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Rs 5 • new delhi • chandigarh • weekly • saturDAY • 03 April 2021 • volume 11, issue 01 city talks 2 th potpourri 8 LG gets sweeping Sunny Deol’s son powers over Delhi Rajveer to make his govt as NCT Bill gets B’wood debut with presidential assent 11 Sooraj Barjatya’s son Core sectors’ output ‘OVERSIGHT’ OVERTURNED Abdul Wasey shrinks 4.6 per cent Editor New Delhi: The output of eight core sectors declined Centre withdraws order to slash interest rates on small savings schemes by 4.6 per cent in February, the steepest contraction in the last six months which experts said could drag the overall oversight shall be withdrawn,” industrial production in the month into the negative territory. Sitharaman said in an early As FW turns 21, Delhi All the key segments, including coal, crude oil, natural Interest rates of morning tweet. gas, and refinery products, witnessed a decline in produc- small savings schemes Interest rate on PPF was edition is 11 years old tion, according to the official data released on Wednesday. reduced by 0.7 per cent to 6.4 The growth rate of the eight infrastructure sectors -- coal, of GoI shall continue to per cent while NSC was to earn As The Financial World (FW) turns 21 years old crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, ce- be at the rates which 0.9 per cent less at 5.9 per cent. and its Delhi edition enters its 11th year, we take this ment and electricity -- stood at 6.4 per cent in February 2020. existed in the last The highest cut of 1.1 per cent opportunity to thank our readers for trusting and Last time in August 2020, the sectors had recorded a was effected in the one-year supporting us all along. Throughout its more than negative growth of 6.9 per cent. in January this year, the quarter of 2020-2021, ie, term deposit. The new rate was two-decade-old journey, which started in 2001, the segments have registered a positive growth of 0.9 per cent. rates that prevailed as brought down to 4.4 per cent as newspaper witnessed many ups and downs, accolades According to the data, coal production declined by 4.4 of March 2021. Orders compared to 5.5 per cent. and brick bats. But FW never failed to report objec- per cent, crude oil by 3.2 per cent, It is to be noted that the rates tively, without any bias or prejudice. natural gas by 1 per cent, refinery issued by oversight shall on fixed deposits under small Receiving and delivering news involves a push and products by a steep 10.9 per cent, be withdrawn” savings scheme are regulated by a pull, a cacophony of platforms, a surfeit of devices, fertilisers by 3.7 per cent, steel by the government while banks are an unceasing, unending, unrelenting and unremitting 1.8 per cent, cement by 5.5 per cent free to decide their deposit and 24x7 news cycle - and recycle. For past 240 months, and electricity by 0.2 per cent in lending rates based on their as- our colleagues have been working hard to ensure February. set liability position. As a result that you get your news in real time wherever you are. According to Commerce and In- fixed deposit rates of different Our teammates have been continuously giving dustry Ministry data, during April- banks vary unlike under small bird’s-eye view on wars and famines, natural and February 2020-21, the eight sectors’’ New Delhi: The government day’’s decision to cut interest for the fourth quarter January savings schemes. Taking a dig manmade disasters, social and political upheavals, growth declined by 8.3 per cent as compared to (+) 1.3 per on Thursday revoked a steep rates by up to 1.1 per cent across 1, 2021 to March 31, 2021 of at the finance minister after economic and environmental crises, disease outbreaks cent in same period of the previous fiscal. interest rate cut on small sav- various small savings schemes, 2020-21, the finance ministry she announced that the govern- and pandemics. FW’s enthusiastic and extraordinary Commenting on the figures, ICRA Ltd Principal Econo- ings schemes such as PPF and including Public Provident said in an office memorandum ment will withdraw orders to team has been reporting, recounting, narrating, relat- mist Aditi Nayar said that given the sharp base effect, the NSC, with Finance Minister Fund (PPF) and National Sav- on Thursday. cut interest rate on small sav- ing and recording history as it unfolds for more than core sector output is expected to expand by 9-11 per cent Nirmala Sitharaman saying it ings Certificates (NSC), had “This has the approval of com- ings schemes, the Congress on 1,042 weeks. in March 2021, which should result in a modest growth of was an oversight -- a move being come a day before the second petent authority,” it said Thursday said one can imagine Today once again our team of dedicated editors, around 2 per cent in Q4 FY2021. seen as an attempt by the BJP phase of polling in West Bengal, The ministry’’s office memo- the functioning of the economy reporters, contributing writers and photographers, “The lead indicators such as the core sector, auto output to contain the fallout of such a including at political hotbed randum to roll back cut in rates when such a duly approved or- along with talented designers, sales representatives and non oil exports have revealed a decidedly mixed trend decision hitting common people Nandigram from where West on small savings scheme came der affecting crores of people and administrative support, pledge to keep creating for February 2021. Based on the available data, we expect amid the ongoing elections in Bengal Chief Minister Mamata hours after the finance minister can be issued by an “oversight”. the high quality newspaper you, our readers, have the contraction in the IIP (index of industrial production) West Bengal and Assam. Banerjee is contesting. termed Wednesday’’s notifica- Senior Congress leader P come to expect and deserve, each and every week. to deepen to 2-3 per cent in February 2021 from 1.6 per Elections are also slated It has been decided that tion as “oversight”. Chidambaram said when in- Our FW team also vows to continue chronicling cent in January 2021,” she said. AGENCIES in the coming days in Kerala, the rate of interest on various “Interest rates of small savings flation is at about 6 per cent change and cataloguing events of the present to pro- Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. small savings schemes for the schemes of GoI shall continue and expected to rise, the BJP vide a context to the past and a contour of the future. While the government rou- first quarter of 2021-22 start- to be at the rates which existed government is offering interest We will keep risking our lives and well-being to keep tinely announces interest rates ing from April 1 and ending in the last quarter of 2020-2021, rates below 6 percent hitting our readers out of harm’s way. Both FW editions — Centre defers labour for small savings schemes at the on June 30, 2021 shall remain ie, rates that prevailed as of the savers and the middle class Chandigarh and Delhi — look forward to serve you codes’ implementation end of every quarter, Wednes- unchanged from those notified March 2021. Orders issued by below the belt. AGENCIES for many more decades to come. Thanks once again! NEW DELHI: The four labour codes will not come into ef- fect from April 1 as States are yet to finalise the relevant rules, which means that there will be no change in take home pay of Farmers set for Parliament march Delhi under fourth wave of Covid-19 employees and provident fund liability of companies for now. Once the wages code comes into force, there will be sig- New Delhi: Announcing Will discuss with meeting. The meeting was called nificant changes in the way basic pay and provident fund of their plans for the upcoming to prepare an action plan to fight employees are calculated. The labour ministry had envisaged two months, farmers, who people before the increase in the COVID-19 implementing the four codes on industrial relations, wages, social have been protesting against announcing cases in Delhi. security and occupational health safety & working conditions the new farm laws at the Delhi lockdown: Kejriwal Clearing the confusion about from April 1, 2021. The ministry had even finalised the rules borders, said they will march to locdown in the capital, chief under the four codes. “Since the states have not finalised the the Parliament on foot in May, NEW DELHI: Amid the rising minister said, “There is no plan rules under four codes, the implementation of these laws are the Samyukt Kisan Morcha said number of coronavirus cases in for lockdown.” He further men- deferred for the time being,” a source told PTI. on Wednesday. the national capital, Delhi chief tioned, “If such need arises, will According to the source, few “The Sanyukt Kisan Morcha minister Arvind Kejriwal on Fri- consult people of Delhi first,” states had circulated the draft met yesterday, and decided that day said the state is witnessing according to PTI. “We are fo- rules. These states include Uttar the farmers will be undertaking fourth wave of COVID-19. Delhi Kejriwal. Assuring the people, he cusing on the COVID19 vac- Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, a march to the Parliament. The has seen a sharp jump in CO- said, “We are taking all possible cination, 71,000 vaccinations Haryana and Uttarakhand. Since date for the march is yet to be VID-19 tally in the last few weeks. measures, there is no need to were done in Delhi yesterday,” labour is a concurrent subject decided. “In the last few days, COVID19 worry.” Kejriwal on Friday held he further added. Earlier, Delhi under the Constitution of India, “It will be joined not just by cases in Delhi have been rising. a meeting at his residence in the chief minister ordered authori- both the Centre and the states farmers, but also by women, what to do in case there is police “We will be doing this because As many as 3,583 new cases have wake of an increase in COVID-19 ties to increase beds in 33 private would have to notify rules under and unemployed individuals, action during the march. the government has not been been reported in Delhi in the cases in the state. Delhi health hospitals by 25% for Intensive the codes to bring those into force in their respective jurisdic- and labourers who have been “It will also be made clear to listening to us. It has been last 24 hours. This rise in cases minister Satyendar Jain and Care Unit (ICU) and 25% for tions. Under the new wages code, allowances are capped at supporting the movement,” them that SKM condemns all sleeping. This is to wake up the now is the fourth wave,” said other officials were present at the general ward beds. AGENCIES 50 per cent. This means half of the gross pay of an employee farmer leader Gurnaam Singh kinds of violence. So the pro- government,” another farmer would be basic wages. Chaduni said. Addressing a testors will know that if there leader said. Provident fund contribution is calculated as a percent- press conference, he said that is any damage of property by An event to honour the age of basic wage, which includes basic pay and dearness the march would be carried out them, they will have to serve the farmers who have lost their allowance. The employers have been splitting wages into in a “peaceful” manner, and penalty,” a farmer leader said. lives during the agitation will numerous allowances to keep basic wages low to reduce special care would be taken that Farmer leaders also an- be organised on May 6. provident fund and income tax outgo. The new wages code “what happened on January 26 nounced their plans to block “Soil from different parts of provides for provident fund contribution as a prescribed is not repeated”. the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal the country will be brought proportion of 50 per cent of gross pay. In case the new codes The leaders also shared their expressway for 24 hours on to these borders and a memo- had come into effect from April 1, the take home pay of plans of forming a committee April 10. rial will be created for all our employees and provident fund liability of employers would to control protesters if there “We will be blocking the KMP brothers who have lost their have increased in many cases. Now the employer would get is police action in parliament expressway on April 10 for 24 lives while participating in this some more time to restructure salaries of their employees march. We will form a commit- hours, that is from 11 am on movement,” a farmer leader as per the new code on wages. AGENCIES tee to let the protestors know April 10 to 11 am on the next day. said. AGENCIES Fractional ownership with luxury vacation homes

