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THE LARGEST CIRCULATED ENGLISH DAILY IN SOUTH INDIA CHENNAI I SUNDAY 20 I DECEMBER 2020 WEATHER STATE | 3 NATION | 4 SPORT | 8 Max: 30OC Min: 21OC Rajini Mandram leaders Police to probe Akhtar’s Gavaskar hails Aussie Rainfall: Nil asked to hurry up plaint against Kangana bowlers ASTROGUIDE Sarvari: Margazhi 5 deccanchronicle.com, facebook.com/deccannews, twitter.com/deccanchronicle, google.com/+deccanchronicle Vol. 16 No. 265 Established 1938 | 8 PAGES| `4.00 Tithi: Shashti Star: Sathayam ■ Rahukalam: Chief Minister position is ‘God given’, says EPS TN to offer `2,500 4.30 pm to 6 pm Mamata will be as Pongal gift to Yamagandam: 12 noon to 1.30 pm CM kicks off poll campaign rice card holders PRAYERS DC CORRESPONDENT Fajar: 5.07 am left alone: Shah DC CORRESPONDENT Palaniswami recalled his severe drought while CHENNAI, DEC. 19: Zohar: 12.09 pm with agency inputs humble background and cyclones ravaged the coast ● Asar: 3.19 pm Midnapore (WB), Dec. Suvenduu SALEM, DEC. 19 how glad he was that he and currently coronavirus Chief Minister Edappadi K. 19: By the time assembly Adhikari joins could utilised the post to pandemic was posing a Palaniswami’s announce- Maghrib: 5.45 pm elections are held in Tamil Nadu Chief Minister serve the people, however massive threat. He over- ment of Pongal gift of `2,500 Isha: 7.01 pm West Bengal, Chief BJP: P4 K. Palaniswami launched challenging the post was. came all obstacles and cash to all ‘rice’ ration card Minister Mamata his poll campaign for the “I never thought of ensured continuity of the holders, besides a package of ED attaches Farooq Banerjee will be left including five of the rul- Tamil Nadu polls of 2021 becoming chief minister. ‘Amma’ government, thus condiments to make the fes- alone in her TMC, a ing party, and a from a small village near This is God-given...I disproving the opposition tival sweeter, has evoked assets worth `12 cr cocky Union Home Trinamool Congress Lok Salem on Saturday on a utilised it to serve the peo- parties' calculations on his critics of two types – one say- Minister Amit Shah Sabha member in Mr pious note. Describing his ple,” Palaniswami said. He government not lasting its ing don’t pay and the other New Delhi: The Enforcement asserted on Saturday as a Shah’s presence stint on the chief minister’s pointed out that his rural term till the 2021 Assembly telling him to pay more. Directorate Saturday attached resi- battery of TMC leaders The TMCs slogan of chair in the State in the background and education elections he said. Soon after Mr Palaniswami dential and commercial properties including the ‘Maa, Mati, Manush’ time from February 2017 to prayers at the small village in a state-run school helped “Some questioned let his plans for the Pongal worth nearly `12 crore of former redoubtable Suvendu (mother, motherland and now, he said he never temple in his Edappadi con- him understand the diffi- whether my rule will con- bonanza be known at the Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Adhikari joined the BJP. people) has been reduced believed that one day he stituency and having a puja culties of the people and in tinue after Jayalalithaa's campaign meeting Farooq Abdullah in an ongoing case Mr Adhikari, the fore- to ‘extortion, corruption would be given the CM’s done in front of his cam- resolving their problems. demise. Now my govern- Saturday, his arch political of alleged money laundering, draw- most TMC leader with a and nepotism’, Mr Shah post. “It is God-given,” he paign van that was He reminded the people, ment has successfully com- rival and DMK president ing strong reaction from his party mass base after Ms said, and exuded confi- said. bedecked with garlands. supporters and AIADMK pleted four years in office M.K. Stalin said that `2,500 National Conference (NC) which Banerjee, shifted alle- dence that the BJP will It was on a worshipful With trademark humility cadre at a large gathering and is all set to step into an was too little an amount for said these properties were “largely giance to the BJP, form the next govern- note that he kickstarted his in front of his supporters that when he took up the election year (in 2021),” he the people and urged him to ancestral” and he would challenge besides nine MLAs, ment in the state. — PTI campaign after offering and voters, Mr reins, the state was facing a added. ■ P2 pay ` 5,000 cash. ■ P2 the action in a court of law. COUNTER POINT Team India’s summer of 36 Down Under Sonia holds rapprochement R. MOHAN | DC new India?" Only time will pitched up to a full length meeting with ‘letter writers’ CHENNAI, DEC. 19 tell. and aimed at the corridor of The previous low for India uncertainty by Pat This will go down as the was on the 1974 tour of Cummins and Mitchell New Delhi, Dec. 19: chalk the Congress’ “Summer of 36”. Team India England when they were a Starc and the stump-to- Seeking to quell recent future strategy, was a achieved history of the noto- miserable set of tourists, stump line as in Josh dissension in the party, demand by Sonia rious sort in going down for huddled at Lord’s against Hazlewood’s pinpoint accu- Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s loyalists that a bus route kind of number the blustery cold of Old racy. ■ P2 Gandhi on Saturday met Rahul Gandhi should in their total of 36 (innings Blighty as the ball swung India skipper Virat Kohli a section of leaders assume the party leader- closed as last man and seamed. But this was a congratulates his including some who ship again. Mohammad Shami retired bright Australian summer Aussie counter- >>> wrote to her this August Mr Gandhi said that he hurt). The ignominy of day on which the ball hardly part Tim Paine after the demanding a complete was “ready to take any being shot out for their low- swung and moved off the first Test in Adelaide on organisational overhaul. responsibility given by est total since India played seam only a smidgen. The highlight of the the party”, but at the same Saturday. Australia their first Test at Lord's in This Team India of the five-hour meeting, which time mentioned that the 1932 is that of Virat Kohlis new millennium sank with- thrashed India by eight ended with a plan to hold decision on presidentship team. Is this an aberration out a trace, done in by pre- wickets after bowling out a ‘chintan shivir’ at the should be left to the elec- or is it a “representation of cise bowling, the ball the visitors for their lowest earliest opportunity to toral process. — PTI ■ P4 total in Test history. — AFP CITY pg DECCAN CHRONICLE | SUNDAY | 20 DECEMBER 2020 | CHENNAI 2

SHORT TAKES DMK terms transfer Pongal bonanza: `2,500 cash, gift hamper of Bengal IPS DC CORRESPONDENT officers ‘autocratic’ CHENNAI, DEC. 19 Chennai, Dec. 19: The DMK in Chief Minister Edappadi Tamil Nadu on Saturday dubbed K Palaniswami’s anno- as "autocratic and anti-federal" uncement of Pongal gift of the union government transfer- `2,500 cash to all ‘rice’ ring three West Bengal IPS offi- ration card holders, cers to central deputation and besides a package of urged Prime Minister Narendra condiments to make the Modi to 'rescind' the order. festival sweeter, has DMK President M K Stalin evoked critics of two described the transfers as "uni- types – one saying don’t lateral". The three IPS officers pay and the other telling were responsible for the securi- him to pay more. ty of BJP National President J P Soon after Palaniswami Nadda whose convoy was let his plans for the Pongal attacked during his recent visit bonanza be known at the to West Bengal, where Assembly campaign meeting on polls are due next year. Saturday, his arch politi- The Mamata Banerjee-led cal rival and DMK TMC government in that state is President M K Stalin said strongly opposing the Centre's that `2,500 was too little move. In a Facebook post on an amount for the people Saturday, Stalin said, "the uni- and urged him to pay lateral transfer of 3 West Bengal `5000 cash. IPS officers by the Union BJP Stalin was addressing an Govt is autocratic and anti-fed- election meeting organ- eral." ised for Thiruvallur dis- Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami prays at a temple in Salem on Saturday. Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami campaigns in Salem on Saturday. "The civil service of the coun- trict when he said that the — DC — DC try must not be dictated by the government that had whims and fancies of the ruling refused to pay people But there were many oth- But there were many party in Delhi," he said. money during the ers who supported the others who supported the Stalin, Tamil Nadu Leader of Coronavirus lockdown gift offer and thanked the gift offer and thanked the Opposition, urged the Prime could at least consider Chief Minister for his ges- Chief Minister for his ges- minister to "immediately paying `5000 now after the ture. ‘Hits a Sixer ture. ‘Hits a Sixer We tackled cyclone, covid: CM rescind the transfer order." people had been further Announcement in his Day Announcement in his Day From P1 — PTI battered by rains and 1 campaign,’ said a 1 campaign,’ said a sup- AIADMK Co-Coordinator, he may seek re-election the aspirations of the peo- floods. supporter tweeting with porter tweeting with the He claimed that his pro- also the party’s chief min- from this segment for the ple, he said and urged hashtag with On the other side, the the hashtag with people and development isterial candidate for the fifth time and first time as them to ensure a resound- Gold worth `87.6 announcement of `2,500 Palaniswami’s name that oriented initiatives ren- polls, successfully con- chief ministerial candi- ing win for his party to for ration card holders Palaniswami’s name that trended for some time. dered Tamil Nadu a power date in 2021. facilitate continuity of the trended for some time tested from Edappadi in lakhs seized at now drawing rice from the Another one said that surplus state in India and 1989, 1991, 2011 and 2016 Pointing out that the good service to them. His shops opened a Pandora’s Others were more criti- `2,500 was definitely also a pioneer in water people of Edappadi con- government had created a city airport box with many people cal. ‘This appears to be going to help the poor peo- management. "We tackled in Periya Sorgai village. stituency did not allow the record in producing 32.24 slamming him on Twitter just be a bribe for votes. ple and that it should be the drought, cyclones and The AIADMK Co- DMK to win for 43 years, lakh tons paddy, up from a DC CORRESPONDENT for the largesse. Let AIADMK by all means continued every year. now have brought the Coordinator, also the Palaniswami hoped they mere 23 lakh tons in the CHENNAI, DEC. 19 Comments like ‘election give it from their party The package of condi- covid pandemic under party's chief ministerial would continue to express past. stunt,’ ‘gift is to cover up funds. Public money ments that will come control," the chief minis- candidate for the polls, their loyalty by making Tamil Nadu is a leader in The Chennai Air Customs on the mistakes made while should be spent in better along with the `2,500 cash ter said, commencing his successfully contested the AIADMK win yet diverse fields like educa- Saturday seized gold weighing serving as a servant to the ways. Hope Courts step in comprises one piece of election campaign after from Edappadi in 1989, again in the elections, due tion and the enrolment 1.7 kg and worth `87.6 lakhs BJP’ were tweeted by and stop this,’ read anoth- sugarcane, one kilo sugar, offering worship at the 1991, 2011 and 2016. in April-May 2021. rate in higher education from five air passengers. some of his critics. er tweet. raisins and cashew nuts. Senraya Perumal temple Party sources indicated His government fulfilled in India, he added. According to a press release from Air Customs, based on tip- off, five passengers, Nouffar (28), Ahamed Ershad Ali (31) both of Ramanathapuram, Nandha Kumar(23) of Is AIADMK-BJP alliance on shaky ground? Kanchipuram, Muruganandam Mohan(38) of Chennai and G BABU JAYAKUMAR & D Another AIADMK leader Satham Usen (25) of SEKAR / DC While it is true that BJP top national Anwar Raajah made it Puddukottai who arrived from CHENNAI, DEC 19: leader and Union Home Minister Amit clear that the BJP had to Dubai by an Air India Express Shah did not openly acknowledge the accept the chief ministeri- flight were intercepted at exit Why is the BJP dithering AIADMK’s voluntary offer on continuing al candidate of the on suspicion of carrying gold. in firming up its tie-up AIADMK. Every party in On search, 16 gold cut bits, with the AIADMK for the the alliance at the meeting in Chennai, the coalition had to accept weighing 597 grams, and two coming 2021 Assembly he gave no indication of the BJP’s Palaniswami as the chief packets of gold paste were elections in the State even disinclination to be in the same ministerial candidate, he recovered from them. One gold after both the Chief said. paste packet was found con- Minister Edappadi K coalition, in which it fought the 2019 If the BJP cannot accept cealed in shoes and another Palaniswamy and deputy Lok Sabha elections the AIADMK’s candidate packet was recovered from the Chief Minister O then it would have to face jeans pocket. Pannerselvam have uni- the repeal of the Acts, dent till the moment the elections on its own In all, four gold paste packets laterally announced the refused to acknowledge Rajinikanth made the without the AIADMK sup- were recovered from which 701 continuation of the exist- Palaniswamy as the Chief announcement of his port, Rajaah said. grams of gold were extracted. ing alliance? Ministerial candidate of appointment. BJP sources said that the Further, three bundles of gold While it is true that BJP the alliance. Besides, Thuglak editor party was waiting for the paste weighing 428 grams were top national leader and To a query from media S Gurumurthy, with wh- visit of its president J P recovered from one of them. In Union Home Minister persons, Murugan said om Rajinikanth had a long Nadda next month to five cases, 1.7 kg of gold valued Amit Shah did not openly that the Chief Ministerial conversation with before finalise the alliance. Only at Rs 87.62 lakhs were recovered acknowledge the candidate would be final- announcing the launch of after Nadda makes an and seized under the Customs AIADMK’s voluntary offer ized by the BJP’s Central his party, also had a pro- announcement on the tie- Act. Further investigation is on continuing the alliance leadership though the longed discussion with up would the party be able underway. at the meeting in Chennai, present alliance with the Amit Shah when he came to launch its campaign he gave no indication of AIADMK was intact. to Chennai recently. So, is itself, the sources said. the BJP’s disinclination to Does that mean that the Gurumurthy planning to Otherwise, other parties The histoirical cartton by Roy Ulyett in a British newspaper in 1974 made a big splash On a search, 16 gold cut be in the same coalition, BJP is having second broker an electoral pact have already moved into with India furious and England most amused. The cartoon seems most appropriate bits, weighing 597 in which it fought the 2019 thoughts on fighting the between the two parties? election mode by seeking after a worse collapse by India in Adelaide with not a single Indian batsman getting grams, and two packets Lok Sabha elections. next Assembly elections Within the AIADMK voters support for them in into double figures and extras were nil. of gold paste were In this backdrop, the along with the AIADMK? leaders were divided in the coming elections. Wh- statement of BJP State Will the party have a tie- their opinion while react- ile Palaniswami himself recovered from them. President L Murugan at up with the new party to ing to Murugan’s state- started his campaign on One gold paste packet Ariyalur, where he is on a be launched by actor ment. Fisheries Minister Saturday, others like the was found concealed in tour explaining the bene- Rajinikanth? After all, the D Jayakumar told media DMK had begun the vote Cummins, Hazlewood excel shoes and another pack- fits of the three agricul- chief coordinator for the persons in Chennai that hunting long back with a tural bills that had yet to be launched party, R Murugan’s view need not plethora of programmes, et was recovered from brought farmers from the Arjunamurthy, was the be taken seriously after including meetings at var- the jeans pocket north Indian states to head of the State BJP’s Shah himself had agreed ious places by various in drawing batsmen to ball Delhi with a demand for intellectual wing presi- for the alliance. leaders. R. MOHAN | DC the top order. prong of the seam trio, CHENNAI, DEC. 20 The last time a similar had to retire hurt after situation occurred may ducking, swaying and Cummins was brilliant in have been when Team swishing at the ball like a using the in-tilt to draw India seemed to be on the man in a trance. the batsmen into playing cusp of making history The Indian approach to at the ball and taking it but flopping was in bowling on this pitch was Was MGR rule all that great? away. Hazlewood carried Bridgetown, Barbados in in sharp contrast to what out his plan of persistent 1997 when 120 was the the Australians did in kee- away on the morning of bidding goodbye. IPC and Code of Criminal accuracy around off fourth innings target. The ping the ball up to the bat. December 24, 1987, I was on a Irrespective of the people’s Procedures (Tamil Nadu) stump. Up against such a West Indian attack was The number of times long-distance bus that adulation that he enjoyed, Act to make ‘scurrilous and planned assault, the worst charged up that final Burns pulled Bumrah am- reached Tiruchy at daybreak MGR’s rule was not some- indecent writing’ a cognis- of Indian batting erupted morning, bowling the ply illustrated how the In- to the news seeping in. thing to write home about. A able offence punishable with in indistinct footwork, wicket-to-wicket line with dians were pitching it that G. Babu Jayakumar Stranded mid-way as the review of his policies would a prison term for 2 to 5 years hesitancy and bats pre- an iron discipline and much shorter. Bumrah conductor reimbursed the clearly reveal that his with a view to harassing the sented to the ball held in close catchers doing the had bowled so much better fare for the rest of the jour- regime did not show any media houses that were car- hard hands and the out- rest. Young Tendulkar in the first innings to ex- Just spamming ney, I went to the railway sta- remarkable economic or rying unfavorable reports side edge drawn like was the skipper then and ploit the variable bounce. tion, from where a special industrial growth. Many about his government. He moths to the flame. a deeply disappointed The shabby ways of train was operated to leaders who were close to even passed a bill to curb Even skipper Kohli, who man after India were Team India were exempli- he latest bait that three weeks of rioting. Chennai. All other modes of him managed to start pri- screening of films that were compiled that flawless bowled out for 81. fied in the finish too with some politicians Vehicles were allowed to transport had been can- vate educational institutions critical of legislators and innings of 74 - the highest The best laid plans of a dropped catch going Twanting to capture pass through roads only if celled. So, I took the train, – a trend set in motion dur- ministers even if they had in the match on a pitch men and mice can often go over the line for six The power are throwing at voters they had a picture of MGR full of MGR supporters ing MGR rule – and grew been cleared by the censor that was nowhere near awry. But this seems to embarrassment was com- is ‘MGR rule.’ As most of on the windscreen as his going for the funeral, and it exponentially by collecting board. Adelaide Oval standards happen to Team India plete. you know, M G supporters took control. took 24 hours to reach huge amounts of capitation The script of the play, and far from ideal for a more often. A handy first This team didn’t have Ramachandran, more popu- Later on, in 1984 when he Chennai. fees. Thaneer Thaneer (Water, Test match played with innings lead and a bowl- the mental toughness larly known by his acronym took ill and was taken to the Perched on the luggage Otherwise, many human water), by Komal the pink ball that does a ing attack manned by needed to win a Test MGR, was an actor-cum- Brooklyn Hospital in the US, rack inside the crammed rights activists see his Swaminathan, was censored lot more when new than such splendid men as match in what is the hard- politician who founded the his supporters set them- unreserved compartment, regime as one in which the because it was critical of the its red cousin - in the first Jasprit Bumrah and Ravi est country in the world to AIADMK in 1972 and subse- selves ablaze and even cut surrounded by men, women draconian Goondas Act was government in general and innings managed just one Ashwin had too small a beat the home team in. quently ruled the State as their fingers hoping that and children from rural brought in and used against when it was made into a film boundary before being bank of runs to defend Kohli’s men flattered to Chief Minister for 10 years such acts would appease areas, hailing from the low- many people. It was MGR with the same title by K taken low in the slips cor- even on such a pitch offer- deceive and they will be from 1977. Now, 33 years their gods and help their est rung of the socio-eco- who hunted down CPI(ML) Balchandar, MGR tried to don, as indistinct a stroke ing plenty of assistance. without their leader in the after his passing away, two leader come back to rule nomic ladder, I gained a new activists, who were support- put pressure on the Union as that of any others in And Shami, the third rest of the series. actors - Rajinikanth and them again. And when he political perspective. I learnt ing the cause of farm Government to ban the Kamal Haasan - are invoking did return, in February 1985, more on how the masses saw labourers in the backward film. MGR’s memory. They seek to a sea of humanity turned up MGR from those mourners, districts of Dharmapuri and But then, the common peo- claim MGR’s legacy even as to see him at the sprawling chatting through the jour- North Arcot districts, in the ple loved him for the way he the AIADMK is very much cantonment grounds below ney. Some of his initiatives 1980s by letting loose the treated them. He was never around, suggesting that they St Thomas Mount. Crowds as Chief Minister might police on them. When a surrounded by menacing Man fears he contracted Covid-19, ends life would give the people a had started arriving at the have benefitted them court passed strictures bouncers with intimidating DC CORRESPONDENT According to police tined at his house, with- regime that MGR once gave. venue two nights ahead of immensely, say the mid-day against the police for the looks and manners and peo- CHENNAI, DEC. 19 sources, a close friend of out speaking even to his Was that much touted MGR MGR’s arrival and the sight meal scheme and the crowd ‘fake encounters’ MGR deco- ple could get close to him Shankar succumbed to family members, even rule a golden period of of the icon waving to them spoke only about MGR, the rated the police personnel and interact with him. A 28-year-old man, who Covid-19 in Tiruchy two though he had no specific Tamil Nadu? Did milk and from a stage turned out to be person with a fair complex- involved in the human There are people who still suspected he had contract- days back. Shankar was symptoms of the virus honey flow through the an emotional moment for ion, good looks and a large rights violations with recall glowingly the taste of ed the Coronavirus infec- upset about the incident infection. streets then? Of course, lakhs and lakhs of his sup- heart, averring that nobody medals for their valour and sambar and touch of tion, ended his life in and feared that he too wo- But on Friday night, he there can be no denying the porters. can replace him. They were distinguished service. The humanism in the hospitality Nedunkundram near uld contract the infection. was found hanging inside fact that MGR, both as an I was there at the meeting all unanimous on one thing: way he dealt with a govern- they enjoyed at MGR’s Tambaram. The deceased The police said on the room. Police were actor and politician, had a and witnessed grown up ‘It’s all over, there can’t be ment employees strike is house. Yes, the gates of his has been identified as Thursday he returned alerted and the body has huge following. When he men shedding copious tears another MGR.’ All that they still spoken about, not in a house were always open Shankar, a resident of from Tiruchy after attend- been sent to the Ch- broke away from the DMK in of joy over the leader’s wanted was to have a look at kind way, of course. for those who wanted to Devanesan Nagar in ing his friend’s funeral. romepet government hos- 1972, the State witnessed return. When he passed him for one last time before In 1981, MGR amended the meet him. Nedukundram. He reportedly self-quaran- pital for post-mortem. STATE DECCAN CHRONICLE | SUNDAY | 20 DECEMBER 2020 | CHENNAI pg 3

IN BRIEF Rajini Mandram leaders New farm bills, a game changer: CII Child dies as R VALAYAPATHY | DC 2020-21 (Kharif), record culture sector to grow man- through competitive alter- TIRUCHY, DEC. 19 food grain production of ifold in the context of new native trading channels. house wall asked to hurry up 144.52 million tons is esti- reform measures CII is facilitating private The CII believes that the mated. The increase in pro- announced by the Centre. sector engagement in agri- collapses DC CORRESPONDENT brief them about the tasks 25. new farm bills will be a duction is driven by The reforms would create culture under its business CHENNAI, DEC. 19 that they would have to fin- The district presidents game changer for the increase in acreage for the the right environment for service unit for Farmer DC CORRESPONDENT ish and file the report on had been urged to appoint southern states in agricul- crop, an increase of 4.51 market and investment-led Producer Organizations TIRUCHY, DEC 19 District Presidents of that. Among the tasks only genuine and dedicated ture and related sectors. percent over the previous agricultural growth, and (FPOs) which aims at capa- Rajini Makkal Mandram, entrusted with the district candidates for the commit- The agricultural sector is year and a good monsoon. increased income genera- bility building of FPOs and A two-year-old boy who are expected to functionaries are forming tees. They had been cau- poised to gain manifold Horticulture production at tion for farmers. forging market links. Nine was crushed to death on become functionaries of a booth committee and tioned against taking from the path-breaking 320 million tons is estimat- Deputy chairman, CII, value chains, namely rice, the spot when a portion the political party to be enrolling new members. money for candidates for reforms announced by the ed to be 3.13 percent higher southern region, CK maize, soyabean, pulses, of a mud wall collapsed on launched by actor There are about 67,000 making the appointments Union government recent- than the previous year. Ranganathan, said that the banana, potato, tomato, him at K Sathanur in Rajinikanth, have been polling booths in the State and had also been warned ly, together with the other Additionally, production in new laws will help trans- spices and red chilli, have Tiruchy district here on asked to submit their and committees had been against distributing money policy support provided, to cash crops like sugarcane, form the sector, and more been prioritized under the Saturday. reports with the details formed for about 75 per to voters, a source said. The traverse decisively forward cotton, spices and coffee, importantly help augment program, and 11 compa- Police said, Harikrishnan, they had been asked to cent of the booths, a source persons appointed to the towards ‘One Nation, One are also expected to be farmers’ incomes. Creation nies have already signed to son of Sivakumar, a con- furnish by December 25. said, adding that committees should be com- Market’. This is a signifi- robust. of an additional ecosystem engage with the FPOs. struction worker, was resid- Ever since Rajinikanth Rajinikanth had been mitted persons who would cant step for the agricul- Chairman, CII, southern where the farmers and Under the program, over ing in a thatched roofed left for Hyderabad to attend peeved that the work had also get votes for the party, ture sector. region, Satish Reddy, said traders enjoy the freedom 50,000 farmer families are house. the shooting of the film not been completed despite they had been told. In a release here on that south India has a rich of choice relating to sale expected to be impacted by The walls had become wet Annaatthe the two party the district presidents get- When Rajinikanth Saturday, the CII stated ecosystem supported by a and purchase of farmers’ 2021, and nearly 200,000 and damp due to the recent leaders appointed by him - ting sufficient time. returns to Chennai, on that as per the First vibrant private sector produce, will help facilitate farmer families by 2023, it rains. chief coordinator R Since Rajinikanth is in completion of the Advance Estimates for which would help the agri- remunerative prices added. The victim was playing Arjunamurthy and touch with the leaders shooting schedule, on near the wall when a portion supervisor Tamilaruvim- on a regular basis from December 30, the reports of of it collapsed on him, killing anian - have been speaking Hyderabad, efforts have all the district him immedietely on the to district presidents at the been made to speed up presidents should be on his spot. Raghavendra Kalyana the process. Rajini Makkal table. He would announce Protest KK Nagar police recovered Mandapam, which has Mandram functionary V M the launch of his party on DMK preparing to face the body and sent it to been converted into the Sudhakar had sent out a December 31 only after seeking water the Mahatma Gandhi headquarters of the party. circular to all the district going through the reports Memorial government hospi- It is said that the leaders presidents to complete the and if he was satisfied over DC CORRESPONDENT tal for post-mortem, police were meeting five district work and also submit the the developments made so PERAMBALUR, DEC 19 added. secretaries at a time to report on that by December f a r. poll defeat: Murugan Tension prevailed for a DC CORRESPONDENT draws its farm bills, the on actor-turned-politician while when a section of PERAMBALUR, DEC. 19 agitation of the DMK and Kamal Haasan’s villagers of Annama- its allies would continue. announcement that he ngalam staged a dharna The TN BJP president, L Farmers have already would release details of in front of Collector P Murugan, on Monday said given a fit reply to Stalin, corruption related to Sri Venkatapriya, ruling Test positivity and active cases decline that the DMK was prepar- and all agitations staged AIADMK ministers’ cor- party MLAs RT ing to face yet another by Stalin have ended in rupt deeds, Murugan said, Ramachandran T. SUDHEESH I DC positive cases reported betw- defeat in the forthcoming failure, he added. “Let Kamal Haasan first (Kunnam) and Tamil CHENNAI, DEC. 19 een Oct. 2 and 22 while 22,434 election to the state assem- Murugan also dismissed release the details.” Selvan (Perambalur), cases recorded between Sept. bly. the remarks of CPI state To a query, Murugan when they went to open While test positivity and 12 and Oct. 2 and 22,202 in At a press conference secretary, R Mutharasan, said both the Centre and the shutters of active cases shows a down- between Aug. 23 and Sept. 12. here on Saturday, that there is no democracy the state governments Visvakudi reservoir for ward trend in the city for The growth of the positive Murugan took strong with Prime Minister would shortly sit together irrigation in Visvakudi months now, the recovery cases shows 1,273 on May 3 to exception to DMK presi- Narendra Modi and Union and start construction dam near here, on rate continues to decline in 4,882 on May 13 to 9,364 on dent MK Stalin’s remarks Home Minister Amit activities for the proposed Saturday. the city for the last 60 days. May 23 to 16,585 on June 3 to that until the Centre with- Shah. Asked to comment AIMS hospital at Madurai. They were protesting According to data provided 45,814 on June 24 to 79,662 on against the non receipt by the State health depart- July 14 to 1,02,985 on Aug. 3 to of Visvakudi water for ment, a total of 7,715 patients 1,25,389 on Aug. 23 to 1,47,591 their village and its sur- were recovered for the last 20 on Sept. 12 to 1,70,025 on Oct. rounding villages. days against 11,017 in the pre- 2 to 1,93,299 on Oct. 22 to Jumbo electrocuted in According to the pro- vious 20 days. The number of 2,05,419 on Nov. 9 to 2,14,577 Three-day testers, although the recovered cases between Oct- on Nov. 28 to 2,21,587. government announced ber 2 and 22 was 15,949. This Active cases in the same Many school students along with NGO did a corona that the Visvakudi reser- comes at a time when the city period were 3,037. They had training for Saty Tiger Reserve voir water would irri- awareness campaign with placards and slogans at Camp has reported a new cluster of declined from 3,837 in the gate 1,450 acres in Covid 19 at Indian Institute of previous 20 days. As per the road, East Tambaram. They insist mainly on the importance ZAKEER HUSSAIN | DC ally stray from forest infil- Visvakudi, of wearing a face mask, and using hand sanitiser. —DC Madras Campus last week. data, the trend shows that farmers ERODE, DEC. 19 trate into the farm and Annamangalam, The trend of daily recovery active cases had peaked from damage the crops. Mohamadpattinam and shows – 1,803 (between June 1,007 on May 3 to 4012 on May DC CORRESPONDENT A wild elephant died To prevent this, Kaalaiya Pillaiyarpalayam vil- 24 and July 14), 313 (July 14 13 to 5461 on May 23 to 7805 on Free Covid-19 vaccine trials THANJAVUR, DEC 19 of electrocution on had erected an electric lages, the information and August 3),038 (August 3 June 3 to 18673 on June 24 and Friday night as it came in fence around his farmland, was totally wrong. and 23) 1,220 (August 23 and then down to 15814 on July 14 DC CORRESPONDENT with them, and registered A three-day training pro- contact with a farm to protect his crops from They said that water Sept. 12) 1,039 (Sept. 12 and to 11983 on Aug. 3 then up to TIRUCHY, DEC. 19 themselves in this connec- gramme for enhancing the fence connected to a high wild animals like elephants released from the Oct. 2) to 1192 (Oct. 2 and 22) 13,223 on Au. 23 down to tion. standard of living of the delta voltage illegal power sup- and wild boar. Visvakudi reservoir to 797(Oct. 2 and Nov. 9) to 550 10,645 on Sept. 12 and up to The district administration The rest of the private hos- farmers was conducted at the ply, meant to ward off On Friday night, a stray directly went to the big (Nov. 9 and 28) to 385 (Nov. 28 12,013 on Oct. 2. here has arranged free vacci- pitals should register them- Tamil Nadu rice research marauding wild animals wild elephant had come in lake at Vengalam vil- and Dec. 18) The death rate also record- nation trials of Covid-19 anti- selves and provide the institute at Aduthurai here from the farm. touch with the electric lage, but they did not While the recovery rate ed a downward trend in the vaccine, said Collector S required details on or before recently. Sources said, one fence and was electrocuted. receive a drop of water improved between Aug. 23 last 20 days. A total of 95 Sivarasu on Saturday. In a December 22, through The programme was organ- Kaalaiya had raised maize On an alert, Jeerahalli for- from Visvakudi reser- and Sept. 12, the decline was Covid-related deaths regis- release here, the collector https://hmis.nhp.gov.in and ised with the mandate of crops in his farmland in est department personnel voir. seen between Aug. 3 and 23 as tered in the past 20 days said that free vaccination apply in a prescribed form improving the livelihood of Arulavadi village located arrived at the scene and The collector persuad- well. The number of recov- against 117 in the previous 20 would be administered and submit their applica- delta farmers. Funded by the on the fringes of the forest held investigations. ed the agitated villagers ered cases had declined from days. through government and pri- tions online to the joint National bank for agriculture in Jeerahalli Wildlife They suspect the dead to disperse with an 26,274 (between July 14 and The data show that the daily vate hospitals across the dis- director of medical and and rural development Sanctuary of the elephant to be about eight- assurance that suitable Aug. 3) to 20,759 (between death rate increased from 26 trict. There are 1,389 private rural health services trichy- (NABARD), the programme Satyamangalam Tiger Res- years-old. Forest depart- action would be taken Aug. 3 and 23). The trend (between June 3 and June 24) hospitals in the district [email protected], and also to comprised of paper presenta- erve (STR), Erode dis- ment has registered a case after a detailed inspec- shows the number had to 31 (June 24 to July 14) to 44 under the ‘clinical establish- deputy director of health tions on advanced technology, trict.As the farmland is against farmer Kaalaiya, tion, upon which the quadrupled from May 3 to (July 14 to Aug. 3. But the ment act’ of which only 370 services [email protected] and demonstration in the field very close to the forest, and further probe is under- protesters dispersed. May 13, doubled between daily death rate had started hospitals shared their details Only free anti-Covid-19 vac- and laboratories. wild animals that occasion- w a y. May 13 and May 23, rose declining between Aug. 3 on the total number of med- cination would be supplied Farmers from Thanjavur, between May 23 and June 3 and 23 as 20 and 19 in between ical and paramedical staff to them, the collector added. Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam and improved between June Aug. 23 to Sept. 12. The districts participated, said a 13 and June 24 to 18,673 cases, rate touched 14 in Sept. TRRI press release issued but climbed to 36,079 between However, it went up to 16 TN fourth among most infected States here, on Saturday. June 24 and July 1. between Oct. 2 and 22. But it District development manag- When it comes to the test came down to just 4 between New Delhi, Dec. 19: India Pradesh (8,77,806), Tamil er, NABARD, Tiruvarur, S positivity, at least 7,010 cases Nov. 28 and Dec. 18. The crossed the sombre mile- Nadu (8,04,650), Kerala (6 Viswanth Kanna, narrated the reported in the last 20 days death toll mounted from stone of one crore COVID-19 93,865), Delhi (6,14,775) and increasing trend of non-bas- compared to 9,158 in the pre- 17cases on May 3 to 3,938 as of cases, adding 10 lakh infec- Uttar Pradesh (5,72,196). mati rice export from India. vious 20 days. The trend in Dec. 18 (8 months). tions in nearly a month, even A total of 1,45,136 deaths “Farmers should become agri- daily positivity rate shows – According to the data, the as the virus spread slowed have been reported so far in business entrepreneurs,” he 1,692 (June 24 to July 14), 1,166 Health department conduct- and recoveries surged to the country including 11,954 said. (July 15 to Au. 3) 1,120 (Aug. 3 ed a total of 1.33 crore sample over 95.50 lakh, according to from Tamil Nadu as per the Joint director, agriculture, to 23) 1,110 (Aug. 23 to Sept. tests with 1.30,12,168 individ- Union Health Ministry data. health ministry data. Thanjavur district, A Justin, 12), 1,121 (Sept. 12 to Oct. 2), uals tested across the The worst affected states There are 3,08,751 active highlighted the concept of 1163 (Oct. 2 to 22) 564 (Oct. 22 state till Dec. 18. According to and UTs with highest num- cases in the country which doubling the production and to Nov. 9), 458 (Nov. 9 to 28) officials, most of the deaths ber of COVID-19 cases are constitute 3.08 per cent of tripling the income with and 350 (Nov. 28 to Dec. 18) came in patients with comor- Maharashtra (18,88,767), the total caseload, the data increased productivity per The number shows 23,274 bid conditions. Karnataka (9,07,123), Andhra stated. —PTI unit area. Director of TRRI, Dr K Ambedkar, explained present scenario of rice pro- duction and the necessity to CITY CLIPS increase it using technologies Festive season for gourmets in the context of decreasing cultivable area. DC CORRESPONDENT The programme dealt with CHENNAI, DEC. 19 Actress launches upscale technologies related to high yielding varieties, new The year 2020 may have been planting technologies, prob- one of the hardest years on venue with lems faced in rice cultivation, record. But Christmas, plant protection and rice- which comes only a year, training facilities based cropping pattern pre- brings good cheer and the sented by TRRI scientists. festive spirit seems to be Chennai, Dec. 19: catching on in the city. Actress Namitha made a Carols are going online this splash at the recent launch season while luxury hotels of Iris Studios which pro- that used to offer themselves vides space for a range of as great venues for activities for companies Christmas season spreads and individuals in a virtu- are opting for delivery mode al 'hall 'n' all' equipped to keep their customers in with facilities to conduct good humour amid lock- successful sessions in down restrictions and the training. Namitha said the inhibitions people feel about location of the facility going to public places to near the old Sathya dine. Studios would enable The luxury group ITC aspiring models, photog- Hotels seems to have hit raphers, designers, chore- upon a good idea to spread ographers and upcoming the cheer with its culinary entertainment profession- excellence reflected in its als to enhance their career ‘Biryani & Pulao Collection’. prospects. Thoughtfully curated, the collection brings ten gems sine research. aggregator platforms like from the heritage kitchens The dishes are reasonably Zomato, Swiggy & of India. The collection cov- priced with those from the EazyDiner or through ITC ers biryani and pulao from vegetarian section for the F&B app and takeaway all four regions -north, likes of kale moti pulao and option. south, east and west - of the Hyderabadi subz tahri and The Trident hotel, like country, sent with care and the chicken and mutton many other luxury hotels, is hygiene to ensure a safe din- pulaos costing just a little offering in-restaurant din- ing experience Anil Chadha, more. With a raita and a pop- ing experience to lavish 4 COO-ITC Hotels says, “The ular dessert, it is an attrac- course meals at lunch or din- Biryani & Pulao Collection tive enough package for ner in their all day-dining is a strong reminder of our biryani and pulao lovers. Cinnamon, all served with culture and flows from sig- The collection can also be the warmth of gratitude of nificant investment in cui- ordered on prominent food the festive season. . NATION pg DECCAN CHRONICLE | CHENNAI | SUNDAY | 20 DECEMBER 2020 4

SHORT TAKES POLICE TO PROBE Sonia hears letter-writers out, clears chintan shivir

AKHTAR’S PLAINT New Delhi, Dec. 19: to the electoral process. His ● THE MEETING stood ● THE ‘LETTER-WRITERS’ ‘massive failure’ in gover- Sharma, former chief min- that more working commit- Seeking to quell recent dis- response was applauded by out as an ice-breaking nance. The leaders said isters Bhupinder Singh tee meetings should be AGAINST KANGANA sension in the party, the attendees, according to stressed that their con- they had faith in the unify- Hooda and Prithviraj held, the sources said. Congress president Sonia sources. session with the ‘letter- cern was to strengthen ing face of party leadership Chavan, and MPs Manish This was also the first SAURABH JOSHI | DC Gandhi on Saturday met a Overall, the meeting stood writers’ whom Sonia the party and asserted and its ideological commit- Tewari, Vivek Tankha and time that ms Gandhi met MUMBAI, DEC. 19 section of leaders including out as an ice-breaking ses- Gandhi assured a constan- that they were not ment, according to the Shashi Tharoor. Congress leaders in person some who wrote to her this sion with the ‘letter-writers’ cy of dialogue and meet- "rebels" or "dissidents", sources. The sources said after since the outbreak of the The Mumbai police will now August demanding a com- whom Sonia Gandhi ings to address their as construed by some. The ‘letter-writers’ everyone raised their con- coronavirus pandemic. The probe a defamation complaint plete organisational over- assured a constancy of dia- issues, besides announc- They said they had only stressed that their concern cerns, Mr Azad said they meeting was held at the filed by Bollywood lyricist haul. logue and meetings to ing that a brainstorming raised issues in the was to strengthen the party were grateful that the lead- lawns of her 10, Janpath Javed Akhtar against actor The highlight of the five- address their issues, conclave would be held and asserted that they were ership heard them and residence, which was fol- party''s interest to lowed by lunch. Kangana Ranaut following the hour meeting, which ended besides announcing that soon. not "rebels" or "dissidents", hoped the issues raised by orders of the Andheri court. with a plan to hold a ‘chin- the internal election strengthen it. as construed by some. them would be resolved Besides former Congress The Juhu police has been tan shivir’ at the earliest process was underway and They said they had only “with integrity and hon- chief Rahul Gandhi, AICC asked to probe into the com- opportunity to chalk the a brainstorming conclave Some leaders like A.K. Sonia Gandhi told those raised issues in the party''s esty”. general secretary Priyanka plaint pertaining to the Congress'' future strategy, like the ones held in Shimla Antony, Ashok Gehlot, Ajay present that they were all a interest to strengthen it, the Asserting that there was Gandhi Vadra were among remarks of coterie in the film was a demand by Sonia and Panchmarhi in the past Maken and Pawan Bansal big family and will work sources said. They also no dissidence in the those who attended the industry naming Mr Akhtar. Gandhi’s loyalists that would be held soon. wanted Mr Gandhi to together to strengthen the pointed out the acrimony at Congress, party leader meeting. "Discussions were The lyricist had sought Rahul Gandhi should The meeting, which assume the responsibility party. the last CWC meet held vir- Pawan Bansal, a Sonia held on a positive note at action against Ranaut after she assume the party leader- included Ms Gandhi’s close of Congress president. The sources said she also tually. Gandhi loyalist, said the the meeting where leaders allegedly made statements on ship again. associates, was significant The former Congress gave a go-ahead to hold a Those attending the meet- meeting was held on a posi- talked about how to national television and in Mr Gandhi said he was as it was the first effort by chief said he liked working ‘chintan shivir’ soon to ing from among the ‘letter- tive note and in a congenial strengthen the party at all social media in connection “ready to take any responsi- the Congress leadership for with the senior leaders as resolve ideological issues writers’ were leader of atmosphere with all the levels. Congress chief Sonia with the coterie operating in bility given by the party” a rapprochement with the they had also worked with within the Congress and opposition in the Rajya leaders expressing their Gandhi said we all are one the film industry. The com- but at the same time men- ‘letter-writers’ who had his father late Rajiv Gandhi the strategy of taking on Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, views and suggesting ways big family and we all should plaint stated that Ms Ranaut tioned that the decision on raised questions over the and he knew them since the BJP as also to tell people deputy leader of the party to make the party stronger. work to strengthen the had mentioned Mr Akhtar presidentship should be left leadership. childhood. about the ruling party’s in the Upper House Anand Ms Gandhi also agreed party,” he said. PTI when speaking about coterie and that she had also claimed that the lyricist had threatened her to not speak about her alleged relationship with actor Hrithik Roshan. The plea before Andheri met- ED attaches ropolitan court sought for Adhikari joins BJP, hails Amit criminal case under relevant sections against Ms Ranaut. The magistrate court on Satu- Farooq assets rday ordered the Juhu police to investigate the matter and sub- Shah, reveals their past link YUSUF JAMEEL | DC four plots of land. The mit their report on January 16. SRINAGAR, DEC. 19 sources added that the properties have been Lashes out at Mamata, her nephew for branding him a ‘traitor’ The Enforcement Dire- attached under the PRAGYA SKIPS ctorate (ED) has attached Prevention of Money RAJIB CHOWDHURI | DC former chief minister Laundering Act (PMLA). MALEGAON BLAST KOLKATA, DEC. 19 and National Conference The move has been TIWARI SEES leader Farooq Abdullah’s necessitated by the “laun- CASE TRIAL AGAIN Joining the BJP on six properties worth dering of funds” of JKCA Saturday in his home DISSENT IN BJP, `11.86 crore including his under the PMLA, an ED DC CORRESPONDENT turf, Shubhendu Adhi- residential houses in twin statement confirmed. It MUMBAI, DEC. 19 kari described Union BACK IN TMC capitals of Srinagar and reads “The attached prop- home minister Amit Shah Jammu in connection erties include three resi- BJP’s Bhopal MP Pragya Singh as his “Dada” and “Aan DC CORRESPONDENT with a probe into alleged dential houses, one at Thakur, an accused in the 2008 Baan Shan” of the coun- KOLKATA, DEC. 19 scam in Jammu and Gupkar Road, Srinagar, Malegaon blast case, has again try before raising a slo- Kashmir Cricket one at Tehsil Katipora, given a skip to a hearing before gan “Tolabaj Bhaipo Stung by a massive dissent Association (JKCA). Tangmarg, and one at a special NIA court. This is the Hatao (Remove Extort- against him in the BJP, Mr. Abdullah termed Bhatindi, village Sunj- second consecutive time this ionist Nephew)” in an heavyweight Panda- the move as an attempt to wan, (Jammu), commer- month she has missed the oblique reference to beshwar MLA Jitendra “make me now”. He, how- cial buildings at posh court hearing, which invoked a Diamond Harbour Tiwari, who quit the ruling ever, pledged, “But I Residency Road area of discontent from the court. Trinamul Congress MP Trinamul Congress on won’t...let them do what Srinagar. The lands at According to Ms Thakur’s and chief minister December 17 hoping to join they want to. I will do four different places in lawyer, she was admitted to a Mamata Banerjee’s the saffron party, took a U- what I have to do.” J&K have also been hospital in Delhi on Friday, due nephew Abhishek turn barely few hours The NC said that the attached.” to which she could not attend Banerjee. before union home minis- ED’s attaching its presi- The 83-year-old the hearing. Of all the seven “The Union home minis- ter Amit Shah’s arrival in dent’s properties is “polit- Abdullah, J&K’s three- accused, five remained present ter, who has accepted me West Bengal on Friday ical vendetta, meant to time chief minister, was in the court, whereas Ms as a primary member of night on a two-day visit. settle political score”. In a recently interrogated by Thakur and another accused the world’s biggest party: Apologising to West joint statement, the the ED and earlier also by Sudhakar Chaturvedi did not BJP that believes in plu- Union Home Minister Amit Shah being garlanded by party leaders during an election Bengal chief minister and party’s general secretary a team of Central Bureau appear in court, the later citing ralism, is my elder broth- rally ahead of West Bengal Assembly polls 2021, in West Midnapore district, on TMC supremo Mamata Ali Muhammad Sagar, of Investigation (CBI) in personal reasons. Expressing er, my Dada and Aan Saturday. — PTI Banerjee, the former MPs Mohammad Akbar the alleged scam. The CBI displeasure on this, judge P. R. Baan Shan of our nation. Asansol Mayor returned to Lone and Hasnain Ma- had filed a charge-sheet Sitre directed all the seven He fulfilled all the promis- her party within 24 hours soodi and ten other senior against him and three oth- accused to appear before it on es, he made earlier, with- of his exit in an overnight functionaries and leaders ers in alleged `113.66 crore January 4. in eight months of win- drama after state minister said “such acts are noth- scam in in Chief Judicial “Ms Thakur has been under- ning the Lok Sabha Shah has lunch at house Aroop Biswas, accompa- ing but unwarranted and Magistrate (CJM) Court going treatment at AIIMS Election in 2019 under nied by TMC election unjustified as there is no in Srinagar in July 2018. Delhi since April. She had gone Prime Minister Narendra strategist Prashant Kishor, evidence worth the name The alleged scam sur- there for a check-up and had to Modi’s leadership,” Mr called, placated and fine- on record to justify the faced in March 2012 and be admitted there on Friday on Adhikari told a grand of farmer in West Bengal tuned him at a meeting in order of attachment of Mr. Abdullah, the then the advice of doctors following rally in Midnapore. his club: Suruchi Sangha the property”. JKCA president, along her medical reports,” her Revealing his long con- Midnapore (WB), Dec. in New Alipore of south The ED sources here with several others, was lawyer J.P. Mishra said. nection with Mr Shah for 19: Union Home Minister Kolkata. said that it has received named accused in it. Mr. the first time, he said, Amit Shah on Saturday Mr Tiwari told the media, an order from its head- Abdullah had not denied “My relation with him had lunch at the house of “I have no grievance. I am quarters in Delhi listing there has been a scam in HONDA STOPS has been since when he a farmer in West Bengal's also not a big leader who six properties of Mr. the association but had was the BJP all India gen- Paschim Medinipur dis- will go to Didi for a discus- Abdullah including three insisted on him not being PRODUCTION AT eral secretary in charge of trict as part of his exer- sion about my grievance. I residential buildings and involved. East Uttar Pradesh. He led cise to strengthen rela- was, am and will be in the GREATER NOIDA the party’s victory in Lok tions