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efence Minister Rajnath  3/ 0/4     DSingh on Thursday informed Parliament that ndia on Thursday warned      and China have started disen- ITwitter and others of strict    gaging their troops from the action for failure to crack- Pangong Tso (lake) in Ladakh down on content inciting   and assured that India did not disharmony and posing threat concede anything while agree- to national security. These plat- ing for mutual withdrawal. forms were also told to adhere He also said the pullback to the Constitution and laws of started after several rounds of the land. talks at the military and diplo- Making this clear in the matic levels between the two Rajya Sabha, Information sides over the last few months. Technology Minister Ravi The two Corps Commanders             Shankar Prasad, however, said will meet again after 48 hours      ! "! the social media, including    #  to review the withdrawal   # $&!  #& Twitter, Facebook and   &!  process, Rajnath said. WhatsApp besides others, were #& Officials said the two eyeball to eyeball confrontation sides will cease their forward free to criticise the armies were monitoring the since May last year when the deployments in a phased, coor- Government. “Please don’t spread enmi- withdrawal of tanks and troops first face-off took place at the dinated and verified manner in However, fake news and ty, violence and misinforma- from the south and north Pangong Tso. Moreover, both these areas, he said.     '(              content fanning trouble will not tion. Please follow the banks of the Pangong lake the sides amassed tanks and The Defence Minister        ' )'    (# be tolerated and the Constitution of India and the through drones and satellite artillery guns closer to the assured the House that India Government will take strict law of the land (otherwise we imagery. They also said the LAC as tension grew following has not conceded anything in the North Bank area to east the outstanding issues were Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu action, he said. This came a will be very strict),” he local commanders of the two the bloody brawl at the Galwan while entering into the disen- of Finger 8. Reciprocally, the addressed in the future military did not allow. He said this issue day after his Ministry rebuked said. armies were already in regular valley on June 15. Twenty gagement process, adding there Indian troops will be based at and diplomatic level parley. pertained to national security Twitter for not complying with On Wednesday, his touch for the last few weeks to Indian Army personnel includ- are “some outstanding issues” their permanent base at Dhan “These are mutual and rec- and talks between the two its orders to take down inflam- Ministry had expressed dis- commence the pullback and ing the commanding officer with regard to deployment and Singh Thapa Post near Finger iprocal steps and any structures countries were still on. matory contents. pleasure at Twitter for failing to this exercise will continue in were killed in the incident. patrolling at some other points 3,” he said. that had been built by both Therefore, it will not be appro- Enunciating the remove all of the over 1,100 future too. Meanwhile, Rajnath in his along the LAC in eastern “A similar action would be sides since April 2020 in both priate to seek clarifications, he Government’s stand on the accounts and posts it alleged They admitted this was statement on the present situ- Ladakh. taken in the South Bank area by North and South Bank area will ruled. issue, Prasad said social media spread misinformation about the first step in the long process ation in Ladakh said in the “It has also been agreed to both sides. These are mutual be removed and the landforms The mutual withdrawal of platforms cannot give differ- the widespread protests by in breaking the impasse lasting Rajya Sabha, “I am happy to convene the next meeting of and reciprocal steps and any will be restored. It has also been tanks and infantry combat ential treatment while han- farmers against new agricul- more than 10 months and said inform the House today that as the senior commanders with- structures that had been built agreed to have a temporary vehicles from heights on the dling problems on Capitol Hill tural laws. the mutually acceptable disen- a result of our well thought out in 48 hours after the complete by both sides since April 2020 moratorium on military activ- southern bank of the Pangong and the Red Fort. Prasad said the social gagement at the lake was a con- approach and sustained talks disengagement in the Pangong in both north and south bank ities by both sides in the North Tso began on Wednesday a The Government, he said, media companies took imme- fidence building measure to with the Chinese side, we have Lake area so as to address and area will be removed,” Singh Bank, including patrolling to fortnight after the Corps was committed to freedom of diate action when riots broke restore peace at the Line of now been able to reach an resolve all other remaining said. the traditional areas,” the Commanders of the two armies media and rights of individu- out at Capitol Hill in Actual Control (LAC) in agreement on disengagement issues,” he said. He also informed the Defence Minister said. agreed on January 24 to push als, but it was equally con- Washington but ignored simi- Eastern Ladakh. in the north and south bank of Giving details of the pact, Elders that for the time being Later, some Congress for an early disengagement of cerned about safety, security, lar action when farm bill pro- More than one lakh troops the Pangong Lake.” the Minister said, “The Chinese patrolling by both the armies in members tried to seek clarifi- their frontline troops from the and law and order in the coun- testers ran riot at Red Fort on from both the sides were in an As per the agreement, both side will keep its troop presence that area will not take place till cations from Rajnath but flashpoints. try. Republic Day. 

+#, ! !                  * /' 5        !" #        n an encounter with Naxals Iin Lugupahari, two Central       Reserve Police Force (CRPF)      (Ahmedabad-Chandigarh,       jawans were injured on Bengaluru-Kolkata, Bhopal-    Wednesday night about 9:30       Hyderabad); 3,900 to 13,000 "    pm. Police seized arms and (Varanasi-Jaipur, Ahmedabad-     ammunition from the spot,    !"# Kolkata, Bengaluru-Bhopal);    $ said SP, Bokaro Chandan 5,000 to 16,900 (Agartala- Kumar Jha. $   %!" Delhi, Bengaluru-Jaipur,     The encounter took place Chandigarh-Hyderabad,    ! in the forest near Lugupahari  *  3/ 0/4 Srinagar, Bengaluru-Chennai, Chennai-Lucknow); 6,100 to " "$%    forest area near Tutijharna Bhopal-Mumbai among others 20,400 (Ahmedabad- %     " under Gomia block in Bokaro he Ministry of Civil — the minimum fare has been , Bengaluru-        district about 50 km east of dis- TAviation (MoCA) on increased from 2,000 to Chandigarh, Chennai- "      trict headquarter and 120 km Thursday allowed airlines to 2,200 and the maximum fare Guwahati, Delhi-Kochi );   "& from the State capital when a charge 10-30 per cent more for from 6,000 to 7,800. 7,200 to 24,200          joint team of CRPF and domestic flights with immedi- For longer duration flight (Coimbatore-Delhi, Delhi- "  '    $ District police, SAT and #     ! ate effect while extending its time between 180 and 210 Thiruvananthapuram). Jharkhand Jaguar was out on  !     !!   #, !         earlier decision of allowing minutes for routes such as Till date, the lower and &'()&     an anti-Naxal operation, Jha " &!  #   &!  #  airlines to deploy up to 80 per Coimbatore-Delhi, Delhi- upper limits for these bands    said. cent of their pre-Covid domes- Thiruvananthapuram, and Port were 2,500 -  7,500;3,000 - " "$%   ()*( He said the patrolling team, security forces retaliated. one CRPF jawan has been shot who were trying to flee might tic capacity till March 31, 2021. Blair-Delhi, the minimum fare 9,000; 3,500 - 10,000;       comprising around 50 personnel "While one CRPF jawan in the stomach and the other in have sustained injuries,” said The minimum fare on all has increased from 6,500 to 4,500 - 13,000; 5,500 -        of the CRPF, the District police, identified as Satyendra Singh the chest. At the same time, the SP. seven sectors has been 7,200 while the maximum 15,700 and 6,500 - 18,600,         SAT and Jharkhand Jaguar forces injured seriously in the incident several Naxals have also been The security forces recov- increased by 10 per cent and fare from 18,600 to 24,200. respectively. +),"    had launched the operation on while Vishnu Singh got minor reported injured. The injured ered a rifle made in Belgium, the maximum fares are up by The subsequent bands are The airfare band has been  " "-*.  Wednesday night in the interi- injured," he said. Naxals have escaped leaving 15 cartridges with magazine, 30 per cent. The price capping for flights with durations of 40- revised upwards now as the   "/  $ ors of Gomia and Jageshwar Reinforcement has been their weapons. sleeping bags, water bottles, was put on domestic flight 60 minutes, 60-90 minutes, price of jet fuel has risen sig- police station areas. rushed; soon after incident to According to police offi- blankets, mats, literature operators to keep the ticket 90-120 minutes, 120-150 min- nificantly since last May when    On Wednesday night the spot and efforts are on to cials, a massive search oper- besides other things. prices in check due to the lim- utes, 150-180 minutes and 180- the fares were set. The summer  *     around 9 to 9:30 pm , when evacuate both the injured per- ation is underway to get hold Bermo SDPO, Satish ited number of flights. The 210 minutes. The fresh lower schedule begins at the end of " "$%  0  security forces were advancing sonnel, while Satyendra Singh of the Naxals. “After the Chandra Jha said the rebels fled move will help to improve the and upper limits set by the March for all the airlines.        through Lugupahari, around was shifted to Medica hospital, search operation, we found taking advantage of the dark- financial health of the airlines. Ministry for these bands on Aviation regulator Directorate 1%     50 km from Bokaro, a group of Ranchi for his better treat- traces of bloodstains at the ness. According to him, the For instance, in category A Thursday were 2,800 to General of Civil Aviation   & "   Naxals opened fire on them, ment, the SP added. spot of the encounter. We sus- recoveries were made during a where flight duration time is 9,800 (Amritsar-Delhi, (DGCA) approves both the    (.2  2 leading to a gunfight, the SP According to SDPO, pect that during the search operation carried out less than 40 minutes — such as Bengaluru-Goa among oth- schedules — summer and win-       said. He said Naxals fled when Bermo Satish Chandra Jha, encounter some of the rebels after the operation. Agartala-Guwahati, Amritsar- ers); 3,300 to 11,700 ter — of all the airlines.    ' "0$ )      *'  &( % &       '( & units are being built across the State. ent identity in the country and the linked to this to make them self- & # The CM said that farmers are world for lac cultivation, but it start- reliant and self-reliant.  '3 the backbone of the country. In such ed to decline gradually. “But, I can He visited various stalls set up $  a situation, the State government is say with pride that lac cultivation at the Kisan Mela-cum-Agricultural tate government worried about the problems of the is in the blood of the people of Technology Exhibition and closely Son Thursday ' farmers. The government is prepar- Jharkhand. The government is reviewed the activities and activities appointed 1987 ing an action plan to increase the committed to add value to the for- carried out by them. More than 60 batch IPS officer,  '3 income of farmers. He said, “Today est produce, including lac, to get its stalls have been set up in this exhi- Niraj Sinha as the we are touching new heights of old identity. In the field of lac cul- bition. These stalls have been set up new Director he State government will give development but farmers are slow- tivation, we are producing about 20 by various non-governmental and General of Police Tthe status of agriculture to lac ly being marginalized. It is a mat- thousand tonnes of lac using only private institutions. (DGP). Sinha replaces MV Rao, who cultivation and also decide its ter of great concern. The govern- 15 per cent capacity. If its full capac- On this occasion an MoU was was acting as in-charge DGP of State Minimum Support Price. Chief ment is taking all necessary steps in ity is used, then Jharkhand will be signed between the Indian Institute since March 2020. The Department of Minister Hemant Soren made this the interest of farmers. The gov- known in the country and the of Natural Resins and Gums and Home, Prison and Disaster announcement at the inaugura- ernment has procured 30 per cent world with record production. In ICICI Foundation to promote lac Management on Thursday evening tion ceremony of the two-day Kisan more paddy than the target this this, the Indian Institute of Natural cultivation. The CM released two issued a notification regarding Mela-cum-Agricultural Technology year,” he said. Resins and Gums has been playing publications in the programme. appointment of Sinha as the new DGP. Exhibition held today at the Indian    - !   !!!      “While mineral wealth is abun- an important role and will play it The farmers, scientists and entre- Sinha prior to appointment of new Institute of Natural Resins and .   !( ! !& / '    !  $ !  dant in Jharkhand, this State also further,” he added. preneurs who performed better in DGP was heading the post of Gums, Namkum on Thursday. The )! '$ ! &! 1( ! !'(-!   maintains a separate identity for its The CM planted a safflower lac cultivation were honoured. Additional DG of Anti Corruption CM said that it is the government's  "' ( . '     ! '..    forest produce. But, its proper use, plant in the institute campus. Agriculture, Animal Bureau. Ironically, Sinha was SSP resolve to make farmers self-reliant.   !   # conservation, production and mar- During this time he saw the plants Husbandry and Cooperatives Ranchi when incumbent Chief “Many schemes are being run kets are not available, farmers are planted for lac production and Minister Badal, MLA Rajesh Secretary Sukhdeo Singh was DC, in this regard, through which not getting the right price for its received information related to lac Kachhap, Deputy Commissioner, Ranchi in the nineties. In 2019, the grants, loans and other necessary development. The government is production from agricultural sci- Senior Superintendent of Police, KK Jharkhand Government had submit- facilities are being made available to ment will take all possible steps to new godowns and food processing trying to remove these problems by entists. Agricultural scientists told Sharma, Director of the Institute, ted names of three IPS officers in the the farmers. The government has ensure that the farmers get their units to protect and promote agri- connecting more and more farm- the CM that there are vast possi- Nirmal Kumar, Convenor of the panel for DGP post. Sinha’s name was recently waived the loans of farm- right,” said the CM. culture and agricultural products in ers with forest produce,” he said. bilities of lac production in program and other officials and in the list. Sinha has held important ers and introduced Mukhyamantri Soren said that the government Jharkhand. Around 500 new The CM said that there was a Jharkhand. Farmers, especially large number of farmers were pre- posts including OSD of Bihar's former Pashudhan Yojana. The govern- is giving special emphasis to create godowns and 224 food processing time when Jharkhand had a differ- women self-help groups, can be sent on the occasion. chief minister Lalu Prasad.     !   

