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#$#%& General VG Somani said the efficacy of the British-devel- & earing up to launch one of oped AstraZeneca/Oxford vac- Gthe world’s largest coron- cine is 70.42 per cent, though he avirus vaccination drive any- did not give out the efficacy per % $ time soon, India on Sunday cent of the jab developed by the gave final approval for the Hyderabad-based biotechnolo- emergency use of Hyderabad- gy firm, Bharat Biotech. #$#%& research experts were not con- based Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin Somani, however, vinced as they termed it ‘a and the Serum Institute of described the Indian-devel- mid concerns raised by dangerous step’ given that India’s Covishield. Both vac- oped Covaxin vaccine as “safe Avarious quarters regard- details of Stage 3 clinical trials #$#%& BJP” and said he would not cines are being produced in the which provides a robust ing the efficacy of the Covaxin were yet not available. take the shot. On Sunday, the country. immune response.” He said indigenously developed by They argued that the prob- he grant of approval to former Uttar Pradesh Chief India’s approval of the UK- the Indian vaccine was Bharat Biotech that is yet to lem is that the Government in TBharat Biotech’s Covid-19 Minister said the Covid-19 developed AstraZeneca/Oxford approved “in the public inter- complete phase 3 trial, the its eagerness to promote ‘vocal vaccine for “emergency use” vaccination programme is a University jab follows Britain’s est as an abundant precaution, DCGI said it will be used in for local’ notion has bypassed has kicked a major controversy “sensitive process”, and the recent approval of the vaccine. in clinical trial mode, to have restricted cases and was key parts of the standard drug with several senior Congress Government should not treat it India plans to inoculate some more options for vaccinations, approved “in public interest as and vaccine-development pro- leaders raising serious concern as a “cosmetic” event as it is a 30 crore people on a priority list especially in case of infection by an abundant precaution, in tocol and have questioned over the way the approval has matter of lives. this year by July 2021 with three mutant strains”. clinical trial mode, to have DCGI’s claims that “it is 110 been granted. The party has offi- Sharma, who heads the crore health workers, doctors, Somani also did not take more options for vaccinations, per cent safe”. cially lauded the scientists and Parliamentary panel on Home and front carona warriors to be any question from the reporters especially in case of infection by Experts also warned that researchers for the Affairs which dealt with the given the free jab. except saying, “We’ll never mutant strains”. the decision may lead to dis- achievement. issue at length, said the matter The country’s top drug approve anything if there is accelerated approval process workers to administer vaccines “We’ll never approve any- trust among people regarding Senior Congress leaders of granting authorisation for regulator DCGI in its presser slightest of safety concern. The request of the SII, Bharat across the country. thing if there is slightest of safe- vaccines and that it may and former Union Ministers vaccine use needs to be taken on Sunday said, “Emergency vaccines are 100 per cent safe. Biotech International Ltd as The DCGI said both man- ty concern. become difficult for the Union Anand Sharma, Jairam Ramesh up carefully as no country has restricted approval has been Some side effects like mild well as about phase-III trials of ufacturers had submitted data “The vaccines are 110 per Government to defend it in the and Shashi Tharoor sought to dispensed with the mandatory given for the two vaccine can- fever, pain, and allergy are Cadila Healthcare Ltd. showing their vaccines were cent safe. Some side effects like international fora. know from the Health Minister phase 3 trials and verification didates and that it is paying common for every vaccine. It India, which has recorded safe to use and shared that SII mild fever, pain and allergy are Dr Rahul Bhargava, why mandatory protocols and of data. close attention to the increas- is absolute rubbish that people the second-highest number of has presented a recombinant common for every Director (Institute of Blood verification of data “had been In its report submitted on ing cases of the UK’s Covid-19 may become impotent.” infections in the world with chimpanzee adenovirus vector vaccine. Disorder and Bone Marrow dispensed with”. December 21 to Rajya Sabha new strain in the country and As per the official release, more than 10.3 million con- vaccine (Covishield) encoding “It is absolute rubbish that Transplant) Fortis Hospital, Samajwadi Party leader chairman and Vice President M was prioritising its threat while the Subject Expert Committee firmed cases to date, killing the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) gly- people may become impotent,” Gurgaon said that the Akhilesh Yadav had on Venkaiah Naidu, the commit- conducting clinical (SEC) met on Friday and nearly 150,000 held nationwide coprotein with technology trans- he said at a Press conference Government is trying to mod- Saturday termed the anti-Covid tee noted that the CDSCO has trials”. Saturday had made its recom- drills on Saturday to prepare fer from AstraZeneca/Oxford here. ify the protocols related to vaccine to be rolled out in the given no emergency use autho- India’s Drugs Controller mendations in respect of the more than 90,000 healthcare University. However, the doctors and phase three trials. country as a “vaccine of the risation in the past. *% & ''()% *+ & ! "#$ % " #$% #$#%& #$#%&
ollowing the overnight rain- t a time the “boycott China” Ffall in the national Capital, Achorus has been getting the farmers protesting and louder, China-based Shanghai camping at city borders wit- Tunnel Engineering Company nessed waterlogged tents, (STEC) has been awarded a Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor soaked firewood and blankets. contract to construct 5.6 km have been awarded and the The continuous rainfall underground stretch from New construction is going on in full throughout the day also led to Ashok Nagar to Sahibabad of swing to commission the pro- waterlogging at agitation the Delhi-Meerut Rapid Rail ject in time, an NCRTC venues and water also entered Transit System project. spokesperson said. in the tents of the farmers. A major controversy had Five national and multina- Heavy rain lashed across erupted in June last year after tional bidders including L&T, ! "#$ the national Capital on Sunday the STEC emerged as the low- Tata Projects Limited took part leading to waterlogging in est bidder for a contract worth in the bid. The NCRTC had ,-. Police said they have iden- lives in the incident. some parts of the city. % & Rs 1,126 crore for the con- invited global bids for the first tified the bodies of 14 deceased The CM directed the According to a meteorological ( ! "#$ struction of the 5.6-km tunnel underground civil construction / 0 persons out of the 23 dead. Divisional Commissioner of department official, the mini- on one of the stretches of the package in November last year They have been identified as Meerut and Additional Ditector mum temperature in the city the protesting farmers are in high prevent from soaking in Delhi-Meerut RRTS project and the technical bids for this 0 Omkar (45), Neeraj alias Bunty General of Police (ADGP) settled at 9.9 degrees Celsius, spirits. “Farmers continue to be water. amid a standoff between India contract package were opened (40), Joginder (42), Sunil (44), Meerut zone to submit a report while the maximum settled at in high morale and are consoli- At Tikri border, Bharatiya and China along the Line of on March 16. Om Prakash Arya (68), Robin, in this connection. The CM also 15.8 degrees Celsius. The dating forces. All four major Kisan Union Ugrahan leader Actual Control (LAC) in The scope of work includes Pramod (34), Nitin Chauhan directed officials to give finan- humidity oscillated between protest sites are being coordi- Sukhdev Singh, said arrange- Ladakh. The National Capital design and construction of (34), Pappu Singh (45), Babu cial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to the 100 and 82 per cent. The nated, more forces are joining in ments made by farmers to Region Transport Corporation twin tunnels from near New '%()&(*(+,-.(('(. (45), Akshay (48), Vinod (58), kin of each of the Safdarjung observatory, which and protests in other places are brave the cold weather are not (NCRTC), which is executing Ashok Nagar DN Ramp to Dilip Batra (68) and Mayank deceased. provides official figures for the continuing,” said AIKSCC. helping much because of rains the country’s first Regional Sahibabad UP Ramp and one n a tragic incident, at least23 (18), all residents of Union Minister V K Singh, city, recorded 14.8 mm rainfall Following the rainfall, the and subsequent waterlogging. Rapid Rail Transit System underground station at Anand Ipeople were killed and sev- Muradnagar district. who is a Member of Parliament at 5.30 pm, while the Palam farmers on Sunday said they Veerpal Singh, a protesting (RRTS), said the contract was Vihar. The tunneling work has eral others injured after a roof Till late evening the from Ghaziabad, and several weather station recorded 5.3 are ready to face any problem, farmer, said their blankets, awarded following the set pro- to be completed in 1,095 days of a shelter at a cremation National Disaster Response senior police and administra- mm and Lodhi Road recorded be it heavy downpour or storm, clothes and wood are soaked. cedure and guidelines. after issuance of the letter of ground in Uttar Pradesh’s (UP) Force (NDRF), fire depart- tion officials visited the acci- 18.6 mm rainfall. they will not leave this place “Farmers clothes are soaked “Approvals have to be taken acceptance (LoA) by Ukhlarsi village in Muradnagar ment and police teams were dent site. According to District Meanwhile, the All India under any condition until their due to waterlogging caused by at various levels for bids that are NCRTC. area collapsed on Sunday. seen removing the debris and Magistrate Dr Ajay Shankar Kisan Sangharsh Coordination demands are met. rains. Besides, we are facing dif- funded by multilateral agencies. The 82-km-long corridor is The UP Police said follow- searching for the people under Pande, the incident happened Committee (AIKSCC) on Rainwater also entered into ficulties to cook food as rain This bid was also awarded fol- being funded by the Asian ing the rainfall, the relatives and it. Several people are admitted when the people of Dayanand Sunday said despite extreme their makeshift camps at Burari water has also soaked fire- lowing the set procedure and Development Bank (ADB) and friends of Yadaram, who was to various hospitals. Colony near Ukhralasi village cold conditions and heavy ground and the protesters were wood. We do have an LPG guidelines,” the NCRTC said. procurement is governed by the being cremated at the time of Meanwhile, Uttar Paradesh were going to cremate the body downpour, which has made wet seen draining the water out and cylinder but not everyone here Now, all the civil work tenders guidelines of the bank and the incident, had taken shelter under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of 62-year-old Yadram at the and soggy clothes and bedding, rearranging their belongings to has it,” he said. of the 82-km-long Delhi- Government. the roof when it collapsed. expressed grief over the loss of local Shamshan Ghat. /) . ' ( R .-R & /0%& treasure house which out- Karunakaran were regular trav- % smarts the best individual col- ellers all over the world as part lappuzha in Kerala is lection anywhere in the world. of the coir business. *%0 ( Aknown as the Venice of the The visitors’ diary at Revi Karunakaran had his edu- ! East thanks to the rivers, placid Karuna Karan Memorial cation in Europe, the UK and " he Shivraj Singh Chouhan- backwaters and lakes dotting Museum bears comments sub- the USA and was the first Tled Madhya Pradesh the region. The beach along the stantiating this observation. global citizen of Kerala. Revi Cabinet was expanded on Arabian Sea and the canals Connoisseurs of art works and too had his education from Sunday with the induction of meandering along the city has avantgarde artists like Bose Europe and the USA. two loyalists of BJP leader made it a popular tourist des- Krishnamachari were left spell- “Revi was travelling most Jyotiraditya Scindia, whose exit tination. bound after watching the of the time to Europe, Africa from the Congress in March Unknown to most people, museum, conceived, realised and the USA as part of the fam- last year triggered the fall of the Alappuzha, the nerve centre of and even curated by Betty. ily business. The number of 15-month-old Kamal Nath-led India’s coir industry, is home to This museum is a tribute coir factories owned by the dispensation in the State. the world’s largest collection of by Betty to her loving husband family shot up to nine during Governor Anandiben Patel artefacts and art works made of late Revi Karuna Karan, the his tenure. He was honoured by administered the oath of office ivory, crystal, porcelain and doyen of modern coir industry Air India as the most frequent to Tulsiram Silawat and exotic wood. Not only that, the in India. “His grandfather flyer. I accompanied him in all Govind Rajput, who returned city has the largest private col- Krishnan and father his business tours. While he to the Cabinet after a gap of lection of Swaroski, Lladro, Karunakaran were into coir was discussing business with more than two months. Capo de monte art works. business. Revi took off from his clients, I chose shopping With their induction, the cur- An initiative by Betty where they left,” explained and that too shops and muse- rent strength of the State Karunakaran, who could be Betty in a tete-a-tete with The ums famous for collection of Cabinet went up to addressed as Kerala’s cultural Pioneer. artefacts,” reminiscences 31. czarina, has evolved into a Both Krishnan and Betti. ! 8 9% & "$$3:
#$#%& Government is treading very Government is making all the cautiously and is not making arrangements. The protocol iting the Corona health decisions in a haste.” will be that health care and Cbulletin, Delhi Health Delhi has reported 494 frontline workers, people over Minister Satyendar Jain on positive cases and the positiv- 50 years of age or with co-mor- Sunday said that for the first ity rate was 0.73 percent. “For bidity will be injected in the time, positive cases were less the first time in the last 7 and first phase of the roll-out. Delhi than 500, and the positivity rate a half months, the number of has 3 lac healthcare workers, was on a continuous decline. cases has gone below 500. After and 6lac frontline workers. According to the Minister, 17 May 2020, this is the lowest The vaccine will be first rolled the outbreak contained but number of cases. Positivity rate out to these 9 lac people,” Jain advisable to wear a mask and has fallen to 0.73 percent added. follow all precautions. implying that in every 1000 A dry run had conducted On the protocol that will be tests conducted, 7 positive in three different types of cen- followed for vaccine for which cases are detected. Testing is tres- government hospital, pri- DGCI has give approval, he still being conducted on a large vate hospital and government said that in the first phase, scale.” dispensary situated in Delhi. healthcare and frontline work- “We have just been made “Storage facilities have been ers, people over 50 plus age or covid centres will be made beds, there will still 10,500- aware that the vaccines devel- made. Ultimately, 1000 centres with co-morbidity will be which will be further escalated 11,000 available. As far as the oped by Bharat Biotech and will be made. In the first phase, injected. to 1000,” he said, adding, “even shutting down of covid centres Serum Institute of India have we will make 500-600 centres,” “In the first phase, 500-600 after de-escalation of covid is concerned, the Delhi been given approval. Delhi Jain said. P & *#& " %% +$,%% #$#%& '-.-'.(, elhi Government’s house Dpanel on Sunday sum- haratiya Kisan Union moned three commissioners of B(BKU) leader, Rakesh the three municipal corpora- Tikait, who reached the tions after receiving complaints protesting site in Gurugram on on rising levels of dust and air Sunday to support the farmers pollution in different parts in ongoing stir in the national Delhi. capital while addressing the Mechanical sweeping of people at the protesting site said roads have been recommend- that the farmers agitation will ed to control dust pollution not end till the government major factor in polluting air, rolls back the new agriculture expressing concerns on this the laws. Environment Committee of Tikait alleged that the new the Delhi Legislative Assembly’s farm laws have been made for farmers will stay in Delhi and the Delhi border. The Samyukt chairperson Atishi said that the benefit of the capitalists. He keep protesting against these Kisan Morcha, Gurugram dust is the major contributor to said that till the demands of the laws. He said that soon should help them in all possi- Delhi's pollution, Delhi people farmers are not accepted, the Rajasthan farmers will reach ble ways. are unable to breathe yet MCD is not doing mechanical sweep- ing. O,& -P “Committee has received several complaints from dif- ferent parts of the city regard- #%.(- aspects of a human being at the ing rising levels of dust and various junctures of life. Each ensuing air pollution caused by ooking For Wildflowers, a and every character in the sto- the manual sweeping of roads eliminate manual sweeping of complaints from across Delhi received several complaints of the city regarding rising Lbook by Krishnasish Jana ries is not just having the hope being carried out by the respec- roads in Delhi. regarding rising levels of dust from different parts of the city levels of dust and ensuing air has hit the stands. of getting better in their life but tive corporations, she added. Atishi had said that the due to manual sweeping, the regarding rising levels of dust pollution caused by the man- A Bigfoot Publications, have aspirations pinned on All three MCD - North, MCDs must submit a complete Committee sought clarifica- and ensuing air pollution ual sweeping of roads being Looking For Wildflowers is their sleeves. The metaphor of South and West commission- report on the use of MRS tion from MCD commission- caused by the manual sweeping carried out by the respective one of such beautiful short- wildflower has been used in ers have been asked to file a machines in the city and any ers on the non-adoption of of roads being carried out by corporations. The panel had story collection which let us various ways. The beauty of the report, on the implementation other recent steps taken by the mechanical sweeping despite the respective corporations. asked three MCD commis- immerse into this ocean of story to relate to the common of NGT orders and TERI rec- MCDs to improve their efficacy NGT orders. Atishi said, "The sioners to submit detailed steps emotions. A total of 11 stories masses makes it a must read. ommendations, use of MRS or eliminate manual sweeping. Atishi also said that the Committee received several taken by the MCDs to stop dust perfectly blend the various The book is priced at Rs 198. machines, and steps taken to On receiving continuous Environment Committee has complaints from different parts pollution in Delhi."