with the agricultur- TMC. Did you ever hear me Sabha polls in 2014 and ists ahead of the Asse- saying anything against New Delhi, Dec. 19: Honda steered the saffron storm mbly elections in the state. Didi? Did I ever talk of Cars India Ltd (HCIL) has in UP. I met him in a small Shah’s move assumes joining the BJP? I will MLAs, leaders, cops decided to pull the plug on pro- room in the party’s old significance in the wake of request my party not to duction at its Greater Noida office at Ashoka Road. the ongoing farmers’ accept my resignation let- plant in Uttar Pradesh, The present UP health protests in Delhi against ter sent earlier. I want to sources said on Saturday. minister Siddarth Nath the three farm laws. Shah, withdraw it. Those I met in poll cash row: MP The automaker, which is a Singh had arranged the who is on a two-day visit now are my well-wishers wholly-owned subsidiary of meeting. But he never to West Bengal to take who love me too.” RABINDRA NATH following raids by IT Japanese Honda Motor Co, asked me to join the BJP.” stock of the BJP’s affairs He said, “I felt sad to CHOUDHURY sleuths at 52 places in had set up the Greater Noida Mr Adhikari claimed, in the state, arrived here learn from Aroopda that BHOPAL, DEC. 19 Madhya Pradesh and plant in 1997. “When I was infected by on Saturday and offered Didi was hurt by my behav- Delhi in April 2019. Industry sources said the Covid-19, none from the puja at a local temple. ior (resignation from the Unaccounted money was The CBDT’s report has plant would, however, contin- party, I then belonged to, Then, the union minister party). I am not after get- sent to MLAs, a particu- listed names of purported ue to house the company’s cor- inquired about me. But went to the residence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah having lunch at the ting something by hurting lar political party, some donors and receivers of porate head office, spare parts Mr Shah did twice. I offer Sanatan Singh at house of Jhunu Singh and Sanatan Singh, at Belijuri vil- her. I will personally apolo- senior leaders of alleged poll cash report- division and research and my Naman to him.” Balijhuri and had lunch lage in Midnapore, on Saturday. — PTI gise to her by offering my Congress by individuals, edly used in the 2019 Lok development (R&D) centre Lashing out at Ms there, sitting on the floor Pranam. It was my misun- government departments Sabha elections. among other functions. Banerjee and her nephew of the house. banana leaf by the women uliflower curry), ‘posto’ derstanding and fault and a number of private “The CBDT report was The company declined to for branding him as a Shah was accompanied family members of Singh. (potato cooked in poppy which have been sorted companies ahead of 2019 deliberately leaked. It comment on the matter. The “traitor,” he alleged, by BJP national general Shah and other guests, seed paste) and ‘tok doi’. out. I have forgotten every- Lok Sabha elections, the (leakage) amounted to br- automaker would now rely “They (TMC) are claiming secretary Kailash who sat on the floor of the Earlier, the union minis- thing now. When I respect investigation wing of the eaching of confidentiali- only on its Tapukara facility of my betrayal to mother. Vijayvargiya, BJP nation- verandah of the two- ter and other BJP leaders Didi, all others in her income-tax department ty by CBDT and IT depart- in Rajasthan to roll out its Mother is who gives birth al vice-president Mukul storey house with a tin were greeted by ululating party must be respected has found. ment. A probe should be entire product range in the to a child. My mother is Roy and state party chief roof, had ‘saak bhaja’, ‘lou and blowing of conch sh- also.” The Election Commis- done into leakage of the country, sources added. Gayatri Adhikari. There Dilip Ghosh. It was a vege- daal’, ‘shukto’ (mixed veg ells by the women mem- Mr Biswas said, “A family sion has sent a report of report”, Congress veteran HCIL had earlier this year is another: Bharatmata as tarian platter of Bengali stew which is slightly bit- bers of the household, inc- can have problem over Central Board of Direct and former chief minis- initiated a voluntary retire- my motherland. None delicacies, served on a ter), ‘phulkopi tarkari’ (ca- luding Singh’s wife. — PTI which brothers do not Taxation (CBDT) to ter Digvijay Singh who ment scheme (VRS) for its else. Yesterday an old leave their mother howev- Madhya Pradesh govern- was among a few senior manufacturing line associates TMC friend sent me a er. Mr Tiwari, as a soldier ment seeking action Congress leaders those at the plant to increase pro- video showing my slogan Sabha polls. I replied to Hatao’ (Remove released his open letter to of Ms Banerjee, will con- against those involved in figured in the list told ductivity and efficiency. ‘BJP Hatao, Bharat him my slogan today here Extortionist Nephew).” TMC workers urging tinue to fight against the the alleged ‘poll cash reporters here on Banchao’ before the Lok would be ‘Tolabaj Bhaipo Mr Adhikari also them to join BJP. BJP.” scam’ that came to light Saturday. RSS ideologue SALARY | DEFAULT Taiwan firm admits lapses in its wage payment processes in Apple probe Vaidya passes away Wistron put on probation, fires India head New Delhi, Dec. 19: A went on rampage last ● COMPANY SAID it has processes put in place to has set up a 24-hour griev- indicate violations of its BHAGWAN PARAB | DC who tweeted, “Shri MG week after violence broke week over non-payment of established an employee manage labour agencies ance hotline in Kannada, Supplier Code of Conduct Mumbai, Dec. 19 Vaidya, my father breathed out at its Narasapura facil- their wages. assistance programme for and payments, need to be Telugu, Tamil, Hindi and by failing to implement his last today at 3.35 pm at ity in Karnataka, contract “We are removing the workers at the facility, strengthened and upgrad- English to ensure all work- proper working hour man- Veteran Rashtriya Swayam- Nagpur after completing 97 manufacturer Wistron on Vice President who over- ed and that it is taking ers can voice any concerns agement processes that led sevak Sangh (RSS) ideologue years of active, meaningful Saturday said it has fired sees our business in India. and has set up a 24-hour “immediate action to cor- they may have, anony- to payment delays for Madhav Govind Vaidya (97) and inspiring life. He was a its vice-president who was We are also enhancing our grievance hotline in rect this, including disci- mously. some workers in October passed away in Nagpur on veteran journalist, a Hndutva heading India operations processes and restructur- Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, plinary action”. Apple, in a separate and November. Saturday after a brief illness. “Bhashyakar” and active even as iPhone maker ing our teams to ensure Hindi and English to Wistron has increased its statement, said it has have “We have placed Wistron He was the first official spo- Sangh (RSS) Swayamsevak for Apple placed the Taiwa- these issues cannot hap- ensure all workers can headcount from 2,000 in placed Wistron on proba- on probation and they will kesperson of the organisa- 9 decades.” nese firm on probation. pen again,” the Apple’s co- voice any concerns they the middle of this year to tion and that the contract not receive any new busi- tion. Mr Vaidya was undergo- Born in Taroda village in Wistron, which assem- ntract manufacturer, Wis- may have, anonymously. around 9,000 recently. manufacturer will not ness from Apple before ing treatment for illness at a Wardha district, Mr Vaidya bles the latest version of tron, said in a statement. “Our top priority is to ens- receive any new business they complete corrective a- private hospital in Nagpur, joined the RSS from his col- the iPhone SE at the vio- While Wistron did not on time”. “We deeply ure all workers are fully from the US-based compa- ctions. Apple employees, where he breathed his last at lege days. He became a mem- lence-hit plant, admitted name the executive regret this and apologise compensated immediately ny before corrective actio- along with independent 3.35 pm. The final rites will be ber of the RSS in 1943 while at that there were faults in removed, sources said to all of our workers. This and we are working hard ns are completed. Apple is auditors, will monitor their held at Ambazari Ghat on the Morris College in Nagpur. its wage payment process- Vincent Lee has been is a new facility and we to achieve that,” Wistron also undertaking a progress. Our main objec- Sunday. When the RSS was banned es. A section of workers at fired. Wistron said the recognise that we made said. detailed investigation in tive is to make sure all the The veteran RSS leader was after the assassination of Wistron Corporation’s company has been investi- mistakes as we expanded,” The company said it has this matter. workers are treated with the father of RSS Sah- Mahatma Gandhi, he did the facility in Narasapura gating the matter and has Wistron said. established an employee Apple said while these dignity and respect, and Sarkaryawah (joint general organisational work by going Industrial Area in Kolar “found that some workers The Taiwanese company assistance programme for investigations are ongo- fully compensated pr- secretary) Manmohan Vaidya, underground. district near Bengaluru were not paid correctly, or noted that some of the workers at the facility, and ing, preliminary findings omptly” Apple said. — PTI WORLD pg DECCAN CHRONICLE | CHENNAI | SUNDAY | 20 DECEMBER 2020 5

SHORT TAKES SOMALIA SUICIDE As new Covid strain spreads Russians hack BOMBING KILLS 15, MISSES PM faster, UK discusses action into networks, Mogadishu, Dec. 19: A sui- cide bomber attacked a stadi- um in Somalia's central city of New higher set of curbs, govt to cut back relaxation rules over Christmas Galkayo Friday, killing 15 peo- ple shortly before the arrival London, Dec. 19: Briti- cause alarm of the country's new prime sh Prime Minister Boris minister, according to police. Johnson discussed with Ali Hassan, a police officer in his senior ministers on Hack against US is ‘grave Galkayo, said others were Saturday what urgent injured in the blast, which action to take after it risk’: Cybersecurity agency occurred at the entrance to the was confirmed that a sports stadium. Some high- new strain of the Covid- Washington, Dec. 19: ranking members of the Som- 19 virus could spread Federal authorities have CYBERATTACK ali army were among those more quickly and lead to expressed increased ala- killed in the explosion, accord- a surge in cases. rm about an intrusion ing to local reports. The BBC reported that into US and other comp- ON US: POMPEO The bombing has been London and southeast uter systems around the claimed by Somalia's al- England would be placed globe that officials susp- BLAMES RUSSIA Shabab jihadist rebels, accord- in a new higher tier of ect was carried out by ing to the group's Andalus restrictions and the gov- Russian hackers. Washington, Dec. 19: radio station. ernment would cut back The nation's cybersecu- Secretary of State Mike Prime Minister Mohamed on a planned relaxation rity agency on Thursday Pompeo says Russia was Hussein Roble, who took office of the rules over Christ- warned of a grave risk to “pretty clearly” behind in September, was visiting the mas, but gave no further government and private the gravest cyberattack city as part of a tour of the details. networks. against the United States central state of Galmudug. Johnson will hold a The Cybersecurity and on record, the first news conference at abo- Infrastructure Security administration official to ut 1600 GMT during Agency said in its most publicly tie the Kremlin RAPE CHARGE ON which he will discuss detailed comments yet to the widespread intru- what his plans are in that the intrusion had sion at a time when EPSTEIN-LINKED light of a rise in infec- compromised federal age- President Donald Trump tions across London and ncies as well as critical has kept silent on the fail- MODELLING AGENT southeast England link- infrastructure in a sophi- ure to protect govern- ed to a new, more trans- sticated attack that was ment and private-sector Paris, Dec. 19: A modeling missible variant of the hard to detect and will be computer networks. agent associated with dis- virus. difficult to undo. It's not clear exactly graced US financier Jeffrey England’s Chief Medi- CISA did not say which what the hackers were Epstein has been charged in cal Officer Chris Whitty agencies or infrastruc- seeking, but experts say it France with sexual harass- said that while there was ture had been breached or could include nuclear ment and the rape of minors no current evidence the Protesters march up Whitehall after gathering in Parliament Square at an anti-lockdown demonstration, “Unite in what information taken secrets, blueprints for over 15 years old. variant of the novel the Fight” in central London on Saturday. British PM Boris Johnson resisted calls to tighten Covid restrictions over in an attack that it previ- advanced weaponry, Cov- Jean-Luc Brunel was arrest- Coronavirus caused a Christmas, as London faced stricter measures and concern grew about rising case numbers. The government has ously said appeared to id-19 vaccine-related rese- ed as part of an ongoing inves- higher mortality rate or been under mounting pressure to toughen proposals allowing up to three households to meet indoors during the have begun in March. The arch and information for tigation on Wednesday at impacted vaccines, urge- festive window from December 23, as European neighbours curb their easing plans amid surging infections. — AFP Department of Energy dossiers on key govern- Charles de Gaulle airport as nt work was underway acknowledged in a sepa- ment and industry lead- he was preparing to take a to confirm this. rate statement that it was ers. “We're still unpack- flight to Senegal. “We have alerted the OXFORD VACCINE among those that had ing precisely what it is, The Paris prosecutor World Health Organisat- WHO: Expert team been hacked. and I'm sure some of it announced in a statement ion and are continuing This threat actor has will remain classified,” Saturday that the charges to analyse the available TO BE CLEARED demonstrated sophistica- Pompeo said in an inter- were handed out Friday by a data to improve our un- off to China in Jan. tion and complex trade- view late Friday with magistrate at the end of derstanding,” Whitty BY YEAR-END craft in these intrusions, radio talk show host Brunel's custody period. It said in a statement. Geneva, Dec. 19: The human cases were detect- the agency said in its Mark Levin. said Brunel was not handed Britain reported 28,507 head of emergencies at ed and that we fully expe- London, Dec. 19: The unusual alert. CISA exp- “But suffice it to say any human trafficking new Covid-19 cases on the World Health Organi- ct to do that,” he said. He Oxford University vac- ects that removing the there was a significant charges, which was one of the Friday and 489 deaths, sation says a team of int- says the team of interna- cine against Covid-19 threat actor from compro- effort to use a piece of main lines of inquiry. with the reproduction ernational experts look- tional experts will work being produced by mised environments will third-party software to The magistrate decided that “R” number estimated to ing into the origins of “with our Chinese col- AstraZeneca is likely to be highly complex and essentially embed code there was not currently eno- be between 1.1 and 1.2, the Coronavirus pa- leagues,” and he get regulatory approval challenging. inside of US government ugh evidence to rule on that meaning the number of ndemic will travel adds they “will not from the UK's independ- The hack, if authorities systems and it now appe- count, but he was not acquit- cases is rapidly increas- BIDENS TO GET to China the first be ... supervised by ent regulator by the end can indeed prove it was ars systems of private co- ted and could be charged in the ing. Johnson said on week of January. Chinese officials.” of this year for a rollout carried out by a nation mpanies and companies future if anything new Friday he hoped Engla- 1ST VACCINE DOSE Dr Michael Ryan Ryan says the world to begin in early 2021, such as Russia as experts and governments across emerges. Brunel was remand- nd would not need a says there will be quar- should celebrate the ar- according to a UK media believe, creates a fresh the world as well. This ed in custody. third lockdown after antine arrangements for rival of vaccines, but the report. The Medicines foreign policy problem for was a very significant Christmas and has so far TOMORROW the team, which will visit “next three to six months and Healthcare Regula- President Donald Trump effort, and I think it's the resisted calls to change Washington, Dec. 19: the suspected site of the are going to be tough.” He tory Agency is expected in his final days in office. case that now we can say ‘LAST ATTEMPT’ plans to ease restric- President-elect Joe Bid- outbreak in the city of seemed to allude the to authorise the vaccine Trump, whose adminis- pretty clearly that it was tions for five days over en and his wife, Jill, will Wuhan. “The purpose of Americas, which is home by December 28 or 29 tration has been criti- the Russians that enga- TO GET BREXIT the festive period, allow- be getting their first the mission is to go to the to roughly three-fourths after the final data is cised for eliminating a ged in this activity.”