            

 @ /01' hospital and gave necessary deputy commissioner several was accompanied by his   # guidelines to the concerned instructions were given and we entire team and the district n his maiden visit to the officials. have already started working deputy commissioner. After  !    ! %'  help of villagers. things in most Ocity after taking over as the The contract employees on the directive and would try visiting the entire college, the of the sick district govern- Health secretary, KK Soan also spoke to the health secre- to streamline all the services,” secretary spoke to the princi- hree children died when ment's hospitals. inspected MGM Medical tary and also listed the reasons said an official. pal on many issues and took Tthey fell into a pit and Speaking to this corre- College and Hospital in Sakchi for the hospital's misery. The hospital has depart- detailed information about heavy mud buried them in it on spondent Verma said he has and monitored the functioning Shortage of staff and timely ments like pathology, gynae- the classes can be started in Wednesday. been visiting every depart- of different departments on delivery of valuable medicines cology, paediatrics, medicine, the college. According to the sources , ment of the hospital here and Thursday. He took a serious were also reported to be a opthalmology, ENT, surgery The MGMCH is a govern- Supriya (11), Pritiya (10), both asking officials to give the best note of two ambulances lying serious problem. The secretary and orthopaedics. But, due to ment hospital with the facility daughters of Rajesh Ram and of the medical care to the defunct and ordered stream- listened seriously to their griev- lack of doctors and paramed- of 540 beds. Everyday around Ram Ashish Ram (10), the patients. lining of facilities. ances and said that issues will ical staff the orthopaedics and 1000 patients come here for children of Sharda village He said there is always a The secretary was accom- be attended. opthalmology units are lying treatment. Several times parts under Dhurki police station room for betterment and here panied by the District Deputy The secretary during the defunct. Incidentally, health of ceiling and windows have area died after a blanket of too hygiene and cleanliness be Commissioner Suraj Kumar, hour-long inspection also vis- department allocates funds collapsed four times in the loose soil fell on them while accorded all priority. Civil Surgeon Dr RN Jha ited medicine and orthopedic on different heads separately government hospital. Due to they were playing. He said if he found things Hospital Superintendent Dr wards and interacted with to hospitals and hospital man- lack of repair work and atten- The police said a large lacking here he would not hes- Sanjay Kumar and other -    ..   )   -    patients and took feedback agement societies. tion of the authorities con- mudpit was dug on private land itate to serve show cause administrative officers. He held &!  #  about the treatment and foods After MGM Hospital, cerned, the condition of the owned for the purpose of notices. talks with the hospital super- served at the wards. Soan reached MGM Medical hospital has deteriorated to a extracting mud. The children, The under secretary visit- intendent regarding facilities and visited every ward. He noticed several flaws in the “During the inspection College directly. The secretary great extent. who were playing on the ed the blood bank and the mal- mound, slipped and fell into the nutrition treatment center as pit and the loose soil instantly well. covered them. Civil surgeon Palamau +/  '   On receiving the infor- John F Kennedy and medical mation of the incident, the superintendent K N Singh Dhurki police station in-charge remained with the inspecting  @ /01' Vinod Kumar reached the spot official all through giving a feel with the police team and of a well knit team of the hos- major incident of an IED recovered the body with the pital. Ablast was averted by the timely input and action by West Singhbhum Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) 60 34/  ) battalion. The security forces involved in search operation  %'  were recovered by our BDDS West Singhbhum on Thursday team and destroyed success- recovered about two 40 kgs each orty Six powerful impro- fully," said CRPF Commandant improvised explosive device The Maoists wanted to trigger operations in the naxal-infest- Fvised explosive devices Ashish Kumar Jha. (IED) from the road connecting a major blast. During the ed areas of West Sighbhum. (IED), which were planted to Budha Pahad situated on Kuida to Gitilipi main raod patrolling the security person- In the last few days an anti harm security forces, were the border of Chhattisgarh and under Goilkera police station nel recovered the bombs. We insurgency operation in Kolhan recovered in Garhwa district, Jharkhand is known as the area of West Singhbhum dis- immediately pressed an anti- has been intensified following police said on Thursday. safe hideout of the Maoists. Top trict. The jawans of CRPF's 60 bomb disposal squad on ser- intelligence reports that suggest Based on a tip-off, CRPF Maoist leaders, who were car- battalion and district police vice and the bombs were rebels are camping in the pock- and police personnel launched rying a reward of one crore on recovered the improvised explo- defused," said an official. ets. The administration has a search operation near Budha their heads, Arvind ji and sive device (IED) during Sources informed that a increased police patrolling on Pahad area on a pathway in Sudhakaran used to carry out patrolling. Latter on Bomb sudden rise in the Maoists the bordering areas connecting between Kulhi - Bahera village Naxal activity in the entire Detection and Disposal Squad activities have let the forces to and has also under Bhandariya police sta- Jharkhand from Budha Pahad. (BDDS) diffused the bomb. intensify the patrolling. deployed adequate numbers tion limit around 100 Km away Many big operations were " Timely intervention has Following the incident the of paramilitary personnel on from district headquarter and carried out by the Jharkhand helped us to defuse the bombs. police have launched combing areas potential to rebel attack. 300 Km far from Ranchi and Police to free Budha Pahad seized 46 IEDs planted in from the Maoists, but even then series, on Wednesday. Budha Pahad has not been "The explosives, which freed from the Rebels. Naxal have been diffused, and activities are being carried out destroyed were planted to tar- in these areas under the lead- get security forces," said ership of Maoist leader Vimal, Garhwa SP Khotre Srikant the SP added. Suresh Rao. The search operation by “46 IED bombs were plant- the forces is still ongoing in the ed in a 150 meter radius, which forest area, he said. ()    * + 

   5='5

AIL, Chairman Soma SMondal reached Bokaro on her two-day visit on Thursday. Harinand Rai, Director (Technical, Projects and Raw Materials) of SAIL also accompanied her during the visit. Mondal was wel- comed at Bokaro Airport by progress in the operations of Amarendu Prakash, Director- the plant, projects, medical in-charge of BSL, Executive services and township etc. Directors and other senior Directors of SAIL (Technical, officials, and then the she Projects and Raw Materials), was given the Guard of Director-in-charge of BSL, Honour by the Bokaro unit of Executive Directors, Chief CISF at the Bokaro General Managers and other residence. senior officers were present in The SAIL Chairman vis- the meeting. Mondal gave ited various units of the plant necessary guidelines in the and got information from the meeting on cost-control, officials after observing the improvement in techno-eco- coke ovens and BPP, RMHP, nomic parameters and vari- blast furnace-2, SMS new, ous aspects related to hot strip mill and CRM-3 etc. production and Encouraging officers and per- projects. sonnel, she said that safety at On the second day of the the workplace is paramount Bokaro tour on 12 February and gave a message of main- before departure, SAIL chair- tenance of equipment as per man will visit Jagarnath rules, focus on cost control, to Temple and the 'Surabhi' cen- take maximum advantage of ter run by the Bokaro Mahila the present favourable oppor- Samiti . Also, she will attend tunities in the steel market various meetings along with and to work with full enthu- meeting the trade union rep- siasm. The SAIL chairman resentatives of BSL, repre- and Rai also appreciated the sentatives of Bokaro Steel better housekeeping of vari- Officers Association, repre- ous BSL shops. sentatives of Bokaro Chamber In the afternoon, she held of Commerce, representatives a meeting with the senior offi- of Biada, representatives of SC cials of Bokaro Steel Plant at / ST Federation, etc. at Bokaro Bokaro Niwas to review the Niwas.

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R                !       !  !! ,R        +        1 00        '3 the higher education of girls   "/' who have the capacity will be % 4    $ anchi Deputy arranged after talking to the %         '3 been noticed that people are Usually, commoners prefer RCommissioner (DC) Chavi dignitaries. To identify the stu-        apprehensive about helping calling an ambulance instead Ranjan during an review meet- dents, he also directed them to     /' harkhandis willing to help, road accident survivors as of taking an accident survivor ing of the district Education conduct an examination. He      Jroad accident survivors need they fear that the police might to the hospital themselves Department directed post-    said that career counseling will      not worry about harassment by harass them. Now on, any fearing police harassment. ponement of the salary of the        also be arranged for the better    A  $0  the police anymore. A new pol- person who helps a road acci- However, this apprehension Block Education Extension &!  #  life of the girl students study-   0' 100 icy by the Government promis- dent survivor will not have to often leads to loss of time, Officer Itki for not doing sat- ing in Kasturba Gandhi 0 'A = 1       es to ensure that life savers in disclose his or her identity which may trigger major isfactory work for not doing students who are eligible, make Residential School.   $ %   1 00O   cases of road mishaps will not and will not be unnecessari- health issues in survivors or satisfactory work. He also sure that their application is not During the mid-day meal       $       be questioned unnecessarily, ly questioned by the law even cause deaths. directed to postponement of rejected. If caste, income or res- scheme review, Ranjan asked         '   ()(92((  and instead be rewarded for enforcement agencies,” said The Disaster Budhmu Block Education idential certificate is not avail- the officials concerned how the    "    " 3       ' their work. Gupta, adding that the poli- Management Department has Officer for absence in the meet- able, then coordinate with the students were getting the mid-            "  " The Good Samaritan cy was aimed at reducing been on a mission to save lives ing. concerned CO and get the day meal. He ordered the post-   $      "  C   "  Policy, approved by the State fatalities due to road accidents and ensure due compensation The DC first reviewed the family felicitated. ponement of payment of    /'$ Cabinet recently, is expected to in Jharkhand. to the victims of road acci- enrollment in the Government During the review of the Namkum Block Education not only save lives but also Doctors say that the first dents in Jharkhand. In and aided primary, secondary cases related to Kasturba Extension Officer for non-sat-    24     ! instill the feeling of responsi- hour after an accident is cru- December, the department, in and higher secondary schools. Gandhi Balika Residential isfactory work under the 5   & bility towards the safety and cial as the chances of saving the a meeting chaired by Gupta, While reviewing the status of School, Ranjan took informa- scheme.   "   D:  well being of fellow citizens survivor is much higher dur- also decided to pay a com- enrollment under Right to tion from the District While reviewing the   among Jharkhand residents, ing this period even if the sur- pensation of Rs.1 lakh to the Information in private schools, Education Officer (DEO). The online classes of the students,  $'  Disaster Management Minister vivor has sustained severe kin of all the victims of road he inquired about the applica- DEO said that the practice of the DC directed to link the '   A Banna Gupta said on Thursday. injuries. accidents in Jharkhand irre- tions received so far from the model test paper is going on in missing schools children to the =  As per the policy, any per- “During my practice, I spective of their economic District Superintendent of schools for the examination. WhatsApp group. While    %   son bringing a road accident have seen that most of the class, caste, community and Education. The DC said that Ranjan directed a house survey reviewing the registered and  'A = survivor to hospital within an accident survivors who are gender. where there are fewer applica- of girl students not coming to connected students for online    "& hour since the mishap will be brought to the hospital with- “This is the first time that tions than seats available in pri- enroll in school, so that it can classes, he ordered the post-    " rewarded cash prize of up to in an hour since the mishap any government in Jharkhand vate schools under RTE, make be found out why the girl is not ponement of the salary of         $    "  :) Rs.2000 and be conferred a cer- respond better to treatment has taken such an initiative for a team and promote it. He coming to school. The Deputy Tamad Block Education "    @ &    $5    tificate of appreciation, stating and have a lower chance of the victims of road accidents,” asked to spread awareness by Commissioner directed to sub- Extension Officer for not  "&         A    that the person is a good developing health complica- said Gupta, adding that all forming teams of BDO, BRP, mit the report in two days. doing satisfactory work. He   /    $ 0/51   Samaritan and that the state is tions caused by injuries,” said residents of Jharkhand will be CRP and others. The DC directed a survey asked all the BEEOs to go door %           "   proud of his efforts. Dr. Ajit Kumar of Sadar able to benefit from this He asked officials to work of girl students of Kasturba to door for registration of stu-  $ “In many cases, it has Hospital in Ranchi. scheme. with full sensitivity and those Gandhi Schools. He said that dents.     !     3 '          ! ,  . +   #  /   0% "       0   4   &       '3 idents affected by the glacier labourers from Karnataka, two lected by the state control room, While some media reports the Chamoli incident has    $5  break highlighted. from Madhya Pradesh, two at least nine of the 14 labourers stated that a labourer from jumped to 35, while around       he count of Jharkhand So far, at least 43 cases of from Bihar and one from Uttar missing from Jharkhand are res- Lohardaga district was feared 200 people are feared missing. 0   1 'A Tlabourers stranded in Jharkhand residents, either Pradesh have also contacted the idents of Lohardaga district. dead in the avalanche, “We are in touch with all       " avalanche-ravaged Chamoli missing from the site or strand- state control room for help. Besides, four Ramgarh residents Lohardaga Deputy the Lohardaga residents strand- "C  0     5 A = $ district of Uttarakhand jumped ed in Uttarakhand, have been Of the 29 Jharkhand resi- and one Bokaro resident are Commissioner Dilip Kumar ed in Uttarakhand. Our team is     % 05A =        to 29 on Thursday, while the registered with the state control dents stranded in Chamoli, 10 missing from Chamoli, where a Toppo on Thursday confirmed also coordinating with family                  number of those missing room, managed by Phia are from Latehar, seven from glacial burst led to an avalanche that there was no confirmation of those who are missing from              0 remained 14, figures compiled Foundation on behalf of the Jamtara, two from Hazaribag, on Sunday, causing massive whether the man who died in Chamoli and so far, no death    $0        0   'A by the state control room for Department of Labour, three from Bokaro and seven are floods along the Alaknanda and Uttarakhand was a resident of from our district has been       E         rehabilitation of Jharkhand res- Jharkhand. Besides, three from Ramgarh. As per data col- Dhauliganga rivers. Lohardaga. The death toll in confirmed,” said Toppo.  $    Q) +          R   !  '3 do some adequate business. This is because no one was sure Maa can be seen holding a received any bookings. pared to Durga Puja. Since no “Every year I make close to if the government will allow syringe destroying the virus Generally, the statues are about guidelines have been issued by  !    his year for Saraswati Puja, 300 statues for Saraswati Puja any celebrations,” said Ajay while in others she is awarding eight feet in height and cost the government till now, the Tslated to be celebrated on but this time there are hardly Kumar Pal who runs a work- people from the medical fra- about Rs 6000 while this time festival will be celebrated as per February 16, the deity of 100 ones. Since we were not shop in Lalpur. ternity. Athird theme, shows the tallest one is of only about the rituals and traditions just   knowledge, language, music sure about the celebrations, Pal further stated that the the Goddess dressed up as a six feet which is priced at Rs like it is every year. For idol and arts will be seen slaying the we have not made too many idols prepared depict the var- doctor vaccinating people.” 3500,” said Prajapati. makers also it will be difficult lethal coronavirus at some corona themed statues. As sev- idols and now there is a short- ious stages of the pandemic. “In For another idol maker, Puja pandal organisers in to make any changes at the last places while at others she will eral restrictions were imposed age of the same. Generally, the last 15 days there has been Bhola Prajapati, the pandemic the City are looking forward to minute as statues have already be seen honouring the health for Durga Puja and Kali Puja there are close to 2500 idols a sudden surge in the number has forced him to make about celebrate the festival of knowl- been made,” said Ashok care workers. Idol makers celebrations, artisans have made every year while this year of orders which was difficult to half the number of statues as edge just like every other year. Purohit, president Ranchi across the City are also busy opted to make lesser number of approximately 500 odd statues accommodate in such a short compared to last year. “Saraswati Puja is celebrated on District Durga Puja giving finishing touches to the statues, but are still hoping to of the deity have been made. time span. In some of the idols “This time I have hardly a much smaller scale as com- Committee.

