Follow us on: @TheDailyPioneer facebook.com/dailypioneer RNI No. TELENG/2018/76469 Established 1864 ANALYSIS 7 MONEY 8 SPORTS 12 Published From HYDERABAD LUCKNOW NO POWER IN THESE NEW MUTATION OF VIRUS PULLS DOWN BOXING DAY TEST WILL BHOPAL RAIPUR CHANDIGARH REFORMS INVESTOR WEALTH BY RS 6.59 LAKH-CR DECIDE SERIES FATE: BURNS BHUBANESWAR RANCHI DEHRADUN VIJAYAWADA *LATE CITY VOL. 3 ISSUE 63 HYDERABAD, TUESDAY DECEMBER 22, 2020; PAGES 12 `3 *Air Surcharge Extra if Applicable

AVIKA GOR ON A ROLL { Page 11 } www.dailypioneer.com ‘RELATIONSHIP OVER’: BJP MP SAYS WORST DAY IN 7 MONTHS FOR SENSEX AS CONGRESS LEADER, GANDHI FAMILY ‘BJP BENT ON DIVIDING THE COUNTRY, WILL DIVORCE WIFE WHO JOINED TMC MUTANT VIRUS SPOOKS GLOBAL MARKETS LOYALIST, MOTILAL VORA DIES AT 92 CANCELLED XMAS HOLIDAY: MAMATA

olitical acrimony in Bengal appeared to threaten a marriage today as a omestic stock markets suffered their worst single-day loss in more than eteran Congress leader Motilal Vora, a staunch Gandhi family est Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Monday hit out at the BJP- PBJP MP said he would file for a divorce after his wife joined Chief Dseven months on Monday tracking a selloff across global equities over Vloyalist who had a political career spanning almost five decades, Wled government at the Centre saying it is only bent on dividing the Minister Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress, going upstream in a tidal fears of a new coronavirus strain that shut much of the United Kingdom. died at a hospital here on Monday following country and has cancelled public holidays on festivals like Christmas. wave of defections to the BJP ahead of the state The Sensex index dropped 2,037.61 post-COVID-19 complications, his family said. Inaugurating Christmas festival at Allen Park in the election. Shortly after Sujata Mondal Khan joined the points, or 4.34 per cent, to 44,923.08 He was 92. Vora was admitted to the Escorts city's downtown Park Street area, the TMC Trinamool, her husband Saumitra Khan wept and said at the weakest level of the day, and the Hospital in Okhla here a few days ago with a supremo condemned the "politics of hatred" "politics had ended his marriage". Saumitra Khan, a broader Nifty benchmark tanked to as urinary infection. He developed a severe lung pursued by the Narendra Modi government. "Some former Trinamool leader, won the 2014 parliamentary low as 13,131.45, falling 629.1 points, infection and was put on ventilator support, people can only divide the country. The BJP election from the Bishnupur constituency and is chief or 4.57 per cent, from its previous his family said. He completed 92 years on government has cancelled the public holiday on of BJP's youth wing Yuva Morcha. His wife Sujata was close. A selloff across sectors -- led by Sunday, they said. His last rites will be Christmas after coming to power. Why did they do credited with his win in last year's national election banking, financial services, automobile conducted on Tuesday in Durg in Chhattisgarh, so? Don't they have any regard for the sentiments when he was barred by a court from entering his and metal shares -- dragged the where he stayed most of his life. of the Christian community?" Banerjee said lashing constituency as a condition for bail in a criminal case. markets lower. Full report inside out at the saffron party. halts UK flights over deadly strain of Covid-19 n PNS NEW DELHI Does not appear to be Vaccine equally The Government on Monday Big concerns over new UK virus banned flights from the UK till effective against new December 31 over a new fast- deadlier: Vivek Murthy imposes spreading strain of the strain: Is it resistant to vaccines? WASHINGTON: Indian-American physician Vivek mutant : CSIR DG Coronavirus in that country. LONDON: Faced with a newly emerging coronavirus mutation with Murthy, US President-elect Joe Biden's pick for night curfew The ban will start from "significantly faster" transmission rates, Britain on Saturday Surgeon General, has said there is no evidence PNS n NEW DELHI Wednesday and all passengers announced tightened pandemic restrictions that returned London to suggest that a new and more contagious : Maharashtra has arriving from the UK before and parts of the country to virtual lockdown and reversed earlier coronavirus variant reported in the UK is any imposed a night curfew - 11 The coronavirus vaccines will be On alert, no need then will be tested on arrival at promises for relaxed rules over the holidays. deadlier. Murthy, 43, said that there was no PM to 6 AM till January 5 - equally effective against the new to panic: Govt airports. The new mutation, or variant, was first detected in southeast reason to believe that the for Mumbai and all municipal mutant of the virus and there is "Considering the prevailing England in September and is quickly becoming the dominant strain coronavirus vaccines that have corporation areas, in view of no reason to panic, Council for situation in UK, the government in London and other regions in Britain. Experts said it does not already been developed would the mutated strain of Scientific and Industrial of India has decided that all appear more deadly or resistant to vaccines. not be effective against the coronavirus that has emerged Research Director General flights originating from UK to At a news conference from 10 Downing Street, British Prime new strain as well. "This news in the United Kingdom and Shekhar Mande said on Monday. 5 India to be suspended till Minister Boris Johnson said the new variant "may be up to 70 from the UK appears to be caused several nations, He said the transmissibility of December 31," said the aviation percent more transmissible" than previous versions of the virus about a new strain of the virus including India, to temporarily the new strain N501Y is a "bit ministry after a joint monitor- here. "This is spreading very fast," he said, announcing local and that's more transmissible, more ban flights to and from that higher" but this does not mean ing group on Covid-19 met international travel bans and other extreme measures for about 18 contagious than the virus we've seen country. Passengers from it is more lethal and more peo- this morning to discuss the million people in England beginning Sunday. prior to this," he said. European countries other ple are going to die due to it. mutant Coronavirus that has 2 2 than the UK, or any in the "It is likely that there will be spread rapidly in the UK, send- Middle East, will be sent to differences between certain ing cases rocketing within days. 14-day institutional aspects like anti-bodies but it Union Health Secretary enhanced epidemiological sur- tained decline in the number of interjection of a SARS-CoV-2 Passengers on flights from quarantine, and others must doesn't necessarily mean that Rajesh Bhushan said the new veillance, enhanced contain- fresh Covid-19 cases for over variant virus through passengers Britain arriving before mid- adhere to a similar period of vaccines will be ineffective. variant had an unusually large ment" and other measures to two months now, accompanied with air travel history could pose night tomorrow will be subject- home quarantine, Vaccines will be equally effec- number of genetic changes and effectively tackle the challenge. by a decline in the number of critical risks for pandemic man- ed to RT-PCR tests at the airport. 2 tive despite the mutation. the development "calls for "India has been seeing a sus- deaths. In this scenario, any agement in India," he said. 2 2

The writing is on KCR hits pause button on LRS to use old districts

the wall for PNS n HYDERABAD Mamata Banerjee The TRS leadership Chief Minister K Chandras- is of the opinion pattern to fill vacancies quickly ekhar Rao is learnt to be hav- that the LRS ing second thoughts on the scheme had VENKAT RAM REDDY LAKKADI recruitment drives. 