— AP ing three separate hous- dose of the Coronavirus original point at which of the global cases. — AP provided on Monday. White House cybersecuri- TRADE DEAL: EU eholds to meet indoors. vaccine on Monday. — PTI ty advisor and downplay- UK to bring in new That's according to ing Russian interference ing in coordination with Brussels, Dec. 19: The Eur- higher tier of Covid Biden's incoming press in the 2016 presidential our allies and partners. opean Union and the United restrictions for London, secretary, Jen Psaki. election, has made no The cybersecurity agen- Kingdom are heading into the southeast England -BBC Vice President-elect Ka- China ‘obstructing’ 2ND REPORTED public statements about cy previously said the pe- weekend on a "last attempt" to Much of the country, mala Harris and her hu- the breach. rpetrators had used net- clinch a post-Brexit trade deal, including London, is sband, Doug Emhoff, SEVERE REACTION President-elect Joe Bid- work management soft- with EU fishing rights in currently in the highest will receive their doses WHO probe: US en said he would make ware from Texas-based British waters the most nota- of a three-tier system of the week after next. cybersecurity a top prior- SolarWinds t o infiltrate ble remaining obstacle to av- restrictions to curb the The announcement Washington, Dec. 19: broke out. "Even today, TO COVID VACCINE ity of his administration, computer networks. Its oid a chaotic and costly chan- pandemic’s spread. The was made Friday, hours Urging the international nearly a year after the but that stronger defences new alert said the attack- geover in the new year. Daily Telegraph newspa- after Vice President community to demand world first learned of the Fairbanks, Dec. 19: A are not enough. We need ers may have used other British Prime Minister Boris per said ministers could Mike Pence and House transparency from China outbreak, the Chinese second healthcare work- to disrupt and deter our methods, as well. Johnson said Friday that the now announce curbs on Speaker Nancy Pelosi about the spread of the Communist Party is still er has experienced a se- adversaries from under- Amid reports that the only way to get a deal is for the travel between southeast became the highest-ran- Coronavirus pandemic, spreading disinformation vere reaction after rece- taking significant cyber- Treasury and Commerce 27-nation bloc to compromise England, including the king government offi- the US has accused regarding the virus and iving the Covid-19 vac- attacks in the first place, departments were breac- since "the UK has done a lot to capital, and the rest of cials to receive their Beijing of "obstructing" a obstructing a World cine, officials said Frid- he said. We will do that by, hed, CISA directed all try and help, and we hope that the country. first doses of a vaccine. WHO probe into the ori- Health Organisation ay. Both cases were in among other things, imp- civilian agencies of the our EU friends will see sense The BBC said these Psaki told reporters that gin of the deadly virus in (WHO) investigation into Alaska. A worker, identi- osing substantial costs on federal government to and come to the table with areas would now be Biden would be receiv- the central Chinese city its origin and spread," US fied only as a female cli- those responsible for such remove SolarWinds from something themselves." "Tha- placed in a new “Tier 4”, ing the shot in public, as of Wuhan and "peddling" Secretary of State Mike nician, began experienc- malicious attacks, includ- their servers. — AP t's really where we are," Joh- with a tightening of Pence did Friday. questionable vaccines Pompeo said on Friday. ing probable anaphylac- nson said, adding "no sensible rules for Christmas. — AP one year after the disease — PTI tic symptoms about 10 government" could agree to “Failing to act decisive- minutes after receiving the EU demands as they stand. ly now, will mean fur- the shot Thursday in Fa- EU chief negotiator Michel ther suffering,” Jeremy irbanks. Symptoms incl- Rana extradition Barnier told the EU parliame- Farrar, director of the uded tongue swelling, nt both sides were in the Wellcome Trust and a hoarse voice and diffi- "home straight of the negotia- member of the govern- Nod to Moderna vaccine culty breathing. — AP tions", which have already ment’s Scientific Adviso- come a long way in nine mo- ry Group for Emergenci- case to continue nths of talks but are still short es, said on Twitter. “It of a final compromise. has been apparent for in US, 2nd shot in arsenal CASES SURGE: Barnier called it "a very seri- some days that the virus ous and sombre situation". is again out of control in Washington, Dec. 19: care workers and nursing even before holiday gath- S. KOREANS LINE till Apr. 22: Judge parts of the country,” The US added a second home residents as the erings that are certain to said Jonathan Ash- Covid-19 vaccine to its ars- biggest vaccination drive further fuel the outbreak. Washington, Dec. 19: attack. IMRAN: PAK worth, Labour’s health enal on Friday, boosting in US history starts to The scourge has claimed UP FOR TESTS The case of extradition of Judge Chooljian said spokesman. — Reuters efforts to beat back an out- ramp up. more than 3,12,000 US Seoul, Dec. 19: Long Pakistani-origin Canadi- Rana will file opposition ARMY WORKS break so dire that the na- The two work "better lives and killed 1.7 million lines are snaking from an businessman Tahaw- to the request for extradi- Meanwhile, at least nine tion is regularly recording than we almost dared to people worldwide. New ca- Coronavirus testing sit- wur Rana, a key accused tion by not later than UNDER ME Coronavirus patients more than 3,000 deaths a hope," NIH Director Dr. ses in the US are running es in the South Korean in the 2008 Mumbai terror February 1. The US gov- died on Saturday after day. The much-needed do- Francis Collins said. “Sci- at over 2,16,000 per day on capital of Seoul on attack, to India will conti- ernment, which is sup- Islamabad, Dec. 19: Pakistan an oxygen tank explo- ses are set to arrive on Mo- ence is working here, scie- average. Deaths per day Saturday as the country nue till April 22, a federal porting the extradition of Prime Minister Imran Khan sion triggered a fire at a nday after the Food and nce has done something have hit all-time highs, reports 1,053 more con- US judge has determined. Rana to India, has time has asserted that the Army is a hospital in southeastern Drug Administration aut- amazing.” Early results of eclipsing 3,600 on Wednes- firmed cases, the fourth Rana, 59, has been decl- till March 22 to file its state institution which works Turkey. horised an emergency rol- large, still unfinished stu- day. California has emerg- straight day over 1,000. ared a fugitive by India, reply motion. Both the under him, amidst Oppositio- The blaze in an intensi- lout of the vaccine devel- dies show both vaccines ed as a lethal hot spot, Thousands are taking where he is facing multi- parties have agreed that n's allegations of the powerful ve care ward of the hos- oped by Moderna Inc. and appear safe and strongly with hospitals running advantage of free tests ple criminal charges for their motion either in military establishment's inter- pital in Gaziantep broke the National Institutes of protective although Mode- out of intensive care beds being offered temporari- his involvement in the support or opposition to ference in the country's poli- out when a tank on an Health. The move marks rna's is easier to handle and ambulances lining up ly in the capital area. 2008 Mumbai terror atta- the extradition request by tics and elections. artificial respirator exp- the world's first authorisa- since it doesn't need to be outside emergency rooms The government is stru- ck in which 166 people, India would not be of mo- Pakistan Democratic Move- loded. “We are saddened tion for Moderna's shots. stored at ultra-frozen tem- in scenes reminiscent of ggling to decide whether including six Americans, re than 50 pages. — PTI ment (PDM), a 11-party opposi- by this tragedy,” Turkish The vaccine is very simi- peratures. the calamity around New to increase social dis- were killed. He was tion alliance, has been holding Health Minister Fahre- lar to one from Pfizer Inc. A second vaccine repre- York City last spring. Cali- tancing to maximum rearrested on June 10 massive rallies since its incep- ttin Koca said before a and Germany's BioNTech sents a ray of hope amid fornia on Friday reported levels, which officials in Los Angeles on an tion in September to seek Kh- planned visit to the hos- that's now being dispens- despair as the virus con- over 41,000 new cases and fear would further shock extradition request by an's ouster and press the mili- pital. — AFP ed to millions of health tinues to spread unabated 300 more deaths. — AP the economy. — AP India. tary to stop interfering in poli- “The Extradition tics. The PDM has been accus- Hearing in this case is ing the Pakistan Army of inst- continued to April 22, alling "puppet" Prime Minist- 2021, at 1:30 p.m,” er Khan through a manipulat- Magistrate Judge ed election in 2018. China to 1st inoculate frontline workers Jacqueline Chooljian, The Army, which has ruled the US District Court Pakistan for more than half of Beijing, Dec. 19: China ions with medium or high groups, including those ccines under trial. China programme covering most of Los Angeles, said in its 70 plus years of existence, will begin its Covid-19 risks of exposure to the engaged in handling imp- has roped in more than a of its population. The hea- his order dated has hitherto wielded consider- inoculation programme virus, Cui Gang, an offi- orted cold-chain products, dozen countries, including lth officials said over a December 17. Rana is a able power in the matters of by first vaccinating some cial with NHC's disease and people working in sec- Brazil, to conduct the final million people had been childhood friend of security and foreign policy. key priority groups, inclu- control department, told tors such as port inspec- phase trials of its Covid-19 given vaccines under eme- David Coleman He- However, the military has den- ding those involved in reporters. This will help tion and quarantine, avia- vaccines. The United Arab rgency use. The officials, adley, the Pakistani- ied meddling in the country's medical treatment and dis- relieve the pressure on tion, public transport, fre- Emirates (UAE) and Bahr- who took part in Saturda- American LeT terror- politics. Khan also denies that ease control, within the China in preventing and sh market, medical treat- ain have approved a vac- y's press briefing, said no ist who was involved the army helped him win the winter-spring period, befo- controlling imported Cov- ment and disease control, cine developed by Chinese major side effects were re- in plotting the 2008 election in 2018. re starting a mass roll out, id-19 cases, and lower the said Cui. state-owned Sinopharm. ported during the trials. Mumbai terror attack. According to the 'Lahore the National Health Com- risks of domestic outbre- There is no word yet on Chinese officials say the China has been focusing Headley, 60, was made Declaration' signed by the mission (NHC) said on Sa- aks of the epidemic, the the mass roll out of the va- Coronavirus has been lar- on developing five types of an approver in the Opposition parties on Monday, turday. The vaccination official said. ccine programme and no gely controlled in the cou- vaccines. In total, 11 vacci- case, and is currently the military establishment programme will also cover In a two-step vaccination announcement has been ntry and herd immunity ne candidates are at differ- serving a 35-year had stolen the people's man- those who plan to work or drive, the vaccines will be made about the governme- can be built with gradual ent stages of testing at prison term in the US date in the 2018 election. study in counties and reg- first given to the priority nt approval of various va- roll out of the vaccination home and abroad. — PTI for his role in the EDIT DECCAN CHRONICLE | SUNDAY | 20 DECEMBER 2020 | CHENNAI pg 6

Subhani LETTERS NOT A GOOD SIGN In a tug of war 20 DECEMBER 2020 between Centre and West Bengal, the vic- tims are high ranking IAS and IPS officers Geeta Chandran (Punishing a state, Dec. 19). They have to tread Off the beaten track a cautious path, keep- ing two warring mas- ters in good humour. With TMC green leaves deserting Mamata for BJP’s lotus, Amit Of dancers, artists Shah’s two-day visit to further make inroads into Writer’s Building and the new normal and unsolicited advice hile the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has been food for from Governor analysis across all sectors of the economy, one glaring omis- Dhankar, temperamen- sion is the artist! What has the lockdown and the slowdown tal Mamata is having a Wdone to all of us and our work? This is a silence that is deaf- field day lambasting ening in our public discourse. As a performing artist, I of course — like all others in my fraternity — the so-called outsiders, lost out on all my scheduled performances and stage shows, both group Nadda, Shah and Modi and solo, and all the travels associated with that. This had two impacts with choicest epithets. — first, of course, was the loss of income; but also then, my creative graph was ruptured since my interaction with musicians was forced Is farm bills’ real aim It is a free-for-all as into a hiatus. However, this seemed inconsequential when one realised cadres of both parties what was happening to the wider artistes’ community at various levels. attack each other with We are a large sector, very unorganised, scattered and diverse. From folk performers to dancers who are part of group shows, to classical blessings from above artistes — just the “dance” category within the performing arts group is and blame game incredibly large. The folk performers who largely depended on wed- to cover fiscal deficit? ensues. Controlling dings and tourist groups were suddenly completely out of their jobs and many had to seek to alternate ways to survive. Nobody in the media or mandated to procure food The National Small Savings furious mobs becomes in the government is even talking about this sector, and that is grains at Minimum Support Fund was set up in 1999 to wellnigh impossible for appalling. prices (MSP) stow them, pool together all the money law enforcers, who create buffer stocks includ- collected from small saving blink an eye. For SOCIAL MEDIA SHARING Manish Tewari ing a strategic reserve of schemes. This includes pub- There were silver linings, of course. In the performing arts’ communi- food grains in addition to lic provident fund deposits, Bengal, the African ty, we saw that there was lot of sharing that hadn’t happened before. disseminating them savings deposits and sav- proverb sticks to a tee Artistes were talking about their lives, the way they learnt their art State of the Union through the Public ings certificates such as the — “When elephants forms, the way they practised, and the problems that they had had and Distribution System (PDS) National Small Savings continue to face at various points in their career. One also saw a lot of to identified beneficiaries. Certificate. The fund is fight, it is the grass discussion and engagement on various subjects relating to the arts, that The Union government administered by the min- that suffers”. was a welcome development. Of course, these were the first few months ith the farm- omy. In its overzealousness determines the MSP for pur- istry of finance. Parthasarathy Mandadi, when one could engage with a lot of things happening online. But with ers’ agitation to reform it overlooked a chasing food grains as well As a consequence of this Tirupati the passing of time these, too, have given way to the predictable; and too now entering basic fact that India was a as their distribution price sophistry as of 1st of April much of the good thing is now leading to “art reflux”. the 25th day 2.6 trillion dollar formal also called issue price. This 2021 FCI’s projected borrow- As far as performances online go, it has been a mixed bag. Everybody jamming the economy riding on an is the rate at which food ing from NSSF would be to seems to be performing, and that may be Wborders of the national capi- almost similar sized non- grains are supplied to the the tune of 3.5 lakh crores ONE FOR THE ROAD a good thing in terms of short-term self- tal the time has come to ask formal economy and all states. Variance in these backed by a sovereign guar- IN A bid to reduce traffic con- gratification. But sharing everything for As far as performances a fundamental question, cash is not black money. two rates along with supply antee of the Government of gestion, the Chennai traffic free, and placing valuable professional online go, it has been Are the farm bills aimed at This was followed by a costs are recompensed by India, meaning, thereby, if police have introduced “Zero vio- skills acquired over a period of time in a mixed bag. addressing a problem that badly implemented Goods the government to FCI in FCI defaults, the govern- lation junction” in a few places the public domain without any thought Everybody seems to be the government is even ter- and Services Tax (GST) the form of food subsidy. ment would be liable. This like Anna Salai’s Spencer signal of monetising them, has become an performing, and that rified of acknowledging? regime that further sucked The FCI, therefore, is totally amounts to 10 per cent of the etc. According to the new extremely worrying trend. Economic The NDA/BJP govern- the remaining liquidity out reliant on the central gov- current year’s Union scheme, violations like helmet- models of sharing work have not been may be a good thing in ment inherited a robust of the economy. ernment and does not have Budget. In the Union Budget less driving, not wearing seat deliberated upon, and hence there is a terms of short-term economy from its predeces- Even before Covid-19 any other sources of rev- for FY 2020-21 while the bud- belt, talking on cellphone while danger of the arts being further margin- self-gratification. But sor the United Progressive knocked the bottom out of enue. geted food subsidy was driving, jumping the signal and alised. sharing everything for alliance despite protesta- India’s economic paradigm Prior to 2014 the Union `77,983 crores, FCI’s bor- crossing the ‘Stop’ line would be Let’s face it: Even before the pandemic, free, and placing tions to the contrary. the Indian economy was in government used to try and rowing from NSSF was dealt with severely. Repeat artistes were not really in a great place Between 2004 and 2014 the serious trouble. In H-1 fund the entire food subsidy pegged at 1.36 lakh crores. offenders even run the risk of in terms of economic viability. Buying a valuable professional India economy grew at 7.8 (April-September) of 2019- as a line item in the Union