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0 +%! "% % O +' % %P # ,# # ! lated places in the Garhwal degrees Celsius and 9.3 degrees 3+ % region of the State on Monday. Celsius respectively in %#' +%%+34# "# In Dehradun, the start of the Dehradun, 19.4 degree Celsius week is forecast to witness a and 8.8 degrees Celsius in !# '#%! % #& #% partly cloudy sky. Further, light Pantnagar, 7.5 degrees Celsius rain and thunderstorm are also and 6.3 degrees Celsius in #%.(- '! ) likely to occur. The maximum Mukteshwar and 12.8 degrees ! ' * and minimum temperatures Celsius and 6.2 degrees Celsius hile Delhi Deputy Chief in Dehradun are likely to be respectively in New Tehri. On WMinister and Aam !+ &#'% ', around 20 degrees Celsius and the same day, the rainfall mea- Aadmi Party leader Manish nine degrees Celsius respec- sured in these towns from 8:30 Sisodia continues to insist on "# tively. AM to 5:30 PM was 0.2 mil- an open debate to compare works done by the #%.(- Uttarakhand government and Delhi government, Cabinet ven as various Minister Madan Kaushik has Kaushik had accepted the chal- is a serious subject and not This State always welcomes that the Delhi deputy CM had Eparts of the written a letter to Sisodia in lenge stating that he could list some theatre show.” He said guests but expects that they do extended greetings for the year state received light which he has welcomed the 200 works done by the state that not only any leader of BJP not fall victim to impatience. 2020 instead of 2021 in his let- rainfall on Sunday, invitation to debate. However, government so far. On Sunday, in Uttarakhand of a minister Your behaviour and comments ter. Even the date set for the the state meteoro- Kaushik has further told Kaushik wrote a letter to but even a party is capable of clearly show a deep frustration debate on the Delhi model is logical centre has Sisodia that when it comes to Sisodia stating that the people having an issue based political and political impatience.” a year old. This shows seri- forecast the likeli- a public debate, politics is a of Delhi had learnt in the debate with Sisodia. In his letter to Sisodia, ousness for facts, said Kaushik. hood of light to serious subject and not some AAP government’s seven years Kaushik further said that Kaushik has also raised ques- Meanwhile, Sisodia said moderate theatre show. Meanwhile, in office that the party was a Uttarakhand is the land of tions about the works done in that he will arrive in Dehradun rain/snowfall at Sisodia stated that he will “seller of hope”. Kaushik said, serious movements with each the past seven years by the on Monday and will be avail- many places in arrive in Dehradun on “You behave like a business- person here being aware of AAP government in Delhi. “I able for a public debate to com- Uttarakhand on Monday. man selling hope and dreams. development centric politics have no hesitation in saying pare the performance of the Monday. Snowfall It will be recalled that ear- When it comes to and its serious aspects. that you have a deep greed for Delhi and Uttarakhand gov- is likely to occur at lier, Sisodia had challenged the Uttarakhand, crores of tourists Referring to AAP he said, power. In this greed, you have ernments. He has asked places situated at Uttarakhand government to a arrive here every year. “Sometimes you leave Delhi for cheated the people of Delhi Kaushik to list just five impor- altitudes of 2,500 public debate seeking details of Uttarakhand has no hesitation Uttar Pradesh, then your leader and are now trying to dupe tant works done by the state metres and above. The meteo- Meanwhile, the maximum limetres in Dehradun, 3.9 mil- works done by the BJP gov- in welcoming a tourist politi- reaches Punjab to become its Uttarakhand but you will be government here in the spheres rological centre has also issued and minimum temperatures limetres in Pantnagar, 23.2 ernment during its term in cian like you. As far as the pub- chief minister and now he has unsuccessful,” stated Kaushik. of education, water, health, a warning regarding the possi- recorded at various places of millimetres in Mukteshwar and office so far in core areas. lic debate is concerned, politics taken a fancy to Uttarakhand. He also pointed out to Sisodia power and employment. bility of hail/lightning at iso- the State on Sunday were 21.2 0.4 millimetres in New Tehri. $ !. % . / 0R
Q total of 84705 patients have 13 from Pauri, eleven each #&# !%) recovered from the disease so from Tehri and Udham Singh #%.(- far in the state. The recovery Nagar, seven from Champawat, ./ # percentage from the disease is three from Pithoragarh, two n protest against the now at 92.26 and the sample from Rudraprayag and one Iatrocities on minori- # % positivity rate is 5.05 each from Almora, Bageshwar ties and the razing of percent. and Chamoli on temples in Pakistan, '# ' #& One patient each of the Sunday. the members of the Covid-19 was reported dead at Uttarakhand now has 4376 Minorities cell of the + & Sushila Tiwari government active cases of the disease. #%.(- ending January 2 had 981 state BJP burned the hospital, Haldwani, All India Dehradun is at continuing to more recoveries than positive effigy of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences remain at top of the table of n what can be termed as cases. In the week (December government at #%.(- (AIIMS) Rishikesh, active cases with 1258 cases Igood news on Covid-19 pan- 27 to January 2) only 46 deaths Lansdowne chowk on Government Doon Medical while with 892 active cases demic front in the New Year in were reported by Covid-19 in Sunday. he number of novel College (GDMC) hospital Nainital is at second Uttarakhand, the weekly infec- the state which are significantly The protesters TCoronavirus (Covid-19) Dehradun, Himalayan hospital spot. tion rate (IR) has come down lower than 68 reported a week were led by the deputy cases in Uttarakhand increased Dehradun and Jaya Maxwell Haridwar now at third to the lowest level in the last before. The state reported the chairman of the Prime to 91811 on Sunday with the hospital, Haridwar on position with 391 cases, five and half months. The highest weekly deaths during Minister’s 15 point state health department report- Sunday. Pithoragarh has 383, Tehri 240, infection rate is the percentage October 11 to 17 when 190 programme implementation raged and burned shows that that PM Narendra Modi should ing 267 new cases of the dis- Out of 244 patients dis- Uttarkashi 230, , Udham Singh of the tests done to that of pos- deaths were reported. The committee, Shadab Shams. the democracy is in shambles raise the issue at international ease. The department also charged on the day, 149 Nagar 206, Pauri 169, Almora itive cases. In the week ending founder of SDCF, Anoop Speaking on the occasion in Pakistan. He said that forums and expose Pakistan,’’ reported the death of five belonged to Dehradun and 60 155, Bageshwar 151, January 2, the IR stood at a Nautiyal said that reduced IR Shams said that on the orders minorities particularly Hindus he said. patients of the disease on the from Nainital. Champawat 119 and Chamoli lowly 2.48 percent in the and deaths is a good sign. He of the Pakistan Supreme Court are specially targeted in The state general secretary day after which the death toll The health department 117 active cases of the disease. state. added that the only worrying construction of the temple was Pakistan. of BJP Gulfam Sheikh, Javed mounted to 1527 in the state. reported 123 fresh cases of the With 65 active cases of Covid- The data released by the sign is that 15000 less tests were going on at the memorial of “We have assembled here Alam, Hazi Salim Ahmed, The health department dis- disease from Dehradun, 54 19, Rudraprayag is now at the Social Development for done in the week ending Sant Param Hans but the man- to show our solidarity with the Nadeen Jaidi and others were charged 244 patients from dif- from Nainital, 22 from bottom of the table of active Communities Foundation January 2 than the previous ner in which the temple was Hindus of Pakistan. We request present on the occasion. ferent hospitals on Sunday. A Haridwar, 18 from Uttarkashi, cases of Covid-19. (SDCF) show that the week week. / '' 1 ,. %2 % #%.(- he Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) Tpresident Pritam Singh has said that a friendly match is being played between the BJP and Aam Adami Party (AAP) in Uttarakhand. #%.(- Referring to the debate challenge thrown by the Deputy Chief Minister of hief minister Trivendra Delhi Manish Sisodia to the cabinet min- CSingh Rawat has appreci- ister of Uttarakhand Madan Kaushik, the ated Prime Minister Narendra PCC president said that if they want to Modi and the scientists for the debate then they should go ahead and “Swadeshi” vaccine against should not indulge in public posturing. He Covid-19. He said that with the said that the AAP has no future in latest development, the long Uttarakhand and people of many states have wait for the Indian vaccine (&&2( vital role in providing basic legal aid and already rejected the party. The PCC presi- against Covid has now ended. other necessities to the needy people dur- dent said that the government should On the recommendation of ollowing his transfer to the Himachal ing the Covid-19 pandemic. Also the exec- order an investigation in the irregularities the Covid vaccine expert com- FPradesh high court, a farewell pro- utive chairman of USLSA, Justice Malimath, in the Kisan Samman Nidhi (KSN). He said mittee, the drug controller of gramme was held for the acting chief jus- had laid emphasis on devising a system that it has come to the fore that 185 fake India has approved Bharat tice of Uttarakhand high court, Ravi which can provide the necessary legal aid beneficiaries were included in KSN in Biotech’s Covaxin and Serum Malimath on Sunday by the Uttarakhand to the common masses. Justices Manoj Laksar of Haridwar district. “Irregularities Institute’s Covishield for emer- State Legal Services Authority (USLSA). Kumar Tiwari, Sharad Kumar Sharma, worth Rs 9.16 Crore are being reported in gency use. It is a matter of pride Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia said that Ravindra Maithani and Alok Kumar Verma Haridwar district. An inquiry should be for all Indians that both these . & under the leadership of Justice Malimath, along with advocate general SN Babulkar done on the issue so that the interests of vaccines have been made in ! " the legal services institutions had played a were also present on the occasion. actual beneficiaries are protected,’’ he said. India. 0*1 2!
did not want to go to Shimla in Satta . “We all had the time of industry, believes that actors #%.(- a boarding school as his aunt our lives.” He said the film had the freedom not to speak stayed there and he did not Shart was among his favourites up on all social and political ell known film and tele- want to be in a boarding school from his work. From among his issues. “I feel about many of the Wvision actor Kanwaljit in a town where there were any TV serials, he said Farmaan issues but then I have the free- Singh said that the time he relatives. was his personal favourite. dom not to comment on them spent at his school, St George’s He said that his experience Kanwaljit, who has done publicly.” at Mussoorie, left a deep mark with the first film he had Hindi films and TV series as He said he had also acted on him and moulded him into signed (Shankar Hussain) was well as Punjabi films, has in a Bengali film which he what he is today. “I have beau- extremely interesting as the played the role of Mirza Ghalib found absolutely realistic and tiful memories of my alma great director Kamal Amrohi on stage in Aakhri Shamma. natural. He said that he loved mater and go back there at any who was a perfectionist would “We had done around seven Urdu verse, especially Mirza given opportunity,” he said in make sure that the sets were shows before the lockdown. Ghalib and Faiz Ahmed an online interaction with The perfect. “On the first day of Earlier I was hesitant as I had Faiz. Pioneer on Sunday. shooting when I was eagerly stage fright. But now I am The actor said that if Covid He said that he was in awaiting my first scene, he relaxed on stage—I have tast- could not teach people how to touch with his batch mates came and ordered that the set ed blood.” The actor has also treat nature, then nothing whom he met at the annual re- should be brought down. I performed in web series like would. “People just have to unions at the school. almost had a heart attack!” Hostages. He says that web learn from this experience, it The actor said that more The actor recalled that the series give the makers a lot of has come to teach us many recently when he happened to film was made in three years . freedom but they should not things”. go to The Mall at Mussoorie “And mind you, it was sup- take undue advantage of this He recited one of his during the peak tourist season posed to be a quickie!” freedom. He said he would like favourite ghazals of Mirza he was “shocked and upset” at Singh said his role of Satbir to do more plays if they were Ghalib—“Har ek baat pe kehte the crowd and traffic. “I vowed in Buniyad came to him only good and made sense. “Theatre ho tum ke tu kya hai, tumhi that I would never again go after he remained almost hun- is an actor’s medium and gives kaho key eh andaaz e guftagu there during the tourist season,” gry for three weeks in order to an actor a lot of kya hai/ragon mein daudte he said . look slim as that was a require- freedom.” phirne ke ham nahin kaayal. Jo Singh said that he had ment for the role. “In those telecast , I did not have a tele- and now, when it was re-tele- watch it.” fun with the team of actors in The actor, who is a byword aankh hi se na tapke toh phir chosen to go to Mussoorie as he days when Buniyad was being vision and not see it entirely cast in the lockdown, I did not He said that he had great the memorable film Satte Pe for natural acting in the film lahu kya hai.” ! 5 4 ' 3 R $ 2+ #$#%& #$#%& +4%'&6 “other reasons”. 7 '' %'6'* Samajwadi party leader day before the final round tating that the “road to a (%76'+8*'9 Akhilesh Yadav had on Aof talks between the Centre SCovid-free nation is open”, 36('(776 (! Saturday said he would not take and the protesting farmers Prime Minister Narendra Modi ' (44% 8 the “BJP vaccine” which did not over the controversial farm congratulated the nation and : 6&;%'+( (+ go down well within the laws, Congress president Sonia thanked the scientific and :*(6(' '4* (44!6('%'* Opposition ranks itself with the Gandhi on Sunday launched a healthcare community on 6 (+' (*(!'*6(+ likes of NC leader Omar scathing attack on the Modi Sunday after the Drugs 86(' " 6('&!(' % Abdullah coming out in sup- Government saying that for the Controller General of India +(" 6('&!(' %' &6 port of the vaccine. first time since independence (DCGI) officially approved *(6+ 6=%4'%'%(+ While the BSP too was such an “arrogant” Oxford-AstraZeneca and (' 6%" quick to support the vaccines, Government has come to Bharat Biotech’s Covid-19 vac- 6;%'6(6+6( + its supremo went public in power which cannot see the cines for emergency use. For its welcoming the DCGI nod and sufferings of the “annadatas”. part, the BJP described the BJP leader and its IT Cell congratulating the scientific Demanding that the new Opposition’s criticism and head Amit Malviya described fraternity. She urged the farm laws be immediately with- doubts over the vaccine as the criticism as unwarranted Government to make the vac- drawn unconditionally, Sonia unwarranted and “politically saying vaccines have under- cines available to the poor free said Governments and their motivated”. gone all required trials. of cost. leaders who ignore public sen- Taking to Twitter, Modi He said the Modi On Sunday in a damage timents in a democracy cannot said the announcement marks Government had been taking control exercise Yadav said the govern for long and it is now a “decisive turning point” in all the right steps for Covid-19 ruling party should not make quite clear that the protesting ing the step of committing Chhattisgarh unit was not lift- India’s fight against the Covid- and Covid-free nation. munity to fulfil the dream of an containment and excellently a “spectacle” out of Covid-19 farmers will not bow in the face suicide due to the ing the rice stocks and asked 19 pandemic. He said every Congratulations India. Aatmanirbhar Bharat, at the managed the crisis with one of vaccination and should launch of the Centre’s policy of “tire Government’s neglect, men- whether the procurement was Indian would be proud that Congratulations to our hard- root of which is care and com- the lowest death rates in the the inoculation drive only after and pushover”. tioned Sonia. “But neither the “halted” because the both the vaccines are “made in working scientists and innova- passion,” he said. world. “We did better than the making solid arrangements in The Congress has been heartless Modi Government Government’s “suit-boot India”. tors,” said the Prime Minister. Soon after the DCGI’s go- developed countries including advance. seeking the repeal of the three relented nor the Prime Minister friends” were not involved in “A decisive turning point to “It would make every ahead, Congress MP Shashi America,” he said. Taking to Twitter, Yadav new farm laws, alleging that or any other Minister uttered a managing storage in the State. strengthen a spirited fight! Indian proud that the two vac- Tharoor called the vaccine Union Minister Giriraj also asked the Government to they will ruin farming and the word of consolation till today. At a AICC Press conference DCGI granting approval to cines that have been given approval as “pre-mature” and Singh also hit back at the announce the dates on which farmers while the party is sup- I pay my respects to all the Congress spokesperson Gourav vaccines of Serum Institute of emergency use approval are claimed more trials were need- Opposition saying it is politi- economically weaker sections porting the farmers’ agitation deceased farmer brothers and Vallabh said that despite a pre- India and Bharat Biotech accel- made in India! This shows the ed before giving them the cally motivated and the criti- of the population will be vac- against the legislations. pray to the Lord to give their intimation by the FCI to pro- erates the road to a healthier eagerness of our scientific com- green signal. cism of the vaccine is made for cinated. “There is still time, the families the strength to bear cure 60 lakh metric tonnes of Modi Government should this sorrow,” the Congress pres- rice under the central pool for leave the arrogance of power ident said. the kharif season, Chhattisgarh " and immediately withdraw the “Since independence, this has not received a final consent. $, three black laws uncondition- is the first such arrogant The Chhattisgarh ally to end the agitation of the Government that has come to Government started procure- % -6 farmers who are dying in the power in the history of the ment on December 1, and has cold and rain. This is country that, leave alone peo- procured 47 lakh tonnes from 5'$ ' % Rajdharma and a true tribute to ple, cannot even see the suf- 12 lakh farmers so far, but the the farmers who have ferings and struggles of ‘anna- State is yet to receive a consent #$#%& RSS and will not be treated as lost their lives,” Sonia Gandhi datas’,” she said further. from the Government of India, #$#%& civilians. said. It seems that ensuring prof- despite several requests, he akistan-backed terror out- Claiming the killing of The Modi Government its for a handful of industrial- said. This would impact close mid the ongoing tension at Pfit The Resistance Front Aizaz, Athar and Zubair on should remember that democ- ists has become the main agen- to 21.52 lakh farmers, Vallabh Athe Line of Actual Control (TRF) vows to check any Friday by the security forces for racy means protecting the da of this Government, Sonia said. (LAC) for the last nine months, demographic change in Jammu their association with it as not interests of the people and the alleged. The Government has “This is a clear case of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) & Kashmir and justified the true but paid tributes to them. farmers-workers, she said. presented these laws as major complete apathy towards farm- General Bipin Rawat on killing of a businessman earli- The TRF is a front of the “Along with the people of the agriculture sector reforms ers who are fighting for their Sunday concluded a two-day er this week in Srinagar. Pakistan-based Jaish-e- country, I am also disturbed aimed at helping farmers and rights and to save their digni- visit to forward areas near the Branding the Sikh busi- Mohammad that has floated it seeing the condition of the increasing their income, but the ty but the Government seems LAC in Arunachal Pradesh. nessman as part of the demog- to deny it’s involvement in ter- ‘annadatas’ who have been agi- protesting unions fear that the to be occupied in filling the The tour marked one year of raphy change in the Valley ror in the Valley and the Indian tating for 39 days at the borders new legislations will leave them pockets of their friends. If the his tenure as the newly creat- through the “settler colony” hinterland. of Delhi in the bitter cold and at the mercy of big corporates Government is not willing to ed post of the CDS. project, the outfit vowed to Through a renewed bid to rain in support of their by weakening the MSP and procure the volumes pre-inti- During his extensive visit eliminate all such people revive terror amid sustained demands,” she said. mandi systems. mated by them, even when the to remote forwards posts and % ! ( intending to settle in Jammu & elimination of terrorists, the In the wake of the The grand old party also protests are ongoing, what can airbases in the eastern sector, ! . " ! "#$ Kashmir. outfit is seeking to gain traction Government’s apathy, so far, accused the Centre of showing we expect from the he reviewed operational pre- The outfit also branded amongst the youth to recruit more than 50 farmers have lost apathy as the Food Government once all this set- paredness of the armed forces. The CDS lauded soldiers said. such people as agents of the them into their fold. their lives with some even tak- Corporation of India’s tles down?” he said. They are deployed in adequate for adopting innovative sur- The post of the CDS came numbers since the stand-offs veillance measures for locally into being exactly one year with China started in May. developed technology. He also back with Rawat as the senior More than one lakh troops lauded the defence prepared- most general among the three P*% from India and China are fac- ness of the personnel to face Services chiefs assuming the ing each other at the 1,700 km any challenge. Official said new responsibility. He is the #$#%& keting year 2020-21 which is incentive over and above the ers of the state in the Kharif Ministry, the Government long LAC in Ladakh. Not will- here on Sunday, Rawat said he single-point adviser on military equivalent to the quantity as MSP which is as good as bonus marketing season. bought a record 498.95 lakh ing to take any chances, India was satisfied by the high morale affairs to the political leader- fter Bhupesh Bhagel allowed in previous years. on procurement of paddy,” it “Following the approval, MT of paddy in its ongoing has ramped its military efforts and motivation of all ranks. ship. The CDS is also respon- AGovernment’s allegations, “Central Government is said. the State Government started procurement operations, 24.49 all along the 400 km long LAC On Saturday, the CDS vis- sible for achieving synergy the Ministry of Consumer following a uniform policy and Chhattisgarh Chief purchasing paddy on mini- per cent more than it did last stretching from Ladakh in the ited forward air bases in the among the Army, IAF and Affairs on Sunday said that supporting farmers across the Minister Bhupesh Baghel had mum support price (MSP) year. Out of the total purchase west to Arunachal Pradesh in eastern sector besides the for- Navy for operational effective- some States including Madhya Country. Same is followed in on Thursday spoken to Prime from December 1 and till now, of 498.95 LMT, Punjab alone the east. The two countries ward posts in Dibang valley ness and proper utilisation of Pradesh and Chhattisgarh were Chhattisgarh procurement. Minister Narendra Modi over about 47 lakh tonnes of paddy has contributed 202.77 LMT have held several rounds of and Lohit sector. All these the resources. found to be giving incentive so During KMS 2020-21, the phone and informed him about has been procured from 12 which is 40.64 per cent of total military and diplomatic levels posts in the forward are air- The CDS is also tasked the Central Government pro- Government of Chhattisgarh the delay in permission for lakh farmers. But necessary procurement, followed by parleys to break the logjam at maintained. with ushering in reforms in the curement was restricted to had also published an adver- paddy procurement in the permission for delivery of rice Haryana and UP. the border but have failed. Complimenting the sol- military to enable the armed quantity which was procured in tisement/press release on Kharif marketing year 2020-21. after custom milling of the pur- “About 64.07 lakh paddy On the second day of his diers for their readiness, Rawat forces to fight modern day the past without bonus/incen- 17.12.2020 detailing the Rajiv In a letter to PM Modi, chased paddy to the FCI for the farmers have benefitted from visit, Rawat interacted with said only the Indian soldiers warfare in an effective manner. tive. Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana Baghel had said the Centre had central pool is still awaited KMS procurement Operations the Army and Indo-Tibetan could remain vigilant under Moreover, he has to ensure that It has been decided to that they will procure paddy given “in-principle approval” from the Centre’s Food and with MSP value of 94,202.64 Border Police (ITBP) person- such challenging situations. the allocated budget is utilised allow 24 lakh MT of rice to be from the farmers @2500/- for depositing 60 lakh metric Public Distribution crore. A quantity of 75,78,832 nel deployed along the They were also willing to go by the forces for fast moderni- delivered to Food Corporation per quintal during KMS 2020- tonnes of rice in the central Department,” the letter cotton bales valuing 22,208.01 Subansiri valley in Arunachal beyond the call of duty to safe- sation and maintain the tempo of India (FCI) under central 21 by paying 10,000/- per acre pool after the custom milling of stated. crore procured benefitting Pradesh. guard the borders, the CDS of operational readiness. pool during the kharif mar- which is a form of indirect paddy procured from the farm- As per the latest data by the 14,81,064 farmers,” it said. !"#$%!& "' ' 4 " %% & #$#%& the health workers there will * &*+(*(+011$ Welcoming the move, Dr and is among the 22 “global receive incentives of up to +4!(6+!76 % Vivek Lal, CEO of Sasakawa- priority countries” that con- ith leprosy still a public 250 for the detection of a lep- M!;('+N/+8'* India Leprosy Foundation (S- tribute 95 per cent of world 4 Whealth concern — at least rosy case and up to 600 to '*6%* !+(%*'* ILF) said that of course active numbers of leprosy warranti- one lakh new patients being ensure the patient completes 4 &'6P%76(!46('8!! surveillance is very important ng a sustained effort to bring #$#%& erstwhile Atal Bihari Vajpayee led to waterlogging at the agi- detected annually — the the treatment, as per the guide- )! 76#1/111 as the patients may not even the numbers down. The Cabinet, has emerged as a key tation venues, but the unions Government has proposed reg- lines issued by Union Health 7 7&!(' /4(%%4 '&' realise that he/she is suffering Government’s recent strategy day before the crucial sev- troubleshooter and is working asserted that “we will not move ular surveillance of the disease Minister Dr Harshvardhan. 7 7&7(; 4*!+6 from the disease and may sit of innovative Leprosy Case Aenth round of talks mostly behind the scenes on from here until our demands and doling out an incentive of Though India had in 2005 %* '*(''6(%;%% % through the condition till it Detection Campaign (LCDC), between the Centre and this issue. are met”. 1,000 to health workers for declared leprosy “eliminated”, *(77'*4 ;;&' turns into visible deformity. has paid results in the detection protesting farmer unions, Protesting farmers who After five rounds of incon- the screening rounds. defining the threshold as when Also, its high time that all of 34 000 new cases in 2016 Agriculture Minister Narendra have been camping at Delhi clusive talks, the Government The Union Health the country’s prevalence rate the challenge of diagnosing type of health workers and from highly endemic pockets, Singh Tomar met Defence borders for the last 39 days and 40 farmer unions reached Ministry recently released the fell below one per 10,000 pop- leprosy among the urban poor. doctors even those from the which accounted for 25 per Minister Rajnath Singh on braving bone-chilling cold and some common ground during operational guidelines aiming ulation, cases continue to pop Screening has been pro- private sector are roped in cent of annual new cases. Sunday and discussed the now rains have threatened to the sixth round of negotiations to intensify the screening on up even among children show- posed once a year in areas with and made awareness about Of the total new cases Government strategy to resolve intensify their protest if their on December 30 to resolve yearly or twice-a-year basis in ing that transmission is hap- prevalence rates lower than one the disease so that appropriate detected, almost 50 per cent the current crisis at the earliest, two major demands — repeal protesting farmers’ concerns select areas depending on the pening in the community. per 10,000, and twice a year in treatment could be given to the were multibacillary leprosy sources said. of the three new farm laws and over rise in power tariff and leprosy prevalence rates there. The new guidelines aims areas with prevalence rates patient at the earliest, Dr Lal and the child rate was about 8.7 Tomar discussed with legal backing for the mini- penalties for stubble burning, However, villages or urban to widen the effort for case higher than one per 10,000. said. per cent, which was similar to Singh “all possible options” to mum support price (MSP) — but the two sides remained areas that have not recorded detection through regular Any area with even a single Despite various efforts, the previous year’s figures, find a “middle path” to resolve are not accepted by the deadlocked over the main con- any leprosy cases for three household screening, citing child patient will be subject to India continues to account for both indicating continued the crisis, sources added. Government in the January 4 tentious issues of the repeal of years or longer will not be high prevalence in certain two screenings a year, as per 60 per cent of new cases transmission of leprosy in the Singh, who served as meeting. the three farm laws and a legal included in the screening. But pockets in several states and the guidelines. reported globally each year community. Agriculture Minister in the Rains since Saturday night guarantee for MSP. 7 % % 3
#$#%& was not very effective but it systems. cm, Pooh 10 cm, Manali 9 cm, occurred at a few places in gave light rain at some places The India Meteorological Sumdo 8 cm and Kalpa 6 cm, western Uttar Pradesh while s the western disturbance on the mountains. Now an Department (IMD) issued the IMD said. Chanchal in Banda was the coldest place in Alies over central Pakistan active western disturbance has warning for heavy rain and Shimla district received about the state where the mercury and near Jammu & Kashmir, reached north Pakistan which snowfall in Himachal Pradesh. two-feet snowfall. dipped to 5.4 degrees cyclonic circulation over south will reach Jammu & Kashmir However, the IMD issued a Meanwhile, Manali wit- Celsius.Very light rains also western Rajasthan along with from January 3 and affect the “yellow” weather warning of nessed 11 mm rain, followed by occurred in parts of eastern moisture feed from Bay of weather for the next two-three heavy rain, snowfall in middle Keylong 9 mm, Bilaspur 8 Uttar Pradesh, with the mete- Bengal and Arabian sea will days. and higher hills on January 4 mm, Dharamshala 7 mm, orological department pre- lead to widespread rain over There is already a cyclonic and thunderstorm and light- Chamba 6 mm, Palampur and dicting thunderstorm in some northwest, central India, inter- circulation over South Western ning in the plains and lower Kasauli 5 mm each and Shimla places of western UP on nal Tamil Nadu southern parts of Rajasthan. Along with hills from January 4 to 5. and Solan 3mm each. Besides, Monday. Karnataka and snowfall in the this, a trough is formed from Further, it has issued the tribal district of Lahaul and A blanket of snow covered middle and higher hills till northeastern parts of Arabian “orange” warning of heavy rain Spiti’s administrative centre Kashmir on Sunday as most January 6. Sea to Rajasthan,” Skymet, a and snowfall in middle and Keylong continued to be the areas received moderate snow- “The Western Disturbance private weather broadcaster, culation is over Chhattisgarh winds from the Bay of Bengal India. The weather in North higher hills on January 5. coldest place in the state at fall, cutting the valley’s surface near Jammu & Kashmir is said. and adjoining areas. Due to the and the Arabian Sea are reach- India has changed due to the Gondla experienced 21 cm minus 6.1 degrees Celsius. as well as air connection with moving ahead. This system In addition, a cyclonic cir- effect of these systems, humid ing the plains states of North combined effect of all these snowfall, followed by Koksar 13 Rain and thundershowers the rest of the country. ! 6
2 ! ! *& ( )**++ (,,- their possession. The trio were identified as ! ! joint team of security forces Mustafa Khan son of Yasir Khan Ain Poonch on Sunday recov- resident of Galuta, Mohammad ered a third consignment of Yaseen son of Walayat Khan and %#(& political commentator. Natchiappan and Ruby arms, ammunition and grenades Rayees Ahmed son of There are strong parties like Manoharan. after busting a terror module Mohammad Iqbal, both residents aving failed repeatedly in its the CPI(M), CPI, VCK, Muslim Kumari Ananthan (88) is the with the arrest of three over of Dabbi Balakote. Hattempt to regain the power League and fringe groups in the father of Telangana Governor Dr ground workers from Dabbi area During sustained interroga- /0/(2( which it lost to the DMK in 1967, DMK-led front which would not Tamilisai Sounderarajan and of Mendhar in Poonch. tion of the trio, some more vital the Tamil Nadu Congress settle for anything less than two brother of late H Vasanthkumar, The recovery includes one clues were developed after which CCI president Sourav Committee has devised a strategy digit figures. the Kanyakumari MP who suc- pistol, three pistol magazines, the Police team and Army BGanguly who on Saturday to address the discontentment “The Congress High cumbed to Covid-19 recently. thirty five bullets and five hand launched an operation in Dabbi underwent angioplasty after among the leaders and cadre of the Command saw the writing on the Karti Chidambaram MP and grenades, police said. This terror village located ahead of LoC suffering a mild heart attack party in the State. Saturday saw the wall and appointed each and son of Congress strongman P module is a part of the “Jammu fence in Balakote from where during a workout session at his All India Congress Committee everybody in the party some- Chidambaram, having failed to and Kashmir Gazanvi Force” another consignment of arms, Behala residence was doing appointing 344 office bearers to thing or other. So all are con- make it to the list gave vent to his which is being operated from ammunition and grenades were fine on Sunday and would not the TNCC to navigate the Grand tended,” said Sam Rajappa, veter- feelings through the social media POJK recovered. require any by-pass surgery, Old Party in the upcoming elec- an scribe and commentator. questioning the viability of such a According to police, “the In the first recovery of six doctors visiting him said. tion to the Legislative Assembly. According to the list released jumbo list. Jammu and Kashmir Gazanvi hand grenades that was made Three arteries of Ganguly Since the leader of the alliance, by the AICC General secretary K “This jumbo committee Force apart from terror activities from the arrested three persons, suffering from myocardial the DMK, had made it known that C Venugopal, the TNCC would serves no purpose. None will is now also attempting to target it was revealed that grenades infarction was more than 90 it would contest at least 200 have 32 vice-presidents to assist have any authority , which means religious places with an aim to were to be lobbed on religious percent blocked. While angio- assembly seats out of the 234 at the president, 57 general secre- no accountability,” Karti posted in trigger communal tension in the places in Ari and Mendhar town plasty was done in one artery stake, it is not known how much taries, 104 secretaries, 56 election his social media page. Jammu region”. The total recov- area of Poonch district. a decision would be taken on the Congress would be allocated committee members, five ex-offi- But Rajappa observed that ery made so far include 13 The second recovery was the two others on Monday, during the seat sharing exercise. cio members and 32 district com- the Congress High Command grenades, 03 pistols, 05 pistol maga- third consecutive recovery of arms, made from Dabi village wherein two doctors said. “The defeats suffered by the mittee presidents. In addition to could have included some more zines, 105 pistol bullets, 04 Pakistan ammunition and grenades after the pistols, seventy bullets and two grenades Ganguly’s elder brother Congress in the Bihar assembly this, all former TNCC presidents names in the list so that there made balloons, 01 flag of Tehreek ul recent busting of a terror module and were recovered. and former cricketer Snehashis election has weakened the party’s who are alive have been honored would not be any kind of discon- Majahideen Jammu and Kashmir and arrest of three terrorist associates in “ The handlers from across used to said that renowned cardiologist bargaining power. The chances of with designations. This include K tentment in the party. “They may 18 posters of J&K Gazanavi Force. Mendhar area”. drop the consignment in hidden patch- Dr Devi Sethi had been con- the Congress getting even the 40 S Alagiri, EVKS Elangovan, K V not be able to enjoy the fruits of According to a spokesman of the Earlier, on December 28 last year, es near the LoC and these arrested ter- tacted and he might come to seats it was allocated during the Thangabalu, S power as the DMK would never Jammu and Kashmir police, “the three terrorist associates were arrested rorist associates then used to pick it up Kolkata on Monday following 2016 election look bleak,” said Thirunavakkarassar, M allow them anywhere near the cor- Jammu and Kashmir police in Poonch in Balakote area near LoC where six for further carriage in hinterland”, which a decision would be Kolahala Srenivasan, author and Krishnaswamy, R Prabhu, EMS ridors of power,” he said. district along-with Army have made a hand grenades were recovered from police spokesman added. taken. + + 0 % -6 03 %
(,,- power sector to ensure the region’s move by the J&K gov- 3 ,-,*(& the hospitals since the second week energy security and 24-hour power ernment”, said the Lt of March this year went up to o make J&K a power surplus supply to the people of J&K. Governor. he Covid-19 daily death tally in 18,36,999. The recovery rate in the Tregion in the country, The numerous hydro resources Out of the two TMumbai plummeted to three state dropped marginally from Memorandums of Understanding of Jammu & Kashmir are capable of agreements, the NHPC on Sunday, even as the deaths in 94.64 per cent to 94.59 per cent. (MoUs) were signed for implemen- generating 14,867 MW power but would work in associa- Maharashtra dropped to 35 and the Meanwhile, the number of tation of much awaited Mega Hydro the potential had not been fully tion with the adminis- state logged 3,282 infections. “active cases” total cases in the state Power projects, including 850 MW exploited, and only 3504 MW power tration at the first and A day after the country’s com- rose from 53,137 to 564,317. The Ratle HEP and 930 MW Kirthai-II was being generated till now. the languishing mercial capital recorded seven fatality rate in the state stood at 2.56 HEP, besides execution of long The works started now will Sawalkot project would deaths, the number of deaths slid per cent. pending Sawalkot HEP (1856 MW), ensure that another 3498 MW be handed over to further to three, while the metrop- Pune district, which continued Uri-I (Stage-II) (240 MW) and power is generated in the next (Independent Charge) for Ministry besides NHPC will see for develop- NHPC for completion under the olis logged 581 new infections as to be the worst-affected city-district Dulhasti (Stage-II) (258 MW) on three to four of Power, New & Renewable Energy, ment of small hydro projects also, he second. against 593 infected cases registered in Maharashtra, saw the total num- Sunday. years. Raj Kumar Singh assured extending maintained. “We have to do our bit The project has been perpetu- on Saturday. ber of cases increase from 3,73,727 The MoUs were signed between As per the provisions of these every support of the GoI to the J&K of duty to see electricity reaching ally postponed since its conception With 3 fresh infections, the to 3,74,272, while the total number Power Development Department MoUs, the projects will be handed Government for various reforms in every household 24x7”, said the in 1984 and was expected to gener- Covid-19 toll in Mumbai rose from of deaths in Pune went up from (PDD), J&K; National Hydroelectric over back to Jammu and Kashmir the power sector. Union MoS. ate 1856 MW power, he added. 11,132 to 11,135, while the total 7767 to 7,770. Power Corporation (NHPC) Ltd. after 40 years of commercial oper- Hydro electric potential suc- During his address, the Lt SN Sahai, Union Secretary infections climbed from 2,94,660 to Thane district remained in the and J&K Power Development ation which was not in case of ear- cessfully ushered the era of devel- Governor, Manoj Sinha observed Power; BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief 2,95,241. third spot --after Pune and Mumbai Corporation , in the presence of Raj lier projects allotted to NHPC opment in various states including that the MoUs signed today would Secretary; Abhay Kumar Singh, Similarly, with 35 fresh deaths – after the total number of infec- Kumar Singh, Union Minister of Limited Sikkim & Himachal Pradesh. J&K attract investments worth Rs 35,000 Principal Secretary Power and in the states, the total number of tions rose from 2,55,248 to State (Independent Charge) for The occasion also witnessed should replicate the model. crore for Jammu & Kashmir power Information Department Rohit deaths in the state went up from 2,55,678, while the total deaths Ministry of Power, New & inauguration of as many as 19 According to the national average, sector and ensure the region’s ener- Kansal, Chairman & Managing 49,631 to 49,666. With 3,282 fresh climbed from 5590 to 5593. Renewable Energy and Ministry of important projects of PDD aimed at electricity in rural areas is 20 hrs and gy security and 24-hour power sup- Director, NHPC; Suresh Kumar, infections, the total number of Of the 1,29,58,502 samples Skill Development & greater generation, efficient trans- in urban areas is 22-23 hrs. J&K too ply to the people of J&K. Chairman Chenab Valley Power infected cases climbed from sent to laboratories, 19,42,136 have Entrepreneurship; Manoj Sinha, mission and better distribution of will reach the milestone if the pace “J&K is taking a quantum leap Projects Limited (CVPPL); A.K. 19,38,854 to 19,42,136. tested positive (14.99per cent) for Lieutenant Governor of J&K. power supply in J&K during the of development is kept the same, he from being power deficit to becom- Choudhary, Managing Director, As 2064 patients were dis- COVID-19 until Sunday. Currently, With the signing of these MoUs, Mega inauguration ceremony. added. ing power surplus in the next four CVPPL; Raja Yaqoob Farooq, charged from the hospitals across 2,47,972 people are in home quar- J&K is expected to attract invest- Speaking on the occasion, the Locals will be trained and given years. For uninterrupted power Managing Director, JKPDC were the state after full recovery, the total antine while 2,969 people are in ments worth Rs 35,000 crore in the Union Minister of State employment in NHPC ventures; supply, this is the most significant present on the occasion. number of people discharged from institutional quarantine. 5 ( 70 ! % % + ! % 4 " ! ! 