2 issue of Layout Regularisation n HYDERABAD KCR had created 31 districts Scheme (LRS). triggered anger in Telangana in 2016 by reor- The government launched against the KCR After switching back to the old ganising the 10 districts that the LRS scheme across the Kamal Haasan version on non-agriculture existed in undivided AP. state on September 1 and govt, especially property registrations, the TS In 2018, KCR brought a Crime rate in though the deadline to submit among the promises government is now making new zonal system applications ended on October middle and lower moves to go back to old dis- for recruitment 31, there is no clarity over the middle classes ‘payment' to tricts and zones format for the purpose by creating city dips by next course of action. sake of conducting upcoming seven zones and two The government had home makers recruitment drives in various multi-zones out of 31 received over 25 lakh LRS departments. This is despite districts with the aim to pro- 10% in 2020 applications across the state. sections to avail the facility proved layouts. However, buy- PNS n KANCHEEPURAM the Central government issu- vide 95 percent reservations to The TRS leadership is of the without payment, based on ers are angry at the government ing gazette notification for- dri- locals in jobs in respective opinion that the LRS scheme their annual income limit. for asking them to get their plots Actor-politician Kamal Haasan mally recognising the realign- ves at the zones. Page 3 had triggered anger against the Thousands of illegal lay- approved by applying for LRS by on Monday assured 'payment' ment of districts in the State. earliest and The new zonal system was KCR government, especially outs have come up in the state paying thousands, in some to homemakers for their work It may be recalled that Chief the process would get approved by the Union Home among the middle and lower over the years, right from vil- cases, lakhs of rupees. They at home, computer with high- Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao delayed due to complications Ministry and later by President TODAY middle classes, and this was lage level to municipalities question why the government speed internet to all house- had last week announced to take in the new districts and zones Ram Nath Kovind following reflected in the Dubbak by-poll and municipal corporations. or local bodies remained silent holds and transformation of up major recruitment drives in created in Telangana after the which the Centre issued a ALMANAC and the GHMC elections. The fact that the State govern- all these years when unap- farmers to agri-entrepreneurs the state to fill over 50,000 formation of the state in 2014. gazette notification in May Month & Paksham: Rattled by the setbacks, KCR ment received over 25 lakh proved layouts sprang up and if his party MNM was voted to vacancies on a war footing. Officials are now proposing 2018 approving 31 new dis- is learnt to be seriously consid- applications for LRS proves that why were realtors allowed to sell power in the 2021 Tamil Nadu However, the government to take the 10 districts and two tricts, seven zones and two Margashirsha & Shukla Paksha ering either reducing the LRS a large number of people pur- unapproved plots. assembly elections. has now realised that it's not zones that existed in Telangana multi-zones. Panchangam fees sharply or allow certain chased plots in illegal or unap- 2 2 possible to take up recruitment region of undivided AP for the 2 Tithi : Ashtami: 06:13 pm Nakshatram: Uttara Bhadrapada: 01:37 am (Next Day) Four held in Time to Avoid: (Bad time to start Fan builds temple Rs 1,000 cr to spruce up Warangal: KTR any important work) raids on Rahukalam: 02:59 pm – 04:21 pm PNS n HYDERABAD KTR also gave the green sig- Yamagandam: 09:30 am – 10:52 am for Sonu Sood Rs 300 crore will be nal to recruit staff required for finance app RAJESH JAIN NIDARKAR Varjyam: 09:40 am – 11:27 am Announcing supply of drink- released every year to the Greater Warangal n HYDERABAD ing water every day on an Municipal Corporation. “We Gulika: 12:14 pm - 01:37 pm centres experimental basis in the take up development have completed more develop- Good Time: (to start any important work) PNS n HYDERABAD Recognising the humani- Greater Warangal Corporation works on priority, ment works in Warangal in Amritakalam: 08:18 pm – 10:05 pm tarian work done by actor from the coming Ugadi festi- said Minister the last six year than previous Abhijit Muhurtham: 11:52 am – 12:36 pm Hyderabad Cyber Crime and philanthropist Sonu val, Municipal Administration governments did in over 10 police on Monday arrested Sood amid the Covid out- Minister KT Rama Rao on KT Rama Rao years. TRS Government has HYDERABAD four persons in connection break, a fan from Chelimi Monday said that the State released five times more funds WEATHER with the online micro-financ- thanda village constructed Government will take up than the Centre to develop ing apps fraud. According to a temple in his honour. developmental works worth every year to take up develop- repairs of the flood-ravaged Warangal,” KTR said. Forecast: Sunny sources, Cyber Crime sleuths Rs 1,000 crore in the city. ment works on priority,” the roads and drainage system would Temp: 27/12 conducted raids on call centres 2 “Rs 300 crore will be released Minister said, emphasising that take taken up “immediately”. 2 Humidity: 44% operating the online micro- Sunrise: 06:42 am financing apps at Punjagutta Sunset: 05:47 pm and Begumpet. Current Weather Conditions 2 Leopard population Updated December 20, 2020 5:00 PM 39,11, 108 heads fined not wearing helmet in Hyd increased to over ANUSHA PUPPALA of road accidents had not been from violators of this rule was VANTAGE POINT -NNARSIM n HYDERABAD wearing a helmet at the time Rs 5,20,33,800 while it was a 12,000 in 2018 of the mishap. According to the annual report mammoth Rs 9,29,31,700 in Hyderabad traffic police Additional released by Hyderabad City 2019. Anil Kumar said that PNS n NEW DELHI imposed fines on 39,11,108 Commissioner of Police, 1,38,138 cases were booked for motorists in 2020 for not wear- Hyderabad Traffic wing, police, more than 50 percent over speeding/dangerous dri- India's leopard population ing helmets while driving their Anil Kumar said that of the victims of road ving in 2020 whereas it was increased to over 12,000 in two-wheelers, up from the there was also a drastic accidents had not been 1,47,398 cases in 2019. He 2018 from around 8,000 in 35,19,064 lakh in 2019. The decrease in other traffic said that 1,48,523 cases were 2014, Environment Minister helmet rule was by far the most offences like accidents, wearing a helmet at the time booked in 2020 for driving on Prakash Javadekar said violated rule in Hyderabad, drunken driving in of the mishap the wrong side of the road, Monday, asserting the rise in while the least violated with Hyderabad. while there were 2,07,472 cases their numbers coming on that of ‘minor driving’ with Overall, 52,91,896 in 2019. It is believed that the the heels of similar reports on only 1,382 fines collected this instances of traffic viola- stringent lockdown imposed tigers, lions, shows the coun- year. tions under Motor Vehicles Act 29,756 cases last year. The Also, 629 people were across the country may have try is protecting its ecology According to the annual came to the fore throughout traffic police filed 5,161 charge imprisoned this year for violat- resulted in the sharp reduction and biodiversity well. report released by Hyderabad the year. Of these, 5,590 peo- sheets for drunken driving ing the drunken driving rule, in the number of traffic viola- "There were 8,000 leopards City police on Monday, more ple were booked for drunken cases this year whereas it was compared to 4,501 in 2019. The tions. in 2014. than 50 percent of the victims driving, compared to the 24,974 last year. fine amount collected this year 2 2 HYDERABAD | TUESDAY | DECEMBER 22, 2020 hyderabad 02 The writing is on the wall for Mamata Banerjee he BJP’s conquest of people did not welcome the party in Bengal. In the 2019 the anticipated results. In such a scenario, Mamata states across the country, BJP’s policies and Narendra was a citadel of the Left General Elections, Moreover, political opted for a collision course Tincluding the northeast, Modi’s leadership and see from 1977 to 2011. In these 34 years, the BJP secured violence, goonda raj, with the Centre instead of did not happen in one day. through the politics of conspir- 18 seats out of TRULY corruption and cooperating with it to develop It’s one thing for the Jan acy being practised by the poverty increased in the state, 42 with a 40.62 appeasement of the state. Sangh’s metamorphosis into Opposition. agriculture development was on the vote share. SPEAKING minorities were on She prevented the CBI from the BJP and another for the The joining of prominent West Bengal the rise. questioning the police com- BJP to come to power in 2014 Trinamool Congress leader wane. At a time reforms are being was a citadel of the Because of the violence missioner over the various and conquer state after state and other implemented in the rest of the country, Left from 1977 to unleashed by TMC activists, scams. thereon. Congress and Left leaders, West Bengal stuck to its policies leading 2011. In these 34 years, pover- many parties dreaded fielding Goondaism in the state has Did anyone ever speculate including 10 MLAs, in the BJP ty increased in the state, agri- candidates against TMC can- increased to the point of BJP the BJP coming to power in in the presence of Union to flight of industries to other states culture development was on didates in local body elections. national president JP Nadda Tripura, once a stronghold of Home Minister Amit Shah is the wane. At a time reforms are During the past nine years, being attacked when he visit- the Left? Did anyone predict no trivial development. TMC to the BJP has been others made sacrifices for the being implemented in the rest several scams surfaced in West ed the state recently. the BJP capturing