With a devastated econo- revocation of driving licence. ticket to watch a show was getting more skills acquired over a per cent year on year for 10 20, the total flow of funds Budget. In other words the my and crumbling public Strict punishment for these and more difficult. Now with so much period of time in the long years with 2004-05 as from banks and non-banks money for this activity was finances, the government offences is already there under happening for free at the click of a but- public domain without the GDP base year. At the that include public issues, appropriated directly from hit upon a harebrained the provisions of the existing ton, one worries even more about how any thought of revised base year 2011-12 the commercial papers (CPs), the Union budget. Even scheme. In the name of laws. Why do the authorities artists will manage to survive in the monetising them, has growth figure is 8.13 per external commercial bor- then the FCI used to borrow reforms it wagered that it need a “new scheme” as such to future. Would people ever again buy tick- cent. Despite strong global rowings (ECBs) and foreign some amount of money would pass off public pro- implement these? Can’t they do it ets at all to watch performances? become an extremely headwinds in the form of direct investments (FDIs) from banks backed by a sov- curement to private play- in the normal course itself at all I agree that artistes are anxious and worrying trend. the economic meltdown of crashed by 87.63 per cent to ereign guarantee or even ers. This would kill two places? Why select a particular worried about their uncertain future and 2008 and the Eurozone crisis `90,995 crores. It was `7.36 get a ways and means birds with one stone; first, it area? Lack of fear of punishment hence want to be a part of the social of 2011 this robust rate of lakh crore for the corre- advance from the Union would bring the food sub- is the root cause of violation. media, lest they be left out of some imaginary race. We are all in an economic growth not only sponding period of 2018-19 government. However, sidy deficits under control Iron hand in a velvet glove is introspective mode. But this mood cannot last for too long. We realise increased the size of the as per to the Reserve Bank these repayments were and since the government what is required for the cops to that as well. economy, created jobs and of India’s (RBI’s) monetary manageable. When the UPA would not procure it also deal with law-breakers. Artistes need to perform, and they need to be watched. Their self- employment opportunities policy report. demitted office FCI had a then would not have to dis- P.G. Menon, Chennai esteem and self-confidence takes a huge beating if performances do not but, most importantly, it On the 23rd of March, debt of 91,409 crores. tribute food grains thereby happen. The government hasn’t spoken a word about artistes and their helped create a robust social 2020, the day before the In 2016-17, realising that ending its obligation under concerns. Even existing skeletal schemes for artists are not being hon- security infrastructure in country went into the the economy was in trouble the National Food Security SUMMER OF 36? oured. The sector as a whole has taken a huge beating. even though the form of Right to Infor- harshest lockdown on plan- primarily because of Act. DURING 1974 tour to England, everybody acknowledges the fact that during the lockdown all the arts mation, Mahatma Gandhi et earth, Parliament passed demonetisation and mis- For a country where 65 Ajit Wadekar and his boys were — dance, music, theatre and the visual arts — have kept the morale of National Rural Employ- the Union Budget of 2020-21 management from 2014-16 per cent of the population bowled out for just 42 at Lord’s, everybody high and helped them to stay sane. ment programme (MNRE- of `30.42 lakh crores. The and to window dress its bud- lives of agriculture and 36.4 which was then branded as In India, the problem is even more daunting as the arts and perform- GA), Right to free and com- projected revenue receipts getary deficit, the govern- crores are poor this is noth- “Summer of 42.” Now Kohli and ers in general are not an organised sector. The diversity in art forms pulsory education Educa- were 22.45 lakh crores leav- ment moved a substantial ing short of suicidal. The his boys have gone one step and the geography of this country has not helped in creating a roster — tion (RTE) and the National ing a fiscal deficit of 7.96 component of the food sub- government must grow the ahead to get bowled out for just 36 be it folk or classical. Hence organising the artistes’ community and Food Security Act, to name lakh crores. With the Indian sidy off budget and com- economy so that it has within one session. Right from helping them has become a huge challenge. A nadaswaram player who but a few of the initiatives in economy now officially in pelled FCI to borrow from enough revenue to meet its the beginning of day 3 it was a earned his bread and butter by playing in temples during festivals or this direction. As many as recession and expected to the National Small Savings commitments. It cannot roll horrible batting performance by played at weddings is today at his tether’s end, with both tourism and 27.1 crore people were lifted contract by over 10 per cent Fund (NSSF). It is entirely up the social safety nets of our star studded lineup, includ- temple gatherings in moratorium. How does, for example, can one reach out of poverty between 2004 the country is up the prover- another matter that lending farmers and the poor, name- ing the captain. It was a painful support and help to artists located in a remote village in Tamil Nadu? and 2014. The flipside of this bial creek without a paddle, to government organisa- ly MSP and the NFSA. It sight to see our players poking at Could this time be used by all of us to put our heads together and think high growth paradigm was with all budgetary projec- tions like FCI was not the must, therefore, repeal balls to give catching practice to of ways to reimagine culture for the “new normal” times to come? And high inflation but then tions up in the air. initial mandate of NSSF. these ill-conceived farm Paine & his boys. As averred by what about our future? What happens when things open up once again? again there is no free lunch What does this economic bills and give an unequivo- Australian star bowler, Glenn What place will the arts then have in our lives? Will the economy be in life. On balance, ordinary havoc have to do with First, it would bring cal statutory guarantee that McGrath, the whole session was resilient enough to support the arts? And will audiences return to audi- people benefited as growth farm bills? Quite a lot, in it would continue open- like seeing a highlights package. toriums to watch live performances? We need to start thinking of the with equity brought all fact. For it has everything the food subsidy ended public procurement Definitely we lack a solid open- role of artistes in our society, what they mean to us and what we must around prosperity. to do with the food subsidy deficits under at MSP and would fulfill its ing pair, who could tackle new do for them. But (alas!) will it happen? The NDA/BJP govern- component of the Union control and since obligations under NFSA. ball for at least an hour or so. ment could not sustain this Budget. the government Will our coach and captain wake Delhi-based classical dancer Geeta Chandran is a force multiplier in growth trajectory and then The Food Corporation of would not procure it The author is a lawyer, up to the fact? the world of the arts, and is the founder-president of Natya Vriksha on the 8th of November 2016 India is the state instru- Member of Parliament and Capt. N. Viswanathan, also then would not former Union information it inflicted a grievous blow mentality that oversees have to distribute Coimbatore Every Monday the best letter of the week wins 500. Email: on the body economic. It the purchase and supply of and broadcasting minister. ` demonetised 500 and 1,000 food grains. Founded in food grains thereby The views expressed are per- [email protected], Else, send to Jawaharlal Nehru National rupee notes thereby suck- 1965 under the Food ending its obligation sonal. Twitter handle Mail your letters to Youth Centre, 219 Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, New Delhi 110002. ing liquidity out of the econ- Corporations Act it is under the NFSA @manishtewari. [email protected]

he most significant and last- Beijing aggressively slapped tariffs regarding universities’ research deals As the host of next year’s G-7, the Huawei offers a dramatically cheaper ing change brought about by on its goods. The CPC’s behaviour with Chinese companies too. UK has a major role to play in this solution than any company from a Covid-19 is that it has woken shows that if you develop a close eco- During his presidency, Donald Western pushback and intends to use democratic nation. Tthe West up to the threat nomic relationship with China, it will Trump reversed Barack Obama’s over- the meeting to launch the D-10, an China’s technological edge is one of James posed by Communist China. The fact be used to “bully you politically”. ly passive approach to China’s rise. But alliance of democracies to counter the reasons it is in so many ways a that the pandemic’s initial severity All this has led to a shift in UK gov- Mr Trump was ill-suited to galvanise China. Australia, South Korea and more formidable competitor than the Forsyth was covered up by the Communist ernment policy. At the start of the the West to respond to this threat. First, India -- all countries vital to any strat- Soviet Union was. Another is its posi- Party of China authorities didn’t sur- 2010s, David Cameron and George his fondness for autocrats made him egy to contain China -- will be invited. tion in the world economy. It is no coin- prise Western governments. It was Osborne wanted the UK to be China’s wholly unfit for the role of moral leader Boris Johnson’s government believes cidence that no leading Hollywood stu- Beijing’s “wolf warrior diplomacy” as best friend in the West. This approach in this struggle. Second, pushing back it has a vital role to play in bringing dio has made a movie critical of China the virus raged worldwide that made was inherited by Theresa May and, at on China requires building of alliances India into this alliance, given that since Seven Years in Tibet in 1997. them grasp the true nature of first, Boris Johnson. In early 2020, and working through multilateral insti- relations between Prime Minister China’s integration into the global President Xi’s China. Britain was still on track to have tutions — which Mr Trump was atro- Narendra Modi and President Biden economy also means there are many in In March, Britain was taken aback Huawei, a Chinese firm with close cious at. He withdrew the US from the will not be easy. the business world who don’t want any- by the extreme misinformation by the links to the PLA, play a key role in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, that was to In Whitehall there is also interest in thing to change. One influential Tory How to fight CPC as it tried to suggest that the building of its 5G network. This is act as an economic counter to China, the idea of a T-12: a grouping of democ- pushing for a tougher line on Beijing American military was somehow to changing, thanks to pressure from and his decision to pull America out of racies with a particular interest in tech- laments: “You didn’t have UK corpo- blame for the virus’ emergence. The both the United States and Tory back- the World Health Organisation only nology. Any attempt to contain China rates calling to express disappointment shortages of personal protective benchers. increased China’s influence within it. must produce an alternative to its tech- if you criticised the Soviet Union.” ‘wolf warrior equipment reminded Western govern- A new national security and invest- Joe Biden’s incoming administration nological solutions. But the West is 2020 has been an awful year for the ments how reliant they had become ment bill, now in Parliament, is meant in many ways represents a return to hampered by the split between the US world. Nearly every Western country on Chinese manufacturing and also to stop Chinese firms from buying up the Obama era, but US ties with China and EU over data and privacy rules. has handled the pandemic badly. The diplomacy’ exposed the difference between deal- British companies in strategically will be an important exception; Mr This divide has led to two separate tech IMF estimates China will be the only ing with China and dealing with com- important fields. This is overdue, Biden will take a much more hardline ecosystems and held back the effort to major economy to grow in 2020. But the panies in democratic countries: min- given how vital technology will be to approach. There is now a bipartisan respond to China. The West must over- rapid development of vaccines should isters hesitated to criticise the CPC the coming rivalry between China and consensus in the US that China is a come these internal divisions if it is to restore some of the democratic world’s of Xi’s China for fear that the next plane loaded the West. To allow Chinese firms, strategic threat. In his recent memoir prevent Beijing from taking a decisive intellectual self-confidence. It will need with PPE wouldn’t take off. This was which are not independent of the Mr Obama suggests he would have lead in the industries of the future. This that in the coming generational strug- a valid concern. When Australia sug- state, to purchase technology start-ups taken a stricter line if he hadn’t also is just as important as coordinating gle with Xi’s China. gested there should be an indepen- is extremely shortsighted. There is a had to deal with the aftermath of the investment in 6G technology to prevent dent inquiry into the virus’ origins, strong case for far stricter rules 2008 financial crisis. a repeat of the current situation, where By arrangement with the Spectator

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INDIAN TOP 10 BESTSELLERS The importance NON-FICTION A top cop’s gripping diary of being earnest A PROMISED LAND tal, overcame these handicaps tal and the north of the coun- Kanth was the leader for all of 1 Barack Obama and led the police with courage try. The story began with the Delhi in these investigations Penguin Viking, `1,999 and distinction. He had his Khalistan movement in and operations, not just for a in a villainish share of luck. He had some Punjab. This book deals with part of the great and growing JUGALBANDI: THE BJP Anand K. Sahay great bosses, such as M.B. its blowback which burnt city which is medieval and 2 BEFORE MODI Kaushal, Vijay Karan and Ved Delhi, leading to one crime modern in parts all of the time, and banal world Vinay Sitapati Marwah, whose personality wave after another at the vor- and for that reason poses spe- Penguin Viking, `799 review and guidance are unstintingly tex of which was the author of cial challenges to the adminis- acknowledged in these pages the present volume as a young trator and the cop. Kushalrani JTHE BATTLE OF along with the shining quali- police officer — armed with High profile assassinations ties of some individuals who common sense, integrity and a were par for the course in that BELONGING Gulab 3 etired senior the name of the people, based reported to the protagonist in sense of duty. Delhi, and spraying of bullets Shashi Tharoor officials in India on tax money they provide, this chronicle. When Prime Minister Indira by car-borne terrorists killing Aleph, `799 have been, on and the burdens they must “May you live in interesting Gandhi was shot dead by her innocent civilians was some- review the whole, shy to bear when governance goes times”, is said to be a Chinese police bodyguards in 1984, thing that was known to hap- REMNANTS OF A write about haywire, as is frequently the curse. The decade of the early medieval era-style mayhem pen. In the centre of that story 4 SEPARATION what they saw case in this country. In fact, 1980s to the early 1990s was just broke out in the nation's capi- stood the author of this book. t was at about page 243 of this 264-page book Aanchal Malhotra and did in their this volume is sub-titled that sort of a time in India, tal, as this reviewer was wit- He has won a gallantry award that I actually fell off my chair, I was laugh- HarperCollins, `599 workR lives. There is always the “Police Diaries Book 1”. So, especially in the national capi- ness. Anti-Sikh riots broke out. on the recommendation of the Iing so hard. Laughing not at poor Ruby, the difficulty about how much to there is more to follow. In the Thousands were killed. In cer- Army (which motivated par- protagonist of Moni Mohsin’s novel The THE COMMONWEALTH reveal. Social, political, nation- main, the observations below tain cases, young Sikhs sought ties tried to traduce but the Impeccable Integrity of Ruby R., whose whole 5OF CRICKET al sensitivities live long and do derive from that expectation. to take revenge and this took judiciary upheld it), and concept of her own existence had just been Ramachandra Guha not necessarily fade away The heart of the book is grip- the form of terrorist actions. earned kudos. Later, while upended, but at myself. 