- what these monsters had tried to do Cabinet in Afghanistan. Specially Mullah Omar in a UN sanctions re- plaintiffs and over 300 lawyers. charged with murder. The same IS the trial. It's important.” she said, tioned multiple times. He has so to us,” he said. None of the pro- designated global terrorist Sirajud- port. He is presently head of the Tal- The lone survivor of the extremist network went on to strike Brussels Twenty men are charged, but six far refused to talk to investigators. ceedings will be televised or re- din Haqqani, who carries a reward iban's powerful decision-making cell from that night, Salah Ab- months later, killing another 32 of them will be tried in absentia. The attacks transformed France, broadcast to the public, but they of USD 10 million US bounty on body - Rehbari Shura or leadership deslam, is the key defendant. Ab- people. Dominique Kielemoes, Abdeslam, who abandoned his which declared a state of emer- will be recorded for archival pur- his head, is the acting interior min- council. Both Deputy Prime Minis- deslam appeared wearing a black whose son bled to death at one of rental car in northern Paris and dis- gency that night and now has poses. Video recording has only ister while his uncle - Khalil ters - Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar short-sleeved short and black the cafes that night, said the month carded a malfunctioning suicide armed officers constantly pa- been allowed for a handful of cases Haqqani – has been named as acting and Maulvi Abdul Salam Hanafi, trousers. The defendants were dedicated to victims' testimonies vest before fleeing home to Brus- trolling public spaces. And it in France considered to be of his- minister for refugees. who is involved in drug trafficking, called in alphabetical order, and at the trial will be crucial to both sels, has refused to speak with in- changed forever the lives of all torical value, including last year's Acting defence Minister Mullah are also on the UN blacklist. Abdeslam was first and he was their own healing and that of the vestigators. But he holds the those who suffered losses or bore trial for the 2015 attacks against Yaqoob, acting foreign minister Acting interior minister Sirajud- asked to identify himself. nation. answers to many of the remaining witness to the violence that night. the Charlie Hebdo newspaper in Mullah Ameer Khan Muttaqi and din Haqqani, son of the famous anti- Requested to state his profes- “The assassins, these terrorists, questions about the attack and the “Our ability to be carefree is Paris and a kosher supermarket. his deputy Sher Mohammad Abbas Soviet warlord Jalaluddin Haqqani Stanikzai are all listed under the and chief of the notorious Haqqani UNSC 1988 Sanctions Committee, Network, is wanted by the FBI for also known as the Taliban Sanctions questioning in connection with the Afghan resistance urges int’l community Committee. January 2008 attack on a hotel in One killed as 7.1-magnitude "At least 14 members of the Tal- Kabul that killed six people, includ- not to recognise 'caretaker' govt iban's interim government are on the ing an American citizen. He is be- UN Security Council blacklist,” lieved to have coordinated and quake shakes S BBC Urdu reported. participated in cross-border attacks MEXICO CITY, Sept 8 (IANS): The 33-member interim Cabinet against the US and coalition forces At least one person was killed after includes four of the five leaders in Afghanistan. a 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit the known as the "Taliban Five" who Two other members of the southern Mexican coastal city of were once held at the Guantanamo Haqqani clan were also named to Acapulco in Guerrero state on Bay prison. They include Mullah positions in the interim government, Tuesday night, officials said. Mohammad Fazil (deputy defence indicating the hand of Pakistan in Tremors were felt hundreds of minister), kilometres away in the Mexican the Taliban-run government. The capital as buildings rocked and (information and culture minister), announcement of the interim gov- swayed in Mexico City, Xinhua Mullah Noorullah Noori (Borders ernment came three days after Pak- news agency reported on Wednes- and Tribal Affairs minister) and istan's spy agency Inter-Services day. The National Seismological Mullah (Director Intelligence (ISI) Director General Service reported via Twitter that of Intelligence). The fifth member Lt Gen Hameed dashed to Kabul on the earthquake occurred at 8.47 of the group, Mohammad Nabi an unannounced visit last week. The p.m. local time (0147 GMT streets as the quake was felt there are many places without elec- Omari, has been appointed as gov- inclusion of top leaders of the KABUL, Sept 8 (IANS): Terming mitting flights currently ready to Wednesday) 11 km southwest of strongly, followed by power out- tricity, I ask everyone to be very ernor of eastern Khost Province re- , which is be- the Taliban-unveiled new 'care- fly out of Afghanistan," it asserted. Acapulco, with a depth of 10 km. ages. Elsa Ramirez, an informal calm," she said. The earthquake cently. The "Taliban Five" leaders lieved to have close links with the taker' government in Afghanistan "We also reiterate our clear ex- A man was killed after a light trader, was on her way home when was located at the coordinates north were released from Guantanamo ISI, in the Taliban government is an as 'illegal', the anti-Taliban forces pectation that the Taliban ensure pole fell on him in the municipality she heard the seismic alarm. latitude 16.78 degrees and west lon- Bay prison by the Obama adminis- indication of the influence Islam- in the country have urged the inter- that Afghan soil is not used to of Coyuca de Benitez, Guerrero "It was very strong, what a scare! gitude minus 99.93 degrees, speci- tration in 2014 in exchange for US abad, especially its intelligence national community not to recog- threaten any other countries," it State Governor Hector Astudillo I thought the light cables on top fied the agency dependent on the Army deserter . agencies, have over the Taliban. Sir- Flores told local television. The nise it. said, adding: "The world is watch- were going to fall off," she told Institute of Geophysics of the Na- Fazil and Noori are accused of or- ajuddin Haqqani and some other Civil Protection Agency of the Xinhua while taking shelter outside tional Autonomous University of The interim cabinet announced ing closely." dering the massacres of ethnic Shia members of the new Cabinet studied state said the quake has led to rock a shop. The city's mayor Claudia Mexico. Hazara, Tajik, and Uzbek commu- at the Darul Uloom Haqqania - a on Tuesday has drawn criticism The Taliban on Tuesday named falls and landslides on roads. Au- Sheinbaum asked residents to stay Mexico is in an area of high from the US, as it consists entirely Mullah Hassan Akhund as the nities in Mazar-i-Sharif in 1998. madrassa in Akora Khattak in Now- thorities reported no major damage calm via her social networks. seismicity due to the interaction of The Taliban had promised an "in- of Taliban leaders or their associ- Prime Minister of Afghanistan's in Guerrero and the neighbouring shera in northwest Pakistan, which "There have been three flyovers and five tectonic plates: the North clusive" government that represents ates and does not include any caretaker government. regions of Michoacan, Jalisco, no damage has been found. I just American plate, the Cocos plate, has also been dubbed the Taliban woman member. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Mexico City or other areas. In spoke with the president and gave the Pacific plate, the Rivera plate, Afghanistan's complex ethnic University or the 'University of The US expressed concern at and Abdul Salam Hanafi will be Mexico City, people rushed to the him this information. We know that and the Caribbean plate. makeup, but there is no Hazara Jihad' internationally. figures linked to attacks on US the acting deputy Prime Ministers. forces, reported the BBC. Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, The interim cabinet is led by son of the late Taliban co-founder Mullah Mohammad Hassan Mullah Mohammad Omar, was ap- Terrorist, 2 foreigners Akhund, who is on a UN blacklist. pointed the acting defence minis- Lt Gen Azhar Abbas made chief of General Another figure, Sirajuddin ter. among 41 inmates killed Haqqani, is wanted by the Ameri- Amir Khan Muttaqi is the acting can FBI. Foreign Minister and Sarajuddin Staff as Pak Army reshuffles top brass in Indonesia prison fire The Panjshir province based Na- Haqqani, son of the founder of the ISLAMABAD, Sept 8 (PTI): In a major pointed the CGS in November 2019 but JAKARTA, Sept 8 (IANS): One prisoner who was tional Resistance Front (NRF) as- Haqqani network, was named as reshuffle in the Pakistan Army, Lt Gen would now command a corps -- some- a terrorist and two other prisoners from serted that the announcement of the acting Interior Minister. Azhar Abbas, who was responsible for thing he has never done since he was pro- and Portugal were among the 41 inmates killed a the Taliban's caretaker cabinet is "a A Taliban spokesman said the the security of the Line of Control (LoC) moted to the three-star rank in 2018. prison fire in Tanggerang town near Indonesian cap- clear sign of the group's enmity appointments of the interim gov- with India, has been named the next Chief He would be among the top three sen- ital Jakarta on Wednesday, a government official said. with the Afghan people." ernment are not final as these are of General Staff, considered the most im- ior most generals in November 2022, Indonesian Minister of Law and Human Rights Ya- The Taliban insist they have acting positions, and the remaining portant position after the army chief. when army chief General Qamar Javed sonna Laoly said that 40 prisoners were killed in- now defeated the NRF in the Pan- posts will be announced at a later Gen Abbas, who is from the Baloch Bajwa's extended term expires. He is stantly in the fire that broke out in prison Block C2 jshir Valley north of Kabul, but date. Regiment, replaces Lt Gen Sahir seen as a potential candidate for either at 1.45 a.m. local time while another one died on the NRF leaders say they are still The spokesman stressed that it is Shamshad Mirza, who was posted out as the post of chairman of the joint chiefs way to a hospital, Xinhua news agency reported. fighting. an "acting" government and the commander of Rawalpindi-based 10 of staff committee or the army chief, the There are several rooms in the block, the min- In a statement, the US state de- group will try to induct people Corps — a post previously held by him, report said. In other changes, Lt General ister said, adding that during the night the cells partment has said: "We note the from other parts of the country. the Pakistan Army's media wing Inter- Muhammad Chiragh Haider has been were locked according to official procedure. announced list of names consists The formation of the Afghan Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in posted as the Commander of the Multan After the fire broke out, officials in charge tried exclusively of individuals who are caretaker government was an- a statement on Tuesday. Rawalpindi corps, which is one of the main strike to open the rooms but they were not able to open members of the Taliban or their nounced after the Taliban claimed Corps looks after the Line of Control Corps of the country, the ISPR state- all of them due to the raging flames, Laoly added. close associates and no women." on Monday that it had completely (LoC). The post of Chief of General Staff Gen Abbas has in the past served as ment said. He replaces Lt General He said that 81 prisoners were rescued but many The statement added that the US captured Panjshir, the last holdout (CGS) is considered the most influential commandant of the Infa n try School, Muhammad Waseem Ashraf, who has of them suffered burn injuries. Laoly admitted would "judge the Taliban by its ac- province of Afghanistan's 34 position within the army after that of the Quetta, and re mained personal secretary now been appointed as the joint staff that the prison was over capacity by 400 percent tions, not words." provinces. army chief. The CGS is assigned opera- to former army chief, Gen Raheel Sharif. headquarters director general. The trans- with a total number of 2,072 inmates. Rika Apri- "Washington would continue to The Taliban previously prom- tional and intelligence matters at the Gen- He had also comma nded a division in fers and postings are a routine affair but anti, a spokeswoman for the prison department in hold the Taliban to their commit- ised to build an inclusive govern- eral Headquarters with directorates of Murree and worked in Operations Direc- are keenly watched in Pakistan and the Law and Human Rights Ministry, said that the ments to allow safe passage for ment and expressed hope that the Military Operations and Military Intelli- torate as a brigadier. Gen Mirza is from around the world due to the dominant Block C2 prison was overcrowded as the venue, foreign nationals and Afghans with Afghan people would help in the gence falling under his purview, the the Sindh Regiment. According to a re- role of the army in international and do- which was designed for 40 prisoners, accommo- travel documents, including per- country's transition. Dawn News reported. port in The Express Tribune, he was ap- mestic matters of the country. dated 122 inmates. 6 US soldiers, 5 The disease is caused by a group of blood parasites, known 2 Australian ministers begin civilians in S as haemosporidian parasites, similar to human malaria Korea test positive 4-nation visit ending in US SEOUL, Sept 8 (IANS): Six more US soldiers and five civilians in Australia identified as ‘transmission South Korea tested positive for Covid-19, the US Forces Korea (USFK) said on Wednesday. The hotspot’ for deadly avian malaria USFK said in a statement that 11 SYDNEY, Sept 8 (IANS): Bird species that Australia has areas that have USFK-affiliated individuals were across the globe are suffering and dying quite high infection rates, and confirmed with Covid-19 between from avian malaria and while these those areas also see rates of mos- August 17 and September 5, re- strains are not infectious to humans, quito-borne diseases in humans, ported Xinhua news agency. Six they’re spreading quickly through global such as north Queensland and service members, four US Depart- transmission hotspots including Aus- subtropical regions around south- ment of Defense civilians, and one tralia. This research, unveiled by Aus- east Queensland. family member arrived here on in- tralia’s University of Queensland (UQ) Avian malaria was one of the CANBERRA, Sept 8 (AP): Australia's for- climate, critical technology and supply ternational commercial flights be- on Wednesday, was published in the jour- major causes of extinction of eign and defence ministers are visiting In- chains, Payne said in statement. Australia tween August 17 and September 5. nal of Global Ecology and Biogeography, about one-third of the 55 known donesia, India, South Korea and the United wants to strike a free trade deal with Quad The confirmed patients have been Xinhua news agency reported. species of Hawaiian honeycreep- States to bolster economic and security rela- partner India to reduce its economic reliance transferred to designated isolation The research compiled and analysed ers when it was introduced into tionships within the Asia-Pacific region, on an increasingly hostile . Australian facilities at the US army bases here. what is likely the largest data of wild bird Hawaii in the late 1800s to early where tensions are rising with China. special trade envoy for India and former The total number of infections infections with avian malaria parasites to 1900s, and it affects between 13 Foreign Minister Marise Payne and De- Prime Minister Tony Abbott said last month among the USFK-affiliated person- date, with more than 53,000 wild birds percent and 14 percent of bird fence Minister Peter Dutton left Australia on that an India-Australia free trade deal would nel rose to 1,383, according to Yon- examined. The team combined infection “In fact, here in Australia, some of species worldwide now. Depending on Wednesday despite pandemic restrictions signal the “democratic world's tilt away from hap news agency. "USFK remains at statistics with remotely sensed environ- these blood parasites are causing high in- different parasite variants, the researchers which continue to make overseas travel rare China.” The trip by the Australian ministers a high level of readiness, with more mental data, such as climate or forest fection rates in our songbirds,” Clark also identified hotspots across North for government officials. The trip will pre- “strongly reinforces Australia's active en- than 80 percent of its affiliated com- conditions, and bird life history informa- said. Clark explained that the disease is America and Europe, with the most sig- pare for Prime Minister Scott Morrison's visit gagement in our region,” a government state- munity vaccinated and less than 1 pc tion, such as body size and migration pat- caused by a group of blood parasites, nificant rates worldwide recorded in parts to Washington, D.C., later this month to meet ment said. Australia's tough quarantine of its active-duty service members terns, into computer models to identify known as haemosporidian parasites, sim- of the Sahara-Arabian region. Dr. Kon- with US, Indian and Japanese leaders in the restrictions for international visitors mean currently confirmed positive with which factors best described the infection ilar to human malaria which is transmit- stans Wells, who leads the research group Quadrilateral Security Dialogue. China has that Payne and Dutton will meet US Secre- Covid-19," the USFK said. In the risk with avian malaria parasites. ted via blood-feeding insects like at Swansea University in Britain, said called the so-called Quad an attempt to con- tary of State Antony Blinken and US Defence latest tally, South Korea reported “We’ve found that there are hotspots mosquitoes. Although it can’t harm hu- predicting which conditions facilitate the tain its ambitions. Payne and Dutton will Secretary Lloyd Austin in the . 2,050 more cases of Covid-19 for transmitting these parasites across the mans, it is known to have significant im- infection of wild birds with avian malaria have their inaugural meeting with their In- The two countries normally take turns host- the past 24 hours, lifting the total world,” said one of the authors of the re- pacts on bird populations. He noted in an is crucial for understanding infectious dian counterparts while in New Delhi. They ing the annual meeting, which was held in number of infections to 265,423. search, UQ’s Dr. Nicholas Clark. article in the local media Brisbane Times disease hazards. will discuss economic security, cybersecurity, Washington, D.C., last year.