all North- Suvendu Adhikari is no going on. sake of unity and integrity of Y SATYA KUMAR of the country, West Bengal Bengal, including the Sarada When the Union Home Eastern states? ordinary political activist; he West Bengal provides the country. BJP National Secretary stuck to its age old policies Chit Fund and Rose Valley Ministry summoned the state Did anyone predict the BJP had contributed his mite to favourable conditions for the Because of their achieve- leading to flight of industries Chit Fund scams worth thou- Chief Secretary and DGP, opening its account in bring Mamata Banerjee to spread of BJP’s ideology. ments, Jan Sangh could win to other states. sands of crores. Mamata Banerjee did not Telangana in the power. His clout spreads over Historically, Hindutva forces in two Lok Sabha seats and nine cent of the vote share in 2011 Education, medical and CBI had to file cases against allow them to go to Delhi. She polls two years ago? at least 65 seats in six districts West Bengal have taken part in Assembly seats in the first-ever Assembly elections in Bengal, health and power supply are some TMC MPs too. Lakhs of also tried to prevent three IPS Can the pseudo-secularists of West Bengal. Such a leader national movements. General Elections in 1952. improved its tally to four seats the worst in Bengal, roads are people lost their life savings. officials from being shifted to deny that the BJP would joining the BJP reveals the Freedom fighter Veer When Modi led the BJP to and vote share to 10.16 per- even worse. Bihar is compar- Unemployment increased in the Centre on deputation. emerge stronger in West writing on the wall very clear- Savarkar is a personification of victory with a huge majority in cent. In many seats, the BJP atively better placed with more the state. The recent GHMC elec- Bengal and take the space ly. patriotism. Syama Prasad 2014, a socio-political and finished second. amenities. Corruption goes unchecked, tions held in Hyderabad indi- vacated by the Left parties? Ever since the right hand Mookerjee fought for Kashmir cultural renaissance took birth With the BJP securing 18 Unable to bear this, the while educated youth of West cate that the people are keen to The saffron party wouldn’t man of Mamata Bannerjee – through his Hindu in Bengal. percent of the vote share in the people of the state gave man- Bengal in their thousands are get rid of KCR, who is follow- have been able to expand its – joined the BJP, Mahasabha, while That was why the BJP, Panchayat elections, it is clear date to Mamata. However, the migrating to other states and ing in the footsteps of Mamata base in almost all states if the migration of leaders from Nirmalchandra Chatterjee and which secured only 4.06 per- that the conditions favour the people of the state did not get countries for greener pastures. Banerjee. Varavara Rao India halts UK Flights over... to stay at pvt Length of NHs in TS up Continued from page 1 hospital till Those who test positive will be Big concerns over new UK virus... sent to institutional quarantine Continued from page 1 Jan 7: HC while the rest will be asked to Wales and Scotland followed with their own tightened restrictions, includ- PNS n MUMBAI by over 55%: Gadkari home-isolate for seven days. ing banning all but essential movement around the isle. Many countries Canada, Saudi Arabia, and have reimposed tough social distancing measures as coronavirus cases Jailed poet-activist Varavara PNS n NEW DELHI crore has been com- several European countries roared back in second and third waves. Britain, however, appears to be Rao, an accused in the Elgar pleted since 2014- have suspended flights from the first to point to a specific coronavirus variant for a surge in infec- Parishad-Maoist links' case, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari 15 in Telangana, the UK over the new strain, tions and the need to bring back the toughest measures."We have alert- will continue to remain at on Monday inaugurated and work is going on for believed to be 70 per cent ed the World Health Organization and are continuing to analyze the avail- Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai laid foundation stone of pro- construction of more infectious. British able data," said England's chief medical adviser, Chris Whitty. till January 7 next year, as the jects worth over Rs 13,000 another 809 km at a Health Secretary Matt Bombay High Court on crore in Telangana. These pro- cost of Rs 13,012 Hancock says "the new vari- Monday extended his stay at jects are for a total length of crore. ant is out of control". the private medical facility. 765.66 km of highways. He added that Much is unknown about Not appears... Maha imposes.. Rao, 81, has been receiv- "Union Minister for Road during the current financial the strain, but experts say Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 ing treatment for various ail- Transport and Highways Nitin year, 13 major projects cost- current vaccines should still "While it seems to be more the state government said late ments at the private hospi- Gadkari inaugurated and laid ing Rs. 8,957 crore of length be effective against it. Health transmissible, we do not have Monday evening, after Chief Minister tal since last month follow- foundation of 14 NH projects 328 km are proposed to be Minister Harsh Vardhan said evidence yet that this is a more Uddhav Thackeray held a meeting to ing the intervention of the in Telangana through virtual awarded in the State. Three the government was fully deadly virus to an individual who discuss the mutant virus strain. high court. A bench of mode. These projects include addition to senior officers from connectivity with National major projects for 192 km alert about the new strain and acquires it," Murthy told NBC News Earlier today the centre announced a Justices S S Shinde and M S 765.663 km long roads worth the Centre and the State. Highways. The remaining worth Rs 2,339 crore are stressed "there's no need to on Sunday. Several countries have ban on all flights from the UK till Karnik extended his stay at Rs 13,169 crore," Ministry of Speaking on the occasion, district Peddapally will also under bidding, he said. panic". announced restrictions on UK travel December 31. The ban will start the Nanavati Hospital on Road Transport and Highways Gadkari informed that a total be connected to the network Another 21 NH works with There had been calls to ban and suspended flights amid growing Wednesday and all inbound Monday after adjourning said in a statement. of 59 road works with soon. The Minister said, total length of 1422 km and flights from the UK since concerns of an "out of control" new passengers from the UK before then the hearing on his bail plea, The virtual event was attend- approved length of 1,918 km there has been a phenomenal total cost of Rs 27,116 crore Sunday. Delhi Chief Minister variant of coronavirus spreading at a will be administered RT-PCR tests on seeking release on medical ed by Union Ministers G Kishan and a cost of Rs 17,617 crore growth of 55.71 per cent NH are under various stages of Arvind Kejriwal tweeted much faster pace in parts of arrival. Those who test positive will grounds, till January 7. The Reddy and VK Singh besides have been sanctioned in length in last six years in the DPR preparation. These Monday morning: "New England. It is thought the variant be sent to institutional quarantine bench directed the Telangana Minister for Roads & Telangana in the last six years. state. Nearly 1400 km NH works are likely to be com- mutation of coronavirus has either emerged in a patient in the UK and the rest will be asked to home- Maharashtra government to Buildings, Legislative Affairs Of this, 1,782 km length has length has been added dur- pleted by FY 2024-25. emerged in the UK, which is or has been imported from a country isolate for seven days. Union Health submit a fresh medical and Housing Vemula Prashanth already been sanctioned with ing this period in the state, he Out of these 14 projects, 9 a super-spreader. I urge the with a lower ability to monitor Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has report detailing Rao's health Reddy, Speaker of Teleangana a cost of 15,689 crore. said. Gadkari informed that projects with length 423 km Central government to ban coronavirus mutations. Murthy was assured people the government has condition on the next date of Assembly Pocharam Srinivas He said, almost all of the while construction of 841 have already been awarded at all flights from the UK imme- born in Huddersfield, Yorkshire to the situation under control and "there hearing. Reddy, MPS and MLAs, in 33 districts in the State have km roads worth Rs 4,793 a cost of Rs 7,400 crore. diately." immigrants from Karnataka. is no need to panic". Kamal Haasan KCR hits... Vaccine equally effective against new... Cong leader Motilal Continued from page 1 promises... Continued from page 1 Genomics and Integrative Rs 1000 cr works... They also question why