4th Estate, `699 when an officer retires. Then ping. This is not on account of Delhi Police was found doing a stint in CBI, he was the Because I had read this book so earnestly right there is the Official Secrets any juicy, lazy gossip about key unequal to the task. It was head of the investigation in the from the start, mentally noting a Modi here, a people but because the book overwhelmed by the enormity Special Investigation Team THE INDIA WAY Act. Writing must be careful in Trump there, possibly even a Putin lurking in a the extreme if it's not going to reveals what dedicated police of the tide. It lacked resources, created to crack the mysteries sentence or two. I had muttered darkly to myself 6 S. Jaishankar be all puff. So, most don't both- work can do — and no less didn't have specialised train- in the Rajiv Gandhi assassina- throughout about messiah-type politicians, the HarperCollins er. It is too much trouble even if what it takes to make police ing, and there weren't enough tion case. The mission was trolls who worship them and the apparently `699 they could summon the energy work dedicated. This is espe- police. And — it is important to accomplished in record time. global inability to think. I had begged Ruby once they’ve been there, done cially the case in the backdrop say this — large sections of the Some of these tales, based again and again to use her head and open her JINNAH: HIS that. of shortage of resources and police force had turned com- purely on what’s presented eyes and see what was happening in front of her. 7 SUCCESSES, FAILURES Amod Kanth, among the manpower, to say nothing of munal and callous. Thus, in here, can make a motion pic- But it was only when I got to page 243 that I AND ROLE IN HISTORY most remarkable Indian Police political interference. These many cases, the victims just ture. But being a special kind understood that I had been reading this book all Ishtiaq Ahmed Service (IPS) officers of his are a given in the Indian situa- burned. of cop is part of Kanth. He wrong. Penguin generation, appears to be a tion. But, in Kanth’s neutral has also done pioneering I could easily tell you what happened on page `999 clear exception to the rule. In Kanth was the young officer telling, in the Central district work in the field of child 243 to bring me to this revelation; it certainly fact, he has written this book who, first as Deputy where he was in charge, the sit- rights for as long as he has would not be a TILL WE WIN in part to inform the public. He Commissioner of Police of the uation was somehow managed done policing. May be, that is spoiler because Central District in the Union KHAKI IN DUST STORM better — with boldness and another volume. Tidier edit- Dr Chandrakant Lahariya, believes, he says, that people there are zero 8 ought to know. Territory of Delhi and subse- dedication The way it is told, it ing and differently construct- points of sur- Dr Gagandeep Kang, This is healthy acknowledg- quently as Deputy By AMOD K. KANTH is an absorbing story. After the ed editorial design and con- prise in this Dr Randeep Guleria ment that in a democracy the Commissioner, Crime and Bloomsbury riots came the retribution in ception could have helped book. Ruby Penguin Viking apparatus of the state is run in Railways, in the national capi- `799 the form of terrorism, and sharpen the focus. Rauf, a hard- `299 working and ambitious MY OWN WORDS young woman, 9 Ruth Bader Ginsburg is focussed on Simon & Schuster, `599 her studies with the aim of THE BOOK OF INDIAN HOW CULTURE FILLIP CAN FAST-FORWARD PANDEMIC RECOVERY working for a ESSAYS: TWO bank and 10 tion protection law, culture got a new mately 1.1 million workers are employed returning to HUNDRED YEARS OF Art and literature can generate legal status. It is now no longer classified in this sector, contributing 0.58 per cent the upper mid- ENGLISH PROSE Jaya as entertainment. Hence, cancelling arts critical insights that of the GDP (2016-17). This is less than the dleclass Arvind Krishna Bhattacharji events in the pandemic might become policy makers need to factor international average as measured by lifestyle she Mehrotra (Editor) difficult in this country. for bringing about a WIPO where the mean contribution is and her mother Black Kite Rose On March 19, 2020, France, too, did sustainable recovery of 5.48 per cent. But again, in India, this had lost when THE IMPECCABLE INTEGRITY Press, `699 something similar. It modified the rules the economy can be partially attributed to the lack of her banker essay of the country’s specific unemployment comprehensive data. Patnaik states that father died, OF RUBY R. scheme for artists and technicians. It with the right growth impetus through when she lis- announced that artists and authors age for “decimated arts” — a “resilience policy and markets, the creative econo- tens to a brand By MONI MOHSIN could benefit with a lump sum from a grant”. The creative sector contributes my can create a large share of jobs. new politician Penguin Viking he creative economy refers to a solidarity fund. nearly $11 billion a year to NZ’s GDP and Sanjoy Roy, co-founder, Jaipur speak and falls `499 range of economic activities Meanwhile, Italy set aside Euro 130 employs 90,000 people. The New Zealand Literature Festival, confirms this by for his sinceri- Twhere value is derived from the million for authors and audio-visual Libraries Partnership Programme with estimating that during the six days of t y. generation or exploitation of knowledge content creators. a funding package of $58.8 million will the event there are more than 500,000 The brand new politician, Saif, a former film- and is copyright relevant, such as music, On December 11, 2020, the United support librarians and library services footfalls and 110,000 unique visitors. star, says what every politician says, but with writing, art, fashion, design, and media. Kingdom’s Arts Council announced that and assist them to support community In fact, culture can accelerate socio- such charm and conviction that Ruby genuinely Also, a wider range of production activ- the Culture Recovery Fund has marked recovery. Ardern said, “A healthy cultur- economic recovery from the pandemic, believes he will change the country. So when her ities including goods and services that its £1 billion milestone, with £654 million al sector has many positive flow-on as outlined by World Bank and Unesco mother, who works as a visiting tutor, is humili- rely on innovation, research and devel- being invested in arts and cultural effects for other important parts of our in its report, “Culture in City ated by a drug baron with such strong political opment such as film, museums, galleries organisations, as part of its £1.57 billion economy, such as technical production, Reconstruction and Recovery” (2018). connections that he is untouchable, Ruby aban- and photography, reside in its ambit. support package. hospitality, venues and domestic The framework, entitled “Cure”, offers dons her education and ambition and joins Unesco survey “Cultural Times” On November 30, Germany approved a tourism.” principles and strategies to apply in city Integrity, Saif’s political party, as its social (2015), the first global map of the cultur- culture budget of Euro 2.1 billion ($2.5 According to World Bank (August 2020 reconstruction and rehabilitation in media head. al and creative industries, acknowledges billion), nearly at par with the European report), in 2013, creative industries post-crisis situations. At no point in the book is Mohsin subtle about the societal value of arts and culture. It Union’s budget for culture at 2.8 billion around the world generated revenues of There are four prominent ways in Ruby’s inevitable fall from her great height at assesses the contribution of cultural euros, albeit to be distributed over the over $2 billion and employed 29 million which culture positively impacts com- Integrity. Nothing is hidden from the reader or and creative industries to economic next seven years. people. The market for creative goods is munity resilience — by building social even Ruby herself: Saif ’s sliminess and sexually FICTION growth. It estimates that they generate Over in the United States, of the US $2 estimated to be $508 billion as of 2015. In cohesion, fostering social and psycholog- predatory behaviour, Integrity’s complete lack US$250 billion in revenue a year, creat- trillion coronavirus stimulus bill 2015, developing economies exported ical well-being, offering critical tools for of honour, Ruby’s increasing belief that the end SHUGGIE BAIN ing 29.5 million jobs worldwide. announced by its government, approxi- more than 250 billion creative products expression and community engage- so justifies the means that even her closest 1 Douglas Stuart On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared mately $75 million was for the National including design goods, fashion, and ment, and finding authentic narratives, friend can become social media prey — every- Picador, the Covid-19 pandemic; drastically Endowment for the Arts. films. Top exporters included China, perspectives and experiences. These are thing is made as clear as crystal. In fact, the `499 impacting national economies. While in South Africa, where seven Turkey, India, Mexico, El Salvador and critical insights that policymakers need author’s total openness in the telling of this Essential industries were permitted to per cent of the workforce is employed in Pakistan. In the United States, the non- to recognise for promoting sustainable story almost makes it dull: you know right at the THE DISCOMFORT OF function but other sectors suffered terri- this sector, 45 per cent informally, the profit arts and culture industry generat- and inclusive recovery from the pan- start that Ruby’s life will be a trainwreck and EVENING bly. Many governments did not offer any direct contribution to the country’s GDP ed $166.3 billion of economic activity in demic’s effects with full ownership from sure enough, it is. 2 communities. Investing in creative Marieke Lucas support, and certainly not for the cre- of which is 1.6 per cent, the National 2015, supporting 4.6 million jobs, while But then page 243 arrives. And you understand ative industries. But there were some Arts Council committed its support to receiving only $5 billion in arts alloca- industries and developing cultural the importance of the book. The Impeccable Rijneveld, exceptions. the artistes by continuing to pay them tions by the public sector. A phenomenal capital is worth exploring for the Indian Integrity of Ruby R. is not a political novel. It’s Faber & Faber, `499 In June 2020, under a programme during the pandemic. return on investment at 3,326 per cent! government. a novel set in politics, but it’s about Ruby and no called New Start for Culture, Germany In May 2020, Jacinda Ardern, the According to Megha Patnaik’s report one else. It is, in fact, a coming of age novel HAMNET earmarked Euro 1bn for arts. Indeed, in newly returning Prime Minister of New titled “Measuring India’s Creative Jaya Bhattacharji Rose is an about a young woman, her insecurities and 3 Maggie O’ Farrell, November 2020, under Germany’s infec- Zealand, announced a $175 million pack- Economy”, May 2020, however, approxi- international publishing consultant dreams and what her first decisions as an adult Tinder Press, `699 make of her. It is also about its readers, like me: how we lose ourselves in the ephemera of poli- HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT tics; how we must come of age ourselves. In one 4 Jeffrey Archer FAST FACT word, it’s brilliant. Pan Macmillan, `450 He is one author who lived without the vaccine and died without it. In 1988, then 33-year-old Kushalrani Gulab is a freelance editor Hervé Guibert was diagnosed with AIDS. From then on, he worked at recording what was left DAYLIGHT and writer who dreams of being a of his life. In 1990, he published To the Friend Who Did Not Save My Life. Two more books sanyasi by the sea 5 David Baldacci, followed. In 1992, he attempted to end his life just before his 36th birthday, dying weeks later. Pan Macmillan, `650

THE HEART ASKS 6 PLEASURE FIRST Karuna Ezara Parikh, Picador, `699 Barack Obama was decidedly a man of action as well as words WHAT THE BODY anything done in office to give Jordan Peterson fans an REMEMBERS the Iranian nuclear pro- record (which means huge pas- his tics is to describe himself, 7 gramme, just about negotiated sages about the minutiae of Obama’s cool at one resonant moment or required a steely political oper- embolism) mainly to impress Shauna Singh Baldwin Sam Leith the Arab spring with honour passing legislation, complete conscientious another, contemplating the ator. Obama, the centrist dad’s girls. Tara- India Research intact, saw off Colonel Gaddafi with hat-tips to obscure pragmatism, rather scene and having a Deep centrist dad, is again and again And, wow, what a weird Press, `599 — and it was on his watch that staffers and bush-league con- than his optimism, is Thought or a Meaningful confronted by the hard arith- world the President lives in: review they got Osama Bin Laden, a gressmen); and to offer for the the takeaway from Memory. metic of the caucus at home, empty motorways wherever VANISHING HALF thrilling account of which ordinary reader a sense of “As Michelle and I leaned out and of tangled interests you go, “armed Swat teams” 8 Brit Bennett closes the book. He managed to what it’s like, in human terms, his memoir to wave, the night air brisk on abroad. He really shows you filling every staircase, rooftops Dialogue Books, `799 ell, it’s quite the win the Nobel Peace Prize to be the 44th President of the our cheeks, the crowd cheering how the sausage is made — cluttered up with “Secret title, isn’t it? It (‘what for?’ he was self-aware United States of America. pare his travails with theirs — wildly, I couldn’t help but think and his cool, conscientious, Service countersniper teams, THE ARCHER tends to invite com- enough to wonder) even as he Plus, it needs to do a lot of the Lincoln, JFK, FDR, Nelson about the daily fighting that covering-all-the-angles prag- clad in black”. If you take off Paulo Coelho, parisons. The first sent tens of thousands more former to explain to his critics Mandela, Vaclav Havel and continued to consume Iraq and matism, more than his opti- for the loo, hulking men in 9 W black suits will mutter Penguin Viking, `250 one that occurred to me, troops to Afghanistan and on the right why he’s not a Gandhi are among those who Afghanistan and all the mism, is the real fascination in though, was that the original waged unceasing drone war in Marxist revolutionary, and to get an outing. cruelty and suffering and this book. “Renegade to Secondary Hold” Promised Land guy managed the sovereign territories of his critics on the left, whose Also, schmaltz. Obama salts injustice that my administra- He delivers crisp little put- into their cufflinks. Every day A TIME FOR MERCY to get all the important stuff other nations. What’s more he disapproval stings him more, his narrative with passages of tion had barely even begun to downs, too. Nicolas Sarkozy is starts with a briefing dossier 10John Grisham, down on two stone tablets. His has a good singing voice, a why he was not able to right novelistic colour and implausi- deal with.” a “bantam cock” whose conver- that Michelle calls the “Death, Hodder & Stoughton would-be successor doesn’t nifty jump shot and a smart, the wrongs of the world in one bly verbatim dialogue. One of Visiting the pyramids in sation “swooped from flattery Destruction and Horrible `699 have quite that gift for com- smoking hot wife — he notes, go. Doing that — in an age of Egypt really sets him off. He to bluster to genuine insight, Things Book”. pression. As he semi-apologis- approvingly, the “cult of 280-character position state- contemplates an old graffito of never straying far from his pri- It’s plain that Michelle does- es in the opening pages, this Michelle’s arms” taking hold ments — means a patient a jug-eared figure who looks a mary barely disguised interest, n’t like any of it all that much. memoir was originally envi- of the media. attention to detail. bit like him: “All of it was for- which was to be at the centre of When Barack was originally sioned as a 500-pager. A Whether or not you rate his But, as I say, there’s a lot of it: gotten now, none of it mat- the action and take credit for thinking about running for Promised Land is just north of achievements as highly as he he takes two and a half pages tered, the pharaoh, the slave, whatever it was that might be president, he told her: “You get 700 pages, and there’s another does, to keep company with his to describe his daily commute and the vandal all long turned worth taking credit for." Putin the final say.” Michelle lifted volume to come. elegant prose, complex con- down the White House’s West to dust.” He also, in more pro- leads a Russia that “resembled her eyebrows as if to suggest That speaks of a certain self- science and unmistakable Colonnade; complete with pic- saic moments, has the Alan a criminal syndicate as much she didn’t believe me. “If that’s regard. Then again, Barack intelligence is a cool drink of turesque old Black grounds- Partridge quality of liking to as a traditional government”. really true, then the answer is Obama has a good bit to be self- water after four years of the men (sign of the times: he cap- end sections by quoting his And the man himself ? He no,” she said. “I don’t want you regarding about. He overcame other guy. Did he bring about italises Black, as he did not in own witticisms and the likes vodka neat, has a weak- to run for president, at least a modest background, a the other guy? That’s some- his first book) who, it occurs to approving reactions to same ness for nicotine, loves to play not now.” Three pages later, Muslim-sounding middle thing Obama frets about — and the President, are in a way just (“We both got a good laugh out basketball, golf and spades. he’s running for president any- name and the melanin thing to though in these pages Trump like him: “guardians... the of that”). He’s uxorious, devoted to his way. “If one of the qualifica- win the presidency, in large is a minor comic character, the quiet priests of a good and But under all that hopey kids, introspective and self- tions of running for the most part thanks to an unsurpassed book describes with dismay solemn order.” There is a good changey stuff, and where the questioning. He doodles in powerful office in the gift for oratory. He helped avert the truth-indifferent, compe- bit of what in the past would long sections about wrangling meetings. He psyches himself world was megalomania,” he a global depression after the tence-optional rise of what was have been called ‘pi-jaw’; and a A PROMISED LAND policy through Congress really up for rallies by listening to writes, “it appeared I was pass- 2008 crash. He passed the to metastasise into Trumpism. lot, too, of what these days gets By BARACK OBAMA come into their own, is a Jay-Z and Eminem. And as a ing the test.” Affordable Care Act in the A Promised Land is long, in called ‘humblebrag’. He does superbly engaging study in young man he read Marx, Penguin Random By arrangement with teeth of a ferociously obstruc- part, because it wants to do two like to namecheck the prede- House, `1,999 realpolitik. He was famous for Marcuse, Fanon and Foucault Bahrisons, New Delhi tionist GOP. He kept a lid on things: to serve the historical cessors he admires, and com- his windy rhetoric; but to get — but (he makes clear so as not the Spectator GAMES pg 8 DECCAN CHRONICLE | CHENNAI | SUNDAY | 20 DECEMBER 2020