Page 5 September 09_Normal Pages 9/8/2021 9:26 PM Page 1

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 NORTH EAST THE HILLS TIMES 5 Manipur Assembly speaker withdraws order expanding HAC Unusual death of buffaloes IMPHAL, Sept 8 (NNN): The speaker of the 20 boys from across India to rub shoulders with the fortunates Manipur Legislative Assembly on Wednesday withdrew his controversial order inducting The Doon School breaking myths of being a school for wealthy reported in Nagaland’s Phek nine MLAs in the Hills Areas Committee HT Bureau barrier and break the perception HT Correspondent (HAC) of the state Assembly. The order with- GUWAHATI, Sept 8: The Doon that Doon School is a school for DIMAPUR, Sept 8: Sudden and unusual death of buffaloes drawing the earlier order passed on September School, one of India’s best board- the wealthy only. due to some unknown disease was reported at Kangjan village 1 last was issued by Assembly secretary, K ing schools, which was established "While we have 16% students under Meluri sub-division in Phek district of Nagaland. Meghajit Singh on Wednesday. in the year 1935, has always been who have received scholarships Following the report of the unnatural death of buffaloes, a “Subsequent upon the submission of appli- attracting exceptional boys from more than 100%, we hope to find technical team of Nagaland Animal Husbandry and Veteri- cations by the eight newly inducted members, all backgrounds to transform them bright deserving candidates who nary Services left for the spot on Tuesday. The team carried also in order to facilitate better understanding into leaders who would serve mer- can be offered fully funded seats out a preliminary investigation and treatment of the affected among all stakeholders in this matter, the itocratic India. The School admits based on parental income," the animals in the village. It was observed from the clinical symp- order no.5/11(2))2021-I-A (Secy) dated 1st students in only classes 7th and 8th chairman said. Chairman of the Di- toms that the mortality may be due to the peracute form of September, 2021 is hereby withdrawn with standard, who have to register for versity Committee Ravi Singhee is Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (HS) which is caused by bacteria immediate effect,” the order stated. a written examination conducted in in Guwahati and would like to no- called Pasteurella Multocida, the department said. On September 1, the speaker expanded the the month of December, followed tify the people that the Doon However, the etymology will be confirmed only after a labo- HAC of the Manipur Legislative Assembly by by an interview. The school offers School is for everyone, and to en- ratory test. Till such time, the department urged the public and increasing the number of members to 29. The a number of scholarships to de- courage people to apply for the livestock owners to remain vigilant on any sudden death of the HAC originally has 20 members representing serving candidates based upon scholarship Exam, which is a qual- animals and also report such cases to the nearest veterinary in- the 20 Scheduled Tribe (ST) reserved assem- their needs and merit. ifier for the main entrance to be stitute for further investigations. bly constituencies. However, the speaker in- As a part of their outreach pro- Coimbatore too. school will sponsor the visit of the held in December 2021. It said reporting of such cases to the right authority at the ducted eight sitting MLAs to the committee gram, the school is conducting a The registration fee for the child along with one guardian to Format for the paper: The total Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department is of citing that the constituencies they are repre- pre-entrance scholarship exam in scholarship exam is Rs 100. The travel to Dehradun and stay to ap- duration of the examination will be utmost importance for timely initiation of control and con- senting are lying partly in hill areas. Guwahati and Tezpur in the North school hopes to find the brightest pear for the written exam and in- 3 hours (writing time) tainment plan. The order inducting them stated that MLA East. The exam will be conducted talents in the North East via this terview slated to be held in the 1) Languages (Regional & Eng- The department also requested the livestock owners not to of Lamlai assembly constituencies of Imphal on October 2, 2021 in both the screening exam. month of December. lish) & Regional Contexts open the carcass nor consume the dead animals but follow East, which is also situated partly in the hill cities. The same exam will be con- Up to 20 successful candidates Through this initiative the 2) Sciences proper procedures in disposing of them in coordination with areas, will be the member of the HAC once ducted in Srinagar, Chennai and will be selected pan India. The school wishes to lower the entry 3) Mathematics the department officers. the seat currently lying vacant is filled. Page 6 September 09_Normal Pages 9/8/2021 10:20 PM Page 1

6 THE HILLS TIMES VOL. XXII, ISSUE 233, DIPHU, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 Power struggle among differing QUOTE OF THE DAY Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.’ - Dalai Lama groups of Taliban is in full force he prompt air-dash by Pak- emirate a trembling financial sys- tron, notwithstanding some fac- istan’s Inter-Services Intelli- tem which ‘has been the beating tions remaining loyal to the Tal- India exploiting gence director-general, heart of its economy, upon which iban. Afghanistan is linguistically, GeneralT Faiz Hameed to Kabul on vital formal institutions which fuel and religiously diverse. Although RTI at will Sunday immediately after the an- and supply much of the rest of the Pushtuns are the largest ethnic he world’s largest democracy is governed by a set of fun- nouncement by Ameerul Momi- informal, cash-based economy group within the country, they rep- damental rights enjoyed by its citizens. However, post-in- neen Sheikh Hibatullah rely. Over half of 38 million people resent only 38 percent of the pop- dependence India has added on the list of the rights with Akhunzada, supreme commander are under poverty level. And a ulation. Pushtuns living across the the Right to Information (RTI) act which brings in transparency of the Taliban on the formation of huge chunk of the country’s skilled border in Pakistan Khaiber- T the government of new Emirate of workforce fled Afghanistan. Pakhtunkhwa province are numer- and accountability upon the government and national machinery being one among them. In a series of judgments from 1975, the Afghanistan, naming Mullah Mo- The tearing hurry, sought by ISI, ically almost the same as the Supreme Court acknowledged that Article 19 (1)(a) of the Con- hammad Hasan Akhund as Raees- to help Taliban go ahead draws former in Afghanistan Ethnic stitution guaranteed the Right to Free Speech, the Right to Pub- e-Jamhoor, or Raees-ul-Wazara flak from many Pakistanis. Tajiks are one-fourth of Afghan lish and the Right to Information as Fundamental Rights. head state-carried a hint that the Islamabad seems staging an ab- population. Then there are Haz- However, while the first two rights were recognised and their process of formation of new power surd political play. It’s Ex-Pak- aras, comprising nearly one-fifth scope was increased over the years, the Right to Information centre will be far from being istani Senator, Farhatullah Babar, of the population 19 per cent. was languishing in the absence of a proper method to give ac- smooth. representing Pakistan’s People’s There are Aimaks, Turkmen, cess to information to all citizens. However, the RTI Act 2005 The ISI chief rushed as a sequel Party, tweeted,’ Conquerors of Baluch, Uzbek,etc. codified this right very well. The law in its preamble asserted that to an armed clash between the fol- Afghanistan haven’t yet formed There is an increasing chagrin of democracy requires transparency in functioning, and it was nec- lowers of the proposed second-in- Taliban leader Sirajuddin Haqqani, confirmed as a collaborator of Tal- government despite declaring to Pak intelligentsia towards the PTI essary to contain corruption and hold governments accountable. command of the new government, head of the Haqqani network, as iban-planned terrorism. make it on Friday last. Internal government under the Prime Min- Having said this, there has been a resistance of those in Mullah Baradar Akhund, co- federal interior minister, among The factional tension intensifies power tussle Haqqanis and Mullah ister Imran Khan for what a pro- power towards RTI. While everyone pays lip service to trans- founder of Taliban and supporters others, proposed by Hibatullah, are inside Taliban who feign them- Baradar the likely cause. Haqqanis left academic termed as ‘total parency, it has been noticed that most people want others to be of Haqqani network which refuses Mullah Abdus Salam Yaqoob, son selves as Afghan nationalists while must be happy with some visitors subservience to the disdainful transparent but are reluctant to actually practice it themselves. to recognise Haibatullah as their of Taliban founder Mullah Mo- to shore up its influence, the ISI’s visiting Kabul’. dreaded ISI'. With growing oppo- The corrupt detest it for obvious reasons and most of those who leader. Baradar Akhund received hammad Omar, as defence minis- infiltration of ethnic Punjabi Tal- The growing nexus of Pakistan’s sition to patronage to war with are honest take offense at being asked to share their decision- injuries, unnerving military high ter and Mullah Ameer Khan iban to protect its interests is like ISI and Haqqani network is no neighbour India among common making and actions because of arrogance. Since most of the command of Pak- Muttaqi as the to create more problems than over- more a secret. This bonhomie was people, there is general apathy to- power centers of governance are covered by RTI, the resistance istan that dictates DEGREE OF THOUGHT new foreign min- come then. A unitary Taliban, Is- in the way of elimination of Al wards the doings-on in has transformed into a narrative painting of RTI in dark colours. the ruling Pak- By: Sankar Ray ister. Haqqani has lamabad, realises is illusionary. Qaeda hideouts under Haqqani pa- Afghanistan One of the first unfortunate, significant signals was the Supreme istan Tehreek-e- been authorised Mullah Mohammad Hassan tronage. Furthermore, Sirajuddin A distressed peacenik in a major Court’s observation in 2011 in CBSE Vs. Aditya Bandopadhyay insaf government in Islamabad. to nominate governors for the east- Akhund, head of the Taliban’s Haqqani, who used to control the town of Pakistan in a message to said, “(RTI) Act should not be allowed to be misused or abused, The emissary of ‘miltablishment’ ern provinces, from where the powerful decision-making body, day-to-day operations of the insur- this writer stated in utter frustra- to become a tool to obstruct the national development and inte- of Islamabad is to see that the new Haqqani Network used to draw its Rehbari Shura (leadership council) gency was always for the conflict, tion, ‘There are TV anchors & gration or to destroy the peace, tranquillity, and harmony among ministers take oath on Wednesday force, namely, Paktia, Paktika, has an image among the rank and while Hibatullah Akhundzada was commentators on electronic media its citizens. Nor should it be converted into a tool of oppression and start functioning immediately Khost, Gardez, Nangarhar and file of Taliban as a religious leader in favour of peace talks with who are simultaneously presenting or intimidation of honest officials striving to do their duty.” This thereafter. Any delay will be harm- Kunar. Nevertheless, in ruling the respected for integrity and devo- Kabul. And unlike the Haqqani soft image of Taliban 2.0 and also observation has been quoted many times with glee by officials, ful not only to the Taliban top brass landlocked country Taliban is to tion, not known as a military network, the Pakistani Taliban, honking on US defeat. But real who are now seeing justification in not observing the law. but Pakistan’s plans. face up to series of hiccups in the leader. He has been close to Hibat- also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban people are deeply worried about its With this, the governments and PIOs have begun to see that The hyper-activity of ISI is crys- beginning. Hameed’s sudden entry ullah Akhunzada for two decades wants to overthrow the Pakistan ramifications into Pakistan. Nei- if they do not comply with the provisions of the law they would tal clear. Panjshir Kamaluddin into Afghan political proscenium before 2001; he was foreign min- government and push the US out ther enmity nor friendship with Is- not have to face any serious consequences. In the worst case, Nezami has conveyed a message belittles the stature of Taliban in the ister, subsequently Deputy Prime of the region. lamist forces is in our favour. the Commission may rule on disclosure. Though the Act does through satellite phone that their Islamic world which may turn scep- Minister. Mullah Mohammad Rab- The bloody truth is that the Tal- Crux of anxiety: we have lost not permit any appeals beyond the Commission these decisions positions were bombed by drones tical towards the new rulers in bani Akhund was then the Prime iban have never been an indige- more than 70000 lives fighting are often challenged in courts by masquerading as writs. In one several times on Monday. Ex, Kabul– as if the new emirate will Minister. The grim reality is that nous movement at all in these elements that exceeds the too such blatant case, the PM Cares Fund has refused to give in- Samangan MP Zia Arianjad con- dance to the Islamabad’s military aid-dependent economy has been Afghanistan. They were co-opted far than the losses in wars at East- formation on its functioning despite it being a public authority as firmed this. The denial by the Tal- band. In a bantering tone, Michael additionally afflicted due to aban- by the Pakistan during the late ern border’ Huda Raza, in an opin- per the RTI Act since it is controlled by the government through iban is hardly acceptable. Rubin, Senior Fellow at the Amer- donment of peace process by the 1980s and mid-1990s for training ion piece in The News the PM and three ministers. However, citizens are also building Apart from Baradar, Hibatulla- ican Enterprise Institute, observes, Taliban whose leadership is bit- them for a potent terrorist insur- International today cautioned her their strength to get the law implemented. They have realised hAkhunzada, based in Kandahar, ‘Hameed’s dream would be keep- terly feud-ridden evident in the gency. The ISI boss too knows Pakistani brethren that the Tal- the power which the Act gives them. Even during Covid-19 times the birthplace of Taliban, has cho- ing the illusion alive long enough armed clash. Already wrought by well that left to their own devices, iban’s capture of power is ‘just like many different groups are discussing and promoting RTI through sen Mullah Abdus Salam as an- to gain control over Afghanistan’s conflict, pandemic and drought, some within the movement would a Tom and Jerry game. And for virtual platforms. A PIL has also been filed in the Bombay High other deputy on par with Baradar. $9.4 billion reserves’ Moreover, suspension of foreign aid, severe turn their backs on Pakistan’s Afghan women, this game is har- Court to ensure all hearings by virtual platforms and also to get Among others named are veteran the ISI stands exposed – rather liquidity crisis, slapped on the new ‘miltablishment’, their former pa- rowing. (IPA Service) directions to the Information Commissions to dispose of all cases before them in a time-bound manner. These may lead to the evolution of a common set of issues and strengthen the cit- izen’s fundamental rights further. Bengal BJP divided on final strategy The big BJP dilemma over introducing to combat Mamata in by-poll By: Arun Srivastava Haryana have turned hostile. Since using Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the up- formally announced Mamata as its candidate vocal power to oppose the leadership has coming Assembly by-poll for the Bhawa- for the Bhowanipore by-poll which will be caste census in divided country otwithstanding the subjective condi- been against the RSS traditions, these cadres nipur constituency. Several leaders and held on September 30. The party also nom- By: Kalyani Shankar tion. Decades ago, The Mandal tions strongly impeding the BJP’s have been maintaining a passive silence. But workers of the constituency have conveyed inated Jakir Hossain and Amirul Islam for Commission estimated it about 52 political interest in allowing holding they are not willing to promote the stand of to state leaders that they are against the pos- the Jangipur and Samserganj by-polls, re- s there a need for caste census? per cent. Significantly, in the past ofN the by-polls in the state, the announce- the leadership. The recent changes in the sible candidature of Rudranil Ghosh spectively. Will it give the right kind of data few years, several OBC groups have ment of the election commission to hold the RSS stakeholders at the district levels and The BJP was on Monday divided over Significantly with the intention to keep on different castes in the country been seeking reservations. This in- by elections for facilitating Mamata Baner- leaders at the state level were not only meant whether it should field a candidate against Mamata confined to Bengal, central BJP has or open up Pandora's Box? Will it cludes the Marathas in Maharashtra, jee to get elected to assembly has been quite to rejuvenate the organisation but also to win Mamata Banerjee or approach the judiciary decided to intensify the agitation for separate I significant and has come as a severe shock over their confidence and trust. against the by-election even as just four days north Bengal state. Darjeeling BJP MP Raju end up tearing the social fabric as it Patidars in Gujarat, Gurjars in Ra- did in 1990 when the then Prime jasthan, Kapus in Andhra and the to the state BJP leaders. Since the RSS cadres have their roots at were left for the filing of nominations. Bista had said recently that in this regard the Minister VP Singh decided to im- Jats in Haryana. The poll bound UP It is an open secret that Narendra Modi the village level, they are aware of the Ghosh held “there was something wrong” Centre would hold a meeting with the state plement the Mandal Commission next year is a big prize for the BJP and Amit Shah have opposed to holding the plights of the farmers and even feel that they with the poll panel’s decision and the party government and hill stakeholders next report? Will caste census perpetuate and other regional parties. The cho- by election and furnish the opportunity to were badly ill-treated by Modi-Shah com- was taking legal advice on the issue to con- month. Party sources meanwhile maintain caste? These are some of the ques- rus grows with other tiny regional Mamata on platter to rule the state for next bine. Though Modi Shah are scared of the test the decision. Interestingly the detractors that Amit Shah will visit north Bengal in tions which need answers when outfits, including Anupriya Patel's five years. Both the leaders have been work- growing support of the farmers movement, of Subhendu have already approached the September in the backdrop of a rapid re- there is a chorus to include the caste Apna Dal (Sonal), vocally support- ing on the plan to destabilise the Mamata it is the intensifying hostility amongst the central leadership to field him candidate as alignment of politics in the Darjeeling hills census in the next year's decadal ing him. Why is the BJP reluctant government and force a split which would RSS activists that has been source of acute he has been going around the political and and some BJP leaders’ demand for north census. There are powerful pro and for a caste census that too when it eventually help the BJP to come to power concertation. What is surprising is the na- boasting as the next chief minister. Bengal’s statehood. This will be his first visit anti lobbies for the caste census. has mobilized many smaller OBC through back gate. But the latest develop- tional leaders and the state leaders of BJP are Some state BJP