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Vol. 12 No. 272 RNI NO. DELENG/2008/25465 New Delhi, Thursday, 11 February, 2021 [email protected] 9971359517 12 pages. 2/- MSP hasn't stopped after three farm laws enacted, you can't deny truth: PM Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha PM Modi also said that the farm laws were passed through an Ordinance and later by Parliament. He also asserted that no mandis were shut after the implementation of these laws, adding that Minimum Support Price (MSP) did Simmi Kaur Babbar not end anywhere in the nation. "This House, our Government and we all respect the farmers who are voicing their views on the farm bills," said PM Modi in Lok Sabha. New Delhi.Prime Minister Narendra PM Modi said, "President's address to Modi on Wednesday stated that there is Parliament infuses new confidence respect for the farmers who are voicing and inspires every heart. The SC stays dismantling of decommissioned their views on the agriculture bills. speech by President showcased Replying in Lok Sabha to the Motion India's 'Sankalp Shakti.' His words of Thanks on the President’s address, have boosted the spirit of PM Modi said that this is the reason confidence among the people of aircraft carrier INS Viraat, know why why senior ministers of the India. During the discussion on the President's speech, a large number New Delhi. The Supreme Court on Wednesday government "are constantly talking to of women MPs took part. This is a them". ordered status quo on the dismantling of India's great sign. I want to congratulate decommissioned aircraft carrier 'Viraat' which PM Modi also said that the farm laws the women MPs who enriched the were passed through an Ordinance and was in service with the Indian Navy for nearly House proceedings with their three decades. later by Parliament. He also asserted Purchase on MSP increased after the laws thoughts." that no mandis were shut after the were formed," he added. "Some used to term India 'miracle A bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde issued implementation of these laws, adding that PM Modi said, "Three farm laws were democracy', we broke this illusion; notice to the Centre and others seeking their Minimum Support Price (MSP) did not brought in by the government, these Democracy is woven in our breath, every responses on a plea filed by a firm which seeks end anywhere in the nation. agricultural reforms are important and thought, initiative," he added. preservation of the ship from being dismantled "This House, our Government and we all necessary. Congress MPs in House He also said, "Predictions were made India and for creating it as a museum. respect the farmers who are voicing their debated on the colour of the laws cannot survive as a nation, but people of The centaur-class aircraft carrier, INS Viraat, was views on the farm bills. This is the reason (black/white), it would have been better if our country proved them wrong. in service with the Indian Navy for 29 years why senior Ministers of the Government they had debated on the content and intent We are now a ray of hope for the world. The before being decommissioned in March 2017. are constantly talking to them. There is of the laws."Speaking on COVID-19 new world order is emerging post- The Centre had in July 2019 informed the 300, popularly called ‘White Tigers’, Anti great respect for the farmers," said PM pandemic, PM Modi said, "We could win COVID. We will have to be a strong Modi in Lok Sabha. against COVID-19 as our sanitation Parliament that its decision to scrap Viraat was Submarine aircraft Sea king Mk 42B – also player and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' is the taken after due consultation with the Indian "Farm laws were passed through an workers kept patients clean-when nobody way forward. known as ‘Harpoons’ – Sea King Mk 42 C and Ordinance & later by Parliament. No else went close to them, it was a matter of Navy. INS Viraat holds the world record, as the SAR helicopter Chetak as an integral flight. life & death for them too. They came as a Today we can hear 'Vocal for Local' in every mentioned in the Guinness Book of records, for mandis were shut after the corner of India. People look for local. The indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters implementation of these laws, MSP did form of God. Ambulance drivers knew being the longest-serving warship of the world. ‘Dhruv’ and the Russian twin rotor Kamov-31 that they're driving a COVID positive This sense of self-respect is working a lot not end anywhere in the nation. It's a truth for Aatmanirbhar Bharat." The ship which was the centrepiece of the Indian has also operated from the ship. which we hide, it has no meaning. person, they came as a form of God." Navy housed the fighters Sea Harriers of INAS Assam Congress asked Indian sailors stuck Section 144 imposed in this UP district aboard MV Anastasia citizens to film issues in state, to leave Japan today, ahead of kisan mahapanchayat to gift iPhone12 to winners Saharanpur. Ahead of kisan farmers in Bijnor and Muzaffarnagar Guwahati. In an attempt to understand the will arrive in India by mahapanchayat, Section 144 was districts on February 13. problems in the state, Assam Pradesh imposed in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur Congress had earlier extended its full Congress Committee (APCC) on Tuesday February 14 district on Wednesday (February 10), support to the call for ‘chakka jam’ (February 9) launched a social media video due to various reasons including from farmers for three hours last week. contest as part of its manifesto building upcoming festivities, COVID-19 The grand old party and the other campaign called ‘Assam Bachao’. pandemic and law and order. opposition parties have raised their The campaign is a 10-day video contest on District Magistrate of Saharanpur issued concern against the new farm laws. social media. Months ahead of the Assembly an order citing various reasons including Farmers have been protesting at different polls in Assam Congress has asked people to upcoming festivities, the spread of borders of the national capital since post a two-minute video on the biggest issues COVID-19 pandemic and the possibility struggle. The BJP government will have to November 26 last year against the three and problems of the state. The best videos of violence by the anti-social elements in withdraw the black agriculture law," newly enacted farm laws: Farmers’ would be given prizes ranging from iPhone to the state. Priyanka Vadra tweeted (in Hindi). Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion cash. The move comes ahead of the Congress She was heading towards Saharanpur to and Facilitation) Act, 2020; the Farmers To participate in the contest, till February 19, General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi attend kisan mahapanchayat and was also Empowerment and Protection) people have to record and post a two-minute Vadra’s visit to attend kisan scheduled to offer prayers at Shakumbhari Agreement on Price Assurance and farm video along with the hashtag #AssamBachao mahapanchayat. "Today I will be in Devi Temple before attending the Services Act 2020 and the Essential on any major social media platform and then The Union Shipping Minister Mansukh Saharanpur to listen, understand, share my programme. The Congress leader is also Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020. submit the link on the AssamBachao website. Mandaviya on Wednesday announced that feelings with the farmers and support their expected to also conduct a dialogue with Launching the campaign, Lok Sabha Member Indian sailors stuck aboard cargo ship MV and party's manifesto committee chief Anastasia are leaving Japan and will reach Gaurav Gogoi said that to solve a problem, India on February 14. Mandaviya thanked Mamata Banerjee did nothing for tribals, we have to acknowledge and understand the the efforts of the Indian embassy in China issue, and this video contest is a first step. in the safe return of the Indian seafarers. "The feedback from this campaign would tell farmers of Bengal: BJP president JP Nadda us what are the most urgent issues to be taken up in our election manifesto and the New Delhi. Indian sailors stuck aboard cargo ?Alleging that the Mamata Banerjee dispensation has not done anything for the welfare of the farmers and manifesto would offer the solutions to these ship MV Anastasia in China will reach India on February 14, the Union Shipping Minister tribals in West Bengal, BJP president JP Nadda said on Wednesday (February 10) that his party will ensure very issues and problems," he told the media. Mansukh Mandaviya announced on all-round advancement of the people of the state if voted to power. Gogoi, son of former three-time Assam Chief Minister and veteran Congress leader late Wednesday. Kalaikunda.Alleging that the Mamata president alleged, addressing a large Mandaviya thanked the efforts of the Indian Tarun Gogoi, said that it is time for the youth Banerjee dispensation has not done number of people who joined the tea to take charge of their own future and save the embassy in China in the safe return of the anything for the welfare of the session. Indian seafarers. state from the BJP's evil and motivated farmers and tribals in West Bengal, Nadda was accompanied by BJP state designs. Taking to microblogging site Twitter, BJP president JP Nadda said on president Dilip Ghosh, who is also Mandaviya said, "Great start of the day! Our Wednesday (February 10) that his the local MP, and another party MP "Ranging from increasing the prices of stranded seafarers of MV Anastasia are party will ensure all-round Sukanta Majumdar. essential commodities to the implementation coming back to India! The crew will sign off advancement of the people of the He claimed that the lotus (BJP of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, against from Japan today and will reach India on state if voted to power. symbol) will ensure the blooming of the wishes of majority of people, the saffron 14th Feb. And soon will be reunited with He said that those who won the the state through development, party has decided to spoil the peace, their families! Appreciate the efforts of elections in the name of 'Ma, Mati, asserting that the BJP will win the prosperity and ethnic harmony of Assam," Indian Embassy in China and Team MSC." Manush', are now engaged in upcoming assembly elections in Congress’s Deputy leader in the Lok Sabha A total of 39 Indian crew members were "dictatorship, appeasement and West Bengal. said.Congress’ state president Ripun Bora stranded on two cargo ships in Chinese strongarm tactics". Nadda said that the prime minister, said the social media campaign would bring waters.The MV Anastasia, with 16 Indians "The Mamata Banerjee government Maintaining that the people of the state have during his visit to the state on out the people's resentment against the BJP’s as crew, had been on anchorage near has done nothing for the welfare of farmers been deprived of the Ayushman Bharat Sunday (February 7), dedicated the misrule. Caofeidian port since September 20. and the tribals," Nadda said while attending healthcare scheme and the farmers are not nation’s oil, gas and road projects worth "This is just the first step. The Congress party is The Chinese authorities did not allow the ship a 'cha chakra' (tea session) at a village here getting benefits of PM-Kisan, he said that more than Rs 4,700 crore. gearing up for an innovative campaign that to either dock or go for a crew change for in the West Midnapore district. these will be made available once the BJP He said that Rs 25,000 crore has been allotted would bring out the people's resentment months due to restrictions which had been Claiming that wrongs done to the poor people forms government in the state. to the state in the Union Budget for road imposed due to coronavirus pandemic. against the BJP’s mis-governance,” he said. of the state will not continue for long, he "On one side there is Narendra Modi who construction and upgradation by the Modi The BJP’s attempts to muzzle the people's While, twenty three sailors on board MV Jag said "in the coming elections Mamata wants the advancement of Bengal and on government."We will ensure all-round Anand returned to India last month. the other is Mamata Banerjee who is trying voices with intimidation and fear psychosis Banerjee has to go and the lotus will development of West Bengal," Nadda won't last till polling day. bloom". to stop all development projects," the BJP added. Shiv Sena targets PM Modi over Uttarakhand glacier burst with a meditation in cave jibe Mumbai.The Shiv Sena on Wednesday Rudra cave - near the Kedarnath temple. He already warned after Kedarnath forming another committee in the targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and had spent a day in the cave meditating, a that such thing can happen again," name of study," the Shiv Sena the Centre over the Uttarakhand glacier burst photograph of which had gone viral at the the party said. said. incident. In an editorial piece in party time. His visit had come soon after the Launching an attack on the Centre "Dam and water accumulation due mouthpiece Saamana, the Shiv Sena said, election campaign for the 2019 Lok Sabha over the Kedarnath incident in to energy projects increases the "Only meditating in the Himalayan caves" polls, which the BJP won. Later, the 2013, the Shiv Sena said, "The pressure on the Himalayan would not protect geologically fragile state Uttarakhand government developed two committee of experts, formed by mountain range and the icebergs. of Uttarakhand. more caves. All three caves became a tourist the Supreme Court after the Due to this, during the cold days Without naming PM Modi, the Saamana hotspot in Kedarnath. K e d a r n a t h i n c i d e n t , h a d and when the snow was falling on editorial said, "Only meditating in the The editorial - titled, "Cry of Devbhoomi, Stop submitted a report saying that the high peaks, the event of Himalayan caves won't protect the the Strike Projects" - said the glacier burst in hydropower projects in breaking of the iceberg occurred," Devbhoomi. To protect Devbhoomi, the Uttarakhand was not a natural disaster. "It Uttarakhand and the total the Shiv Sena said. assault on Devbhoomi caused by energy was due to man-made encroachment," it Himalayan region can cause "Ignoring what had happened in projects will have to be stopped. If not done said. terrible disaster. The committee Kedarnath in 2013 came at a so, our future generations will have to see It further said no lessons were learnt from the had also said that Kedarnath cost," the Shiv Sena said. A much bigger disasters." catastrophe that took place in Kedarnath incident occurred due to such cloudburst and subsequent Uttarakhand is often called the Devbhoomi, seven years ago. "The current glacier burst projects." hydropower projects of the Ganga Valley. landslides wreaked havoc in Uttarakhand in the abode of gods. The swipe at PM Modi has swept away so many people and "After the report of this committee, theHowever, before the court's decision, the 2013 killing hundreds of people and causing came in reference to his visit to a cave - hydroelectric project dams. Experts had Supreme Court gave a stay order on 24government adjourned the matter by massive loss of properties. 2 New Delhi, Thursday, 11 February, 2021 NATIONAL THE SIKH TIMES

NEWS BOX Farmers of Nuh, Alwar to launch fresh protest Retired tehsildar sells plots in GURUGRAM: Villagers in Nuh, along with those from Alwar, on Tuesday held a meeting to draw a roadmap for launching a fresh protest site from February 13 near illegal colony in Sohna, booked Ferozepur-Jhirka. Members organising the protest said GURUGRAM: A retired tehsildar and his plots of sizes ranging from 100 square yards there is growing resentment Delhi-based partner have been booked for to 500 square yards, he said.Batth further among farmers and villagers with developing an illegal colony on over three said the department immediately wrote to the government over the way they acres of prime land in Sohna and selling its police so that unauthorised colonies on have been treated. “The plots. agricultural land can be stopped. The FIR movement briefly appeared to be losing steam but is now infused The department of town and country was filed on January 18. The department has with fresh energy after Rakesh planning (DTCP) has also written to the also requested police to keep a vigil in the Tikait’s emotional appeal. The revenue department on Tuesday to stop area and bring any instance of unauthorised government has to listen to us and registration of these plots and raze the construction to the notice of DTCP. “We shun its dictatorial attitude,” said a unauthorised structures constructed in the have strict directions from DTCP director Nuh-based farmer leader and colony. KM Pandurang to stop mushrooming of Samyukt Kisan Morcha member. The accused persons have been identified as illegal colonies and ensure no agricultural On February 13, farmers will gather Kanwal Singh Yadav and Tula Ram, a land is encroached upon by builders,” Batth at Navgaon village and march resident of Delhi.Singh was the tehsildar said.Yadav and Ram had also dug up illegal towards the Haryana-Rajasthan of Nuh tehsil when he retired. During his borewells. In the pamphlets, the duo had border.“The idea is to keep promoted plots in the illegal colony as an marching. Wherever we are tenure as naib tehsildar and tehsildar, stopped, we will declare that place Yadav was posted in Rohtak, Sirsa and attractive investment, citing its proximity to as our sit-in protest site,” said Sher Nuh. He was in the news during a large IGI airport, Delhi-Mumbai industrial Mohammed, one of the organising part of his tenure, but for all the wrong corridor and world-class educational members. Others said the protest reasons. In 2015, when Yadav was posted institutions. The builders had used the site will be jointly run by members as a naib tehsildar in Sirsa, he was booked photos of these educational institutions in of the Sikh community from after he allegedly sexually harassed a advertisements to lure investors. A senior Rajasthan and Meo from Nuh. woman subordinate. He was later granted DTCP official said there were around 35 bail by the Punjab and Haryana high court. plots and farmhouses of sizes ranging from Block officials in Four years later, in Charkhi Dadri tehsil of 108 to 382 sq yards in the colony. Pataudi ‘fudge Rohtak, he was suspended after a He said licensed development is already complainant alleged that Yadav sought a underway in all urban sectors under Sohna papers, siphon off bribe for registry of a property. He was Master Plan. In sectors 32 and 33 in funds’, booked later transferred to Nuh’s Kanina tehsil, business associate Tula Ram started granted any licence, sanction, permission or particular, several licences have been issued where he got into a dispute with Ateli MLA construction and sale in an illegal plotted approval from DTCPfor the colony. for residential plotted colonies, group housing colonies, commercial colonies and GURUGRAM: Five people, Sitaram Yadav. The tehsildar then sought residential colony along the Gurugram- District town planner (enforcement) RS Batth including the block development police security and a transfer to Nuh tehsil Sohna state highway in Sector 33 of Sohna. said the duo carved out an unauthorised affordable housing projects. The developers and panchayat officer (BDPO) and citing threats from MLA. On inspection of the illegal colony, the officials colony and sold and advertised plots in of these projects have paid huge amounts of the chairman of the block According to a complaint received by the found that the accused persons have not been violation of the norms. They were selling money as external and internal development committee of Pataudi, have been department on January 18, Yadav and his charges to the state, he added. booked for corruption in road repairing work. The officials are After leopard deaths, steps accused of forging documents and No proper link to main sector road, Vipul siphoning off government funds. to check speed on The officials booked include Pataudi Lavanya residents fear being cut off BDPO Arun Kumar and block Gurugram-Faridabad road, committee chairman Rakesh Gurgaon: If a neighbouring property builder installed few concrete structures to connectivity for the past 6 years and this is an wildlife tunnels on cards Yadav. The road roller they takes over the land marked for the road demarcate their land, residents alleged. additional problem created for us. We fear Gurgaon: On the direction of the Sarv Jatiya khap, claimed to use for the repair work connecting Vipul Lavanya to the revenueResidents said that when they wrote to the that if we don’t object now, the other builder turned out to be a two-wheeler, road, the residents will have no route left to developer —Vipul Ltd — they got no will further construct something on the road Haryana’s biggest, people from nearly 5,000 villages police said.As per the norms to travel to the other parts of the city.response. Thereafter, they approached the obstruct our way. We are not against any on Monday started moving towards the sites along sanction money for local projects, This is what is troubling the 500 families officials of Landmark Ltd, who said that the construction, our only concern is to have Delhi’s borders where farmers have been agitating the bill needs to have the staying in the Sector 81 society. said land belongs to them and they are free to access to roads without any blockade.” for months.The Sarv Jatiya khap, which wields registration number of the road On Tuesday, the residents wrote to the deputy make constructions there.