Dominick Rodrigues owns a fraction (or a small per- such as property, location, and Mumbai centage) of the property and the amenities. ownership can be split among as Various organised players “The times – they are changing” many investors as desired, thus have already forayed into this goes the old song, which is apt enabling entry even for those business model, with various for the luxury resorts and va- with smaller budgets. differentiating factors but fun- cation homes market in India. Fractional ownerships enable damentally offering a safe and Previously the exclusive domain investors to secure a piece of viable investment opportunity. of HNIs capable of shelling out prime property in high-demand Besides commercial real estate, huge sums, this market may city centres or popular vacation fractional ownership in the now attract a new set of buyers destinations. residential sector is also gain- with a yen for owning a luxuri- All investors reap a level of ing popularity. In the last few ous beach-facing property or benefit proportional to their years, luxury property players mountain vacation home at a investment - in terms of rental have started to warm up to this fraction of the total cost. yield, capital appreciation and, concept with the assistance of The latest twist to timeshares’ tiple income channels at lower has left many deep impres- in the case of vacation homes, established players and special- - a popular concept from the investment budgets. Various sions on urban homeowners. duration of personal use of the ized start-ups. 1960s - fractional ownership, start-ups now use technology Fractional ownership is a viable property. BRIKitt is one of the leading gives a cost-effective option to popularize this concept in option for occasionally escaping The arrangement for the lat- PropTech companies offering with a lot more bang for the India, after it has already been the claustrophobic city and its ter usually involves the alloca- fractional ownership within the buck, according to Prashant successfully implemented in virus containment areas - or tion of property usage rights premium residential and vaca- Thakur, Director & Head – Re- Europe and the US. In the West, to rent out the option if travel based on a certain period. Inter- tion homes segments. Similarly, search, ANAROCK Property commercial properties or high- is not possible, with the pro- estingly, the fractional owner is Fracsn, Propertyshare, Strata, Consultants worth destination or vacation ceeds being shared among the not responsible for the routine Myre Capital, Assetmonk, Fractional ownership is al- homes are the most popular co-owners. In fact, one of the upkeep of the property. Abroad, Grip and RealX also operate ready fast catching up across categories. unique features of fractional fractional ownership has of- in fractional ownership space. various asset classes, including In the newly-forged post- ownership is that a property ten proved to be a win-win for These PropTech companies Grade A commercial spaces and pandemic world, fractional can be used as well as rented out. hoteliers. amalgamate real estate, finance luxury residential real estate. ownership of vacation homes Fractional ownership wit- The trend is quite vibrant in and technology and create a This concept opens doors to or high-worth resorts can po- nesses multiple investors com- Western vacation home markets, platform where retail investors middle-income retail investors tentially gain popularity for all ing together to hold combined with resorts pricing their frac- can participate in a property - keen to diversify and set up mul- the right reasons. COVID-19 ownership of a single asset. Each tional offerings based on factors with a foreseeable exit strategy. The Financial World — New Delhi 02 saturday • 03 april 2021 City Talks

also read | Distorting India’s historical narratives * P4 | Water remains the looming frontier * P4

NCTD Bill gets President’s nod 14 die as Delhi records ‘govt’ in Delhi will now refer to the LG in the context of all laws passed in the Capital 3,594 fresh Covid cases New Delhi: President Ram his Cabinet ministers had staged demanded that it be examined New Delhi: Delhi record- Nath Kovind on Sunday gave a sit-in at the Lieutenant Gov- by a Select Committee. ed 3,594 fresh COVID-19 his assent to a bill that accords ernor’s office as a power tussle According to the statement cases on Friday, the highest primacy to Delhi’s Lieutenant between the then L-G and the of objects and reasons of the daily count this year, while 14 Governor (L-G) over the elected Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) gov- bill, to give effect to the inter- more people died due to the government. ernment had intensified. pretation made by the Supreme infection, taking the death The central government an- The Supreme Court had Court which had ruled that the toll to 11,050, according to nounced about the presidential in July 2018 ruled that the city government need not ob- the city health department. assent to the Government of Lieutenant Governor cannot tain the Lieutenant Governor’s The positivity rate also National Capital Territory of interfere in every decision of the “concurrence” of every issue of mounted to 4.11 from 3.57 Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021 Delhi government and that he day-to-day governance, the bill per cent a day before, amid a through a gazette notification. must act on aid and advice of has been brought. massive surge in cases in the According to the legislation, the council of ministers. “The said bill will promote span of the last few weeks. the “government” in Delhi The Aam Aadmi Party has harmonious relations between Delhi had reported 2,790 means the “Lieutenant Gover- already said it was planning to the legislature and the execu- cases on Thursday, and nor” and the city government approach the Supreme Court tive, and further define the 1,819 coronavirus cases on will now have to seek the opin- against the legislation, alleg- responsibilities of the elected Wednesday with a positivity ion of the L-G before taking any Governor and the Delhi gov- the law have been sought in the ing it was an “unconstitution- government and the L-G, in rate of 2.71 per cent. executive action. ernment after a series of run-ins spirit of what has been said in a al” attempt to make the Delhi line with the constitutional The number of cumula- Parliament passed the bill last between the two. Union Min- Supreme Court judgment and government “administratively scheme of governance of the tive cases on Friday stood before that and 1,101 cases due to the disease, taking the week -- Lok Sabha on March 22 ister G Kishan Reddy had said maintained that there no politi- impotent” by a political party National Capital Territory of at 6,68,814. Over 6.45 lakh last Tuesday, when it had toll to 11,050, it said. and Rajya Sabha on March 24. the amendments would lead cal angle and the amendments that has been made “electorally Delhi, as interpreted by the Su- patients have recovered from crossed the 1,000-mark for The number of active cases After Rajya Sabha passed the to transparency and clarity in are on “technical” grounds. “The impotent” by the people of the preme Court,” the statement of the virus. The city had re- the first time since Decem- rose to 11,994 from 10,498 a bill, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind governance in NCT of Delhi and proposed bill does not curtail in national capital. objects said. Minister Reddy corded 992 cases on Tues- ber 24. day before. Kejriwal termed it a “sad day for enhance public accountability. any manner any of the powers The Congress, Trinamool said that the GNCTD law was day, 1,904 cases on Monday On December 8, last year, A total of 87,505 tests, Indian democracy”. The Centre Explaining the rationale be- enjoyed by the government of Congress, Shiv Sena, DMK first brought in 1991. However, and 1,881 cases on Sunday. the city had recorded 3,188 including 54,898 RT-PCR has maintained that the bill is in hind the bill, he said the amend- NCT Delhi which are already and other opposition parties the law went to the high court It had reported 1,558 cases cases and 2,706 on Decem- tests and 32,607 rapid an- line with the Supreme Court’s ments have been brought to re- provided in the Constitution,” also termed the bill “unconstitu- and Supreme Court benches on Saturday, 1,534 cases on ber 6. tigen tests, were conducted July 2018 ruling on the ambit move ambiguities in the existing he had said. tional” and claimed that it would as there were problems and last Friday, 1,515 cases last According to the latest a day ago, the bulletin said. of powers of the Lieutenant Act. He stressed that changes in In June 2018, Kejriwal and fail judicial scrutiny. They had ambiguity. AGENCIES Thursday, 1,254 cases a day bulletin, 14 more people died AGENCIES BJP demands rollback of revised excise policy SC-appointed panel on NewDelhi: Delhi BJP ered the legal drinking age to Arun Singh alleged that the leaders on Thursday staged 21 from 25 years. It had also new excise policy is “totally a protest at the Jantar Mantar withdrawn the government anti-people” and the saf- farm laws submits report here against the Arvind Kejri- from running liquor vends in fron workers will take to the wal-led government’s revised Delhi. According to the gov- streets to oppose it. New Delhi: The Supreme excise policy and demanded ernment, the move is expected Gupta claimed there are Court-appointed committee to its rollback. to lead to an annual revenue 88 municipal wards with study the three new controversial Delhi Deputy Chief Minister growth of 20 per cent. no liquor shops but due to agricultural laws has submitted Manish Sisodia, however, said Earlier in the day, Delhi the new policy, alcohol will its report to the apex court on the policy will help clamp- BJP president Adesh Gupta now be sold there. He said March 19 in a sealed cover, one of down on liquor mafia oper- and other senior leaders of the move to hand over 500 its members said on Wednesday. ating in the national capital. the party offered prayers at government liquor vends to Farmers have been protest- The Delhi government had Mahatma Gandhi’s Samadhi excise policy is withdrawn by Addressing the protest- private parties smacks of a ing seeking repeal of the three approved on March 23 a new at Rajghat, praying for “good the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ers at Jantar Mantar, BJP “scam” and needs to be thor- contentious farm laws on the excise policy which had low- senses” to prevail so that the government. National General Secretary oughly probed. AGENCIES borders of New Delhi for the past five months now. The Supreme Court had on January 11 stayed Kejriwal to attend World the implementation of the three laws till further orders and ap- the Commission for Agricultural should be taken to open more Hottest March in Delhi since 2010 Cities Culture Forum pointed a four-member panel Costs and Prices (CACP) Ashok avenues to ensure their income New Delhi: Delhi recorded plains of northwest India this to resolve the impasse. Gulati are other members of rises. In the new farm laws, the a mean maximum