Biology (IGIB), Delhi and Centre Continued from page 1 are going on for the supply of Continued from page 1 Vora passes away innocent people should be So there is no reason to panic," for Cellular and Molecular Mission Bhagiratha-Urban PNS n NEW DELHI and remained a member of the punished for the fault of gov- Mande told PTI. Indian institu- Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad He asked his Cabinet col- programme to the people of Unveiling his party's seven- Madhya Pradesh Legislative ernment, local bodies, offi- tions have sequenced over 4,000 have alone done sequencing of leagues and public represen- Warangal. point "Governance and Veteran Congress leader Assembly till 1992. He was the cials and realtors. They argue genomes of the coronavirus and over 2,200 genome sequences of tatives and officials to remain He said that earlier, the Economic Agenda", he also Motilal Vora, a staunch chief minister of the state that most of the plot buyers submitted to the Global Initiative coronavirus in India. Mande vigilant regarding develop- drinking water supplied to said people below the Gandhi family loyalist who from 1985 to 1988 and was are those from middle and on Sharing All Influenza Data said, "We have not found this mental works besides being Warangal city was 30 LMD poverty line would be taken had a political career spanning elected to the office again in lower middle classes who (GISAID). (particular mutation) in Indian on alert at review meetings. and it has now been increased to "prosperity line". almost five decades, died at a 1989. invest their lifetime savings The CSIR's Institute of isolates yet." KTR also directed officials to to 168 LMD per day. KTR "Homemakers will get hospital here on Monday fol- President Ram Nath to purchase a plot and how prepare future plans for the pointed out that earlier, water their due recognition lowing post-COVID-19 com- Kovind, Vice President M far it's correct to burden model development of was supplied through a 1,400 through payment for their plications, his family said. He Venkaiah Naidu, Prime such people with LRS who Leopard Four held... Warangal. kilolitre pipeline and work is work at home which hither- was 92. Vora was admitted to Minister Narendra Modi and cannot afford to pay the fees Participating in a high- on to double this with an to has been unrecognised the Escorts Hospital in Okhla several political leaders includ- running up to thousands of population... Continued from page 1 level review meeting along additional 1,400 kilolitre and unmonetised, thus rais- here a few days ago with a uri- ing former prime minister rupees. Moreover, the gov- with Ministers Errabelli pipeline. “Besides this, work ing the dignity of our wom- nary infection. He developed Manmohan Singh, Congress ernment stopped the trans- Continued from page 1 In the last one month alone, Dayakar Rao and Satyavathi on another 500 kilolitre enfolk," the agenda said. a severe lung infection and was president Sonia Gandhi and action of plots in unap- three people –a 23-year-old Rathod, MPS, MLAs, MLCs pipeline would be completed It was released by Haasan put on ventilator support, his former Congress chief Rahul proved layouts since Increase in the population of agriculture extension officer K. and Warangal Mayor on pat- very soon. The Government in the presence of former family said. He completed 92 Gandhi paid glowing tributes September. They have to tigers, Asiatic lions and now Mounika from Siddipet, a soft- tas to the poor, 2BHK hous- has taken up works worth Rs IAS officer Santhosh Babu, years on Sunday, they said. His to the departed leader. wait till LRS is done. leopards, shows how India is ware employee Sunil from es, Smart City, future plans, 1000 crore through Mission who recently joined the last rites will be conducted on "Sad to hear that veteran There is no clarity from protecting its environment, Rajendranagar and Eddu programmes to be taken up in Bhagiratha in Warangal City Makkal Needhi Maiam Tuesday in Durg in Congress leader Shri Motilal the government when LRS ecology and biodiversity," he Srawan Yadav from Medak the coming five years and san- and these would be complet- (MNM), in this temple Chhattisgarh, where he stayed Vora is no more. He was will be done for the over 25 said. committed suicide allegedly itation works, KTR said that ed by the coming Ugadi fes- town, close to Chennai. most of his life. humility personified, and lakh applications even after As for region wise distrib- after being harassed by the basic infrastructure works tival,” KTR said. On his campaign trail in Vora, a two-time former belonged to a generation of the October 31 deadline end- ution, the highest number of executives of the micro- northern Tamil Nadu for chief minister of undivided leaders who carry their poli- ing nearly two months ago. 8,071 leopards were found in finance. These app companies the second day on Monday, Madhya Pradesh and also a tics with unflinching convic- As many as 4,16,155 LRS central India and eastern allegedly obtained sensitive the 66-year old MNM former governor of Uttar tion till end. My heartfelt con- applications were received ghats, which include the data such as contacts, pho- founder leader asserted that Pradesh, had served as a Rajya dolences to his family and from municipal corpora- states of Madhya Pradesh, tographs from the mobile remittance to women at Sabha member four times and friends," President Kovind tions, 10,60,013 from munic- Maharashtra, Rajasthan, phones of the customers and home was possible. as a Lok Sabha member once. tweeted. PM Modi said he was ipalities and 10,83,394 from Odisha, Chhattisgarh, used this data to defame or He started his political saddened by the demise of the village panchayats making it Jharkhand, Telangana and blackmail the customer to get HYDERABAD innings as an MLA in 1972 Congress veteran. a grand total of 25,59,562. . the repayment. BULLION RATES GOLD ` 51, 380 (10 gm) Telangana to use old districts... Fan builds temple ` 330 SILVER Continued from page 1 The aim and idea behind ment drive in legal tangles ` 73, 700 (1kg) this move is to fast track just like Dharani non-agricul- for Sonu Sood ` 2200 However, in 2019, KCR creat- recruitment drives instead of ture property registrations Continued from page 1 deserve anything like that," he ed two more districts (Mulugu waiting for the approval of the since the President's approval posted a humble salutation and Narayanapet) besides Union Home Ministry and is already in force for 31 new According to reports, Rajesh symbol on Twitter when the CHICKEN changing Vikarabad district the President for the new dis- districts, seven zones and two Rathod, a native of Chelimi news of a fan constructing a RATES `/KG from Jogulamba zone to tricts and zones, since this may multi-zones. thanda in Maddur division of temple for him went viral on Charminar zone. However, take months. The moot question is how Siddipet district, installed the social media. Dressed/With Skin `168 these amendments are yet to be The state government has the TS government could idol of his favourite actor Sonu Sood, who attained Without Skin `191 approved by the Union Home to distribute sanctioned posts switch back to the old format Sonu Sood and all the expens- the good Samaritan tag for Ministry and the President. accordingly to all the districts when the Centre has issued es were by borne by him with- lending a helping hand to the Broiler at Farm `116 This has now become a and zones that were created gazette notification approving out seeking any donations poor and needy, won acco- hurdle in the process of taking since 2016 before conducting 31 districts and seven zones. though his family is not finan- lades for his gesture. Especially EGG up recruitment drives on an the recruitment drives. Since The decisions and reforms cially sound. during the lockdown, he RATES urgent basis as desired by the two new districts are yet being implemented in a hurry He became a fan of Sonu helped stranded people to `/100 KCR. to be approved, it cannot do without doing proper home- Sood after watching his reach their native villages and HYDERABAD 500 With this, officials are now so. work, be it Dharani or LRS movies, but he is bowled with towns. VIJAYAWADA 499 proposing to take old 10 dis- The government now plans have already caused huge his social service. After the It may be recalled that doc- tricts and two zones in to distribute posts to ten old embarrassment to the TS gov- construction of the temple, tors, medical staff and police VISAKHAPATNAM 480 Telangana that existed in undi- districts and two zones. ernment with even the High locals too are worshiping the served as front line warriors at RETAIL PRICE `5.00 vided AP and for the purpose However, it is wary that this Court criticising it several idol, along with Rathod. a time when Covid was at its (IN HYDERABAD) of recruitment. move may land the recruit- times. Sonu Sood said, "I do not peak across the country.