“This road Meanwhile, a representative of Vipul Ltd. said control over 160 khaps in Haryana, western UP and roller used for road construction commissioner of Gurgaon, commissioner of connects us to the revenue road leading to the that the land parcel belongs to Landmark parts of Rajasthan, has asked farmers to donate Rs and repair work. In this case, as no Municipal Corporation of Manesar (MCM), main sector road. We have invested our life- Ltd., but it is a part of sector road plan of 100 for every acre they own. To form a continuous road roller was used, the officials the department of town and country planning long savings to have a decent home, but now Sector 81 which they have to build and chain, the khap has also told villagers to take along 10 forged a bill and mentioned the (DTCP) and the commissioner of Gurgaon we feel cheated. We are still awaiting basic handover to the authorities. He further said others in their tractors. Every time a farmer returns to registration number of a two- police, seeking their intervention to ensure amenities which were promised to us by the that they have constructed the road after the the village, he or she will take back 10 others, who in wheeler and got the bill that the 24-metre road helping them to builder,” said Amit Shekhar, a resident of the consent from the Landmark Ltd. and the turn will take 10 more persons to the protest sites next sanctioned. connect with the 60-metre sector road is not society.Less than 200-metre road was management are also in consultation with the time.Sarva Jatiya khap’s national convenor Tekram The case came to light when RTI cut off for their reach.According to them, 10 developed by the Vipul Ltd. in 2015 and the Landmark Ltd.When contacted, the Kandela said they want to counter Union agriculture activist Ramesh Kumar got the days ago they noticed some people coming residents had collected the money last year to representative of the Landmark Ltd said, “We minister Narendra Singh Tomar’s claim that the copies of bills submitted for the with construction materials. Upon inquiry repair the road and make it motorable, have only done the demarcation process and protests were limited At least three leopards have road repairing work in November they were told the 24-metre road belongs to residents said. nothing more to block any access to road and died in the past six years by coming under the wheels last year. He then filed a complaint Landmark Ltd. On Monday, the company Mohit Donter, another resident said, “We are whatever the issue, it will be resolved of speeding vehicles after straying out of the forests. with police seeking registration of started taking measurements of the road and already suffering with no proper road amicably.” After last year putting up warning signage alerting FIR against the officials involved. motorists about the presence of wild animals in the An inquiry was conducted by DCP area, the state wildlife department is now installing (Manesar), after which an FIR was thermoplastic rumble strips that cause vibration and registered at Patuadi police station Noida: Guard at firm tries to thus help in slowing down vehicles. Already, such against Arun Kumar, Rakesh rumble strips have been installed at four accident- Yadav and three others under prone spots on the Gurugram-Faridabad road and one sections 420 (cheating), 409 on the Pali-Faridabad stretch. Two underpasses are (breach of trust) and 120B fight off robber, shot dead also on the cards.Rajesh Chahal, wildlife inspector of (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC Gurugram, told TOI, “We have installed four rumble on Monday. “Corruption like this NOIDA: A security guard employed with a inside the security control room and three strips on the Gurugram-Faridabad road and one on is the reason for bad roads. cash and logistics company was shot dead in others inside the company’s premises. In Officials take the money and the Pali-Faridabad road, where there have been cases the early hours of Tuesday, allegedly by a man the CCTV footage, during the brawl of fatal accidents involving wildlife in the past six construction of the road remains who had entered the premises with an between Uttam and the accused, another on paper,” the complainant said. years. We are also planning to create two underpasses intention to loot. guard can be seen entering the scene. on the Gurugram-Faridabad road this year. We have The incident took place around 4.22am, police Police said he failed to act on time even already sent a proposal to the Haryana government Grin & beer it: Noida said. The accused person, wearing a mask and though he had a rifle in his hand, which allowed the accused to flee. for approval.In fact, the wildlife department had carrying a country-made pistol and a bag on proposed to create the two underpasses on the to get microbreweries his back, jumped over one of the walls of the “He was negligent and didn’t shoot at the this month building that houses Bricks India Private accused even as he saw him jostling with Gurugram-Faridabad road after the Wildlife Institute Limited in Sector 4. Footage from CCTV the other guard. The accused came with an India (WII) pointed out in a report in 2017 that the NOIDA: For lovers of freshly cameras shows Uttam Kesarwani, the 44- intention of theft and knew the premises belt is a rich leopard habitat and abundance of brewed beer in the city, here is a year-old guard, coming to blows with him and well. We are probing if he had worked wildlife is thriving in this region of the Aravalis. A “pint” to celebrate. Two trying to fight him off. After a two-minute- there in the past or if an insider is nine-year-old male leopard was killed on the same microbreweries are set to open in road near Pali on October 1 last year and one more long scuffle, the accused manages to escape, flees.At the time of the incident, there were involved,” additional DCP (Noida) Gardens Galleria Mall and in a returns to shoot the guard in the chest and then Ranvijay Singh said. crushed to death in January 2019. restaurant in Sector 63 by the end five guards present – two, including Uttam, of this month.The owners of Ministry of Sound and The Yellow Chilli have been granted MB5 licences, which will allow them to operate microbreweries on their premises. Both these restaurants Gurugram: Soon, patients can use app, dial a doctor were already serving liquor to customers for years. While several restaurants in Delhi GURUGRAM: By the end of this week, consulting services are available from 10am to 1pm and from and Gurgaon were serving freshly doctors is set to become a simpler and easier process 3pm to 5pm daily, for which people can register 15 brewed beer for long, it was only in for patients. All they would need to do is download an minutes prior to the opening time.In the past three June 2019 that the UP government app, fill in their details, scan the doctors’ profiles and months, Gurugram doctors have provided 3,240 paved the way for MB5 licences. then select one to speak to. consultations. The first microbreweries came up The E-Sanjeevani app, launched in June last year during The number of calls has gone up significantly -- from in Agra and Ghaziabad, but Noida the Covid-induced lockdown to provide patients free 100 in December to 2,552 in January. In February, so was behind in the race.Apart from tele-consultation with general physicians and far, 1,151 calls have been made on this the two microbreweries, licences gynaecologists, will add 15 more services, including application.“We are getting between 150 and 200 calls have also been granted for two high-end liquor vends that will those of orthopaedic specialists, otolaryngologists every day in the last 10 days, many of them from serve premium brands to (ENT), surgeons, psychologists and paediatricians. expecting mothers. We have been asking our local customers. “We have initiated the More than 400 government doctors across the state, primary health centres to motivate people to contact process of granting licences to including 33 from Gurugram, are registered on the doctors through this app and avoid visiting hospitals if individuals in keeping with the app.“The aim of this service is to ensure that the they have comorbidities or are pregnant,” said Dr Isha recent policies of the state patient stays at home and can get video consultation Narang, deputy civil surgeon, in-charge of non- government. So far, we have not with specialists. It is especially helpful for people with communicable diseases, Gurugram.Many patients got any response from restaurant comorbidities and pregnant women,” said Gurugram said they have found the app extremely useful. In her owners in Greater Noida. But yes, chief medical officer (CMO) VirenderYadav. second trimester now, 33-year-old Aarti Gupta was the response in Noida has been overwhelming this time,” said RB Patients can download the Android app or log in through “delighted” to discover she could consult doctors with Singh, the district excise officer. esanjeevaniopd.in, register their details, including the ‘call now’ button. “This is a much-needed service. Both the restaurants that have bagged phone number. Once the OTP is entered, a token It is a scary time to visit hospitals because of Covid- the MB5 licences are hopeful of number and patient ID is generated. The patients can 19. Moreover, the consultancy fee in private hospitals seeing a good turnout of young use the token number to see the complete profiles of is very high -- anywhere between Rs 500 and Rs customers. Virendra Kumar doctors and avail any service. They can then choose 2,000,” she added.Another resident, 29-year-old Singhal, the director of the the doctor they want to consult by using a ‘call now’ Milan Priyaranjan, told TOI he plans to opt out of the company that operates Ministry of button on the app. Previous health records or tele-consultation that Sound, said, “We were initially prescriptions and X-ray reports can also be uploaded. he was availing at a private city hospital. “I had pain in sceptical about opening the brewery. But business has picked After that, an e-prescription is generated and can be my knee and was paying Rs 1,500 for each session. I up over the past three months. used for getting medicines online.At present, the now plan to use the E-Sanjeevani app,” he said. 3 New Delhi, Thursday, 11 February, 2021 STATE THE SIKH TIMES

Malegaon blast case: Bombay HC asks Purohit about conspiracy meet, steps taken to prevent blast Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday asked Lt Col Prasad Purohit, one of the accused in 2008 Malegaon blast case, on what steps he had taken to prevent the blast since he claimed that he had attended the so called 'conspiracy meetings' with other accused as a part of his intelligence duty. A bench of Justices SS Shinde and Manish Pitale asked Purohit about a meeting that he had attended on January 26, 2008. As per the National Investigation Agency (NIA), this meeting was organised by a group called Abhinav Bharat and the conspiracy for the blast was hatched in Mumbai. Six people were killed and over 100 injured in the blast that took place near a mosque in Malegaon on September 29, 2008.The division bench of Justice S S Shinde and Justice Manish Pitale asked, "If he knew whatever was going to happen, did he take any step to prevent it? When was the meeting held and when did the blast take place?" Advocate Shrikant Shivade, appearing for Purohit, replied, "It was only a socio-political meet- ing. There is not even a whisper of the Malegaon blast case. The charge against Purohit is not of conducting the blast. The meeting happened on Jan 26-27,2008. The blast happened in September 2008."Purohit is seeking discharge from the Malegaon 2008 blast case slapped against him. According to Purohit, the government had not taken sanction for his prosecution and thus because of this procedural lapse, he should be discharged from the case. During the hearing on Tuesday, the bench also asked Purohit, "All this can be taken at the time of trial. Why should high court decide the matter now?" At this, Advocate Shivade replied, "None of the witness have taken my name. And more 100 witnesses will come, who have nothing against Purohit. He has been reinstated in service, why should he suffer going through this entire trial?" The court then asked advocate Sandesh Patil, who was representing the investi- gating agency NIA, about the stage of trial. Patil said that there are 159 witnesses who have been before the trial court and though 495 more are listed, about 300 more will be brought to court. The hearing is being conducted on a day-to-day basis. NAME CHANGE I, JASBIR KAUR KLAIR W/O Dossier on Iqbal Mirchi prepared by his cousin who KIRPAL SINGH resident of 1666/D GALI NO-1 KALKAJI NEW DELHI-110019 have changed my name to JASVIR wanted to report gangster to Scotland Yard: Details KAUR for all future purpose. Mumbai: Aclose aide of Iqbal Mirchi had tions -- across the globe. In his statement to the Hameed and submitted to the ED. The said docu- NAME CHANGE reportedly prepared a dossier on the basis of which agency on January 12 last year, one Mohammad ments which have been signed by Ismail reveal in I, Peter Tuboi S/O Late Sh. he was going to file a complaint against the late Sardar Hameed who is a British citizen and a real detail the illegal business operations of Mirchi, the Bartholomew R/O Village- underworld don and gangster and his sons with the estate agent revealed how a cousin brother of Iqbal role of his family members in the businesses, his Gangpichai, P.O. Churachandpur, Scotland Yard in the United Kingdom.The aide, also Mirchi who was a Pakistani national was set to file a association with Mirchi, and the death of one Amar P.S.Churachandpur, Distt. related to Iqbal Mirchi, worked for the gangster for complaint against the gangster with the Scotland Suvarna who once worked for Mirchi. What is in Churachandpur, Manipur 795128, around 26 years and had closely seen his business- Yard. The relative, identified as Mehmood Ismail, the dossier? Here are the details. Mirchi's smug- declare that I have changed my name from ‘MANGA PETER es. The Enforcement Directorate last week filed a had apparently discussed with Hameed the docu- gling operations in 1980s at Alibag: Mehmood KUKI’ to ‘PETER TUBOI’ and shall supplementary chargesheet against Mirchi, former ments to be handed over to Scotland Yard and had Ismail was born on July 6, 1949, and Iqbal Mirchi henceforth be known as ‘PETER DHFL promoter Kapil Wadhawan and family mem- even handed over some papers to a UK-based was his maternal uncle's son. They were first TUBOI for all future purposes. bers of Mirchi along with various others in the case Barrister named Jas Chotu. The complaint couldn't cousins and grew up together. Ismail moved to under investigation by the agency.The agency be filed as Ismail’s health worsened following which Karachi in 1966 and got his Pakistani passport in PUBLIC NOTICE uncovered details of drug, arms, gold smuggling he returned to Pakistan where he died. The dossier 1982. In 1982, Iqbal asked Ismail to come to This is for notice of the general pub- operations by Mirchi and his associates and modus against Iqbal Mirchi and his family members that Mumbai and help in the smuggling operations that lic that a political party is proposed to operandi used to launder huge amount of proceeds Ismail had given to Chotu was then collected by he ran from Alibag in Raigad. be registered by the name of All of crime by him in India, the UK, India Secular Front. The office of the NAME CHANGE party is located at Vill. & P.O.: Canada, and UAE. Iqbal Mirchi also NAME CHANGE Furfura, P.S.: jangipara, Dist.: I, MANJU spouse of JC-681806P bought properties worth thousands of I, Rakesh Kumar s/o Om Hooghly, Pin-712 706,West Bengal. Sub/ASH Vinod Kumar resident of Prakash Residing at, 9/4282, This Party has submitted application crores through the proceeds of crime Vill Nadiya, PO Kahalgaon, Distt Ajeet Nagar, Gandhi Nagar, to the Election Commission of India, -- primarily the drug smuggling opera- Bhagalpur, State Bihar-813203 Delhi-110031, have changed my New Delhi for its registration as have changed my name from name to Rakesh Verma for all Political Party under Section 29A of MANJU to MANJU DEVI vide affi- future purposes. the Representation of People Act., NAME CHANGE davit sworn by notary Sanjeeb 1951- Names / address of the office- I, Raj Son of Manoj H No-396 lahkar of Tinsukia, Assam dated 09 bearers of the Party are as follows : Mulla Market Sector -56 A, NAME CHANGE Feb 2021 All India Secular Front, Furfura, P.S.: Rajeev Colony , Ballabgarh , I, SANJIV BAJAJ S/O BIHARI Ballabgarh , Faridabad, Haryana- Jangipara, Dist. : Hooghly, Pin - 712 706 LAL BAJAJ resident of H NO- PUBLIC NOTICE President/Chairman: Md. 121004. Have Changed My 784 SECTOR 37 FARIDABAD father’s Name Manoj to Manoj My client Subhash Chand S/o Nawsad Siddique Furfura, HARYANA -121003 have Sh.Prabhati Lal & Smt Kamlesh Devi Gupta for all future Purpose. Jangipara, Hooghly Pin - 712 706 changed my name to SANJEEV W/o Sh. Subhash Chand, R/o B- General Secretary : Shahanshah BAJAJ for all future purpose 1037,Gali No.3,Sangam Vihar, Delhi Jehangir 68, Shakespeare Saran, -110080,has disowned and NAME CHANGE Kolkata - 700 017 debarred their sons Sher Singh & Treasurer: Gazi Shahabuddin Siraji I, KARPAL SINGH KLAIR S/O NAME CHANGE Harish Kumar and his wife namely Paschim Madhabpur, Madhabpur, PIARA SINGH resident of I Kasturba Devi w/o Uma Shankar Smt. Vandana from their all movable, Bhangore South 24 Parganas, 743 1666/D GALI NO-1 KALKAJI r/o Jhuggi No. 575, Mukherjee immovable properties have no 502 If anyone has any objection to NEW DELHI-110019 have Park, Subhash Nagar crossing, relation with them in future if the registration of All India Secular changed my name to KIRPAL Subhash Nagar Chand Nagar, anybody deals with them will do so at Front they may send their Objection SINGH for all future purpose. West Delhi-110018 have changed his/her own risk. Advocate: B.P.GAUTAM with reasons thereof, to the my name to Laxmi for all purposes. CH.103, SAKET COURTS Secretary (Political Party) Election NAME CHANGE Commission of India, Nirvachan Sadan, Asoka Road, New Delhi - I, ANJULA RANA W/O NO- NAME CHANGE 110 001 within 30 days of the publi- 5049265H HAV DEVID RANA I, Neelofar w/o Kamal R/o S-5/54 cation of this notice. R/O VILL-CHAMONG TEA Third Floor Nizam Nagar Basti ESTATE, PO-POKHRIABONG, Hazrat Nizamuddin South Delhi - TEH & DISTT-DARJEELING, 110013.Have Changed my (W.B.)-734216, have changed Name from Neelofar to Nilofar for THE SIKH TIMES my name from ANJULA RANA to all future Purpose. ANJULA CHHETRI RANA for all Edited, Printed, Published future purpose and vide affidavit Owned by Simmi Babbar dated 10/02/2021 before Notary NAME CHANGE N - 31, Dr. Mukherjee Nagar Public, Delhi. I, MONIKA KUMARI W/O NO- Delhi-110009 JC522499W SUB NARINDER Printed at Qaumi Patrika Printing SINGH R/O VILLAGE-BAGGA Press, A-4/A-144, Tronica City NAME CHANGE BAROTA, PO-NEHRI, TEH- (Loni), Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) |, KUMARI SANDHYA KUMARI AMB, DISTT-UNA, (H.P)- Corporate Office: daughter of JC-681806P 177210, have changed my name 5, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Sub/ASH Vinod Kumar resident from MONIKA KUMARI to Press Area, ITO, New Delhi of Vill Nadiya, PO Kahalgaon, MONIKA JARIAL for all future Editor-in-Chief Distt Bhagalpur, State Bihar- purposes and in my husband’s Gurcharan Singh Babbar 813203 have changed my name service record my date birth from KUMARI SANDHYA wrongly mentioned as Mob : 9654077232, 9971359517 KUMARI to SANDHYA KUMARI 01/04/1977 instead of my correct Website : www.thesikhtimes.in vide affidavit sworn by notary date of birth as 12/08/1978 vide Email : [email protected] Sanjeeb lahkar of Tinsukia, affidavit dated 10/02/2021 before Assam dated 09 Feb 2021. Notary Public Delhi. RNI No. DELENG/2008/25465 New Delhi, Thursday, 11 February, 2021 DELHI/NCR THE SIKH TIMES 4