temperature month, of which four were in FW Bureau seek to inculcate these val- The committee was given the panel. The fourth member, government kept the existing op- of 33.1 degrees Celsius this the initial 15 days. The city New Delhi ues in public policy and city two months to study the laws Bhartiya Kisan Union Presi- tion of selling farmers’’ produce month, making it the “hottest” recorded rainfall only on two planning. and consult all stakeholders. dent Bhupinder Singh Mann, in the APMC mandis intact and March in the last 11 years, the days. It had registered 10 rain Chief Minister Shri Arvind The annual Summit, at- “We submitted the report on had, however, recused himself provided for other marketing India Meteorological Depart- days in March last year,” Sriv- Kejriwal will be representing tended by Deputy Mayors March 19 in a sealed cover. Now, from the committee before the options to ensure better returns ment said on Wednesday. astava said. Delhi and India at the World for Culture and Heads of the court will decide the future work began. Separately, while to farmers besides creating jobs Normally, the mean maxi- The mean maximum tem- Cities Culture Fo- Culture from the course of action,” one of the briefing Cabinet decisions, Food and attracting investment in the mum temperature for the of the IMD’s regional forecast- perature for the month of rum. Recently, the member cities is at members of the committee P Minister Piyush Goyal said that farm sector, he said. month of March in the na- ing centre. March was 28.2 degrees Cel- CM has accepted the heart of the fo- K Mishra told PTI. As per the while the new farm laws have While giving other marketing tional capital is 29.6 degrees Such high temperatures in sius in 2020 and 2019. It was an invitation by the rum’s activity. Del- committee’’s official website, been brought in the interest of options, the government has Celsius, it said. the month of March this year 32.8 degrees Celsius in 2018; Mayor of London, hi will also be part the panel held total 12 rounds farmers, it is a different issue carefully designed it to ensure This is the highest mean can be attributed to absence of 30.7 degrees Celsius in 2017 to represent Delhi of the World Cit- of consultations with various “some people have misled farm- farmers’’ land is protected and maximum temperature in strong western disturbances and 31.5 degrees Celsius in at the World Cities ies Culture Report, stakeholders, including farm- ers and tried to create a negative they do not sell their produce March since 2010, when it (WDs) in the last 15 days, he 2016, according to the India Cultural Forum. CM Shri the most comprehensive ers groups, farmer-producer atmosphere”. under compulsion for lesser price was 34.1 degrees Celsius, said said. Meteorological Department Arvind Kejriwal said that global dataset on culture in organisations (FPOs) procure- However, farmers across the to a trader, he added. Kuldeep Srivastava, the head “Five WDs affected the (IMD) data. AGENCIES his goal is to transform Delhi cities. ment agencies, professionals, country now understand that the Goyal was one of the central into a world leader in the This year’s theme, ‘The academicians, private as well new farm laws do not take away ministers who was present in field of culture and an artist- Future of Culture’, will play as state agriculture marketing the existing system of mandis, the last 12 rounds of meetings friendly city. a crucial role in re-imag- boards. and provide more marketing held with protesting farmers’’ NewsBrief Two killed as truck rams into 2-wheeler The Forum comprises 40 ining the culture of Delhi, The panel also held nine in- options, he said. Goyal also ex- unions to end the impasse. In Minister warns of action world cities including Lon- especially in the wake of ternal meetings before finalising plained that the government’’s its last meeting on January 22, in Ghazipur landfill fire don, Tokyo and New York several devastating chal- the report. Apart from Mishra, main concern when the new the government had offered to all of which recognise the lenges and Corona crisis Shetkari Sanghatana President farm laws were passed in Par- suspend the laws for 18 months New Delhi: Delhi Envi- impact and importance of faced by the people in the Anil Ghanwat and agri-econo- liament was how to increase which the protesting farmers ronment Minister Gopal Rai culture and creativity, and last one year. AGENCIES mist and former chairman of farmers’’ income and what steps have rejected. AGENCIES on Tuesday said strict action will be taken against the East Delhi Municipal Corpora- tion (EDMC) for not taking Panel set for virtual schooling blueprint steps to prevent fire at the Ghazipur landfill site. A sec- NEW DELHI: The Arvind Ke- posed to establish the virtual time testing’,” Sisodia said. tion of the landfill site had jriwal government in Delhi on school in its 2021-22 Budget. “The school will cater to a caught fire on Sunday eve- New Delhi: Two persons were from the Shastri Park side, hit Thursday formed a six-member The officials said the com- wide cross-section of students, ning, worsening pollution killed and as many injured af- the two-wheeler before climb- panel comprising school princi- mittee will study the best global including students interest- levels in the area, he said. A ter a tempo hit a two-wheeler ing the footpath where some pals, teachers and IT officials to practices in virtual schooling ed in studying from home, team of the Delhi Pollution and climbed a footpath in north people were sleeping, a senior study the best global practices in and submit a blueprint within sportspersons and artists who Control Committee (DPCC) Delhi’’s Kashmere Gate area in police officer said. One unknown virtual schooling and submit a a week. need to devote adequate time inspected the landfill site the early hours of Wednesday, homeless person aged around 35 blueprint for the national capi- “Delhi’s virtual school will towards honing their skills, managed by the EDMC and police said. died at the spot. Three injured tal’s virtual school. be like any other regular school dropouts and other submitted a report. It states The driver of the two-wheeler persons, including Khan, were Deputy chief minister Man- school. It will have a school ID youths who would want to that the civic body has not has been identified as Vehram shifted to Trauma Centre, where ish Sisodia who is also having and dedicated staff. Students complete their education,” made any arrangement to Khan (34), a resident of the na- Khan was declared dead. The the education ministry pre- will get admitted and will be Sisodia added. prevent such incidents at tional capital’’s Matia Mahal area, other two homeless injured are sided over a meeting to outline given unique IDs. This school The Delhi education min- the site, Rai said.AG ENCIES they said. Police on Wednesday also in a serious condition, the the scope of the Delhi Model will have students, teachers, ister said the extensive work said around 6.15 am, the patrol- officer said. One injured has Virtual School, a first-of-its- regular teaching-learning ac- on remote learning carried out Delhi zoo to bring ling staff of Kashmere Gate police been identified as Ramesh, 52, a kind school that would strive tivities, assessments and all by Delhi teachers during the station noticed an accident on resident of Ludhiana, however, to provide education to stu- use of cutting edge technology, existing models of virtual other education-related facili- coronavirus pandemic has de- three more tigers loop road towards Nigambodh the identity of the other injured dents remotely through per- said an official. schools in the US and New ties. The school will operate veloped the system’s capacity Ghat from Yudhister Setu. person is yet to be revealed, po- sonalised teaching-learning, The officials said the Deputy Zealand in the meeting. The with the principle of ‘anywhere in handling online education The tempo, which was coming lice said. AGENCIES effective assessments and the chief minister discussed the AAP government had pro- living, anytime learning, any- effectively. AGENCIES Delhi-Meerut Expressway cuts travel time to 45 minutes New Delhi: The Delhi New Delhi: The much- He said Delhi Meerut Ex- pleted in May 2018 and was for the safety of the commuters FASTag based Multi Lane Free zoo may soon get three tigers awaited Delhi-Meerut Express- pressway Package –II that com- dedicated to the nation by the plying on the expressway and to Flow Tolling System has been from Chennai and Nagpur way (DME), pegged as a smart prises six Lane Expressway and Prime Minister. keep a strict check on any sort introduced for the first time for “breeding purposes” highway, was opened for public eight Lane NH- from Delhi/UP The widening works of DME of violations in traffic rules and in this project for collection of under an animal exchange on Thursday after the comple- Gate to Dasna and Package IV Package-III were completed on regulations. user fees which will be deducted programme, officials said tion of its remaining stretches. (6 Lane Expressway from Dasna September 30, 2019, and was “Keeping in mind, especially without any stoppage of traffic on Saturday. Director Ra- Prime Minister Narendra to Meerut via Greenfield) has inaugurated by Gadkari. for the safety of cycle riders and and ensure for the free flow of mesh Pandey said they have Modi in May 2018 had inau- been successfully completed and “The total length of the proj- walkers, a 2.5 meter cycle cor- high speed traffic, it added. proposed to bring a pair of gurated the first phase of the opened for the public. ect is 82 Km which includes ridor and 2 meter wide footpath A special Emergency Call Box tigers from the Gorewada Rs 8,346-crore 9-km stretch In order to decongest Delhi- 60 km length of Expressway have been constructed. This (ECB) provision has been made zoo in Nagpur, while an- of 14-lane highway. NCR and with the continuous and 22 Km length of National expressway is being developed for timely approach at the time other male tiger is likely to “Delhi Meerut Expressway increase in high-speed traffic highways. A total of 24 Minor as a Smart Expressway in which of emergency for the road users. be brought from Chennai. has now been completed and along with problems of traffic and Major bridges, 10 flyovers, road users will not only get the Keeping in mind the com- A Royal Bengal tigress was opened to traffic. We have jams and rising levels of pollu- 3 ROBs, 95 Underpasses, 15 full information on climate, traf- fortable journey for the road brought from Kanpur for fulfilled our promise of re- tion, the project of Delhi Meerut Subways and 12 Foot Over fic and other related details of users, facilities of an ambulance, breeding proposes in No- ducing travel time between Expressway has been construct- Bridges have been constructed the expressway but also get the crane, petrol pump, restaurants, vember last year. The Delhi Delhi - Meerut from 2.5 hours ed at a cost of Rs 8,346 crore in this project,” Ministry of Road Modi had in December 2015 Bridge to UP Border, UP Border information of accidents (if any) maintenance of vehicles shops zoo is a participating zoo for to 45 minutes,” Road Trans- in the state of Uttar Pradesh Transport and Highways said. laid the foundation stone of the to Dasna, Dasna to Hapur and at different locations,” the state- etc. have been developed in Vil- the “Conservation Breed- port, Highways Minister Nitin and Delhi. A Facility of lighting on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway. Hapur to Meerut. ment said. lage Didwari under the stretch ing Programme” of Bengal Gadkari said after the smart The widening works of the highway along with 4,500 more The project has been built in The Ministry said adequate Automatic Number Plate of DME Package-IV, the state- Tiger. AGENCIES highway was opened for people. DME Package – I was com- lights have been provided. four segments -- Nizamuddin cameras have also been installed Recognition (ANPR) cum ment said. The Financial World — new delhi saturday • 03 april 2021 03 politics