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Printed and published by B Krishna Prasad for and on behalf of CMYK Printech Ltd., Phone: 040-23322341, Hyderabad Office: F-502, Diamond Block, Lumbini Rockdale, Somajiguda, Hyderabad - 500 082. Telangana. Printed at Sree Seshasai Enterprises, Plot No.19, IDA Balanagar , Hyderbad-500037, Medchal -Malkajgiri District, Telangana. Chief Editor: Chandan Mitra. Resident Editor: B Krishna Prasad, AIR SURCHARGE of Rs 2.00. HYDERABAD | TUESDAY | DECEMBER 22, 2020 hyderabad 03 Crime rate in city dips by 10% in 2020

DURGA PRASAD SUNKU offenders were checked around n HYDERABAD 15,000 times and 1627 rowdy- WHAT THE NUMBERS SAY... sheeters were checked for Cyber crime shoots up Hyderabad recorded a reduc- 26,000 times." tion by 10 per cent in overall Further round the clock Property crime during 2020 when com- patrolling by the patrol cars crime detection in Hyd amid pandemic pared with the previous year. and blue colts also helped. stands at 58%; PNS n HYDERABAD booked two cases and arrest- The number of cases regis- Around 2 lakh 'dail 100' calls ed 14 members for their tered during 2020 were 22,641 have been attended by the recovery The year 2020 saw a sudden involvement in colour predic- against 25,187 cases in 2019, Hyderabad police. 66% boom in use of technology, tion game. We have identified the City Commissioner of Taking a cue from broken and with it came a rise in inci- more than 170 betting apps Police Anjani Kumar said here window theory which has been dences of cyber crime. and fraud amount went up to on Monday. implemented by New York The police officials main- Rs 1,600 crores and around 80 Reiterating that prevention City police and witness a dras- tained that 50 per cent of the bank accounts were frozen.” of crime is more important tic change, Anjani Kumar start- 387children offences committed by offend- Commenting further on than detecting it, Anjani ed implementing various ini- Lake ers from Jamtara. Nearly 25 the online microfinance apps Kumar said, "Our top priority tiatives like empowering the police rescue rescued as part of operation per cent of the cases registered fraud which was the matter of is ensuring the safety of women police constable to book e- 377 victims, smile were OTP frauds. contention now-a-days with and children. Crime cases There is a significant offenders, continuous crimi- petty cases and FIR at door who tried to Attributing the important the suicide of three members against women and children decrease in occurrence of bod- nal-tracking, intensive step. factor like increase in work in the state due to harassment have decreased by 19 per cent ily and property offences like patrolling and installation of Around 2 lakh e-petty cases commit from home in the wake of from the executives of app, and 35 per cent respectively. A murders, rape, dacoity, culpa- CCTV cameras. were booked by the Hyderabad suicide lockdown has escalated the Shika Goel urged public to total of 2,354 cases of crime ble homicide, robbery, chain- Sharing the details Anjani City police in this year, added cyber crimes. refrain from downloading the against women were registered snatchings, house break, thefts Kumar said, "We have invoked Anjani Kumar. Revealing the statistics, app and taking loans which is in 2019. During this year, the and other crimes, the top offi- PD act against 109 habitual Broken window theory sug- around 1,393 cases were an illegal act. cases came down to 1,908. cial said. offenders and by the end of this gests change in the policing SHE teams booked in 2019 in contrast to Overall Hyderabad Cyber Similarly, 221 cases under Anjani Kumar attributed year the number will stand at methods that target minor receives 970 2,456 cases in 2020 which Crime police have arrested Protection of Children from decrease in crime rate to mea- 123. Keeping tabs on the move- crimes, such as vandalism, loi- 85 has seen drastic rise. around 259 members and had Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act sures, including initiation of ments of the previous offend- tering, public drinking which complaints drug cases were registered Additional Commissioner visited around 12 states in the registered during this year Preventive Detention (PD) Act ers also helped in curbing the in long run help in preventing in Hyderabad of Police (Crimes) Shikha country as a part of investiga- decreased from 339 in 2019." against notorious repeat crime. As many as 4,660 more serious crimes. Goel said, "So far we have tion and arrests of accused. Hyd's daily Covid count drops below 100 Four held for PNS n HYDERABAD 1,73,986. robbing man The daily testing target for For the first time in more the state is 5,600 per day as per with toy gun than six months, the daily the World Health Organisation Covid-19 count in Greater (WHO) benchmark of 140 per PNS n HYDERABAD Hyderabad has dropped below million per day, officials said 100. Eighteen government-run The LB Nagar Central Crime Greater Hyderabad laboratories, 56 private labo- Station police and the Municipal Corporation ratories and 1076 Rapid Vanasthalipuram police (GHMC) reported 86 new Antigen test centres are con- nabbed four persons in con- cases during the last 24 hours, ducting the tests in the state. nection with a robbery here health officials said on The data shows that 63.9 per on Monday. Police recov- Monday. cent of those tested positive so ered cash and other materi- The Telangana capital wit- far were aged between 21-50 al all together worth Rs 25 nessed an upsurge in the infec- years. As many as 22.91 per lakh from them. tions in early June and the daily cent were aged above 51 years. The suspects were Nikhil, count at one point had crossed The positive cases include 23, V Vinay Choudary, 27, Y 900. The cases, however, were 13.18 per cent who were below Uday Kumar, 23 and G on decline since September. 20 years. Brahma Teja, 22. Nikhil knew Meanwhile, the state report- Of the total cases, 60.44 per the victim Sathish Sikha and ed 316 new cases during the cent were male and 39.37 per was aware that Sathish, who last 24 hours, ending 8 p.m. ering from the virus. of the deaths were due to cent female. lived alone, had kept a huge Sunday. The cumulative tally The state continues to see Covid while the remaining Over 90 per cent of beds in sum of money and valuables rose to 2,81,730. more recoveries than daily 55.04 were on account of co- government-run and private in his house. Last Monday, The daily count in most of count of new cases. With the morbidities. hospitals treating Covid-19 in the youngsters reached his the districts remained in sin- latest recoveries, the cumula- The state now has 6,590 the state remained vacant. home and attacked him. They gle digits. Rangareddy district tive number rose to 2,73,625. active cases and of them 4,467 Out of 8,559 beds available tied him up and after gagging saw the second highest num- Two more persons suc- are in home or institutional iso- in 61 government hospitals him, robbed him pointing a ber of new cases at 30 followed cumbed to the virus during the lation. treating Covid, 7,786 beds toy pistol. by Medchal Malkajgiri (22), same period, pushing the death Of the 32,714 tests con- were vacant. A total of 773 peo- “They stole Rs 1.8 lakh, Warangal Urban (18) and toll to 1,515. ducted during the last 24 ple were undergoing treat- foreign currency notes, Karimnagar (18). The state's Covid fatality hours, government-run labo- ment in these hospitals. mobile phones, laptops, pass- The weekly drop in tests also rate remains at 0.53 per cent ratories accounted for 30,269 Similarly, in 219 private hos- ports, a car, and a bike. We led to a fall in the new positive against the national average of while remaining 2,445 samples pitals treating Covid, only have recovered stolen goods cases. The recovery rate further 1.5 per cent. According to the were tested in private labs. 1,350 beds were occupied. Out worth Rs 25 lakh from them,” imposed to 97.12 per cent director of public health and Samples tested per million of 7,915 beds, 6,565 were Rachakonda Commissioner with 612 more people recov- family welfare, 44.96 per cent population ratio rose further to vacant. Mahesh Bhagwat said. CITY LIGHTS Guv: Adapt technology NEP aims to transform India a knowledge society: Chairman for sustainable farming Rs 32 L foreign PNS n HYDERABAD he National Education Policy 2020 aims to transform India currency seized Governor Dr Tamilisai Tinto a knowledge society with Soundararajan has called for special focus on high quality of new technology to make agri- research work, NEP Chairman K from passenger culture sustainable. Kasturirangan said here on PNS n HYDERABAD She said that ensuring envi- Monday.He expressed these views ronment-friendly and sus- while addressing the inaugural Air Intelligence officials seized tainable agriculture that brings episode of E-content production on NEP by the Instructional Media foreign currency of over Rs profits to the farmers is a Centre (IMC) of Maulana Azad National Urdu University here, a 32.53 lakhs from an air pas- major challenge and this calls varsity press release, quoting him, said. Appreciating the efforts by senger at RGIA on Monday. for intensive research and MANUU to develop