NEWS BOX Republic Day violence: Another accused Iqbal India Logs 11,067 New COVID- Singh arrested in Punjab New Delhi.The Delhi Police Special Cell on 19 Cases In Last 24 Hours Wednesday arrested one more person in connection to the Republic Day violence case. Iqbal Singh, one of the accused in the case, was arrested from Hoshiyarpur in The new cases take the cumulative count of people infected with the virus in the country to Punjab on Tuesday night. 1,08,58,371, including 1,41,511 active cases and 1,05,61,608 recoveries. Delhi Police had been searching for Singh over his role in the Red Fort incident on New Delhi. India has reported 7,36,903 samples were tested January 26, 2021 and had announced a 11,067 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, the Indian Council cash reward of Rs 50,000 for any and 13,087 recoveries in the last of Medical Research (ICMR) information on his whereabouts. 24 hours, informed the Union informed.The sustained low Several videos of Iqbal Singh had surfaced Ministry of Health and Family number of daily cases and from January 26, where he was seen urging Welfare on Wednesday. rising recoveries have ensured a crowds to enter the at Red Fort. He has The new cases take the continuous fall in active cases, been accused of instigating the crowd near cumulative count of people the Union health ministry said the Lahori Gate to storm the Red Fort. infected with the virus in the on Tuesday. Singh, a resident of Ludhiana in Punjab, has country to 1,08,58,371, India's average daily deaths also been on the run ever since the agitation in including 1,41,511 active cases continue to sharply decline. Delhi on Republic Day when a peaceful and 1,05,61,608 recoveries. From a high of 211 in the farmers’ tractor rally against the Centre’s With 94 deaths registered in the second week of January 2021, farm laws turned violent. last 24 hours, the total number average daily deaths have He is likely to be interrogated by the police to of deaths toll now stands at reduced to 96 in the second find out more details about the case. 1,55,252. week of February 2021, Big breakthroughThe arrest comes as a As many as 66,11,561 COVID- registering a decline of 55 per crucial breakthrough in the Delhi Police’s 19 vaccinations have been cent, it said. investigation in the case, shortly after actor administered to the people in "India's case fatality rate (CFR) Deep Sidhu was arrested by SWR Range the country so far, the Ministry of 1.43 per cent is amongst the of the Special Cell. said. A total of 20,33,24,655 lowest in the world and the Sidhu, too, is accused of instigating a group samples have been tested for global average is 2.18 per cent," of farmers to storm the Red Fort on the coronavirus, out of which the ministry added. Republic Day and his name was mentioned in the FIR filed by Delhi Police. After Sidhu’s arrest, police said the last few videos of him were uploaded by his friend Navy sailor death case: Mystery deepens as BDA chairman vs from California to confuse authorities about his whereabouts. After he was accused of instigating the farmers on police probe CCTV footage, mobile numbers commissioner over Rs Republic Day, Sidhu had gone missing and released a number of videos on his social A team of police from the Palghar district of Maharashtra, probing the murder of an Indian Navy sailor, 500 crore land allotment media account to defend himself. R-Day violence has found a CCTV footage that does not match with the statement given by the 27-year-old sailor On January 26, thousands of protesting before he died of burn injuries. Here are some details as the murder case took a mysterious turn. to housing society farmers had clashed with police after a peaceful farmers’ tractor rally turned Mumbai. Mystery surrounding the alleged probe appeared from the statements of the violent. The rally was called by farmer abduction of Indian Navy sailor Suraj villagers near the crime scene. The villagers unions to reiterate their stance on the Dubey and murder by setting him on fire has told the investigation team that they did not Centre’s farm laws. deepened.A team of police from the Palghar see any vehicle going towards Vevjipada, Many of the protestors were seen engaging district of Maharashtra has found a CCTV where Dubey was allegedly set ablaze by in vandalism at various areas of the footage that does not match with the the abductors. national capital, while some stormed the statement given by the Navy sailor before he What we knew till now Red Fort.Some of the protestors even died of burn injuries. The deceased naval sailor was a resident of hoisted a religious flag on its domes and a The CCTV footage found by the Palghar flagstaff at the ramparts, where the Kolhu village in the Palamu district of police shows the deceased roaming alone Jharkhand. Identified as Suraj Kumar national flag is traditionally unfurled by outside the airport in Chennai. The CCTV Bengalaru.Arift between Bangalore the prime minister on Independence Day. Dubey, he was posted with the Leadership footage, taken from various locations bus stand and the airport till wee hours. Training Establishment at INS Agrani near DevelopmentAuthority (BDA) Chairman SR outside the Chennai airport, bus stand and a The Palghar police also found that Dubey's Coimbatore. On January 15, Dubey got Vishwanath and Commissioner HR Mahadev restaurant show navy sailor Suraj Dubey, cousin Chandan Kumar, who had called the engaged and was to get married soon. He has come to the fore. The differences are Muslim law allows minor 27, roaming alone in the area. deceased earlier, got a response from the had returned to Chennai from his hometown believed to have emerged following the Suraj Dubey was allegedly abducted from navy sailor's mobile number. According to in Ranchi on January 30. allotment of land worth Rs 500 crore to girls to marry on Chennai a week ago, taken to Maharashtra Chandan Kumar, police said, the person Dubey landed at the Chennai airport around 9 Bhavani Housing Cooperative Society. after demanding a ransom, and then set calling from Dubey mobile number tried to pm on January 30. As he stepped out of the The BDA chairman alleged that the ablaze by the abductors at a remote location speak altering his voice, but he identified airport, Dubey had told the police, three commissioner cleared files overnight to allot attaining puberty: High in Palghar. He succumbed to his injuries a the caller as Dubey. Subsequently, the caller unidentified men robbed him of his mobile 12.4 acres to the housing society, which he few days ago. disconnected the call. phone worth Rs 5,000 at gunpoint. said is in violation of the CMs order against Court Mystery over abduction Police probe has found that Dubey had three The three accused then abducted Dubey and bulk allotment of land. In his statement to police, Dubey had said that mobile connections while his family was pushed him into a white SUV and demanded The society was reportedly supposed to get 40 Chandigarh.The Punjab and Haryana High he was abducted by three men on gunpoint aware about only two phone numbers. Rs 10 lakh as ransom.Dubey, in his acres of alternative land for plot acquired Court has said that a minor Muslim girl who as he left the airport on January 30. Palghar Following the call from the third number to statement to the police before his death on from it in 1988 by BDA for the development has attained puberty was at liberty to marry police, however, said the navy sailor could Chandan Kumar, the connection is dead, February 5, had said that he was kidnapped of Banashankari Layout. It received only anyone as per the Muslim Personal Law. be seen in the CCTV footage going to a and the mobile phone has remained and kept at some location in Chennai for partial land and was waiting for the remaining Referring to Article 195 of Muslim Personal restaurant alone and then roaming near the switched off.Another mismatch in police three days by the abductors. chunk. In 2017, the society applied for Law, the court said, "Lunatics and minors allotment and then once again in August who have not attained puberty may be 2020.On Saturday, BDA Commissioner validly contracted in marriage by their Mahadev issued an order to engineers to respective guardians. Marriage of a Muslim identify the land. having a sound mind and who has attained Major fire at LPG cylinder godown Chairman SR Vishwanath said, “Of 12.5 acres, puberty is void if it is brought about without about 7.5 acres of the land is being given for his or her consent."The court further said less than Rs 50,000 per acre. He was in a hurry that "puberty is presumed, in the absence of evidence, on completion of the age of 15 to hand over the land overnight but with the years".The order was passed by Justice Alka in Mumbai's Versova, 4 injured chief minister’s intervention, it was stopped. I Sarin while hearing a petition moved by a don’t understand his agenda. If there is any Muslim couple from Punjab. The scam, I would also be held responsible for it petitioners -- a 36-year-old man and 17- Four people were injured after a massive fire broke out after a series of though I am totally unaware of this kind of year-old girl -- who got married on January operation. He doesn't hand over files to me 21, 2021, as per Muslim ceremonies, had blasts at a cylinder godown in Versova area of Mumbai. either. I've asked for files and haven't been sought protection from the court, stating given. He doesn't meet me also.” that their relatives were against their Mumbai.At least four people suburb, officials said. Hitting back, BDA Commissioner Mahadev relationship.Justice Alka Sarin observed were injured after a major fire Four people were injured and said as per the BDAAct, the commissioner is that the petitioners cannot be deprived of the broke out in a godown where they have been taken to the the head and has the authority to issue orders. LPG cylinders were kept in fundamental rights provided by the nearby Cooper Hospital, a “I'm going by the rulebook. I am the authority as Constitution merely because their family suburban Andheri on civic official said. Over 15 fire Wednesday morning. per BDAAct. I shall also explain the situation members were against it. engines and water jetties were to the chief minister. I've sent all files to The court also said that family members had The fire broke out around 10.10 rushed to the spot, he said, chairman whenever he has asked me to do it.” am due to a cylinder blast in the adding that firefighting is still no right to interfere since the couple got Mahadev also added that the court has issued married as per the Muslim Personal Law. godown located on Yari Road on.The area has been in Versova area of the western evacuated. orders in the past to allot land to the same housing society. Slower Covid Spread In Asia? A Protein May Be Key, Say Indian Scientists

According to the scientists, a deficiency lineage infecting North America and human cells, and the human enzyme main function is to protect the lungs from finding, along with other social factors may European populations. TMPRSS2 cleaves at the junction of two inflammation and tissue damage, the study explain the differential geographical/ethnic of the protein Alpha-anti-trypsin (AAT) This variant spread so rapidly that in just 10 subunits S1 and S2 of the protein, enabling noted."The issue is that if we have high spread of 614G.Whilethe findings offer clues across the populations of Europe and weeks between February and March 2020 the virus to fuse with the cell," said study neutrophil elastase then it also creates more about the transmission of the virus variant, over 64.11 per cent of globally infected corresponding author Nidhan K Biswas from damage to the lung cells. So there is a balance Biswas cautioned against any interpretations North-America is one of the main factors individuals were identified to carry the NIBMG."But due to the D614G mutation in mechanism via the AAT enzyme that already of the study on disease severity and mortality mutant virus starting from only 1.95 per cent the spike protein, the virus gained an exists by nature in everyone's lungs," Biswas caused by the strain. that explain the rapid spread of this in January.However, the researchers, additional cleavage site which enables it to explained.According to the study, AAT He said the research also provides some clues variant in the two continents compared including those from the National Institute fuse better with cells," Biswas told . deficiency is highly prevalent in European on the spread of other variants of the of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG) in In lineages of the coronavirus carrying theand North-American populations, but much coronavirus such as the ones first reported in to its transmission in Asia. Kalyani,West Bengal, said this subtype took D614G mutation, the 614th molecule of theless in East Asia.Specifically, Biswas said the UK and South Africa which are "built on a significantly longer time to reach a 50 per virus spike protein -- aspartic acid -- denotedAAT deficiency in the general population is the backbone of the D614G mutation." New Delhi: Deficiency of a lung-protecting cent relative frequency in East Asia -- 5.5 by D is replaced by the molecule glycine, very high in Italy and Spain. "The UK and South African variants also have protein in the Caucasian population may months -- compared to the 2.15 months it noted as G."Instead of one cleavage site, the He explained that the lack of this protein makes this mutation backbone so they may have a have made Europe and North America more took in Europe, and the 2.83 months it took in mutated virus has two such sites, and it can it much easier for the neutrophil elastase similar transmissibility pattern, and probably susceptible to the spread of a coronavirus North-America.According to the scientists, a take dual advantage of this and enter cells molecule to act on the virus spike subunits, they may have additional capabilities that variant as compared to Asia, suggests a study deficiency of the protein Alpha-anti-trypsin more easily," Biswas explained. resulting in a significantly faster spread of scientists need to find out," Biswas added. by Indian scientists which also reveals how (AAT) across the populations of Europe and Based on the current study, he said this site in this mutant."The issue is that individuals However, he said further experimental studies mutant forms of the virus may find new ways North-America is one of the main factors that the virus is cleaved by the host protein with AAT deficiencies have high neutrophil on lab-cultured cells are needed to validate to infect people. explain the rapid spread of this variant in the neutrophil elastase which is normally levels and if they are infected with the SARS- these conclusions.The scientists believe the The study, published in the journal Infection, two continents compared to its transmissioninvolved in clearing up bacterial infections in CoV-2 virus with the D614G mutation, their findings open up the possibility for Genetics and Evolution, assessed the global inAsia. the lungs. cells can quickly take the virus up and into the considerations of AAT supplements in the spread of the coronavirus variant with the "For the coronavirus to enter cells, its spike The levels of the elastase molecules in the body whole system," the NIGMB scientist prevention of infection with the D614G D614G mutation, which is the predominant protein binds with the ACE2 receptor in are naturally kept in check by AAT whose explained.The researchers believe this subtype SARS-CoV-2virus. New Delhi, Thursday, 11 February, 2021 DELHI-NCR THE SIKH TIMES 5 42-year-old Nasik farmer cultivates yellow, purple cauliflower Nasik.A42-year-old farmer from been carried out in Switzerland and the The 42-year-old Maharashtra's Nasik has US. successfully cultivated a new type of Later, the small cauliflower seedlings farmer from Nasik hybrid crop, a coloured cauliflower were multiplied in large numbers at the worth Rs 16 lakh. Karnal testing farm in Haryana. Once purchased newly About 70 days ago, the farmer from the experiments got the desired results, Nasik purchased newly developed these hybrid seeds were sold to few developed seeds seeds that have been tested at the farmers in the country. Karnal farm in Haryana. The unique Mahindra Nikam is one such lucky farmer tested at a Karnal seeds have been developed by who got his hands on the unique seeds. Syngenta India Ltd in Pune. He has The nutrient value of this hybrid farm in Haryana. His purchased these seeds for nearly Rs cauliflower is very high. The 40,000. The specially designed Anthocyanins content gives anti- approximate earning cauliflower seeds were sowed in 30 bacterial and anti-cancer protection guntas at Mahindra Nikam's five- quality to the hybrid cauliflower. after the sale of these acre farm at Dabhadi village in Vitamin A content is also at a higher Nasik's Malegaon Taluka. range as compared to the normal colourful Mahindra was overjoyed to share that standing crop is ready for harvesting. His approximate conventional cauliflower. Vitamin A is as of date, his farm is having 20,000 kg of purple and earning after the sale of these colorful cauliflowers is said to be beneficial for eyesight, protection from flu cauliflowers is yellow cauliflowers. Mahindra Nikam has spent estimated to approximately Rs 16 lakh, ie, Rs 80 per kg. and for skin career. approximately Rs 2 lakh for seeds, irrigation, fertilizers Protected Crops Specialist Shirish Shinde, who Shirish Shinde of Syngenta assured that the Karnal farm pegged at Rs 16 lakh. and farm labour. represents Syngenta India Ltd, told India Today TV that has enough seeds to be able to supply to cauliflower As of now, Mahindra Nikam is the only farmer in the state various experiments have been carried out to invent the cultivating farmers which will be made available by who has these specially developed cauliflowers and his coloured cauliflower seeds. These experiments have September 2021. Active Covid cases drop to 796 candidates in battle SC junks Gujarat plea on 435 in Ahmedabad for 191 Ahmedabad AHMEDABAD. First time since April last year, active Covid-19 cases in the Municipal Corporation cooperative land parcels city dropped to less than 500, at 435 on Tuesday. The city reported 43 fresh cases on seats, BJP wins AHMEDABAD. A Supreme land status could be changed to Tuesday. In all, 76 persons were Court order has opened up the non-agricultural by charging a discharged from hospitals and one Naranpura path for regularization of land premium amount. However, the death was reported in the city. The held by cooperative societies and 2017 circular prevented this. active cases are likely to go below last purchased by farmers. The The landowners approached the 400 on Wednesday. On Tuesday apex court dismissed the Gujarat HC against the 2017 circular. morning, all the zones in the city had government’s appeal against a A single-judge bench in 2018 held cases below 100. high court order junking a 2017 that agricultural land, which was The western part of the city, including circular which restrained held by a cooperative society west zone, north west and