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Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) is looking for private agencies to operate city buses in the State capital. In this regard the civic body has also floated a tender on February 10 while the last date for submitting it is February 23. In the present model, two or three agencies are involved in the operation of these buses. RMC is looking for a single agency to run the same which will not only operate the buses but will also provide the drivers and be responsible for the maintenance of the vehicles. The routes, timings and fares will be decided by RMC. “The objective is to oper- ate the bus service in a more scientific manner. A single party will now be involved in running it so that people can have easy access to the service. In a recent visit of the Secretary, Government of India, to Ranchi he was impressed with the operation of bus service and has promised to provide RMC with 500 more buses in the near future. A proposal is also being made in this regard. This will further ensure the fre- quency of buses at a particular stoppage and will also put the system in place,” said Ranchi Municipal Commissioner, Mukesh Kumar. About 20 buses are being operated by RMC at the moment while another 15 which are being repaired will soon be added to the fleet. “The operator will be responsible for arranging the fuel, managing the parking and also hire drivers. A special bus for ladies will also be start- ed in which men will not be allowed to board the bus. This service will also have a female conductor. The tender has been floated many times in the past as well and hopefully two- three agencies will come for- ward this time. The purpose of city bus service is to give an easy mode of communication to the public and also ease the load on traffic,” said Assistant Municipal Commissioner Jyoti Kumar Singh.     !     !" #      2        !' 3 4   (   3/ 0/4 ecalling the contributions contractual engagement of the “While the Indian Army Rof party ideologue Deen ex-army personnel at SECL, will continue to prepare and Dayal Upadhyay towards build- Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, ATPP adapt to the future, the more ing a self-reliant India, Prime and OTHPP Obra in Uttar proximate, real and present Minister Narendra Modi on Pradesh, VSTPP Sidhi, dangers, on our active borders Thursday said that the leader Madhya Pradesh, ONGC, cannot be ignored,” he said. had called for self-reliance way Nazira, , FGUTPP, He said the principal chal- back during the Indo-Pak war Unchahar and HTPP lenge before the Armed Forces in 1965. Kasimpur in Uttar Pradesh, today is that of the growing “Deendayal Upadhyay’s NALCO Angul, Odisha,  3/ 0/4 capability enhancements in an thoughts are equally relevant FSTPP Farakka and GRSEL IN era of “finite budgets”, adding today and will continue to be West Bengal, NLC Neyveli, rmy Chief General MM the structures, inventories and so. In 1965, during the Indo- that with the power of self- “We value consensus in Tamil Nadu, RTPS Raichur, ANaravane on Thursday, in human resources of the mili- Pak war, India had to depend reliance, the country had deliv- politics. I said in Parliament Karnataka and UTPS Ukai, an apparent reference to the tary will need to adapt and on foreign countries for ered the COVID-19 vaccine to that a majority runs the gov- Gujarat. tension at the Line of Actual transform accordingly. weapons. Deendayal had said the whole world. ernment but the country runs A total of 63 Sub- Control(LAC), said the situa- On changing contours of at that time that we need to “In this COVID-19 period, with consent. We have not just Inspectors, 187 Assistant Sub- tion there highlighted the security challenges, Naravane build an India that is self- the country displayed the spir- come to run the government, Inspectors, 424 Head nature of threats facing India in said when India focused on reliant not just in agriculture, it of Antyodaya, and cared for we have come to take the  3/ 0/4 and 25 per cent Contractual) at Constables and 1,328 preserving its territorial integri- building core capacities in the but also in defence and our country’s poor. With the country forward. We fight selected units by engaging 2000 Constables will be absorbed on ty and sovereignty, noting that spheres of land, sea and air , the weaponry,” PM Modi said. power of self-reliance, the against each other in elec- he Centre has ordered Ex-Army personnel on con- contractual basis. the “legacy challenges” have country’s adversaries took the He was speaking at the country has also proved the tions, it does not mean that we Tengagement of 2,000 ex- tractual basis in different posts The closing date for sub- only grown in scale and inten- battle to the newer domains of Samarpan Diwas on the occa- Integral Humanism do not respect each other,” he servicemen in the CISF on con- on an experimental basis.” mission of application forms by sity. space, cyber, and informatics. sion of Upadhyay’s death Philosophy, delivered medi- said. tractual basis for deployment in The deployment in these the ex-army personnel in the His observations came on He said India’s adversaries anniversary. cines to the whole world, and On the occasion, the PM, units to secure vital installa- selected units will be reviewed Central Industrial Security a day when the first step was are investing in creating a for- “Today, the self-reliant is delivering the vaccine today,” along with BJP president JP tions across the country. by the Ministry after six Force (CISF) has been fixed as taken by both the armies to midable stand-off enterprise in India campaign is becoming he added. Nadda paid floral tributes to A letter with the subject months and twelve months March 15, 2021 following break the ten-month long log- the form of long-range preci- the medium for building the He further said that the the leader. “Engagement of Ex-Army per- for considering further expan- which recruitment process will jam at the LAC in Eastern sion fires, hypersonic vehicles future of the village’s poor, transformational changes tak- Pandit Deendayal sonnel on contract basis in sion of such deployment at be started. Ladakh by withdrawing tanks and robust air defence capac- farmers, labourers and middle ing place in the field of infra- Upadhyay was a Rashtriya CISF for deployment in PSUs” other units. “In view of the above, con- and troops. ities. class,” PM Modi said, adding structure will make the lives Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) signed by Deputy Inspector As many as 13 CISF units cerned Sector IsG (Inspector Addressing a seminar orga- “In order to win future that the vision on the local easier and India will get a new thinker and former leader of General (DIG), CISF, PK Bharti have been identified for the Generals) are requested to nized by the Centre for Land wars, mere mastery of the economy is proof of how prac- modern image, and with the the political party Bharatiya earlier this month read, “MHA contractual deployment on an consider the above facts and Warfare Studies(CLAWS), traditional domains of land, tical and comprehensive Deen stature of the country rapidly Jana Sangh, the forerunner of has directed to deploy Ex- experimental basis of ex-army manage posting accordingly. Naravane said the Indian Army sea and air will no longer suf- Dayal Upadhyay’s thinking growing, every Indian will be Bharatiya Janata Party. Army personnel in CISF in the personnel. This has the approval of com- will continue to prepare and fice,” Naravane said. He said was even in those times. proud of today’s India. He became the president ratio of 75: 25 (75 per cent CISF The units selected for the petent authority,” it added. adapt to the future challenges, as the adversaries expand the “Today, with the mantra of PM Modi also elaborated of Jana Sangh in December the more “proximate, real and “contest to the grey zone”, ‘Vocal for Local’, the country is that in politics, consensus is 1967. He contested the Lok present dangers” on India’s there is a “dire” need for mod- realising his vision,” he said. valued, and although the Sabha election and lost. He “active borders” cannot be ern militaries to be as profi- In light of the ongoing majority runs the government, passed away on February 11, !(   P ignored. cient in competition as in COVID-19 pandemic, he said the country runs with consent. 1968. He said the ongoing devel- hard core “kinetics”. opments along the northern “We need to shed the clas- borders should make the sical war and peace disposition /0   +7 !  armed forces ponder over the and enhance cross govern-     !   nature of the unsettled borders mental fusion in order to win    and consequent challenges with aggressively in the competitive  3/ 0/4 regard to protecting the coun- space,” he noted.  ! 87198  try’s territorial integrity and The Army chief also  .1<  mid the rising number of sovereignty. broadly touched upon how the Acoronavirus cases, Saudi “Without doubt there are future wars could be fought  3/ 0/4  3/ 0/4 Arabia suspended entry of newer threats on the horizon, with the use of highly maneu- 5 people for at least 20 countries, but the hard reality is that the verable unmanned aerial vehi- he Enforcement ndia has become the fastest including India, said Indian legacy challenges have not cles, electromagnetic spec- TDirectorate (ED) on Icountry in the world to fin-   Embassy in Riyadh on quite gone away. In fact, they trum technology, swarm Thursday said it has filed ish 70.17 lakh vaccinations Thursday. Indian Embassy have only grown in scale and drones or use of low orbit sys- Prosecution Complaint against COVID-19 in 26 days. posted its advisory on Twitter intensity,” the Army Chief said. tems. (chargesheet) against five And 17 States/UTs reported no  mentioning, “Kingdom of office bearers/members of the COVID-19 deaths in the past Saudi Arabia vide its circular Popular Front of India (PFI) 24 hours and the country had  3/ 0/4 dated 2nd February 2021 have accordance with the precau-    ! and its student wing Campus the lowest active cases per mil- temporarily suspended entry !%   ! tionary measures”. Indian Front of India (CFI) under the lion population globally. he World Health into the Kingdom for passen- !%'!( cargo flights operating with provisions of the Prevention The Ministry of Health on TOrganisation (WHO) on gers coming from the following  ()  clearance from the Directorate   "#$ of Money Laundering Act Thursday said that India Thursday heaped praise to 19 countries, in addition to General of Civil Aviation before the Special PMLA accomplished this feat in only India on handling the coron- India.” +((%(  (DGCA) do not fall under the Court, Lucknow. 26 days, while it took 27 days avirus pandemic as cases are Saudi Arabia has restrict- (, purview of the ban either.  3/ 0/4 Atikur Rahman, National for the US and 48 days for the going down consistently. ed travel from India, A similar ban was last Treasurer of CFI, Masud UK to reach the same figures. Dr Roderico Ofrin, World Argentina, the United Arab ) ( imposed in the country in he Supreme Ahmed, Delhi General India has also been the fastest Health Organization country Emirates, Germany, the December, after a new and TCourt denied Secretary of CFI, Sidhique to touch the 6 million mark a representative to India said on United States of America, Egypt, and Japan. However, more virulent strain of coro- bail on Thursday Kappan, a journalist few days back. Thursday that over three Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, there are some exceptions. navirus was detected in the to activist Akhil associated with PFI and Md. “The total cumulative vac- months now, cases of COVID- Pakistan, Brazil, Portugal, Saudi citizens, diplomats, and UK. The country had resumed Gogoi, who is Alam, a CFI/PFI member, cination coverage of 70,17,114 19 in India have been consis- United Kingdom, Turkey, health workers coming from international flights and lodged in jail for were arrested by the UP includes 57,05,228 healthcare tently going down... South Africa, Sweden, these countries will be allowed reopened its ports on January his alleged role Police at Mathura while they workers (HCWs) and Considering the magnitude Switzerland, France, Lebanon, to enter the kingdom “in 3, 2021. in the violent were on their way to Hathras 13,11,886 frontline workers of the population...it’s some- anti-CAA protests in Assam. bail once the trial starts. to disturb communal harmo- (FLWs till 8 am on February 11. thing the Government of India A bench of justices N V Gogoi has challenged a ny, to incite violence and to 1,43,056 sessions have been should be very very proud of. Ramana, Surya Kant and January 7 order the Gauhati spread terror. conducted so far. 4,05,349 ben- “Bringing that diligence, Aniruddha Bose dismissed High Court, which rejected The agency initiated eficiaries (HCWs- 94,890 and discipline & vigour into their Gogoi’’s bail plea, saying, “We his bail plea in a case related investigation in this matter on FLWs- 3,10,459) were vacci- response to vaccination cam- will not consider the petition to his alleged role in the vio- the basis of FIR No 199/2020 nated on Day-26 (10th Feb paign, we’ve seen it’s been so at this stage.” lent protests against the registered by UP Police under 2021) across 8,308 sessions,’ the successful. Around 6 million The bench, however, told Citizenship (Amendment) various Indian Penal Code health ministry said. were vaccinated in 22 days. It’s advocate Runamoni Bhuyan Act (CAA) lodged by the (IPC) Sections and provi- As per the data, 13 the fastest as we see rates of that the petitioner may National Investigation Agency sions of the Unlawful States/UTs have vaccinated over vaccination happening,” ofrin approach the top court for (NIA). Activities (Prevention) Act 65% of the registered healthcare added. were invoked. workers (HCWs). Bihar leads The WHO country repre- with over 79% of the registered sentative to India further HCWs vaccinated. The num- hailed Gujarat Government,    ber of beneficiaries being vac- saying hats off to Gujarat gov- cinated every day has shown a ernment for taking the review    progressive increase. Uttar amid pandemic for informa- Pradesh ( 6,73,542), tion and better evidence to .   Maharashtra ( 5,73,681), tweak their responses, which Rajasthan ( 5,59,990), they have, especially during  3/ 0/4 Karnataka ( 4,64,485) and West the second wave that hap- Bengal ( 4,27,042) are among pened. he National Investigation the top states in COVID-19 TAgency (NIA) on Thursday vaccinations in the country. Covid-19, the Health Ministry filed chargesheet in the case At least seven States/UTs said on Thursday. relating to hoisting of Khalistani have reported less than 40% The ministry also informed flag at Deputy Commissioner vaccinations of the registered that 17 states and UTs includ- Office Complex, Moga, Punjab healthcare workers (HCWs). ing Telangana, Gujarat, Assam, by Cadres of Sikhs For Puducherry has recorded the Haryana, Odisha, Uttarakhand, Justice (SFJ)) before NIA lowest vaccination performance , Nagaland, Special Judge, Mohali, Punjab of 17.5 percent. While the Lakshadweep, Ladakh, Sikkim, under various Indian Penal country recorded 108 deaths Manipur, Mizoram, Andaman Code sections and provisions of due to Covid-19 in the last 24 & Nicobar Islands, Tripura, the Unlawful Activities hours, a matter of relief for the Arunachal Pradesh and Daman (Prevention) Act besides nation is that they were limit- & Diu, have not reported any Prevention of Insult to National ed to a few states and union ter- Covid death in the last 24 Honour Act, 1971 against six ritories as 17 states have not hours. accused persons. reported any fatality due to The total recovered cases are 1,05,73,372. The gap between active cases and recov- ered cases is continuously increasing and stands at 1,04,30,810. The data says 83.20% of the newly recovered cases against Covid-19 are recorded in 6 States. Kerala has contributed the highest number to the newly recovered cases (5,745), followed by Maharashtra (2,421) and Gujarat (495). Kerala has reported the highest daily new cases at 5,980. It is followed by Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu with 3,451and 479 new cases, respectively. 108 case fatalities have been reported in the past 24 hours. Seven States account for 79.63% of these. Maharashtra reported the max- imum casualties at 30. It is fol- lowed by Kerala with 18 new daily deaths.     !   - !%% &    ,     /    5   &    '    @1' of the Indian Penal Code would He also lodged an FIR at the  have been filed against him, Bandra police station in n emotional Salman Khan which entails a provision of Mumbai in this connection.   ='3%'F G who migrated to India ing citizenship to refugees, it is Aon Thursday thanked the seven-year imprisonment, his However, the court later came during the Partition and after not about taking away anyone's   3/ 0/4 judge after receiving a breather lawyer Hastimal Saraswat told to know that Khan's arm nion Home Minister Amit the creation of . citizenship," he said. from the Jodhpur District and IANS. licence was not lost, but had UShah Thursday said the Many of them have been Accusing the erstwhile ihar Chief Minister Nitish Sessions Court, which dis- Soon after hearing the ver- been submitted for renewal. process of granting Indian cit- accorded Indian citizenship but Congress and the Left Front BKumar on Thursday came missed two pleas filed by the dict, Saraswat said, "We finally Public prosecutor Bhavani izenship to refugees under the a sizeable section of the popu- governments of West Bengal of out in support of the three farm Rajasthan Government against got justice after years of hear- Singh Bhati had then demand- CAA, including to the Matua lation has not got it. T h e never bothering about granti- laws, saying he is with the the Bollywood actor in a case ings."In 1998, Khan was arrest- ed that a case of misleading the community of West Bengal, Matua community, with an esti- ng citizenship to the refugees, Government and the laws are related to submitting a false ed for hunting two blackbucks court be filed against the actor. will begin once the process of mated population of three mil- Shah said they betrayed them for the benefit of farmers and affidavit in the court in 2003. in Kankani village near Jodhpur However, on Thursday, the COVID vaccination has ended. lion in the state, can tilt the much in the same way as the not against them. As soon as the court of during the shooting of the film Jodhpur District and Sessions Accusing the opposition scales in favour of a political TMC did.Shah also attacked He said that the Central Raghavendra Kachwal said that "Hum Saath Saath Hain". At that Court judge Raghavendra parties of misleading the party in at least four Lok seats the Mamata Banerjee govern- government had taken the the pleas against him stood dis- time, a case under Arms Act Kachwal dismissed the pleas minorities about the and more than 30 assembly ment over Bangladeshi infil- right path to hold talks with the The farmers are demand- missed in the case, an emo- was registered against the actor filed against Khan.Earlier on Citizenship (amendment) Act, seats in Nadia, and North and tration, and asserted only a BJP farmers to end their agitation. ing repeal of the three farm tional Khan, who attended the and the court had asked him to Tuesday, Khan had apologised he said, its implementation South 24 Parganas districts. It government can stop it. Nitish, who arrived in the laws and also seeking an assur- proceedings virtually, said, submit his arms licence. before the court for 'mistaken- will not impact the citizenship once stood solidly behind the Courting the Matua com- national capital on Wednesday ance on MSP for their produce. "Thank you sir". Khan submitted an affi- ly' submitting a false affidavit status of Indian minorities. TMC but had supported the BJP munity, Shah said if voted to evening, met Prime Minister Earlier, 11 rounds of talks Had the actor been proven davit in the court in 2003, say- in 2003 during his hearing in Shah said the Modi gov- in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. power, the BJP government Narendra Modi in Parliament between the government and guilty, a case under Section 193 ing that he had lost the licence. the blackbuck poaching case. ernment had in 2018 promised A section of state BJP lead- will propose renaming the on Thursday. the farmers remained incon- it will bring in a new citizenship ership is apprehensive that the Thaukurnagar railway station This is the first meeting clusive. law and kept it when the BJP delay and confusion over the 'Shri Dham Thakurnagar' after between the two leaders after To another question if any was voted to power in 2019. implementation of the CAA Sri Sri Harichand Thakur, their the Bihar assembly poll results discussions happened on the He said, after the country was could make them turn against socio-religious guru. in November last year. inclusion of Janata Dal-United =     hit by the COVID-19 pan- the saffron party. After coming to power in After meeting Modi, Nitish (JD-U) in the cabinet, the demic in 2020, its implemen- Shah asserted that Banerjee West Bengal, the BJP govern- told the media: "The purpose of Chief Minister said, "No dis- tation had to be kept in will not be in a position to ment will introduce 'Chief the farm laws is to benefit cussion on cabinet happened."  1   &  " abeyance."Mamata didi said oppose the implementation of Minister Sharnarthi Kalyan farmers and it is not against He also hailed the Union we made a false promise. She the CAA as she will cease to be Yojana' for the welfare of the them." Budget presented in Parliament   =5 that action should be taken to of them being schools, 20.89 started opposing the CAA and the chief minister after the refugee population. Reacting When asked about the on February 1 and said: "The ease the implementation of per cent being colleges and pro- saying she will never allow it. assembly polls likely in April- to Shah's assertion about imple- farmers protesting since Budget is very good despite the division Bench of the the Narcotic Drugs and fessional institutions, and rest The BJP always fulfils the May this year. "Mamata menting the CAA, Mamata November 26 last year, effect of Covid pandemic." AKerala High Court on Psychotropic Substances Act other institutions. promises it makes. We have Didi is misleading the people Banerjee said he should mind demanding the repeal of the "Even we will bring a good Thursday directed the State (NDPS Act) in educational The police report also brought this law and refugees on the CAA. But let me tell you his language and declared she three farm laws, he said, "We budget in the state," he said. Government to set up Campus institutions and directed the pointed out that use of drugs will get citizenship. that she won't be a position to will never allow it to be are with the government and The JD-U leader said that Police units in educational Chief Secretary to take neces- from ganja and hashish to syn- "As soon as the COVID oppose as she will not be the enforced in West Bengal. the government has opted for he and the PM also discussed institutions to tackle drug sary action, besides seeking a thetic drugs was taking place vaccination process ends the chief minister after April-May. "The home minister of the right path by holding talks." the development of Bihar as abuse among students. joint meeting of top officials of among the students. process of granting citizenship We will implement the CAA, it country should be careful about He said that he is hopeful during the assembly polls a lot A Bench headed by Chief Health, Education, Police, and Stressing need for cam- under CAA will begin. All of is a law that has been passed by his utterances. We will never of a resolution soon. of promises were made to the Justice S. Manikumar gave the Excise Departments to formu- puses in the state to be free of you will be respected citizens of Parliament," he said. allow CAA, NRC or NPR in Thousands of farmers from people. order on a case it took up suo late the necessary rules. drugs, the court listed the this country," he said, address- "As the Home Minister of Bengal. They can say whatever Punjab, Haryana and Western However, he refused to moto, based on a letter from The strict directions came case's next hearing after three ing a rally here in the bastion of this country, I want to assure they want to. They want to Uttar Pradesh have been comment on the Chirag retired police official N. on a police report which said months, when it would look the Matua community. the minorities of India that destroy Bengal. We will never protesting at the borders of the Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party Ramachandran highlighting around 400 institutions in the into all the action that has Matuas, originally from East none of you will lose citizen- allow them to do that," she national capital since (LJP), which has been attack- the use of drugs in campuses. state are affected by drug abuse, been taken towards this objec- Pakistan, are weaker section ship. The CAA is about grant- asserted. November 26 last year. ing the JD-U since last year. The court also suggested with a whopping 74.12 per cent tive.  !  ,         , )(  .)    *     =5H tricks in the game, the Ram told reporters that it was his remained incommunicado on Q/5 Janmabhumi Temple has nature to donate to all religious the issue for the last two verenthusiasm to appease become a milestone around his groups working for good caus- days.    Oall those who call on him dreams. es. He said he was aware that The RSS activists led by P +798 for favours and donations have A group of youngsters with the youths were mobilising Sree Cherai who had called on landed a sitting member of the the picture of the proposed fund for the construction of the MLA told media persons *     =5 . (!' )  ( !   %303%' Kerala Legislative Assembly in Lord Rama Temple at Ayodhya the Sree Ram temple and that they had briefed the lat- , (/  trouble which is likely to jeop- went to the office of the MLA hence he donated the ter about the purpose for he relations between the he Gujarat Congress unit ardize his prospects of fielded seeking donation for the con- amount. which they had called on TMalankara Orthodox 0     Ton Thursday came out with again in the upcoming struction of the temple. This has snowballed into him. “The MLA himself asked Syrian Church and the  )   %( a 'PledgePaper', in which it Assembly election. Kunnappilli donated Rs 1,000/- a major controversy as many his personal staff to pho- CPI(M)-led Kerala  %(/!( pledged to provide rights to the Eldhose Kunnappilli, the to the activists and got himself religious and political outfits tograpg him holding the Government vitiated further by citizens which they have been Congress legislator represent- stituency. photographed with the youths, swearing by Islam accused the notice seeking donations for Thursday as the working com-  ( / devoid of under the BJP regime ing the Perumbavoor Assembly Though Kunnappilli, a first reportedly RSS activists of the MLA of hurting the senti- the temple and now he is mittee of the Church expressed ((   over the years, through a card constituency has become a time legislator, with a mediocre area. ments of the community. retracting because he is afraid its concern over the attempts by  (,( % ) system called 'GujRight'. controversial figure as well as track record over the last five The photograph was Organisations like SDPI and whether it would cost him his the Pinarayi Vijayan Talking about the cam- a persona non grata for a par- years, in a bid to get re-nom- beamed through an Islamic PFI took marches to the res- re-nomination,” said Sree Government’s move to derail  (! (, ,,  ! paign, Amit Chavda, the ticular community in the con- ination was playing all the TV channel and the MLA idence of the MLA who has Cherai. the July 2017 Supreme Court Gujarat Pradesh Congress verdict granting the control of the intention of harnessing Committee (GPCC) president, the churches in the State to the political dividents,” said the said, "We carried out 'Hello 0"    ?     ("    former. spokesman in his release. Gujarat' campaign some time : !' “The draft bill allegedly The Metropolitans made it ago which was well-received by        ) prepared by the Law Reforms clear that the Supreme Court the people of the state. Based Commission appointed by the verdict was the law of the on the feedback of that cam-    including Dibrugarh University State Government is an attempt country. “The rulers who once paign, we have prepared a 10- University Vice-Chancellor Teachers' Association, Dibrugarh 4'777       to subvert and derail the declared that it was not possi- point 'PledgePaper', where (VC) Prof. Ranjit Tamuli was University Officers' Association, Supreme Court verdict which ble to bring in legislation instead of coming out with false suspended by Governor Dibrugarh University %* +,%* -. had ruled that the Malankara against any verdicts delivered promises like the BJP, we will Jagadish Mukhi on Thursday Employees' Association and    Orthodox Syrian Church was by the Supreme Court should be taking a pledge to provide following allegations of elected representatives had ear-   13 the rightful owner of all the not go back from their words. the urban citizens the rightful financial irregularities and lier submitted petitions to the Churches coming under the We hope and trust the basic needs. In this misuse of public funds, Raj Governor complaining gross   4%'F1G  # retired IPS officer has Jacobite sect. The Kerala Government should abide by PledgePaper, we pledge to pro- Bhawan officials said. allegations of financial anomalies ' (2 (/ Aaccused Bihar Minister Government instead of imple- the Supreme Court verdict and vide free water, better roads, The officials said that the and misappropriation of funds ashtriya Lok Dal (RLD)     ! Leshi Singh of possessing menting the apex court verdict rule the State as per the law of better tax structure, quality Governor as Chancellor of against Tamuli. RVice President, Jayant sophisticated weapons such as has been trying to dilute and the land,” said the Working education, housing, health, Dibrugarh University suspend- "Not satisfied with the expla- Chaudhary, along with 21 iden-  # !( ) AK-47, AK-56 and Self nullify the same by illegal Committee meeting. public transport, employment ed the VC and handed over the nation of Prof. Ranjit Tamuli, the tified and 6,000 unnamed peo- '( %!!  Loading Rifle (SLR). means,” Father Johns Abraham The spiritual heads of the and better administration." charge to Prof. R. N. S. , a Governor, in order to ascertain ple, was booked for violating ( !( # Amitabh Kumar Das, a 1994 Konat, chief spokesman of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian "The Congress will do a professor at the Department of veracity of the allegations and prohibitory orders by joining , (% ! !) # batch IPS officer, has written a Church said in a release after Church had met Prime revamp of the Gujarat state, Life Sciences and the Dean of find out the true facts, consti- Kisan Maha Panchayat, organ-  ((( letter to Bihar DGP SK Singhal, the meeting. Minister Narendra Modi through 'GujRight'. Under this the Faculty of Biological tuted a fact finding committee ised to support the protesting urging him to immediately con- The working committee recently and briefed him about initiative, the citizens will be Sciences, as he is the senior most under the Chairmanship of farmers at borders near Delhi, duct raids on different loca- meeting that was presided over the state of affairs in the provided a card through which professor of the state varsity. Commissioner and Secretary to in Aligarh two days ago. Epidemic Disease Act on a tions to recover the weapons. by Baselios Marthoma Poulose Church in the backdrop of they can avail basic services, An Assam Raj Bhawan the 's According to police, the complaint filed by a sub inspec- Leshi Singh has been recently II and attended by most of the Kerala Government’s refusal to facilities and schemes for free. release also said that various Higher Education Department," Maha Panchayat was organised tor. appointed the food and con- senior Metropolitans of the help the Church officials to We will be providing free water organisations and individuals the release said. without permission and no The FIR stated that around sumer Affairs Minister in the Church described the Kerala take possession of the places of to those who are active in con- one was wearing face masks 5,000-6,000 people were Nitish Kumar-led Bihar gov- Government move to bring in worship legally belonging to the servation of water and people during the event. Social dis- attending the farmers' Maha ernment."Keeping these a Bill to dethrone the Supreme sect. promoting environmental con- tancing norms were not main- Panchayat in protest against weapons is a serious criminal Court verdict as an open chal- The MOSC has a crucial servation efforts will be ,   78 tained amid the pandemic. three new farm laws, where the offence. Only armed forces and lenge to the Indian presence in districts like encouraged. The public will be The leaders have been RLD leader addressed the police departments are entitled Constitution and Judiciary. Kollam, Kottayam, provided clean and free public booked under Sections 147 farmers and mustered support to procure such weapons," he “We strongly believe this draft Pathanamthitta and toilets. We will be rationalizing (rioting), 188 (disobedience to for BKU leader Rakesh Tikait said."I have specific information bill is an attempt by the gov- Alappuzha. Meanwhile the the Bus Rapid Transport     order duly promulgated by pub- in the event. about Leshi Singh keeping a ernment to divide the faction owing allegiance to the System (BRTS)," added lic servant), 269 (unlawfully or The RLD has been holding huge cache of arms and ammu- Malankara Orthodox Syrian Antioch has been staging sit-in Chavda. negligently spreading infection a series of meetings across nition like AK-47, AK-56, SLR Church with political inten- demonstration in front of the "We will be providing sci- of any disease dangerous to western Uttar Pradesh from in her various known and tions. The Church will strong- State Secretariat for the last one entifically designed service cor- 3  life) and 270 ((malignant act February 4 to muster support unknown houses. These ly resist the move by the Kerala month demanding they be ridors on both sides of the likely to spread infection of dis- for farmers protesting against weapons could be sent to Government to split the handed over the administration roads in newly developing ease dangerous to life) of the IPC contentious farm laws on Delhi if raids are not conducted in Church and the believers with of the Churches. areas," added Chavda.   3/ 0/4 . (!(,,( ! along with the section 3 of the borders. time," Das said. (, %345-2 he Central government on TThursday cleared the 345623457  ( ',3)9   empanelment of 29 Indian 3455  (! ( (  6*  # Police Service officers to hold Director General level or equiv- 1986-batch Odisha cadre offi- & #  +  alent posts across the country cer.  & 3/  Q /5 in different departments. Jammu and Kashmir   '?331' "Ours is a democratic party seat in a by-election in 2019, These officers are from Director General of Police   %  (GCPA), an apex body of the Minister said: "We have dis- and hence it is natural there will following the death of veteran 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1988 Dilbagh Singh, a 1987-batch Koch-. cussed many socio-economic fluid political situation has be differences of opinion. Patel K.M.Mani who was the batches. The empanelment of Jammu and Kashmir cadre ith eye on Assembly polls The Koch-Rajbongshi peo- issues. We are with the NDA Aemerged in the Kerala unit is currently out of the country incumbent legislator of Pala these officers for DG-level and officer, and his batchmate Win Assam and West ple are living in Assam and (National Democratic alliance)." of the Nationalist Congress and will be reaching shortly for constituency since its inception equivalent posts is considered Santosh Mehra of the Andhra Bengal, Union Home Minister West Bengal and claim to have Assam Bharatiya Janata Party (NCP) which is an the decision tomorrow," said in 1967. by a Selection Committee Pradesh cadre are also in the Amit Shah on Thursday met over 18.5 lakh voters in the two Party President Ranjeet Kumar alliance partner of the ruling Peethamabaran. Kappen who lost to Mani comprising of the Principal list. Mehra is currently posted influential Koch-Rajbongshi states. Dass and BJP MP Left Democratic Front (LDF). The Kerala's NCP unit has in 2011 and 2016, won the seat Secretary to Prime Minister, the as Additional Director General leader 'Maharaj' Ananta Rai "Good days are ahead for Nisith Pramanik were also pre- However, top leaders said that been an alliance partner of the in 2019 when Mani's party - Cabinet Secretary, the Home in Bureau of Police Research and spent about an hour at his the Koch Rajbongshi people. sent in the meeting between the final decision would be ruling LDF for years and has Kerala Congress (Mani) failed Secretary, the Secretary and Development (BPR&D). home in western Assam's We are happy that the central Shah and Rai.Rai claims to be taken by NCP supremo Sharad two legislators, including a to capitalise on the sympathy (Personnel) and the Director of Among the 25 IPS officers bordering minister came to meet us," a successor of the erstwhile Pawar and his Deputy Praful state Minister. factor after his death. Intelligence Bureau. of 1988 batch is Praveen Sinha, . Rai told the media after his Koch-Rajbongshi royal dynasty Patel in New Delhi on Another NCP seat But things went for a toss, Delhi Police a Gujarat cadre officer, who was Shah arrived in Guwahati meeting with Shah, who later and an influential superior of Friday. (Kuttanad), which was repre- especially for Kappen, ever Commissioner Sachidanand recently given the charge of act- early on Thursday from Delhi flew to Guwahati enroute to the community. Speaking to the media, sented by Thomas Chandy, since K.M. Mani's son - Jose Shrivastava, a 1985-batch ing chief of Central Bureau of by a special flight and flew to West Bengal, where he attend The 62-year-old leader told after a meeting with Pawar, has been lying vacant since K.Mani who now leads the Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Investigation (CBI) till a deci- Chirang along with Assam several election related events, IANS over phone that Shah state NCP president T.P. 2019 after he passed away. party became an ally of the Mizoram Union Territory sion is taken on a new Director Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma including "Poribortan Yatra" in met him and his family mem- Peethamabaran said there are The NCP in Kerala got a LDF, while the other faction led (AGMUT) cadre officer, is the to succeed Rishi Kumar Shukla to meet met Rai, one of the Cooch Behar. bers on Thursday and enjoyed differences of opinion between major boost when Mani C. by senior legislator P.J. Joseph seniormost officer in the list, who retired on February 3 founders of the Greater Cooch Rai without detailing his some light food and "laddus" the NCP and LDF leaders. Kappen won the Pala Assembly continues in the UDF. followed by Pradeep Kapur, a after a two-year fixed stint. Behar Peoples' Association discussion with the Home made at his home.     !  6