e-content on NEP, Kasturirangan said the On receiving credible infor- innovations in agriculture Tamilisai Soundararajan stat- University's plan to create a video library was certainly a very mation, CISF sleuths inter- technologies. ed that the farmers' income important, critical and probably an imperative step, moving cepted a 29-year-old air pas- The Governor was virtual- would be doubled in near towards implementation of the NEP 2020 in the near future. senger, a resident of ly inaugurating the sixth future with the effective imple- Chandrayanagutta, while he national conference of the mentation of schemes, pro- was about to board a flight to Agricultural Scientific Tamil, grammes and reforms. UoH scholar selected for Nehru Sharjah. organised by the Agricultural Elaborating on the impor- On close examination, the Scientific Tamil Society, New tance of agriculture in our Doctoral Research Fellowship officials found foreign cur- Delhi. She stated that agricul- country, the Governor point- arul Srivastava, a Ph.D. Scholar working under supervision of rency comprising of US dol- ture has been part of our cul- ed out that the GDP growth Dr. Y. Swarupa R Shankar, at the Department of History, UoH, lars, Omani Riyal, Saudi Riyal ture and it was more like a way generated in agriculture is Phas been awarded the prestigious Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral and Qatari Riyal equivalent to of life for centuries in our proved to be twice effective in Research Fellowship, 2020-2021 by the U.S Department of States. Rs 32,53,274 and recovered it country. "It is essential that we reducing poverty than the Parul Srivastava as a Fulbright- Nehru visiting researcher at the from him. As he couldn't must continue to ensure food GDP growth in other sectors. Department of History, College of Humanities and Fine Arts, provide documents to verify security to a massive 130 crore Agriculture and its allied University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA from February 2021 to the currency, he was taken population of the country sectors are offering employ- October 2021, will be working on the micro-histories of the Partition into custody and further through our sustained efforts ment to around half of the of India and will try to probe into the oral history and memory handed over to Custom offi- towards the sustainable agri- working people in our coun- aspect of it. "I would try to hone my skills and specialize in the cials. Subsequently, Customs cultural practices," she added. try and to ensure employment. theory and practice of writing history while focusing on the topics officials booked a case of ille- Referring to the series of In order to alleviate poverty, of memory, culture, and nationhood. As a Fulbright-Nehru Fellow, I gal export of foreign curren- reforms and initiatives in the she said that the agriculture hope to utilise my stay in the US by visiting Archives and libraries in cy and further investigation is agriculture sector by the must become profitable and order to procure material that will benefit my research,” says Parul. underway. Central government, Dr sustainable. Process of hiring set to get faster in Telangana PNS n HYDERABAD ly. The platform provides easy Telangana and make the and quick connect between process of recruitment and The Digital Employment employers and job seekers verification instant, a joint Exchange of Telangana (DEET) through a right swipe and fur- statement said. has collaborated with Equifax, ther connecting for interviews. "I see this collaboration of a multinational consumer cred- Equifax Analytics, a sub- DEET and Equifax as another it reporting agency, to stream- sidiary of Equifax Inc., is the stepping stone by the line the process of employment only significant employer-con- Government of Telangana verification and strengthen its tributed employment data towards a brighter future for authenticity. repository in the country, the employment sector. This strategic collaboration, enabling instant employment Further, this synergy will through the introduction of verification. enable seamless verification new digital services on DEET Further, the job seekers reg- DEET is an initiative by the The current system of and appointment of right app, will facilitate swift employ- istered on DEET can leverage Government of Telangana in employee verification takes workers, facilitating efficiency ment and ID verification for this collaboration in getting collaboration with Workruit, about 8 to 10 days and with this and profits of the companies," employees in a secure and co- verified credit reports from an AI-driven employment plat- collaboration, DEET and said Telangana's minister for nfidential manner, easing out Equifax to check eligibility and form for job seekers and Equifax aim at enhancing the industry and information tech- the tedious process of hiring. apply for loans and mortgages. employers to connect instant- employment ecosystem in the nology KT Rama Rao. HYDERABAD | TUESDAY | DECEMBER 22, 2020 hyderabad 04 New farm laws will hit ryots hard, says Jagadish TS reverts to old system PNS n HYDERABAD Modi government is hatching a con- spiracy to fill the coffers of the cor- Power Minister G Jagdish Reddy on porate companies," he said. Monday launched a scathing attack for property registrations on the Central government over Farmer attempts suicide farm laws. Speaking at the swearing at Suryapet Collectorate in ceremony of the Nalgonda A farmer on Monday PNS n HYDERABAD Chandrasekhar Rao was scheduled to Agricultre Market Committee on attempted suicide at the hold a review meeting on December Monday in Nalgonda town, the Suryapet district collec- Registration of non-agricultural 19 to decide whether to file an Minister said that while the state torate office. The farmer, properties in Telangana began on appeal against the High Court order government is filling the pockets of identified as Chappidi Monday with the old system, follow- or prepare guidelines as per its direc- the farmers, the Central government Krishnaiah, alleged that ing High Court orders not to insist tion, the meeting was cancelled. The is perforating farmers' pockets. his land in on Aadhaar details of the applicants. government made an announce- "The farmers of Telangana are Kodandapuram village Long queues of the applicants were ment that registrations will resume now only walking on the path of in Munagala mandal seen at the offices of the sub-regis- under CARD system without slot benefits. However, the Centre has was encroached upon. trars across the state for registration bookings. The registration of both been destroying the lives of farmers Markets will remain for name sake turned the sector prof- The police shifted under Computer-aided agricultural and non-agricultural by bringing new farm laws," he with the Centre's new farm laws and itable. "The credit of Krishnaiah to govern- Administration of Registration land was stopped in the first week of alleged. subsequently the farmers would spending half of the ment hospital where his Department (CARD). September to facilitate the transition "Prime Minister Narendra Modi's face a lot of problems," he further budget on Agriculture condition is said to be Following the High Court orders, December 14 after a gap of more than to the online process following enact- new farm laws are aimed to fill the alleged. sector goes to KCR. People migrat- serious. The farmer claimed that he authorities have stopped slot book- three months following the High ment of New Revenue Act. stomachs of corporate while looting The Minister said that the TRS ed to other states from Telangana are didn't get justice even though he ings in advance for registration. The Court orders permitting the com- The registration of agricultural the farmers'. The Agriculture Market government, after coming to power, coming back to their native villages brought the issue to the notice of applicants also do not have to furnish mencement of registrations with 100 lands had commenced in October Committees and Agriculture gave priority to agriculture and and doing agriculture. However, the the Tahasildar. Aadhaar details. The High Court had per cent advance slot booking. with the launch of Dharani portal, a on December 17 directed the govern- The court had directed the govern- single-window for all property trans- ment to stop forthwith collecting per- ment not to insist on Aadhaar num- actions. Meanwhile, the state govern- sonal details of family members and ber and other details for Dharani por- ment on Monday filed a petition in Aadhaar card particulars even for slot tal. The government had promised the High Court to vacate the stay on bookings to register non-agricultur- that the new system will ensure seeking Aadhaar details of all prop- al properties. increased transparency and no discre- erty owners for Dharani system. The court made it clear that the tion at any level. A total of 2,599 slots The government, in its petition, state government cannot adopt sur- were booked for registrations and argued that it can seek Aadhaar reptitious means to collect such 1,760 registrations were completed. details in case of cultivable lands as details of people either through However, as the government con- a subsidy scheme