south west regularization of such land. Most before the final sale to a farmer, zone, have 53% of the total active of these tracts, which are on the can be regularized on the cases. Of the 435 active cases, the outskirts of cities, are supposed payment of a fixed premium. It share of western part was 233. to be held by builders in the name was held that a cooperative- After Diwali, the western part had of farmers and co-operative society can be termed a ‘person’ societies. reported more cases. The Walled City for the purpose of land holding. areas have been witnessing a sharp In 2015, the Anandiben Patel The HC ordered the district decline in cases. Between February 1 government had amended the collector to take fresh decisions and February 9, the central zone Gujarat Tenancy and Agriculture on applications filed by the alone reported a drop of 72 cases, Act by inserting Section 63AB farmers for NApermissions. while 98 cases declined in the north which allowed an agricultural The state government west zone areas of Bodakdev, plot, even if sold to a non- unsuccessfully challenged the mainly formed by builders, could not Thaltej, Ghatlodia and Gota. agriculturist like a company or a decision before the division bench of the A senior official said that of the 435 cooperative, to be regularized for a regularize the sales as they were not high court as well as before the Supreme farmers. According to the state’s tenancy active cases, most of the patients are AHMEDABAD. A total of 796 candidates premium If it was last purchased by a Court. In the apex court, the bench of in home quarantine. “Hardly 40% of farmer. The last transaction should have laws, agricultural land could not be sold to Justices Navin Sinha and Krishna Murari will contest for the 191 Ahmedabad non-agriculturalists without the the patients are currently in Municipal Corporation seats. The BJP been made before June 2015. dismissed the state government’s appeal hospitals,” he said. The city has so far candidate from Naranpura was declared In 2017, claiming it was in the interest of permission of the district collector. As the last week and said, “We are not inclined to district collector repeatedly rejected their reported 57,457 cases, of which winner after her rival Congress candidate farmers, the state government issued a interfere with the order passed by the high 2,245 died because of Covid withdrew her candidature on Tuesday. circular annulling the provisions of this requests, NA (non-agricultural) court.” permission could not be obtained over the infection. On Monday, nominations of Congress amendment.The case before the courts Welcoming the judgment, real estate players On February 1 the city had 955 cases, candidates from Sardarnagar and pertains to land parcels in Ognaj village past two decades. stated that this will reduce the number of The 2015 amendment stated that if the last the first time the number of cases had Thakkarbapanagar were rejected. that were bought by cooperative societies litigations, and NA permissions will be come down to three digits. Bhartiben Panchal from Vastral and in 1990s. The cooperative societies, purchaser of the land was a farmer, the granted to such land parcels. Chandrikaben Raval from Naranpura withdrew their nominations on Tuesday, reducing the number of Congress candidates to 188. The BJP had candidates on each of the 192 seats. Discussion on Union Budget 2021 likely to begin first in Rajya Sabha Of the top five wards where the number of candidates was high, three are minority- The Union Budget has come up for discussion in Rajya Sabha before the Lok Sabha only five times in the past. dominated wards of Gomtipur, Maktampura and Behrampura. Of the New Delhi.In a rare event, the on Monday. 1963, 1965 and 2002. “ a b i d e b y t h e bottom five wards with lowest candidates, Union Budget 2021-22 may The Union Budget has come Disruption in Lok Sabha tradition”.Making an four are from the western parts of the city. come up for discussion in up for discussion in Rajya The cause for the deviation emotional appeal, the Bahujan Samaj Party has fielded 54 the Rajya Sabha before the Sabha before the Lok Sabha from customs is the strong minister said, “The Rajya candidates, while Aam Aadmi Party had Lok Sabha takes it up. Theonly five times in the past. and continuous disruption S a b h a h a s a l r e a d y fielded candidates on 158 seats. The budget announced byThe finance minister by Opposition in the Lok concluded the discussion on number of independents in the fray is 102 Finance Minister Nirmala presents the budget in the Sabha over the three farm motion of thanks. Why and other smaller parties have fielded 89 Sitharaman has been listedLok Sabha first with a laws since the start of the can’t we do it? Most of the candidates. for discussion in Rajyabudget speech and then Budget session of the members during informal The official said that Naranpura seat is Sabha on Wednesday afterthere is a customary laying Parliament. discussions admit that reserved for women candidates from where the Major Ports Bill.The of the budget in Rajya The Opposition has decided traditions should not be BJP candidate Brindaben Surti has been L o k S a b h a i s s t i l lSabha.Due to various to calm down and let the broken. Institutions should declared winner.All India Majlis-e-Ittehad- discussing the Motion ofreasons, the Rajya Sabha debate on President’s not be demeaned. We all are ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) had fielded it Thanks for the President’stook up the Union budget Address start only after the r e s p o n s i b l e f o r candidates on 20 seats. Address while the debate on for discussion before the defence minister appealed safeguarding the dignity of it concluded in Rajya Sabha Lok Sabha in 1955, 1959, to opposition members to institutions.” Liquor mafia kills UP constable: Main accused in Kasganj case shot dead in encounter with police While the prime accused in the Kasganj case has been shot dead in an encounter, police said the other one is yet to be nabbed. UP CM Adityanath has directed officials to take action against the culprits under the National Security Act. kasganj.The prime accused involved in the Superintendent of Police, Kasganj, Manoj Devendra, the SI has been identified as Ashok killing of a constable in Uttar Pradesh’s Sonkar said.Elkar, a resident of Nagla Kumar. Sources say the liquor mafia captured Kasganj district was was gunned down in an Dhimar village in the Sidhpura area here, was the cops and attacked them. The cops were encounter, police said on Wednesday. earlier booked under the Excise Act and was reportedly stripped and beaten up with sticks Hours after a constable was beaten to death and involved in spurious liquor trade with brother and other weapons. a sub-inspector seriously injured when a Moti Dhimar and others, police said. What did UP CM Adityanath say? police team went to a village in Kasganj to Another accused in the case is still on the run, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath serve a warrant to a liquor mafia kingpin, police said. directed officials to take stern action against Kasganj SP Manoj Sonkar said the prime What happened in Kasganj? the culprits under the National Security Act, accused was shot dead in an encounter on A police constable was killed and an SI according to a government spokesperson. Wednesday. wounded by goons in Kasganj area on Adityanath announced an ex-gratia of Rs 50 "Elkar and others were surrounded by a policeTuesday evening. The cops were attacked lakh to the kin of the deceased and job to a team on the banks of Kali river and in the when they had gone to raid an illegal liquor family member. He has asked for proper exchange of fire, he was injured. He was factory in the area. treatment of the injured, the spokesperson taken to a CHC in Sidhpur where he died," While the deceased constable was identified as added. New Delhi, Thursday, 11 February, 2021 EDITORIAL THE SIKH TIMES 6 Clean up Indian Railways: It must match its climate credentials with sound pollution and waste management An ecologically illiterate Budget Railways fascinate me. Professionally, I advocate for a massive expansion of rail networks to address the air pollution and climate crisis. Rail In 1991, when the then Finance Minister without which no amount of infrastructure transport is not only highly energy efficient Manmohan Singh ushered in economic reforms will be enough. compared to road and air transport, it can also that catapulted India into the global economy, I On several significant items The ‘Deep Ocean’ allocation is intriguing. It completely shift to renewable energy. It will, had asked him how he intended to balance rapid is being projected as a programme for therefore, play a significant role in reducing economic growth with environmental protection. conservation of biodiversity in the depths emissions from the transport sector. The Indian He said that the experience of the West is that once relating to the environment, of our marine areas. This would be cause Railways has recognised this potential and has there is enough money in the economy through for cheer, given the serious neglect of our set a target to achieve net zero carbon emission growth, it can be put for ecological purposes. oceanic areas. But the institutions that are by 2030, the most ambitious climate target set in A dismal gap given responsibility under this are the the country. allocations have remained Leaving aside the fallacy of believing that all Ministry of Earth Sciences, the Indian Personally, I love long train journeys. Travelling ecological damage can be compensated (a Space Research Organisation, the Defence on the Coromandel Express from Howrah to rainforest drowned under a dam can’t be stagnant or fallen Research and Development Organisation, Chennai, Netravati Express from Mangalore to recreated, however much money you pour into it), the Department of Atomic Energy, the Mumbai (when it ran on metre gauge), and the the truth is that governments have not put in the Council of Scientific and Industrial Rajdhani from Delhi to Mumbai and Kolkata are substantial new financial resources raised through Research, the Department of some of my favourite travel memories. But rapid growth into environmental protection. Biotechnology, and the Indian Navy, none with during all these times, like most people, I took Budgetary allocations for the Ministry of expertise in or even significant focus on marine for granted the noise, the open toilets (now Environment, Forest and Climate Change conservation. Instead, this could become a project stinking bio-toilets), and the waste along the (MoEFCC) have consistently fallen as a percentage for deep sea mining, for which already tracks and stations. But as Indian Railways is of total allocations. Second, even when there are explorations are going on.Potentially, an allocation expanding, modernising and privatising, increased allocations, such as for cleaning up the of ?18,000 crore for public transport could have environmental issues we overlooked in the past Ganga, their usage is ridden with such design flaws, significant benefits for people and the environment mustn’t be ignored anymore. inefficiencies and corruption that the environment is if it helps to reduce private vehicle density in cities. Indian Railways is big in every aspect; it runs the no better off than before. Steadily increasing levels But if much of this is allocated to the metro rather fourth largest railway system globally and of pollution, biodiversity loss, decline in forest than to buses and other such earthy alternatives carries 8 billion passengers and more than a health and destruction of wetlands is testimony to the (including last mile connectivity, incentives for billion tonnes of freight a year. These numbers dismal gap between governmental rhetoric and the walking and cycling), the picture becomes murky. are projected to increase by 50% over the next 10 environment, regardless of the party in power. Experience with the metro so far in India’s cities is years. As it’s already one of the largest The 2021 Budget is no different. On several significant one of significant environmental impact, as also consumers of water and energy and generator of items relating to the environment, and taking eventual lack of affordability for the poor. waste, its environmental footprint will increase inflation and needs into account, allocations have Some worrying allocations significantly in a business as usual scenario. remained stagnant or fallen. This includes the There is then the very worrying issue of allocations While Indian Railways has made significant MoEFCC and crucial institutions such as the massive ecological and social impacts are well to non-environmental sectors that have a negative progress in energy efficiency, renewable energy Wildlife Institute of India and the Indian Council of documented. Finally, even much of the solar and wind impact on the environment. For instance, the Budget and cleanliness, there are grave concerns of Forestry Research and Education. As Debadityo Sinha of energy is coming in the form of massive energy parks that proposes 11,000 km more of national highway corridors. water and noise pollution and waste the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy points out, this follows take up huge areas of land, displacing people and wildlife. In the last few years, massive road and dam construction management.Let’s first start with the law. For a an earlier recommendation by the Ministry of Finance that There is no indication in the Budget that the RE push would has fragmented fragile ecosystems and disrupted local long time, Railways had taken the view that the the government should disengage with many such community life in the Himalaya, Western Ghats, north- country’s key environmental laws – the Water, be predominantly decentralised, community-managed, institutions. One consequence of this is that these and with full environmental impact assessments east India and elsewhere. It is not only the road itself but the Air, and the Hazardous Waste Act – do not institutions are having to raise funds through the private what it brings with it that results in opening up previously apply to its operations. Therefore, no railway (currently not required for RE projects). Nor does the corporate sector, which inevitably compromises their Budget have anything on curtailing wasteful and luxury intact ecosystems. As Kanchan Chopra of the Institute of station took permits from the pollution control ability to speak the truth when this sector indulges in Economic Growth says, how much more can we afford to boards (PCBs) or complied with the regulations. consumption of energy or other products and services by ecologically damaging activities. the rich. Without controlling demand, even a complete destroy our ‘natural capital’ without it rebounding on us in A recent National Green Tribunal judgment has forms like COVID-19?Given that this could have been the categorically rejected this stand and has directed The government could argue that while direct allocations to shift to RE will be unsustainable; after all, silica has to be environment-related institutions and schemes may not mined somewhere.According to Himanshu Thakkar of occasion to climb into a green, nature-and-land based the Railways to abide by the laws. However, the livelihoods recovery that could create tens of millions of Railways is still reluctant to comply, and most have risen significantly, there are substantial allocations the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People, the to sectors that have a positive environmental impact. For same issue bedevils the drinking water allocations. In jobs as also regenerate India’s depleted environment, this stations are still operating without consent from Budget is disappointing. But it is not surprising. It is in the PCBs.The situation’s no different with railway instance, the 2021 Budget has allocated ?3,500 crore for principle any scheme for urban drinking water is positive. wind and solar energy, ?4,000 crore for a ‘Deep Ocean But with the continuation of a highly centralised approach logic of neoliberal ‘development’ planning, with a blind sidings/ goods sheds, a major source of air trust in growth as the panacea for all ills, to treat nature as a pollution. The majority of these sidings are Mission’, and ?50,011 crore for urban drinking water. All to all such schemes, there is a ‘one size fits all’ approach, of these have positive ecological potential, but let’s heavily focused on expensive infrastructure like big commodity for exploitation, or a ‘sink’ into which to operated by private companies, but many are dump waste. With global alarm about the ecological working without consent. Reports by the examine them a bit more closely. reservoirs and pipelines. Instead, a decentralised India’s major push for renewable energy (RE) has earned it approach that uses a mix of local rooftop and backyard catastrophe we are rushing headlong into, COVID-19 Comptroller and Auditor General and the recovery packages announced by the Indian government Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have global appreciation. Back home, it is not so rosy. For one, harvesting, restoration and conservation of urban there is no intention to phase out fossil fuels; on the wetlands, and regenerating groundwater could achieve since mid-2020 ought to have put environmental confirmed poor air pollution management at regeneration and conservation, and self-reliance built on these establishments.Poor handling of contrary, coal mining and thermal power are being much better results. And as in energy, there is no focus on promoted under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat package. And incentivising responsible consumption, restraining this, at the core of the Budget. That has unfortunately not wastewater has also been identified as a happened. significant concern by the CPCB. Since most large hydropower is being promoted as RE, though its luxury uses, and redistributing water more equitably, stations have not installed Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs), effluents generated from cleaning trains and stations are discharged into municipal drainages or low lying areas. The Troubled mountains: On Uttarakhand glacier disaster situation is the same with Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). The staggering collapse of part of a glacier in Centre and the Uttarakhand government the hills is realised in a few decades, the Every day about 5,000-6,000 tonnes of fecal Uttarakhand’s Nanda Devi mountain and cannot ignore the larger context of the Indian Himalayas will have one dam for matter is generated from toilets in the trains and The the ensuing floods that have claimed many State’s increasing frailty in the face of every 32 km, among the world’s highest on stations. This is equivalent to the fecal waste lives come as a deadly reminder that this environmental shocks. Once the crucible of densities.Yet,as researchers say, this may be generated in a large metro city. While 95% of Uttarakhand fragile, geologically dynamic region can environmentalism, epitomised by Sunderlal a miscalculation for reasons, including trains have installed bio-toilets, they are “no never be taken for granted. A significant Bahuguna, Gaura Devi and the Chipko potential earthquake impacts, monsoonal better than septic tanks” and the water discharged no better than raw sewage. In the glacier burst slice of the glacier, dislodged by a landslide, movement, the State’s deep gorges and aberrations that could repeat a Kedarnath- absence of STPs at most stations, the sewage is according to some satellite images, canyons have attracted many hydroelectric like flood, severe biodiversity loss and, discharged untreated. In a country where hotels produced roaring torrents in the Rishiganga projects and dams, with little concern for importantly, extreme danger to communities with more than 20 rooms are being directed to should and Dhauliganga rivers in Chamoli district, earthquake risk. Red flags have been raised downstream. There is also some evidence install STPs, Railways’ failure to install ETPs trapping unsuspecting workers at two hydro repeatedly, particularly after the moderate that the life of dams is often exaggerated, and STPs is discriminatory, so say the prompt a power project sites. Scores of people are still quake in 1991 in the region where the Tehri and siltation, which reduces it, is grossly least.Noise pollution is an even more missing in the wave of water, silt and debris dam was built and the 2013 floods that underestimated: in the Bhakra dam in problematic issue. More noise is considered that swamped the rivers and filled tunnels in devastated Kedarnath, pointing to the threat Himachal Pradesh, for instance, siltation useful in the railway establishment for accident review of the Tapovan power project, although the f r o m s e i s m i c i t y, d a m - i n d u c e d was higher by 140% than calculated. The prevention. There are strict instructions to honk immediate rescue of nearly 15 people by the microseismicity, landslides and floods from need is to rigorously study the impact of at all gates, turns and at the time of entry and exit how the ITBP, the Army and other agencies brings a variety of causes, including unstable policy on the Himalayas and confine hydro from a station. During the night, train drivers are some cheer. The rescuers face a challenging glacial lakes and climate change. projects to those with the least impact, while instructed to honk to ensure they’re alert and not environment as they try to locate more India is heavily invested in dam development relying more on low impact run-of-the-river sleeping. Though accidents are a real problem Himalayas survivors and bring relief supplies toand growth of hydropower, largely in the power projects that need no destructive large because of encroachments and unfenced railway paralysed communities. These immediateHimalaya region — especially to cut carbon dams and reservoirs. Unlike what the NITI tracks, continuing with the current strategy is are treated measures are important, along with speedy emissions. By one estimate, if the national Aayog seems to think of environmental counterproductive because of enormous health compensation to affected families. But theplan to construct dams in 28 river valleys in accounting, this would be a sound approach. implications. First steps in the journey to universal health care