   "&$7  6 01    $7 7 %0(1"2% "34    %* *  /          #    :     !"#$%&'"8  #             1 %              6  1                                    "        #               P           Q    P    (                   Q 3        !  + .$  een from the prism of val- + $    7 +  + < S      ues and sovereign morali-   (             #   ties, the tripping of democ-          %  S             racy by the Junta in SMyanmar should concern India.          Seen from the prism of realism,   S    #           realpolitik and practical leverages,          #  ( the change of governance in       +    %     Myanmar really doesn’t matter.            While this realisation may be morally untenable, lessons from           history would remind India that #           ( it has suffered more than gained     1        whenever it defined bilateral rela-               tions on the basis of “moral” posi- tion, viz; formalising ties with              Israel as late as in 1992. A more =  1  #  . !  + nuanced approach of retaining $          ( “moral” positions is practised by  #   P         democracies like the US, who have no qualms in allying with 1         7Q autocratic Sheikhdoms in the               .    %  (  Middle East, whilst still posturing       R/S           #     for democratic reforms therein —                  #   basically, fronting “national inter- est” over enthusiasm for democ- interest”, which expanded into transition to democracy while and 2006, and a formal agree-                   ?    ( racy or liberality in other regimes. Indian diplomatese. In 2004, still holding key levers. Aung ment facilitating cross-border           )               ( Whereas such overt romance Junta strongman Gen Than Hlaing visited India in 2017 access had been signed in 2010.     P    Q              ( with ideological concerns led Shwe visited India and signed and confabulated extensively Myanmar is keen to focus its mil-         @              ( India to publicly support the sup- an assurance that “Myanmar with its security establishment. itary attention and redeploy posedly pro-democracy moor- would not permit its territory to By now, Indians had realised troops on its anti-insurgency  )           +  #    ings of Aung San Suu Kyi for be used by any hostile element the parallel and irreplaceable operations in the Northern and )S        7         decades, much to the consterna- for harming Indian interests”. heft of the Myanmar Generals, Eastern borders with China,           =      ##  tion of Myanmar’s Junta who Even from a deeply hyphenat- concurrently with its civilian which hosts most of the anti-                 . ( faced no such conundrum in ed Indo-Chinese perspective of Government. Since then, India Myanmar groups. However,              @   #     dealing with China, alternative- one-upmanship, Than Shwe upped its military sales, invest- China’s stakes and investments ly. Importantly, even though the had expressed categorical sup- ments and engagements with in Myanmar remain unmatched # (  A      #         1 Junta had perennial suspicion of port to India’s candidature for /?3>30 Myanmar. Last year, India gave and, unlike India, it does not shy           6        #  .   China meddling in its ethnic- permanent membership of the 3/<<>5< it a prized Kilo-class submarine away from taking an amoral         #     /        ( based insurgencies such as the UN Security Council. The mur- that had been refitted, the first position in favour of Naypyidaw,   -                 (  United Wa State Army (as murs of Chinese “influence” 30O 14/0 ever supply of such a platform such as boycotting talks on the opposed to harbouring any such notwithstanding, the Junta was from India to any country. The Rohingya issue in the Security         #  1          concern towards India) — the conversant with the Chinese L 5'4>M3 Myanmar Military (Tatmadaw) Council. Yet, despite China’s “moral” intransigence expressed tact of keeping the kettle boil- <5'/%3154> acknowledged and reciprocat- continued beneficence, by India and, conversely, the ease ing along its restive borders with 5 ?5 ed India’s overtures, in the full Myanmar remains sceptical of  of doing business with China Myanmar to have a constant know of its larger intent to Beijing’s game. India had come ensured the relative comfort of leverage in Naypyidaw. India /3=> checkmate China from making a long way in understanding the dealing with Beijing for the perceptibly harboured no such '/4> deeper inroads. Thereafter, a region’s fragility and in the mer- Junta. The vanity and inefficacy expansionist instincts. Soon the rare combined visit by the its of retaining the equation of India’s misplaced “morality” in Junta denied oxygen to multi- '/1'5/0 Indian Army chief and the with forces like the Junta. foreign policy was obvious when ple India-facing insurgent 30L33/0 Foreign Secretary to Myanmar Additionally, the Indian Army Suu Kyi barely reciprocated groups along the 1600-km was suggestive of the deliber- chief has tenured personally in India’s unstinted support to her, Indo-Myanmar border, a cru- 115'5/' ate outreach, irrespective of the Myanmar as India’s Defence during her days in the cial step that aided the quelling 0'3%/'0> brewing turf wars between the Attaché and therefore would be Opposition, as she was coldly of various North-eastern insur- Myanmar Generals and the well versed with the local practical and transactional in per- gencies. Than Shwe returned to 3/ civilian Government. Now the dynamics and stakeholders. sisting with the China tilt as it India in 2010, reconfirming 511553 Tatmadaw has shed all pre- With the recent coup d’état in served her interests better vis-à- the “balance” achieved in Indian tences of running a parallel Myanmar, Indian security calcu- vis India, “morality” be damned. diplomacy to handle its own / 5404> show and ended the diarchy. lus does not get unduly upset, The “opening up” of the econ- interests along with ideological 1'430 Beyond the hoopla sur- moral posturing aside. omy in the early 1990s had a posturing seamlessly. rounding the 2015 surgical strike (The writer, a military spillover impact beyond the realm In 2011, Than Shwe passed '3534$ against insurgent groups based veteran, is a former Lt Governor of economics as it ushered in a on the Junta’s leadership to his in Myanmar, the clear under- of Andaman & Nicobar Islands governance culture of much- protégé Gen Min Aung Hlaing, standing with the Junta had and Puducherry. The views needed pragmatism and “self- who navigated the delicate resulted in similar strikes in 1995 expressed are personal.) .. .0..8+.0 SOUNDBITE , &!      !  (#      0  Sir— This refers to the editorial ‘True Spirit'’  !"# "!$    (February 11). The camaraderie between      &         2  "   Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leader              2  "    of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha  $    "    *+      R      Ghulam Nabi Azad is a complete rarity in      "                  2  N  L F 2  G the era of polarised polity. When mudsling-  $ ,#2    +  ing and verbal abuse have become the order   "   $   2       "               *+ $   , -         of the day in both Houses of Parliament, the %9"%%-." display of emotions and respect by both the     %      2 K3                         leaders is really in the spirit of goodwill.  $ )   -             .  S        2  L      This reminds us of the trust between Atal Bihari Vajpayee and PV Narasimha     &         2    "&               (           $    L   2 %       + + /  P1     -      ( Rao. In 1994, Rao requested Vajpayee, a    member of the Opposition at that time, to               "& "" " & " 2                     + + /  lead the Indian delegation at a crucial UN  M  "   ) .   $  Q -   3       %     meeting in Geneva, where Vajpayee was    $  "  &      45         *+  instrumental in India not getting placed O                    5?029+ $ under economic sanctions by the United         4         $    2              F4G       2    "        "0"$"-""% Nations. We don’t have such trust now K@  1      -        ( between the ruling party leaders and            3    $                       Opposition leaders. "& 1 $        9)2   $     2  2   "                  2             ( We all wish to see more such bonhomie & "     and partnership among our leaders in  <       4       $   "    "  $        *+   (                  */9%9      O                future. The other leaders of Parliament and   2 State Assemblies should take a leaf out of   #         $ L the above incident and change their behav-  &"                   iour against political parties and opponents; za from the Union Budget with Finance ing masks, sanitising hands and so on. Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announcing However, with the opening of economy,   &   &$            ( after all it is their behaviour which is going a grant of 300 crore for the celebrations. social distancing has gone for a toss. :.+        6  to last longer and not the power or posi- tion.The members of the Houses must The ambitious plans to boost fish pro- Those travelling by buses and other means K  % +   -       7   utilise all important sessions for useful duction in the State are no doubt welcome. of public transport are now careless and not     *+          debates to find out amicable solutions to But considering the scientific methods maintaining “Do gaj ki doori”. This is very  &  pressing problems like the farm Acts, involved, it is equally important that these dangerous as COVID-19 has not been                 grandiose plans do not alienate the tradi- defeated yet. "      #        -    Chinese aggression along the borders and     so on. tional fishermen and jeopardise their liveli- In many nations, it is returning in the           -       $   8 ,  - -     ( V Nagendra Kumar | Hyderabad hoods. form of new strains against which the                  3 /  8  ( However, for a protest-ridden State that available vaccines are ineffective. It’s not 01  1 $  2     Goa has turned into, it is also necessary that hard to imagine what will happen if even       $   #        # 8     people realise that a region cannot remain one such strain of the deadly virus starts   -   7S             ( Sir —The Central Government seems to be 7%." too generous towards the coastal State of bereft of development for long periods. to spread fast among our population. The K0           P  Q         Goa. It may be because Goa has fought the Moreover, considering the eco-sensitive Indian economy and the health of public  (          #      -  pandemic in the right way. Union Fisheries nature of the region, it is pertinent to have will go spiralling down as never before.   0              (    Minister Giriraj Singh, during his visit to the Government envisage plans for sustain- Further, food delivery guys wear masks      able development in Goa. and hand gloves but these are dirty and   L    79:1(5;                   Goa on Sunday, had announced the invest- ment of 400 crore to make the coastal State Pachu Menon | Goa unhygienic. Merely wearing a mask and  M  $                $   ( glove is not sufficient, we must keep them  L  a fisheries hub. But the poor fishermen are         1               doubtful whether they will be able to reap clean also.  M       its benefits. Further, Goa, which is in its dia- Sir — India has fought Novel Coronavirus Neha Singh | Guwahati "   1& O   7                 very bravely. The people have followed the            3       *+ mond jubilee year of liberation from Portuguese rule, got an unexpected bonan- Government guidelines regarding COVID- !   ; %++9"%%-."                   19 and are still following the rules of wear- $".."-.+7%+""89%$,:+9 K      !  7