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NewsBrief Kerala minister quits DMK slams Centre Few in fray hope to be kingmaker electoral politics for ‘IT searches’ Vellore: The DMK on CPI(M) Politburo member Friday condemned the Cen- Congress-Left-ISF alliance seems to be fighting for political relevance Mohammed Salim said, “We tral government for ‘searches’ Kolkata: With the poll are hopeful that the alliance will by income tax officials in the narrative for the assembly be a game changer in Bengal residence of party chief M K poll in West Bengal sharply election. The BJP and TMC Stalin’s daughter Senthamarai polarized between the ruling wanted to make the poll a bi- in Chennai and alleged it has a TMC and opposition BJP, the polar fight. But we have made ‘political objective.’ Party gen- Congress-Left-ISF alliance is it a three-cornered contest. The eral secretary, Duraimurugan fighting to prove the political people are fed up with the mis- said when parties were on the relevance of the parties in it rule of TMC in the state and by verge of completing the cam- and is pinning its hopes to BJP at the Centre”. paign and looked forward to be the kingmaker in case of Congress leader Pradip Bhat- the day of polling, the income a fractured mandate. tacharya echoed him and exud- tax searches in the residence The Congress and CPI- ed confidence that the alliance Kannur: Senior CPI(M) problems... So, I cannot con- of Senthamarai, daughter M-led Left Front, which has will come up with “astonishing leader and Kerala Industries test in elections anymore,” the of his party chief Stalin was been pushed to the margins of results” and can no longer be Minister E P Jayarajan on senior leader added. done with a ‘political objec- politics in Bengal after ruling ignored. “Going by the response Tuesday said he has decided to Asked about Chief Min- tive.’ Income tax officials nei- it for 34 long years, has waived we have received, we are con- bid adieu to electoral politics. ister Pinarayi Vijayan who ther confirmed nor denied the their ideological and political fident of winning the election. A three-time MLA, Jayara- was contesting at the age of searches. AGENCIES differences and came together We will be the kingmaker after jan is one of the several senior 75, Jayarajan said he wasa for the second time after the not a “one election wonder” since 2011 slowly but steadily and is in turn pushing towards the poll. No one can form the leaders who did not get a ticket “great personality” having ex- UP govt withdraws 2016 assembly polls. and is here to stay. shifted to the TMC. the consolidation of Hindu government without our sup- this time as the Left party de- ceptional caliber and energy. The Indian Secular Front The alliance christened as The minority has in fact votes thus benefitting the BJP. port,” Siddiqui told PTI. cided not to field those who Serving as the party’’s district case against ex-DSP (ISF) of cleric Peerzada Abbas “Samyukta Morcha” hopes to acted as a bulwark for the Ma- Although both TMC and Despite a few glitches in have completed two terms. secretary in politically volatile Lucknow: The Uttar Siddiqui is the new entrant to grow at the expense of both mata Banerjee-led party in the BJP have blamed the al- the “rainbow alliance”, the While addressing the media Kannur for long, E P Jayarajan Pradesh government has or- the “unlikely” coalition of the the ruling TMC and opposi- the wake of the saffron surge liance partners for being a Left Front is contesting in 177 here, Jayarajan made it clear was once known as the close dered the withdrawal of a case former rivals of secular, com- tion BJP by eating into their in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. “stooge” of each other, the seats, the Congress 91 seats and that he would not contest in confidant of Pinarayi Vijayan. against former deputy super- munist and religious forces. votes. However, the alliance with saffron camp is happy with ISF in 26. According to sources any form of election from now The Kannur strongman intendent of police Shailendra For Congress and the Left, The saffron party had pock- ISF has its own set of pitfalls ISF’s entry into the poll fray. in both Congress and the Left, onwards. “The partyhas de- had to resign as industries Singh who had slapped the the Bengal assembly poll this eted the opposition votes for as the Congress and the Left It hopes that ISF’s advent the alliance was the need of cided not to field those persons minister in October 2016 Prevention of Terrorism Act time is a battle for political the past few years in the ab- are facing the threat of losing will break TMC supremo the hour. The two parties, who who have already completed over alleged nepotism charges (POTA) on mafia don-turned survival after being squeezed sence of a credible opposition. out on the perception of its Mamata Banerjee’s grip on had fought the 2016 assem- two terms. I have completed soon after the LDF govern- politician Mukhtar Ansari An- out of the state’s poll arena. With ISF of firebrand reli- secular credentials. the minority vote bank, over bly election as an alliance and my term... I have been elected ment came into power. He sari during the term of the For ISF, a first of its kind gious leader Siddiqui in it, the Siddiqui’s outfit is being which it has failed to make a bagged 36 per cent vote share, an MLA thrice and become a ran into rough weather af- SP government, an aide of political outfit in Bengal ‘Samyukta Morcha’ hopes to equated with All India Muslim mark despite unprecedented witnessed a sharp decline in its minister also,” he said. ter the appointment of his Chief Minister Yogi Aditya- formed by a religious leader, eat into the 30 per cent mi- League of pre-independent success in the 2019 Bengal vote percentage within the next Citing his advanced age and nephew P K Sudheer Nam- nath said on Wednesday. A it is a fight to prove that it is nority vote bank, which had India and AIUDF in Assam elections. three years. AGENCIES related ailments as reasons biar -- son of Kannur MP P K case of vandalism and assault to quit electoral politics, the Sreemathi -- as the managing was filed in 2004 against the 70-years-old leader said he director of Kerala Industrial former circle officer, who was would not contest even if the Enterprises Ltd. However, allegedly made to resign un- AIUDF, ISF and IUML ‘new party demands. “I hope the the vigilance and anti-corrup- der political pressure. Singh Kejriwal seeks farmers support in Haryana party will accept my stand. tion bureau, which probed the thanked Adityanath, lauding SATISH HANDA Otherwise, I will try to con- case, had absolved him of the his government’’s “zero toler- Chandigarh secular syndicate’ of Cong vince the party about my po- charges, following which he ance” against crime. “My fam- Guwahati: Senior BJP sition. I am getting old and had been reinducted into the ily and I shall forever remain AAP supremo Arvind Kejri- leader and Union Minis- suffering from various health ministry in 2018.A GENCIES indebted to CM Adityanath wal Chief Minister Delhi now ter Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi for his kindness. AGENCIES makes another attempt to Tuesday termed the All India strengthen his party’s network United Democratic Front in Jagan’s cousin seeks fast in Haryana with the support of Assam, Indian Secular Front Cong fields Ajit Mangaraj farmers in the state. in West Bengal and Indian probe in father’s murder He announced to hold a Union Muslim League in for Pipili by-election New Delhi: Andhra ‘Maha Panchayat’ in support Kerala as the “new secular the second time. Naqvi said Pradesh Chief Minister YS of farmers on April 4, 2021 at syndicate of the Congress”. Assam has achieved newer Bhubaneswar: With Jaganmohan Reddy’s cousin Jind a prominent ‘Jaat’ area in Naqvi, who is here to cam- heights of development under the Congress announcing Suneetha Narreddy Friday which he has also invited senior paign in the Assam Assembly the leadership of Chief Min- the name of Ajit Man- demanded the CBI expedite farmer leaders Rakesh Tikait elections, told PTI in an ex- ister Sarbananda Sonowal in garaj as its candidate for the probe into the alleged and Gurnam Singh Chanduni. clusive interview, “This new the last five years as well as the by-election to the Pi- murder of her father and Past scenario reveals that organising few rallies in the after leaving Congress when secular syndicate is the height due to Prime Minister Naren- pili Assembly seat, polling former minister Y S Vive- every political party or a politi- state and appointed a group joined BJP as state president of hypocrisy of the Congress.” dra Modi’s “determination of for which is scheduled to kananda Reddy, claiming cal leader in the state usually of industrialist at Ambala as started his new career holding Congress is partnering with inclusive development” end- take place on April 17, the any further “delay” may put starts political new venture party’s office bearers but they a public rally preside by Union the three parties mentioned ing “appeasement politics”. battle lines are now clearly witnesses’ lives in danger. or his political career from failed to bring an identification Home Minister Amit Shah in in the ongoing elections in “The impact of remarkable drawn. Vivekananda Reddy -- the Jind in the state. Kejriwal too to party in the state, which was this ground. Dushyant Chautala Assam, West Bengal and changes by Modi in political The by-election is likely younger brother of former now making attempts to have dissolved after some time. Deputy Chief Minister Haryana Kerala respectively. work culture are being wit- to witness a triangular Andhra Pradesh CM the late farmers blessings to launch his Then AAP state president launched his own Jan Nayak The assembly elections nessed on every front - be it fight between the BJD, Y S Rajasekhar Reddy and political party AAP in Haryana Naveen Jaihind too tried hard Janta party after saying good in the four states including economy, national security, Congress and BJP. the paternal uncle of the state once again. Past scenario to establish party’s network bye to INLD from Jind. Assam and Union Territory internal security and foreign Earlier both the ruling BJD and opposition BJP had an- present CM -- was killed also reveals that Kejriwal had in the state. He attempted to Former Haryana Chief Min- of Puducherry is a battle for affairs”, he said appreciating nounced the names of Rudrapratap Maharathy and Ashrit on March 15, 2019 at his attempted to develop AAP net- attract media persons in the ister Bhupinder Singh Hooda mandate between “com- the prime minister’s efforts. Pattnayak as their candidates for the by-election respectively. home in Pulivendula, YSR work together in Punjab and state and organised several prior to ruling in the state for munal vote bank owners” Saying the prime minister While Pattnayak has already filed his nomination papers, Kadapa district. It has been Haryana years ago. meetings with media persons 10 years started ‘Padyatra’ in and “inclusive development is synonymous with “good the BJD and Congress candidates will file their papers on one year since the CBI has However, He succeeded in but all in vain. support of farmers in the state practitioners”,asserted the governance and inclusive de- the last date of filing nomination. been investigating the high- building his party’s network Past political scenario in from Jind. Now Arvind Kjriwal union Minorities Affairs velopment”, the union minis- Ajit Mangaraj had contested from the Pipili assembly profile “murder” case but not in Punjab to some extent but Haryana reveals, most of politi- too holding ‘Maha Panchayat’ minister. When asked about ter said the Modi government segment as