make the first steps of a journey that steadily builds Comprehensive primary care The lesson of COVID- towards sustainable universal health coverage through Health and Wellness Centres — 1,50,202 of them — incremental strengthening of grass-root-level offering a comprehensive range of primary health-care 19 is to go on a institutions and processes. Two important and services are to be operationalised until December prominent arms of universal health coverage in India 2022. Of these, 1,19,628 would be upgraded sub health merit discussion here. centres and the remaining would be primary health steady, incremental Universal insurance centres and urban primary health centres. Initially, The BE for the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM- most States prioritised primary health centres/urban path given the weak JAY), which covers over 50 crore poor Indians for primary health centres for upgradation over sub health hospital expenses up to ?5 lakh per annum, has centres, since the former required fewer additional fund capacities in the stagnated at ?6,400 crore for the current and the investments. Till February 2, 58,155 health and preceding couple of years. And so have the actuals and wellness centres were operational, of which 34,733 backward States revised estimates at around 50% of the BEs, which were sub health centres and 23,422 were primary should be cause for concern. Large expenditure health centres/urban primary health centres. This projections and time constraints involved in input-based means that of the remaining 92,047 health and About 20 years ago, Thailand rolled out universal health strengthening of public health care have inspired the wellness centres to be operationalised by December coverage for its population at a per capita GDP similar to shift to the insurance route for achieving universal 2022, 84,895 will be sub health centres. This offers today’s India. What made this possible was a three health coverage. huge cost projections — as per early (conservative) decade-long tradition of investing gradually but steadily However, insurance does not provide a magic formula for estimates, turning a sub health centre into a health and in public health infrastructure and manpower. This expanding health care with measly levels of public wellness centre would require around ?17.5 lakh, and meant that alongside the availability of funds, there also spending. Available estimates have pegged the costs to around ?8 lakh annually to run it thereafter. existed robust institutional capacity to assimilate those be between ?62,000 crore and ?1,08,000 crore for 2021, The current allocation of ?1,900 crore, an increase of funds. For India, the lesson of COVID-19 entails setting if PM-JAY is to meet its stated commitments. Given ?300 crore from previous year, is a paltry sum in forth on a steady and incremental path to universal these circumstances, making do with such paltry comparison. Since 2018-19, when the health and health coverage; not attempting a sudden and giant leap. spending year after year would mean that the scheme responsible for such discrepancies and addressing them wellness centre initiative began, allocations have not This is important because enough evidence exists on benefits are being spread out too narrowly or too thin, is warranted. Without the same, the PM-JAY’s quest for kept pace with the rising targets each year. Additional weak fund-absorbing capacities particularly in the implying the inability to afford enough protection universal health coverage is likely to be precarious. funding under the PMANSBY and Finance backward States — at times, such unused funds have against catastrophic health expenses to the poor. Finally, even high actual coverage should not be equated Commission grants is reassuring, but a greater focus on been to the tune of over half of the State’s public health Beyond low allocations, poor budget reliability merits with effective financial protection. For example, rural health and wellness centres would be warranted. expenditure. attention. Another related issue is the persistent and Andhra Pradesh has among the highest public health Issues with funds Budgetary allocations large discrepancies between official coverage figures insurance coverage scores (71.36%, NSS 75), but still Two untoward implications could result from under- The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare budget and survey figures (for e.g. the National Sample has an out-of-pocket spending share much above the investing and spreading funds too thinly. Continuing the for 2021-22, viz. ?73,932 crore, saw a 10.2% increase Surveys, or NSS, and National Family Health Survey) national average (72.2% of total health expenditure). In expansion of health and wellness centres without over the Budget estimate (BE) of 2020-21 — a modest across Indian States, indicating that official public contrast, Himachal Pradesh (H.P.)with a much lower enough funding would mean that the full range of increase even nominally.Also, a corpus of ?64,180 crore health insurance coverage fails to translate into actual public health insurance coverage (3.87%, NSS 75) has a promised services will not be available, thus rendering over six years has been set aside under the PM Atma coverage on the ground. This is particularly intriguing lower out-of-pocket (46.4%). Among other factors, this the mission to be more of a re-branding exercise. Nirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana, (PMANSBY) for for forward States such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, and could be attributable to the much higher per capita Second, under-funding would squander an opportunity strengthening health institutions, and ?13,192 crore has Karnataka, where state-level public health insurance public health spending in H.P., more than twice that of for the health and wellness centre initiative to at least been allocated as a Finance Commission grant. While schemes have been operational for around a decade. Andhra Pradesh, which highlights the importance of partially redress the traditional rural-urban dichotomy the allocations still leave a lot to be desired, these could Robust research into the implementational issues government investment. by bolstering curative primary care in rural areas. New Delhi, Thursday, 11 February, 2021 FILM THE SIKH TIMES 7 Ayushmann Khurrana on Safer Internet Day: Education helps kids to PriyankaPriyanka stay safe online ChopraChopra recalls in autobiography Unfinished she was

uesday is Safer Internet Day, and Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana, who advised 'a boob job' Tis also UNICEFs Celebrity Advocate for their global campaign Ending Violence Against Children, used the occasion to speak about how proper education can help children harness the potential of the internet. "The online world presents such a great chance for children to learn and share their ideas. This Safer Internet Day, let's encourage children, especially girls, to explore the internet and fuel their ambitions and dreams for a promising future," said Ayushmann. He added: "Children can learn more and share their ideas with the world. The internet is full of ideas and imagination, much like the mind of a child. There are also dangers, but through education we can empower children to stay safe online. This Safer Internet Day, let's work to end violence online and make the online world a safer space ctress Priyanka Chopra says she had been advised in her for every child." early days to get a boob job done if she wanted to become Ayushmann is currently shooting in Assam for his Aan actress in Bollywood. The 38-year-old actress, who upcoming film Anek. The actor has once again was crowned Miss World in 2000, has recalled the incident in collaborated with Article 15 helmer Anubhav her autobiography Unfinished. Priyanka shared that the first Sinha for the film. person she met suggested that she should fix her 'proportions', The actor recently took to social media to share his and her then-manager agreed with the idea. first look from the film. He had grown a full After a few minutes of small talk, the director/producer told me beard and wears slit eyebrows in the still. to stand up and twirl for him. I did. He stared at me long and Ayushmann's character in the film is called hard, assessing me, and then suggested that I get a boob job, fix Joshua. my jaw, and add a little more cushioning to my butt," she wrote Apart from Anek,Ayushmann's upcoming projects in the book."If I wanted to be an actress, he said, ‘I'd need to include Anubhuti Kashyap's campus comedy have my proportions fixed', and he knew a great doctor in LA drama Doctor G co-starring Rakul Preet Singh. he could send me to. My then-manager voiced his agreement Lined up for release is also Abhishek Kapoor's with the assessment," she added. romantic drama Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui that The actress continued: "I left the director/producer's office features Vaani Kapoor alongside him. feeling stunned and small. Was he right that I couldn't be successful unless I had so many body parts 'fixed'? I thought of how individuals in the media and others in the industry had referred to me as 'dusky' and 'different-looking', and I Sara Ali Khan's wondered if I was cut out for this business after all."Recalling the situation she found herself in, Priyanka told metro.co.uk: "It's so normalised that it doesn't come up in conversation. I adorable birthday wish talked about a movie that I walked out of because of how I was spoken to by the director. It was early in my career, but I never told him why I walked out."She added: "I never had the for mom Amrita Singh, courage to stand up for myself, and actually admit it. Because I heard so often, ‘Don't be a nuisance, you're new in the industry, you don't want to have a reputation that you cause trouble or says 'I lo-blue the most' you're not easy to work with'. "Now on the other side of 35. I know that's a normalised thing that girls hear so often. I fell for it too, even though I consider myself a forward-thinking, smart girl. I learned from that over time, but at that time, I was terrified. Yes I faced that then, I faced that like everybody else when you're in patriarchal industries, which ours has been for a very long time," she added. Jacqueline Fernandez:

ollywood actress Sara Ali Khan dedicated a I spend an hour doing heartfelt post for her mother Amrita Singh Bon her birthday today. Sharing cute pictures with her mother and brother Ibrahim Ali Khan, Sara revealed that her mother is her whole world. Like in every post, the Kedarnath actress played the house chores with the world and expressed her love for her mother saying, "Happy Birthday to my whole ollywood star Jacqueline Fernandez, who recently world... Thank you for being my mirror, strength moved house, admits she indulges in household and inspiration... I lo-blue the most." Bchores, too, in between her hectix professional The pictures show Sara Ali Khan and mother schedule. Amrita Singh seated on either side of Ibrahim and "I spend an hour doing the house chores -- from looking into posing for the camera. Another picture shows the groceries to cleaning the house and looking into the food two gorgeous divas twinning in blue. The menu," she tells IANS. "Living independently does give pictures are from the trio's recent vacation to the freedom but brings in a lot of challenges along with it. Maldives. You need to have the right balance of personal and Sara Ali Khan has always claimed that she loved professional life," she adds. her mother the most and would like to stay with If maintaining a physically healthy routine amid the grind of her even after she gets married. In an earlier Bollywood is a challenge, and the actress has her way to interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Sara had manage with that bit."I maintain a journal which I write in revealed that while she loves spending time with the morning that helps me channelise my thoughts," she her mother, she is also afraid of her. reveals.She says her day starts early. "I am definitely a Sara said, "I intend to live with my mother for the morning person and I prefer to start my day early as it gives rest of my life. She gets upset when I say that me enough time for myself before the work commitments because she has this whole marriage plan for me, begin. (I love) Starting the day with yoga and then my but she can also come with me no, what's the bulletproof coffee which helps me to stay energized through problem? I love hanging out with her, and I miss the day," she says.The actress made her Bollywood debut her when she's away even for a few days. There's withAladin in 2009. nothing I hide from her. But having said that, She later went on to do films such as Housefull (2010), she's the only person I fear." Murder 2 (2011), Dishoom, Judwaa 2 (2017), Brothers On the professional front, Sara Ali Khan was last (2015), Kick (2014) and Race 3 (2018).Jacqueline has seen in Coolie No. 1 remake alongside actor multiple films lined up. She will be seen in Bachchan Varun Dhawan. She will next be seen in Atrangi Pandey, Kick 2, Bhoot Police and Cirkus in the coming Re. The film also stars Akshay Kumar, Dhanush months. and Nimrat Kaur. It is directed by Aanand L. Rai. New Delhi, Thursday, 11 February, 2021 WORLD THE SIKH TIMES 8 NEWS BOX Multiple people shot at Minnesota clinic, 1 Myanmar military raids Suu Kyi's party detained: Police Buffalo Multiple people were shot at a Minnesota health clinic on offices as US, UN slam violence Tuesday and someone was taken into custody afterward, police said. The shooting happened at the Allina YANGON: Myanmar's military raided the rights to peaceful assembly.""We repeat our fraud claims.He promised things would be clinic in Buffalo, a city of about Yangonheadquarters of ousted leaderAung San calls for the military to relinquish power, different from the army's previous 49-year 15,000 people roughly 40 miles (64 Suu Kyi's party late Tuesday, officials said, as restore democratically elected government, reign, which ended in 2011. The military kilometers) northwest of the United States joined the UN in "strongly" release those detained and lift all also announced a curfew and a ban on protest Minneapolis, Kelly Prestidge, an condemning violence against protesters telecommunication restrictions and to refrain gatherings.But on Tuesday, fresh office manager for the Buffalo demanding a return to democracy. from violence," he said.Price has previously demonstrations erupted in Yangon, Police Department, told The The latest assault on Myanmar's civilian said US requests to speak to Suu Kyi had been including near the NLD's headquarters, with Associated Press.Prestidge said leadership came as anger at last week's coup and denied.As night fell, the United Nations also protesters carrying placards calling for Suu one person was taken into custody, the detention of Suu Kyi by the generals has voiced its "strong concern" over the Kyi's freedom and declaring "No but that she didn't know if it was the driven hundreds of thousands of people into the violence."The use of disproportionate force dictatorship".By afternoon, thousands had shooter. She also said she didn't streets, defying a junta ban on rallies. against demonstrators is unacceptable," said gathered nearby, carrying umbrellas and have further information on the "The military dictator raided and destroyed NLD Ola Almgren, the UN resident coordinator wearing raincoats as they faced off against attack, including how many people headquarters at around 9:30 pm," the National and humanitarian coordinator in Myanmar. police, who had water cannon trucks were shot or if anyone was killed. League for Democracy announced on its European Union foreign policy chief Josep blocking protesters from marching."Of Police Chief Pat Budke told TV Facebook page.The party's short statement gave Borrell said Tuesday the bloc could impose doctor said.The father of one of the victims said course we are worried (about a crackdown)," station KSTP that the shooting no further details.The raid came after fresh sanctions on Myanmar's military, but his son had been shot "when he tried to use the said protester Khin Thida Nyein, a teacher. "We happened inside the Allina Clinic demonstrations erupted for a fourth straight day warned any punishment should not hit the megaphone to ask people to protest peacefully only have one life but we still come out.... as we Crossroads campus. He said the Tuesday, with police using water cannon in population."We are currently reviewing all our after the police used water cannon to disperse are more concerned for the future of our situation was contained shortly several cities, firing rubber bullets at protesters options," Borrell told lawmakers at the them." children."Protesters dispersed by nightfall, with before noon and that there was no in the capital Naypyidaw and deploying tear gas European Parliament.In Naypyidaw, the remote "He got hit in the back... I'm very worried about no reports of clashes.Meanwhile, civil aviation further threat to the public's safety. in Mandalay.The rallies came despite a warnng capital purpose-built by the previous military him," the 56-year-old goldsmith told AFP. workers and air traffic controllers have joined a The Midwest Medical Examiners from the junta that it would take action against regime, witnesses said police fired projectiles at civil disobedience movement, with their strike Office, which handles cases in In Mandalay, the country's second-biggest city, set to impact international flights wanting to demonstrations that threatened "stability", and protesters after earlier blasting them with water police fired tear gas to disperse protesters. Wright County, had no comment a new ban on gatherings of more than five cannon."They fired warning shots to the sky pass through Myanmar's air space.It will also A witness, who declined to be named out of fear of on whether it had sent anyone to the people.The United States, which has led global two times, then they fired (at protesters) with hit the military government's coffers, which are the authorities, said