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he three announcements regarding insurance in the Union Budget have majorly con- Ttributed to the post-Budget share market rally. First is the Government’s plan to allow up to 74 per ' 89 cent foreign equity in insurance companies against  * -              the existing 49 per cent. Second is privatisation of   !         BC   one public sector general insurance company and # the third pertains to the planned Initial Public    #      (   (    D5BEBF       5EC5EE    Offering (IPO) of the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC). Insurance is risk management involving a               ( group of individuals who give away a part of their           @ .  9  earnings against a guaranteed return of a lump sum  GE;HD                financial support in case of any personal crisis. The  BI       ? BDIH       ( success of such a scheme depends on how many in      5BI        ? DI55I   the group are at high risk of actually facing the cri-     C5DD           ! 9 sis. The bigger the group is, the more dispersed the -   ! * -   J!9- !*-K !9- !*-  risk is and more successful the scheme. During 2018-19, the Indian insurance industry                 covered 120.75 crore lives under personal accident            ! S   insurance. Of it, 94.71 crore were covered under 4 Dhan Yojana’ and the Indian Railways Catering and -$,1/'/35< Tourism Corporation’s (IRCTC’s) travel insurance /%01 > plan. In addition, 2.07 crore health insurance poli- /45 / cies were issued covering 47.20 crore individuals with %45 4?/'%/ 75 per cent of them covered under Government- 5<*$9-1/'/3 sponsored schemes. In 2017, a whopping 32.8 crore 303/5< life insurance policies were in force so almost 75 per %/3/'4 At the end of March 2019, there 49 per cent foreign investment pro- insurance firms. As far as the IPO of cent of the Indian population has life insurance cover. 3'3/ were 70 insurance firms including 24 vided they remained “Indian-owned LIC is concerned, it has little to do The performance and potential of the insurance /?/3 5'/ life insurers, 27 general insurers, and controlled” and even in the lat- with insurance penetration and lack sector is assessed using twin indicators of ‘Insurance )$+:1/'/3 seven standalone health insurers and est Budget proposal, foreign owner- of capital among private insurers. Penetration’ that is a percentage of the insurance pre- 5</%01 12 re-insurers including foreign rein- ship and control of Indian insurers The LIC has an excellent record mium to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and %3 5'40 surers branches and Lloyds India, will be permitted with some safe- of service with claim its settlement ‘Insurance Density’ that is defined as the ratio of eight in public and 62 in private sec- guards. For instance, a majority of the ratio being 97.79 per cent. On an insurance premium to population. In India, ?/'%/5< tor. Investments made by the insur- Board of directors and key manage- equity of 100 crore, the LIC earned # -            !  Insurance Penetration has steadily increased to 3.76 ($DD1/'/3$ ance industry stood at 38,47,474 ment persons of the insurance com- a profit of 2688 crore and paid div-  P  Q              per cent in 2019 from 2.71 per cent in 2001. In con- 35 crore of which the share of life insur- pany must comprise of Indian resi- idends of 2661 crore in 2018-19. It        O          O  trast, Insurance Penetration in Malaysia, Thailand '1'3% ers was 91.83 per cent and the share dents and 50 per cent of the Board had outstanding investments of and China was 4.72, 4.99 and 4.30 per cent, respec- /// of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) must comprise of independent direc- 27,60,658 crore against which of          DDEEE      ?/'%/1/'      BC             tively in 2019. As of 2019, life insurance penetration was 76.40 per cent. As financial lit- tors. Further, to ensure that sufficient course are the liabilities to policyhold- in India was 2.82 per cent, while non-life insurance 135 / eracy spreads and digital technology capital is retained in the books, for- ers. So policyholders’ funds versus            DI    penetration was only 0.94 per cent whereas global- 45 30 3> reduces the on-boarding cost of new eign-owned insurers will be required shareholders’ funds are intricately and     HD(( 3(%    D;(( ly insurance penetration was 3.35 per cent for life D('5'/ customers of insurance products, it to hold a specified percentage of the uncertainly mixed up. It is a very pre- 9 (.       ((   ( and 3.88 per cent for the non-life segment. 1/514/540 should be possible to spread the profits as “general reserves.” cious company whose market value .             India is ranked 10th in life insurance and 15th '53'0 insurance network far and wide. As on March 31, 2019, the total once listed can at present be only a            5CE(( in non-life insurance among the 88 countries for <5'%/3%<550 Despite the dominance of the public FDI was 13,810 crore, that was matter of guesstimate. Some com- which data was compiled by Swiss Re. However, %'3 sector, insurance penetration is low 8,328 crore short of the permissible mentators have put the value in the   (-            (       1     BIC      India’s share in the global insurance market was only  0/0 and, therefore, there is a need to bring FDI limit. Private sector insurers who range of over 10 lakh crore. The 1.92 per cent during 2018. Global direct premiums '/ more competition, more efficiency attracted this FDI have mobilised Government has appointed actuari-                   ( surpassed the $5 trillion mark for the first time ever and more technology. insurance savings and invested more al firm Milliman Advisors for ascer-   .     +    5EG(( (,  in 2018, reaching $5,193 billion (which is 6.1 per cent Insurance is a capital-intensive than 9 lakh crore with Central and taining the embedded value of the              .  # ( of the global GDP). Life insurance penetration in business and requires long-term State Governments and Indian com- LIC. The Government’s shareholding    5I;(( .(+      ( the country is 3.6 per cent of the GDP, way below investment from promoters to ensure panies. They have not been allowed is likely to go down from 100 per cent   .                  the global average of 7.13 per cent and, in the case compliance with the Insurance to take this money out of India; a to 90 per cent and that can give about             (1    of general insurance, it is even worse at 0.94 per cent Regulatory and Development major concern the opponents of 1,00,000 crore by a conservative esti-    of the GDP, as against the world average of 2.88 per Authority of India’s solvency require- FDI in insurance have always had. mate, a handsome premium, and also cent. This is not surprising because the average per ments (a prescribed asset-liability Several insurers have been a chance to retail investors to partic- ) HEI     !  (  .     capita income is low and as many as 82 crore peo- test). Indian insurers need addition- restricted from expanding as the 49 ipate in LIC’s growth story. It is a win- )      @  7        $  ple hold ration cards for getting subsidised food al capital and technical know-how per cent foreign investment cap pre- win for the Government and the cap- .    5DC((  !  (   HEF( grain. Many more have been claimed to be added from foreign partners to scale up and vented foreign shareholder from ital market. ( $ (.           ( to this list. Obviously, when bare necessities are dif- offer more sophisticated and innov- infusing capital due to the inability of The Government is likely to    .         (       ficult to afford for a huge section of the population, ative products. That is the justifica- cash-strapped Indian Joint Ventures reserve 10 per cent shares in the IPO                  buying insurance can’t be expected to be part of the tion for allowing Foreign Direct (JV) partners to bring additional cap- for LIC policyholders. It would be people’s expense planning in India. Of course, if the Investment (FDI) in Indian insurance ital. The Reserve Bank of India is also desirable to reserve a large quota for   The writer is former Government pays bulk of the premium, this segment Special Secretary, companies. The FDI cap on insurance seeking to cap banks’ investment in policyholders, retail investors and =            ! . of the population can be covered. This is indeed Ministry of Commerce companies was raised from 26 per insurance companies to 30 per cent individual taxpayers. It will also $  % S             being done through schemes like the ‘Pradhan and Industry. cent to 49 per cent in March 2016. In to isolate them from risks emanating boost LIC’s business and valuation as The views expressed                ( Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana’ and ‘Pradhan are personal. 2015, the Government permitted from non-core businesses. That also more policies are bought to qualify for       (:  $ (/ $ (.  $ ( Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana.’ Indian insurance firms to have up to restricts the availability of capital for IPO participation. -  3 (3(:          (    .         "          POINTCOUNTERPOINT                                 79:1(5; O P     ,     *      ,   3                >    !                        (    1 !  P  Q      '        ?     * ?           L    L   J                       K (                          