a Congress candidate in 2019 election and as much progress been made remained completely unsuc- cal leaders in the state usually in support of farmers at Jind winning prospect of his party, has made every section of the a BJP candidate in 2009 polls. as no charge sheet has been cessful to give a identification start their political activities on April 4 in order to seek their he exuded confidence that the society an equal partner in Similarly, BJP candidate Ashrit Pattnayak, has also filed yet, Narreddy told the to his party in Haryana state. from HUDA ground in sec- blessings hoping to have suc- Assam election results will be progress with the commit- unsuccessfully contested from the Pipili seat twice earlier media. AGENCIES Kejriwal attempted to devel- tor 9 at Jind. Former Union cess in launching his party in “good” for the BJP which will ment to “reform, perform in 2019 as a BJP candidate and as an Independent can- op party’s network in Haryana Minister Ch. Virender Singh Haryana state. form government again for and transform”. A GENCIES didate in 2014. The by-elections for the Pipili seat was necessitated following the demise of the seven time MLA and former minister Pradeep Maharathy in October, 2020. Victim’s family continue ‘State poll results to decide course of national politics’ The ruling BJD headed by Chief Minister Naveen Pat- naik has fielded Pradeep Maharathy’s son Rudrapratap to blame Shivakumar Mumbai: Shiv Sena leader Raut also said the “ongoing Maharathy in the by-election. Sanjay Raut on Thursday said Mahabharat” in West Bengal is While both Pattnayak and Mangaraj have previous the results of Assembly polls in more fierce than the real Ma- experience of contesting the polls from Pipili assembly four states, specially Assam and habharat. segment, BJD candidate Rudrapratap Maharathy is new West Bengal, will decide the “Prime Minister Narendra to electoral politics. However, Maharathy said he too has next course of national politics. Modi had said the battle of experience in the election management while working with Talking to reporters here, Mahabharat was won in 21 his father in previous elections. Raut said the BJP is in power days and we will fight the war Apart from being a fresh and youth candidate, Rudra- in Assam, but the Congress has against coronavirus in 18 days pratap also expects sympathy votes as he is contesting from put up a tough fight. and win. But, we haven’’t,” the his late father’s constituency which he represented in the In West Bengal, even though Sena’’s chief spokesperson said. Odisha assembly seven time. Maharathy family also has a the BJP has put all its might to Raut said the entire country sizeable followers and network across the constituency, a defeat (Chief Minister and Trin- is watching the West Bengal BJD leader said. amool Congress head) Mamata polls and people of that are also BJD vice-president Debi Prasad Mishra said: “Pipili- Banerjee, she has fought like a has come for a “united and in four states, specially Assam intelligent. “No doubt the battle Delanga segment is a strong fort of BJD. The party’s target Bengaluru: Once again “We got to know through tigress and is “sure to emerge effective” struggle against the and West Bengal, will decide the is tough, but Mamata Banerjee is that Rudrapratap’s winning margin will be more than blaming Karnataka Congress the media that our daughter the winner”, he claimed. BJP’’s alleged attacks on de- next course of national politics. will win,” he claimed. Raut also his later father Pradeep Maharathy, who was popular in President D K Shivakumar will appear before the court. “We can also gauge the mood mocracy and the Constitution, After the elections, the nature of said the “attack” on democracy the region.” for the ‘sex scandal’ allegedly Through you (media),we urge in Kerala and Tamil Nadu,” and that opposition leaders alliances will be discussed and in the country is not new. BJP deputy leader in Assembly B C Sethy claimed that involving their daughter and the Chief Minister, all the the Rajya Sabha member said. should try present a “credible a clarity will be there.” “Whenever there is an attack, their candidate Ashrit Pattnaik is popular and had lost former Minister Ramesh Jarki- Judges in Karnataka and the Banerjee on Wednesday alternative” to the people of the Even Maharashtra Chief people and opposition parties the elections last time just by about 15,000 votes. “The holi, the family of the woman Home Minister...... you have wrote a letter to non-BJP lead- country. Minister Uddhav Thackeray have fought back. This is the BJP candidate has recently won a gram panchayat in Pi- in the purported video on to consider that our daugh- ers, including Congress chief When asked about the letter, has received a letter from her, strength of our democracy,” he pili which indicated that the people of the segment want Monday said their daughter ter is under pressure for the Sonia Gandhi, saying time Raut said, “The results of polls he said. said. AENCIES change,” Sethi said. AGENCIES was under a lot of pressure. last 20-25 days and has been They also requested the forced to make statements,” courts not to record her state- the woman’s father said. ment as she is ‘under duress’, Speaking to reporters in Be- Politics - A turf Rajinikanth chooses to skip despite promises she be given at least four days lagavi, he said if she appears time to be with them, or kept before the court, she would be Chennai: When he thun- assertive statement in 2017 and 2020, he announced in a press illa,” meaning if not now then in a place under court supervi- relieved from that pressure and dered in 1996 that “even God a 2020 marked with flip-flops conference that he never desired never. sion and provided counselling. her statement should then be cannot save” Tamil Nadu if the which culminated with the ac- to be Chief Minister and that he With the spirited fans once Reacting to the charges, Shi- recorded. “This is our request... then Chief Minister J Jayala- tor finally saying a big no to would enter politics when he saw again rallying behind the vet- vakumar said he doesn’t know she should be given time.” lithaa won a successive term politics, citing his frail health. an upsurge among the people eran, Rajinikanth made another anything and he has nothing The woman’s brother alleged in elections, many saw it as Named for India’s highest yearning for a change ushering in u-turn in December, when he to do with it. that his sister was acting accord- Rajinikanth’s prelude to the cinema honour, the Dada Sa- clean politics, prompting intense said he will not enter politics in “....Let the investigation ing to Shivakumar’s diktats, was political entry of the uncrowned heb Phalke Award on Thursday debates of “will he or won’t he.” view of his frail health, putting an happen, they (family) were given some money by him and king of Tamil cinema known for the year 2019, Rajinikanth’s However, within months, he end to his long-nurtured plans speaking under pressure..if had not been in touch with the for his sureshot hits. larger than image life in screen, seemed to have a change of heart and describing his then hospi- they have proof,let them give family for 20 to 25 days. He said For, cinema to politics his mega hits that raked in the and categorically announced talisation as a God’s warning. it.” The family’s statement the family’s request to the court transition was nothing new moolah and finally a frenzied floating a party in January 2021. “Only I know the pain behind came amid reports that she was to send her to them for at in Tamil Nadu as former chief fan base that often hailed him He even named two seasoned making this announcement,” would appear before a judge least four days to free her from ministers--CN Annadurai, M as ‘Thalaiva’ (Leader) turned politicians, Tamilaruvi Manian the 70-year old actor then said, to record her statement,as her the ‘torture’ and ‘pressure’ she Karunanidhi, M G Ramach- him into a colossal figure in frail health. This, after a 2017 announcement that their ‘Th- and Arjuna Moorthy, to see days before he was to spell out lawyer on Monday moved an was undergoing. If this could andran and Jayalalithaa had the celluloid world. assertion that he would launch alaiva’ who beat up evil men on through the birth of his outfit the contours of his party based application of requisition bfore not be done, the court should successful cinema stints before But his roar of “now or never” a political party and fight from screen black and blue was now ahead of the elections this year, on spiritual politics aimed at a magistrate court and said make arrangements for her blending with politics to lead in politics last year ended with all 234 assembly seats in the ready to clean up the ‘system’ now slated for April 6. This was bringing a total change in the they are awaiting directions peaceful stay under its super- the state. But ever since it was a whimper in the same when he 2021 elections in Tamil Nadu with his political avatar. the best time to take the shot, he Dravidian heartland Tamil on producing her before it. vision. AGENCIES a guessing game, occasional finally said he would not take which enthused his die hard However, their joy was to had said with a catchy Tamil Nadu in the 2021 assembly punch dialogues in films, an the political plunge owing to his fans who had been awaiting an be short-lived when in March phrase “ippo illana eppovum elections. AGENCIES The Financial World — New delhi 04 saturday • 03 april 2021 Editorial opinion

Only peace can Anubhuti Maurya slams policy document on undergraduate education for an ‘ill-judged view’ bring progress Distorting India’s historical narratives he University Grants Commission (UGC) document in knowledge production. This would make history an on Learning Outcomes-based Curriculum Frame- attractive area of study. However, the pedagogy suggested work (LOCF), 2021 for undergraduate education in the course outlines and recommended readings would and prosperity in history begins with the declaration: “History, achieve just the opposite. Tas we all know, is a vital source to obtain knowledge about The introduction of primary material in the classroom — akistan’s Economic Coordination a nation’s soul”. The document seeks to create a student parts of historical texts, archaeological artefacts, coins, visits body that will compete globally and be aware of its glorious to monuments and museums — bring the subject alive for Committee (ECC) has allowed the im- past — one that will reclaim its history as it takes its rightful students. Engagement with these allows students to parse port of cotton and yarn from India. It is place in the new global order. It argues that a “new narra- historical analysis and make their own judgments. However, a definitely step in the right direction. tive” about the nation needs to emerge through a dialogue the readings prescribed in the curriculum do not contain between the past and the present. a single reference to primary archives for history-writing. Islamabad’s decision to suspend bilat- The document is a policy directive to mould undergradu- Further, the suggested readings are devoid of some of the eral trade with New Delhi in August 2019 was pri- ate history education to these ends. However, a critical ex- most important works in different areas of history-writing. P amination of the curriculum reveals that it falls short of its Readings in history, or any academic discipline for that marily a fallout of India’s decision to scrap Article own stated goals. matter, are central to building the discipline. We look at 370 — the constitutional provision that recognised The LOCF makes an argument for inculcating “national older writings and follow the evolution of historiographical the special status of the state of Jammu and Kash- pride”. The first paper of the course is titled the ‘Idea of understanding through critiques and the new questions Bharat’ and seeks to study the “primitive life and cultural of history-writing effectively utilised by colonial historians. posed. To develop critical thinking, students must be encour- mir and afforded it a certain amount of autonomy. status of the people of ancient India”. The five units of the Terms like the ‘Aryan Age’, ‘Hindu society’, and ‘Muslim aged to read divergent opinions and engage with different Another underlying reason for suspending trade course cover the concept of Bharatvarsha; Indian knowledge rulers’ were deployed in colonial historiography to delineate ideological hues of historians. A curriculum framework that between the two countries was also the 200 per traditions, art and culture; dharma, philosophy and ‘Vasud- periods as well as causation in Indian history. These were does not encourage this only provides faulty foundations for haiva Kutumbakam’; science, environment and medical used to pose a contrast between the secular, modern Europe disciplinary education. This curriculum framework, quite cent tariff imposed by New Delhi on Pakistani sciences; and Indian economic traditions. and the backward ‘oriental’ states, with their irrational adher- egregiously, omits some of the finest writings in Indian imports — a move that India implemented earlier The course sits separate from the paper on ancient India ence to religion. By bringing these terms back into use, the history. Instead, a bulk of suggested readings span from that year after revoking its status as a Most Fa- (from the earliest time to 550 CE) while exploring ancient curriculum undoes the work of generations of historians to the 1900s to, at best, 1980s, with a heavy dependence on philosophical, cultural and material traditions under the challenge colonial frames of history-writing and foreground the work of Indologists. The omissions seem deliberate voured Nation following the suicide bomb attack umbrella of the term Bharat. socioeconomic and political processes. and ideologically motivated. Most importantly, rather than on the CRPF in Pulwama. Trade between the two The course presents Bharatvarsha as an “eternal” concept, The paper on medieval and early modern India (History enabling students to critically engage with diverse schools of countries suffered greatly in 2019-20, with India’s as an originary moment of the nation that lies in its ancient of India, 1206-1707) best demonstrates the ideological bias historiography and reaching their own conclusions, it seeks past. If one places this course within the entirety of the in the LOCF. It treats the “Hindu society” and the “Muslim to curtail the resource base available to them. exports to Pakistan dropping nearly 60.5 per cent curriculum framework, it appears as a period untouched society” as discrete entities in the medieval past, replicat- What are the challenges facing a young student in the 21st to $816.62 million, and its imports plummeting by invasions — be it Kushan or Sunga people of the early ing the understanding that these communities existed as century? Climate disaster, democracy, freedom of speech historical period, Timur and Babur of the medieval times, separate nations, an understanding that last had valence and movement, equity in rights and social justice are issues around 97 per cent to $13.97 million. The pro- or the British in the modern period. It suggests an origin in the run-up to the partition of India. that must be considered. This curriculum, with its colonial posal to lift the ban on cotton imports came in the to the nation that is in a pristine ancient past. Further, it presents a history of only north India. In underpinnings, is inadequate in preparing students of the backdrop of a shortfall in raw material for Paki- In this schema, Bharat is an exclusionary concept with contrast, existing history syllabi currently followed in uni- 21st century. New modes of thinking about Big Data, digital little space for land and people south of the Vindhyas, or versities across India have been studying the processes of mapping and visualisations, critical study of the environment, stan’s textile sector, which has reportedly been from the east and the northeast. Further, it communicates sociocultural, economic and political changes in different health and society are all missing from this curriculum. facing issues due to a low domestic yield of cotton no sense that this nation has a history as Bharat, Hindustan, regions like Odisha, the peninsular India, and the Rajpu- Seen in its entirety, the LOCF is determined to project in the country. On top of this, imports from other or India, that as a nation it was crafted into being through tana, Gujarat, Malwa, Bengal regions, among others. But into the past majoritarian and divisive conceptions of the struggle of its people. Instead, it reads the nation into a this latest curriculum framework ignores the rich work in contemporary Indian politics. It is limited and narrow in countries like the US and Brazil have reportedly deep past and renders it into a narrative stuck in the stasis regional history and introduces some regions in the syllabus its understanding of processes of historical change, out of been more expensive, and take longer to arrive of an autochthonous origin. Across the curriculum, changes simply as political formations. touch with the current state of research in the discipline of in history are mapped through the rise and fall of empires, history, and dated in its pedagogy. In 2021, this curriculum in the country. Indian Prime Minister Narendra kings and royal dynasties and acts of violence and movement Pedagogical issues framework seeks to make history education a space for Modi’s letter greeting Pakistan on its national day of armies. There is a preoccupation with violence as a motive Inherent in the LOCF is a pedagogical critique of current passive rote-learning of ideas that had their heyday in 1921. and his counterpart Imran Khan’s response to it force of change, whether it is through the examination of forms of history education. It forcefully argues that young the Aryan invasions or the invasions by Timur and Babur. minds are not “empty vessels” to be filled with “static nar- Anubhuti Maurya teaches history at the Shiv Nadar have also seem to have eased the atmosphere. The The curriculum cleaves closely to the categories and modes ratives”. Young minds, it declaims, must be participants University. Views expressed are her own. need right now is to move forward with guarded optimism as hawks on both sides — who thrive on confrontation — may well try and derail matters. Both nations should start building on the cease- Vikram Soni highlights there are only two unpolluted fresh water sources left in the country fire pact and resume a comprehensive dialogue. For only peace can bring progress and prosperity in the two neighbouring countries and also the Water remains the looming frontier region and the world. hile we are still in the grip of the natural infrastructure at an alarming pace. COVID-19 pandemic, which is Let’s not forget that developed countries have airborne, we have forgotten that stable landscapes and populations whereas another such blight could well India has a growing population, which means Five observations Wcome from contaminated water. NITI Ayog there will be growing consumption. There are On why new COVID-19 vaccines should be cleared and WaterAid, amongst others, have found that two unpolluted fresh water sources left in the over 70% of India’s surface and groundwater country. The first is the water lying below our is contaminated by human and other waste forests; the second is the aquifers that lie below Covid concerns mount this year and is likely to carry viruses. Indiscriminate the floodplains of rivers. Both these sources The rise in Covid-19 cases as part of India’s ‘second human activity is often the reason for envi- provide natural underground storage and are wave’ has the government and public health ronmental degradation and pandemics. The renewable – the rains provide natural recharge authorities truly worried. In many ways, the practice of keeping animals locked together for year after year and it is this recharge which can concern is larger than during last year. mass production of meat produces an artifi- be used to water our cities and towns. There is 1 cial environment that can birth mutations in one sacred conservation condition: we should erstwhile dormant viruses. Earlier, in the wild, use only a fraction of the annual recharge. vaccinations too intensify animals were far away from human habitats. The aquifers underlying forests can provide India has so far administered nearly 6.3 crore doses The viruses they harboured remained isolated. healthy mineral water purely for drinking pur- of Covaxin and Covishield and since March 20, the But today’s practices can spawn viruses that norovirus. Unlike in the developed world, a the healthy minerals and nutrients required poses. Since a person drinks only 2-3 litres of country has been inoculating a little over 2 million can easily transfer to the human population. huge section of the population in India uses by the human body. This is an unhealthy and water a day, the mineral water requirement every day. Once the virus has found its way into the polluted water from sources like rivers, lakes, exorbitantly priced proposition. To neutralise is modest. Such a scheme can provide quality 2 human population, it is bound to proliferate in or groundwater for drinking. the virus, we would need at least an ultraviolet natural mineral water, comparable to Himalyan wastewater. For example, in England, Wales Are we prepared for this? Certainly not. aquaguard treatment. While this won’t take mineral water at `2 a litre, 20 times less than More research work required and Scotland, several wastewater samples Can we be prepared? Very unlikely, even if we out chemical contaminants, it is also costly. the market price. The river floodplains are a More research needs to be conducted on whether were tested and were found to carry traces understood the viruses, and we are not there So, what is the solution? The simple answer great source of water for cities. The Yamuna mortality in the second wave is biased towards the of SARS-CoV-2. Remnants of the virus have yet. Can we decontaminate our water bodies is that there is no technological substitute for floodplains in Delhi already use such a scheme group yet ineligible for vaccination, and whether also been detected in raw sewage across Syd- and groundwater? This could take several living natural resources like pristine natural to provide water to a million people each year. reinfections are an emerging problem. ney. Research at the University of Stirling in decades. The Rhine river in Germany, after 50 water and soil. This means that we must con- Forests and floodplains must be declared as 3 Scotland indicates that the SARS-CoV-2 virus years of cleaning and stopping the inflow of serve and use our natural living resources. The water sanctuaries. Such schemes work with can spread through sewage water. pollutants and human waste, is still not fit for water beneath our forests is as good as natural nature rather than against it. They can be used Gatherngs should be banned But such water is often discharged into water drinking. But despite the poor quality of water spring water. We must safeguard it for our around the globe. It is important to remember It is hypocritical on the government’s part to allow bodies in India. This is an alarming prospect in India, the government has announced a `3 own lives and for future generations. We have that these evolutionary resources, once lost, will large religious gatherings and political melas in for us as river water or lake water, which carries lakh crore ‘Nal se Jal’ scheme to provide drink- destroyed our natural living resources in our be lost forever. It is time we understood this is election-bound States and also blame normal