3 3 /0/(2( flowing would only be limited to the port. However that fortunately did not &# &#% + ! + 8 Urdu-speaking minority, the AIMIM happen. From Kolkata airport, he amata Banerjee’s biggest dread leader said, “I am here to meet went straight to Hooghly to meet %#(& amidst expectations by his fans father. “There is a false news pub- ( Mand alleged “vote cutter of BJP,” Siddiqui sahib who is elder to us in Abbas Siddiqui.” that the important announcement lished in media that Arjunamurthy is at last in Kolkata. All India Majlis- experience and I am ready to form an In real terms Bengal has more he DMK had the last laugh would come at any time now. On was an associate or advisor to my e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) alliance with him in order to work for than 28 percent Muslim votes that Twhen reigning superstar Sunday December 27, 2020, the late father Murasoli Maran. This is 5=== chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday a common purpose.” influences the voting pattern of more Rajinikanth declared last Monday Rajini Fans Association issued a completely untrue. No such person commenced his political inning in Rejecting the Chief Minister’s than 100 out of 294 seats. AIMIM’s that he would not launch his polit- release asking his fans and follow- had been an advisor to my father.” Bengal with a visit to largest Muslim charges he said, “I challenge the presence in Bengal may not augur well ical outfit as he had told his fans ear- ers not to be carried away by reports But Dayanidhi’s denial had to be congregation of the State Furfura Trinamool Congress chief to provide for the ruling Trinamool Congress lier in December 2020. On that the actor may dump his polit- taken with a pinch of salt as he had Sharif where he met the order’s answers to my open questions …what which has for the past one decade December 3, 2020, the actor accom- ical plans. By Monday noon, the issued a legal notice to New Indian deputy chief Pir Zada Abbas Siddiqui was she doing when Gujarat was been thriving primarily on the minor- panied by his close friend announcement was out about the Express and S Gurumurthy for dis- before expressing his desire to contest burning … she should also answer as ity votes. Tamilaruvi Manian and newly actor making a final bow before his closing reports about the function- Assembly elections in Bengal. to how the BJP could win 18 seats In the changed polarized cir- appointed coordinator political fans. ing of an illegal telephone exchange Emerging from a meeting with from Bengal in the parliamentary cumstances where the difference Arjunamurthy announced from the The movie Annaatthe is being from the former’s private residence Siddiqui the AIMIM chief said his elections though we were not in the between the BJP and the TMC in forefront of his Poes Garden resi- produced by Kalanidhi Maran, the in Chennai while he was the union party would not only concentrate on fray then.” terms of vote percentage is mere 2 dence that ‘it will be now or never’. grand nephew of former DMK minister for communications. It Malda and Murshidabad, the two On his party’s alleged negative percent the Hyderabad outfit’s pres- Everything associated with Tamil president and chief minister late M has been more than ten years and Muslim-majority districts of the State role in the Bihar elections he said ence could spell disaster for the rul- Nadu will change and we will see a Karunanidhi. Arjunamurthy, who a Chennai court is hearing the ille- but also other regions, particularly “empirical evidence shows that in ing outfit experts say. new Tamil Nadu,” the actor had said joined Rajini’s political bandwagon gal telephone exchange case. those where the minorities have a seats where we fought 9 were won by However, TMC leader Sougato on that Monday noon. was a close associate of late And third, Soundarya, decisive presence. the Gatbandhan, 6 were won by the Roy once again iterated that “AIMIM But within four weeks he made ‘Murasoli’ Maran, nephew of late Rajinikant’s second daughter is This is Owaisi’s first visit to NDA and we won 5 seats … so how will not be able to do much harm to a volte-face and said that doctors Karunanidhi and father of Maran married into the family of a DMK Bengal following after he announced our party could impact the voting pat- the TMC as its presence will be con- had advised him not to go ahead brothers, Dayanidhi and Kalanidhi. leader late SS Ponmudi. Soundary’s his plans to contest elections in the tern the way that is being suggested.” fined to a limited Urudu-speaking with the formation of political Arjunamurthy, who was a hitherto second husband Visagan, a busi- state. On the issues his party would like section.” But when reminded that he party. Rajinikanth was acting in entity in Tamil Nadu shot into nessman is the son of SS Often dismissed by the Chief to focus on he said “we will raise a was holding meeting with the “Annaatthe”, his latest venture, the fame when he joined the BJP’s Vanangamudi, younger brother of Minister as “BJP’s vote cutting whole lot of issues including under Furufura Sharif Roy said “the Muslims shooting of which was progressing intellectual cell and later cast his lot Ponmudi, who was close to M K machine,” Owaisi said “we are a development of Bengal, political of Bengal know what Mamata at Hyderabad when his blood pres- with Rajini. This is the same Stalin, the DMK chief. One of the Amaravati: The number of political party and have every right to empowerment, political partnership Banerjee has done for them … they sure started showing big fluctuation Arjunamurthy, who had been reasons cited for Rajinikanth exit- active Covid-19 cases in contest elections anywhere in India… (read with the minorities), commu- will remain with her instead of join- and was admitted to a corporate demanding that “Murasoli” Maran ing the political arena before mak- Andhra Pradesh fell to the we also have rights to form coalitions nal peace etc.” ing Owaisi who has come to add to hospital. He was discharged after should be honoured with Nobel ing the entry is said to be family 3,000 level even as the state for that purpose and no one can stop AIMIM State secretary Zameerul the divisive politics that is being three days and the doctors advised Prize for Peace. pressure. added 232 fresh cases and saw us from doing so.” Hasan said “Owaisi wanted to keep played by the BJP… I call upon all the him complete bed rest. Dayanidhi, the younger of the Tamilaruvi Manian, described 352 recoveries and four deaths When asked to comment on the meeting a secret as we were appre- Muslims to unite reject his party and The climax of Mission-R start- Maran brothers, who is also a for- as Rajinikant’s Man Friday, refused in 24 hours ending 9 am on Banerjee’s recent allegations that he hensive that the TMC government unite behind TMC and Mamata ed unfurling the moment mer union minister, had denied to be drawn into any discussion on Sunday. was not a “vote cutter of BJP,” and his would stop him from exiting the air- Banerjee.” Rajinikanth returned to Chennai reports linking Murthy to his late the topic. The State COVID-19 chart now has 8,83,082 confirmed positives, 8,72,897 recoveries and 7,115 deaths so far, a health department bulletin 9*0 #%%#%8'#%!%# 8% 8 said. The active caseload was 3,070, it said. (,,- highway”. the region through Afghanistan Six districts reported less In Srinagar, barring one, all and Pakistan, has hit the region than 10 fresh coronavirus cases he Union Territory of incoming and outgoing flights on Saturday night.He said each in a day and three more TJammu & Kashmir was were cancelled due to poor vis- under the influence of the below 20. painted 'White' after a fresh ibility and accumulation of WD, light to moderate rain and The current hotspot dis- spell of snowfall on Sunday. snow on the runway following snow is expected at most places tricts of Chittoor and Krishna In Kashmir valley, the light to moderate snowfall in Kashmir and Zojila area of reported 56 and 40 new infec- tourist hotspots of Gulmarg since early this morning,” a Ladakh for three days from tions, followed by West and Pahalgam along with senior airport official said. Sunday. “Weather is expected Godavari 31 and Guntur 27. Srinagar and other district In Jammu region, the cave to improve from Thursday Chittoor, Guntur, West headquarters including North shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, onwards,” he added. Godavari districts also report- Kashmir district of Kupwara tourist resorts of Patnitop and Meanwhile, Medium level ed one more COVID-19 fatal- witnessed moderate to heavy hilly districts of Doda, Kishtwar (Yellow alert) avalanche warn- ity each, along with snowfall resulting in grounding and Ramban also witnessed ing for upper reaches of Visakhapatnam. of almost all the flights. snowfall. Poonch & Kishtwar districts Prakasam, Srikakulam, The traffic on the Jammu- The Met department had and Low level (yellow alert) Kurnool districts have less than Srinagar National Highway already forecasted widespread avalanche warning for upper 100 active cases each while also remained suspended fol- snowfall in many areas of the reaches of Rajouri, Ramban, Vizianagaram has the lowest lowing heavy accumulation of valley on Sunday and Monday Doda, Anantnag, Kulgam, (36). snow near Jawahar Tunnel with heavy snowfall at isolated Baramulla, Kupwara, Three more districts have area. Deputy Commissioner, places. Bandipora & Kargil districts an active caseload of below 200 Ramban in a tweet said, “ due A Met department was issued by the Disaster each. to heavy snowfall and shooting spokesperson said a fresh Management Department. Only Krishna district has stones at several locations traf- Western Disturbance (WD), 510 active cases, the highest in fic remains suspended. Public which originated from the . 4 0 ! 0 the state, followed by Guntur is advised to avoid travel on the Arabian Sea and approached ! "#$ 475. PTI ! . ! ! 3"+ 12 "+ + " '%!&" ! , ( , %$ ' % ; 3 ( *! ?@=@; ! < ( .@ - # B < = ! ! % ( major reason behind establish- ing the UGC was rational dis- O bursement of the “grants”. If the disbursement of grants O needs rationalisation in high- er education, then why is it not ( # the case in school education? = ( "#$%#"&'"#$ 7 Some States have raised the - issue of disbursement of funds he stakeholders of school for school education, which is ?H/ ..> />000 ( education are anxiously done through the Programme B waiting to see what the Implementation Committee ( TUnion Budget of 2021 (PIC) of the Ministry of has in store for the stratum. Since Education, Government of # $ < < ( we have got a new National India, and called it “arbitrary - ( Education Policy in July 2020 and politically motivated”. We 7 6 B < B , (NEP 2020), it is expected that have often brushed this funds will be allocated for the demand under the carpet but % establishment of a statutory body we need to seriously think by the name of School Education about it if we need good edu- - Commission (SEC) for streamlin- cation to reach down to the ing the schooling sector, and that last child. ( ( # there will be rational disburse- Prayer to Finance Minister ?000 # ment of the budget pie. The NEP It is not suggested that the S may not be able to bring about Government’s control should any positive difference in the be completely withdrawn but 7 absence of a professional body for there must be autonomy in O running schools across the nation. developing regulations, norms J O -S It is expected that Union Finance and standards, which can be Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will enforced upon the # consult educationists from the Government and private 3 higher and school education fields schools alike. separately and then reach a deci- In a recent judgment, = ( sion rationally. the Allahabad High Court There are nearly 33 crore chil- (Writ — Case No. — 19287 of dren in schools and approxi- 2020) has pronounced a ver- = mately 8 crore students engaged Government has two boards — of the NCERT, suffice it to say education of their children. dict against the decision of in higher education in India. the Central Board of Secondary that we have not been able to The Governments make their the CBSE not to permit change The school education consists of Education (CBSE) for general produce children who feel own norms and implement in name, saying: “…the Rules ) 12 years of education whereas students and the National proud of our country and wish them through their own schools as framed by the CBSE do not higher education consists of three Institute of Open Schooling to serve this great nation. but they have failed to compete have any statutory flavour J % years of undergraduate and two (NIOS) for non-formal learn- According to a recent with the private schools. The and cannot be considered to be years of master’s programme. ers. Most States in India have report, most board topping stu- expenditure per child in an the ‘law’ as required for plac- Besides, a few select students opt their own examination board dents are settled abroad. The average Government school is ing reasonable restrictions on % for the research degree pro- for assessing and certifying first desire and dream of every much higher than per child the rights enshrined under
# gramme. Higher education, thus, learners in their State. The school pass out, it seems, is to studying in private schools; Article (19)(1)(a), in terms of consists of at least three to five mandate of the boards is to migrate to a developed country. however, the learning outcome Article (19)(2) of the 4 years of studies. Once the recom- conduct examinations and cer- The design of curriculum and is quite the opposite. Constitution of India.” ) 6 B < mendations of the NEP 2020 are tify the students taking the the curriculum framework, one In other words, the Therefore, autonomy from = % implemented, the total period of tests. These boards are not of the major responsibilities Government has not provided the Government’s interference schooling — after the three years academic bodies which have of the NCERT, is definitely a level playing field for all is required but, at the same ) of pre-school are added — will the domain knowledge to under question. Similarly, the schools. There should be an time, there should be regula- consist of 15 years and the dura- design and develop curriculum research on schooling, another external agency which should tions in place which give free- ( tion of higher education will or textbooks. The CBSE also major responsibility of the decide on the norms and stan- dom to the teachers and prin- shrink to just four years. assesses learners for admis- NCERT, is questionable. dards and force the cipals of private schools to - Similarly, there are nearly 1 sion to technical institutes. None of these organisa- Government as well as private work in an “exploitation-free” crore teachers engaged in schools Some State examination boards tions is a “statutory” body, so school managements to adhere environment. The teachers and and, after the three years of pre- as well as private institutes the norms designed by these to the regulations. The system principals in a large number of schooling are added, nearly 18 conduct entrance tests for are not mandatory for enforce- of the Government being both privately managed schools (and -+ lakh new teachers will be added admission to technical col- ment by the rule of law. We the regulator and the player has some Government schools as to the total number of existing leges of their respective States. need a statutory body (created resulted in the failure of the well) work under severe teachers. The number of teachers It is apparent that these by an Act of Parliament) to public school system. The exploitative conditions. This " 0'# $893,!. in higher education, however, is boards are established to con- decide on the regulations relat- countries with the best per- will end only if there is a statu- much less. To decide the norms duct examinations but they are ed to schools. forming schools — like tory body to regulate the :: and standards of higher educa- not organisations with the aca- The Government School Finland, Sweden and Norway schooling system. This may not ( tion in the country, we have a demic domain knowledge Network — have least Government con- suit the political party in power University Grants Commission which can help them decide It may not be incorrect to trol. The school regulators in but this is urgently and desper- ) ( (UGC) but we rarely realise that about the academic content say that overall, the Government the best performing countries ately required to build a strong *+,- (./ there is no such organisation and the norms of these exami- schools have not performed are completely autonomous. nation. It is expected that the which decides the norms and nations. To decide on the con- well, with the exception of the Budget Disbursement Union Finance Minister will standards for education in tent and pedagogy, we have the Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and The Budget allocated for consider allocating a separate schools. To put it simply, school National Council for the Jawahar Navodaya education is bifurcated into Budget for the establishment of .0 education is for the masses Educational Research and Vidyalayas (JNVs). From time two parts: One for higher edu- the School Education ( ( " ( whereas higher education is Training (NCERT) which is an to time, a few Government cation, which goes to the UGC Commission in the upcoming largely for the elite. “autonomous” but subordinate schools in some States show for disbursement to universities budget and mark a landmark -S ( The Schooling Network body of the Ministry of promise but, with the passage of and institutes of higher educa- change towards formulating a 1 We have been examining the Education (MOE). The NCERT time, they again plunge into tion; and the Budget allocated Bharat-centric education. # 2 various education boards for works under the direct supervi- mediocrity as the administrator for school education is dis- (The author teaches at assessing and certifying learners sion of the Education Ministry. is transferred out. The first bursed by the Ministries of the School of Education, 3 4 for the secondary and senior sec- Since it may not be prudent to choice of most parents invari- Central and State Governments. IGNOU. The views expressed ( " 1 - ondary levels. The Central comment on the functioning ably is a private school for the We are all aware that a are personal.) 5 ( 3 6 7 8679 : *+,- 4 P* %Q & $ &3 . S -6 ! 3 ! # 67 ( "$ 3 "$ *+,- (./ < (= ! ; ? -6 ! ! ! H! @ 3 " - 3 " : " " >>? @0 # 67 ( (!'*%'6 *% 6%'6 6 !(+4(7'( S K% 9 K$8 K6, . ( O - B @000 8CD.E9 # S * < 3 # Sir — In a vast country like ours Sir — The historical Chandni with such a large population 3 ! Chowk area in the national - $ ( size, administering COVID-19 & ' Capital is being redeveloped vaccine is a herculean task. The ! but despite crossing the dead- ( ( eventual deployment of vaccine ! line for work completion, quite = ( # in a country of 1.3 billion will be O a bit of work is still pending ( a logistical and administrative "2 and awaiting final touches by challenge like no other. ? the civic authorities. S 3 As India gears up to launch 6 ! This is largely owing to 67 S S ( the world’s largest immunisation ,!6! B,6 C ' certain bottlenecks and other 3 drive, Union Health Minister " glitches which are best known Harsh Vardhan on Saturday to the authorities concerned as said that 1 crore healthcare ! ! ? the reasons for the delay. The - workers and 2 crore frontline ' - "2 ! G ! ;@" entry and exit points at the Red 4 ( workers would be given free ! 3 3 ? 2 ' ! ! ! Fort Crossing, connecting "2 !D 23 * F G * 7 4 2 vaccine in the first phase of the Chandni Chowk, are yet to be inoculation drive. The Centre % ! ? given the finishing touches. had earlier given directions to ! ! 6! 23 ! !? Only one side of the two- ) * O ( conduct a dry run on Saturday. '! "7 ? ! "& sided road is being used for 3 ' H!3 ? B G The Centre plans to vaccinate both entry and exit. That too, nearly 30 crore people in the first ' "2 ! 3 ! " with several roadblocks and a $ % % 4 O P Q ( phase of the inoculation drive. ! , "2 *((*(+( temporary gate which is usu- * ?H000( The vaccine will also be admin- ! L ( M ? ally closed between 9 pm and istered to nearly 27 crore elder- 9 am when vehicular traffic is ly persons with comorbidities. side-effects and the efficacy of circumstances, top political allowed into the area. = 4 2 The Central Government is Sir — With the nation set to the anti-COVID vaccine. People leaders should voluntarily opt The redevelopment must *+,- $ I 4 P Q up to the task of immunising launch the world’s largest immu- cannot be blamed for their for immunisation to boost the also include making the area 4 2 E@ such a huge section of people nisation drive, the President, apprehensions as even the phar- morale of millions of Indians. encroachment-free. The over- and providing free vaccine. This Vice-President and the Prime ma companies coming up with Joe Biden, the US President- crowded market has become a .DE000 S is an unprecedented master- Minister must set an example by the vaccines have not vouched elect, has received the first dose haven for encroachers. 7 7 = stroke by the Centre, which the volunteering to undergo immu- for their 100 per cent efficacy. of the COVID-19 vaccine live Madhu Agarwal O nation’s people will not forget for nisation first. Further, there are also no on television and reassured Delhi a long to come. This will help in allaying the claims from the pharma giants Americans of its safety. ) O 3 CK Subramaniam fears that have gripped the that the vaccines are devoid of Tharcius S Fernando ! &* Mumbai minds of people regarding the serious side-effects. Under such !''6%' 7 6:;(!"4 ; ! % % / ! ! 7 ($)($) 3 3 " " 3 " " & ! 3 L 33 L ! 3 ! ! 3 ! ! '
*$#+'", 7 " 1 $ % % B ( ! %% * < #= 7 B # B # B ( J ( " 22 ) P Q ( # " -($ ;< B ( " # inance is one field where we have witnessed sig- nificant innovations in recent decades and this B ( Fhas transformed our society in many ways. One - of the most promising innovations in the field of ( financial inclusion is the Business Correspondent model in which they serve as retail agents for banks for providing services at locations other than a bank branch or ATM. India has traditionally been an - - under-banked country, with a financial system that doesn’t work for the poor and hard-to-serve popu- - # - lations. One key reason for this is that most trans- actions are conducted in cash. Brick-and-mortar out- J - 8 lets make cash-based services difficult and expen- 9 sive. Even State-owned banks have balked at reach- - * ing rural and poorer parts of India. - ( Even though, there has been a huge uptake of digital banking in recent years, cash remains a cru- # cial part of most people’s lives. The very small deposits # ( and loans of lower-income customers make them ( unprofitable for banks which use traditional conven- * tional models. Moreover, the cost of opening ,#(&'7- " branches or setting up ATMs in remote locations 7&(&( P Q tends to be high. Many rural dwellers still live too far from bank branches to make accounts viable for &-6&0 $&*# - J $ them. Also, rural customers usually deposit and bor- row small amounts, making the business they bring 066&*# B - J &&&(08 = to banks less lucrative. The main problem is Indian tives of the sponsor bank and are autho- challenges faced by them. In a country as costs — which include the initial cash banks and other financial service providers haven’t &7*(/&' rised to conduct specified business on its vast and diverse as India, deeper under- required as well expenses such as furnish- ( # ( found a way to serve poor customers located in far- ('#26 behalf. They are compensated through fees standing of the market can only come if ings, technology devices, licencing and # ( flung areas and still make a profit. For years, India’s .09&# and commission paid by the sponsor, firms have a widespread distribution net- security fee — are substantial. ( banking system struggled to reach these individu- J-(&28 which also takes care of their training work and recruit locally. In order to serve In places that have significant popu- als with products that can significantly improve their 6#.9$&2% needs. their customers better, financial services lation density that can drive decent vol- * ( financial lives and integrate them into the mainstream 2.(6 (.