for such lands are Dharani portal or even through the tinued to insist on Aadhaar details of under implementation. old method of registration. the applications, some individuals The court asked the petitioners to Registration of non-agricultural filed Public Interest Litigations submit their objections, if any, by properties had resumed on (PILs). Though Chief Minister K. December 31. Congress suppressed my voice: Vijayashanti Expedite R&B works PNS n HYDERABAD in Sircilla: Collector BJP leader Vijayashanti PNS n RAJANNA SIRCILLA on Monday took a dig at Congress and claimed that Collector Krishna Bhaskar the party had suppressed directed the officials to expe- her voice and obstructed dite the pending works of her from speaking in pub- roads and buildings in lic. She said that the Rajanna Sircilla district. He Telangana Congress lead- convened a meeting with addi- ership had not listened to her suggestions which tional collector R Anjaiah, could be useful to the party. "The Congress high roads and buildings officials command had given a green signal to speak and others here on Monday. school works at Mandepelly against the corruption taking place in the state Speaking on the occasion, village on a fast pace. publicly, however, some state Congress leaders he enquired with officials He urged the officials to had expressed their objections to it," she alleged. about second bypass works at complete the road works being It may be recalled that Vijayashanti joined the BJP Venkatapur village in laid from Jillela village to at Delhi tendering resignation to the 135-year- Yellareddyp eta mandal in Mustabad and Tangallapally to old Congress party primary membership recent- Siricialla municipal limits and Turkapally. ly. First she started her career with the BJP, how- gave a fiat to complete the RDO Srinivasa Rao, Roads ever, she quit the BJP and launched her own Thalli works at a brisk pace. He also and Buildings executive engi- Telangana party. Later, she joined TRS by merg- directed the officials to com- neer Kishan Rao, panchayat raj ing her Thalli Telangana party with TRS. plete the works of the new secretary Srinivasa Rao, AD However, she also quit TRS and joined Congress. Collectorate complex and surveyor Srinivas and others Recently she quit the Congress and joined BJP. international driving the were present. Bandi vows to develop Karimnagar PNS n RAJANNA SIRCILLA for Covid and that fund Bandi asked was spent on purchasing Telangana BJP chief and masks and sanitisers. He Karimnagar MP Bandi officials to directed the doctors and Sanjay on Monday exhort- work in medical staff to provide ed the officials to work in better service to patients. tandem with public repre- tandem with He gave a fiat to the sentatives for the all-round public District Employment development of the district. representative Officer to conduct job He directed the officials melas every month and to strive to generate s for the directed to carry out a employment for jobless all-round survey to elicit the opinion youth and create awareness of the jobless youth. on government schemes development The Central and State among people. of Karimnagar governments launching He presided over a the schemes for the bene- meeting here on Monday fit of the people, he said and reviewed the develop- government schools. delivered in the govern- and added that officials see ment works with the dis- He suggested to the ment hospitals, will get that benefits reach all the trict officials. He dis- authorities concerned to Rs 700 while for the city beneficiaries across the cussed with officials on distribute PDS rice women, Rs 600, and the district. "We strive for the education, civil supplies, through e-Pass in a trans- cash will be credited in development of the district medical and health, village parent manner. In all, their bank accounts. with the coordination of development, agriculture, 20,106 gas connections Similarly, Rs 500 for TB district officials and pub- ICDS and other depart- were given to the needy patients will be credited lic representatives," said ments. under Pradhan Mantri into their accounts under Collector Krishna Bhaskar. He directed the District Ujjwala Yojana scheme Nikshay Poshan Yojana, Zilla Parishad chairman N Employment Officer to see in the district; under while pensions were Aruna said that she that mid-day meal is pro- Janani Suraksha Yojana granted for 175 leprosy will work for the develop- vided properly to students scheme, women belong- patients. ment of the district in all after the reopening of the ing to rural areas, who Rs 10 lakh was granted sectors. Raja Singh File objections urges govt Sloth bears fall on vacate to ban cow into well, rescued petition: HC slaughter PNS n HYDERABAD PNS n KARIMNAGAR PNS n HYDERABAD Hearing the property regis- Forest officials struggled tration case in Dharani por- Yuga Thulasi Foundation on for over seven hours to tal on Monday, the Telangana Monday hosted 'Gau rescue two sloth bears High Court asked the Mahadharna' demanding a which fell into an agricul- Government of Telangana to nationwide ban on cow tural well at file objections, if any, on the slaughter, at Dharna Chowk. Bommanapalli village. vacate petition filed by it BJP MLA Raja Singh and The forest authorities before the court. The govern- MLC Ramchander Rao par- initially tried to get the ment on Monday filed a ticipated and addressed the bears climb out of the vacate petition before the gathering. Speaking on the well by lowering ladders fell in it. He then called court asking it to withdraw occasion, the BJP MLA said smeared with honey, up the forest department the interim orders issued by that 'Go Matha' is his moth- which is loved by bears, officials who mounted a it on November 3. In an er and protection of cows is into it and with use of rescue operation on interim order to the state gov- his duty. nets, but they had to call Monday morning. ernment, the High Court on He said that he will go any an expert team from Movement of bears is a November 3 asked it to not to extent for the sake of Hindu Warangal who rescued common occurrence in pressurise the land owners for Dharma and Cow protec- the bears by the evening. this part of the district details of Aadhaar card, caste tion. "I will kick the party or Earlier, the owner of which is covered with and so on. The state govern- position for the sake of cow the well Kathua several hillocks while ment told the HC that the law protection. Positions are not Devendar Yadav was in active mining of granite in permitted it to seek Aadhaar important to me", he said. for a shock when he the nearby areas forcing and other details as the input He demanded the govern- heard the growls emanat- bears to move to other subsidy scheme is in vogue ment to announce cows as ing from his the well and areas and the surrounding benefiting the farmers. HC national animal. found the two sloth bears villages as well. adjourned case to Dec 31. HYDERABAD | TUESDAY | DECEMBER 22, 2020 nation 05 UK VIRUS SCARE BJP will struggle to cross On alert, no need to panic: Govt double-digit mark: Kishor PNS n KOLKATA PNS n NEW DELHI flights from the UK immedi- ately in view of the emergence A day after Home Minister The government is fully alert of a mutated variant of the Amit Shah left West Bengal, and there is no need to panic, coronavirus there. following his two-day high- Union Health Minister Harsh Several European coun- voltage campaign in the state, Vardhan said on Monday amid tries -- France, Germany, the election strategist Prashant concerns over the emergence of Netherlands, Belgium, Austria Kishor on Monday claimed on a new coronavirus strain in the and Italy -- have banned flights Twitter that the BJP will strug- UK. from the UK with the British gle to cross the double-digit The Union Health Ministry government warning that the mark in assembly polls. has called an urgent meeting of potent new strain of the virus Kishor, who has been roped its Joint Monitoring Group on was "out of control" and in by TMC supremo Mamata Monday to discuss the new imposing a stringent new stay- Banerjee to strengthen her strain, which has led to a surge at-home lockdown from party's poll prospects, said in the infection rate in the UK. Sunday. that he would quit the Responding to a question British Prime Minister Boris microblogging site if the saf- on the panic and a demand to Johnson last week said a fast- fron party does any better ban flights from the UK, moving new variant of the than what he predicted. Vardhan told reporters, "I virus that is 70 per cent more "For all the hype amplified BJP MP's wife joins TMC would say this to all that all transmissible than existing by a section of supportive PNS n KOLKATA and its spokesperson Kunal these imaginary situations, strains appeared to be driving media, in reality BJP will strug- Ghosh. Asked about the imaginary talks, imaginary the rapid spread of new infec- gle to cross double digits in Sujata Mondal Khan, wife of reaction of her husband, who is panic... don't involve yourself tions in London and southern West Bengal," he tweeted. BJP MP Saumitra Khan, also the Bharatiya Janata Yuva in this." England in recent weeks. But "Please save this tweet and if switched over to the TMC from Morcha (BJYM) state