she gave shelter to about 20 scene.The FBI did not immediately censure of the coup, on Tuesday renewed its call rubber bullets," a resident told AFP.At least one set to lose overflight fees paid by airlines that protesters, offering them water, towels and respond to a message seeking for freedom of expression in Myanmar -- and emergency room doctor said the military were could be worth up to $182,000 per day.The fresh face masks.Earlier this week, the protests information. A spokeswoman for for the generals to step down."We strongly also using live rounds, leaving a 23-year-old NLD won national elections in November by a by hundreds of thousands appeared to have the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco condemn violence against demonstrators," US man and 19-year-old in critical condition in landslide, but the military never accepted the rattled the military, with junta chief General and Firearms said members of its State Department spokesman Ned Price told hospital."We believe they are actual bullets results.It has announced a one-year state of Min Aung Hlaing making a televised speech enforcement group were headed to reporters, adding that people in Myanmar "have because of the wounds and their injuries," the emergency and promised to hold fresh elections the scene. Monday to justify seizing power, citing election after that. Don't Let Long Covid Michelle Obama Plays Owner "Fall Through The Donald Trump's impeachment trial Cracks", Warns WHO Of "Whimsical Supermarket" Geneva: The World Health 2.0 begins: All you need to know In Kids' Show Organization called Tuesday for greater research, recognition and Ohio In a historic first, Donald Trump has Trump your boss.”At the end of the WORLD.Michelle Obama's mission of rehabilitation for Long Covid become the only president in US history to go presentation, where rioters were seen sufferers as it brought experts encouraging kids to eat healthier is getting a global on an impeachment trial after leaving office. vandalising the Capitol, brutalising security spin - and a few puppet allies. The former first lady together to share insights into the He had already become the sole president to be personnel and a shot being fired resulting in little-understood condition. is launching a kids' cooking show on Netflix as impeached twice by the House of the death of a protestor, Rep. Raskin said, "If part of the production deal between Netflix and the The WHO held the first in a planned Representatives last month. Now the US that’s not an impeachable offense, then series of seminars aimed at production company she founded with her Senate has begun a trial to determine if he nothing is.” husband, former president Barack Obama. expanding understanding of post- should be convicted. Mr. Trump faces the The other two impeachment managers Rep. Joe In addition to executive producing "Waffles + Covid conditions, which heard not charge of “incitement of insurrection” in a Neguse and Rep. David Cicilline also made only from scientists and doctors speech given to his supporters before they impassioned cases to convict Mr. Trump. Mochi," which debuts March 16, she'll play the but also from sufferers stormed the US Capitol on January 6. They cited conservative legal scholars to proprietor of a "whimsical supermarket" that themselves.Little is known about At least two-thirds of the 100 senators need to be impeachment manager, Rep. Jamie Raskin, prove that trying a former president is employs the titular puppets, who are best friends why some people, after coming on board for Donald Trump to be convicted. defended the constitutionality of the trial by constitutional and said it was important to still and aspiring chefs. (One is an adorably small orb through the acute phase of Covid- This would require the support of at least 17 saying that it is dangerous for a president to hold him accountable."Presidents can't formed like the Japanese rice cake and the other a 19, struggle to recover and suffer Republicans in addition to the 50 Democrats have zero consequences for acts they commit inflame insurrection in their final weeks and creature whose ears are shaped like the griddled ongoing symptoms including who are all likely to vote to convict. But not in their last few weeks in office. He then then walk away like nothing happened,” Rep. breakfast treat.) "I'm excited for families and tiredness and brain fog as well as enough Republican support seems likely at presented a powerful video depicting the Neguse said. He also focused on previous children everywhere to join us on our adventures cardiac and neurological this point.On the first day of the trial, both actions of Mr. Trump’s supporters who broke incidents where officials no longer in office as we discover, cook, and eat delicious food from disorders.Studies suggest that sides laid out their arguments on the legality of into the Capitol on January 6. were tried in an attempt to solidify the all over the world," she wrote in a tweet on potentially one in 10 cases may the trial itself. Three of the 9 impeachment The 13-minute video evidence showed excerpts Democratic argument of the constitutionality Tuesday.Netflix described the 10-episode series as have prolonged symptoms one managers appointed for this trial (Democrats of Donald Trump’s speech shortly before the of the trial.Donald Trump did not attend but his "the culinary adventure of a lifetime" in which the month after infection -- meaning from the House of Representatives who are rioters laid siege to the Capitol in which he lawyers, as expected, argued that the trial was characters hop aboard a magical shopping cart to millions may be suffering from tasked to lay down the prosecution case asked them to march to the Capitol and “fight unconstitutional because he is no longer seek out ingredients all over the world. "Whether ongoing illness. against Donald Trump) argued that the Senate like hell.”In the video, Trump supporters can president but a private citizen.The first they're picking potatoes in the Andes of Peru, WHO director-general Tedros has the right to try the former president while be heard saying things like “Fight for Trump”, comments from Mr. Trump’s defence team sampling spices in Italy, or making miso in Japan, Donald Trump’s lawyers claimed the trial is came from his lawyer Bruce Castor Jr. who Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that “F**k you police” and “No Trump, no peace.” these curious explorers uncover the wonder of with attention turning in the unconstitutional because Mr. Trump is no Some members of the mob are heard hurling sought to distance Mr. Trump and his team longer in office and that the Senate no longer obscenities towards the security personnel. from the rioters by calling the Capitol attack food and discover every meal is a chance to make coronavirus pandemic towards new friends," the streaming service says. vaccination campaigns, "Long has jurisdiction over him.The lead Democratic One person shouted, “We are listening to "repugnant" and “horrific.” Covid should not fall through the And there will be plenty of opportunities for cameos cracks".He said the impact of by the kind of A-listers that Obama famously Long Covid on society and the counts as her own pals: Netflix says the show will economy was starting to become No Baby Boom In China As Births Fall Further In 2020 feature "renowned chefs, home cooks, kids and clear, and for those reasons, celebrities" helping the duo. "people start to listen" beyond the Beijing, China: China's number of registered 2016.But the change has not yet resulted in a The project amplifies several causes Obama has medical community. births in 2020 dropped by nearly a third from baby boom, with empowered Chinese women long championed. At the White House, she Though the level of research is the total births reported the year before, in the often delaying or avoiding childbirth and encouraged kids to eat healthier as part of her growing, it is "still not enough", he latest sign that relaxations in the country's young couples blaming rising costs and "Let's Move" initiative. And she has promoted a said.British doctor Gail Carson, strict family planning policy are failing to insufficient policy support for families."If the global approach to empowering young people, from the International Severe spark a baby boom.After decades of a "one- whole society regards childbearing as a pain, including founding the Girls Opportunity Alliance Acute Respiratory and Emerging child policy", Beijing changed the rules in then there is a problem in this society," to promote education. Obama suggested the show 2016 to allow families to have two children as cautioned another on Weibo.The data also Infection Consortium, warned that fears grew about China's fast-ageing comes after the Covid-19 pandemic hit the would also address children living in poverty.I'm "Long Covid could become the population and shrinking workforce.Figures global economy, with many families nervous also excited to work with @PHAnews to help kids pandemic on the pandemic. from the Public Security Ministry released about job security.In November, China started build healthy habits and help families in need cook Monday showed there were 10.04 million a once-a-decade census, with much of the with fresh ingredients together at home," she Alexei Navalny Ally registered births in 2020, which is 15 percent attention on whether it indicates any tweeted on Tuesday, calling out the Partnership for immediately.The gender balance was 52.7 Healthier America, the nonprofit associated with Urges Russians To down from the figure of registered births percent boys and 47.3 percent girls, according population bump from the relaxation of family reported early last year for 2019. to the data.One user on China's Twitter-like planning rules.Demographic experts have "Let's Move.""Waffles + Miso," whose previous Light Candles In In the same month, the official statistics bureau Weibo platform noted the birth figure was estimated it could take 15 years for the two- title was "Listen to Your Vegetables & Eat Your reported a higher figure of 14.65 million "lower than the number of people taking the child policy to have any noticeable effect on Parents," is a lighthearted entry into the catalogue Valentine's Day babies born in 2019 -- more than 30 percent college entrance examination", adding that population numbers. Chinese retirees, the Obamas are developing with Netflix. Other above the latest birth data reported this week. ageing was going to become more serious in meanwhile, are expected to number 300 projects from their Higher Ground Productions Protest The data also points to a fourth consecutive year decades to come.Another called the low rate million by 2025.Chinese state media in company include documentaries "American birth numbers declined.The number of December quoted civil affairs minister Li Moscow: An ally of Kremlin critic "the biggest crisis the Chinese nation is Jiheng as saying the country's fertility rate has Factory," about a transformation of a former Alexei Navalny urged Russians on registered births is typically lower than the facing".China introduced the one-child policy General Motors plant, and "Crip Camp," which actual number of births later announced in in the late 1970s in a dramatic effort to slow "dropped dangerously", well below the Tuesday to gather near their homes China, as not all parents register their children population replacement rate of 2.1 births per focuses on a summer camp for disabled people. for a brief Valentine's Day protest rapid population growth, before reversing it in woman. this weekend, shining their mobile phone torches and lighting candles in heart shapes to flood social media.Tens of thousands have taken to the streets in recent weeks US senators transfixed by riot footage shown at Trump trial to protest against the jailing of Navalny, a prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin, who WASHINGTON: With footage of a pro-Trump on the debate about the constitutionality of and gruesome injuries suffered during the says he is being persecuted for mob storming the US Capitol playing out in the trial.But when Democratic impeachment insurrection."People's eyes were gouged, an political reasons.Police have their chamber, US senators sat transfixed before manager Jamie Raskin played a 13-minute officer had a heart attack, an officer lost detained more than 11,000 people the shocking images that dominated the start of video montage depicting some of the most three fingers that day," he said, before at what they say were unsanctioned the former president's impeachment trial. violent clashes of the deadly January 6 siege, adding that two officers have since taken protests that the Kremlin has Despite the sergeant at arm's command that all the chamber fell under a hush, with senators their own lives. condemned as illegal and 100 senators remain silent "on pain of riveted by the graphic images and chaotic "Senators, this cannot be our future," he said, dangerous. imprisonment," an informal, detached mood audio.Republicans and Democrats alike sat imploring the chamber not to ordain a Leonid Volkov, a Navalny ally based descended Tuesday on the Senate's Republican rigid as some of the coarsest epithets ever to "January exception" that would allow a US outside Russia, called on people to side, where many lawmakers have said they color a Senate proceeding rang out in the president to avoid punishment in the final gather in residential courtyards oppose holding the unprecedented second trial chamber.Then, they watched the chilling weeks of his terms.Independent Senator near their homes at 1700 GMT on of Donald Trump.Chitter-chatter swirled. images of a self-described QAnon shaman Bernie Sanders, who votes with Democrats, Sunday and to stand there for Marco Rubio flipped non-committally through and other invaders taking over the Senate told AFP he thought the first day of the trial several minutes shining their a thick book. A sockless Richard Burr, bracing itself after many of the lawmakers -- the same was "interesting," but he would not be mobile phone torches.He said the for a marathon session, stuffed his desk with ones sitting as jurors Tuesday -- fled for their drawn on whether he believed the format, reminiscent of tactics used snacks. lives."It's not very often you have a trial at the compelling video montage would sway by the anti-government opposition Freshman Senator Cynthia Lummis, perhaps not scene of the crime," Democratic Senator Republicans."We're just going to see how having received the memo about coronavirus Chris Murphy told AFP shortly before the "The settings in which we hold the trial do not this thing proceeds," he said.Meanwhile the in neighbouring Belarus, should make (the events of January 6) more vivid for help distance protesters from the precautions, sat maskless for 30 minutes as she proceedings began, speaking of the emotion security repercussions of January 6 remained. pored over documents.Even as top Senate that could weigh on senators as they sit in me," Cassidy said. "They're vivid enough in and The US Capitol remained on effective police.He suggested people bring of themselves." candles and make heart shapes Democrat Chuck Schumer opened the judgment of Trump. lockdown, with metal fencing and heavily with them to mark Valentine's Day, proceedings by describing the incitement of "It was our chamber that was violated," he added.They were for Raskin, too. armed National Guard members surrounding and photograph them from above insurrection allegation against Trump as "the "We were all party to the insurrection, we The congressman from Maryland, managing the the building.Inside the chamber, the public in an event he said would last just gravest charges ever brought against a president experienced it first-hand," said another arguments against Trump just six weeks after galleries -- where a man carrying zip-ties that 15 minutes.Supporters, he said, of the United States," many Republicans met Democrat, Senator Ben Cardin. "It's something his son died by suicide, choked up as he recalled can be used to detain or kidnap people was could then flood social media with the declaration with a collective shrug.And that's personal to those of us who were in harm's how his daughter and his son-in-law, visiting photographed in a chilling January 6 image -- images of the protest. conservative Senator Tom Cotton made a point way."But Republican Senator Bill Cassidy said the Capitol that day, "thought they were going were all but empty, as everyday citizens were of working on a spreadsheet instead of focusing he would not be caught up in such passions. to die."Raskin pointed to the multiple deaths barred from attending. New Delhi, Thursday, 11 February, 2021 TraveTRAVELl THE SIKH TIMES 9 The famous National parks andand gamegame reservesreserves ofof IndiaIndia

India, rich in flora and fauna, is home to some Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary Binsar covers the top of the Jhandi Dhar hills, and is a globally-recognised national parks and game mid-altitude wildlife sanctuary, home to wild boar, Manas National Park, located on the lowest slopes of the deer, monkey, black bear, porcupine, mountain goat, Eastern Himalayas, preserves rainforests packed with rare red fox, jackal, pine marten, leopards, 200 species of tree species and wetlands fed by some of the highest rainfall reserves. From Uttarakhand's Jim Corbett National birds and more. At the top of the local hills there's a levels on earth, not to mention the Manas River, a tributary of point with an amazing view of the Himalayan range: a the sacred Brahmaputra River. Species, such as the Asian 300-km wide stretch of peaks that include Kedarnath elephant and Indian rhinoceros, which are dwindling fast in Park to West Bengal's Sundarbans National Park, (6942 m), Chaukhamba (7140 m), Trishul (7120 m), other areas, are beginning to thrive here with the assistance of Nanda Devi (7816 m), Nanda Kot (6611 m) and various conservation projects. These animals, as well as Panchchuli (6904 m). tigers, leopards, langurs, Indian wild dogs, pangolins, sloth all attract nature and wildlife enthusiasts in large bears, gibbons, monitor lizards and expansive fauna have Sundarbans National Park made wildlife watching and eco-tourism increasingly popular among those who are happy with the basic numbers every year. Mentioned here are few of the Including the region of mangrove forests between the accommodation available in this unspoiled chunk of Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers, Sundarbans National paradise. Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the famous parks and reserves of the country. Royal Bengal Tiger. Other park fixtures include the The only permanent human aspect of the Manas National Sajnekhali Sanctuary with its large bird population and Park is Agrang village, located in the very centre, in the tiger Bhagabatpur, which is the world's largest hatchery of reserve; apart from being an isolated and beautiful forest community, it's also talked about for incidents of villagers estuarine crocodiles. The best time to visit the park is panthers and bears, and thousands of birds. from September to May when the winter chill brings out being eaten by tigers in the 1970s! different kinds of plants. the Royal Bengal Tigers to rest in the sunlight. Kaziranga National Park Jim Corbett National Park Named after Jim Corbett, the Irish, Indian-born hunter and A protected area housing India's endangered Bengal Tiger, naturalist, it was the first park established in India when it In the heart of Assam, this park is one of the last areas in Manas National Park the Corbett National Park, a jungle in the shadows of the was first created in 1936 as Hailey National Park. The park eastern India undisturbed by human presence. It is inhabited Assam is a place of huge biodiversity, since it is largely Himalayas, is also home to over 650 species of animal didn't fare so well during WWII when it suffered poaching by the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, unspoiled in terms of natural habitats. Its world famous (including 37 different species of dragon flies) and 480 and tree felling, but Jim Corbett Park is now a major eco- as well as many mammals, including tigers, elephants, tourism destination.