human waste, sewage, and toxic waste, can be a ing water connections to every rural household rush for development. Our development model natural infrastructure bequeathed to us by nature. movement for the second wave. very generous host for viruses of different kinds by 2024. Since most of the water sources are is always focused on artificial infrastrusture, If we don’t realise this, it will only be our loss. 4 and we do not know where and how they can contaminated, the only way to purify water building highways, industrial plants, high-rise mutate and strike. Some water-transmitted is through reverse osmosis (RO). But though structures. In doing this, we kill our natural Vikram Soni is Emeritus Professor at Jamia Millia new vaccines are need of hour viral pathogens are astrovirus, hepatitis A and RO removes contaminants, it also takes out all resources. As a result, we are running out of and Jawaharlal Nehru University. Views are personal. What is needed is messaging that emphasises the realistic protective abilities from vaccination and physical distancing measures. We also need fresh BOOKS: review 5research and new vaccines. Billions Under states like Bihar, whose dismal health infrastructure had every- letterbox New book traces India’s Lockdown: The one guessing if it would survive Readers’ feedback adds value to the newspaper. Inside Story of India’s Fight a pandemic, and the controversy Please email comments on reports, features and Against Covid-19 around the prescription of hy- fight against COVID-19 droxychloroquine as prophylaxis columns to [email protected]. We will publish By Abantika Ghosh; for healthcare workers, despite them on this page. rom the ‘janata curfew’ of having very short memories. Of The author offers an Bloomsbury; the lack of evidence. to the country’s first Co- course, this is not unfair criticism 406 pages; Rs699 The 406-page “Billions Under vid-19 vaccination drive, as we, far too often, look at issues insight into India’s Lockdown”, priced at Rs 699, is a new book gives readers only fleetingly and superficially. massive machinery Ghosh tracks the pandemic in available for sale on offline and Fdetailed account of India’s battle Having said that, in the twenty the country with accounts from online stores. The author is one against the coronavirus pandemic. years that I have been in this busi- working seamlessly — epidemiologists from the National of the most well-regarded report- The book, “Billions Under Lock- ness, 2020 was the first year in despite some missteps Centre for Disease Control, de- ers in the public health domain in down: The Inside Story of India’s which, for ten months, I followed scribing them as India’s “disease the country and has more than 20 Fight Against Covid-19”, is writ- one story: COVID-19. and missed infections detectives”, bureaucrats, who be- years of experience. rni no. delENG/2011/38860 ten by senior journalist Abantika “I may even go as far as to say — against the greatest came the face of the government’s After graduating from Presi- Printed & Published by Swinder Bajwa Ghosh. Published by Bloomsbury, that I lived in a COVID bubble. I challenge the world is Covid-19 response, and public dency College, Kolkata, she did On Behalf of FW MEDIA the book claims to be a “thrilling was writing about it, reading about health experts. her masters in Physiology from Printed at Jagjit Publishing Co. Pvt Ltd tale” of unnamed thousands bat- it and, in whatever time I had left, facing in decades But despite the government’s the University of Calcutta and tling against a little-understood I was answering questions from seemingly dogged resolve to keep has worked with The Statesman, D-12, Industrial Area, Phase-1, Mohali, virus from the frontlines, bring- friends and family. So this book have pushed the country’s infec- the virus at bay, its armour was The Times of India and the Indian Punjab 160059 ing that “gripping theatre and its was perhaps destined to happen,” tion tally to over 11.68 million ever-evolving, and sometimes even Express in the past. Currently, she dramatis personae to life”. writes Ghosh in the book. and the death toll has now risen faulty in the face of an unlikely is with ThePrint, where she heads Printer & publisher Swinder Bajwa When WHO first declared COV- It was on March 23 last year to 1,60,166. and unknown enemy. the team covering COVID-19. Owner : FW MEDIA ID-19 a global pandemic in March that Prime Minister Narendra The author, with a ringside view “When cops replace health She is keenly interested in non- Published at: building no-23, nehru place 2020, there was a great deal of ap- Modi announced the nationwide of India’s fight against the deadly workers in the field and cardi- cricket sports, is a voracious reader prehension about how India - the lockdown against COVID-19. A virus, offers an insight into India’s ologists replace epidemiologists and loves to explore the intersec- new delhi 110019; Phone: 9888040061 country with the highest TB cases year on since the country went massive machinery working seam- on the policy high table, it spells tion of politics and society. She Editor* Abdul Wasey and diabetes, inadequate health into a ‘janata curfew’ (people’s lessly -- despite some missteps and serious trouble for a country. And lives in New Delhi with two dogs infrastructure and a population curfew), it is facing a second wave missed infections -- against the trouble erupted soon,” Ghosh and some books, and can be found of 1.3 billion - would fare. of coronavirus cases. greatest challenge the world has writes. on Twitter @abantika77. This is (*Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act) “Journalists are usually accused The fresh infections and deaths encountered in decades. Then there are accounts from her first book. The Financial World — new delhi corporate saturday • 03 april 2021 05 industry

also read | Growth forecast raised to 10.1% * P7 | Timelines cut for investors’ refund * P7 JNPT inaugurates Inter Terminal Route My conscience is clear: Mistry Dominick Rodrigues Mumbai Personally disappointed, says ex-Tata Sons chairman Cyrus Mistry on Supreme Court verdict In a major push for seamless trade, the new Inter Termi- New Delhi/Mumbai: rectly, I hope that the issues I their consequences,” he said. nal Route connecting BMCT Ousted Tata Sons Chairman have raised will cause deeper Mistry said his aim at Tata Terminal with the other four Cyrus Mistry on Tuesday ex- reflection and influence indi- Group, “an iconic institution Container Terminals of JNPT pressed disappointment over viduals concerned to catalyse undergoing a generational was inaugurated at Jawaharlal the Supreme Court order in the change. I sleep with a clear change in leadership, was to Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), In- fight against the conglomerate conscience. “ ensure a robust board-driven dia’s premier container port in over his ouster, but asserted On Friday a bench of Chief system of decision-making and Navi Mumbai, recently. his conscience was clear and Justice SA Bobde and Justices governance that is larger than The Inter Terminal Route he had no doubt about the AS Bopanna and V Ramasu- any one individual”. was inaugurated by Sanjay direction he took regarding bramanian allowed appeals A key focus was to enable Sethi, IAS, Chairman, JNPT the generational change in filed by Tata Group. the directors on various boards in the presence of Unmesh said this will further streamline and also enhancing the train leadership during his tenure. The court said, “All the to discharge their fiduciary Sharad Wagh, IRS, Deputy the movement of rail contain- handling time at JN Port. The apex court order on questions of law are liable to duties without fear or favour, Chairman, JNPT and HODs, ers between BMCT with all the Overall, the new route is ex- Friday had set aside Nation- be answered in favour of the while still ensuring that share- JNPT Terminal Operators and other four Container Termi- pected to increase the rail share al Company Law Appellate appellants Tata Group and holders views were reflected in other stakeholders. nals at the port. “JNPT has also and volume of Transhipment Tribunal (NCLAT) order re- the appeals filed by the Tata strategy and actions, he added. The newly-inaugurated route taken various other initiatives containers in JN Port, Sethi said, storing Mistry as executive Group are liable to be allowed “It continues to be my belief is expected to reduce container under ‘Ease of Doing Business’ adding that this is a yet another chairman of the conglomerate, and those by Shapoorji Pal- that it is by such a model, that movement distance between that has helped save significant significant move by JNPT -- to while allowing appeals filed by lonji Group are liable to be one would protect value for all BMCT and the other JN Port amount of time and cost for the provide ease of doing business the Tata Group. dismissed. and committed beyond the call accusing Ratan Tata of feel- stakeholders in Tata Sons and Terminals from the existing 5 EXIM community,” he said. to the EXIM community -- in its “Every member of society The apex court had on Janu- of duty, through this journey. ing insecure about his legacy, its various group companies,” kms to 2.5 kms in one direction. The ITRHO aims to maxi- endeavour to be among the best looks to institutions such as ary 10 last year granted relief “This is another step in the said he has reflected on his Mistry said. This route is exclusively for the mize train placement, track container port globally. courts to validate and endorse to the Tata group by staying evolution of life for me and actions since his exit from To this end, he said, “My movement of TP (Transhipment) productivity, efficiency and The Jawaharlal Nehru Port the appropriateness of his or NCLAT order by which Mistry my family. We will celebrate the Tata Group. performance was reviewed & ITRHO (Inter Terminal Rail cost-effective handling, while Trust (JNPT) at Navi Mumbai her actions and beliefs. As a was restored as the executive the good times and take the “Over the last four years, I by nearly 50 independent di- Handling Operation) contain- reducing dwell time of import is the biggest container handling minority shareholder of Tata chairman of the conglomerate. knocks on our chins.” have had the opportunity to rectors across multiple Tata ers between BMCT and other ICD boxes, connecting export Port in India -- accounting for Sons, I am personally disap- Reflecting on the Supreme Mistry, who had raised reflect on my actions and on boards that I served. Beyond terminals of JN Port, in offering ICD boxes to respective termi- around 52% of the total contai- pointed by the outcome of Court order, Mistry said, “Life several raised issues related whether I could have handled the performance metric that a smooth and continuous flow nals in time and also increasing nerised cargo volume, across the the judgement with respect is not always fair, but we are to corporate governance and the generational change in speaks for itself and the docu- of ITRHO and TP containers. rail quotient at JNPT. major ports of India. Commis- to our case,” Mistry said in a still the lucky ones – I am lucky transparency, including al- leadership better. In hindsight, mented appreciation for my Noting that the inauguration Trade will be benefitted, as sioned on 26th May 1989, in less statement. to have the unwavering sup- leged Rs 22 crore fraudu- while I may have had many initiatives, I am humbled by of this Internal Terminal Route the new route would ensure than three decades of its opera- He further said, “Although port of my family, friends, col- lent transactions involving imperfections, I have no doubt the continued support I have will help in smoothening the timely connection of export tions, JNPT has transformed I will no longer be able to in- leagues - past and present. I non-existent entities in India or erosion of conviction