unit "The government is fully minister said. last one year. The scientific needed to combat and under- he stressed "there's no evidence BJP does any better I must quit the saffron camp on Monday, chief, she said it was up to him alert about everything. If you He said the government had community, he added, had stand any aspect of COVID- to suggest it is more lethal or this space!" Kishore added. claiming that she did not get to decide his future course of ask me, there is no reason to done everything that was very ably risen to the occasion, 19. Delhi Chief Minister causes more severe illness," or The saffron party, which her due recognition even after action. "I hope he would realise panic the way we are seeing in important to handle the continuously striving and con- Arvind Kejriwal has demand- that vaccines will be less effec- recently received a shot in the taking several risks to get her one day... Who knows he might this press conference," the COVID-19 situation in the tributing to whatever was ed that the Centre ban all tive against it. arm after political heavyweight husband elected during 2019 be back in the TMC one day," Suvendu Adhikari, a TMC Lok Sabha elections. the newly inducted leader of MP and nine MLAs joined its She alleged that "newly the Bengal's ruling party said. camp, has asserted that it inducted, misfit and corrupt would win over 200 seats in the leaders" are getting more Resignation as MLA has been India has one of lowest COVID-19 deaths per million globally upcoming polls. importance in the saffron camp accepted, says Adkhikari BJP national general secre- than the loyal ones. Newly inducted BJP leader PNS n NEW DELHI according to the Union Ministry ensured that daily fatalities are cases reached 1,00,31,223 on tary Kailash Vijayvargiya, in "Despite enduring physical Suvendu Adhikari on Monday of Health and Family Welfare under 400,” MOHFW tweeted on Sunday, according to the Union response to Kishor's tweet, attacks, sacrificing so claimed that his resignation as India continues to witness a (MOHFW). Monday. 341 case fatalities have Ministry of Health and Family said the country would end up much to get my husband West Bengal MLA has been declining trend in average daily “#IndiaFightsCorona India has been reported in the past 24 Welfare (MoHFW). India’s losing a poll strategist after elected to Parliament, I got accepted following his meeting new deaths due to coronavirus one of the lowest deaths/mn hours, taking the toll to 1,45,477 present active caseload consists Bengal elections. nothing in return... I want to with Assembly Speaker Biman amid decreasing new cases in the population globally (105.4). on Sunday. A week earlier from of just 3.04 per cent of the total "Given the ongoing BJP work under our beloved leader Banerjee. "Assembly speaker past few weeks. With only 351 Focussed measures including December 7-3, 450 average daily positive cases. The difference in tsunami in Bengal; once the Mamata Banerjee and our dada had called me regarding my average daily COVID-19 fatalities targeted testing, early COVID-19 fatalities were reported. the new recoveries new government is formed, the Abhisek Banerjee," Mondal resignation as MLA of the reported between December 14- identification, timely isolation & With 26,624 new COVID-19 outnumbering new cases has country will have to lose an Khan said, after joining the House. Today, I met him... I 20, India continues to have one of prompt hospitalization & cases recorded in the last 24 also improved the recovery rate election strategist," party in the presence of TMC was told my resignation has the lowest deaths per million, Standard Treatment Protocol have hours, India’s total coronavirus to 95.51 per cent. Vijayvargiya quipped on MP been accepted," he said. Twitter.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ARCHIE CALVIN AND HOBBES

GARFIELD REALITY CHECK SPEED BUMP CROSSWORD

NANCY

SUDOKU Yesterday’s solution

GINGER MEGGS

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

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

nnounced on @SitharaEnts!! (Sic).” Dasara in While Rana, who is out October, Power of town, was absent at the a star Pawan launch, Pawan graced the Kalyan’s next occasion along with good with Sithara friend Trivikram Srinivas. Entertainments was The actor even sounded launched in Hyderabad on the clapper-board for the Avika Monday. The untitled traditional first shot, while project — an official Trivikram directed it. Tamannaah celebrates remake of Malayalam hit Producer S Radha Krishna Ayyappanum Koshiyum— of Haarika & Hassine will see Pawan pitted Creations handed over the against Rana Daggubati, as script to film’s director Seetimaarr Gor on a the makers confirmed the Saagar K Chandra. b'day on sets latter’s participation just The film will move to before the muhurat. The floors next month in actor’s name was attached Hyderabad with a short Before she flew the weekend in Hyderabad. (Sic), director Sampath to the project ever since action schedule at to her hometown “Fun’tabulous moments!! Nandi posted on Twitter on Sithara first considered Aluminum Factory, fol- Mumbai to ring in Celebrating our very own Monday. The actress plays remaking it with lowed by a lengthy outing a her 31st birthday ‘Jwala Reddy’ Kabaddi coach Jwala Reddy roll Balakrishna and then Ravi in Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, on Monday, @TamannaSpeaks’ birthday in his sports drama. Her Teja. Expressing his joy on with which the entire Tamannaah Bhatia on our #Seetimaarr sets. look too from the film was being able to work with talkie portions will be cut a cake with the cast and Abundance of love is what unveiled on Monday to many stars, Rana posted, wrapped up. crew of Seetimaarr during we all got for you. Shine on! coincide with her birthday. “Another Journey begins!! Directed by the late What joy this is, been able Sachy, Ayyappanum work with so many stars Koshiyum was about a across industries!! And relentless ego clash now joining the coolest between a proud havildar back home Our very Koshiyum (played by own Powerstar Prithviraj) and an upright Red @PawanKalyan!! but occasionally hot-head- sticks Can’t wait ed SI Ayyappanum (Biju thank you Menon), transforming into After staging a an intense psychological game over its running comeback to Telugu time. Saagar tailored the original to suit Telugu cinema with Raju Gari nativity and images of his to Sankranti lead actors. SS Thaman is Gadhi 3, Avika has landed composing tunes. projects with Naveen Chandra (the remake of Marathi super hit Happy ith films like Rang Journey) and Kalyaan Dhev. She has De, Alludu Adhurs now signed a key role in Vikram Kumar's Wand Most Eligible Bachelor more or less vacating Thank You, starring Naga the coveted Sankranti spot due to fewer footfalls in cin- Chaitanya, reports ema halls, the fate of Red, starring Ram, hung in bal- NAGARAJ GOUD ance. However, on Monday, the actor stated that the film will arrive for the festival season. “When we were he filming of Vikram Kumars’s next gearing up for a red-hot Thank You, which was officially summer, corona shook the Tannounced a couple of months ago, has world. Red zones were kicked off in Hyderabad on Monday, with lead everywhere and Red (the star Naga Chaitanya joining the sets on day one movie) stayed home. Now, it’s itself. While the makers haven’t disclosed time for the red alert this names about the film’s leading ladies, The Sankranti,” read a video mes- Pioneer, however, has understood from a sage on the actor’s Twitter source that Avika Gor has been signed as timeline which had visuals one leading lady. “Avika has a substantial from Red. The messaged ended part like the other two heroines. Besides with the trailer release date-Dec her role, the fact that film is giving her 24. an opportunity to work with Vikram In a statement, he said that the and PC Sreeram meant that she didn’t think twice to sign the project,” said team had waited this long because a source. they wanted to give a theatrical expe- Vikram is directing Thank You from a story of writer-director BVS Ravi. rience for the audience. Speaking to us recently, the former said that it’s a story that needs to be Interestingly, Red is the second film told now. “It would resonate with the audience at various levels. That after Krack to have reiterated their Sankranti said it’s not a message-oriented film but has an undercurrent of release plans. something which is wonderful. It got me connected to the story The film will be Ram’s third Sankranti in the first place. It has got all mainstream elements — release after Devadas and Maska. Directed by humour, drama, romance and a little bit of action,” the Kishore Tirumala, the project features Nivetha director had said.According to the grapevine, Pethuraj, Amritha Iyer and Malavika Sharma as lead- Vikram is in talks with Rakul Preet Singh and ing ladies, while Mani Sharma has composed music. An Priyanka Arul for the other heroine investigative thriller, it narrates the confusion that arises among roles. a few cops when they find out that the one accused in the mur- der of a youngster has a look-alike. sport 12 HYDERABAD | TUESDAY | DECEMBER 22, 2020

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