leaders allege that the after the election waterloo the party faced in Despite pressure from BJP's own groups? The BJP has argued that it ment points to the fact that the politics of not on the same page on Mamata issue. The party’s Bengal unit had a misplaced sense of the state. The BJP bagged 30 out of 54 As- NDA allies and the opposition, the would lead to the perpetuation of survival ultimately prevailed on them to state leaders are confused and flabbergasted confidence that the Election Commission sembly seats in the region. Centre had shelved the idea for now caste identities. It fears it might lead make amends. at the stand of their national leaders of giv- would continue toeing the saffron camp’s “In the hills, a number of regional parties of going in for a caste census. Dur- to a messy situation similar to when No doubt some surveys have predicted ing a green signal to the election commis- line and keep deferring the by-polls so that and even some apolitical organisations like ing the recent Monsoon Session of the V P Singh government imple- that Modi has been gaining back his popu- sion to hold the elections. They have a very Mamata would miss her November 5 dead- the National Gorkhaland Committee have Parliament, the chorus for caste cen- mented the Mandal Commission re- larity and image, the fact remains and it is poor quality of understanding is manifest in line to get elected to the Assembly. A senior renewed their demand for the permanent po- sus resurfaced. It was strengthened port during its short tenure. There endorsed by a number of surveys that his their internal quarrel on who will oppose leader quipped; “It is surprising that our litical solution (PPS). The situation in the by the draft proposal of Justice G. were agitations because it granted popularity has been constantly on decline Mamata and their seeking judicial recourse leaders had no plan B and actually had un- hills is fluid and he is likely to go there,” said Rohini commission, recommending 27% reservation to OBCs in central and if the latest studies are to be believed it to debar Mamata from contesting the elec- flinching faith in the central leadership’s a source. Already the Alipurduar MP and sub-categorization of the Other government jobs and educational in- has declined to 21 per cent, a sharp fall from tion. The state president Dilip Ghosh said ability to browbeat the commission into fur- Union minister of state John Barla has come Backward Classes. Union Minister stitutions. a year back popularity of 66 per cent. that his party is exploring the option of mov- ther deferring the by-polls. They never really out with the demand to turn north Bengal of State for Home Nityanand Rai Secondly, and more importantly, The farmers’ movement acquiring a big- ing the Calcutta High Court against the Elec- considered the possibility of the by-polls into a state or a Union territory. He has been had announced in Parliament in July the BJP apprehends that a caste cen- ger dynamics and wider dimension has been tion Commission’s move to hold by-poll in taking place any time soon. As a result, no backed by Cooch Behar BJP MP Nisith Pra- that the government has no intention sus might harm its goal of uniting yet another reason for Modi’s worries. He Bhawanipur. candidate was seriously considered.” manik, who is also a Union minister of state. of carrying out a caste census. Hindus. It is significant that had been dependent on the RSS cadres at the The intra group rivalry has also surfaced Some leaders thinking of approaching the Sources maintain that Shah is aware of the While India's decadal census has amongst the numerous opponents of block level to project him, but this base has in a strong manner with leaders opposed to judiciary for a stay on the by-poll is the clear fast-paced changes taking place in the region consistently recorded the population a caste census is Rashtriya Swayam- started showing signs of cracks. The tradi- Subhendu Adhikar blue eyed boy of Amit manifestation of their utter lack of political and he is monitoring the developments to of Dalits and Adivasis, it has never sevak Sangh, the parent organiza- tional Brahmins cadres in Uttar Pradesh and Shah arguing that he should contest against maturity. The Trinamul Congress on Sunday help his party. (IPA Service) counted OBCs since 1931. tion of the ruling BJP. The BJP and Since 1950, the government has the RSS wants to consolidate the reserved jobs, college admissions, Hindus. A caste count could cause and elected seats - from village fissures in the Hindu vote, which the councils to the Parliament - for Dal- BJP has assiduously reduced in re- BringingBy: Gyan children Pathak backaway, the futureto riskseducation of other contagions cannot betougher ruled are not studying than nowadays, which expected is almost double 37 per its and Adivasis. This was to rectify cent years. The BJP also apprehends historical wrongs that have denied that the subsequent demand will be out, and online education is going to be an important mode cent in the rural areas. About 42 per cent children in the them equal opportunities for the the fair share of resources in propor- s the schools in India have started opening slowly, of education, the big tech divide must be removed for all cat- urban areas are unable to read more than a few words, while weaker sections. Politically, caste tion to their numerical strength. For- we have been coming face to face with the reality of egories of children. Despite the claims of the government this figure is 48 per cent for the rural areas. Children’s read- undeniably is an essential tool in mer UP chief minister Akhilesh the extent of damage that the closure of schools has about providing online education to all students, only 16 per ing abilities have declined for 76 per cent in urban areas India. It plays a crucial role in every Yadav is known for his slogan "jiski broughtA to our children. It was really catastrophic beyond cent students are studying online, 24 per cent in the urban while in rural areas this percentage is 75 per cent. It is there- Indian election, from the village jitni sankhya bhari, uski utni our comprehension, as the latest School Children’s Online areas, and 8 per cent in the rural areas, the survey has found. fore obvious that we need different tailored strategies for the panchayats to the Parliament. So hissedari". The share in resources and Offline Learning (SCHOOL) Survey indicates. This huge gap does not augur well for the future of our chil- urban and rural children. We need to focus on below poverty there is no surprise that several po- should be proportionate to the com- Presently, 28 per cent children have just stopped studying, dren, and the reasons are many. It was found that 49 per cent line household children and also on marginalized commu- litical parties have intensified de- munity’s numerical strength). This another 45 per cent have lost their capability to read even of rural households surveyed had no smartphone, only 12 nities who have been worst affected by the lockdowns and con- mand for a caste-based census. The may be followed by a need for over- more than a few words, and 75.5 per cent children’s reading per cent rural children had their own smartphone, and 57 per tainment measures, including closure of schools. The picture Samajwadi Party (S.P.) in UP and turning the Supreme Court's direction abilities have declined. Then nation in finding the task of cent children in urban sample and 65 per cent in rural sample we have got reflects the ground reality at the deprived hamlets the J.D. (U) in Bihar and the DMK that the reservation cannot exceed bringing children back to education tougher than expected. reported connectivity issues in online classes. Many found and bastis where most children attend government schools, in Tamil Nadu have been most vocal fifty percent in Parliament. The party This situation is prevailing across all states in the country. it difficult to follow online material with 46% of the urban since the survey was mostly conducted in those areas. Therefore in raising the demand for the caste has recently got legislation passed giv- The SCHOOL survey has covered 15 states and Union Ter- sample and 43% of the rural sample reporting this issue. It it exposes the dismal performance of the government in chil- enumeration eyeing OBCs votes. ing states the right to change castes in ritories, which included even the states like Maharashtra, is also a matter of great concern that only 4 per cent of rural dren’s education. If we want the students of government schools The supporters of the caste census the OBC category in Parliament. The Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Karnataka. The findings of SC/ST children were studying online regularly, compared to to compete with private or elite schools, we must ensure their ac- insist that it will justify the weaker UP government has included 39 the survey are too alarming to ignore. Though the sample size 15 per cent among other rural children. cess to quality and universal education. The SCHOOL survey re- among the OBCs. The government, new castes in the OBC category. No was small, the results are sufficiently indicative of the pathetic Since free education is fundamental right of our children port titled “Locked Out – Emergency Report on School too, would benefit from the enumer- doubt there is a case for caste census condition on the ground level, and therefore, the Centre must under law of the land, government is obliged to provide all Education” must be taken seriously by the government, not only ation of the caste census for the pro- but when the country is facing too initiate a detailed survey covering all the states with a greater the means of education. Thus smartphones must be given or for the need to reopen schools but also for redressing the prob- grammes. For instance, Bihar chief many problems, including Covid sample size to know more accurately as to what is the real con- allotted to every child and connectivity issues be addressed. lems faced by our children in receiving education, which is their minister and an NDA ally Nitish and sliding economy, this is not the dition, so that we may plan and implement appropriate strategy. Modi government has claimed that all our villages are con- fundamental right. During the pandemic, school admissions to Kumar met Modi along with a dele- time to raise another controversial The SCHOOL survey result has indicated several areas of con- nected with electricity, but the problem is all our households Grade 1 was delayed which delayed their educational and in- gation of all parties. Kumar argues and passionate issue like caste cen- cerns and divides – such as the big tech divide, rural-urban gap, don’t have electricity connection. However, it can be solved tellectual growth. Those who were just promoted without that the census will help better for- sus. If nothing, they can raise the poor-rich differences, and the wide chasm between privileged by providing solar chargers. As for the quality of internet learning are now lacking even basic abilities. Then there are mulate and implement schemes for passions among the people. The and unprivileged children. All these cannot be addressed with- connections, it can be improved by providing through satel- those who have just stopped studying and many of them will different social groups' welfare. Sec- Modi govt was wise in postponing out detailed information about the ground realities at the na- lites we already have. The bigger problem is to reduce the never return to schools. Government needs to take urgent ondly, there would be clarity over it. There are indeed other ways of tional, states, and regional levels. gap between the urban and rural areas. For example, the sur- steps for all of them to redress the damage now or else will the percentage of the OBC popula- getting votes. (IPA Service) Since the Covid-19 crisis of the present cannot be wished veyhave found that 19 per cent children in the urban areas be too late.(IPA Service) Page 7 September 09_Normal Pages 9/8/2021 6:04 PM Page 1

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 ENVIRONMENT THE HILLS TIMES 7 Pollinator numbers are falling around the world – But for different reasons bee populations have been shrinking or that the relative importance of drivers of since that is when pollinators visit the well-known exercise. When Sinu and his are on the brink of extinction across the decline varied between different biogeo- plants – and for how long the pesticide team disallowed the pollinators other world’s north. And in both Europe and graphical regions. For example, land remains on the plant,” he said. than honey bees to visit the flowers, they North America, populations of wild, feral cover and topography (a.k.a. configura- The study didn’t assess the relative im- found that the efficiency of large-car- and managed honey bees have been tion), land management and pesticide use portance of indirect drivers – for exam- damom pollination by honey bees was ef- falling. were found to be the most important driv- ple, an increase in land conversion as a fectively 0%. “Large cardamom seems to The current study ers globally – but land management result of lower crop yield – or interac- be majorly pollinated by large bumble- The study led by Dicks began in Sep- seemed to matter much less in Africa. tions between drivers. bees,” Sinu said. “In such cases, it is im- tember-October 2017, according to The group faced similar conundrums Lack of evidence portant to preserve native populations of Parthib Basu. “After the IPBES 2016 as- vis-à-vis the risks of pollinator decline to For their efforts, however, the study these wild pollinators.” sessment, we realised that most of the human beings. While crop pollinator team concluded that lack of evidence Basu also said that more than not help- By: Sayantan Datta such as coffee, cocoa and almonds, rely data about pollinator decline is from deficits and loss of wild pollinator diver- forced most of their findings into the ‘es- ing with pollination, introducing man- on animal pollination.” North America and Europe, and that we sity were seen as the biggest risks glob- tablished but incomplete’ category of the aged honey bees could harm native bees. opulations of pollinators, like bees, Further, $235-577 billion’s worth of still have a couple of things to understand ally, Latin America was perceived to confidence matrix. Their paper asked for “India has around 800-odd varieties of butterflies and moths, seem to be the world’s yearly crop output may be at from other global regions,” he told The have the greatest risk to human beings more research on “the ecology and status solitary wild bees, which don’t produce on the decline around the world. risk due to pollinator decline. Wire Science. due to pollinator decline – while Europe of all but the most common pollinator honey, along with various varieties of PBut although there is robust data from the The role of pollinators extends beyond He also said that the IPBES 2016 re- was perceived to have the least. species, and the relationships between honeybees,” Sinu said. The managed global north about the potential causes of finances. Pollinators enable sexual repro- port “identified different drivers of polli- On a different note, while the re- pollinators, human economies and cul- bees compete with the native ones and this decline, we know little about what duction among plants – so if their num- nator decline” but it didn’t say anything searchers believed climate change to be tures.” In India in particular, Basu said further endanger the latter’s prospects. could be holding them back in other parts bers decline, entire ecosystems will be about their relative importance. Dicks, an important driver worldwide, their it’s about time studies focused on how The Indian pollinator initiative of the world, which pollinators warrant threatened. According to a 2016 report Basu and others wanted to fill this gap. paper reported a “unanimous lack of con- pollinators, land-management and cli- In 2020, some Indian scientists came more, and how this disturbing trend could from IPBES, pollinators also help maintain To this end, their study used an “expert fidence over its importance relative to mate change are related to each other. together to form the Indian Pollinator Ini- affect human activities. the diversity of plants and other animals in elicitation paradigm”. First, team mem- other drivers” due to lack of long-term “Otherwise, we may be too late.” tiative (IPI). Basu, Somanathan and Sinu A new study led by Lynn Dicks, an different ecosystems, and bear aesthetic and bers segmented the data into eight major evidence. Somanathan agreed, and said the ab- are among its seven founding members. agro-ecologist at the University of Cam- cultural significance for various native and drivers and 10 major perceived risks to Behavioural and evolutionary ecolo- sence of such studies could be the result “After three ‘bee meetings’ in 2018, 2019 bridge, has shed some light on these Indigenous communities. people, based on the 2016 IPBES report gist Hema Somanathan, at the Indian In- of a general apathy among agriculture-re- and 2020, which were attended by bee- questions. The research team comprised However, proving that the population and discussions among themselves. stitute of Science Education and search institutions towards pollinator re- keepers, NGOs and academicians, we re- 20 pollination scientists and people of In- of pollinators has been declining around Next, they scored the relative impor- Research, Thiruvananthapuram, called search. “For most wild plants and even alised the need for pollinator researchers digenous communities. Of them, Parthib the world is a contentious process. One tance of each of these drivers and risks this variation an important finding. crop plants, we have no idea who the ac- to break free of their isolation and organ- Basu, a professor at the department of zo- reason is the lack of large-scale studies through three rounds. Each expert’s score “This is probably the first time a study tual effective pollinators are, how much ise themselves to share ideas and data,” ology, University of Calcutta, and Thin- that have tracked pollinator diversity and depended on the scientific evidence has provided solid support for differences these plants depend on the pollinators Somanathan said. greipi Lungharwo, of the Naga Women’s population over long periods. available as well as their own experience. between the global north and the global and, for that matter, what is happening to The initiative has arranged for talks Union, Manipur, were from India. According to a 2013 paper by ecologist In addition, the group also designed a south on the need to attend to issues of our pollinators,” she said. from members of similar pro-pollinator One of their most important conclu- Adam J. Vanbergen (also a member of matrix of drivers and risks. Based on the pollinator decline differently in these re- Reversing the decline initiatives around the world. They’re also sions is that what we know about the the Dicks et al. study) and the Insect Pol- level of agreement between experts, the gions,” she told The Wire Science. In 2016, the Government of India encouraging younger researchers to pres- causes of pollinator decline from the linators Initiative, the lack of large-scale nature of evidence available and the level “This is because land-use and -man- launched a ‘sweet revolution’, encourag- ent their work at these talks, and to net- West isn’t likely to be useful to deal with data has forced researchers to make do of certainty, the matrix categorised the agement practices in the global north are ing farmers to shift to apiculture to bol- work with other researchers. the problem in South Asia and Africa. with sparse data about particular species drivers and risks into four qualitative cat- very different from those in the global ster their incomes and improve crop yield “Our goal is to come up with a simple, Why should we worry? or about the environmental impact of egories: ‘well-established’, ‘established south; therefore, threats to pollinators are by supporting pollination. wide-scale framework for a pollinator In 2019, the Intergovernmental Sci- specific pollinator loss. but incomplete’, ‘inconclusive’ and ‘un- also very different.” However, Sinu, of the Central Univer- study that can tell us about the pollinators ence-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and But some data does exist from the resolved’. Palatty Allesh Sinu, an ecologist and sity of Kerala, said introducing honey available in India,” according to So- Ecosystem Services (IPBES) released the global north showing clear signs of pol- Scores based largely on experience assistant professor at the Central Univer- bees as pollinators in an area could be a manathan. The IPI also has plans to in- ‘Global Assessment of Biodiversity and linator decline. Vanbergen’s paper quoted also increased uncertainty. Basu said that sity of Kerala, said pollinator biology is futile exercise. By way of example, he clude citizen science initiatives. Ecosystem Services’ report. It said, a few such studies (such as this and this) while a risk was sometimes scored based more complex than we think. For exam- described his team’s work in large car- “It is crucial that we now pay focused “More than 75% of global food crop showing wild bee and hoverfly species on experience, it was important to have ple, the risk posed by pesticides to polli- damom plantations of the eastern Hi- attention to … our pollinators and to types, including fruits and vegetables and diversity has been declining throughout the agreement of the other experts as nators depends “on when the pesticide is malaya, where managed beekeeping to whether they are doing okay.”