Ireland While winter might not seem like the best time to visit Ireland—given the fewer daylight hours—it is definitely a Cold vacations that will good time for those looking to escape the throngs of tourists and keen to explore a side to the city that is usually reserved for the locals. Although Munich, Germany warm your soul With its Christmas markets, glittering lights, mulled wine and roast goose, Munich is an attractive holiday visiting during the winter months, is the lack of destination all year round, but the city takes on a certain Gulmarg, India other places do. Owing to its charm during the white months of winter. Whether you’re For an Indian destination that’s Nagano, Japan partaking of the many activities breathtakingly beautiful and also a hub for Budapest, Hungary Having first appeared on the global map after hosting the winter sports, Gulmarg—at the higher reaches While most tourists avoid making a trip to Budapest Winter Olympics, Nagano is today hailed as one of the Salzburg, Austria of the Kashmir Valley—is undoubtedly heaven on during the winter months, a dash of snow only premier ski destinations in the world, and although that Whether you know it as the city of Mozart, of as the home earth. In the winter months it exudes a charm few enhances the city’s beauty, making it one of the best might be the city’s claim to fame, there’s lots more to do for of the Von Trapp family, Salzburg is best visited during the winter destinations in Europe. The biggest perk of those who’re not hitting the winter months—even though it’s peak tourist season and rates are sky-high—when it’s at its picturesque best. Whether you’re exploring the Old Tromso, Norway As far as winter destinations go, Norway is probably the first place that comes to mind. Make your way to Tromso—popularly referred to as the capital of the Arctic—which is breathtakingly beautiful during the winter months. One of Norway's most Banff, Canada Many people consider Banff the ultimate winter destination, and with good reason. Few places are as picturesque as this Canadian town—the scenery is absolutely magnificent, with a blanket of snow as far as the eye can see—and there’s a long list of activities Yosemite, California Winter is the least crowded and possibly the most beautiful time to visit Yosemite. With its cascading waterfalls, snowy meadows, gurgling streams, alpine sunsets, hiking trails and pines draped with frozen icicles—the breathtaking beauty of a Prague, Czech Republic Winters in Prague are nothing short of magical. December marks the beginning of the cold season, which lasts all the way up to February. Whether you go in time to relish the festivities of the Christmas season in December, the fireworks in January of the New Delhi, Thursday, 11 February, 2021 BUSINESS THE SIKH TIMES 10

NEWS BOX Good news for SBI Finance Ministry’s Monthly Economic Report: ‘Driven by customers! Get free insurance cover of upto Rs 2 lakh on THIS card, reforms, policy push, growth to come back in FY22’ check details here by the government and the times of crisis to boost New Delhi: State Bank of India has made a big Reserve Bank of India, it said. the growth of GDP,” it announcement for Jan Dhan account The Finance “The structural reforms and the said.The Ministry holders. If you have a Jan Dhan account or policy push under the expects inflation to stay are planning to open it, you can apply for Ministry expects AatmaNirbhar Bharat Mission benign. CPI Inflation 'SBI RuPay Jan Dhan Card', for which you along with the slew of measures moderated to 4.59 per cent in December from will get accident insurance cover up to Rs 2 announced in the Union Budget 6.93 per cent in lakh."It's time to put yourself on the road to inflation to stay 2021-22 towards achieving broad-based inclusive growth November, mainly on success. Apply for SBI RuPay Jandhan card account of significant today," SBI has tweeted.Users can get will strengthen the fundamentals benign. CPI of the economy and bring it back decline in food inflation, accidental insurance cover of Rs 2 lakh which dropped from 9.50 provided they swipe the SBI RuPay Jandhan on to a strong and sustainable growth path in the year ahead. per cent to 3.41 per cent. card once in 90 days.The RuPay PMJDY Inflation moderated Agriculture continues to (Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana) card is Growth and inflation outlook in 2021-22 portends more than full remain resilient, and issued to people who have opened accounts recovery,” the Finance Ministry healthy kharif output and under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana to 4.59% in said in its Monthly Economic rabi sowing lead to (PMDJY) - a National Mission for Financial Report (January 2021) released industrial activity. The report noted that with robust tractor sales which grew at 41.2 per Inclusion that was developed to provide December from Tuesday.Manufacturing and services PMI Covid-19 situation under control, the Union centYoY in December. people access to financial services like (Purchasing Managers’ Index) remain inBudget 2021-22 has adopted a counter “As on 29 January 2021, area sown under rabi banking, savings/deposit accounts, 6.93% in expansionary zone, while bank credit,cyclical fiscal policy to support growth. crops hit a record high of 685 lakh hectares, remittance, credit insurance, and pension, in surging foreign investment flows and Higher GDP growth would facilitate 2.9 per cent higher than the area sown a year an affordable way. The card allows the user corporate bond issuances are providingbuoyant revenue collection in the medium ago. During the 2020-21 kharif season, area to make transactions at all ATMs, POS November. critical financial cushion to the real recovery,term and enable a sustainable fiscal path.The sown increased by 4.8 per cent to an all-time terminals, and e-commerce websites. It also the report said. India’s manufacturing PMIquality of expenditure has been maintained high 1117 lakh hectares,” as per the report.It comes with a Personal Accidental death and improved from 56.4 in December to 57.7 in as capital expenditure rises to Rs 4.39 lakh stressed that India has been successful in total disability coverage of up to Rs 2 New Delhi A sustained and strengthening January, while PMI Services index alsocrore in 2020-2021 as against Budget bending the Covid infection curve till now lakh.PMJDY was announced by Prime economic recovery continues in January increased from 52.3 in December to 52.8 in estimate of Rs 4.12 lakh crore. In order to and enters the new year with cautious Minister Modi in his Independence Day across key high frequency indicators, such as January.Power consumption data, railwaygive a sustained push to the economy, the optimism. Daily recoveries have been address on 15th August 2014. PMJDY is power consumption, railway freight, GST freight numbers and Goods and Service Taxcapital expenditure for FY 2021-22 has been outnumbering the daily new cases since 8th National Mission for Financial Inclusion to collections and manufacturing capacity collection also point to a recovery takingtargeted to grow at 34.5 per cent over BE of Jan 2021 with recovery rate growing to 97 ensure access to financial services, namely, utilisation, the Finance Ministry said on hold across the economy. PowerFY 2020-21, and reach Rs 5.5 lakh crore. The per cent. The case fatality rate stands at one Banking/ Savings & Deposit Accounts, Tuesday. Growth and inflation outlook consumption grew at 5.2 per cent (YoY) infiscal deficit in BE 2021-2022 is estimated to of the lowest globally at 1.4 per cent despite Remittance, Credit, Insurance, Pension in an reflect a more than full recovery next year, December and 4.8 per cent (YoY) in January,be 6.8 per cent of GDP, reflecting a counter- having the second largest confirmed cases at affordable manner. supported by series of measures announced signalling expanding commercial and cyclical fiscal policy carefully planned in 1.08crore. Petrol, Diesel Prices Today, Phased manufacturing February 10, 2021: Petrol plan for solar panels, Markets open flat; Sensex trading prices cross Rs 94/litre in Mumbai; check prices in cells may include BCD above 51,400 in early trade metro cities Even while the government did not move six-session winning streak, equity New Delhi: Fuel prices were again ahead with its intent to impose basic custom Major gainers in the Sensex benchmarks Sensex and Nifty ended hiked by oil marketing duties (BCD) on solar equipment in the pack were Bajaj Finserve, marginally lower. The 30-share BSE companies on Wednesday, Union Budget, a phased manufacturing plan Sensex pared all gains to end 19.69 points pushing petrol prices above Rs 94 for solar cells and panels announced on Ultrachem, HCL Tech, Bajaj or 0.04 per cent lower at 51,329.08. per litre in Mumbai, the highest February 1 may include this component. Auto, M&M, RIL, TCS, Asian Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty slipped among all metros.Petrol and “In no way can we come to the conclusion that 6.50 points or 0.04 per cent to 15,109.30. It diesel prices were both hiked by BCD will not take place,” said Ministry of Paint, ONGC, HUL and ITC, touched a record peak of 15,257.10 during 30 paise per litre on Tuesday in New and Renewable Energy Secretary Indu the day. Delhi, pushing fuel prices to all Shekhar Chaturvedi during a post-Budget rising upto 2.41 percent. On the Asian stocks inched higher on Wednesday. time high in Delhi, according to media briefing on Tuesday. other hand, major losers were The Australian S&P/ASX 200 Index was price notification of state-owned “When you see the Budget carefully, it is last up 0.5% and e-mini futures for the S&P fuel retailers. written that a phased manufacturing plan Axis Bank, Bharti Airtel, LT, to 51,402.01 in early trade while the NSE Nifty 500 rose 0.14%. Japan’s Nikkei 225 Petrol and diesel prices in Delhi will be notified by the government. So, the NTPC, Titan, HDFC Bank, edged higher by 29.30 points or 0.19 percent to slipped 0.31%. On Wall Street, major stock were hiked from Rs 87.30 per phased manufacturing plan is a kind of 15,138.60. indexes closed little changed, though the tech- litre to Rs 87.60 per litre and policy which includes everything, including Powergrid, Infosys, Tech Major gainers in the Sensex pack were Bajaj heavy Nasdaq Composite eked out a record diesel from Rs 77.48 per litre to basic custom duty,” said MNRE Joint Mahindra and ICICI Bank, Finserve, Ultrachem, HCL Tech, Bajaj Auto, high on a gain of 0.14%. The S&P 500 lost Rs 77.73 per litre. While in Secretary Amitesh Kumar Sinha at the M&M, RIL, TCS, Asian Paint, ONGC, HUL 0.11% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average Mumbai the petrol and diesel briefing. falling upto 1.04 percent. and ITC, rising upto 2.41 percent. On the other lost 0.03%, a Reuters report said.Brent oil rose prices stood at Rs 94.12 per litre We are awaiting some…clarification from the hand, major losers were Axis Bank, Bharti on Tuesday to $61.06 in the seventh straight and diesel at Rs 84.63 per litre Department of Revenue, and we are hopeful Airtel, LT, NTPC, Titan, HDFC Bank, session of gains, touching 13-month highs. respectively, the highest among that, within a day or two, we will receive New Delhi: Stock markets had a flat opening on Investors are betting that fuel demand will rise all four metros.Here is looking at Wednesday amidst positive global cues. Powergrid, Infosys, Tech Mahindra and ICICI that,” he added.In June last year, Minister of Bank, falling upto 1.04 percent. while OPEC and allied producers keep a lid on the price difference of diesel and The BSE Sensex rose 72.93 points or 0.14 percent supply, Reuters added. New and Renewable Energy RK Singh said In the previous session on Tuesday, snapping their petrol in four metro cities on that the government was planning to impose February 10, 2021.Central a BCD on solar cells and modules to government makes up for Rs discourage imports in this sector.However, 32.98 per litre of the price of while the Budget Speech delivered by Bank unions call for strike in March Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had spoke of raising certain duties on solar invertors and lanterns to encourage domestic 15, 16 against privatisation production, it did not include BCDs on these components. various announcements made in the budget A statement by the All regarding reform measures including privatisation of IDBI Bank and two public India Bank Employees' Card, electronic banking sector banks and setting up of bad bank."The meeting observed that all these Association said that issues top plaints list’ measures are retrograde and hence need to petrol in Delhi and sales tax or be protested and opposed," it said.After the meeting discussed VAT of the state government Mumbai Complaints related to ATM and deliberations, the meeting decided that constitutes Rs 19.55. debit cards and mobile/ electronic banking intensive struggle programmes and the various For diesel, the central excise adds overtook those pertaining to non- agitational actions have to be launched to up to Rs 31.83 and VAT to Rs observance of Fair Practices Code (FPC) as fight back these policies of the government, announcements made 10.99. Besides, the price also the major grounds of complaints during the the AIBEA statement said.It added that includes a dealer commission of a year, according to the Annual Report of the further strikes will be decided looking at in the budget minimum Rs 2.6 per litre on RBI’s Banking Ombudsman Scheme. developments. petrol and Rs 2 on diesel.Petrol Their share in the total complaints received in New Delhi: Bank unions on Tuesday called for a "The Government's announcement to privatise our regarding reform and diesel prices are revised on a 2019-20 was 21.97 per cent and 13.38 per two-day strike starting March 15, against the public sector banks is totally unfortunate and measures including daily basis in line with cent, respectively, while the share of proposed privatisation of banks. unwarranted. The need of the hour is to strengthen benchmark international price complaints relating to non-observance of During a meeting in Hyderabad on Tuesday, the public sector banks," the statement said.Further, privatisation of IDBI and foreign exchange rates.Oil FPC stood at 11.73 per cent, the report said. United Forum of Bank Unions also decided to hold the meeting took note of the continuing agitation by prices continued to rise on The figures against these grounds during the a day long 'Dharna' (protest) in all state capitals on the farmers against the farm laws enacted by the previous year were 18.65 per cent, 7.55 per February 19 followed by relay 'dharnas' from government expressed its solidarity with their Bank and two public Tuesday to 13-month highs. cent and 19.17 per cent, respectively. As per February 20 to March 10 in all states, districts and struggle, it said.The meeting adopted a resolution Brent rose 33 cents, or 0.54%, the report, complaints received on grounds towns. urging upon the government to reconsider their sector banks and U.S. West Texas Intermediate relating to credit cards, failure to meet A statement by the All India Bank Employees' standpoint and find amicable solutions to the setting up of bad bank. crude was at $58.34 a barrel, up commitments, levy of charges without Association said that the meeting discussed the demands of the farmers." 37 cents, or 0.64%., a Reuters report said. Received complaints, investigating some e-comm cos: Piyush Goyal New Delhi THE government is currently India’s long-awaited mini trade investigating some online platforms, The Ministry is also pact with the country, the minister notice, loans and advances and non- following complaints from consumers and considering “certain said that more clarity would adherence to the Banking Codes and small retailers of potential violations to its e- clarifications” to its e- emerge after a new US Trade Standards Board of India Codes increased commerce policy, said Minister of Representative was appointed. this year when compared to the previous Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on commerce rules to ensure “Once the new US Trade year. The number of complaints pertaining Tuesday. The Ministry is also considering that firms work “in the true Representative is in office, we to ‘Direct Sales Agent and recovery agents’ “certain clarifications” to its e-commerce will start a dialogue with them to rose from 629 complaints in 2018-19 to rules to ensure that firms work “in the true spirit of the law”, he said. look at how we can expand our 1,406 complaints this year, it said.“Of the spirit of the law”, he added. business and our international total maintainable complaints, the share of informations; they are being looked complaints resolved by agreement i.e. “There is no change in the e-commerce policy engagement with them, both per se. (The) e-commerce policy is very into,” he said.We are also considering through market access (and) through intervention of Office of the certain clarifications to ensure that the Banking Ombudsman, mediation and robust, well-designed and operating in India tariffs. There are different ways in in several sectors,” said Goyal during a e-commerce sector works in the true which we can look at expanding conciliation increased from 69.88 per cent in spirit of the law, of the rules that have platforms should not become a part of the 2018-19 to 72.35 per cent in 2019-20,” it virtual media briefing in response to a our trade relationship,” said Goyal.“We’ll question on whether the ministry was been laid out for e-commerce,” he trading transaction, he said, adding that they have to wait for the new USTR to come in, said.Complaints received at Ombudsman added.The Minister reiterated his stance on Scheme for Digital Transactions rose from revisiting its current FDI policy for e- should not engage in activities like and we’ll have to hear from the new 470 in the five months of operation in 2018- commerce.