#8 These agents, who help banks acquire firms need to be present in local markets umes, agent networks will grow organical- - J $ financial system. Now, alternative distribution and serve customers, have worked under and have employees who are familiar with ly. However, whether an agent is located approaches are emerging. The global revolution in (&'&2820 what is essentially a franchise model. Bank the cultural and economic nuances of the in an urban or frontier region, of course, - # 2%#0-2.8O6 # ( digital payments has created new opportunities to agents are typically required to invest sig- community in which they work. is not the sole determinant of success. In connect poor and rural households with affordable, -#.6#.9# nificant upfront capital in the business and The agent networks served as the last all markets, additional factors can limit the 0 -(2&06" convenient and reliable financial tools. are encouraged to leverage their person- line of resistance during the ongoing pan- development of networks. These include One such approach — the Business *-2('#26 al connections and credibility within the demic. Following the nationwide lock- the lack of banking infrastructure required $ Correspondent or agent model — has shown ##7&(&( local community to stoke demand. downs, the Centre announced two relief for rebalancing, regulatory requirements promise by bringing a network of tech-enabled bank- 62(*&&2870. This model provides substantial cost packages under the ‘Pradhan Mantri that make it challenging and time inten- " - ( ing agents into underserved communities. Agent net- 2%#,6#9#6 benefits to the provider, as the agent incurs Garib Kalyan Yojana’ amounting to $260 sive to recruit agents, unreliable telecom- works, a distribution channel that relies on individ- *#70.# the majority of start-up costs and most billion, an estimated 10 per cent of the munications networks and power grids, - ual entrepreneurs under a franchise-like model, is 2%#8(*# ongoing costs are variable and commis- Gross Domestic Product (GDP), for the poor roads and other physical infrastruc- - an effective way to provide banking services. Also # #2#20 sion-based. The agent model also features vulnerable. Agents played a significant role ture. P Q ( known as agent banking or correspondent banking, some important non-financial benefits. As in its implementation, as Government sub- The country needs a larger force of it has enabled banks to reach remote customers. It # 2# the retail face of the business, agents can sidies were credited directly to the accounts agents who are educated, motivated and - 7&(&( involves use of technology, such as payment cards provide customer assistance in a way that of beneficiaries savvy enough to effectively reach remote or mobile phones, to identify customers and record &-6&020 most ATMs cannot. This is especially valu- The channel has led to the creation of and challenging communities. But consid- # ( 2%#-*(/# + transactions electronically and, in some cases, to allow able in communities with low rates of over- a mass market for affordable, accessible, ering the work required for on-boarding customers to initiate transactions remotely. The entire (6#.9#( all and technological literacy. convenient and sustainable financial ser- these customers and orienting them to ( framework hinges on technology-enabled remote #$'##.(2&0 The model was introduced in 2006 by vices for low-income people and small- actively use digital services, the agents’ = banking logged into the system in a brick-and-mor- 07(0-2 the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to allow scale entrepreneurs in remote areas which compensation appears to be hardly worth = tar bank. %0#.6 banks to employ local people as third- lack bank branches, but do have other retail the effort. On account of this, they tend S The agent model typically involves a person pro- party, non-bank agents to travel door-to- outlets and post offices that already have to favour densely populated, well-mone- ( G - viding support as an extended arm of the bank. This door to provide banking services to local the reach needed to access target cus- tised and oversaturated markets. The is an important piece in the financial ecosystem and communities. The agent model proposes tomers. These outlets provide locations for original model of doorstep banking has ( a key touch point that enables banks to expand their that in areas inaccessible to banks, entities a network of agents that can be used as already given way to kiosk-based banking G 7 outreach dramatically at a substantially lower cost. such as grocery stores, telcos, snack par- low-cost delivery channels for providing due to the increased work required of The network leverages technology for maximum out- lours, petrol pumps, lottery outlets, pub- financial services to people visiting them, agents. Meaningful financial inclusion - ( reach in the assisted mode of banking through point lic utilities and companies with a retail net- especially in rural areas. Customers may will be possible in India only if banking of service handheld devices, mobile phones, biomet- work which potential customers use for have already developed a level of trust and agents provide quality services with trans- ric scanners and even micro ATMs which can be their daily needs, can be authorised to per- confidence required for more habitual use parency and dignity to the country’s 5 - accessed either through AePS (Aadhaar-enabled form financial operations. of financial services. underserved populations. But agents need - Payment Services) or a debit card. Easy-to-reach Financial services firms need to weave The model has chronically suffered financial stability for themselves before 5 # micro ATMs for stripped-down banking services local contexts in their business models in from low profitability and high churn. they can be expected to extend financial such as cash deposits, loan repayments, transfers and order to serve the communities success- There is a high level of agent attrition on inclusion to the unbanked and serve a new withdrawals are a revolutionary tool for a low- cost fully. Closer integration with the commu- account of unattractive remuneration. generation of account holders. 8 banking infrastructure. nity, through models like Business Agents take on significant financial risk in (The writer is a well-known develop- 9 Business Correspondents are typically grassroots Correspondent banking, also helps in starting their business. For an individual ment professional of international repute. entrepreneurs who serve as contractual representa- bringing about a greater appreciation of the starting a mobile money business, upfront The views expressed are personal.) $ %
Islamic Khilafat Movement, Jinnah being lay not in its chaotic passions and 1918). The modernists, meanwhile, Freud had been suggesting. This was passed such a resolution. You must a whole. This “postmodernist” wrote a letter to Mahatma Gandhi impulses but in the evolution and claimed that not enough had been based on evidence that the unabashed have raised this slogan to garner approach, once the domain of adver- warning him that these movements maturity of man’s ability to apply rea- done to subdue the primitive impuls- forces of fascism in Italy and Nazism votes.” tising, has continued to dominate pol- had the potential of unleashing reli- son and logic in whatever he did. es that humans still harboured. in Germany had embraced the anti- Here we see Jinnah again feeling itics, now more than ever. For exam- gious and communal sentiments that The resultant modernity was also This idea was now rooted in the modernist ideas to romanticise the uncomfortable with the idea of inner ple, the recent presidential elections in would be hard to control and thus, lead the consequence of a rising middle- works of the enigmatic Austrian neu- release of passions, impulses and emotionalism dictating external the US were largely understood as a to chaos. class that had rebelled against monar- rologist Sigmund Freud. In his books emotions that were once regulated by human behaviour. However, accord- conflict between differing points of $#%..- Jinnah concluded his letter by chism and the landed elite, replacing and papers published between the late the ideals of the Enlightenment. These ing to Adam Curtis in ‘The Century of view on cultural issues associated writing, “what the consequences of this them with the ideas of democracy and 19th and early 20th centuries, Freud caused the ultimate slaughter of mil- the Self’, when complexities of decoloni- with one’s inner feelings about a just may be, I shudder to contemplate.” an integrated economy which, in had concluded that conditions such as lions of people who did not fit the irra- sation entangled western powers in society that transcends monolithic n his 1954 book ‘Jinnah: Creator of As opposed to Mahatma Gandhi’s turn, had given birth to the concept of depression, hysteria, neurosis and tional anti-modernist context of wars thousands of miles away and their concepts such as the economy. Pakistan’, H Bolitho writes that, in Indian nativism and performative nationalism and the nation State. even psychosis were because of nationalist glory and racial purity. economies began to nosedive, Anna On the Right as well as the I1920 when Mahatma Gandhi’s spiritualism and the religiously-moti- Indeed, Enlightenment ideas and repressed emotions. His daughter, Anna Freud’s work came to the Freud’s ideas were turned on their Left/liberal sides, political and eco- Indian National Congress and India’s vated impulsivity of the pan-Islamists, modernity were attacked by various Anna Freud, a psychologist herself, was forefront as governments began to heads. nomic complications are now pan-Islamists came together to force Jinnah was a 20th century Indian differing schools of thought but once of the view that these needed to be envision future polities trained to From the 1970s onwards, “spiri- explained (as opposed to being the ouster of the British from the extension of the ‘Age of Enlightenment.’ modernity and its ideals had catapult- addressed through psychoanalysis in neutralise primitive impulses (the id) tual” and “psychological” movements addressed) in the language of emotions region through protests, Muhammad Also called the ‘Age of Reason’, it ed several Western nations into order to neutralise their destructive through a well-developed “superego” emerged that encouraged the overt such as anxiety and fear. Ali Jinnah was not amused. had evolved from various ideas and becoming global powers, all opposing nature. When Jinnah warned i.e moral conscience driven by reason. expression of repressed emotions. Political and economic failures are Bolitho describes Jinnah as some- philosophies in Europe between the ideas were relegated to the fringes. Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, he was It was during this period that Pakistan The self became more important than being blamed on cultural, religious, one who was steeped in the political 17th and 19th centuries. It advocated In 1920, Enlightenment ideals, and thinking like a modernist, advising came into being in 1947. the whole. Politics shifted as well. racial and moral factors. Social media and social traditions and ideas of the triumph of reason, science, indi- political, economic and social moder- him that the two aforementioned In his book ‘Qissa Aik Sadi Ka’ According to Curtis, when it became has given space for everyone to caress British liberalism and constitutional- viduality and democracy over religious nity were still at the centre of all gov- movements had the potential of Malik Ghulam Nabi, a former mem- tougher for politicians and govern- the Freudian concept of ego through ism. In 1916, Jinnah had worked as a ritualism, superstition, monarchism, erning models in the Western world. unleashing deep-seated emotions that ber of Jinnah’s party, writes that, dur- ments to address societal complica- confessional monologues about their bridge between the Congress and the feudalism and emotionalism. These ideals had also been adopted by needed to be checked and replaced ing a Muslim League convention in tions arising from the new disposition inner selves. And the leaders have fol- Muslim League and invested a lot of Enlightenment ideas and narratives various segments of the societies that with a more responsible approach December 1947, a man came up and and at the same time reconstruct lowed suit by spending more time energy in gaining some important had triggered dramatic revolutions in were colonised by the European towards achieving political freedoms. said to Jinnah, “We had told people, economies, they began to appeal to delving into cultural and moral issues political concessions from the British the US and France and ushered in nation-States. Contrary to what the anti-mod- Pakistan ka matlab kya? La ilaha illal- people’s inner feelings. and the self rather than on what lead- for the Hindu and Muslim polities of modernity on the backs of rapid Modernity’s critics hit back, accus- ernists had expected from the repeat lah (What does Pakistan mean? There Emotions related to morality, ers were once expected to do. We are India. However, four years later, when industrialisation, market economics, ing its cold logic of progress and its of mass carnage during World War-II is no god, but God).” To this Jinnah desires, self-improvement and image living in the age of the id. Mahatma Gandhi’s civil disobedience the rise of science and of philosophies mechanised products for the carnage (1939-45), Western governments replied, “Please sit down. Neither I nor began to be tapped, overriding policies (The views expressed are personal. movement merged with the pan- which claimed that mankind’s well- witnessed during World War-I (1914- began to invest heavily in what Anna the working council of the party has that once looked to benefit societies as Courtesy: Dawn.) ! ' &=
% % 667 ( Karachi: At least 11 coal min- ers from Pakistan’s Shia Hazara community were killed and four others injured on Sunday &; by unidentified gunmen who initially kidnapped them in the restive southwestern province of Beijing: China has revised its Balochistan, in the latest tar- National Defence Law, expand- geted attack on the minority ing the power of its armed communities in the country. forces headed by President Xi According to police, the Jinping to mobilise military and miners were on the way to work civilian resources to defend its at Machh coal field when the national interests both at home unidentified gunmen kid- and abroad. napped them and opened fire The new law, effective from on them after taking them to the January 1, weakens the role of nearby hills, the Express Tribune the State Council, China’s reported. Cabinet headed by Premier Li Six of the miners died on Keqiang, in formulating mili- the spot and five who were crit- tary policy, handing decision- cials. The amendments for the The revised law specifical- ically wounded died on the making powers to the Central National Defence Law (NDL) ly stresses the need to build a way to a hospital. Four others Military Commission (CMC), were passed by the Standing nationwide coordination were also injured. the overall high-command of Committee of the National mechanism for the mobilisa- According to media reports, the two million-strong People’s People’s Congress (NPC) on tion of state-owned and private an initial investigation has Liberation Army (PLA) head- December 26 last year. enterprises to take part in revealed that the attackers iden- ed by Xi, Hong Kong-based The revised law came into research into new defence tech- tified the miners as being from South China Morning Post force after the key conclave of nologies covering convention- a Shia Hazara community and reported on Sunday. the ruling CPC in November al weapons, as well as the non- the gunmen took them away, Xi, 67, has emerged as the last year finalised plans to traditional domains of cyber- leaving others unharmed. Communist Party of China’s build a fully modern military security, space and electro- A heavy contingent of (CPC) most powerful leader on par with the US by 2027. magnetics. police, Frontier Corps, and dis- after its founder Mao Zedong, By the year 2027, which Military and political ana- trict administration officials " ! 7 & & & 80 holding the posts of CPC marks the centennial of the lysts said the new NDL aimed reached the site after the inci- "& ." General Secretary, head of the founding of the PLA, China to strengthen the country’s dent. military besides the Presidency will build a fully modern mil- military leadership under Xi, Prime Minister Imran “The families of the victims Balochistan Chief Minister “Those who targeted these killing but banned Sunni with prospects of a life-long itary, a goal that is in alignment providing it with the legal Khan condemned the killing of will not be left abandoned by the Jam Kamal Khan has con- innocent coal miners do not extremist organisation Lashker- tenure. with the national strength and grounds to respond to the 11 coal miners and termed the [government],” Khan tweeted. demned the incident and deserve any concessions,” he e-Jhangvi has targeted He is the only civilian will fulfil the future national challenges of accelerating con- incident a “yet another cow- “Have asked the FC to use all sought an inquiry report from said. the minority Hazara com- leader in the CMC, packed defence need, official media frontations between China and ardly [and] inhumane act of resources to apprehend these the authorities concerned, the No group immediately munity in Baluchistan in the with high-ranking military offi- reports earlier said. the US. PTI terrorism”.’ killers and bring them to justice.” daily reported. claimed responsibility for the past. PTI 9 1 % ) ( 3, % & 3 R 0 ' % 7 "& Baghdad: A mock funeral pro- visible on the asphalt and walls day after Iraq confirmed Kathmandu: Nepal police has cession in Iraq marked the in the area. reports by private security Islamabad: Pakistan has can- received for online visas in a arrested seven migrant workers Peshawar: Eight police officials arrested in the case while efforts one-year anniversary of the US Soleimani headed Iran’s firms that a mine had been dis- celled about 200,000 comput- single day. from the Tribhuvan in Pakistan were suspended were on to arrest all the 350 drone strike near Baghdad that Revolutionary Guard’s elite covered attached to the side of erised national identity cards Meanwhile, Rashid said International Airport here for on Sunday for dereliction of nominated accused in the FIR. killed top Iranian general Quds Force, responsible for the a tanker rented from Iraq’s Oil (CNICs) fraudulently held by persons targeting the armed attempting to travel to the duty after a Hindu temple was The leading figures include Qassem Soleimani and top Islamic Republic’s foreign oper- Marketing Company, known as Afghanistan refugees. forces were doing so at the UAE with fake coronavirus vandalised and set on fire by a Maulana Amanullah, Maulana Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi ations and frequently shuttled SOMO, as it was refueling Speaking to reporters in his behest of foreign countries and test reports. mob led by members of a rad- Imdadullah, Maulana al-Muhandis. between Iraq, Lebanon and another vessel. It said that Iraqi home town Rawalpindi on action would be taken “within According to a statement ical Islamist party in the coun- Matiullah, Maulana Thousands of mourners Syria. His assassination dra- teams were working to dis- Saturday, Interior Minister 72 hours” against those making issued by Nepal Police try’s restive Khyber Muhammad Hakeem and joined the march on the high- matically ratcheted up ten- mantle the mine. Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said: “anti-army” remarks. Headquarters on Sunday, seven Pakhtunkhwa province. Maulana Anwar Zaman. way leading to the Baghdad air- sions in the region and brought Iraq has not provided fur- “We have data of 1.5 million “We would defeat such dis- workers, who were about to So far, 100 people have The arrested accused were port Saturday evening where the U.S. And Iran to the brink ther details, but the two private Afghan refugees having legal information against our country board a Fly Dubai flight, were been arrested for their alleged produced before an anti-ter- the strike that killed the two of war. security firms said the discov- status and about 800,000 and state institutions,” he said. arrested on Saturday. involvement in the incident, the rorist court which sent them to men took place. It was blocked The procession came as ery was likely a limpet mine on Afghans living in the country The Pakistan Democratic Senior Superintendent of police said, adding that 45 were three days of police custody. with cars. Iraq’s military said that explo- the MT Pola, a Liberian-flagged illegally.” Movement (PDM) — an Police Rajesh Nath Bastola arrested on Sunday. District Police Officer of Posters of the dead men sives experts with its naval tanker. He said corruption in the alliance of 11 Opposition par- said the arrests were made in Over 350 people have been Karak Irfanullah Marwat sus- adorned both sides of the road, forces successfully dismantled A limpet mine is a type of issuance of visas was being ties — has been formed against coordination with the airline named in the FIR after the tem- pended eight police officials on which was lined with tents a mine that was discovered naval mine that attaches to the tackled and the government the Pakistan Army’s interfer- company. The arrested showed ple in Karak district’s Terri vil- Saturday for dereliction of duty. that served food and drinks for stuck to an oil tanker in the side of a ship, usually by a was providing online visa facil- ence in politics and installing “suspicious behaviour” during lage was vandalised and set on The temple, which also has those who walked the highway. Persian Gulf two days earlier. diver-member of special forces. ity to citizens of 192 countries. “puppet” Prime Minister Imran the security check-in process, fire on Wednesday by a mob a Samadhi of a Hindu religious The scene of the bombing was The statement on Saturday It later explodes, and can sig- “To eliminate the chances Khan through a manipulated the police said, adding that the protesting against its expansion leader, was attacked by the turned into a shrine-like area said Iraqi authorities have nificantly damage a vessel. of corruption, we have election. airlines company contacted work. mob after members of the sealed off by red ropes, with a opened an investigation into The discovery came amid launched online visa service as Already, a case was being the respective hospitals from Superintendent of Police Hindu community received photo of Soleimani and al- the incident. No group has heightened tensions between there are chances of corruption registered against Jamiat Ulema- where the reports were pur- (Investigation) Zahir Shah said permission from the local Muhandis in the middle, as claimed responsibility for plac- Iran and the US In the final in manual processing of visas,” i-Islam Fazl leader Mufti portedly issued. The hospitals that 100 people, including seven authorities to renovate its mourners lit candles. ing the mine. days of President Donald he said, adding that over Kifayatullah over his remarks on said the reports were not leading figures, have been decades-old