(Courtesy: some of the most important cash crops, Europe. Similarly, butterfly and bumble- well. Through this exercise, they found sprayed, if it is sprayed on flowers – better pollinate cardamom flowers is a The Wire) What is the cause of increasing Kerala’s traditional home gardens offer a human-wildlife conflict? natural way to mitigate climate change By: Ranjeet Menon these needs are driving them towards us 50 years back. From that time, their By: Arathi Menon 1.5-acre land following an agroecological In the book Tropical Homegardens… he in search of food. Our crops, plantations population has been exploding across design wherein 10% of the land is main- wrote about how home gardens provide var- uman-wildlife conflict has been and livestock are easily available food the state, which is an alarming cause of ong before global warming became a tained as a natural ecosystem with a man- ious supporting and regulative services as a growing concern globally, es- sources for them. I am part of a birding worry as it is a clear indicator that Ker- topic of hot discourse worldwide, cer- made hill and a pond, while 90% is a well. “Climate change has emerged as a pecially in the last few decades. community on social media. Some ala is becoming drier and hotter. tain traditional practices of humans, cultivated ecosystem or a food forest. major environmental problem at the turn of HWe are coming across more wild ani- members were complaining about ele- What we are seeing is animals being likeL home gardens, have served as natural This mini-forest around his home fulfils the century. The principal reason is the rising mals in towns and cities, which can cre- phants causing damage to houses and forced to adapt to us or face the ways to maintain environmental equilib- fivefold objectives of acting as windbreaks, carbon levels in the atmosphere. The best ate nightmarish situations if predators walls at night when they came to eat prospect of extinction. Peafowls and rium. Home gardens are defined as intimate, replenishing groundwater table, providing way to mitigate this is by trapping carbon in like leopards enter crowded residential ripe jackfruit and peafowl and wild wild boars are invading our crops be- multistory combinations of various trees, food for all living things that depend on it, the air with the help of vegetation or bio- areas. What exactly is human-wildlife boars destroying crops. I pointed out cause, ironically, after snatching away plants, herbs and crops, sometimes in asso- conserving biodiversity and creating a mi- mass,” said Kumar. The carbon thus trapped conflict? that elephants came at night to not dis- their habitat, we have given them easier ciation with domestic animals, around the croclimate. Dayal’s home garden boasts of will increase the organic carbon in the soil, The earth is 70% water and 30% turb the people. They did not intention- food sources with our cultivation, in- homestead. over 200 species of trees, plants and herbs, thereby improving the health of the soil. land, all of which is not habitable. Our ally damage houses and walls. They do creasing their population. Instead of un- They cannot be confused with ornamental a variety of avifauna, animals like monitor Home gardens, thus have the potential to se- global population has crossed 7 billion not know the purpose of houses and derstanding the situation and empathising manicured (home) gardens with exotic and lizards, civets and insects and reptiles. quester carbon. and continues to increase unabated. We walls as they themselves do not do any with them, we treat them as threats to us non-native species. A popular practice in Species diversity In his studies on home gardens, Kumar have stretched the planet to its limits as construction. We have instances where and kill them. Where do we go from here many parts of South Asia, Southeast Asia, A study on the biodiversity of 75 home finds that the carbon concentration above the we continue to exhaust its natural re- elephants entered a banana plantation and what is the way forward? We cannot Latin America and Africa, home gardens are gardens in Kerala, revealed that the biodi- ground in home gardens was 60 tonnes to 70 sources. Not being part of nature’s food farm and destroyed it but left one un- destroy nature and survive on the planet. left to grow wild, around homes and sustain versity of home gardens studied was compa- tonnes of carbon per hectare and the organic chain and treating diseases has led to touched because there was a bird’s nest We need to reduce our population dras- their owners with everything from food and rable with natural forested regions in the carbon stock in the soil was 80 tonnes-100 the explosive expansion of our popula- on it which had chicks in it. So I keep tically and there is no way to do it. A fuel to shade during summer months. Be- area. A study published in 2021 conducted tonnes carbon per hectare in 1m depth of tion. We are left with no choice but to telling people that to understand animals, global war will destroy the planet itself. yond what is apparent, these tropical home on a one-hectare area of home gardens in soil. The large amount of litter produced in encroach increasingly into the habitat of we need to look at them from their level The only plausible solution is to learn gardens provide a range of in- home gardens, aid nutrient cycling animals to accommodate ourselves and of intelligence and not our own. as much as we can about our planet, use visible ecosystem services of the soil and act as nitrogen fix- meet our perpetually expanding needs. My mom feeds a variety of birds our knowledge of technology to find such as holding species diver- ers making the soil fertile. “Some “There is enough for everybody’s needs every day that includes Crows, Mynas, another planet that resembles earth, sity, acting as carbon sinks and common tree species in home gar- but not for anyone’s greed” are wise Cuckoos, Treepies, Bulbuls, Babblers make it habitable (using the process of windbreaks, replenishing water dens like Gliricidia sepium have and enduring words from Gandhi about and Coucals. What is interesting about terraforming) and escape from here. tables and managing hydrolog- the ability to produce nitrogen,” he nature which we have conveniently ig- watching them eat is, even when they Earth has survived five mass extinction ical cycles. added. nored. The problem here is with the word feed on the rice and chapati (Indian events in the past and with our actions, Home gardens are a type of Apart from these services, home conflict and we have only ourselves to bread) pieces, they are on the lookout we have kickstarted the sixth mass ex- land use system developed gardens have the potential to im- blame for the situation we are in. A con- for worms and insects. tinction event. mostly by subsistence farmers. prove the hydrological cycle by flict is an ongoing issue between two or As their habitat area keeps shrinking, According to scientists and re- The south Indian state of Ker- recharging water tables and re- more parties having similar levels of in- they cannot stay adamant about eating searchers, 99.9% of all lifeforms that ala has a tradition of home gar- plenishing aquifers. It also has the telligence. Animals do not have our level their regular diet. Indian Paradise Fly- ever existed on earth have become ex- dens that has served as a topic potential to reduce soil erosion and of intelligence then why do we say ani- catchers are usually seen in wooded tinct. Lifeforms become extinct and of study for researchers in dif- act as windbreaks, he added. mals are in conflict with us? areas where there is a lot of green cov- new ones take their place. We do not ferent parts of the world, par- In many parts of the world, in- Moreover, did representatives of an- ers. My ancestral house used to be cov- need to conserve nature to protect trees ticularly for the biodiversity cluding Kerala, home gardens pro- imals participate when the term human- ered with trees and when I recently and animals. We needed to protect na- they hold, said B Mohan vide various cultural services too, wildlife conflict was coined and did showed photos of the Flycatcher to my ture for our own survival, but we did Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of by acting as recreational spaces for they indicate that animals are in conflict mom, she immediately said they used not understand this. Arunachal University of Studies who co-au- Kerala found that 992 trees from 66 species families and communities. They also house with us? Human-wildlife conflict is to come to our house. With the town’s The damage we have done to ensure thored the book on home gardens in Kerala belonging to 31 families of which four were religiously important plants and trees and purely a human construct and we cre- development, they have kept moving our survival on earth is far greater than titled Tropical Homegardens: A Time-Tested endemic and one each were vulnerable and have, in some cases, sacred groves, too that ated it because of our lack of under- away into wherever the wooded areas our current understanding and there is Example of Sustainable Agroforestry. endangered. The diversity indices obtained are worshipped and preserved. standing about nature in general and are and have gone far away from the no going back from where we are now. He explains that these home gardens have were closer to those of a forest ecosystem. Future of home gardens animals in particular. town area. While some birds and ani- It is either escape or extinction. A friend traditionally been a type of agroforestry and What does it mean? The species density A recent workshop report published by 50 Animals are not eating our crops and mals adapt to us, the ones that don’t will told me that we would end up destroy- are similar to the home gardens found exten- of a land-use system can determine the car- of the world’s leading biodiversity and cli- livestock and wandering into our settle- find it difficult to survive with the ing the planet we go to as well. Most sively in and Java in Indonesia. In bon sequestration potential of the system. mate experts from the Intergovernmental ment areas to harm us or cause us any steady loss of habitat. This in itself will probably, we won’t. When we get most cases, these intensively managed sys- Home gardens with high species density are Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and damage. Animals have two fundamen- cause a huge imbalance in nature’s something without any effort, we usu- tems form the main source of nutrition and found to have better soil organic carbon Ecosystem Services and the Intergovern- tal needs, to eat and reproduce. Only ecosystem as the population of some ally take it for granted and destroy it be- income for the household. stock, making them a key ally in our efforts mental Panel on Climate Change, empha- when they get enough food can they re- animals will rise and others will fall ex- cause we never understand its value. But what truly sets the Kerala home gar- to reduce carbon in the atmosphere. sises the importance of looking at produce and if they don’t reproduce, ponentially. Peafowls primarily reside When we make an effort to build a dens apart, is the diversity of species. “Sunlight is the life of the soil. It reaches biodiversity loss and climate change as an they will become extinct. in hot and dry areas such as Rajasthan. planet for our own survival, we will Kerala-based environmentalist K V Dayal the soil through photosynthesis in plants. interconnected challenge. Natural instincts inherent in them by They were first spotted in Kerala some treasure it. (Courtesy: Youth Ki Awaaz) has developed a unique home garden in his Plants act as carriers of carbon to the soil. The report notes that restoring carbon- and The carbon that needs to be in the soil to species-rich ecosystems is among the cheap- nourish it is now in the air, leading to global est and the quickest nature-based climate warming,” illustrates Dayal. mitigation measures to implement. This Since sunlight is a fundamental natural re- would not only offer the much-needed habi- Wildfire burn scars can intensify and even trigger source, the idea of his home garden is to cap- tat for plants and animals, enhancing the re- ture it fully through trees and plants and silience of biodiversity in the face of climate make the most of it. change but also has other benefits such as thunderstorms, leading to catastrophic flooding. Here’s how Invisible ecosystem services flood regulation, coastal protection, en- By: William R. Cotton both of flooding and of lightning that produce cumulonimbus clouds and even When I used to pilot sailplanes, also The 2005 Millennium Ecosystem Assess- hanced water quality, reduced soil erosion could spark more fires in surrounding thunderstorms that can trigger rain and known as gliders, I often rode the ther- ment Report breaks the ecosystem services and effective pollination. ildfires burn millions of acres areas, as my research with fellow atmos- flooding. In an analysis of a flash flood that mals – upward currents of warm air – in of nature into four categories – provisioning The number of home gardens in Kerala is of land every year, leaving pheric scientist Elizabeth Page has shown. occurred on burn scars in Australia in 2003, the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tuc- services such as food and water, regulating on the decline. A researcher at the School of changed landscapes that are Factors contributing to thunderstorms scientists found that the soil’s moisture was son and in Colorado’s Front Range. The services such as flood and disease control, Environmental Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi Wprone to flooding. Less well known is Three things contribute to the poten- low and its albedo in the burn area had fallen best locations for catching thermals cultural services such as spiritual, recre- University, Kerala, Babu Padmakumar who that these already vulnerable regions tial for burn scars to fuel thunderstorms: from 0.2 to 0.08. To put that into perspec- were on the south and southwest slopes ational, and cultural benefits and supporting undertook the 2021 study on home gardens can also intensify and in some cases ini- lack of vegetation, reduced soil mois- tive, charcoal has an albedo of about 0.04 of rugged terrain, where the thermals services such as nutrient cycling. concludes by saying, “Urbanisation and the tiate thunderstorms. ture and lower surface albedo – essen- and fresh snow is nearly the maximum of 1. became chutes of rapidly rising air. Home gardens in Kerala tick all these resulting fragmentation of traditional land- Wildfire burn scars are often left with tially how well it reflects sunlight. When the scientists simulated those changes A wildfire in one of these locations boxes. Mohan Kumar lists a range of contri- holdings and economic activities like con- little vegetation and with a darker soil When burned soil is darker, it absorbs in a computer model, they found that if the would burn more intensely because of the butions that home gardens provide people. verting agricultural lands to monoculture surface that tends to repel rather than more energy from the sun. land hadn’t been burned, just over a tenth of swift air currents, leaving a dark, water- “Provisioning services include food produc- plantations like coconut and rubber have absorb water. These changes in vegeta- These factors contribute to higher sur- an inch of rain would have fallen. Instead, repelling surface with little vegetation be- tion in terms of fruits, nuts, grains, herbs and considerably reduced the size and diversity tion and soil properties leave the land face temperatures over the burn scar area those changes led to 1.25 inches and severe hind. With moisture from the Southwest medicines,” he elaborated. “Traditionally, of home gardens. In the absence of enough more susceptible to flooding and ero- relative to unburned areas nearby. The flooding. Studies have found that the in- Monsoon that arrives in the region in late fuelwood for the kitchen came from the research and understanding about home gar- sion, so less rainfall is necessary to pro- temperature difference can drive air cur- tensity of this effect of burn scars on summer, these thermal chutes, intensified home garden and served as an important dens as a climate change solution or the po- duce a devastating flood and debris rents, causing convection – the motion of storm potential decreases over time, but by burn scars, are prime locations for ini- source of domestic energy. Home gardens litical will to conserve them, we are staring flow than in an undisturbed environ- warmer air rising and cooler air sinking. the risk remains until the vegetation re- tiating or intensifying storm-producing also provide timber as a source of income, at a situation where nature’s simplest solu- ment. Burn scars can also initiate or in- When that rising warm air draws in more grows. cumulonimbus clouds and flooding. medicines for home use and cut and carry tion to climate emergency could be lost for- vigorate thunderstorms, raising the risk humid air from surrounding areas, it can Riding the thermals (Courtesy: Down To Earth) fodder for the livestock.” ever.” (Courtesy: Scroll.in) Page 8 September 9_Normal Pages 9/8/2021 8:30 AM Page 1