lbert Einstein famously long intermingled for persis- free-spirited right side of the challenges. Through their who include art in their lives, op the art of storytelling to said, “We cannot solve tence and growth. Since time brain that focuses on intuition, works, artists earn and enjoy a can incorporate the same attrib- entice audiences and ultimate- Aour problems with the immemorial, art has powered imagination and creativity. reputation for being risk-takers, utes in their professional deal- ly grow the business. same thinking we used when human thinking by providing Through art, which uses both known for using unorthodox ings as well. Such traits will go One of the biggest chal- we created them.” This holds inventive and stimulating ideas sides of the brain, leaders are techniques and styles. They a long way in enabling them to lenges any business leader faces true even today, given the high- in the business world. Across now able to think in an abstract are also known for being open observe even the minutest of is that of infusing passion, con- ly dynamic business environ- industries, the finest business manner and come up with cre- to different perspectives in their details and read between the gregating energies and stimulat- ment. As markets, competition )$*$ 8:.: leaders are known to be prac- ative solutions. works, making them natural lines, to deliver optimum results ing change among his teams to and technology have evolved, tical dreamers with a persuasive Indulging in art as a means leaders. These qualities, when within their areas of operations. work towards achieving their there has been a heightened point of view and clearly of self-expression can go a long incorporated in the corporate Being able to relay a new common goals. The role of art need for a transition from the defined ideas and purposes. way in sparking creative ener- world will allow leaders to narrative through their work is here is to bond and engage with traditional managerial mode of These qualities can also be gies, providing inspiration and embrace new ideas and take a skill that artists have mastered them and assist them to con- running a business to a leader- attributed to successful artists. developing a leader’s personal- risks. Across organisations, it is over time and is a vital quality nect with their passions. ship-driven role. Leaders are The other common threads ity to drive business results. common for them to tend to among leaders. Artists know As art is a medium that seen as trendsetters and influ- that bind art and leadership are While logical planning and its thought and imagination, adopt a conservative approach that branding is how you are relies on communication to encers with their bold moves, those of intricacy, diversity and application will only be able to which when fused together as they grow. Art has the power perceived and every leader deliver a message, indulging in inspired visions, enthusiasm, abstractness, which can be used drive business to a certain have the potential to produce to help leaders eliminate the fear should work to develop this it can be a great form of expres- imagination and creativity. as examples, motivation and point, keeping pace with an remarkable results and con- of failure or being judged and tool. No matter how good a sion and it can facilitate collab- These traits to a large extent can inspiration to drive solutions evolving business requires cepts. That said, innovation is encourages them to take cre- product or service might be, it oration to solve challenges in be credited to art where, like an within the business realm. imagination and creativity not usually an easily exposed ative risks and rise with the scale is the experience that counts. the workplace. artist, business leaders leverage Art, business and creativ- which are the strengths of a concept, rather, it is one which of a business. Leaders have the power to As Pablo Picasso once said, their unique personalities, abil- ity: Within the corporate world good artist and leader. comes to the limelight in tan- Artists are natural shape this experience by push- “Inspiration exists, it has to find ities and skills to devise creative The writer is an artist, it is no secret that businesses Benefits of art for business dem with creativity. Art has the observers and pay close atten- ing a strong narrative and you working.” These words, solutions to problems. educator, art critic and have typically been dominated leaders: Artists are known to be ability to refresh these aesthet- tion to detail. They have a building a story around the when engraved in the mind and As one of the finest ways of co-founder of You Lead by the analytical, logical, and pioneers of invention and ic concepts in a person’s mind knack for understanding con- product. Just as artists are able heart of a leader, can go a long experiencing, decoding and India Foundation. The organised left side of the brain. experimental by nature, making and push a leader to innovate cepts beyond a superficial level to tell compelling stories way in creating a corporate cul- views expressed characterising life’s experiences, are personal. Up until now, many leaders them innate leaders. Innovation and drive new ideas and possi- and making connections that through their works, similarly, ture driven by passion and the art and leadership have for haven’t fully explored their in particular is based on bilities as solutions to business others don’t. Business leaders a good leader is able to devel- desire to do better at all times.     !   5

2  R  "0 9      2   R     .0.."                 *  Washington: Donald Trump -%.+ 0          1     & spent much of his career 6 : tion. Five people died, includ- and certification of the presi- deploying high-powered 31        3%53 quences on the leaders of the a new executive order enabling ing a Capitol police officer, as dential election results. lawyers to do his bidding. Now     "       coup. The US government is US to immediately sanction the    the mob breached the building Trump lost the elections to he is having trouble finding     @ ,$ S President Joe Biden has taking steps to prevent the military leaders who directed where the November 3 election Joe Biden, who was sworn in as top-tier help when he might 1     0 O Uannounced a series of generals from improperly hav- the coup, their business inter-     result was being certified. the 46th president on January need it most.       sanctions on the military lead- ing access to the $1 billion in ests, as well as close family The US Senate began the 20. While the House, where the Since losing the November 1  O "    ers of Myanmar in response to Burmese government funds members.  3%53 impeachment trial of Trump, a Democrats have the majority, election to President Joe Biden,        their recent action to overthrow held in the United States,” “We will identify a first Republican, on Wednesday impeached him before January Trump has been hemorrhaging    "  " & a democratically elected lead- Biden told reporters at the round of targets this week. We rosecutors at Donald Trump’s with impeachment managers 20, when he was still the pres- attorneys. Established firms   1  O  $ ership in a coup. White House on Wednesday. are also going to impose strong PSenate impeachment trial from the Democratic Party- ident, the Senate impeachment backed away from his baseless Tens of thousands have In his first public address export controls. We are freez- have laid out a strong case against controlled House of trial has begun three weeks claims of election fraud.   turned out in street protests on the situation in Myanmar, ing US assets that benefit the the former president, showing Representatives making a after he left office. Those he did retain made     ! &(&1 against the February 1 coup, which the US and several other Burmese government, while previously undisclosed and chill- strong case against the former This is for the first time in elementary errors in cases that %."0 .%+-      " which overthrew Aung San western countries continue to maintaining our support for ing security camera footage of the president accusing him of incit- American history that a former were quickly rejected as merit-       Suu Kyi’s democratically elect- call it by its previous name of healthcare, civil society groups, mayhem that erupted at the US ing the insurrection. US president is being less. His personal attorney, Rudy          ed government in the South Burma, Biden demanded that and other areas that benefit the Capitol last month after a pro- Led by Democratic impeached. Trump, 74, is also Giuliani, was ridiculed for his      East Asian country, despite a military must relinquish the people of Burma directly,” he Trump mob smashed their way Congressman Jamie Raskin, a the first president ever to have performance before a federal       &  recent ban on large gatherings power it seized and demon- said. into the building and posed a battery of his party colleagues been impeached twice. judge during one election-relat-       ()(9 and a night curfew. strate respect for the will of the As protests grow, violence threat to the lawmakers. from the House of Leading the charge on the ed case.  3 2     “Today I’m announcing a people of Burma as expressed against those asserting their The Capitol building was Representatives alleged that Senate floor, Raskin alleged His legal options contesting        $ series of actions that we’re tak- in their November 8th election. democratic rights is unaccept- stormed on January 6 after Trump incited his supporters that Trump willfully incited an the election exhausted, Trump "         ing to begin imposing conse- Biden said he has approved able, Biden said the US is thousands of supporters of for violence on January 6 as insurrectionary mob to riot at still needed a team to represent  2   2%    going to keep calling it out. Trump gathered in support of they stormed the Capitol Hill the Capitol. Several of his him in his historic second  3  5  2 “The people of Burma are false claims that widespread wherein Congressmen and Democratic colleagues took impeachment trial on a charge    ? ? & making their voices heard. fraud denied him victory in last Senators were performing their the Senate floor to argue that that he incited the deadly Jan.         " =    /  And the world is watching,” he November’s presidential elec- constitutional duty of counting Trump be impeached. 6 US Capitol riot. AP        & $ said.      &!!   !  '         "%0%'"         '      9          . 6&   42 Yangon: Members of from all walks of life. Buddhist    !  !! Myanmar’s myriad ethnic monks and Catholic clergy   /'43 United States in 2015. Washington: The United States the resumption of 4G mobile minorities marching behind have been visible, as have   5=>5 Iran had previously  5  on Wednesday said that there internet in Jammu & Kashmir. their groups’ flags joined the LGBTQ contingents behind he United Nations’ atomic announced the move, saying its is no change in its policy on “We welcome the resump- large and enthusiastic protests rainbow flags. On Thursday in housands of people from Twatchdog agency said plans to conduct research and anadian Prime Minister Jammu & Kashmir. tion of 4G mobile internet in Thursday against the junta that the southern city of Dawei, pro- TMyanmar sang songs and Wednesday its inspectors have development on uranium CJustin Trudeau has said “I want to be very clear India’s Jammu & Kashmir. This took over the government last testers wiped their feet and waved glow sticks as they gath- confirmed that Iran has begun metal production were part of that he held a “good discussion” there has been no change in US marks an important step for week. The resistance to the stamped on a poster of Senior ered in Japan’s capital on the production of uranium its “declared aim to design an with his Indian counterpart policy in the region,” State local residents and we look for- coup received a major boost Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the Thursday to protest the military metal — another violation of improved type of fuel,” accord- Narendra Modi on many Department Spokesperson Ned ward to continued political & from abroad from President Joe much-scorned coup leader who coup in their home country. the 2015 landmark nuclear ing to the IAEA. important issues, including on Price told reporters in view of economic progress to restore Biden, who ordered new sanc- now heads the ruling junta. Many of those in front of United deal with world powers. Since the unilateral the two nations’ commitment a tweet from the South and normalcy in J&K,” tweeted the tions and promised more mea- The protesters are Nations University in down- International Atomic American withdrawal from the to democratic principles, recent Central Asia Bureau of the State South and Central Asia Bureau sures to come. demanding that power be town Tokyo wore red in support Energy Agency head Rafael deal in 2018, the other mem- protests, and the importance of Department which welcomed of the State Department. PTI “The military must relin- restored to the elected gov- of Aung San Suu Kyi, whose Grossi told member nations bers have been working to try resolving issues through dia- quish power it seized and ernment and detained party elected government was that his inspectors had con- and preserve the accord. logue. Trudeau made a tele- demonstrate respect for the officials, including ousted deposed in the February 1 firmed February 8 that a small Tehran has been using vio- phone call to prime minister will of the people,” he said. national leader Aung San Suu takeover. amount of uranium metal, 3.6 lations of the deal to put pres- Modi on Wednesday. Tens of thousands of pro- Kyi, be freed. About 200 politi- Some clutched photos of grams, had been produced at sure on the other signatories to “I had a good discussion testers, if not more, have cians and activists have been Suu Kyi, while others held up Iran’s Isfahan plant, provide more incentives to with Prime Minister marched daily in Yangon and arrested, according to the inde- mobile phones where mes- the Vienna-based organisation Iran to offset crippling @NarendraModi on many Mandalay, the country’s pendent Assistance Association sages like “Justice” and “Save said. American sanctions re- important issues, and we’ve biggest cities. Large rallies also for Political Prisoners. Myanmar” ran across the dis- Uranium metal can also be imposed after the US pullout. agreed to stay in touch,” have been taking place in the The junta has shown no plays. used for a nuclear bomb and The ultimate goal of the Trudeau tweeted. capital Naypyitaw and many signs of backing down and on “I am here because I want to research on its production is deal is to prevent Iran from “The leaders discussed other cities and towns. Wednesday night arrested more relay what is in my heart,” said specifically prohibited under developing a nuclear bomb, Canada and India’s commit- Participants have included senior members of Suu Kyi’s Lei Yee Oo, who has been living the nuclear deal -- the so- something it insists it does ment to democratic princi- factory workers, civil servants, National League for Democracy in Tokyo for the past two years, called Joint Comprehensive not want to do. Iran now has ples, recent protests, and the students and teachers, medical party, along with other politi- studying law while working at a Plan of Action -- that Tehran enough enriched uranium to importance of resolving issues personnel and other people cians and activists. AP supermarket and a restaurant. signed with Germany, France, make a bomb, but nowhere through dialogue,” the Britain, China, Russia and the near the amount it Canadian Prime Minister’s had before the nuclear deal was office said in a statement, in an signed. apparent reference to the ongo- The latest move by Tehran ing agitation by farmers in further complicates the efforts India. Trudeau in December of the other member nations to said that Canada will always be entice the US to return to the there to defend the rights of deal — something President peaceful protests, and had Joe Biden has indicated he expressed concern over the would be open to. situation, evoking a strong When Iran announced its reaction from India. plans in January to produce India later summoned uranium metal, the German, Canadian High Commissioner French and British foreign Nadir Patel and told him that the ministries issued a joint state- comments made by Prime ment saying they were “deeply Minister Trudeau and others in his concerned.” Cabinet on the farmers’ protest.     !  %(4