building. PTI Shrapnel marks were still The announcement came a Trump’s administration. AP 200,000 visa applications were the army, he said. PTI issued by them. PTI # # % : 8 9 % 0 00 way in the coming weeks as the Cairo: Egypt, Ethiopia and The foreign and irrigation more to “facilitate the negoti- coronavirus cases in the coun- Sudan resumed their years- ministers of the three Nile ation and bridge the gap rime Minister Boris try jumped by 57,725 this long negotiations Sunday over Valley countries met online between the three parties.” PJohnson on Sunday warned weekend, taking the death toll the controversial dam Ethiopia Sunday, said Ahmed Hafez, Africas largest hydroelectric that the current tiered system close to 75,000. is building on the Blue Nile, the spokesman of Egypts dam has caused severe tensions of lockdown to arrest the “Alas, restrictions may be officials said. Foreign Ministry. Sudan also between the three nations. spread of Covid-19 may have to about to get tougher,” Johnson The resumption came six confirmed the meeting. Egypt has called it an exis- be toughened further as the UK told the BBC, when asked weeks after Khartoum boy- Ethiopias Water and tential threat and worries that grapples with the new strain of about the lockdown. cotted talks in November, urg- Energy Minister Seleshi Bekele it will reduce the countrys the coronavirus. “It may be that we need to ing the African Union to play said earlier the meeting was share of Nile waters. The Arab’s As teachers’ unions do things in the next few a greater role in reaching a deal called by South Africa, the cur- world most populous country have been calling for a weeks that may be tougher. over the disputed Grand rent head of the African Union, relies almost entirely on the Nile countrywide closure of all I’m fully reconciled to that. I Ethiopia Renaissance Dam. and that US Observers and AU to supply water for agriculture schools for a few weeks due to think the whole country is The negotiations have cen- experts would attend. In and its more than 100 million the rapid spread of the new fully reconciled to that. There tered on the filling and opera- November, Sudan did not people. About 85% of the rivers variation, Johnson insisted that are a range of tougher mea- tion of the giant dam. Key attend a round of talks called by flow originates from Ethiopia. parents should send their chil- sures that we might have to questions remain about how South Africa, arguing that the Ethiopia says the $4.6bn dren to school from Monday in take. much water Ethiopia will current approach to reaching a dam will be an engine of devel- the areas where they remain “Schools are safe. It’s very release downstream if a multi- tripartite agreement on the fill- opment that will pull millions open as the threat to young kids important to stress that. The year drought occurs and how ing and operation of Ethiopias of people out of poverty. Sudan, from the deadly virus is “very threat to young people, kids, is the three countries will resolve dam had not yielded results. in the middle, worries about the small”. very small. The risk to staff is any future disputes. Ethiopia Sudanese Irrigation effects on its own dams, although However, he admitted that very small. The benefits of $ -( &/ $ has rejected binding arbitration Minister Yasser Abbas said at it stands to benefit from access even stricter restrictions for the education are so huge,” the . ! & / & ." at the final stage of the project. the time that the AU should do to cheap electricity. AP wider public may be on their Prime Minister said. < ,) 0 & ( ! 4( 7 < = Madrid: Blame Covid-19 trav- issued by Spain is still valid for group of at least nine people U.K., Spain, like many other will be accepted for travel to el restrictions or Brexit but British citizens residing in unable to board a Madrid- European nations, has banned return to Spain, as stated in our % whatever the cause, some Spain under the bilateral pro- bound BA/Iberia flight from all travel from the British isles travel advice.” Baltimore (US): The Covid-19 British citizens trying to return visions that followed the U.K.S Londons Heathrow Airport on except for Spanish citizens and But Sam Dakin, a 32-year- 06('##6 death toll in the United States to their homes in Spain this withdrawal from the bloc on Saturday. U.K. Citizens with residency old English-language teacher has surpassed 3,50,000 as weekend have been barred December 31. Moody said she and her rights. based in Barcelona for the last egendary talk show host experts anticipate another from boarding flights. But the travelers say husband, who she says needs to Spain has been rolling out four years, and his partner, who LLarry King has tested pos- surge in coronavirus cases and Airlines are refusing British Airways and Iberia see his doctor back in Spain, a new system to register per- has been in the Spanish city for itive for coronavirus and is deaths stemming from holiday documents that before Brexit have been refusing to let them have spent 1,900 pounds manent foreign residents called 8 years, said they needed more being treated at a hospital here, gatherings over Christmas and had been valid proof of the board for the past two days. ($2,600) on getting tested for TIE but its suffering a backlog assurances before they could according to US media reports New Year’s. Britons’ status as residents in The airlines, part of the IAG the virus, traveling to the air- due to the high number of rebook flights. on Sunday. Data compiled by Johns Spain. group, didnt immediately port and booking new tickets requests. The couple had been Sources close to the 87- Hopkins University shows the Their ordeal comes respond to requests Sunday for after they were refused board- Spains Ministry of Foreign blocked from flying Saturday year-old former CNN inter- US Passed amid heightened travel comment from The Associated ing. Their second attempt was Affairs told AP that under the morning despite carrying their viewer said he has been at the the threshold early Sunday restrictions due to a coron- Press. also futile. circumstances both proofs of certificate and then were Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre morning. More than 20 million over the past few days, includ- avirus variant that has been Around 300,000 British “Throughout all the application for the TIE and the refused boarding on another for over a week. people in the country have ing North Carolina and blamed for faster contagion in citizens are registered as per- months of negotiating Brexit, “green certificate” for EU citi- flight Saturday evening that Representatives for King been infected. Arizona. Mortuary owners in the UK And highlights the manent residents in Spain, we were always assured zens is still valid to travel for British Airways had initially have not publicly commented The US Has begun using hard-hit Southern California bureaucratic complexities although before Brexit, many that nothing would change British residents under the said they could take. on his hospitalisation, and two coronavirus vaccines to say they’re being inundated resulting from Britain’s depar- more had been living full or for us,” she said. Referring to new health restrictions in place “Just because the govern- details of his current condition protect health care workers with bodies. ture from the 27-nation part-time in the country with- the airlines and authorities in until Jan. 19. ment adviser said that we are unclear. and those over 80 but the roll- The US By far has report- European Union. out officially registering. both countries, she added: “Its “This should not be hap- could travel, we dont know “Larry has fought so many out of the inoculation program ed the most deaths from Both Spanish and British Patricia Moody, a 69-year- horrendous and we are suffer- pening,” said the U.K. Embassy whether that will happen when health issues in the last few has been criticised as being Covid-19 in the world, fol- authorities said Sunday that the old retiree who has called ing because of their incompe- in Spain said in a Facebook we turn up at the counters,” years and he is fighting this one slow and chaotic. lowed by Brazil, which has green-colored certificate of EU the southern Spanish town tence.” post. “The Spanish authorities Dakin said. “We just dont hard too, he’s a champ,” a Multiple states have report- reported more than 1,95,000 citizenship with a foreign of Zurgena home for nearly Following the discovery of have today re-confirmed that know where were going to get source told CNN. ed a record number of cases deaths. AP national identification number four years, was among a the coronavirus variant in the the green residency document answers.” AP ! , #>
( R& 3 >,?2" % ( " @ # $ hood projects are the core areas that NEC has taken up. % ! 78@=.*& Everything that it did was not perfect as the Council was still #$#%& % evolving. A third-party evalu- A6+ $ ation said that NEC has done rivate sector banks wit- its job though it could have % Pnessed a rise in non-per- @#$ % been better. forming assets (NPA) in respect One positive aspect is that of large borrowal accounts % NEC has a very strong goodwill with exposure of Rs five crore of the States. The affection of or above. the region towards it is also A recent report by the Moses Chalai, Secretary, This will be a part of the immense. Reserve Bank of India (RBI), KNorth Eastern Council NEC. It will have a distinct cited that gross NPA ratio as (NEC) hails from entity and will not have the typ- How has its role evolved? well as the ratio of restructured Chowainamai Khunou village ical official and governmental It continues to do many standard assets to total funded under Mao-Maram sub-divi- structure which exists at the things. NEC needs to see how amounts emanating from larg- 31, 2020. sion in Senapati District. From moment. It will be involving it can continue to be relevant er borrowal accounts in the However, the share of other the Manipur cadre of 1990 and partnering with different and useful while spearheading public sector banks have gone categories of SMAs i.e., SMA- IAS batch, he was posted on institutes, experts and agencies initiatives that were done in the #$#%& formation of e-commerce pol- down. 1 and SMA-2 remained at a rel- deputation as Additional who can bring in the best. past. There are a few initiatives icy, National Retail Trade At the end of September atively lower level, it said. Secretary in Ministry of There will be a lot of out- which are trend-setters. Any area. Looking back, I agree that he Confederation of All Policy, Traders Welfare Board 2020, large borrowal accounts The RBI report also Women and Child sourcing. We are doing sever- organisation in the world in a some portion of the resources TIndia Traders (CAIT) on at the Centre and all states, sim- constituted 79.8 per cent of showed that the decline in Development before being sent al studies with North Eastern democratic system, like a polit- need to go forward in blocks Sunday said it has targeted to plification of GST tax system NPAs and 53.7 per cent of total NPAs in the last financial year to NEC. Development Finance ical party, has to go back to the which have not seen NEC pro- reduce imports from China to and creation of a separate loans, it said. was achieved largely on the Before his deputation to Corporation (NEDFI) which people to say that it is still good jects. The Council does not lag Rs 1 lakh crore this year. income tax slab for traders of “During 2019-20, PSBs’ back of write-offs. Delhi, he had served as the will be one of our partners. and relevant after every four- behind anyone in terms of In a statement, the traders’ the country. GNPA ratio as well as the ratio As per the data, that both Principal Secretary and five years. NEC has been given output and outcome vis-a-vis body said it would run a pro- It would urge the govern- of restructured standard assets public and private sector banks Commissioner in different How would you evaluate the 50 years and it is very impor- resources in comparison with gramme this year to “liberate” ment for formation of a joint to total funded amounts ema- wrote off NPAs worth over Rs departments like Social NEC? Would you say it is a tant that it is also subjected to any government organisation. the country’s e-commerce busi- committee of officials and nating from larger borrowal 2.37 lakh crore. Welfare, Higher Education and success story? this yardstick. As a part of the It is perhaps among the better ness from the clutches of for- traders in all the districts and accounts trended downwards. The banks’ net NPA stood Health. To put briefly, the NEC has organisation, we are quite will- ones as compared to other eign companies. also seek the simplification of On the contrary, PVBs experi- over Rs 2.89 lakh crore in completed 48 years. It has done ing to step up and meet that organisations under Central “As part of its ‘Boycott Food Safety and Standards Act. enced an increasing share of 2019-20 as against Rs 3.55 What are the future plans of its bit. It has set up iconic insti- challenge. Relatively, the and State governments. Chinese Goods’ campaign CAIT’s priorities would NPAs in respect of such lakh crore in 2018-19. North Eastern Council? tutions like the Regional resources of the Council have from June 10, 2020, the CAIT also include supporting women accounts,” it said. In terms of lenders, out of NEC will carry on with its Institute of Medical Sciences not gone up while those avail- Any new areas that NEC has set the target of bringing entrepreneurs. It would also Further, the share of special the total write-off of Rs 2.37 mandates. We are a regional (RIMS), North East Police able to the States have increased should be focussing on? down imports from China by make efforts for making the mention accounts (SMA-0) lakh crore loans, NPAs worth planning body and we will Academy (NEPA), North dramatically. Definitely the Technology is definitely Rs 1 lakh crore by the end of pension scheme more rational witnessed a sharp rise in over Rs 1.78 lakh crore were continue to do that for Eastern Institute of Science resources need to commensu- one area that needs to pick up. this year,” the traders’ body for traders, subsidised insur- September 2020, which, written off by public sector Northeast and also provide and Technology (Itanagar) and rate the efforts of the NEC. NEC should step into that area added. ance scheme for traders and according to the report, may be banks, while private sector certain inputs on whatever the North Eastern Regional However, it needs to be kept in and do better. For instance, in CAIT also said it would their employees, availing easy an initial sign of stress after lift- banks wrote off loans worth Rs States come up with. We will Institute of Water and Land mind that resource utilisation bamboo, the Prime Minister urge the government on the access of loan for traders ing of moratorium on August 53,949 crore. continue to do a number of Management (Neriwalm) isn’t easy. When the money and the Ministry of studies, some of which are among others. It has been comes in, it can’t be just put in Development of North Eastern ongoing, for this. These stud- involved in setting up of North anywhere. There has to be Region (DoNER) are saying ies are linked to some practical Eastern Space Application proper planning and parame- that, NEC needs to go all out , *3 : : usage as well. Centre (NESAC). There have ters have to be followed. But we and make it impactful. But for Second, as per the advice been some iconic institutes do need to step up. that resources are needed. The and mandate provided by the which have filled the critical We should continue to authorities in Delhi have ,-,*(& ed the highest-ever yearly net In terms of sectors, IT, *(60101(!% Prime Minister at the NEC gap in the region. It is another work on power and basic infra- promised that resources would inflow of FPIs into equities at pharma, banks, FMCG, metals, 64 6++'***%'6 Plenary, the Council is also story that now the States are structure because there is still be found to undertake projects s foreign portfolio invest- over Rs 1.70 lakh crore. realty and oil & gas stocks were (6!'8! 8 % going to become a state-of-the- more resourceful, mature and a need for these. in the area. The government in Aments (FPI) surged amid The foreign investments bought the most by FPIs in this art resource centre which will bigger. They have expertise There is another role which Delhi is impatient and wants to the pandemic, December 2020 into equities came on the back year. Analysts noted that going ' C&'%(' 6#"D1 provide consultancy, skills, and can move forward once the was outlined by our Chairman, go big. The NEC is also con- recorded the highest-ever of excess liquidity due to stim- ahead, FPIs may continue to !(=*46 6 resources and cutting-edge NEC has done all of this. It has Home Minister, Amit Shah. He ducting studies with the monthly inflow of FPIs at Rs ulus measures globally, weak concentrate in the Indian mar- ideas. It will carry on projects made 11,000 km of roads has said that 30 per cent of the Ministry of DoNER, IIMs, 62,016 crore. FPI inflows into dollar, and low valuation of ket for the next one or two selling by FPIs during three and schemes. It is a funding which can take you across NEC budget should be appor- NEDFI under the lead given by Indian equities surpassed the stocks.In terms of purchase, quarters.Positive developments months -- March, April and agency and will continue to do continents if it is stretched out tioned and provided to back- the PM. So, plans are being pre- previous high of Rs 60,358 FPIs initially preferred large cap on the vaccine front to combat September. March was the that. in one line. It was part of the ward areas and deprived sec- pared for different subjects. crore recorded in November stocks till October. Later on, the novel coronavirus pan- worst month in terms of FPIs, setting up of North Eastern tions which have been left out. 2020. This was the third con- they enlarged their purchases demic is also likely to boost with the highest net outflow So, will this be a separate, Electric Power Corporation This has kicked in from this Do you see NEC’s role secutive month of net inflows. to include the mid and small investments.In 2020, the Indian during the year pegged at Rs independent unit or will it be Limited (NEEPCO). Power, financial year. We are working expanding then? The year 2020 also record- cap segments, analysts said. stock market witnessed net 61,973 crore. a subsidiary of the NEC? bridges, infrastructure, liveli- and struggling as this is a new Yes, and it should... '62 ! K5@ # '# #% % & ! K=== N O 8 '.?% "#% # ;5=== /0/(2( economy which was hit by the moving machinery, setting up #$#%& denced by a godown, Ministry statement. :7 COVID-19 pandemic, he said. railway lines, development of machines, raw materials and The accused person has espite its cash-flow issues, “With the achievements of sidings, exploration works and he Central GST Delhi West manufactured products at the been arrested and produced #$#%& ment to investor(s) along with DCoal India Ltd has already our internal goals, the govern- investments in joint ventures. TCommissionerate has premises. before the Metropolitan transfer of management con- spent over Rs 8,000 crore as ment has raised our capital The major challenge for unearthed evasion of taxes Around 65 labourers were Magistrate (MM), Patiala he Government has invited trol,” BEML said in a regulato- capital expenditure (capex) till expenditure target to Rs 13,000 Coal India for accelerating worth around 831.72 crore by found working at the illegal fac- House Court on January 2 and Texpressions of interest (EoI) ry filing.The Centre appointed December 2020 in the current crore. capital expenditure has been way of manufacture and illegal tory. The finished product of has been sent to 14-day judicial for the strategic sale of 26 per SBI Capital Markets Limited fiscal, and is looking to meet a “We have already crossed the cash-flow issues, the official supply of ‘pan masala’ without gutkha was being supplied to custody. Further investigation cent stake in BEML. (SBICAP) as its transaction revised target of Rs 13,000 Rs 8,000 crore till December said. any registration and payment of various states in India. The was underway to identify the BEML is a ‘Miniratna’ advisor to advise and manage crore of such expense by the and will definitely surpass the Moreover, there has been a duty. searches resulted in seizure of key conspirator/s of the case Category-1 Public Sector the strategic disinvestment end of FY’21, an official said on Rs 10,000-crore mark. We will sluggish coal demand with The GST officials also finished gutkha and raw mate- and to recover the tax dues Undertaking, under the admin- process.The filing said that the Sunday. chase the new goal as this will over 50 million tonne stock at arrested one person in the rials such as ‘chuna, sada katha’, involved. istrative control of Ministry of disinvestment process is to be The capital expenditure help revive the economy,” a CIL pitheads and 37 million tonne matter. tobacco leaves and valued at As per the ministry, the Defence (MoD). The govern- implemented through open target for the financial year official told PTI. at thermal power stations, the An official statement said around Rs 4.14 crore. Delhi zone has been making ment currently holds 54.03 competitive bidding 2020-21 was initially set at Rs The Maharatna PSU had industry sources. that on the basis of the search “On the basis of evidence sustained efforts to check eva- per cent stake in it. route.Interested bidders who 10,000 crore, the CIL official spent Rs 5,023 crore till “As against a stock require- at the premises of the manu- gathered, stocks seized and sion of GST, leading to detec- “GoI proposes to disin- meet the requirements as per said. September this fiscal, which ment of 21 days, the power facture, it was found that ille- confessional statements record- tion of Rs 4,327 crore in the vest its equity shareholding of the preliminary information The government has was 118 per cent utilisation of plants have coal for running gal manufacturing of ed the total duty evasion is esti- current financial year and 26 per cent in BEML out of its memorandum may submit instructed the public sector its half-yearly target. units for 23-24 days. How will ‘gutkha/pan masala’/tobacco mated to be approximately Rs arrest of 15 persons in these shareholding of 54.03 per cent their EOIs on or before 5 p.m. companies to increase their The spending was made they buy additional coal?” they product was going on, evi- 831.72 crore,” said the Finance matters. by way of strategic disinvest- of March 1, 2021. capital expenses to boost the for procuring heavy earth- said. ! $ %% + $ ;M N % !" " #"$% B & .D * + 9& % & ! & $ % 8* #$#%& Finance Ministry. Jaipur: Dry run (mock drill) of Apart from this, dry runs were The company needs #$#%& since they were last revised on #$#%& considering allotting shares to corona vaccination was done conducted at 2-2 of Bikaner, he Commerce Ministry has money to pay its employees December 7.Diesel prices in eligible and willing employees on 19 centers in 7 districts of Jodhpur, Bharatpur, Karauli, Tsought financial support who are opting for VRS (vol- il marketing companies Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and he Union Government of the RCFL at a discount on the State. Information on the Ajmer and 4-4 centers of Jaipur from its finance counterpart to untary retirement scheme), Okept petrol and diesel Kolkata were Rs 73.87, Rs Tplans to sell 10 per cent the issue or discovered price up potential common adverse and Banswara. A total of 19 pay compensation to the and due to its weak financial prices unchanged for the 27th 80.51, Rs 79.21 and Rs 77.44 stake in Rashtriya Chemicals to a maximum of certain per- effects after vaccination and centers were run dry in the employees of public sector conditions, MMTC is unable to consecutive day on Sunday respectively.The OMCs have and Fertilisers Ltd (RCFL) centage of the OFS size subse- follow-up of the COVID pro- state. trading firm MMTC (Metals & pay the due amount, one of the across the four metro cities. gone on a pause mode amid a through offer for sale (OFS). quent to completion of the tocol was given at all these cen- This is how the practice of Minerals Trading Corporation sources said. In the national capital, rise in crude oil prices as Brent The Department of transaction under OFS. ters. A total of 424 beneficiaries dry run of India) under its VRS scheme, The ministry is hopeful petrol was sold for Rs 83.71 per crude has been trading at over Investment and Public Asset The percentage and extent were run dry on selected cen- Dr. Sharma said that the sources said. that the Finance Ministry litre. In Mumbai, Chennai and the $50 per barrel mark on the Management has sought bids shall be decided in due course. ters on Saturday. rehearsal of the vaccine room According to sources in would consider the proposal Kolkata, the fuel was priced at back of commencement of vac- from law firms to act as legal The notice also said that mer- Medical and Health and the monitoring room for the Commerce Ministry, which positively, the sources said. Rs 90.34, Rs 86.51 and Rs cination drives in several coun- advisers and assist the govern- chant bankers or selling brokers Minister Dr. Raghu Sharma the beneficiary was prepared by is the nodal ministry of In July last year, MMTC’s 85.19 per litre respectively. tries to counter the pandemic ment in the process. will be required to render such said that in the first phase, dry applying the Kovid vaccine in MMTC, the ministry has sent board had approved the VRS Retail prices of transport along with expectations of a big A domestic law firm will assistance. run was started in 7 districts of the first run. During this, the a proposal regarding this to the proposal for its employees. fuels have been the same ever pickup in demand. act as the legal adviser to the Rashtriya Chemicals & the state with complete caution identity documents of the ben- transaction and submit pro- Fertilisers Ltd is a Mini-Ratna and scientific protocol. After eficiary were verified and posals in a consortium with an fertiliers and chemicals manu- this, a dry run will be done entered by the vaccination offi- international law firm of facturing company under the across the state in a phased cer. In mobile, the beneficiary ( repute, with similar experi- administrative control of manner. was certified on the Kovin ence and expertise in public Ministry of Chemicals and He said that the first dry software and sent to the vacci- offerings or OFS in capital Fertilisers. run was started at JK Lone nation room for vaccination, *#'(-.