8 THE HILLS TIMES NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 Uttarakhand Governor NSA Doval, top Russian security official hold talks on Afghan crisis Baby Rani Maurya resigns Three weeks after taking control, the Taliban on Tuesday unveiled a ‘caretaker’ government NEW DELHI, Sept 8 (PTI): NSA It is learnt that chief of the Cen- social, ethnic and confessional con- Doval for the high-level India-Rus- Ajit Doval on Wednesday held tral Intelligence Agency (CIA) tradictions in the country, were em- sia inter-governmental consulta- talks with his Russian counterpart Burns, accompanied by a few offi- phasised," it added. tions on Afghanistan. Gen Nikolai Patrushev in mitigat- cials, paid a quiet visit to India pri- The people cited above said both After the Modi-Putin conversa- ing any possible security threat marily to discuss ways to mitigate India and Russia share similar con- tion, Russia said the two leaders from the Taliban-ruled security threats that may emanate cerns on terrorism that could flow expressed the intention to enhance Afghanistan, a day after holding from Afghanistan. out of Afghanistan. cooperation to counter the dissem- similar deliberations with CIA The CIA chief held talks with The two sides also deliberated ination of ‘terrorist ideology’ and chief William Burns. Doval and a number of senior offi- on threats from drugs networks op- the drug threat emanating from DEHRADUN, Sept 8 (PTI): Uttarakhand Burns, Patrushev and the UK's cials of the National Security Sec- erating from Afghan territory, the Afghanistan and agreed to form a Governor Baby Rani Maurya resigned on chief of the Secret Intelligence retariat on Tuesday. role of regional countries and de- permanent bilateral channel for Wednesday two years before completing Service (MI6) Richard Moore were When asked about the visit, the tails of Indo-Russia cooperation to consultations on the issue. her tenure amid speculation that she may among a number of key intelli- US embassy declined to comment. meet the current and future chal- On Monday, Russian envoy be given some active role in politics. gence and security officials to visit There was no comment from the lenges, they said. Nikolay Kudashev said that there is She tendered her resignation to the Pres- India over the last few days, it is Indian security establishment as The people said the consulta- ‘ample scope’ for cooperation be- ident of India, a Raj Bhawan official said. learnt. well. tions reflect the close, trusted, spe- tween India and Russia on She has resigned for personal reasons, he The Doval-Patrushev talks It is learnt that Moore also held cial and privileged strategic Afghanistan and both sides have said. Speculation, however, is rife in the delved into security implications of extensive talks with Doval during partnership between India and Rus- been in regular touch with each media that her resignation will pave the the Taliban's capture of power for his brief visit. sia that has significantly matured other on the latest developments in way for her to play a more active role in India, Russia and the Central Asian Asked about the MI6 chief's trip over time. the war-torn country. politics. region as a number of dreaded ter- to India, a British High Commis- They said both sides exchanged He also said that Russia is as It is also being linked with her recent ror groups including Jaish-e- sion spokesperson said: "We do not each other's assessment on possible concerned as India that the Afghan meeting with Amit Shah in Delhi on Sep- Muhammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba comment on intelligence matters." security implications of the Tal- soil should not be a source of tember 5. having a strong presence in the India has been in touch with all iban's capture of power in Kabul spreading terrorism to other coun- Sixty-five-year-old Maurya who has war-torn country, people familiar leading powers on the develop- dian Prime Minister Narendra in this country, as well as prospects and how a coordinated approach tries and there is a ‘danger’ of terror long been associated with the BJP was with the meeting said. ments in Afghanistan following the Modi on August 24, an exchange for the Russian-Indian joint efforts can be followed to confront any being spread to the Russian terri- sworn in as the Uttarakhand Governor on A Russian read-out of the dele- withdrawal of troops by the US. of views took place on the military, aimed at creating conditions for possible challenge. tory as well as Kashmir. August 26, 2018, taking over from Krishna gation-level talks said attention was Three weeks after taking control, political and socio-economic situ- launching a peaceful settlement Modi and Putin had on August The Russian ambassador also Kant Paul at the end of his five-year tenure. paid to intensifying joint work by the Taliban on Tuesday unveiled a ation in Afghanistan," the Russian process on the basis of an intra- 24 discussed the developments in said that there is not much differ- She had completed three years in office "special services and military bod- "caretaker" government, saying it read-out said. Afghan dialogue," it said. Afghanistan and expressed the ence in the overall position of Rus- as the Uttarakhand Governor last month. ies" of both the countries and that would be headed by Mohammad It said the two sides agreed to "The importance of defining pa- view that it was important for the sia and India on Afghanistan and She has the distinction of being the first emphasis was given on further in- Hasan Akhund. coordinate on the Afghan issue in rameters of the future state struc- two countries to work together. noted that Moscow's approach in woman mayor of Agra from 1995 to 2000. teraction on the "anti-terrorist "As a follow-up to the telephone multilateral formats. ture of Afghanistan by the Afghans On Tuesday, the Ministry of Ex- according recognition to a Taliban She had also been a member of the Na- track", combating illegal migration conversation between Russian "They also touched upon hu- themselves, as well as the need to ternal Affairs said Patrushev is vis- regime would depend on its ac- tional Commission for Women from 2002- and drug trafficking. President Vladimir Putin and In- manitarian and migration problems prevent the escalation of violence, iting India at the invitation of tions. 2005. Armed forces have decided to induct women in NDA, Centre tells SC are happy with the stand. Let us hear the matter next week. Reforms cannot hap- pen in a day. We are also conscious of that," it said. The ASG told the bench that the thought was already there in their minds but it was only at the seeding stage. The matter has been listed after two weeks. The apex court was hearing a plea filed by advocate Kush Kalra which has raised the issue of exclusion of eligible and will- ing female candidates from joining the NEW DELHI, Sept 8 (PTI): The Centre prestigious National Defence Academy informed the Supreme Court on Wednes- (NDA) solely on the ground of sex which day that the armed forces have decided to allegedly is a violation of fundamental induct women into the National Defence right of equality. Academy (NDA). The plea said the authorities allow un- Additional solicitor general Aishwarya married male candidates having adequate Bhati, appearing for the Centre, told a 10+2 qualification to take the 'National bench headed by Justice S K Kaul that a Defence Academy and Naval Academy decision has been taken at the highest Examination', but eligible and willing fe- level of the armed forces as also the gov- male candidates are not allowed to take ernment that females will be inducted for the examination on the sole ground of permanent commission through the their sex and without any reasonable or NDA. justifiable explanations within the Con- The ASG sought apex court's permis- stitution. sion to place the details on record through It alleged that this act of discrimination an affidavit and sought status quo in this is a ‘dishonour committed’ by the con- year's exams as they need procedural and cerned authorities to the Constitutional infrastructural changes. values of equality and non-discrimina- The top court said it has been periodi- tion. cally nudging the authorities to take such “The act of the respondents to categor- steps themselves and believes that they ically exclude eligible and willing female are best suited to evolve the whole. candidates from appearing for the Na- The bench said it would like the de- tional Defence Academy and Naval fence forces to take more proactive ap- Academy Examination over the years, proach towards gender equality instead of solely on the ground of sex, is a violation court directing them to do so. of the fundamental right of equality be- "The idea is when nothing happens, the fore the law and equal protection of the court steps in. Let me assure you it's not law,” it said.The consequence of this de- a happy situation to step in and we would nial is that they do not have access to any like the armed services to do it them- mode of entry to join the armed forces as selves. They are very respected forces of officers, it said. the country but on gender equality they “Whereas, equally and similarly situ- have to do more and sometimes the re- ated male candidates with 10+2 level of sistance does not come out well," said the education have the opportunity to take the bench, also comprising Justice M M Sun- examination and after qualifying join the dresh. National Defence Academy to get trained "I am happy that the heads of armed to be commissioned as permanent com- forces have taken a positive decision. Put missioned officers in the Indian armed on record, we will take up the matter. We forces,” the plea said. NEP 2020 a visionary document: Naidu CHENNAI, Sept 8 (PTI): Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday said the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a ‘visionary document’ that recognises the importance of liberal arts and focuses on a multidisciplinary approach in education. In his address here after virtually inau- gurating the Moturi Satyanarayana Center for Advanced Study in the Humanities and Social Sciences at KREA University, he also called for more institutions to ex- plore offering interdisciplinary courses. grated have shown an enhanced creativity "The National Education Policy 2020 and innovation, higher social and moral is a visionary document that recognises awareness, improved critical thinking, the importance of liberal arts and focuses teamwork and communication skills on a multidisciplinary approach in educa- among students, he said and pointed out tion in tune with contemporary times." that many engineering colleges were "It aims at de-compartmentalising In- moving in this direction . dian education and breaking the rigid and IIT Bombay has recently introduced an artificial barriers between professional vs interdisciplinary undergraduate course liberal education," Naidu said. that covers liberal arts, science and engi- As NEP rightly points out, even in an- neering in one programme, he said. cient times, 'good education' was de- The VP appealed to parents to encour- scribed as the knowledge of the 64 kalas age and infuse in children curiosity for or arts. arts, literature and social sciences from a This included knowledge in scientific young age. fields like chemistry and mathematics, vo- "In a race to make it to the top national cational fields such as carpentry and institutions of science and engineering, we clothes-making, professional fields such are ignoring essential subjects in school as medicine and engineering, as well as such as languages and social sciences," he soft skills such as communication, discus- said, adding, rote learning practices will sion and debate, he said. ruin the creative abilities of a child. He noted that students pursuing Sci- "Higher educational institutions in lib- ence, Technology, Engineering and Math- eral arts too must continue this spirit of in- ematics must get adequate exposure to quiry and creativity in their campuses. In liberal arts and social sciences in their un- the research on social sciences, we need dergraduate programs. to encourage more diverse voices and not Various assessments of such courses limit universities to become exclusionary where humanities and arts are well inte- spaces and echo chambers," he said. Page 9 September 09_Normal Pages 9/8/2021 11:08 PM Page 1

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 NATION THE HILLS TIMES 9 Nita Ambani cancelled Guj trip after explosives-laden Can’t create separate avenue for scribes to come SUV was found outside ‘Antilia’: Security staff tells NIA MUMBAI, Sept 8 (PTI): A scheduled visit of indus- that dismissed police officer Sachin Waze, who is the trialist Mukesh Ambani's wife Nita Ambani to Gujarat prime accused in the 'Antilia' bomb scare case, had told was cancelled after the recovery of an explosives-laden his official driver, who was with him on the day of the in- SUV outside their house 'Antilia' in south Mumbai in cident, that it was a "secret operation". The statements are directly to apex court for quashing of FIRs: SC February this year, the security head of the residence has part of a charge sheet filed last week by the NIA before a The top court said it understands the importance of right of free said in his statement to the NIA. Besides, another secu- special court here against Waze and nine others in connec- rity guard, working near 'Antilia', in his statement to the tion with the recovery of the vehicle with gelatin sticks near speech and ‘doesn't want freedom of press to be muzzled’ NIA said the atmosphere in the area has changed and it's Ambani's residence on February 25 and the subsequent NEW DELHI, Sept 8 (PTI): The expression while reporting. "not fear free". The NIA has in its charge sheet also said murder of Thane-based businessman Mansukh Hiran. Supreme Court on Wednesday said The plea said it is not for the po- it does not want freedom of press lice to "sit in judgment" over the to be muzzled or stifled but it can- media for its reports. Contd. from Page 1... not create a separate avenue for "The media is meant to ventilate journalists to approach it directly the problems of ordinary people, for quashing of FIRs lodged the nature and effect of administra- against them. tive policy, and differing world CM attends review meeting The apex court stated this while views," it said. including preservation of tribal belt and blocks, land rights of forest dwellers, implementation of post-based reservation hearing a plea filed by Foundation It alleged that relevant IPC pro- policy and filling up of backlog posts, constitutional status to tribal Autonomous Councils etc. for Independent Journalism, which visions which deals with actual of- The chief minister after going through the demands announced that a three-member cabinet committee will be formed publishes digital news portal ‘The fences against communal harmony to engage with CCTOA to discuss and resolve all issues of the tribal people. The Cabinet Committee will frequently hold Wire’, and its three journalists are presently being "subverted and discussions with CCTOA and take expeditious steps for settlement of land rights and other issues of the tribal people. seeking quashing of three FIRs misused" and used to "gag any The chief minister also informed that he will hold discussion with CCTOA on progress of the issues in next six months. lodged against them in Uttar media reportage" on incidents that Education and WPT& BC minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Housing and Urban Affairs minister Ashok Singhal, BTC chief Pradesh. may have a communal, religious or Pramod Bodo, principal secretaries and other senior officers of the state government were present in the meeting. A bench headed by Justice L political angle. Nageswara Rao asked the petition- Writ petition is, accordingly, dis- a news story on the demolition of It said role of media reflects the ers to approach the Allahabad High missed as withdrawn,” the bench a mosque in the area in May 2021 citizen's right to know and ensure Unrest in Tripura after BJP-CPI(M) Court to seek the quashing of FIRs said in its order. by the police on the orders of the accountability in governance and if was set ablaze. Agriculture minister Pranajit Singha Roy rushed to the spot soon after the clash and took stock and granted them protection from The plea was filed by Founda- district administration. this routine duty becomes easily of the situation. Later speaking to the media, the minister said that the youth wing of the CPI(M) had brought out coercive steps for two months. tion for Independent Journalism "A news story is entitled to vulnerable to criminal process, a rally without seeking prior permission from police. “When police tried to stop the CPI(M) rally, they indulged "You go to the high court and and three journalists - Seraj Ali, record and convey the aspirations, democratic institutions will suffer. in violence, injuring several people. A BJP activist- Mofiz Miah, who was passing by, was attacked and critically argue for quashing. We will protect Mukul Singh Chauhan and Ismat anguish, and perspective of the "The petitioners also pray for injured. Besides, a hotel was vandalized and some houses were ransacked,” Singha Roy told the media. He said you in the interim," said the bench, Ara who have sought quashing of people, even if these are not in ac- appropriate guidelines to prevent the government would take legal action against those involved in the violence. Meanwhile, Union minister of state also comprising justices B R Gavai three FIRs lodged against them at cord with the thinking of the State this manner of use of the criminal Pratima Bhowmik led a protest march at Dhanpur in Sonamura sub-division protesting the Monday's violence. and B V Nagarathna. "We cannot Rampur, Ghaziabad and Barabanki or its agents. This is precisely what process, which has a chilling effect Later in the evening, BJP Sadar district unit also held a protest rally in the capital city- Agartala. The CPI(M) create a separate avenue for jour- in Uttar Pradesh as well as the pro- the media in a democratic country on media freedoms and the right of state party office at Melarmath was set on fire and a newspaper office near the main road was also vandalised. nalists to directly come to this ceedings arising out of them. is meant to do," it said. the people to be informed," it said. court under Article 32 for quashing The petition, filed through advo- Besides seeking quashing of the The plea has also referred to the of FIRs," the bench observed. cate Shadan Farasat, said these three FIRs, the plea had also May 31 order of the apex court Several casualties feared The top court said it understands FIRs have been filed solely on ac- sought a direction restraining UP which had granted protection to in his boat including two children, a one year old infant and six year old child, said that when the smaller the importance of right of free count of journalistic reporting of Police from taking any coercive two news channels which were ferry was going down those who were on top of the ferry and had not gone down to the sitting area of Ma Ka- speech and "doesn't want freedom various events and occurrences of action against the petitioners in booked under the sedition law. mala, managed to either jump atop Tipkai or into the river and many were saved by boatmen at Nimatighat. of press to be muzzled".The apex public relevance. It said FIR at connection with these cases. "We are of the view that the Dr Bikramjit Boruah ENT surgeon posted at Majuli was on the capsized boat and swam to safety. court told the counsel appearing Rampur was lodged in January this It had also urged the apex court ambit and parameters of the provi- A source alleged that the boats were unfit for use and often overloaded with 2 wheelers and four wheelers for the petitioners that it will grant year while the other two FIRs were to lay down guidelines to prevent sions of sections 124A (sedition), with no safety kits or lifejacket, leaving little space for escape. protection and they can approach registered in June. the alleged misuse of Indian Penal 153A and 505 of the Indian Penal SDRF and NDRF teams rushed to the spot and operations are on to find survivors and recover the bodies. the high court on the issue. “No part of the matter published Code provisions, including sec- Code 1860 would require interpre- Meanwhile, it is reported that 18 rescued persons have been admitted to JMCH for treatment. Chief minister "Nitya Ramakrishnan, counsel is even remotely an offence, al- tions 153-A (promoting enmity be- tation, particularly in the context of Himanta Biswa Sarma in a tweet said that he would be coming to Jorhat on Thursday to take stock of the situ- appearing for the writ petitioners though it may be unpalatable to the tween different groups on grounds the right of the electronic and print ation. He has also advised Bimal Borah, Tourism, Culture, etc., minister who is in charge of Majuli to go to the seeks permission to withdraw this government or some people,” it of religion, race etc) and 505 media to communicate news, in- spot. He also instructed the district administration to step up rescue operation. Sarma asked principal secretary writ petition to pursue other reme- said, adding that FIRs have been (statements conducing to public formation and the rights, even to chief minister Samir Kumar Sinha to monitor the developments round-the-clock. Transport minister Chandra dies available to the petitioners lodged against the portal and its mischief), particularly against those that may be critical of the Mohan Patowary has expressed deep shock and grief over the ferry accident. (With inputs from PTI) under law. No coercive steps shall scribes in Uttar Pradesh. media houses and journalists exer- prevailing regime in any part of the be taken against the petitioners for The plea