SHORT TAKES Gavaskar hails Panghal clinches gold at World Cup Aussie bowlers New Delhi: World silver-medal- list Amit Panghal (52kg) notched up a gold medal with- Adelaide, Dec. 19: The out having to fight his final NEW LOW legendary Sunil Gavaskar bout, while veteran Satish on Saturday sympathised Kumar (+91kg) settled for silver India slump to their lowest score as Australia clinch first Test with the Indian team after after an injury prevented him it slumped to its lowest from competing in his summit Adelaide, Dec. 19: Test score, saying it would clash at the Cologne World Cup The Indian cricket be a bit unfair to be critical in Germany on Saturday. team under Virat Kohli given that the Australian Panghal was given a walkover faced their worst hour pace bowlers were simply by Germany’s Argishti of embarrassment “superb”. Terteryan. while collapsing to The trio of Josh Satish, who made the final after their lowest Test score Hazlewood, Pat Cummins beating France’s Djamili Dini of 36 as a rampaging and Mitchell Starc pro- Moindze in the semifinal on Australia cruised to an duced a sensational per- Friday night, had to withdraw emphatic eight-wicket formance as the visitors against Germany’s Nelvie victory inside two and collapsed to their lowest Tiafack owing to an injury. half days in the open- Test score of 36. India’s Also making the final were ing Day/Night Test earlier lowest score was 42 Sakshi and Manisha in the here on Saturday. against England at the women’s 57kg category. There were no Lord’s in 1974 and Australia’s Pat Cummins Asian Games bronze winner demons in the pitch Gavaskar was a part of celebrates the wicket of Pooja Rai, Mohammed but Josh Hazlewood (5- that team. India’s Cheteshwar Pujara Hussamuddin and Gaurav 3-8-5) and Patrick “I mean, any team that is on Saturday. — AP Solanki settled for bronze Cummins (10.2-4-21-4) all-out for its lowest Test medals. — PTI displayed fast bowling score since the time it “So it’s not fair to blame of highest quality to started playing Test crick- the Indian batsmen for the dismantle the visitors. et, that’s never good to way they got out because it Shami suffers The sequence of 4, 9, see,” Gavaskar told was just simply superb 2, 0, 4, 0, 8, 4, 0, 4, and 1 ‘Channel 7’ after India’s bowling by the Australian wrist fracture on the scorecard will eight-wicket loss here. bowlers,” he added. rankle the fans but “But having said that, if After ending the second Adelaide/New Delhi: Indian more so this team, for a any other team had been day with a handy 62-run pacer Mohammed Shami is set very long time. facing that kind of bowl- first innings lead, India to miss the remaining three “Very hard to put ing, they would have also faced a batting collapse in Tests against Australia after suf- those feelings into got out, maybe be not all- the first session of day fering a fracture on his bowling words. We had a lead of out for 36, maybe 72 or 80-90 three. wrist during the series opener 60-odd coming and just but the way Hazelwood, None of their batsmen here. The fast bowler was hit on collapsed,” said Kohli, Cummins bowled and the reached double-digit scores the elbow by a Pat Cummins who would be heading earlier three-over spell as Hazlewood (5/8) and short ball during India's second home on paternity from Starc, they asked a lot Cummins (4/21) terrorised innings on Saturday which leave now. of questions,” he the tourists into submis- ended at a record lowest 36 for India’s earlier lowest explained. sion. — PTI nine. He was taken to a hospital score was 42 at the for scans, which revealed a Lord’s in 1974 against fracture. “Mohammed Shami England, known in has a fracture and the chances Indian cricket parlance of him taking part in the as the “Summer of 42”. ZERO FOR FOUR WAS MORE remaining three Test matches is Saturday’s total was next to nil,” a BCCI source said also the lowest score in SHAMEFUL, SAYS GAEKWAD on conditions of anonymity. He the brief history of added that Mohammed Siraj, D/N Tests and the joint BY BIPIN DANI for his impressive show in the fifth lowest overall. two warm-up games, will be in The easy target of 90 India captain Virat Kohli (right) leads his players off the field after their loss to Australia on the third day of their first 1-0 (Pankaj Roy), 2-0 (Datta Gaekwad), 3-0 (M.K.Mantri) runs was achieved by line for a Boxing Day Test Test in Adelaide on Saturday. — AFP and 4-0 (Vijay Manjrekar). India losing four wickets debut in Melbourne. Shami has the home side in only without a run on the scoreboard against England at been one of India's most lethal 21 overs without much them to come this Leeds in 1952 was more shameful than Virat Kohli & weapons and his absence will fuss. quick,” said Paine, SCORECARD Co.’s second innings debacle at Adelaide, according to weaken the bowling attack. They only lost grinning from ear to TWEET former India opener Dattaji Gaekwad. Matthew Wade (33) and ear after the rather TALK — PTI India 1st Innings: 244 all out “Team India’s 36 all out at Adelaide is not as shame- Marnus Labuschagne remarkable triumph. Australia 1st Innings: 191 all out ful as our debacle,” Gaekwad, one of the two surviving (6) in pursuit of the India have now lost Real Kashmir lift India second innings (overnight 9/1): Prithvi Shaw b The OTP to forget this members of India’s 1952 team, said. easy goal and in the three successive Tests Cummins 4, Mayank Agarwal c Paine b Hazlewood 9, Jasprit is 49204084041. “There have been other international teams who process, opener Joe well inside three days Bumrah c and b Cummins 2, Cheteshwar Pujara c Paine b have scored lesser than 36 runs but losing four wickets maiden IFA Shield Burns (51) got a confi- with two being in New — VIRENDER without a run on the board was very hard to digest. Cummins 0, Virat Kohli c Green b Cummins 4, Ajinkya SEHWAG Kolkata: dence-boosting half Zealand earlier this Real Kashmir FC Rahane c Paine b Hazlewood 0, Hanuma Vihari c Paine b Ex-India opener Even today, I am ashamed of this (zero for four) deba- century. year. clinched their maiden major tro- Hazlewood 8, Wriddhiman Saha c Labuschagne b cle”. The home team col- To make matters phy by lifting the IFA Shield after Hazlewood 4, Ravichandran Ashwin c Paine b Hazlewood 0, lected 30 World Test worse for the visitors, Wait what happened? I beating George Telegraph 2-1 in Umesh Yadav not out 4, Mohammed Shami retd hurt 1. Championship points star pacer Mohammed just went to play 9 the summit clash here on Extras 0. Total (for 9 wkts, in 21.2 overs) 36. from the win, while its Shami’s series could holes came back Saturday, though the 127-year- FoW: 7-1, 15-2, 15-3, 15-4, 15-5, 19-6, 26-7, 26-8, 31-9. skipper Tim Paine was well be over due to a game over. What a old tournament was held without Bowling: Mitchell Starc 6-3-7-0, Pat Cummins 10.2-4-21-4, Hazlewood warns adjudged player of the wrist injury from a spell by The some of the country’s top sides. Josh Hazlewood 5-3-8-5. This year, four I-League teams match for his gritty short ball from Pat Australians. Pace mat- first innings knock of Cummins, which could ters. and eight Calcutta Premier Australia 2nd Innings: Matthew Wade run out 33, Joe Burns 73. potentially be a frac- League sides took part. Besides (not out) 51, Marnus Labuschagne c Agarwal b Ashwin 6, — WASIM AKRAM India of aftershock “I said this morning ture. Shami could not Pakistan cricketer RKFC, Mohammedan Sporting, Steven Smith (not out) 1. Total (For 2 wkts, in 21 overs) 93. in the media that both continue and the Gokulam Kerala and Indian FoW: 70-1, 82-2. Adelaide, Dec. 19: India these attacks have the Indian innings was ter- Arrows were the other I-League Bowling: Umesh Yadav 8-1-49-0, Jasprit Bumrah 7-1-27-0, Unreal win by the lads will feel the aftershocks of ability to take quick minated at 36/9 in 21.2 sides. Fresh from a hat-trick Ravichandran Ashwin 6-1-16-1. today, bowlers what an crumbing to their lowest against Mohammedan Sporting wickets. Didn’t expect overs. — PTI effort today!! Simply Test total of 36 heading in the semifinals, Nigerian for- unbelievable day of into the remainder of the ward Lukman Adefemi broke the cricket. @joeburns441 four-match series against deadlock (38th minute) from a hits winnings runs so Australia, Adelaide Oval’s penalty but the Georgians good. So happy for you wrecker-in-chief Josh restored parity in the second half legend. Hazlewood said Saturday. with a terrific solo run by substi- Our worst batting show: Kohli — DAVID WARNER Virat Kohli leaving for tute Gautam Das (50th). — PTI Australian batsman paternity leave from the Adelaide, Dec. 19: India skipper felt there isn’t second Test will also add to Tamil Nadu pacer captain Virat Kohli can’t anything alarming about With the way India the visitors’ woes, accord- remember a “worse bat- INDIA’S LOWEST TOTALS IN TESTS it. ing to Hazlewood. Score Overs Opponents Venue Season batted & bowled in the tests positive ting performance” by his “I don’t think it’s alarm- 1st innings, they were “Getting bowled out for team than the lowest ever ing and we can very well in the driver's seat, 36 is going to leave a few Chennai: Veteran Tamil Nadu 36 21.2 Australia Adelaide 2020-21 Test score of 36 against sit here and make a but the Aussies came headaches here and there batsman Murali Vijay has 42 17 England Lord’s 1974 Australia here but at the mountain out of a mole- back really hard this and their best batter opted out of the upcoming 58 21.3(x8) Australia Brisbane 1947-48 same time, he has urged hill, it’s basically looking morning. (Virat) is leaving as well, it Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 58 21.4 England Manchester 1952 people not to “make at things in the right per- That is the beauty of is going to leave a bit of Australia's Josh Hazlewood T20 tournament owing to 66 34.1 South Africa Durban 1996-97 mountain out of a mole- spective,” he reasoned. Test cricket. whole,” Hazlewood said at acknowledges the applause personal reasons. hill”. — S. PERVEZ QAISER In fact, there has been It’s NEVER over till it’s the post-match press con- after taking five Indian Meanwhile, medium-pacer K. He did speak about bats- close to 15 innings in over. India was out- ference. Vignesh, who tested positive wickets in Adelaide on men “lacking intent” to SENA countries (South classed in the 2nd Kohli’s absence is also an for coronavirus, was Saturday. — AFP take forward the lead and acters,” Kohli said. game forward,” he Africa, England, New half. Congratulations opportunity for others to replaced in the probables although he didn’t take The Indian captain des- lamented. Zealand and Australia) to Australia! prove their mettle after the the win is history now and list by R.S Jaganath Sinivas. names, Mayank perately tried but looked “Everything happened where the team has failed forgettable outing at the they must look forward to L. Suryapprakash has been Agarwal’s approach (9 off at pains to defend the so quickly that no one but the skipper could — SACHIN Adelaide Oval. the coming matches. included in place of Vijay TENDULKAR 40 balls) in the morning indefensible — another could make any sense of remember only six in 8-9 India great “...But they have got plen- “It is probably a fresh who was among the estab- was hard to explain when inept overseas batting it,” Kohli was unable to years. ty of class batters on the start to a degree for the bat- lished names in the 26- the team had a 62-run show with six successive fathom what hit his team. “You have just spoken side-lines to come in, not of ters and bowlers, and they strong probables list overnight advantage. scores of less than 250 Under Kohli, save the about five or six batting Very disappointed with Virat’s class. But in terms have a player coming for announced on December 16 “I don’t think we have just this year. 2018 series in Australia, collapses in 8 to 9 years if the result. We all of the series, it is great to Virat and they have got along with Dinesh Karthik ever had a worse batting “It’s a strange one to be the Indian team has had I am not wrong. There expect the Indian be one up, it is better than some class players on the and Vijay Shankar. performance than this. So honest in my opinion. way too many batting col- will definitely be collaps- team to play better being one-down, as we bench to be honest, so good we can only go upwards The ball didn’t do much lapses including six on es again and again and cricket #INDvAUS found out last time,” he players are going to come from here and you will but we didn’t have too the trot, starting with we have to accept our — IRFAN PATHAN added. in and we will have some Live on TV see guys stepping up and much intent of going out New Zealand early this mistakes and what we Former India pacer The pacer though cau- plans for (them) no doubt,” realising their true char- there and taking the year, but strangely the need to work on.” — PTI tioned his teammates that he said. — PTI FOOTBALL English Premier League: Brighton vs Sheffield from 5.30 pm; Tottenham vs Leicester from 7.45 pm; Manchester United vs Leeds United from 10 pm; West Brom vs Aston Chennaiyin FC end winless Villa from 12.45 am (Monday) on Ann regains national racing title Star Sports Select 1, HD DC CORRESPONDENT online exams. So, immedi- 1. Jagan Kumar (TVS Indian Super League: Hyderabad streak, get better of Goa 2-1 CHENNAI, DEC. 19 ately after the races, I had Racing) (12:13.737); 2. KY vs Mumbai from 4.50 pm; Kerala to do my online exams. This Ahamed (TVS Racing) Blasters vs East Bengal from 7.20 Goa, Dec. 19: fielder Anirudh Thapa Juggling racing and online weekend, I was nervous. I (12:13.810); 3. Kevin pm on Star Sports 2, 3 Chennaiyin FC finally and Rafael Crivellaro. exams, 19-year old Ann had bad starts in both the Kannan (RACR Castrol managed to register a And the duo troubled the Jennifer (Sparks Racing) races, but managed to make Power Racing) Italian League: Torino vs Bologna FC Goa defence from the from 5 pm on Sony Ten 2; Sassuolo win after five games, from Chennai kept her up. Yes, I am extremely (12:20.027). vs AC Milan from 7.30 pm; Atalanta with 2-1 victory over FC first whistle. nerves to regain the title in happy to win the champi- Novice (Stock 165cc, Race- vs Roma from 10.30 pm; Lazio vs Goa in the Indian Super Chennaiyin FC fired the Girls category with her onship for the second time.” 2): 1. Ullas Santrupt (RACR Napoli from 1.15 am (Monday) on League at Fatorda warning shots early in fourth consecutive win in She yet again had a poor Castrol Power Racing) Sony Ten 2, HD Stadium, Goa, on the game. Thapa made a the MRF MMSC fmsci start from pole position, but (13:12.455); 2. Sudheer Saturday. In a game that darting run on the right Indian National Motorcycle recovered to win easily Sudhakar (Gusto Racing) saw 39 shots at goal, and cut the ball back to Racing Championship at from Gusto Racing pair of (13:13.228); 3. Mohan Babu Rahim Ali (53’) scored an unmarked Crivellaro. the MMRT, here on Lani Zena Fernandez and (Pvt, Chennai) (13:13.481). the match-winner after The latter’s first-time Regd. No. Saturday. Ann Jennifer had Ann Jennifer Arpitha Bhat, who both fin- Race-3: 1. Navneeth Kumar Jorge Ortiz (9’) cancelled shot was pushed behind previously won the title in ished second and third, (Rulexx Rockers Racing) TNENG/2010/35692 out Rafael Crivellaro’s CFC’s Raheem Ali by Mohammad Nawaz. celebrates after scoring 2018, but a couple of poor 165cc race, and Bengaluru’s respectively, in the champi- (13:06.810); 2. Alwin Xavier (5’) olympic-goal opener. The visitors were soon onship. (Rockstar Racing) goal. rounds cost her the champi- Ullas Santrupt (RACR Printed & Published by It was an easy win for ahead in the game and it onship last year. Castrol Power Racing) and RESULTS (13:06.813); 3. Sudheer K. Sudhakar on behalf of the visitors who should that lost against ATK came from a moment of Earlier, 40-year old Rajini Navneeth Kumar (Rulexx Pro-Stock 301-400cc Sudhakar (Gusto Racing) Deccan Chronicle Holdings Limited have finished with a big- Mohun Bagan with individual brilliance. Krishnan, a former multi- Rockers Racing) from (Race-2): 1. Rajini Krishnan (13:10.864). and Printed at ger goal margin, had it Aiban Dohling and Crivellaro got his cor- ple National champion, Puducherry in the two (RACR Castrol Power Girls (Stock 165cc, Race-2, Deccan Chronicle Presses situated not for their poor finish- Jeorge Ortiz being the ner-kick to loop over the at SP 3, Developed Plot, Industrial Estate, rolled back the years, and Novice (Stock 165cc) catego- Racing) (11mins, 5 laps): 1. Ann Jennifer ing. other two. Goa defenders and land came up with a masterly ry races. 46.271secs); 2. Jagan (Sparks Racing) Guindy, Chennai - 600 032. Brandon Fernandes Following their 0-0 in goal. But the lead last- RNI Registration No: TN ENG/2005/14987 display to win the premier Reflecting on her Kumar (TVS Racing) (10:55.561); 2. Lani Zena returned to the side as draw against NorthEast ed for just four minutes Pro-Stock 301-400cc race. Championship win, Ann (11:48.020); 3. Amarnath Fernandez (Gusto Racing) Ph Nos: 22254747, 22254748, 22254750, Goa coach Juan as the Gaurs came up 22254751 United, Coach Csaba Equally impressive victors Jennifer said: “It was tough Menon (SpeedUp Racing) (11:05.599); 3. Arpitha Editor: KAUSHIK MITTER Ferrando named three Laszlo preferred to start with an instant response were Jagan Kumar (TVS to deal with back-to-back (11:52.450). Bhat (Gusto Racing) changes to the line-up with influential mid- in the 9th minute. Racing) in the Pro-Stock race weekends and my Pro-Stock 165cc (Race-2): (11:26.174).