- one-way trip,” a zonal official operate three new markets, DIPAM said in a It has two operating units, Hospital in Jaipur. where the vaccination process told IANS. diesel electric multiple notice. one at Trombay in Mumbai and Medical Secretary Mr. (demo) was completed by the he South Western Railway The Bengaluru interna- unit (DEMU) trains to The Centre currently holds the other at Thal in Siddharth Mahajan and vaccinator officer and the ben- T(SWR) will operate a train tional airport is about 40km the airport. 75 per cent stake in the public Maharashtra’s Raigad district, Principal of Sawai Mansingh eficiary vaccine was entered service daily from Monday northeast of the city. “A regular train sector undertaking (PSU). about 100 km from Mumbai. Medical College, Dr. Sudhir into the Kovin software. between the main city station The first train will depart from Bengaluru The notice said: “The GoI RCFL manufactures urea, Bhandari kept a complete He said that the beneficia- and Devanahalli near the from KSR at 4.45 a.m. and Cantonment and intends to disinvest 10 per complex fertilisers, bio-fer- watch on the dry run. A dry ry was kept under observation Bengaluru international air- reach the airport station at Bangarpet in Kolar dis- cent paid up equity capital of tilisers, micro-nutrients, 100 run was conducted at the local by the vaccination officer in the port to ferry air passengers 5.50 a.m. trict will also stop at RCFL out of its shareholding per cent water soluble fertilis- level in the presence of district monitoring room for 30 min- both ways, an official said on “Another pair of trains will the Devanahalli halt of 75.0006 per cent, through ers, soil conditioners and a medical and concerned offi- utes. Sunday. run from Yelahanka station in station to pick passen- ‘Offer for Sale (OFS) method wide range of industrial chem- cials. During the process of this “Two pairs of trains will the city’s northern suburb to gers on its return jour- of shares by promoters icals. The Health Minister said dry run, the time taken to vac- operate from Monday between Devanahalli halt station on the ney via Yesvantpur,” through the stock exchanges’ The authorised share cap- that along with JK Lone cinate a beneficiary and the Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna Bengaluru-Dharmavaram said the official. as per Securities and ital of the company is Rs 800 Hospital in Jaipur, a run was time taken to enter the Covin (KSR) station in the city and route,” said the official. The fare “The train service will be The airport operator will Exchange Board of India crore and the paid-up equity run at Banipark Satellite software was assessed and the the Kempegowda internation- is Rs 10 for the one-way trip. much cheaper than bus and run shuttle service between (SEBI) Rules and capital is Rs 551.69 crore as on Hospital, Achrol First Aid process of operating the soft- al Airport Devanahalli halt The railway board on taxi fares between the city and the Devanahalli station and the Regulations.” March 31, 2020. Center and Manipal Hospital. ware was investigated. station. The fare is Rs 15 for Friday permitted the SWR to the airport,” added the official. airport terminal. The government is also @ ! %" %" :# ,# # % # F ( ! * $ !* ! ! " $ !* L&3 ! ! " ( &O ! ! ! "8! ? & ? M( " t’s been a year of cancelled trips and 2 missed experiences. This New Year, 3 Iwe can’t wait to talk about what is on ! the horizon as we say goodbye to a very difficult year. 2020 has been a year like no other and while much has been said about the adversity, positive news ;MNM- around the vaccine rollout has also , ? uplifted spirits helping all see a glimmer of hope. The pandemic has been a shape-shifting event when it comes to consumer behaviour and preferences. Shifting the travel search and booking data on MakeMyTrip over the last nine ! 3? months, here are the definitive trends that will shape how Indians are going to travel this year. ! ? !"# $% Revenge is a dish best served cold ! and after having been left out in the cold " " for almost one full year – expect trav- ellers hit the road with a vengeance. unwind. More and more people will pre- while meeting additional requirements. So, seen a 70 per cent recovery in the short- Travel is on top of mind as people look fer travel that balances their itinerary if in 2019, one in every two Indian trav- haul leisure travel segment. O ,4 +' #) at making a fresh start. Searches on our with a languid pace affording them the eller was thinking of booking an alterna- " " %% $ + %# @ platform related to travel destinations time to explore more while eliminating tive accommodation property (results and activities reaffirm that travel may the stress of rushing around many from the survey conducted by Post-pandemic, the travel and hospi- # '% have slowed down but travel planning places to tick the boxes. MakeMyTrip’s Consumer Insights team in tality industry has made significant % '+ A has been on in full swing for this year. October 2019), in 2021 more Indians will efforts to boost confidence among trav- People are going to spend time and ) #% & *)$!) % +% be booking villas, homestays, vacation ellers by making services contactless as !#'##'#+% effort planning their excursions for , -. % rentals and non-hotels for their travel. far as possible. From contactless check- && % future travel this year relying on plat- Safety and hygiene have emerged as in at airports and hotels; to ordering food '# , ' +% " ) !#3# forms that provide treasure trove of the new comfort and luxury in travel. The and beverages and concierge services at information and booking choices. traditional in-stay checklist has now made . ' '# , % hotels online, contactless offerings are 8, '##'A!# ,#% way for questions like – does the stay Urban Indians were just warming up becoming a norm more than an excep- 8% '+ #% 3# $% & % '( $))%$ ensure adequate social distancing, is there to the idea of weekend breaks in recent tion. In parallel, travellers are also warm- The one thing that 2020 has taught a private kitchen, can I have an extra room years but the pandemic seems to have ing up to the idea of using contactless ser- 8 ' # A! # us is to slow down and appreciate an for help or support staff and so on. Post- flipped the switch for good. More and vices and also building appreciation for # ' #& 8' , ! %# unhurried life. So be it a work-ation, COVID, travellers are looking for more more Indians have tasted the fun of the tech-rich experiences that promise staycation or a weekend getaway, trav- control over their stay – leading many to quick getaways during the pandemic travel safety, upfront. Currently, on ,#% A ellers are gravitating towards fuller and opt for higher category hotels, premium induced travel restrictions and this MakeMyTrip Limited, more than 2200 ##' # #& 8 richer immersive travel experiences homestays, independent villas and non- travel habit is all set to become the hotels offer contactless check-ins and the ! %3 " !# & that allows them to connect, explore and hotels that promise comfort of a vacation norm. The online travel company has numbers are increasing every week. ! ! %!# #&,# & A, % # ' 8' ,3 & & G:: & %AP ' L +&& && E+
( E 6! ! ?? 3 " % ! @=@; ! talism. Brides are going to be much keener to " either deviate from what’s seen as traditional or & they’re going to find ways to give their own unique touch to a traditional number. Ensembles, even the modern ones, are going ? to have a distinct heirloom element to them. ! ? Techniques like Ek Taar and Kasab can be 3 3 effortlessly woven to craft contemporary pieces ! ! ? that still carry that heirloom appeal. These are the kind of pieces that score high on comfort, ! personal significance and artisanal excellence. ! ! Rina Singh, Designer and Founder of Eka and Eka Core Nicolas Cage hosts this proudly profane, funny and 3 ? engagingly educational series about the history and " The idea this year has been to wear clothes to suit oneself and I strongly believe this trend will impact of the most notorious English swear words. The ( 09&? carry on in 2021 as well. I don’t think there were show releases on January 5 on Netflix. ;M 3 ?! any trends as such in 2020 as most of our time "( was spent at home. If at all, we could capture ! a trend for this year it would definitely be com- fortable, wearable and meaningful design ! ! options in good textiles. Sustainable, function- " al and easy to wear clothing has taken prece- dence over impressing people through what you O& P ! #% wear. ! P Dhruv Bogra, Country Manager India, Forever New % 2020 saw comfort clothing and lounge wear as 3 most preferred styles. Everyone wanted to be comfortable at home during the pandemic, 3 hile 2020 was all about comfort and however, with work from home and gradual " Wmeaningful design which works well for opening up of social gatherings, high fashion L& 3 work from home, loungewear and intimate prevailed with some key trends for 2020. These 3 gatherings, 2021 is expected to a glamourous would be puff sleeves which is flattering for all Inspired by the adventures of Arsène Lupin, update of the same, forecast the experts. body types, elegant satin dresses and high slits, gentleman thief Assane Diop sets out to avenge his Industry veterans shed light on trends that playful cut out dresses and leather pants, are father for an injustice inflicted by a wealthy family. ? may rule this year. versatile and can be dressed up and down. Starring Omar Sy, Ludivine Sagnier and Clotilde Hesme, "& O 2021 is about comfort clothing translating the show releases on January 8 on Netflix. 3O Designer Kunal Rawal through boyfriend jackets and khaki colours. " Military tones are going to be huge in the com- It is going to be about glamour accentuated by ing year. Personally I’ve always been fond of a waist cinching silhouettes. I see a lot of sorbet &O D! good tonal grey look, so ‘Ultimate Gray’ is a pastel tones and delicate florals, which are per- 3 & colour I highly recommend. fect for summer with ruffles, voluminous 3 M This year will see a rise in de-constructed sleeves or polka dots. These timeless styles will 7 " utilitarian silhouettes, especially in chic neutral be the front runner styles with vibrant scarves. L6&O shades. Pantone colours will dominate virtual run- Avinash Mane, Commercial Head, South ways. Both “Ultimate Gray” and “Illuminating” Asia, Lenzing Group ! ? are colours that work well together as the sen- The sustainable fashion trends of the future are &O sibilities behind them are relatable. heavily influenced by the events of today, ? Fashion Winners of 2020 were definitely sil- which could never have been predicted. We houettes that were easy to lounge in. Comfort believe that the changing consumer attitude took charge over style, and as restrictions start- will continue to encourage the industry to !" ed easing up, menswear was championed by embrace sustainability at all levels. # 3 multi-utilitarian clothing that could easily 2020 has impacted every aspect of our ! "& transition from day to night. lives. As we continue to battle the pandemic, the textiles and apparel industry worldwide H! Monica Shah of Jade by Monica & Karishma experienced unprecedented disruptions. The I think comfort is going to be high on every pandemic has thrown light upon the urgent ! ! bride’s list of priorities when it comes to her need for consumers and organisations to focus ! bridal ensemble. We’re going to see lighter fab- on sustainable choices, products and process- Follow LA’s wildly wealthy Asian and Asian M rics and breezy silhouettes that not only facil- es. And to that effect, sustainable fashion has American fun seekers as they go all out with fabulous " itate movement but also make the bride feel accelerated to centre stage within the parties, glamour and drama in this reality series. It completely at ease on her big day. industry. releases on January 15 on Netflix. Another trend I see is that of experimen- L$. ! # @@ !
of Thapla water tank. Today, only the structure adorns the village without actually serving the pur- pose of its existence.” As per the village Panch, -,.' )(/( Shabir Mir, “The department has 23 ! ! laid a network of pipes in the vil- lage but there is no water. Our repetitive pleas have not resulted 7 in any action.” The association ! between villagers and govern- A1' 3* +3& ''13 ment representatives, he believes, .( 80'& *.(%,(/-,(. &/- & needs to be based on trust. He pleads the higher authorities to here was a time when energy and s an immediate response tion and rainwater harvesting, tainous routes and in extreme fetch water from natural spring. take the necessary action to cor- matter were considered to be separate to the intensifying water renovation of traditional and weather to fetch drinking water. In Even after walking for hours, rect things on ground. When the Tthings by scientists’ all over the crisis in the country, a other water bodies, reuse of water Dhara village in Mandi tehsil in they are able to collect only eight Junior Executive Engineer (JEE) world. But later on researches in science Aunified Ministry of Jal and recharging of structures, Poonch, the unavailability of safe to 10 litres of water.” was contacted, he informed that revealed that atom which, was believed to Shakti was launched in May 2019 watershed development, and drinking water is one of the prime “In this long period of 12 he has recently join and suggest- be the smallest and indivisible particle of by the Central Government — intensive afforestation. concerns for its residents. They years, no employee of the con- ed to contact the Assistant matter, consists of electrons, protons, neu- soon after attaining power for the In the initial phase, 256 water- have been trying to raise their cerned department has made any Executive Engineer (AEE) who, in trons, etc., which are small sparks of ener- second term. The previously exist- stressed districts in the country concerns with authority but to no official visit to listen to the con- turn, suggested that JEE can be gy. It was also discovered that atom could ing departments and ministries were identified based on the crit- avail. cerns of the villagers,” he added. contacted for the same. be split up to release energy. These findings were brought under this new ically low groundwater levels. In Muhammad Rashid Mir, a Every time villagers would regis- As per a report published in worked as a major breakthrough in the ministry and within a month, on that phase, only one district from resident of Ward No. 5, Dhara vil- ter their concerns in front of the a newspaper, with an average 40 sphere of science and, coupled with some July 1, the government had the newly formed Union Territory lage informed that in 2008, a water officials they were returned only per cent of the non-revenue water other discoveries, brought various scientif- launched Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA), of Jammu and Kashmir was line was laid in their ward from with fake assurances. The ground loss during the distribution ic inventions. Further research into the the- an intensive campaign aimed at included despite the serious water Mohalla Jabri to Miran. “It’s been reality is different from the process, J&K is heading for a ory and practise of electronics and the field making water conservation a Jan crisis faced by the people here. In 12 years since this line was start- attempts made by the government drinking water crisis within a of different forms of energy — light, sound, Andolan (people’s movement) its border district of Poonch, ed. With no maintenance, pipes at the larger scale. decade unless the management electricity and magnetism — enabled the through asset creation and exten- located 250 kilometers from have burst now, and our land is As per Chaudhry Mohammad practises are not improved signif- ingenuity of man to take further big strides into domains, previously sive communication. It focusses Jammu, the shortage of water has being damaged due to water leak- Saleem, a social worker from the icantly. unknown by humans. All this resulted in a spate of highly sophisticated on five aspects — water conserva- intensified over the years with no ing from these pipes. So far, no village, the Jal Shakti Department The Central Government is scientific contrivances and things such as spaceships, computers, televi- sustainable solution in sight. repairing work has been undertak- should become more responsible trying to make people aware of sion etc. The issue has been covered en by the concerned authorities,” towards the woes of the villagers. Water and Sanitation Hygiene There is no doubt that all these researches enlarged the field of man’s extensively by the regional media he said. “Under the Lift Irrigation Scheme, (WASH) and it is actually impact- thought, broadened his vision, rang the death-knell of superstition and but the voices of the villagers Reflecting upon the miseries as per official records, the con- ing and changing lives of people. blind faith, yet they also resulted in giving a harmful bias to man’s think- residing in the remotest corner that the locals have to go through, struction of four water tanks was However, until and unless, the ing as he became a little more conceited and engrossed with the pursuit of the country is missing from Irshad Lone, an educated young completed in 2016. In reality, local government institutions of material things. And in this mad race after machines, computers and the national platforms. They man from the same village shared, however, the groundwork is still become more responsible towards electronics, he even forgot about his own identity, so much so that he began walk for several kilometers “During social events, horses are incomplete. Water is supplied such schemes, achieving the laid to look upon himself as a mere robot. Things have now reached to a stage on tricky moun- used to bring drinking water. from the water tank of Mohalla goals will always be challenging. where many people do not believe in the existence of soul as they believe Villagers collect rainwater to feed Kanal to the water tank of Mohalla L% & in matter or various forms of energy only. They think that man is noth- the cattle. But for daily purposes, Thandi Bani but the water supply ing but a brain, functioning through the nervous system and the body. women and children have to in the other two tanks which have The brain, they say, is comparable to a computer and is worked by elec- walk to distant been constructed in Mohalla trical impulses. Moreover, everyone will agree that this thought is abstract places to Thapla and Morban has not been and dimensionless because we can imagine the sun and the far off galax- restored yet,” he informed. ies and the regions beyond the galaxies almost within the same time. Also, Describing the helplessness of thought cannot be construed or reckoned in scientific terms because it the people of this village, local res- can fly into the past and the future, the dimensions of which cannot be ident Javed Iqbal said, “Only covered in the concept of velocity. One can only guess and say that the once in ten years, water was velocity of thought is multi-umpteen billion years per impulse. But, one pumped to check the leakage really must confess that, despite all the fund of knowledge of mind that psychology has placed at our disposal, one does not clearly know what thought or mind is. Not many of us know that everything that is visible to us through our physical eyes today, every particle of matter that we can touch and feel now first had its blueprint in human mind. In other words, everything outside is a physical manifestation of what is inside. Therefore, everything in the universe was first born as a thought or a tiny sentient point or dot. A dot has no length, breadth or width, but it has immense power. When a thought expands, depending upon its nature and quality, it