said that FIR lodged in cising their constitutionally pro- nation," the apex court had said in a period of two months from today. Barabanki was in connection with tected right to free speech and its May 31 order. Bhupen Hazarika’s birth anniv of Asam Sahitya Sabha, Karbi Anglong District Committee, Bishwajyoti Hazarika, secretary of Bakaliaghat Press Club TMC leaders targeted Lambudar Bora and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP), Bakaliaghat Regional Committee, observed the day in their office premises. AASU also observed Dr. Hazarika’s birth soon after by-poll dates BJP names poll in-charge for assembly polls; anniversary at Halodhiati. are announced: Mamata KOLKATA, Sept 8 (PTI): West Pradhan for UP, Shekhawat for Punjab Record-holder Kropi felicitated NEW DELHI, Sept 8 (PTI): Bengal chief minister Mamata from Karbi Anglong who cracked the APSC exam and got appointed for the post of assistant engineer in the Panchayat Gearing up for the upcoming state Banerjee on Wednesday accused & Rural Development Department, Govt. of Assam were also felicitated by the CEM. assembly polls, the BJP on the BJP of using Central agencies The six candidates were Harlongki Timung of Diphu, Mirlin Terangpi of Lorulangso, Diphu, Sikari Teron and Songja Wednesday named its organisa- to target Trinamool Congress lead- Timung of Kheroni, Rupkasen Terangpi of Silonijan and Swati Teronpi of Diphu. They were felicitated and awarded tional spearheads for the elections, ers pursuing its vendetta politics, with a cheque of Rs. 25,000/- as an incentive for their hard work as soon as the assembly by-poll putting Union ministers Dharmen- dates were announced. dra Pradhan, Pralhad Joshi, Gajen- The TMC supremo, who started dra Singh Shekhawat and her poll campaign for the Bhaban- Bhupender Yadav in-charge for the Anti-accord people misleading ipur by-election, also alleged that contest in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarak- be more development.” Chairman of Karbi Longri NC Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF), P. Dilli expressed his the saffron party is targeting party hand, Punjab and Manipur respec- gratitude to Union Home minister Amit Shah, chief minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal and CEM Tuliram general secretary and her nephew tively. Ronghang for making the peace accord possible. He also expressed his gratitude to the chairmen and general sec- Abhishek Banerjee for political The party also drafted in a num- retaries of six extremist organisations who were part of the peace agreement. reasons, claiming there is no valid ber of Union ministers and other Dilli said, “In signing the peace accord we have not put a full stop on demanding an Autonomous State, but case against him. Abhishek Baner- leaders to assist them in the cam- Gorakhpur, Kashi and Kanpur re- pulling out all the stops to emerge have kept the door open. We want to appeal to those persons criticising the peace accord that rather than com- jee was questioned for about nine paign, with Union ministers gions respectively. as a strong force in Punjab which plaining about it they should come forward and share their views with constructive ideas for development of the hours by the Enforcement Direc- Anurag Singh Thakur, Arjun Ram West Bengal MP Locket Chat- is set for a multi-cornered contest two hill districts. We are not going to keep silent, we will continue to pressure the government for implementation torate (ED) in Delhi on Monday in Meghwal, Shobha Karandlaje and terjee and party spokesperson R P among the ruling Congress, AAP, of all clauses in a peace accord.” a money laundering case linked to Annpurna Devi Yadav along with Singh are co-incharges for the Ut- Shiromani Akali Dal-BSP alliance Vice chairman of People’s Democratic Council of Karbi Longri (PDCK), Kongkat Teron said, “The Central an alleged coal pilferage scam in Saroj Pandey, Vivek Thakur and tarakhand polls. and the BJP. government has given us the chance for development of the 10 lakhs population of Karbis by signing the peace West Bengal. “We only know how Captain Abhimanyu made co-in- Union minister Pratima The party is in power in UP, Ut- accord. I would strongly say that through this agreement I don’t see any loss for the Karbis. It is unfortunate that we fought against all odds to win charges for the polls in Uttar Bhoumik and Assam government tarakhand and Manipur and has de- some people showed us black flags. We are not enemies of the Karbis. We are also working for the interest of the the assembly polls. The BJP Pradesh, a statement said. minister Ashok Singhal will be co- ployed its well-oiled election Karbis.” The welcoming ceremony was attended by MP Horensing Bey, deputy speaker of Assam Assembly, Dr. brought in goons from other states The focus on the all-important incharges for the Manipur polls, machinery to retain power there. Numal Momin, chairman of KAAC, Longki Timung and deputy chairman, Ritesh Enghi, executive members of during the assembly elections. I Uttar Pradesh polls was apparent the party statement said. While its main challengers in and members of Autonomous Council of KAAC and former MP Biren Singh Engti, former CEM of KAAC, Mojari had to contest this by-poll as a con- in the announcement made by the Union ministers Hardeep Singh Uttar Pradesh are Samajwadi Party Hanse and others. The six insurgent groups that signed the peace accord were People’s Democratic Council of spiracy was hatched against me (in BJP as it also appointed organiza- Puri and Meenakshi Lekhi have and the Bahujan Samaj Party with Karbi Longri (PDCK), Karbi Longri North Cachar Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF), United People’s Liberation Nandigram),” she said while ad- tional in-charges for its six regions. been named co-incharges for the the Congress trying hard to shore Army (UPLA), Karbi People’s Liberation Tigers (KPLT)- Run Rongpi group, KPLT-Sam Sing Tisso group and dressing a workers' meet here. MP Sanjay Bhatia, Bihar MLA Punjab polls along with MP Vinod up its base, the BJP is in direct con- KPLT-Mensing Kramsa group. Banerjee was defeated by the Sanjiv Chaurasia, BJP national Chavda. The BJP is at the receiv- test with the Congress in Uttarak- BJP's Suvendu Adhikari from the secretaries Y Satya Kumar and ing end of the farmers' protests hand and Manipur. Nandigram seat in the assembly Arvind Menon, UP leader Sunil against three farm laws in Punjab, The BJP has not named its elec- elections held earlier this year. She Ojha and the party's co-treasurer a state which is seen as the most af- tion minders for Goa, another state Intensify drive to vaccinate all residents needs to win the by-poll to con- Sudhir Gupta will head the western fected by the stir. which will go the polls along with in the state a success. He also said that 1.91 crore people were covered under the vaccination process, as 1.5 tinue as chief minister. Uttar Pradesh, Braj, Awadh, The saffron party has been these four states early next year. crore people have already received their first dose. He also asked the Health department to intensify the vaccination drive so that all the eligible people of the state can be brought under vaccination coverage at least the first dose by 30 October, 2021. Health and Family Welfare minister Keshab Mahanta, Guwahati Development and Urban De- velopment minister Ashok Singhal, chairman Assam State Transport Corporation Ashok Bhatta Roy, mission di- rector NHM Dr. S. Lakshmanan, nodal officer Covid Vaccination Munindra Ngatey and other senior officers were Farm laws: SC-appointed panel member present during the event. says report 100% in favour of farmers Flood submerges several houses in NEW DELHI/PUNE, Sept 8 (PTI): Hopeful that the report has not been given any attention the drain constructed by Water Resource department is incomplete and during heavy rainwater enter the houses. Rice of an early resolution to the long-running farm- by the Hon'ble Supreme Court," Ghanwat wrote has been spoilt and belongings completely drenched. The villagers have urged the KAAC authority to provide drainage ers' protests on the national capital borders, a in his letter. for the rainwater. Likewise, Diphu Medical College & Hospital (DMC&H) which became functional this year was key member of the Supreme Court-appointed He said the apex court must release the again submerged. The hospital and administrative buildings were under knee-high water. The nurses and doctors on panel on contentious agri-laws on Wednesday panel's report for implementation of its recom- night duty have to wait till 9 am to leave the hospital as the rainwater has flooded the surrounding. said the report submitted by the committee is mendations for "peaceful resolution of the stale- ‘cent per cent’ in favour of farmers and the apex mate to the farmers' satisfaction at the earliest." court must take up the matter without any delay. Asked if the views expressed in the letter Himanta welcome as mediator for talks The panel member acknowledged that the written to CJI are supported by other members Two-time Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta as also Congress' Tarun Gogoi government and the Supreme Court have to of the committee, Ghanwat said, "Actually, they did take some steps to resolve the problem but a resolution proved elusive. "The policy adopted by Gogoi's gov- consider the law and order issue that may arise support it. But they are not ready to say in writ- ernment did not lead to a positive result as he later adopted the divide and rule policy which led to the split in the with the release of the report for which they ing. They are happy that I have raised the organisation with a section going ahead with negotiations in which we did not participate, and formed the ULFA needed to take time, but "they just cannot dump issue." (Independent)," he said. The chief minister, in an interview to PTI after assuming office, had mentioned that peace it and they should not dump it." He said the panel's report is 100 per cent in talks with the banned ULFA(I) can progress if the outfit is prepared to discuss its grievances without insisting on Shetkari Sanghatana president Anil J Ghan- take cognizance of the report, he said, and urged favour of farmers and of the country, but replied sovereignty." Baruah insists that he will not discuss anything beyond sovereignty but I have taken an oath to protect wat, the panel member who had written to the the court to release the report at the earliest.. in negative when asked if the committee has it. These two are irreconcilable matters but if we can coin another term to discuss their various issues, then we can chief justice of India on September 1 urging In his letter to the CJI, Ghanwat had said, supported the protesting farmers' demand of re- make some progress," Sarma had said. The ULFA(I) chief said, in the last 40 years, several accords have been him to make the report public, also said the "The report has addressed all apprehensions of peal of the new laws. signed -Shillong Accord, Mizo Accord and many more- but there was nothing new in those peace agreements. committee does not support repeal of the three the farmers. The committee was confident that "No. We don't support that," he said. The Central government should move away from these accords and, if they want a permanent remedy, must laws, as being demanded by protesting farmers, the recommendations will pave the way to re- "There are many defects in the new laws. Our find a new way by "understanding the whole issue in the right perspective or else many other organisations will but he and his organisation certainly believed solve the ongoing farmers' agitation." Shetkari Sanghatana also supported new farm raise their head," he said. The government should not adopt an attitude that they are the "victors and we are the that there are ‘many defects’ in the laws that While suspending the implementation of the laws but we had concerns too on some aspects. vanquished and neither do we claim to be so", he said. The ULFA(I) chief said his outfit appreciates the efforts needed to be addressed. three farm laws, the Supreme Court had consti- Many participants told the same during the de- made by the present state government to tackle the Covid pandemic and its drive against drugs, which has created It is therefore very important for the apex tuted a Committee on 12th January 2021, to liberations," he said, adding everyone's views a menace in the lives of the youth, and has responded by declaring a unilateral ceasefire in May this year. court to release the report in the public domain which Ghanwat was nominated as a member to have been taken into consideration while final- "We are fully aware of our responsibilities and we are supporting these initiatives taken by the chief minister. at the earliest to clear all apprehensions of farm- represent the farming community. ising the report. Therefore, we decided to declare the unilateral ceasefire so that the law-enforcement agencies do not have to deal ers, Ghanwat told PTI. Other members of the committee are Ashok The main concern is that the minimum sup- with any kind of operations against us," Baruah added. The ULFA(I) had declared a unilateral ceasefire on May "The report has to be made public at the ear- Gulati, former chairman of the Commission for port price (MSP) will be wiped out, but that is 15 for three months and extended it on August 14 for another three months. liest. If they do it tomorrow, that will be better... Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and not true. The new farm laws do not talk about When the people will know the content of the Pramod Kumar Joshi from the International MSP, but there was a lot of fear-mongering on report, they will decide whether the new farm Food Policy Research Institute. this issue, he said. laws are in favour of farmers or not," he said. "As a member of the committee, especially Farmers have been protesting on various bor- ASDC, KNCA, KSA unhappy It's been five months since we have submitted representing the farmers' community, I am ders of the national capital for over nine the BJP comes out with their election manifesto and vision document with Autonomous State issue in our report to the court and I can't understand pained that the issue raised by the farmers aren't months, demanding repeal of the three laws and it. Even at the Dengoan election meeting the national BJP leader now Union Home minister Amit Shah what could be the reasons for the court to not resolved and the agitation is continuing. I feel also a legal guarantee for MSP. spoke about the implementation of Article 244(A). Page 10 Sept 9_Normal Pages 08-09-2021 18:40 Page 1

10 THE HILLS TIMES ENTERTAINMENT THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 Neha, Tony Bobby Deol wins Best Kakkar set to Actor for ‘Aashram’ at Popular podcast enter ‘Bigg Boss th host Joe Rogan 27 Lions Gold Awards tests Covid+ OTT’ house as BOLLYWOOD SUPERSTAR AKSHAY KUMAR'S MOTHER ARUNA BHATIA PASSED AWAY ON WEDNESDAY MORN- ING. AKSHAY TOOK TO TWITTER TO EX- special guests PRESS HIS GRIEF. "SHE WAS MY CORE. AND TODAY I FEEL AN UNBEARABLE PAIN AT THE VERY CORE OF MY EXISTENCE," HE WROTE. THE 53-YEAR-OLD STAR SAID THAT HIS MOTHER PASSED AWAY PEACEFULLY. "MY MAA... SMT ARUNA BHATIA PEACE- FULLY LEFT THIS WORLD TODAY MORN- ING AND GOT REUNITED WITH MY DAD IN THE OTHER WORLD. I RESPECT YOUR PRAYERS AS I AND MY FAMILY GO THROUGH THIS PERIOD. OM SHANTI," HE WROTE. ON TUESDAY, AKSHAY HAD SHARED A HEALTH UPDATE ABOUT HIS MOTHER AND SAID THAT IT WAS A "TOUGH HOUR" FOR HIS FAMILY. "TOUCHED BEYOND WORDS AT YOUR CONCERN FOR MY MOM'S HEALTH. THIS IS A VERY TOUGH HOUR FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. EVERY SINGLE PRAYER OF YOURS WOULD GREATLY HELP," HE WROTE ON TWITTER. (MUMBAI/IANS)

Drugs case: Actor MUMBAI, Sept 8 (IANS): This 'Sunday Ka Vaar' episode will see siblings Neha Kakkar and Tony Kakkar enter the house of 'Bigg Boss OTT' as special guests. MUMBAI, Sept 8 (IANS): Actors Bobby Deol and this award." Rana Daggubati It will be interesting to see how both will be playing different games with Debina Bonnerjee have been felicitated by the Gov- Expressing her gratitude, Debina shared: "I thank the housemates and talking about their favourite connections. Neha and Tony erner of Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Koshyari at the everyone for giving me this honour. Most impor- appears before ED will also be interacting with the host Karan Johar. 27th Lions Gold Awards 2021. tantly, I thank my social media family who have al- Bollywood singer Neha Kakkar and her brother Tony Kakkar are already in While Bobby Deol was honoured with the Best ways been there for me and this one is for them. news as their new song 'Kanta Laga' has been released. This song has been Actor OTT Star award for his web series 'Aashram', Your followers are your family and I am blessed to making a splash on the internet as soon as it came out. Debina was bestowed with the Social Media Influ- have so many of them across the globe who are al- Both will also be interacting with the contestants also. As all contestants encer Award. ways ready to help. I thank the pres- are playing single now with no connection, no strings attached in the house, it Talking about the award, Bobby said: "It's tigious jury for giving me this would be more intriguing to see the reactions of the housemates and whom an honour to receive the Best Actor OTT award." Neha and Tony choose as their favourite ones. Star award for my web series 'Aashram' The awards function on Meanwhile, in the recent episodes Bigg Boss announced the nomination at the 27th Sol Lions Gold Awards Tuesday evening at the Raj task in which the already safe contestants - Nishant and Raqesh got the power 2021. I would like to thank the mak- Bhavan in Mumbai was at- to give any two nominated contestants a disadvantage right in the beginning ers of the show for their amazing tended by Army officials, of the task, and the decision had to be taken with "Apsi Sehemati" (mutual work, gripping story line and dignitaries and notable agreement). their belief in me for playing Bollywood personali- After several disagreements, finally, the two nominated Neha and Pratik. It the character of Baba Nirala! ties. was shocking for Pratik to know that Raqesh had taken his name, Pratik got All I can say is that it is only angry with Raqesh but that was his decision. Finally Neha, Pratik, Moose, onwards and upwards from Divya and Shamita were nominated. here so thank you to the team 'Bigg Boss OTT' is streaming on Voot. of Lions Club Of Mumbai for TOLLYWOOD ACTOR RANA DAGGUBATI ON WEDNESDAY APPEARED BEFORE THE ENFORCEMENT DIRECTORATE (ED) IN CONNECTION WITH A MONEY LAUN- DERING PROBE LINKED TO A 2017 DRUG CASE. THE 'BAAHUBALI' FAME ACTOR REACHED THE ED OFFICE HERE AROUND 10 A.M. AND WALKED IN AS A POSSE OF SECURITY PERSONNEL ES- initiates social CORTED HIM THROUGH A BATTERY OF MEDIA LENSMEN VYING WITH EACH OTHER TO CAPTURE THE MOMENT. RANA IS LIKELY TO BE QUESTIONED BY media campaign on ED SLEUTHS ABOUT HIS BANK DETAILS AND FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS AS PART OF THE PROBE INTO SUSPECTED LINKS OF SOME CELEBRITIES WITH THE need to eat right ACCUSED INVOLVED IN THE CASE. MUMBAI, Sept 8 (IANS): Bol- able challenges and the least we an individual's health and history RANA IS THE FIFTH TOLLYWOOD PER- lywood debutante and former can do to take care of ourselves is and I respect that." SONALITY TO APPEAR BEFORE ED. DI- beauty queen Manushi Chhillar to pay attention to what we eat." She added: "This is why, I'm RECTOR PURI JAGANNADH AND has launched a social media cam- "Nutrition is the main pillar of discussing how nutrition can be ACTORS CHARMEE KAUR, RAKUL PREET paign to discuss the benefits of fitness and wellness and I have tailor made for different individu- SINGH AND NANDU WERE QUESTIONED eating right during this World Nu- tried to incorporate as much of als with 2014, Rolene SINCE AUGUST 31. trition Week. this learning into my daily life. I Strauss, who is not just a dear THE ED HAD LAST MONTH ISSUED NO- Manushi, who won the Miss have unlocked the results that I friend but also someone who is TICES TO 10 PERSONS CONNECTED TO World crown 17 years after have aimed for and I want to deeply invested in nutrition and TOLLYWOOD AND TWO OTHERS IN- won it for India, share my thoughts to as many health." CLUDING A PRIVATE CLUB MANAGER AS has joined hands with Miss World people as possible," she added. Manushi, who will be seen PART OF A MONEY LAUNDERING PROBE 2014, Rolene Strauss, to share Manushi shared that nutrition is sharing screen space with actor LINKED TO THE CASE RELATED TO THE their thoughts on how paying at- extremely subjective and that one Akshay Kumar in the period film SMUGGLING OF 'CLASS A' NARCOTIC tention to nutrition can help has to customise their own diet 'Prithviraj', said Strauss is some- SUBSTANCES, INCLUDING LSD AND everyone lead a balanced regime to get maximum benefits. one she could count on. MDMA. lifestyle. "I have always maintained that She shared: "I can't wait to dis- NANDU WAS QUESTIONED FOR MORE Manushi said: "As I have health and fitness is very personal cuss our individual learnings THAN EIGHT HOURS ON TUESDAY. MAIN grown up, I have realised the and everyone has their subjective about nutrition and hope that it ACCUSED IN THE CASE CALVIN MAS- need to pay attention to nutrition. take on the same. Nutrition is will resonate with people who CARENHAS AND TWO OTHERS WERE Our daily life throws up innumer- highly customisable depending on want to lead a balanced lifestyle." ALSO GRILLED BY THE ED SLEUTHS ON TUESDAY. (HYDERABAD/IANS)