N & O  Q)       R   " &     !  &4A  !      India entered the pan- put debt/GDP on a downward  &       !  demic with little fiscal head- trajectory,” Fitch Ratings said. /    " "$%H L       (:         753%=53% room from a rating perspective. “We now expect public Q-<>(9O :$-       &   ()()2(9   Its general government debt/GDP to rise above 90 per  &                   " ndias Budget presented on debt/GDP ratio stood at 72 per cent of GDP over the next five Mumbai: High commodity      FG  $ IFebruary 1 by Union Finance cent in 2019, against a median years, based on the revised prices along with lower sales Minister Nirmala Sitharaman of 42 per cent for ‘BBB’ rated budget targets and with our 1 O C H O volumes are likely to put pres-       points to a loosening of fiscal peers. other previous rating assump- sure on automakers’ margins     policy to support the countrys “We revised the Outlook tions remaining unchanged. New Delhi:Moody’s Investors buffers will remain insuffi- after an improvement Q3FY21, " "$%A "  0   1     N &  ongoing economic recovery on India’s ‘BBB-’ rating to However, recent reforms and Service on Thursday said cient. The government plans Fitch Ratings said in a report. O       2        from the pandemic and will Negative, from Stable, in June policy measures, including India’s economic recovery to infuse 20,000 crore in “We believe the price hikes 0    C  3         consequently lead to a rise in 2020, partly owing to our those announced in the budget, reduces the risk of a sharp equity capital into PSBs next announced by automakers in /   4 F /4G   "  ' public debt. assumptions about the impact could also influence our growth deterioration in public sector fiscal. While the amount will January 2021 will not fully %  F'% G          The debt/GDP trajectory is of the pandemic on its public expectations and, thus, our banks’ asset quality, but the help the banks meet Basel cap- offset higher costs,” the report 3$ /4     %   "   core to our sovereign rating finance metrics. The budget’s debt trajectory forecasts,” Fitch capital would remain insuffi- ital requirements, it will not said.”                assessment, meaning higher deficit projections for the fiscal Ratings said. cient to support credit growth boost credit growth, Moody’s We expect a quarter-on- /  /C  1        E deficits and a slower consoli- years ending March 2022 Fitch’s latest economic out- and absorb unexpected said.”We expect the Indian quarter decline in volume from        % $ dation path will make India’s (FY22) to FY26 are about 1pp look projected growth at 11 per shocks. economy to recover in 2021, 3QFY21 on account of higher medium-term growth outlook a year above our previous esti- cent in FY22 then at around 6.5 With high credit costs and this reduces the likelihood prices and a modest supply dis-       13 take on a more critical role in mates between, which could per cent a year through to continuing to suppress their of a sharp deterioration of ruption due to a semiconduc-   2       our analysis, says Fitch Ratings. make it more challenging to FY26. profitability, the banks’ capital asset quality at the banks. tor shortage. IANS       '          "   "    < "  9,$   "   "   "   ' "   %   +-2+:    +$-)2+$:)       C  91<=    (     $   < "  9D$  "        D*9.--,+ C   "  !      !      $5.& C   "        !# 6>;  --.'  O   $   ' D9+$(:      3/ 0/4 total number of pregnant   !  #  (    "      $       women who were actually      $  " 9.. C  he Government on enrolled under the PMMVY  /        9.. C         TThursday said that a total of and the JSY along with details New Delhi:State-owned Indian       ' $ 1.83 crore pregnant women of the total number of pregnant    15,173.30.Reliance Industries Bank on Thursday said cus-  3/ 0/4 have claimed benefits under mothers below the age of 19 was the star performer in the tomers may face inconvenience            Pradhan Mantri Matru years who have undergone quity benchmarks reversed Sensex pack, rallying 4.07%, later this week as it will carry -commerce major Amazon " "$% /  0  2 2     "   Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) institutional deliveries for the Etheir two-session slide to followed by Sun Pharma, Bajaj out software migration with Ehas moved the Supreme     &              from 2018-19 till January 29 years 2018-19, 2019-20 and finish at fresh closing highs on Finance, PowerGrid, Bharti respect to its merger with Court in a bid to block Future           $   this year. 2020-21. Thursday, propelled by robust Airtel, Nestle India and HUL. Allahabad Bank. The scheme of group’s 24,713-crore deal with   A     &       " Replying to an unstarred The minister said, “All gains in market heavyweight amalgamation of Allahabad Reliance, according to sources.               question in Rajya Sabha by Pregnant Women and Reliance Industries. Dovish '   - Bank into Indian Bank came The development comes  $      O        Pratap Singh Bajwa about the Lactating Mother (PW&LM) comments from US Federal into force from April 1, 2020. after a recent Delhi High         % 0  P details of the total number of (except those who are in regu- Reserve Chair Jerome Powell   *($D* “Our bank has scheduled tech- Court’’s ruling that stayed a                  pregnant women eligible to lar employment with the also bolstered global investor   nical migration of CBS/ITMS previous order on status quo of           $%   claim benefits under PMMVY Central Government or State sentiment, which augurs well software of erstwhile Allahabad the deal and ruling that statu- "      "   & $ and Janani Suraksha Yojana Government or Public Sector for fund flows into emerging Mumbai:The Indian rupee bank with CBS/ITMS software tory authorities cannot be (JSY) from the years 2018-19 Undertaking or those who are markets like India, analysts ended 3 paise lower at 72.87 of Indian Bank on 13-14 restrained from acting in accor-    B1(2     till 2020-21, Union Minister for in receipt of similar benefits said. Overcoming bouts of against the US dollar on February 2021. “As such, some dance with law. " "$%< A    1        Women and Child under any law for the time mid-session volatility, the 30- Thursday amid a firm trend of the services related to bank- Amazon has approached 09)DF ' *D,  G "   Development Smriti Irani said, being in force) are eligible to share BSE index settled 222.13 in the domestic equity mar- ing operations may be dis- the Supreme court in the mat-           0+))$ “The total number of pregnant claim benefits for first living points or 0.43% higher at its kets. At the interbank forex rupted from 9 PM on February ter against Future, sources close    0+)      women who have claimed ben- child of the family under the new closing peak of 51,531.52. market, the local unit 12 to 9 AM on February 15, to the development said.                efits under PMMVY scheme PMMVY. Under the JSY, preg- In similar movement, the opened at 72.81 against the causing inconvenience to the Future and Amazon did   09D     $ has been 1,83,12,303 from nant women undergoing insti- broader NSE Nifty advanced greenback and witnessed an bank’s customers/stakeholders not respond to e-mailed 2018-19 till January 29.” tutional delivery are eligible for 66.80 points or 0.44 per cent to intra-day high of 72.65 and on these dates,” Indian Bank queries. Bajwa also asked about the the benefit.” its all-time high of a low of 72.87. said in a regulatory filing. &/#   / )#) (  '    / %(     )%%/  New Delhi:Prime Minister MIS 2021, being organised by New Delhi: As India has seen is not specifically claimed in the Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Ministry of Ports, Shipping a steep downfall in the export shipping bill, no RoDTEP the second edition of the and Waterways (MoPSW) value from April 2020, the would accrue to the exporter. Maritime India Summit 2021 jointly with FICCI as an indus- Government has reduced the RoDTEP rates will be notified (MIS 2021) on March 2, which trial partner and EY as a tax burden on Indian exporters as per the RITC Code and will be held virutally and is knowledge partner. Mandaviya by implementing Remission therefore, there will be no need scheduled to be participated by said MIS is going to provide a of Duties and Taxes on to declare any separate code or 24 nations, Union Minister powerful platform for interna- Exported Products (RoDTEP) schedule serial number for Mansukh Mandaviya said on tional collaboration and bring scheme to boost exports. RoDTEP. Also the tax assess- Thursday. in partner countries for mutu- “The RoDTEP scheme ment will become fully auto- As many as 56 maritime al exchange of knowledge and aims to refund currently un- matic for exporters which will nations, except China, have opportunities.He launched a refunded duties/taxes/levies at bring more transparency and been invited to participate in brochure and the website the Central, State and local make taxation smoother. the Summit through Indian www.Maritimeindiasummit.In level, borne on the exported Besides, the scheme will make missions in those countries. for the MIS-2021. Due to the product, including prior stage Indian products cost-compet- The minister said about ongoing COVID-19 pandem- cumulative indirect taxes on itive in the international mar- 20,000 delegates will participate ic situation, the entire summit goods and services used in the ket,” explained Hans Raj in the event and more than 400 will be held on virtual platform manufacturing of the exported Chugh, FCA, FCS and partner, projects are set to be showcased www.Maritimeindiasummit.In. products. However, if RODTEP ASHM & Associates. PNS in the second edition of the PTI     !     "# $"P&' "" ( )  *) ' "* $ &"$ &    ) "#  L,  $#  3 #"" &-..   .".

he won’t be able to take his eyes off you. Printed Polo T-shirts: There’s nothing quite like a Look 3: Temptress polo t-shirt. It’s stylish yet sim- ple and can pass off for a day Red Mini Dress: A red date. Steer clear of t-shirts in mini dress, is the perfect attire solid colours and choose to opt for on Valentine’s Day, micro prints and stripes especially if you have plans in instead. the evening. Be it a mini shirt dress or a knee length Chinos: If jeans aren’t solid red A-line dress, nothing your thing for a date look, go goes better with a red mini casual with a pair of chinos in dress than truckloads of con- shades of beige and khaki. fidence. These will go well with the printed polo you intend to Pearl Earrings: Team wear. your red dress with a pair of pearl earrings that will accen- Suede Loafers: A careful- tuate the overall elegance of ly crafted pair of suede loafers the look. The best thing about are minimalistic and easily pearls is whether you choose adaptable and will go well minimal or statement pieces, with your printed polo and you will always look classy. chinos look.

Gold Shimmer Skincare Regime Kit: Eyeshadow: While a red dress While dressing up is half the goes best with red lips, high- charm, the other half is how 6(0 5 light your eyes with a dash of good your skin looks. Prep for gold shimmer on your eyelids. Valentine’s Day with a skin- You will find that it adds to the care regime kit that suits your       >   $   + natural glow on your face. skin type and you’ll be able to flaunt healthy and fresh-look- here is a popular belief that are a beautiful and inexpensive      Floral Fragrance: Add a ing skin. Tart is the motivation, inspi- decoration. whiff of a flirty floral fra- ration and creation of creative     grance to complete your Printed Face Masks: To minds and beliefs. Those who COINS AND CURRENCY Valentine’s Day date night top it all, opt for a face mask love art, like to enhance their col- Top collectable coins and ?R  look. You’ll leave everyone in in vivid colours and prints, lection of unique and beautiful currency are valuable and worth your path mesmerised. that will be a seamless addi- items. If you are bundled with the price. Though it is rare, we ith Valentine’s Day Choose one in a comple- tion to your look. love and passion for art, a pas- might come across expensive just around the cor- menting shade and you’ll have  sionate collector and enjoy col- coins and currency out of the Wner, it’s time to start mastered the ideal casual chic Look 1: The Boy Next Look 3: Dashing lecting antiques, you are at the blue. So, if that happens or you putting together that special look. Door right spot. Here is a list of five collect those unusual and rare date look. Of course, your Navy-coloured Shirt: A must have antiques by Karabi Art items purposely, make sure you look will depend on what’s Sleek Analog Dial Watches: Fine-knit Pullovers: For slim-fit formal shirt in navy Community. take good care of them. planned for the day or the A sleek wristwatch is the only a casual day date with your blue tucked into a well-fitted evening. But we’ve got you accessory you need when loved one, pair a fine-knit pair of black trousers is the ANTIQUE FURNITURE RUGS covered with these exciting you’re trying to keep it casu- pullover in a solid colour perfect combination for a Any time you stumble across While buying antique rugs, head to toe looks, including al. Choose one with a metal- with a pair of nicely fitted Valentine’s Day date night antique designs of chairs, table, make sure that you spend the face masks to compliment lic strap and an analog dial. denims. look, especially if you’re plan- bed or any other furniture item; most you can afford otherwise your overall attire. The ning to make it an evening to it attracts you. While some of you might end up with a glori- Valentine’s Day store on Skincare Combo-kit: Smartwatches: Add an remember. you might find these collec- fied bath mat. There are rugs that Amazon fashion and beauty Prep your skin for Valentine’s element of sporty casual with tables worthless, the trained eye have been traipsed on for over has an array of fashion and Day with an all-natural skin- a smartwatch. Change the Metal Strap Watches: Be or those who know the value of 100 years and still look good and beauty selections which will care combo kit that will keep strap to one that contrasts your fashionable best with a art would know their worth. attractive. Your trained eye woo your beau and make spots at bay and nourish you with the colour of your sophisticated metal strap Antique furniture is often very knows how to spot a beauty. them fall even more in love skin. After all, nothing looks pullover, and you have a win- watch. Choose one with a well made and well functional, with you. Here’s a look. better than naturally glowing ning recipe. large classic analog dial and which makes it a must have for ANTIQUE BOOKS skin. glam-factor as you step out. keep it simple so as not to take you’ll be at your classy best. those who love collecting Antique books are one of the   away from the overall look. Tinted Aviators: antiques. most inexpensive yet wonderful Look 1: The Girl Next Door White Sneakers: Save Look 2: Indian Traditional Transform your brunch or Black Leather Oxfords: ways to decorate. Neither they your heels for the evening and Gota Salwar Suit: Flower Motif Earrings: lunch date look with a pair of A well fitted pair of black DISHES have to be pretty nor too old, Printed Crop Tops: If go comfy with a cool pair of Whoever says you can’t pull Nothing spells traditional tinted aviators. Choose one leather Oxfords stands Chances are many of you they just need to be placed well. you’re planning a breakfast or white sneakers. These go well off a traditional look on more than a pair of floral that frames your face well. unmatched because of its have at least one antique crock- Placement is the key here! On lunch date, a printed crop top with the crop top and jeans Valentine’s Day is mistaken. motif earrings, especially if sleek and sophisticated aes- ery item stacked in a cabinet. shelves, mixed in with art and paired with a flared skirt or a look and give you the casual Surprise your loved one with they’re in a complementing Woody Fragrance: There thetic and will go well with Perhaps all of us love shopping collectables or your favourite pair of pants will make for the chic effect you were aiming an all-out traditional gota sal- colour. A minimal pair will go is a certain charm to woody your formal date night look. for these collectables. Whether photos; a couple of books under ideal look. Pick one with an for. war suit and watch his jaw a long way in helping you pull scented perfumes. they’re displayed in a bookcase, a small ornament; and a section unusual fusion print and drop as you make an entrance. off a classy traditional date Quintessentially masculine, Beard Grooming Kit: on a table, on a corner table of of vertically stacked books give you’ll find that you stand out Pastel-coloured Face Masks: look. these work wonders on your Staying well-groomed is very your living room or on a wall, the the eye a place to rest. even in your casual best. With an entire outfit dedicat- Textured Bag: A state- confidence levels besides important. For the picture- glint of the polish and the artis- So whether you are a new ed to creating a statement, opt ment textured bag goes well Nude Lips: Make sure weaving a spell on your loved perfect moment, invest in an tic design creates an interesting collector or just seeking to add Casual Flared Pants: Pair for a pastel-coloured face with a traditional look. Shades you accentuate your eyes, but one. all-encompassing grooming play with light in a room. The to your already existing collec- your fusion crop top with a mask that matches your look of brown go perfectly with a keep your lips subdued with kit that serves all the require- best thing about this category of tion, make sure you have these pair of chic flared pants. and doesn’t take away the gota salwar suit. Remember to a nude shade. You’ll find that Look 2: Casual Chic ments for a tame beard. collectible antiques is that they must haves with you.