can soothe one with peace and prosperity or disturb the self and others. Each thought brings along a chain of other thoughts of similar nature, and put together they can gain momentum to create desirable or unde- sirable results. While slow, light and positive thoughts can create a peace- ful and prosperous world, chaotic and negative thoughts can be destruc- tive. Hence, we should realise that a thought gives birth to an idea that may spread like wild fire or bring about a revolution. It is the mother of all change maybe for the better or worse. That is why the saying ‘Think of the devil and the devil is there’ is appropriate because as soon as you create the devil in the mind, its arrival is inevitable. Thought is not a form of material energy. It emanates from the con- scious, superphysical and supernatural entity, called soul. Soul has no mass and weight. It has no time-dimension; it is eternal. So, thought can tra- verse all barriers and go to events of the remote past or the distant future. Mind is only another name for the consciousness of the soul. It refers to that faculty of soul which manifests in the form of volition, will, attention, cognition, etc. Whereas thought is a a spiritual energy which also has a moral dimension and perceives and expresses sentiments and emotions. Today we all are experiencing how the present era dominated by vices is promoting devilish tendencies. Hence, the speed and intensity of neg- +'6#',3**#&#@$# ative thoughts is much greater than the positive ones, which are very few. The major part of these positive thoughts fritters away before implemen- tation due to a greater momentum of internal weak thoughts. Under such ' % circumstances, practise of meditation lends power to our thoughts. It helps us realise our positive and pure intentions by reinforcing and re-program- ming them into our mind. It unleashes the positive capacity of our thoughts % — the infinite power to visualise the most beautiful and realise it in this three dimensional world. It helps us to create an internal positive envi- s the COVID-19 pan- for years to come,” said Sonali worldwide to live healthier at ronment. In its most powerful stage, our mind could even transform the demic continues to Khan, Managing Director of every stage of life,” said Lara negative vibrations and situations into positive ones. So, take a pause to Aaffect children and fam- Sesame Workshop, India. Ramsburg, Head of Corporate check what kind of thoughts are created in your mind for these will decide ilies across India, Sesame “With so many routines Affairs for Viatris. your degree of happiness and satisfaction. And these will shape the kind Workshop — India and Viatris upended, we want to help chil- “From young children to of world you are creating for yourself every moment. Monitor your Inc. has launched new dren and their caregivers across parents, grandparents, and thoughts to see what you are creating and what is being destroyed; what resources to support the social India manage big feelings and other caregivers, we hope these are the tendencies that are being watered and which are the ones that and emotional needs of chil- spend quality time with each new resources will be of value are being allowed to droop. dren, parents, and other care- other, even when apart.” to anyone who has experi- givers in families. The workshop that com- enced the emotional impact of The release of materials in menced in December saw new the pandemic on their families. English and other languages is animations and activities on a As we begin our journey, we’re designed to help young chil- rolling basis that will help care- committed to supporting social dren talk through and name big givers with simple language and impact initiatives and part- feelings like stress and fear, tact to talk to their children nerships that have the potential encourage positive caregiving about the sudden change in to have a lasting, positive strategies and routines, and their routines and how they can impact on patients, families and help families find ways to cel- cope with their new reality communities worldwide.” ebrate together when far apart. while managing stress and The resources launched as Made possible by the sup- anxiety. part of Sesame Workshop’s port of Viatris, the new global In one video, Grover and “Caring for Each Other” initia- resources will reach families on his mom decide to make his tive, was created in response to six continents. “Together with grandmother’s special family the uncertainty facing families Viatris, we are providing strate- soup over videochat when they about big feelings and Elmo’s released on a rolling basis tence. during the COVID-19 pan- gies for children and families to can’t be together for their hol- dad helps him name and cope included keeping routines, “Our work with Sesame demic, has reached families in cope with today’s challenges iday celebration. In additional with the feeling of fear of get- spending special time togeth- Workshop stems from our more than 100 countries and 41 and foster emotional wellbeing videos, Elmo and his mom talk ting sick. Additional topics er, and learning about persis- mission to empower people languages. L$. ! 8 +4+& ## #) +! # ,# # !#,A L7 !#'#'#%
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68#8 two important qualities. He is 7 ' ; " $4 %3 calm when things could easily ormer Australia skipper Ian get out of hand,” said the former FChappell, in a column for captain, who is a respected fig- 1 C ESPNcricinfo, has said that ure in world cricket. Ajinkya Rahane’s fine captain- “He has earned the respect cy of the Indian team in the of his teammates, one of the 7!& H! ! recently-concluded Melbourne most important aspects of good Test came as no surprise to him captaincy. And he gets runs as the Mumbaikar is a “born when they are needed, which 6 leader.” adds to the respect his team has Under Rahane, India made for him.” #$#%& Cricket Australia, in a a remarkable comeback in Chappell also praised the media release on Saturday, Melbourne after their humiliat- performance of Indian bowlers he entire Indian cricket said it is probing the matter ing loss in the first Test in Jasprit Bumrah, R Ashwin and Tcontingent, including the jointly with the BCCI after a Adelaide, winning by eight Mohammed Siraj as well as five players who are in pre- video of the players at an wickets. debutant Shubman Gill’s show cautionary isolation, will indoor restaurant was post- “It was no surprise that with the bat. travel to Sydney for the third ed by a fan, who identified Ajinkya Rahane captained India Despite the valuable perfor- Test against Australia togeth- himself as Navaldeep Singh flawlessly at the MCG. Anyone mances from other Indian play- er in the same chartered on Twitter. who saw him in charge in ers, Chappell said “the Johnny flight on Monday. “If you carefully read the Dharamsala in 2017 would Mullagh medal-winning contri- The five players — vice- CA statement, they never have recognised a man born to bution from Rahane turned captain Rohit Sharma, open- said that it’s a breach. They lead cricket teams,” wrote the match firmly in India’s er Shubman Gill, stumper said that they are seeking to Chappell. favour. Rishabh Pant, pacer Navdeep determine if it’s a breach. In that match, India had “The captain’s century Saini and batsman Prithvi “So there is no restriction beaten Australia by eight wick- came at a time when India Shaw — have not been on these five players travel- ets in the fourth Test to wrap up could easily have faded to a two- barred from travelling with ling with the team to Sydney. the series 2-1. nil deficit, and it was this per- the team despite an ongoing The entire team is flying “The moment that caught formance that gave his team the investigation into an alleged tomorrow afternoon,” a my attention in the Dharamsala conviction that victory was bio-security protocol breach senior BCCI official said on match was the time Rahane attainable. A former resident of by them. conditions of anonymity. called on debutant left-arm Mumbai told me his wife lip- wrist-spinner Kuldeep read Rahane say the words ## ( %& & ? Yadav when David ‘Come on, India’ when he “We didn’t adapt quick something that selectors want Warner and Steve reached his MCG century. That 68#8 we obviously prefer not to (play challenges,” he added. expecting what is going to be. It enough to that wicket, but Steve me to keep doing more, I am Smith were involved is another thing that back-to-back in Sydney). The India has not won a single is out of our control and there (Smith) played against Ashwin comfortable doing. If I slide back in a century partner- defines Rahane’s cap- ustralia opener Matthew schedule has been rolled out and Test match at the Gabba. is nothing we can do.” plenty of times before this and down the order, I will do that ship. ‘This is a taincy: he’s all about Wade on Sunday said his we prefer to stick to that. According to Australian Wade said he expects star he has been very successful on also. I am ready from 1 to 7. I am brave move’ I the team.” Aside would not like the Regardless, if that is a quaran- media reports, the Indians are batsman Steve Smith to come our wickets against him. I am happy to bat wherever playing thought, and it Chappell said the scheduled final Test in Brisbane tine-based hotel, go to the not happy at the possibility of back to form after underwhelm- sure he will be fine and no prob- games for Australia, I will take turned out to tantalising series is being shifted to Sydney even as ground, play and come back,” going to another strict quaran- ing performances in the first two lems at all. We have to find a way, every run I get.” be a very far from over reports emerged that India are Wade said in a virtual press con- tine in Brisbane since they have Tests and deal better with the that’s the nature of the beast,” Wade said he is also pre- smart one,” and despite the reluctant to play at the Gabba ference. already served 14-day quaran- Indian spinners led by R Ashwin said Wade who has scored 111 pared about the possibility of he recalled. departure of because of stricter quarantine “Cricket Australia have been tine upon entry to Australia. and Ravindra Jadeja. runs from the four innings he even being dropped. Yadav Kohli and protocols there. firm that they will stick to the The fourth and final match “They (Ashwin and Jadeja) has played so far. “Will (Pucovski) has come quickly injuries to According to reports, the schedule that we rolled out at the is scheduled from January 15. are a tough spin duo to crack, His batting position has back into the squad, so whether claimed Mohammed Indians are not keen to travel to start of the summer so we fully The four-match Test series is very consistent and have bowled been a topic of discussion after they make that change straight the wicket Shami and Brisbane in view of the stricter expect to play at Gabba. There currently level at 1-1. terrifically well, especially in David Warner and Will way and I slid back down, or of Warner, caught by Rahane Umesh Yadav, quarantine protocols in is no secret that we would love “From our position, there is Melbourne. Probably they got Pucovski were named in the whether I don’t play at all, who at first slip, and that prompt- the visitors Queensland and want to play to play at Gabba” no uncertainty, we are going to more spin and bounce, more squad for the third Test but knows. I am not a selector but ed a five-wicket slide for “have fewer back-to-back games in Sydney “Harder quarantine and play at the SCG and then play- than what we expected in first Wade said he is ready to bat any- no indication at this stage and I Australia to lose the match. selection where the third Test begins on stricter bio-security protocols ing at the Gabba until we are told innings. That was a little bit of where. prepare to bat where I have been “However, there’s headaches Thursday. will be there. But we are ready that it is going to change. So, we shocker, but we expected that to “I have really enjoyed open- batting and if I slide back down, much more to his lead- than “I have not heard of this, but for more sacrifice and face more are rolling to the next game come into play. ing, moving forward if that is I am comfortable there as well.” ership than just those Australia” D # 6( ; %.&62%-.% '( .D yle Jamieson took a five = Kwicket haul as New Zealand bowled out Pakistan for 297, 0) !%0 0) !%0 anchored by a sterling 93 from ,2 23') ,1 23') Azhar Ali, on day one of the sec- " " /0/(2( ond Test against New Zealand in !"' '!; Christchurch on Sunday. CCI president and former India captain Jamieson, in only his sixth BSourav Ganguly, who underwent angio- 0%(#6*-.' Test, had figures of 5/69, the plasty after a “mild” heart attack on third five-wicket haul of his Saturday, is stable and his health parame- ast bowler Anrich Nortje took six wick- career. ters are normal, doctors said on Sunday. Fets and opening batsman Dean Elgar New Zealand won the toss He was diagnosed with three blocked batted confidently as South Africa took and bowled first on the green coronary arteries on Saturday, following control on the first day of the second and strip and as Jamieson found which a stent was inserted in one to remove final Test against Sri Lanka at the bounce and movement to claim the blockage. Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on four wickets at one end, Azhar “He had an uneventful last night and Sunday. was defiant at the other as he presently is Afebrile (not feverish). He is Nortje claimed career-best figures of established key partnerships for sleeping now,” said a statement issued by the six for 56 as Sri Lanka collapsed to 157 Pakistan. private hospital where Ganguly is admit- after winning the toss and choosing to bat After the early loss of Shan ted. first on the pace-friendly Wanderers Masood, Azhar added 62 with The celebrated former cricketer’s blood pitch. Abid Ali, 88 with Mohhamad pressure is 110/70 and oxygen saturation Then the left-handed Elgar scored 92 Rizwan and 56 with Faheem level is 98%, the statement added. not out as South Africa reached 148 for in the arc between wicketkeeper and Ashraf. "& ; ! ,(-#! 6 # ." Doctors said they will be deciding on one at the close. gully before last man Ajitha Fernando was After holding the innings conducting another angioplasty after access- With Kusal Perera hitting an aggres- bowled by Nortje, backing away from a full together for 172 deliveries, for Shan Masood with a toe- unplayable as it reared up forc- Azhar, Jamieson returned to ing Ganguly’s condition. sive 60, Sri Lanka were on course to reach ball after a series of short-pitched deliv- Azhar was caught at first slip by crushing yorker in the third over ing the batsman to put his see off Ashraf who was out for “He will be requiring another angio- lunch with minimal damage on a pitch eries. Several of the batsmen contributed Ross Taylor off the bowling of and was there for the carnage hands up in a reflex action and 48 when he edged a ball outside plasty because of the triple vessel disease. which usually offers assistance to the to their own downfall with loose strokes Matt Henry who was called when Jamieson came into the the ball was gloved to wicket- off stump to Ross Taylor at first But, that depends on how his condition is. bowlers on the first morning. outside off stump. into the New Zealand side to attack. keeper BJ Watling. slip. He is, however, out of danger now,” one of But Perera was caught at gully off the Ajitha Fernando, making his debut, replace Neil Wagner who broke In a destructive three-over In the middle session Zafar Gohar, on debut, the doctors treating Ganguly had said on medium-paced Wiaan Mulder 20 minutes bowled impressively at the start of the two toes in the first Test. burst before lunch, Jamieson Rizwan was in punishing form reached 34 before Jamieson was Saturday. from the interval, sparking a calamitous South African innings, bustling in at a live- It was an uncharacteristic removed Abid Ali (25), Haris with 11 boundaries on his way back in action, this time to take Prime Minister Narendra Modi on collapse from 71 for one to 84 for five ly pace. He had Aiden Markram caught at shot from Azhar who, until Sohail (one) and Fawad Alam to 61 off 71 deliveries, before he the crucial catch at fine leg to Sunday spoke to Sourav Ganguly who before the break. second slip in an opening spell of one for then, had moved his feet and (two) using his 2.3 metre (6ft was caught in two minds by a give Southee his second wicket. underwent angioplasty after suffering a Nortje, who had made the first break- 14 in seven overs. was prepared to leave most 8in) frame to ruffle the batsmen fuller Jamieson delivery that Trent Boult mopped up the “mild” heart attack, and enquired about his through of the match when he had Sri But Elgar batted fluently and had solid deliveries that did not require a with an awkward bounce which came back at him and an incon- tail taking the wickets of health. Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne support from Rassie van der Dussen in an shot, and when there were edges he mixed with testing full deliv- clusive shot was edged to Shaheen Afridi (four) and Official sources said Modi also spoke caught behind in the tenth over, claimed unbroken second wicket stand of 114 they fell safely. eries. Watling. Naseem Shah (12). to the cricket administrator’s wife Dona four more wickets after lunch. which took South Africa to within nine He went to the middle early The delivery that account- After the tea adjournment, The New Zealand first Ganguly. Nine of the Sri Lankans were caught runs of the Sri Lankan total. when Tim Southee accounted ed for Alam was almost and once Henry had removed innings will start on Monday. 4 * !% ' # 7 &' & !# # ,(.& '! ! $ * 5 ! eal Madrid jumped to the top of RLa Liga on Saturday with a 2-0 *#'(-.- $#62*.0,$&% Saka was again the shining light, break and some comical West Brom home victory over in-form Celta while Tierney and Emile Smith Rowe defending led to the third as Semi Ajayi Vigo. he Indian women’s hockey lexandre Lacazette scored twice as also impressed. smashed a dangerous cross off his own Lucas Vazquez headed in a cross Tteam, led by Rani Rampal, AArsenal further eased their early Arsenal’s poor run was principal- post and the ball broke to Lacazette to from Marco Asensio at the far post in on Sunday left the country for season struggles by thrashing West ly caused by a struggle to apply a simple finish. the sixth minute, barely a minute after the tour of Argentina, looking Brom 4-0 at a snow covered score goals, but they were Moments later, another raid from Real centre back Nacho had cleared a to gain international match Hawthorns on Saturday. a threat from the off Tierney down the left teed up Lacazette shot by Celta striker Iago Aspas off the exposure after nearly a break of After seven Premier League games despite the treacherous for another finish from line. one year due to Covid-19 pan- without a win, the Gunners have now conditions. point-blank range. Vazquez returned the favour in demic. won three in a week to dampen talk of Sam Johnstone denied Pierre-Emerick the 53rd minute, laying a diagonal ball The Indian team was forced a relegation fight and move back into Hector Bellerin and Saka Aubameyang has missed into the path of Asensio with the vis- to train at the Sports Authority contention for the European places. inside the first 10 minutes, out on Arsenal’s return iting defence in disarray. Asensio of India centre in Bengaluru for Kieran Tierney’s stunning solo but he was powerless to stop to scoring form over the drove his shot into the roof of the net. several months as internation- goal opened the floodgates as Sam Tierney’s stunning opener on past eight days as he Real rebounded from a draw al competition came to a halt Allardyce’s men have now conceded 23 minutes. turned a glorious chance with promoted Elche on Wednesday due to the pandemic. nine times in two games. The Scotland internation- from Willian’s mishit to move one point clear at the top of ; . 00 The Indian team is sched- Bukayo Saka rounded off a brilliant al left Darnell Furlong trailing shot over before the table, but second-place Atletico ,<= uled to play four matches . 7$># team move to double the visitors' lead in his wake before cutting Johnstone produced Madrid have played three fewer games ; %< ." against the world number two before Lacazette struck twice in four inside onto his weaker right another fine save from the and can regain the lead when they face Argentina side (January 26, 28, ferent this time, since we will be second-half minutes. foot and curling into the top Gunners' captain. Alaves on Sunday. youngsters Martin Odegaard and 30, 31). Before that, it will play in a bio bubble, however, the West Brom are yet to win in four corner. However, four goals It was Celta's first loss since Vinicius Junior. two matches each against team is excited to be back on the games since Allardyce took charge and Arsenal’s second was rem- were more than enough to Eduardo Coudet took over as manag- Earlier, Sevilla, who could have Argentina’s junior and B sides. field in the best possible man- the former England manager needs to iniscent of their flowing foot- prove Arsenal’s return to er on November 12, ending a run of climbed to third, were fortunate to “It feels amazing to be tour- ner at the moment,” she said. quickly instill the defensive discipline ball at the height of the Arsene form as they moved to seven games unbeaten that had lifted escape with a 1-1 draw at neighbours ing again. We have worked Hockey India and the host he has made his trademark at previous Wenger era as Saka fed within six points of the top them from the relegation zone to Betis. very hard on our game in the country’s national association clubs if the Baggies are to have any Lacazette, whose brilliant four with two favourable eighth in the table. Suso opened the scoring for last few months and the time have created a bio bubble for chance of survival. pass played Smith Rowe in fixtures against Crystal With Real Madrid in control, Sevilla after 48 minutes. has come for us to execute our both the teams. Just over a week ago Allardyce said behind the West Brom Palace and Newcastle to coach Zinedine Zidane took off Sergio Canales replied with a skills in an international match,” The Indian team will stay at Arsenal were in a battle against the defence and he squared for come. West Brom, on the Asensio, Luka Modric, Dani Carvajal, penalty after 53 minutes. skipper Rani said ahead of a hotel where there will be pro- drop, but Mikel Arteta’s decision to Saka to tap into an empty other hand, remain six Toni Kroos and, right at the end, cap- When the home team won anoth- departure. visions for separate rooms/halls finally put faith in his crop of talent- net. points adrift of safety and tain Karim Benzema and brought on er spot kick in the 75th minute, Nabil “Playing in international for all the meals, team meetings ed youngsters has turned his side’s sea- The one-way traffic showing little sign of life Eden Hazard and Fede Valverde, Fekir took it but Sevilla goalkeeper matches is going to be a bit dif- and sessions. son around. continued after the since Allardyce’s arrival. who are returning from injuries, and Yassine Bounou saved.