B’WOOD INSIGHT Saif Ali Khan: Horror comedy genre in danger of getting over exposed NEW DELHI, Sept 8 (IANS): His one-liners exciting genre. the movie. another medium to display our work," Saif, set the audience rolling on the floor laughing "But one film has started to look a little bit "Well, this is why I don't like to make plans who is married to actress Kareena Kapoor with his performance as 'Boris' in 'Go Goa like another because I think the ghost is look- in my career because everything was going re- Khan, added. The actor feels grateful and Gone' and he is now all set to tickle the funny ing the same. That is a great cause of concern ally quite well after 'Tanhaji: The Un- happy that people are going to see their work. bone once again with his performance in and I think we all need to wake up to that. I Saif sung Warrior', 'Jawani Jaaneman' and He says it is "one of my better perform- 'Bhoot Police', a horror comedy, a genre which think we made an effort in our film to be dif- is not actor Saif Ali Khan feels is in danger of getting ferent in that sense," he said. very ex- But one film has started to look a little bit like an- over exposed. Saif agrees that the genre is popular among cited A slew of horror comedies such as 'Phone all age groups. about an other because I think the ghost is looking the same. Bhoot' and 'Atithi Bhooto Bhava' are set to re- "I think there is something nice about being OTT release That is a great cause of concern and I think we all lease after 'Bhoot Police'. scared and not so scared and mixing that up because he Talking to IANS, Saif spoke about the sud- with a good laugh. That extreme of emotion feels happy with need to wake up to that den spotlight on the genre. is something that people enjoy. Some- the work he - Saif Ali Khan "I think it is in danger of getting over ex- times opposites become quite interest- has posed and you have to find a way to make it ing," he said. done 'Bunty Babli'. This was supposed to be a nice ances". different. Also I think a lot of the situations 'Bhoot Police', which also in cinematic event that would translate to a step Saif concluded: "I think it is a good movie. tend to be similar and we have to put our stars Arjun Kapoor, Jacqueline up in life in terms of career and work...So, it is In a way, I am disappointed that it is not com- minds to it now and come up with a different Fernandez, Yami Gautam, a little disappointing," he said. ing to theatres and we are in the middle of a looking and feeling ghost," Saif, who is the son Jaaved Jaafri, and Jamie "Ideally you make a horror comedy because pandemic and everybody's disappointed about of veteran actress Sharmila Tagore and late star Lever, will release on you want people to watch it in a communal at- that...is another way of me saying I am very cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, said. September 10 on Dis- mosphere in a theatre but having said that proud of the movie. It would have been nice in The 51-year-old star finds horror comedy an ney+ Hotstar. we are very lucky as actors that we have theatres." Page 11 September 9_Normal Pages 08-09-2021 21:52 Page 1

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 SPORTS THE HILLS TIMES 11 DJOKOVIC WILL NEXT FACE 12TH SEED CANADIAN AUGER-ALIASSIME Asian Youth Aaradhya, Anvi Games postponed triumph in AITA until Dec 2022 GUANGZHOU, Sept 8 Medvedev on course for US Open (IANS): The 2021 Asian Champions Series tennis Youth Games will be post- poned until December 2022 due to the Covid-19 pan- demic, the Chinese Olympic NEW YORK, Sept 8 (IANS): Committee (COC) said in an Russiantitle second seedshowdown Daniil against Djokovic announcement on Wednes- Medvedev further cemented his title day. credentials overcoming qualifier The 3rd Asian Youth Botic van de Zandschulp of the Games was originally sched- Netherlands 6-3, 6-0, 4-6, 7-5 to uled to be held in Shantou, reach his third consecutive US Open south China's Guangdong semifinal here. province from November 20- Djokovic will next face 12th seed 28, 2021. Canadian Auger-Aliassime, who The new schedule will be made his first major semifinal at the December 20-28, 2022, ac- US Open after Spanish giant-killer BENGALURU, Sept 8 (IANS): last-four encounter. This did not cording to the COC state- Carlos Alcaraz retired due to an in- Top seed Aaradhya Dwiwedi de- deter him from giving his best in ment. jury trailing 6-3, 3-1. feated the in-form Sanchit Sudhir the title match. After being down "The Olympic Council of The Russian, who captured his Rau 6-4, 6-3 to emerge champion 1-2 in the first set, he bounced Asia (OCA), the COC and the 200th career win in the first-round in the boys' category of the AITA back to lead 4-3 before Aaradhya local organizing committee victory against Richard Gasquet of Champions Series 3 (CS3) U-14 won three games on the trot to had an in-depth discussion France, had not dropped a set before tennis tournament played under pocket the first set. and made the decision to- Tuesday. the aegis of KSLTA, here on The second set saw the 13- gether, in order to protect the The world No. 2 played with con- Wednesday. year-old Aaradhya grabbing an interests of every national/re- fidence against van de Zandschulp, In the girls' category, top- early break in the third game be- gional Olympic committee firing 36 winners and winning 83 ranked Anvi Punaganti bagging fore racing to a 5-2 lead. The and ensure the safety and per cent (54/65) of first-serve points the honours, beating Aditi Balmu- eighth standard student of Silicon health of all athletes," the as he raised his level in the fourth set set against Rafael Nadal in the rugan 6-0, 6-0 in a one-sided City Academy of Secondary Edu- statement said. to advance after two hours and 22 championship match before falling final. cation then closed out the set and Shantou won the right to minutes. ‘LAST FOUR’ CHALLENGE short. He also advanced to the semi- The 12-year-old won her sec- match at 6-3 for his second U-14 host the 3rd Asian Youth "First two sets he was missing Medvedev captured his fourth ATP Masters finals without dropping a set last ond U-14 title of the season after title. Games in 2019. The Asian and I was controlling the game," year before losing to eventual cham- bagging her maiden crown in Results (pre-fix denotes seed- Youth Games are among the Medevedev said. "But then he 1000 title in Toronto and enjoyed a run to the pion Dominic Thiem. April, earlier this year. The 7th ing) top five multisport events in started missing less and hit with last four in Cincinnati before arriving at "In 2019 was my first Slam standard student of DPS South Boys' U-14 Final: 1-Aaradhya Asia. more power and played more ag- breakthrough, so already New York put her forehand to good use. Her Dwiwedi bt Sanchit Rau 6-4, 6-3. gressively. The break point he won Flushing Meadows last week is in my heart, especially with the opponent made too many un- Semifinals: 1-Aaradhya Dwi- he hit a forehand winner, so it be- final against Rafael [Nadal]," forced errors and that also con- wedi bt Nikhil Sreenivas 9-2; came a lot tougher for me. atptour.com. test against either 12th seed Felix Medvedev said. tributed to Anvi's lopsided win, Sanchit Rau bt 3-Prajval Heggere Will try to build on "I am happy with my game in the Chasing his maiden Major title, Auger-Aliassime in the last four. "Then last year, I still reached the the KSLtA informed in a relese. 9-6. fourth set because on my first serve, Medvedev remains on course for a The Russian has a strong record semi-finals, losing to Dominic It was technically, the third Girls' U-14 Final: 1-Anvi Puna- I only lost two points and I always potential blockbuster final against at the USTA Billie Jean King Na- [Thiem] who played amazingly. I match for Sanchit as he first com- ganti bt Aditi Balmurugan 6-0, 6- the momentum : felt under pressure. Then at 6-5 he world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, who tional Tennis Center. In 2019, just want to do a little bit better than pleted his unfinished quarterfinal 0. got a little bit tight, and I managed is aiming to capture the Grand Slam Medvedev reached his maiden the last two times and get over this tie against Arihant Kaul in a tie- Semifinals: 1-Anvi P bt Aditi DC’s Amit Mishra to do it without the tie-break, which at the US Open. The 25-year-old major final in New York, rallying last little step, which is the toughest breaker before upsetting third- Ranga 9-1; Aditi Balmurugan bt is helpful," Medvedev told will first have to overcome a tricky from two sets down to force a fifth one." seeded Prajval Heggere in a 6-Kaviya Saravanan 9-3. CPL 2021: Defending champs register fourth win ST. KITTS & NEVIS, Sept 8 Seifert coming in the 18th over win and they still have three group some impetus but still posted (IANS): Defending champions changed the complexion of the games remaining. 185/8. Trinbago Knight Riders registered game as he smashed 24 runs off The Royals, put into bat, started was once their fourth win in this year's 2021 just eight balls and his partnership quickly with 67 runs from the again the pick of the Amazon War- Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with Pollard amounting to a re- Powerplay with Johnson Charles riors bowlers, claiming 3/31 from as they outplayed markable 62 runs off 20 deliveries. (40) and Kyle Mayers (36) getting his four overs. Tallawahs by 75 runs on Wednes- struggled to their team firing early on. The The DUBAI, Sept 8 (IANS): day. The Tallawahs won the toss build partnerships amidst some Amazon Warriors pegged things reply started badly with three Veteran leg-spinner Amit and opted to field first. Trinbago fantastic bowling from Sunil Nar- back with the of Mayers wickets falling inside their Power- Mishra on Wednesday said Knight Riders initially struggled as ine, Ravi Rampaul and Ali Khan as and Azam Khan but a stand of 48 play as they reached 39/3 off the that the Delhi Capitals will they were restricted by Imad they finished 92 all out against the between Glenn Phillips and Smit first six overs. While wickets fell try to build on the momen- Wasim and . defending champions. Patel put the Royals back in front. around, it was Mohammad Hafeez tum they had in the first half A late onslaught from captain Meanwhile, Barbados Royals Phillips top scored with 44 and who looked to hold things together of the Indian Premier Kieron Pollard and Tim Seifert en- gave themselves hopes of getting he was well supported by Jason for the Warriors. He made 30 from League, when the second sured they reached 167-4 after the into the play-offs with a 45-run Holder who made 22 from seven 25 balls before he was well phase begins here in UAE. duo blasted 28 runs in the final victory over the Guyana Amazon balls. When both fell within quick by Smit Patel off a wide The Capitals will begin their over. Warriors. This was their second succession the Royals innings lost bowled by Ashley Nurse. campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on September 22. "We have been doing well in the last two seasons and Odisha govt to give ` 6 cr, Group-A the performances have come ‘England have to revamp the because of a collective effort. From coaches to selectors to post to gold medallist Pramod Bhagat players, everyone should be BHUBANESWAR, Sept 8 performance and spirit of team’ credited for Delhi Capitals' (IANS): The Odisha government LONDON, Sept 8 (IANS): "They are the best Test team chance Bairstow goes out of the progress as a team in the last will provide Rs 6 crore and a Group Former England cricketer and in the world. There's quality all team now." few years. A post to ace shuttler Pramod Bha- commentator David Lloyd has the way through with people like The 74-year-old concluded by "We will try to build on gat, who scripted history by winning said that England have to re- Shardul Thakur and Umesh saying Chris Woakes is good as our momentum from the first a Gold medal at the Tokyo Para- vamp their performance and Yadav coming in and doing a an all-rounder for Ashes but is half of the IPL 2021 season lympics 2020. "Pramod Bhagat, spirit if they need to square the fantastic job. And if they're up unsure of opener Haseeb and take one match at a time Para-badminton Gold medal winner five-match series in the final against the ropes, India don't Hameed in Test . once the season resumes," at Tokyo Paralympics is eligible for Test in Manchester. He also said half come out fighting. I'll tell "Woakes is good enough to play said the 38-year-old. the cash award of Rs 6 crore. He will that England lack in real tough- you how good they are: they're as an all-rounder in Australia. The Capitals had a fantas- be handed over the cheque by the ness, which India has. that good they can choose to He could bat at six or seven. tic run in the first half of the Chief Minister after his arrival in "Just as they came back strong leave Ravichandran Ashwin But, categorically, we don't have tournament, recording six Bhubaneswar. He will also be eligi- at Headingley after losing at out." an opening combination, it's as wins in eight matches. How- ble for a Group A level government Lord's, so they have to again. Lloyd felt that Jos Buttler will simple as that. Hameed gives me ever, Mishra expressed that job," the sports and youth services What did Iain Dowie call it? slot back into the eleven at Man- the impression he just goes out all teams will have to start department said in a statement on Bouncebackability. They have to chester and take the gloves from to bat like he's still playing afresh when the season re- Wednesday. The state government is them good luck. To motivate them, cheques for Rs 2.5 crore to Odisha revamp the performance and Jonny Bairstow. schoolboy cricket. There has to sumes this month. committed to support the sportsper- he also announced cash awards for players in the Bronze medal win- spirit of the team. There's a real "I assume he's going to get the be a game awareness about him. "We are at the top of the sons and para-sportspersons to winning medals - Rs 6 crore for ning Indian Hockey Team -- Biren- toughness about India that's ab- gloves back straight away. Oth- He can't just turn an innings into table right now, but we have achieve their potential, it said. Gold medal, Rs 4 crore for Silver dra Lakra and Amit Rohidas. sent from England. When India erwise, why would he be back in a blockathon." to start afresh. We have to set Earlier, Chief Minister Naveen and Rs 2.5 crore for a Bronze medal. "The state government is proud of are in a corner they're like tigers, the squad? Maybe they told The fifth Test between Eng- our strategies again. I think Patnaik had interacted with the The government also provided a the achievements of our Olympians but England are too nicey- Jonny Bairstow he was only land and India starts at Old Traf- every team has an equal Odisha Olympians and para- grant of Rs 15 lakh as support for and para-Olympians and will con- nicey," said Lloyd in Daily Mail going to have them for one ford Cricket Ground in chance of doing well now Olympians, who had qualified for their preparation for the Tokyo tinue to support them for their future on Wednesday. game. Jonny didn't do much Manchester from September 10. since we are all re-starting the Tokyo Olympics and Para- Olympics and Paralympics. championships," the department Lloyd believed that India are wrong at The Oval but he didn't India lead the five-match Test the tournament. We are play- lympics on July 8, 2021 and wished The state has already handed over added. the best in Tests right now. command. There's a good series 2-1. ing the second half of the IPL in a different country, so we have to devise our strategies according to the conditions here in the UAE." Jeev Milkha Singh becomes first golfer The Delhi spinner, who has taken the second-most wickets (166) in the history of the IPL, has been trying to to be granted Dubai Golden Visa get used to the conditions in DUBAI, Sept 8 (IANS): Jeev in several tournaments here, ised the Omega Dubai Desert became the first from his coun- the UAE during the pre-sea- Milkha Singh has several firsts making many friends in the city. Classic, for many years. try to play all four major cham- son camp. Mishra, who was to his name for Indian and Asian During the 2001 Dubai Desert "I am really honoured and pionships and became Asia No. diagnosed with Covid-19 just golf. He now has a first in world Classic, he established a world humbled that the Dubai govern- 1 twice. before the IPL was sus- golf too. record at that time when he ment has considered me for the Son of legendary athlete, 'Fly- pended in May 2021, spoke Singh, the torchbearer of In- completed the four rounds with Golden Visa and I am looking ing Sikh' late Milkha Singh, he about how he re-built his fit- dian golf, was recognised for his just 94 putts in finishing tied forward to making many more won two of the biggest tourna- ness post recovery from the outstanding achievements and sixth. Winner of four titles on special memories here," the ments on the European Tour - illness. granted the prestigious 10-year the European Tour, four on golfer said. the 2006 Volvo Masters at "After the IPL was sus- Dubai Golden Visa -- becoming Japan Golf Tour and six on the The Golden Visa was insti- Valderrama, and the 2012 Scot- pended in May, I focused on the first professional golfer in Asian Tour, Singh was earlier tuted by the UAE government in tish Open. He also won the 2008 my recovery from Covid-19. the world to be bestowed with given the 'Gold card' for being 2019 as a new system which al- Singapore Open and rose to No According to the advice the honour. an elite professional athlete. lowed investors (minimum of 28 in the official world rank- given to me by the doctors, I The 49-year-old joined a list "This is a huge honour. I think AED 10 million) and entrepre- ings, a high that few Asian improved my fitness slowly of illustrious sportsmen such as I came to Dubai for the first neurs, as well as professionals golfers have managed to sur- and steadily. It was difficult footballers Christiano Ronaldo, time in 1993, and I have loved and specialised talents like in pass. for me during the recovery Paul Pogba, Roberto Carlos, every moment of my stay. I the field of science, knowledge Now 49, Singh is ready to phase, but I am happy that I Luis Figo and Romel Lukaku; greatly admire the energy of this and sports to apply for it. write the next chapter of his ca- am here for the second half reigning tennis World No. 1 fascinating city," said the Padma Singh, who turned profes- reer. Next season, he will be- Novak Djokovic; Indian tennis Shri awardee golfer. ally are second to none. world. sional after a brilliant amateur come the first Indian player to of the season. I trained on my "Another thing that I love "I have also got a lot of sup- own and didn't go close to ace Sania Mirza and her crick- "My family has enjoyed the career that included winning the become a regular member of the eter husband of many offerings of Dubai, like about Dubai is the connectivity. port here, being one of the first NCAA Division II Individual Senior Tour, and is already anybody after recovery. I got Given the amount of travelling ambassadors for Jumeirah Golf some gym equipment such as Pakistan, among others. The list the variety of restaurants and Championship and selection to guaranteed cards on the Leg- also includes Bollywood stars shopping. But being a profes- that we do for tournaments, the Estates (the golf course commu- the All-American team while ends Tour in Europe and the a treadmill and set them up at geographical location is unbeat- nity that hosts the European my home as well because I Shah Rukh Khan and Sanjay sional golfer, the biggest attrac- playing for Abilene Texas Uni- Seniors Tour in Japan. He will Dutt. tion for me is the quality of golf able. And thanks to Emirates Tour's season-ending DP World versity, became the first Indian also be trying to qualify for the didn't want to train in a pub- airlines, you are never too far Tour Championship), and also lic gym," said Mishra. Singh has had a long associa- courses and the practice facili- to qualify for the European Tour Champions Tour in the US later tion with Dubai, having featured ties that you get here, which re- away from any corner of the of 'Golf in Dubai', which organ- and Japan Golf Tour. He also this year. Page 12 September 09_Normal Pages 9/8/2021 10:44 PM Page 1