et me take some time to talk about Compass Trailhawk. I realised that driving an owner of a one and a quar- Lthe title of this review, the ship of better manufacturing and metallurgy ter crore vehicle would do. No doubt, 8  Theseus. This gentleman in Greek leg-    has made monocoque offroaders pos- there are those who would, but for many end was the mythical founder of the sible. With that singular, fundamental others, this is what I describe as a tashan city-state of Athens and he once had a change of manufacturing philosophy, vehicle, a ‘statement’ vehicle, much like ship. Now, this ship was venerated by 4' O  0        nothing about this new Defender is the the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon is, and the    the Athenians for centuries after same as the old one. But because it German vehicle is still body-on-frame. Theseus lived, but wood, particularly      "  wears the same name, is it anything like Even with the smaller two-litre exposed to seawater does rot away even- the original? petrol engine, this is not a very eco- ctor Arjun Kapoor has come forward to support tually and planks need to be Well, to start, Land Rover did not nomical car. While Land Rover has a Aa cause that is close to his heart. In the run-up to changed. This led to various sell the old Defender for Indian roads, diesel engine and is offering a Plug-In Valentine’s Day, he has helped 100 cancer couples. planks on the ship being the fleet of them hauling tourists and Hybrid, one reason it needed to make Arjun, whose mother passed away due to cancer, swapped out often and led to a locals around as well as working in tea- a whole new platform is that the pledges to support people affect- rather interesting situation, estates in being remnants 300PS engine is quite thirsty indeed. ed by the virus. He has teamed debated over for centuries. If =3 ' from the 1950’s and 1960’s. I have dri- Even with a soft foot, the best I man- up with the Cancer Patients Aid every part of the ship was even- ven an old Defender in the UK, though aged was around eight kilometres per Association (CPAA) for this ini- tually changed, is it the same not a late-build one, but rest assured the litre and with petrol going to touch tiative. ship? My friends in college studying new one plays up comfort. I believe the 100 soon in Delhi, that isn’t cheap to Arjun says, “The pandemic Philosophy had to debate this, but it is promotional videos about the new run. Although, I am curious to drive has taught us the importance a very pertinent and interesting issue, Defender and its ability to go anywhere the PHEV and I hope I get a chance to of helping one another and particularly with the vehicle we will be will have to be checked through a pan- do that soon enough. spreading love. We look for- talking about today — the new Land India journey. This car can wade Yes, it is a seven-seater, but if I ward to celebrating Rover Defender. through three feet of water and has a wanted a practical luxury seven-seater, Valentine’s month to make The first generation Defender, sonar system to help you do that, its ter- I’d jump at a Volvo XC90. If I wanted our loved ones feel special. which was just the ‘Land Rover’ until rain response 2 system can drive something good-looking for the city But I have decided to do the Discovery came about, was in pro- through almost any sort of surface and but with some rough-road chops, heck something different this duction for just short of seven decades when the going gets tough, you still have the Velar makes more sense at this time. I am supporting med- and there were over two million of them four-wheel drive low range. price. This is a Land Rover Defender ical treatment for 100 built. It was a rugged, go-anywhere sort There is another thing though, the and paying BMW X7 and Mercedes- underprivileged couples of vehicle that was popular with armies Defender 110SE, the long wheelbase Benz GLS money for this does not real- who are impacted by cancer, and agriculturists alike. In the latest sea- model with the two-litre petrol engine ly compute in my head. But I write which means one partner is son of The Crown on Netflix, you might that I was driving is just a tad expen- about cars for a living, and I know bet- battling this deadly disease as have even seen the Queen take Margaret sive. And this was the second Defender ter than most that logic often escapes the other one is supportive in Thatcher around her Balmoral Estate in I drove, the first being the dealer car in car buyers. The ‘new’ Defender is a every step of this fight.” Scotland in a Defender. And as the Delhi that had several additional acces- vehicle that can go anywhere, it is also He adds, “This disease severe- Defender’s rivals got more advanced, sories. The Defender SE has a regular a vehicle that if you drive around the ly impacts one’s immunity, making vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz G- ex-showroom price of 86 lakh, almost city, you will be noticed, in a way that them extremely vulnerable to the Wagon, the Defender remained an a crore on the road but once you add even a Velar will not, let alone a X7 or Coronavirus. The previous year has anachronism, a remnant of the past in accessories such as the panoramic sun- GLS. Seriously, if you want to make a been very painful for these couples. a rapidly modernising world. The prob- roof, the nicer blacked-out alloys, the statement, whether you are an actor or Not only were they fighting a hard bat- lem however became that it could not brought us the ‘New’ Defender. This sedans where the body itself provides ashwood finish to the doors and on the a politician and want to be seen in a big, tle, but they were also confined to their be sold in America anymore, not only vehicle has nothing in common with the the vehicle structural integrity. A few console and the leather seats, all of bad bruiser of a car, this is the car for homes facing the severe threat of the world’s largest car market but a mar- old car but the name. It is not even a years ago, nobody could believe that a which the media fleet car had, you will you. However, remember that just COVID. Many of them did not ket where such a car would shine. body-on-frame design, rather a mono- monocoque could do serious offroad- add almost 10-15 lakh to the final price. because the name is same, the vehicle even have the source of income So, late in 2019, Jaguar Land Rover coque, like regular hatchbacks and ing, but it was actually driving the I am not sure how much rough road does not have to be. to buy food and essential medicines.” .+ ; P#1 $!2&'3 5! &$6&&(6&'  N         N "  &  ' &&Q                $!57 &                        $    *            %       & "         ' $% '   &            "   K   &    *     " &+    $    $         $ L   "      , &  2 L                & "                   F>   AG   M    $      2  L     L     "   $M $          "    $         2      2 &          "       "  &        C            A & L  "      " $O   $O         ! "  #$$%& "   M    $     !  , 33 #"" &-..   .". $# !'& & &'     ?R :)R  +       < * =( ??(

t’s that time of the year again when peo- ple give a fresh chance to love and per- Isonal relationships in life. Well, after almost a year of staying put and away from our loved ones, Valentine’s Day will be spe- cial with a whole new vibe this year. It will be a time to create fresh memories as cou- ples find newer ways to meet each other and celebrate their love. So while planning a date outdoors, have a look at what dif- rant, says, “There is no sincere love than **  C' D  ferent outlets in the city have on offer for the love of food. Hence, we have curated  1* the lovebirds. a special menu to celebrate the true spir- “Let’s celebrate the day of love through it of love in true foodie style.” music that touches heart as well as the soul.   Since music has the power to bring nos- Jasmeet Singh Banga, founder of the    talgia, live your memories of you and your restaurant, says, “Love is creamy and Immerse yourself in an experience of partner started dating,” says Kanishk Tuteja, dreamy. Hence, we have created special luxury where your senses travel through founder of Nukkad, We Qutub and 1 Oak. desserts, which will be on offer for all the menu right from soups, salads, carpacio, To end your date and meal mystique scents and delectable delicacies. Artist Deene Khan, who sings a wide reper- people who believe in love. One can enjoy dimsums, baos, sushi platter, to chef’s spe- on a sweeter note, you “Love is perfect only when you make it toire of traditional folk and sufi songs, will our specially-curated menu like Blueberry cial dessert platter. Cocktails are also a part can enjoy choco- perfect,” says Akshay Anand, co-founder be performing live at Nukkad Cafe & Bar. mirror glaze cheesecake (heart shape), Red of the package, where mixologists have late fondue of Ophelia. A special menu is curated with velvet mascarpone pastry (heart shape), stirred drinks with love. Drinks such as served with love for your love to celebrate love.  ! '!  Gulab malai kheer and a special drink, Love Robust lad, Floating on cloud and Clover’s banana, choco Delicacies like Risotto d’or, insalata –Noir    '    At First Sight, which is a combination of clubs are on offer,” adds she. chip muffin, (inspired by Olfa Originals Oud D’or)   white spirit and peach finished with cran- red apple, lit- Roseate churros (inspired by Olfa Priyank Sukhija, founder of First Fiddle berry juice.”    P  tle heart Originals Oud Roseate), Crème obsede Restaurants, who owns Plum by Bentchair, Saurabh Luthra, founder of Romeo cookies and (inspired by Olfa Originals Oud Flying Saucer and Warehouse Café, says that L   ! Lane and Mama’s Buoy, says that Romeo marshmallow. Obsede) and Truly yours and Love Valentine’s Day has always been special at Shivam Sehgal, founder of Josh, says, Lane is a lane designed to celebrate love. Vikrant bomb are on offer. my places. “The idea of expressing love to “Lets celebrate this Valentine’s Day with “It’s an ode to Romeo and Juliet. Specials Batra, founder, your partners is important, and if it gets josh at Josh. Get a glass of fun, and then like Love triangles, Melted heart, Heart Café Delhi P  coupled with perfect music, food and cock- add another one. It’s the time for a Daily beats, Love trouble, Romeo Juliet pizza, Kiss Heights, says, The bakery house launches tails, the day becomes all the more special. Drinkathon, with offers of 1+1 on Sangria calzone, Love at first sight and more are on “This Valentine’s Valentine’s Day special straw- This Valentine’s Day be surrounded by the on Friday, 1+1 on cocktails on Saturday, offer. Enjoy the specials such as Colors of Day indulge in roman- berry products such as straw- #Plumazing vibes of Plum by Bent Chair 1+1 on mocktails on Sunday. Not only this, love, Basket of my feelings, Greek style tic flavors. We at Café berry tart and strawberry fraisi- amid the romantic aura as we ‘Let the love one can also enjoy our heart-shaped Jello romance, Proposal pizza and My little heart Delhi Heights believe that er. Strawberry tart is a colourful play’ cupid sway with your bae on the shots for everyone.” at Mama’s Buoi,” shares he. love needs no boundaries, and dessert full of fresh cut strawberries handpicked playlist all day long. A special so the taste of food. Hence, we have circling a small island of diplomat package starts at 1,600, which includes *       created a menu keeping in mind all the cream and strawberry mousse on top of flowers, two cocktails and a dessert. Kampai can be the perfect place for Admire each other and indulge your- flavours.” a “pâte sucrée” biscuit. The classic French Flying Saucer will set your spirits high as your cozy love date. Avantika Sinha Bahl, self in the specially-curated menu, which strawberry fraisier is cake made with two Afsana Khan is giving a live perfor- owner at Kampai, says that Valentine’s Day has love-based cocktails, strawberry-based    Delicacies like Claypot tofu with chilli and layers of genoise sponge, diplomat cream mance. Lord of the Drinks is set to play is all about the perfect expression for your food and tempting fondues. On the Let’s celebrate love portions and love cherry, Vietnamese mango curry, Rose and a strawberry syrup. “These treats can cupid by offering heart shape cakes. love and what else could be better than to Offerings are cocktails like Pink lady, C bites at Viet:Nom. One can enjoy drinks scented blue pea jasmine rice, Strawberry be enjoyed in combination with beverages There’s a 10 per cent discount for all the expressing it over a great food. “You can what I mean, strawberry bruschetta, fiery such as The rose, romance, My love, Be my pomelo sago, Dimsums and more are on like hot tea or coffee,” says Laurent girls and all the boys table at Warehouse immerse yourself into five courses special chicken wings with strawberry and more. valentine, Bae, Lovey dovey and more. offer. Manish Sharma, owner of the restau- Samandari, Managing Director of L’Opéra. Café.

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  /4 5'3/ 39min. Seventh seed Rublev has been Melbourne: India’s Divij Sharan and Ankita  !9:; in impressive form and battled past Raina crashed out of the Australian Open men’s ofia Kenin’s emotional TSITSIPAS PREVAILS IN EPIC <7:=#( Brazilian left-hander Thiago and women’s doubles events respectively, after suf- SAustralian Open defence World No 6 Stefanos 347204/ "= Monteiro 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (10/8) in fering straight set defeats in the opening round ended in a second-round defeat Tsitsipas was pushed to a workmanlike fashion. here on Thursday. on Thursday but top seed marathon five sets by wildcard He will next play veteran Ankita, the third Indian woman tennis play- Ashleigh Barty overcame a blip Thanasi Kokkinakis before Spaniard Feliciano Lopez. The er to secure a place in the main draw of a Grand to reach the last 16. making the third round while 39-year-old was taken five sets in Slam event, and her partner Mihaela Buzarnecu The highly-strung Kenin Andrey Rublev extended his his record-extending 75th consec- of Romania lost 3-6, 0-6 in just one hour and 17 has struggled to handle expec- unbeaten start to the year. utive Grand Slam before beating minutes at the hands of Australian wild card pair tations in her first Grand Slam Later, birthday boy Daniil Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego 5-7, 3-6, 6- of Olivia Gadecki and Belinda Woolcock. title defence and admitted to Medvedev added another win 3, 7-5, 6-4. India’s challenge also ended in the men’s dou- having a few tears during a to his red-hot streak as the No one has made more con- bles competition after Divij and his Slovakian tense opening-round win on Russian fourth seed demol- secutive Grand Slam appearances partner Igor Zelenay lost 1-6, 4-6 against the Tuesday. ished Roberto Carballes Baena than Lopez, who is playing his German combination of Yannick Hanfmann The fourth seed shed more to ease into the third round and record-extending 75th in a row, Kevin Krawietz in the first round match that last- on Margaret Court Arena on second seed Rafael Nadal having not missed one since the ed one hour and four minutes. Thursday after her 6-3, 6-2 wrapped up proceedings on French Open in 2002. Elsewhere, The veteran Rohan Bopanna, defeat in 64 minutes to the the show courts with a 6-1, 6- world number 192 Mackenzie who lost his opening men’s dou- Estonian world number 65, 4, 6-2 win over Michael Mmoh. McDonald beat Borna Coric 6-4, bles match on Wednesday, still becoming the highest-ranked Medvedev, who turned 25 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 to hand the Croatian has a chance to make player to go out of the tourna- on Thursday, powered past the 22nd seed the biggest upset of his amends as he will ment. Spaniard 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 on John career. partner China’s “I felt like I wasn’t there, my Cain Arena for his 16th straight Italians Fabio Fognini and Yingying Duan in head wasn’t there,” a teary- win dating back to November. Salvatore Caruso had to be sepa- the mixed doubles eyed Kenin admitted later. The popular Greek star rated by an official during a furi- and will be up A strong-serving Kanepi dropped only four games in his ous argument after their five-set against the pair of proved a bad match-up for first-round match, but faced a classic. Fognini, the 16th seed, pre- American Bethanie Mattek- Kenin, who had 22 unforced far sterner challenge from the vailed 4-6, 6-2, 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 Sands and United errors and offered little resis- 267th-ranked Australian. He (14/12) in nearly four hours after Kingdom’s Jamie Murray in tance as her title defence ended finally came through 6-7 (5/7), a fierce battle on John Cain Arena. the first round. with a whimper. 6-1, 6-1, 6-7 (5/7), 6-4 Kanepi, however, has been Kokkinakis, who has been in strong form, finishing run- plagued by injury and illness ner-up in the warm-up during his career, fought hard. Gippsland Trophy followed by With the home crowd becom- a straight-sets victory over ing ever more vociferous in Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova their support, he gave as good in the Open’s first round. as he got in a close first set, with The 35-year-old plays 28th both players trading blows in seed Donna Vekic of Croatia long rallies and big serves. next. The Australian saved two Meanwhile world No 1 set points at 4-5 and took it to Barty cast friendship aside with a tiebreaker, where he pre- a straight-sets victory over vailed on the back of a Tsitsipas compatriot Daria Gavrilova, double fault. But the Greek’s but appeared to lose focus serv- superior firepower and fitness ing for the match before clos- came to the fore in the second ing out for a 6-1, 7-6 (9/7) win set and by the third Kokkinakis against her Fed Cup teammate. appeared to be running out of Ukrainian fifth seed Elina steam, unable to match Svitolina scored an efficient 6- Tsitsipas’ consistency. 4, 6-3 win over 16-year-old He found a second wind, Coco Gauff. though, in the fourth set and Sixth seed Karolina after saving a match point at 4- Pliskova had few alarms in 5 took it to a fifth, buoyed by beating American Danielle the energy of the crowd. Collins, a semi-finalist at However, Tsitsipas’ unrelenting Melbourne Park two years ago, return on serve wore him down 7-5, 6-2. and he got a decisive break in Swiss 12th seed Belinda fifth game as Kokkinakis tired. Bencic was pushed harder by The 22-year-old next plays veteran Russian Svetlana Swede Mikael Ymer, who beat Kutznetsova before coming promising Spanish teenager through 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 in 2hr Carlos Alcaraz. .       O!  !  P

to complete an unfinished busi- ness. Le Mans is one of the greatest races in the world and I want to go back and get the job done and not only drive there but be competitive,” Karthikeyan said during a virtual media confer- ence on Thursday. The trio will represent Racing Team India which will make its debut in the Asian Le Mans Series in Dubai this weekend in a bid to secure an invitation to the coveted 24 Hours of Le Mans,   3/ 0/4 to be held in France on June 12- 13. early 12 years after he Racing Team India’s Dubai Ncrashed out following a debut will make it the first out- freak accident, a more deter- fit with an all-Indian driver line- mined and experienced up to compete in international Narain Karthikeyan is back to endurance racing. complete an “unfinished busi- “It’s such a great thing to hold ness” in the Le Mans Series an Indian licence. All three endurance racing. Indian drivers competing for top India’s first Formula One honours in LMP2 would be awe- driver, Karthikeyan, dislocat- some.” ed his shoulder in June 2009, The trio will compete in the forcing him out of the 24 top class LMP2 category over Hours of Le Mans, which is two, four-hour-long races at the considered one of the world’s Dubai Autodrome. toughest races. The two runnings of the four The 44-year-old is now hours of Dubai will take place on back, forming an all Indian Saturday and Sunday respective- team comprising former F2 ly before moving to Abu Dhabi’s and European Le Mans Series Yas Marina circuit for another racer Arjun Maini and 2020 round of two, four-hour races on IMSA Prototype Challenge February 19 and 20. champion Naveen Rao. The distance covered in this “Yeah, absolutely, I’m here one single race is equivalent to 18 Formula 1 races, making it the most extreme test of the man and his machine in the world of motorsport. “It’s like the whole Formula One race, the championship in 24 hours,” Karthikeyan said. “It’s all about endurance, pre- serving the car, and trying to get a great setup on the car and work as a team. “The pit stops need to be right, the driver changes, the challenges are so many driving at night and you know nearly, 400 kilometres per hour every lap, lap after lap. “Going through traffic. It's a very unique challenge and it’s that's why it's one of the, it is the toughest race in the world with- out a doubt. We’re all experienced but nothing prepares you for Le Mans,” Karthikeyan concluded.