“However, there are certain e-commerce, saying it is supposed to promoting their own products and administration what is in their mind. We also 19 to 2,481 in 2019-20, of which 99.4 per complaints from consumers and from small provide an agnostic platform that provides maintaining algorithms to give preference to have certain thoughts about it. It’s only after cent were received via electronic means, the retailers about certain practices of the e- “all the data” required for buyers and sellers one seller over another.In response to a we have engaged with the new report said. commerce companies which are under to trade with each other and for consumers to query by The Indian Express on how the administration that we can comment on that investigation. We have sought for several make a rational choice. E-commerce change in administration in the US impacted (the mini trade pact),” he added. New Delhi, Thursday, 11 February, 2021 SPORTS THE SIKH TIMES 11 Yohan Blake hails England for winning Chennai Test, praises Virat Kohli captaincy: He doesn't find any excuses New Delhi Ace Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake was once again blown away by the beauty of Test cricket as he followed the match between India and England at the /Yohan Blake hailed England, Chepauk which the visitors won by 227 runs on Tuesday.Blake, who won the 2011 World Championship Joe Root and Jimmy gold in 100m, posted a video message for the English cricket team, Joe Root and legendary fast bowler James Anderson for their Anderson, who starred with the ball on the final day. Blake, the second fastest man after Usain Bolt in 100m and performances in the Chennai 200m, also lauded India captain Virat Kohli for accepting his teams mistakes before going on to say how Test impressed he was with young Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant."Whoah! What a wonderful Test between England /Blake also praised Virat and India. I must say, 'Joe Root well played, England team well played'. Jimmy Anderson as usual... They say Kohli's captaincy and Team you get better with age, it is just a number. And 'Jimmy keep on showing that. Well done Jimmy'. India for accepting their "What I really love about Team India is that Virat Kohli doesn't find any excuses. That's what I really love about mistakes in the 1st Test his captaincy, he took the blame for everything. He said the bowlers didn't find the right areas, the batsmen were /Blake also expressed his not as consistent. He said 'we got to go back to the showed that wonderful fight and that's what I love to see. go 1-0 up in the four-match series.Root had scored 218 drawing board and come back'. And that's what I love "Test cricket is absolutely the best. Second Test should be runs in England's first-innings total of 578 while admiration for Test cricket about Virat Kohli and his captaincy."And also what interesting, India was 1-0 down in Australia, they are 1-0 Anderson produced a breathtaking spell of reverse stood out for me was Shubman Gill, he's a wonderful down at their home ground now. The second Test, I'm swing on Day 5 to bamboozle the Indian batsmen in their and the challenges that it batsman. Ofcourse, Rishabh Pant is excellent. Not every looking forward to it," Blake said in a video.England own den in Chennai.The 2nd Test will be played at the time he's going to put on a show but he's excellent for the captain Joe Root and 38-year-old Anderson led the way same venue from February 13 where a victory will throws up game of Test cricket. That's why I love Test cricket, it for the visitors as they first set India a massive target of ensure a place in the ICC World Test Championship final mentally tests you. (Cheteshwar) Pujara in Australia 420 and bowled them out for 192 in the final innings to for England. Australian Open 2021: India vs England: Ashish Nehra backs Virat Kohli At 38, James Anderson Serena Williams storms just keeps getting into Round 3, Petra Kvitova crashes out to score 250 'when India wins the toss' better /Virat Kohli was waging a lone "You are talking about one or two CHENNAI: Cricket still has its share of geniuses, Melbourne 7-time champion Serena Williams battle for Team India in the 2nd centuries, I would say when but the old-school touch artist has become a rarer registered a thumping victory over Nina India wins the toss, he will breed in the post Warne-Akram-Lara-Sachin era. Stojanovic in the Australian Open 2021 innings in Chennai score 250 also."This is the James Anderson, though, probably is among the tournament on Wednesday to enter the third /Virat Kohli takes pride in special thing about Virat Kohli. last of the Mohicans. When Ashwin got out, he knew round of the women's singles event.Serena, scoring his own runs, that he When Anderson bowled that over of rare beauty on who is chasing her record-stretching 24th that they will lose the match but Tuesday afternoon to rock India, there were Grand Slam title, outclassed her Serbian should not get out: Ashish he did not play any airy-fairy immediate references to a delivery that Wasim opponent 6-3, 6-0 in just over an hour at the Nehra shots. Akram bowled way back in 1999 when Pakistan Rod Laver Arena.Such was Serena's / "He takes pride in scoring his played their first Test of the 'revival series' at dominance in the match that she saved all India and England will play the own runs, that he should not get Chepauk.Coming over the wicket, Akram pitched three break points she faced, hit a half-dozen 2nd Test at the same venue from out. Anyone would have got the reversing ball on leg stump and beat Rahul aces and compiled 27 winners with just 11 February 13 onwards out to the ball he was Dravid, who was shaping up for a defensive shot, unforced errors. dismissed, it kept extremely to knock the top of his offstump. Anderson, too, The 39-year-old will next face Anastasia turned out to be an important factor in the low," Nehra said on Star Sports. shaped his deliveries to go away and brought Potapova, a 19-year-old Russian who was the Chennai Former India fast bowler Ashish match as England made good use of the Kohli waged a lone battle in India's second those back after pitching to dismiss Shubman Gill junior champion at Wimbledon in 2016 and Nehra has backed Virat Kohli to score 250 batting-friendly conditions on the first- innings but kept losing partners at the and Ajinkya Rahane, and the British media was currently is ranked 101st. Potapova has yet to runs if he can manage to win the toss and two days when the pitch didn't offer much other end. India as a result, got bowled out prompt to call it the best over of reverse swing by win a tour-level title and will be making her assistance to the bowlers. debut in the third round at a major tournament. bat first in the next Test match against for 192 during the second session on the an England bowler. England which will be played in Chennai Joe Root scored 218 while Dom Sibley (87) final day."He kept at it which you need to Serena is bidding to clinch her 8th title at But the 38-year-old from Burnley seemed to cut from February 13. and Ben Stokes (87) also made useful do on the fourth and fifth days on a down on the element of mystique to those Kohli scored 11 and 72 runs in the first Test contributions as England piled on the subcontinent pitch. The desire makes this deliveries. "You know, I may have got a bit lucky at Chepauk in a losing cause as England misery on the Indian bowlers by scoring player different from others and it is not that a few hit the bare patches and did so much. To beat India by 227 runs to take a 1-0 lead in 578 runs in their first innings. only here, when he couldn't score runs in be honest, I was looking for a leg-before or a the four-match series on Tuesday. On the other hand, there was considerable England, very few people would have caught at mid-wicket, but at my age, it's nice to see Even though he didn't give any excuses for turn and movement in the air when India seen Virat Kohli lunging forward to play the stump cartwheeling," Anderson said. It's not the defeat, Kohli did say that the toss came to bat in their first innings in which the defensive shots. To do that, you need the first time the paceman is weaving his magic in they got bowled out for 337. the fitness," Nehra said. India. While he played a big role in 2006 when England beat India in Mumbai with six wickets in Manchester United reach FA Cup Melbourne Park after winning in 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2015 and 2017. "She pushed me really hard and played well quarter-finals, Burnley crash out throughout the match. I wasn't thinking so much in the second set," Serea said after the match.Romanian Sorana Cirstea caused a big LONDON: Scott McTominay sent Bruno Fernandes were introduced as McTominay finally made the breakthrough upset in the Australian Open as she knocked Manchester United into the FA Cup second half substitutes.Amad Diallo was in the 97th minute.Martial's cross was only out 9th seed Petra Kvitova with a 6-4, 1-6, 6-1 quarter-finals as his extra-time strike named on the United bench for the first half-cleared and Rashford's deft touch teed win in women's singles Round 2. sealed a hard-fought 1-0 win against West time since the 18-year-old's January move up McTominay to steer a composed strike Meanwhile, India's Rohan Bopanna and his Ham on Tuesday.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's from Atalanta as Solskjaer made six past Fabianski from just inside the area. Japanese partner Ben McLachlan were side were well below their best in a scrappy changes.Lukasz Fabianski prevented In Tuesday's other fifth round tie, Burnley knocked out in the opening round of men's fifth round tie at freezing, snow-dusted United from taking the lead in the 27th suffered a surprise exit as second tier the game, MS Dhoni felt Anderson was the doubles event by the South Korean pair of Old Trafford.But a fine finish from minute when he brilliantly pushed Victor Bournemouth won 2-0 at Turf Moor. biggest difference between the two teams when Song Min-Kyu and Nam Ji Sung in straight Scotland midfielder McTominay ensured Lindelof's header onto the post.There was Sean Dyche's side fell behind to Sam the visitors triumphed here in 2012.The paceman sets - 4-6, 6-7. United advanced to the last eight for a a nasty clash of heads between West Ham's Surridge's first half goal and Junior seventh successive season.United last won Issa Diop and United's Anthony Martial feels he has evolved a lot since 2006, when he was Stanislas finished them off with a late still finding his feet at the top level. "I am a very the FA Cup in 2016 and McTominay's third towards the end of the first half.Both penalty.While the loss was embarrassing, goal in three games kept them in the hunt to continued after treatment but Diop did not different bowler now and I can perform on Premier League it will be forgotten if Dyche ensures different surfaces. Back then, I used to depend on lift the trophy for the 13th time. return in the second half due to Burnley retain their Premier League status. After the frustration of the late Everton concussion."To clarify, Issa Diop was swing and reverse swing, but now I can bowl Burnley are currently 17th in the Premier cutters and be more consistent. Actually, I have makes new plan to equaliser that dented their Premier League replaced as a concussion substitute, League, sitting eight points clear of the title challenge on Saturday, this was an meaning we can now make a total of six benefited a lot from cricket out here," Anderson relegation zone.It could have been an even said.The man with 611 scalps was brilliant in Sri essential result to lift the mood at United. changes, as can Manchester United, if we more chastening night for Burnley, who combat racism It was hardly an eye-catching performance see fit," West Ham said in a statement. Lanka just a few weeks ago as well, taking 6-40 at initially included the ineligible Erik Galle to set up a Test win. Now after the Chennai however, with United labouring against Fabianski saved well from Marcus Rashford Pieters in the team before being alerted to LONDON: The Premier League on Tuesday defensive West Ham until McTominay and before the game went into extra-time. heroics, Anderson feels he is a better bowler than set in motion an action plan to eradicate racial the issue by Bournemouth's media chief. what he was at his peak in 2012 as well. prejudice and create more opportunities for minority ethnic groups in football. It builds on the existing actions taken by the Premier League and clubs to promote equality, diversity and inclusion. Munita, daughter of construction labourer, "Football is a diverse sport... This diversity has made the game stronger on the pitch and it is vital we ensure this is reflected across all areas of the game," Premier League Chief breaks under-20 race walk record Executive Richard Masters said. "The No Room For Racism Action Plan underpins the Premier League's continued New Delhi Each time race walker Munita younger brother.Munita’s father Biraju used commitment to promoting equality and /Munita’s father Prajapati finishes on the podium, the 19 -year- to work at construction sites in Mumbai till tackling discrimination. old knows she is not only inching closer to 2010. But he got severely electrocuted and "There is no place for racism in our sport and Biraju used to fulfilling her dreams of competing in the had to be off work for the next three years. the Premier League will continue to take Olympics someday but is also a step closer to After recovery, he decided to stay back in action against all forms of discrimination so work at helping her family escape poverty. The wiry the village and look for menial jobs. “They that football is inclusive and welcoming for race walker from Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi had to amputate a toe on one leg and a few all."The scheme, which has received construction district hogged the limelight on the fourth day fingers from the other. He couldn’t work for unanimous backing from the 20 Premier of the junior nationals in Guwahati, winning another three years. Things were looking League clubs, aims to improve playing, coaching and executive pathways for black, sites in Mumbai the (U-20) 10,000m race walk event and very bleak then. My sister told me why don’t Asian and minority ethnic groups. till 2010. But he breaking the national mark in the you try sports, you could eventually gent a It will also focus on taking action against all progress.Munita clocked 47:53.58 s to erase stable job and help the family,” recalls forms of racism, including raising awareness, the Reshma Patel’s 48:25.90s record, which Munita who was about 10 back then. educating fans, making reporting of abusive got severely was achieved just last month at the Junior who hails from Sahwajpur Badhaini Khurd Munita was fortunate to have coach Nirbhay, behaviour more effective and improving the Federation Cup in Bhopal. The daughter of a district, took up athletics at the insistence of her an army man, who trained other youngsters in enforcement and effectiveness of sanctions. electrocuted construction labourer father and a homemaker elder sister who saw it as a means to secure a the village. Back then she did not even have a A host of players, including Manchester United and had to be mother has also earned the distinction of government job through sports quota.My sister clue that race walking was a professional sport. trio Axel Tuanzebe, Marcus Rashford and becoming the first woman walker to clock a wasn’t an athlete but she said this was the only “Coach said I could do well in walking and I Anthony Martial; Chelsea's Reece James, off work for the sub-48 minute time in the 10,000m race walk in way I could get out of the village and do believed him,” she says. In 2017 she gave trials West Bromwich Albion's Romaine Sawyers; the U-20 category.Munita had already booked a something. I knew I had to do something to and Southampton's Alex Jankewitz, have at the Sports Authority of India centre in Bhopal been victims of online abuse in recent next three spot for the World Juniors to be held in Nairobi, ensure my family’s struggles get over. Both my and made the cut for hostel admission. Since weeks.Britain's Prince William, who is the Kenya in August by clocking just one second parents have sacrificed a lot for me and it’s my then she has bagged top spots in age-group Football Association (FA) President, years. within the 50:30seconds standard at the race dream to secure a better future for them,“ says meets and even secured a Khelo India described the abuse as "despicable". walking nationals in February last year. Munita, Munita, who has three elder sisters and a scholarship of Rs 10,000 per month. 12 New Delhi, Thursday, 11 February, 2021 TraveYATRAl THE SIKH TIMES India’s rivers and seas are home to many stunning bridges that are specimens of both architectural brilliance and great engineering. Attracting travellers and daily commuters in equal measure, these pedestrian, rail and road Stunning Indian Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Mumbai Race the winds as you drive under the stunning silver cone cables of the Bandra- Worli Sea Link and gaze at the stunning connects Edappally and Vallarpadam in Kochi. sunsets of Arabian Sea. Opened in 2009, Spanning over 4.6 km, it is earmarked only for the 5.6 km-long bridge is India’s answer to trains carrying freight. Built of 11700 tonnes of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and reinforced steel the Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula, Pamban Bridge, Rameshwaram Rishikesh Literally rising above the waters of the The most iconic structures in Rishikesh, Ram Indian Ocean, this 100-year-old rail and Jhula and Lakshman Jhula are two iron road bridge connects a two–km-long BridgesBridges suspension bridges built on the Ganga River. stretch between Rameshwaram on Offering spectacular views of this small hill Pamban Island and the Indian mainland. town’s surrounding valleys and dense The engineering marvel not only offers spectacular views of the Living root bridges, Cherrapunji you must cross Cherrapunji’s living root bridges are made by Kolia Bhomora Setu, Sonitpur intertwining the aerial roots of banyan trees. The plummeting waters of the 100,000 vehicles and over 150,000 They are hand-crafted by members of the Brahmaputra River are also home one of the pedestrians each day. Constructed on the Khasi tribe of Meghalya and used for crossing to the 3-km-long Kolia Bhomora Vidyasagar Setu, waters of Bay of Bengal, the bridge was built streams and gorges. Of these, the double- Setu, which connects Sonitpur on decker suspension bridge the north bank with Nagaon Kolkata Vembanad Bridge, Kochi District on the south bank. Drive Running 3.6 km over the The longest rail bridge in India, the Vembanad over this engineering marvel Hooghly River and linking the Bridge overlooks Kerala’s during evenings, when the sky cities of Kolkata and Howrah, stunning backwaters Godavari Bridge, Vidyasagar Setu is the longest and cable-stayed bridge in India Rajahmundry and Asia. It comprises of nine The second of the three bridges traffic lanes that allow a total built on Godavari—the largest of 30,000 vehicles to traverse river of south India— the Godavari through it Bridge is a rail-cum-road bridge which runs 4.2 km long. Years of Nivedita Setu, Kolkata perfect planning led to the Godavari River. Standing tall on 28 piers, Designed to withstand 48,000 construction of this striking masterpiece. the 2.7-km-long stretch is shadowed by vehicles each day, Nivedita Setu is a cable- The road deck runs stunning parabolic arches, stayed bridge built over Hooghly River in Kolkata. Stretching up to a kilometre, the Godavari Arch Bridge, New Yamuna Bridge, Allahabad bridge comprises of seven spans helping in Rajahmundry The longest cable-stayed bridge in India, the the easy movement of traffic in the City of Joy. One of the longest prestressed concrete New Yamuna Bridge is a magnificent road- arch bridges in Asia, the Godavari Arch bridge that runs across the Yamuna River, Howrah Bridge, Kolkata Bridge is the third link built on the connecting the city of Allahabad to Naini. Comprising of six lanes (including One of the most recognised landmarks of the pedestrian and bicycle lanes), the bridge is City of Joy, the Howrah Bridge is a engineering wonder that carries more than

Chittorgarh is one of the greatest forts in Rajasthan. fort was the scene for many historical events, the most Wandering around the plateau on top is like touching the famous of which revolve around the Maratha leader sky, with a collection of sublimely beautiful Chhatrapati Shivaji. The magnificent Aguada Fort, Goa Red Fort, Delhi Overlooking the mouth of the Mandovi River, Fort Aguada The Red Fort conjures up images of the splendour of is a Portuguese fort that reflects the true essence of Goa. Mughal Delhi—imperial elephants swaying by, royal More famous as the setting for countless Hindi movie armies standing guard, court ladies being carried in sequences, the fort was built in 1612 to safeguard Old Goa palanquins and other vestiges of royal pomp. The from potential enemy attacks. greatest icon of Delhi, the Red Fort, named so for Panhala Fort, Panhala Murud Janjira Fort, Raigad Blanketed in clouds, Panhala Fort is the biggest fort in the The sleepy fishing hamlet of Murud is home to the Deccan Plateau. Initially built around the 12th century, the magnificent island fortress of Janjira, standing about 500 m offshore. It is one of the strongest marine forts in India, and remained undefeated during the course Forts of history, despite repeated attacks. When of India Shahi dynasty in the 16th and 17th centuries, the fort The magnificent forts of India is replete with beautiful palaces and ancient The best way to discover the treasure trove of Indian history is to work your way through its countless Agra Fort, Agra monuments and forts. Silent and stunning Standing next to, and often overshadowed by Agra’s reminders of a rich past, these forts in India are most famous monument Taj Mahal, this UNESCO replete with sagas of romance, chivalry, valour, World Heritage Site is one of the finest Mughal forts inevitable deceit in India. Built during the 16th century, the red Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur sandstone fort encloses palaces, mosques and Perched on a perpendicular cliff, 400 feet above the Amber Fort, Jaipur city, Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Fort is one of the most Standing atop rugged hills on the periphery of Jaipur, magnificent forts in India. Imposing and invincible, Amber Fort is a fascinating blend of Hindu and the fort exudes a haunting beauty that beckons all. Mughal architecture. One of the highlights of this stunning fort is the uphill elephant ride towards the Gwalior Fort, Gwalior main entrance. Perched majestically atop a steep mass of sandstone, Gwalior Fort is an imposing sight that Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer dominates the city of Gwalior. This hilltop fort has Rising majestically from the sandy terrain of the great stood witness to several momentous battles over the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer Fort, also known as the course of history, and encloses temples, palaces, Golden Fort of Rajasthan, merges splendidly with the step wells and golden desert hues and the setting sun. The fort is the Golconda Fort, Hyderabad epitome of Indian architecture and is one of the Situated on the outskirts of Hyderabad, the Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh imposing Golconda Fort sweeps you off your feet Rising from the plains like a huge rock island, nearly with its countless tales. The capital of the Qutub 6 km long and surrounded on all sides by 150 m cliffs,