12 THE HILLS TIMES SPORTS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 IPL 2021: Overseas cricketers who will make debut this season Taliban says women in Afghanistan won’t The second phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season will resume from September 19 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Reign- ing champions Mumbai Indians (MI) will face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the opening game at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. However, many foreign players have withdrawn from the second leg of the tournament due to various reasons like fitness, family, and fo- KABUL,be Sept allowed8 (IANS): The Taliban con- to play sport, includingtions. We willcricket not leave our Islamic rules." cusing on the upcoming m'n's T20 World Cup 2021 starting right after firmed on Wednesday that women in He added that Islam allowed women to go IPL 2021 ends. Afghanistan will not be allowed to play any out on a needs basis such as shopping and that Due to this, teams have included players who will be in action for sports, including cricket. The move now puts sport is not considered a need. "In cricket and the first time in the IPL. We have a look at the new overseas picks of the one-off men's Test match between Aus- other sports, women will not get an Islamic IPL 2021: tralia and Afghanistan for November in Ho- dress code. It is obvious that they will get ex- Wanindu Hasaranga (Royal Challengers Bangalore) bart under doubt. posed and will not follow the dress code, and Hasaranga's addition to the RCB squad is "I don't think women will be allowed to Islam does not allow that." a big boost for the leg-spin all-rounder from play cricket because it is not necessary that Australia's Trade Minister Dan Tehan de- Sri Lanka. He had a brilliant white-ball se- women should play cricket. In cricket, they scribed the decision by the Taliban to ban fe- ries against India in July, picking up nine might face a situation where their face and male athletes from playing sports as wickets at an economy rate of 5.58 in the body will not be covered. Islam does not allow "incredibly, incredibly disappointing". T20I series, including 4/9 in the final match. women to be seen like this. It is the media era, "Most Australians would be absolutely ab- He proved to be a bowler difficult to read and there will be photos and videos, and then horred at the idea that girls (and) 'omen would- for the Indian batsmen in Colombo. Though people watch it. Islam and the Islamic Emirate n't be allowed to play sport. This is something he will leave RCB after the group stage the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). It also When asked if no women's cricket would do not allow women to play cricket or play the that our sporting codes will have to think ends, the conditions in UAE will be tailor- held a 21-day training camp for 40 female mean ICC calling off the Hobart Test, Wasiq kind of sports where they get exposed," said about and look at very carefully. made for him to excel. cricketers in Kabul. The International Cricket said the Taliban would not compromise. Ahmadullah Wasiq, the deputy head of the The idea that you would stop females play- Dushmantha Chameera (Royal Challengers Bangalore) Council (ICC) requires all 12 of its full mem- "Even for this, if we face challenges and prob- Taliban's cultural commission, in an interview ing sport is something that would go against Chameera is the second Sri Lankan player to be signed up by RCB bers to have a national women's team and only lems, we have fought for our religion so that to SBS News. what every Australian would think is the right after Hasaranga. In 28 T20Is, he has picked 30 wickets at an economy full members of the ICC are permitted to play Islam is to be followed. We will not cross Is- In November 2020, twenty-five female thing to do," said Tehan to reporters in Can- rate of 7.74. The Lankan pacer, who can clock up to 145kph, can prove Test matches. lamic values even if it carries opposite reac- cricketers were awarded central contracts by berra on Wednesday. to be critical in UAE conditions. In June, Chameera took six wickets in three T20Is against England. During the T20I series against India in July, Chameera was the second-highest -taker after Hasaranga for the hosts with four wickets in three matches at an economy rate of 5.25. Mahmudullah’s 43 not Tim David (Royal Challengers Bangalore) ICC Test Rankings: Thakur and Woakes David became the first cricketer from out leads Bangladesh Singapore to be selected in the IPL. In the past year, he has made a name for himself gain big, Bumrah moves up a spot to 6-wicket win over NZ across T20 leagues in the world. In 14 T20Is DUBAI, Sept 8 (IANS): All- tenth in the bowlers' rankings. , Sept 8 (IANS): for Singapore, David has made 558 runs at rounders Shardul Thakur and Chris Bumrah picked up four wickets at Bangladesh captain Mahmudul- an average of 46.50 with a strike rate of Woakes have made big gains in the The Oval, especially taking out lah hit an unbeaten 43 to lead his 158.52. He made heads turn at the 2020/21 ICC Test Player Rankings updated Ollie Pope and Jonny Bairstow, team to a six-wicket victory over Big Bash League playing for Hobart Hurri- on Wednesday. Pacer Jasprit Bum- breaking the back of England's New Zealand in the fourth T20I canes, scoring 279 runs at a strike rate of rah also moved a spot up in the chase in the final day of the Test. in Dhaka on Wednesday. The vic- 153.29. He did well for Lahore Qalandars bowlers' rankings after 157- Bumrah now has 18 wickets in the tory now gives Bangladesh an in PSL 2021, scoring 180 runs at an average run win in the fourth Test at The series, just three behind England unassailable 3-1 lead in the five- of 45 and a strike rate of 166.66. After fruit- Oval on Monday. pacer Ollie Robinson, who moved match T20I series. It is their first- ful stints in T20 Blast, Royal London One day Cup, and The Hundred, Thakur scored 57 and 60 in both three places to 33rd in the rank- ever series win over New Zealand David is currently with Saint Lucia Kings in CPL 2021. innings of the Test. The twin half- ings. in T20Is. Adil Rashid (Punjab Kings) centuries see him jump 59 places Rohit Sharma, who was ad- Opting to bat first, New Overlooked in the auctions in February, to 79th position in batsmen rank- judged as the Player of the Match Zealand were bowled out for 93 Rashid finds himself with an IPL gig in ings. He has also moved up seven at The Oval for his match-winning in 19.3 overs. Bangladesh over- UAE. A regular in England's limited-overs places to 49th in the bowlers rank- 127 in the second innings, remains hauled the target with five balls to team, Rashid has picked 65 wickets in 62 ing after finishing with three wick- at fifth place but has extended the spare and six wickets in hand. T20Is at an average of 24.29. Now the leg- ets in the match. lead over Virat Kohli from seven Left-arm spinner Nasum spinner will ply his trade for Punjab Kings Woakes, back in an England to 30 rating points in the batsmen Ahmed dismissed Rachin Ravin- in the IPL, replacing Jhye Richardson. The Test eleven after a year, has also rankings. At 813 rating points, dra (0) in the very first over of 33-year-old's stint in the IPL will be perfect made progress in the rankings. Sharma has achieved his best-ever New Zealand's innings. Finn for him to finetune his preparation for the Scoring 50 and 18 in both innings position and rating points in Test Allen (12) tried to be creative T20 World Cup in UAE. of the Test sees him gain seven rankings. with the bat with a switch hit, but Glenn Phillips (Rajasthan Royals) places to reach 87th among bats- England batsman Ollie Pope's spooned a catch to point. Phillips has so far played 25 T20Is with men. He also jumps three places to first innings knock of 82 has Captain Tom Latham (21) and 506 runs for New Zealand. He has scored a 23rd among bowlers after finishing helped him advance nine slots to Will Young (46) tried to resurrect hundred and two half-centuries and has a with seven wickets at The Oval. 49th position in batsmen rankings. the New Zealand innings with a strike rate of 149.70. In November 2020, Woakes has also made a re-entry Pacer James Anderson has dropped rankings. But Ashwin, who is yet and India will take place at the Old 35-run partnership. Latham Phillips smacked a 46-ball hundred, break- into the all-rounders rankings, two places to be seventh in to feature in the Test series against Trafford Cricket Ground in Man- danced down the pitch, only to be ing Colin Munro's record of fastest T20I jumping two places to be at sev- bowlers rankings. England, has dropped from fourth chester from September 10. India beaten by Mahedi Hasan's turn hundred by a New Zealand batsman. The enth place. Ravichandran Ashwin continues to fifth in the all-rounder rankings. are leading the five-match Test se- and was stumped by keeper Nurul 24-year-old Phillips has had stints in Eng- Bumrah climbed to ninth from to be at second spot on the bowlers The fifth Test between England ries 2-1. Hasan. land's T20 Blast (Gloucestershire) as well as the Hundred (Welsh Fire) apart from the Barbados Royals in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). England should have done Nathan Ellis (Punjab Kings) Ellis recently was in the limelight after better on a pitch like that: UAE to allow vaccinated fans in becoming the first Australian to take a hat- trick on international debut with 3/34 in the Boycott on Oval loss third T20I against Bangladesh in August LONDON, Sept 8 (IANS): Former this year. The right-arm pacer is also one of England batsman Geoffrey Boycott the stadiums for IPL: Sources the three reserv' players in Australia's T20 said that England should have done NEW DELHI, Sept 8 (IANS): The COVID-19 cases. So,'let's see what World Cup squad. The 26-year-old was one better on the fifth day of the Test at of the standout performers of the 2020/21 The Oval. He was of the opinion Board of Control for Cricket in happens in the future, but right now, India (BCCI) and the United Arab fans are allowed," the BCCI official Big Bash League. He was the leading that the Day Five pitch at The Oval wicket-taker for his team Hobart Hurricanes was one of the best in the country. Emirates (UAE) government have added. finally agreed that crowds will b" The second phase of IPL 2021 taking 20 wickets in 14 matches at an economy rate of 8.31. England slumped to a 157-run loss George Garton (Royal Challengers Bangalore) to India, losing all ten wickets on the "allowed partial"y" during the sec- will resume with the clash between final day of the fourth Test. ond phase of the Indian Premier Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai The all-rounder from Sussex caught "Let's be honest, nobody was ex- League, a BCCI official told IANS. Indians on September 19. In total, everyone by surprise with Bangalore an- pecting England to chase down their "Yes, it will be allowed this time 31 matches, including qualifiers, nouncing him as a replacement player. He target but they should have done as both the BCCI and UAE govern- will be played over 27 days. has featured in 38 T20s and has taken 44 better on a pitch like that. This was ment have given a green light to let Earlier, ECB general secretary wickets with an average of 20.06 and an one of the best fifth-day pitches you the crowd enter the stadium par- Mubashir Usmani was quoted as economy rate of 8.26. Garton was the joint- will ever find in England. No un- tially. Emirates Cricket Board saying by Gulf News that the board third highest wicket-taker with 10 wickets even bounce, no seam movement (ECB) is doing everything possible will speak to the Indian cricket from nine matches for Southern Brave in and a tiny little bit of old-ball reverse to keep a check on cases (Covid- board (BCCI) and the UAE govern- The Hundred. He also took nine wickets in swing. It was perfect for England's 19)," the official said. ment regarding allowing crowds six matches in the T20 Blast with an econ- batsmen to make a good fist of it, "The UAE government has men- back to the stands. lowed -- this includes fan atten- We want our ex-pat and Emirati omy rate of 7.50. He was called up to Eng- not necessarily win, but have a good tioned that only those who are vac- "As hosts, ECB will work closely dance, we will then discuss it with sports-loving fans in the UAE to be land's squad for the white-ball matches go and at least get a draw," wrote cinated will be allowed entry. UAE with the authorities to seek approval the BCCI as well as the ICC to as- able to watch the action from the against Sri Lanka in June and July but didn't Boycott in his column for The Tele- make his international debut. graph on Wednesday. is also witnessing a decrease in on what protocols need to be fol- sess their spectator requirements. stands," Usmani had said. England to play white-ball series against India at home in July next year Esports to award eight titles, 24 LONDON, Sept 8 (IANS) : The England men's team will begin their 2022 home summer with a three- match LV= Insurance Test series medals, in 2022 Asian Games against world champions New MUMBAI, Sept 8 (IANS): Eight at the Asian Games 2022. Eight es- Zealand, said the England and medal events and two demonstra- ports titles mean 24 medals. For ti- Wales Cricket Board (ECB) while tion games will be conducted at the tles like Hearthstone; EA FIFA, announcing the international sched- 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, DOTA2, League of Legends, Street ule on Wednesday, which also in- China in September 2022 as Esports Fighter, we have very strong cludes home series against India and makes its debut in the Continental chances of winning medals for South Africa. Joe Root's Test team Games. India. Tirth Mehta, who got a bronze will begin their series against New Trafford (July 22) and Emerald ons New Zealand. "We also look The Olympic Council of Asia on medal last time (2018), will be able Zealand at Lord's on June 2 before Headingley (July 24). "England will forward to India returning for two Wednesday announced the titles for to convert that bronze to gold this the series heads to Trent Bridge then meet the Proteas in a three- white-ball series before we host the debut of esports as an official time. We will soo" launch the "Road (June 10-14) and Emerald Headin- match Vitality IT20 Series at Bristol South Africa for what promises to medal sport at the Asian Games, re- t" Asian Games" programme in line gley (June 23-27). (July 27), Sophia Gardens (July 28) be hard-fought series across three flecting the popularity and growth Wednesday. The Director-General of the with AESF, to identify the best of New Zealand won the first-ever and the Ageas Bowl (July 31)." formats, including three LV= Insur- of electronic sports in the region. The Asian Electronic Sports Fed- OCA, Husain Al-Musallam, said: the talent and train them for the World Test Championship final at A three-match LV= Insurance ance Test matches." The announcement of the games ti- eration, which is based in Hong "We hope that this announcement main event"at Hangzhou," he said in the Ageas Bowl in June when they Test Series against South Africa will Fixtures (2022): tles was made on the first day of the Kong, China, has been appointed allows all participating teams ample a release on Wednesday. defeated India. England men then conclude the men's international England Men v New Zealand - two-day Chefs de Mission Seminar Technical Delegate of the esports time to prepare and equip them- "Thankfully we have enough will play all of their home white-ball summer. Lord's will host the first LV= Insurance Test Series -- June 2- video conference for the 19th Asian competition at the 19th Asian selves ahead of the qualifying time at our hands (unlike last time) matches in July. "A three-match Vi- LV= Insurance Test (August 17-21) 6 Lord's; June 10-14 Trent Bridge; Games on Wednesday. Games by the OCA. The AESF will stages. I believe we have ticked all to have the best of the players rep- tality IT20 Series against India will before the series moves to Edgbas- June 23-27 Emerald Headingley. The eight official events, and be in charge of the qualifying com- the right boxes ensuring a high level resent India at Asian Games 2022. begin at Emirates Old Trafford on ton (August 25-29) and the Kia England Men v India - Vitality publishers, are: Arena of Valor petition and for the operation and of competition which promises For titles like AOV (Asian Games July 1 before matches at Trent Oval (September 8-12). ECB Chief IT20 Series: July 1 Emirates Old Asian Games Version, Dota 2, management of the esports compe- great viewing for enthusiasts and ca- Version) and PUBG Mobile (Asian Bridge (July 3) and the Ageas Bowl Executive Officer, Tom Harrison, Trafford; July 3 Trent Bridge; July Dream Three Kingdoms 2, EA tition in Hangzhou. suals alike." Games Version); we are waiting for (July 6). A three-match Royal Lon- said, "It has been a scintillating sum- 6 Ageas Bowl. SPORTS FIFA branded soccer Originally not in the schedule, es- ESFI seeks govt recognition more inputs to come,” he added. don Series follows with matches at mer of cricket and so good to see England Men v India - Royal games, HearthStone, League of ports was added to the Asian Games Lokesh Suji, Director, Esports Fed- "It's time for the Sports Ministry Edgbaston (July 9), the Kia Oval crowds back packing out venues London Series: July 9 Edgbaston; Legends, PUBG Mobile Asian sports programme at the OCA Gen- eration of India (ESFI and Vice to recognise ESFI and our sport. We (July 12) and Lord's (July 14)," ECB later this summer. For next summer, July 12 Kia Oval; July 14 Lord's. Games Version, and Street Fighter eral Assembly in Muscat, Oman on President of the Asian Esports Fed- are confident that we will increase said. South Africa's tour will begin I am pleased to be able to confirm England Men v South Africa - V. The two demonstration events December 16, 2020. It was a eration (AESF) welcomed the OCA our medals tally this time. ESFI and with a three-match Royal London three high-quality men's interna- Royal London Series: July 19 Emi- are: AESF Robot Masters-Powered demonstration sport at the 18th move and took the opportunity to AESF both are committed to de- Series in the north of England. The tional touring teams for 2022, start- rates Riverside; July 22 Emirates by Migu and AESF VR Sports- Asian Games in Indonesia in 2018, seek Spor's Ministry's recognition velop, support, and grow esports not series will be staged at Emirates ing with a three-Test LV= Insurance Old Trafford; July 24 Emerald Powered by Migu, the OCA an- meaning that medals did not count for esports in the country. only in India but the region," he fur- Riverside (July 19), Emirates Old Series against World Test champi- Headingley. nounced on its website on in the official medal rankings. "Finally, we are here with esports ther said.

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