about received from my former col- overall trade cycle and further containers arriving by trains in from a bulk-cargo terminal to fluence the direction of gov- am grateful to my legal team and Singapore in Tatas’ joint the direction I chose, the in- leagues and other board mem- enhancing efficiency, Sanjay mixed condition to the particular become the premier container ernance of the Tata group di- that has remained steadfast venture with Air Asia, besides tegrity behind my actions and bers”. AGENCIES Sethi, IAS, Chairman, JNPT vessel in any of the terminals port in the country. NewsBrief GS Krishnan takes over as ‘ABLE’ chief Minda plans Rs 250 crore expansion Increase in aviation Coal India sees marginal security fee opposed Bengaluru: G S Krish- K K Narayanan, Vijay Chandru Mumbai: Minda Industries, New Delhi: Global airlines production de-growth nan, formerly regional presi- and Shrikumar Suryanarayan. the flagship of UNO Minda body IATA has requested the KOLKATA: World’s largest dent & MD, Novozymes South “India’’s BioPharmaceutical Group, on Saturday said it will Centre to suspend the planned miner Coal India is likely Asia Pvt Ltd, a Danish biotech segment has played a commend- invest over Rs 250 crore in ex- increase in aviation security fee to post a marginal contrac- company, has taken charge as able role in the discovery and panding its four-wheel light- (ASF) for domestic and inter- tion of its output for the year the new President of India’’s manufacturing of COVID- 19 ing and alloy wheel business to national passengers as it will 2020-21 by 5-6 million tonne leading biotechnology industry vaccine during the pandemic meet the increased demand as be detrimental to the aviation in 2020-21 as its produc- organisation, the Association of and we need to build on this its existing units are operating industry’s recovery efforts, an tion will fall below the 600 Biotechnology-Led Enterprises great momentum and lead the at near capacity. official document said. million mark, sources said (ABLE). world in playing a critical role, As part of this expansion, On March 19, the Civil Avia- on Sunday. In 2019-20, the Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, identifying our capabilities,” the automotive components tion Ministry had said the ASF miner produced 602 million the Executive Chairperson of saidKrishnanwhile taking over maker will set up a new manu- would be increased from Rs tonne down from 606.9 mil- Biocon Limited, will continue as the new ABLE President for facturing plant at Bhagapura 160 to Rs 200 for domestic lion in 2018-19 when it regis- as the association’’s honorary the new General Secretary of 2021-24. in Gujarat at an investment Pune, Chennai and Manesar, ment,” said NK Minda, Chair- passengers and USD 5.20 to tered its highest production. non-executive chairperson, an ABLE. Krishnan added that oppor- of Rs 90 crore to cater to which are operating at near man and managing Director, USD 12 for international pas- It will be the second year in ABLE statement said. Aiming to further catalyse tunities in the BioIndustrial and increased demand for four- capacity. UNO Minda. sengers from April 1. a row when the miner will Krishnan will head a nine- the growth of India’’s USD 70 BioAgriculture are also highly wheeler automotive lighting, “The automotive lighting in- Similarly, in 4W alloy wheels, Conrad Clifford, Regional register degrowth. The miner member executive council that billion BioEconomy, the Asso- promising and require a con- Minda Industries Ltd said in dustry is witnessing a gradual customer preferences are Vice President, Asia Pacific, had projected a 660 million was elected last January for a ciation has also set up an ABLE ducive regulatory framework. a release. shift in technology into more moving towards alloy wheels. International Air Transport tonne production target and three-year term starting on April Business Council, that will be The 4,300-plus Biotech The plant is expected to LED-based lighting products. Though penetration of alloy Association (IATA) wrote a by mid-year the company had 1, 2021. chaired by former ABLE Presi- startups too will contribute commence operations by the With strengthened technical wheels has increased in the last letter to Civil Aviation Minister been expecting to attain 630- The other office-bearers are dent and founder of biotech significantly for the growth of quarter ending March 2022 capabilities in next level of few years, it is still very low in Hardeep Singh Puri on Tues- 640 million tonne of output. Anand Anandkumar of Bug- startup Jananom,P M Murali. the biotech industry and re- and will stabilise in subsequent lighting technologies, we are comparison to developed coun- day, stating that “the aviation Officials attributed Covid-19 works Research as Vice Presi- This Council will comprise quires all the support to grab couple of quarters, it said. well positioned to benefit from tries providing ample opportu- industry is facing the biggest disruptions as the key factor dent & Treasurer, and Ravi all the past presidents of ABLE near-to-market opportunities, The company currently has these technological shifts and to nities for our growth in future, challenge of its history” due to behind lower demand result- Bhola of K&S Partners will be such asKiran Mazumdar-Shaw, he said. AGENCIES manufacturing facilities at achieve leadership in the seg- he said. AGENCIES the pandemic and it is trying ing in a stockpile building to restart itself while ensuring up, compelling the mining it does not become a vector for giant to moderate output. COVID-19. AGENCIES Kirloskar Brothers to Vistara rolls back staff’s salary cut Airlines collect the ASF from passengers when they book Curbs sought on NEW DELHI: Full-service their tickets and then give it carrier Vistara has decided to the government. The ASF cotton yarn exports be debt-free company to roll back the pay cut, im- is used to fund the security New Delhi: The Apparel NEW DELHI: Leading plemented by the airline last arrangement at airports across Export Promotion Council pump makers Kirloskar year, for certain categories of the country. (AEPC) on Saturday urged Brothers Ltd (KBL) is close employees from April while the Clifford told Puri COVID-19 the government to impose to be a debt-free company reduced salaries will continue has devastated the air trans- restrictions on exports of and will continue its growth for the management-level ex- port industry and any such cotton yarn in order to curb journey into domestic and ecutives, including the CEO, costs escalation - the increase prices and increase supply international markets, said according to an e-mail to the in the ASF - in such uncertain for domestic manufacturers. a top company official. airline staff. times will be detrimental to AEPC Chairman A Sakthiv- After being debt-free, The Tata Sons and Singa- its collective recovery efforts. el said despite several ef- the company will focus on pore Airlines joint venture “It is worthwhile to note that forts by the government to cash flow and will not chase airline had in June 2020 an- various other governments and reduce the price of cotton topline (revenue) numbers at nounced a reduction in salary service providers are freez- yarn, it has consistently the cost of profitability, said lished to be debt-free because However, he also added, of nearly 40 per cent of the ”We must remain vigilant in ing or reducing charges in increased in the last four KBL Director Alok Kirloskar. we are not comfortable with “Growing the turnover is im- total workforce till December controlling our costs and be response to the current crisis months and was affecting “As part of that strategy, having large amounts of debt, portant but not at the cost of 31 to deal with low cash flow nimble and flexible in our to facilitate a quicker recovery the entire value chain. “We we will be a debt-free com- which was the case in 2010,” profitability and cash flow. amid weak passenger demand We must remain plan and should be able to of traffic,” he noted. request immediate inter- pany. And, if you look at the he added. Our first objective No. 1 is in the wake of the pandemic. vigilant in controlling take difficult decisions if the “The IATA would respect- vention to increase the numbers at the end of this When asked about the cash flow, No. 2 is profit- This was later extended to our costs and be nimble need arises,” Thng said. fully request the government supply of yarn to domestic year in March, we are almost growth, Kirloskar said, “We ability and No.3 is turnover.” March 31. Vistara will not be paying of India to consider delaying manufacturers. We suggest debt-free as a company,” will continue on the CAGR The key sectors in which ”Our board has approved and flexible in our plan any annual increment in April or suspending the planned that quantitative restrictions Alok Kirloskar told PTI. (compound annual growth KBL operate are water and to cease the pay cut that was and should be able to this year but will review it in increase in ASF rates effective should be imposed on exports On a standalone basis, rate), that is our objective. wastewater, irrigation, indus- implemented for level-1 to take difficult decisions October based on the airline’s April 1, 2021,” he stated. of cotton yarn, specifically on KBL is close to being debt- Even in the times of coro- trial, commercial building level-3 staff from April 1, but if the need arises” financial position in the first The aviation sector has been cotton yarn of 26 counts and free and the next objective is navirus, if you see our third- services, and oil & gas. the leadership team (level 4 two quarters of the new fiscal significantly impacted due to above,” he said. AGENCIES to enhance its ROCE (return quarter numbers, we have KBL gets half of its busi- and level-5) and I will continue year, he informed the employ- the travel restrictions imposed on capital employed), over 25 still shown that we are doing ness directly from consumers with our pay cuts at 15 per the e-mail, also said the airline ees. However, for staff, which in India and other countries TVS Motor reports sales per cent and ROE (return on better than last year, even under the business-to-con- cent and 25 per cent, respec- definitely was not out of the is eligible for variable perfor- in view of the coronavirus equity) about 20 per cent, though coronavirus.” sumer route, and the rest half tively,” Vistara CEO, Leslie woods yet with operating ca- mance for financial year 2020- pandemic. All airlines in In- of 3,22,683 units in March added. In 2019-20, KBL, a flag- from the institutional buyers Thng said in the communica- pacity and revenue still below 21, payments will be made in dia have taken cost-cutting New Delhi: Chennai- “The next objective is, of ship company of the USD from business-to-business tion, reviewed by PTI. pre-COVID level, adding that, May based on company and measures such as pay cuts, based TVS Motor Company course, enhancing the prof- 2.1-billion Kirloskar Group, (B2B) and business-to-gov- A Vistara spokesperson con- the road ahead will continue individual staff performance leave-without-pay and firings on Thursday reported to- itability and enhancing our had reported a revenue of Rs ernment (B2G) channels, firmed the developments to to be challenging, given the in this financial year, he of employees in order to con- tal sales of 3,22,683 units growth after we are estab- 2,097 crore. Alok added. AGENCIES PTI when contacted. Thng, in current state of the pandemic. added. AGENCIES serve cash. AGENCIES in March. The company had sold 1,44,739 units in March 2020, when sales were impacted by the lock- down due to COVID-19. Tech services eye $300-350b in revenues by 2025: Nasscom The total two-wheelers sales were at 3,07,437 units in New Delhi: India’’s tech- With the consumers’’ cent over the next five years, report said. As the competition intensi- March 2021. It was 1,33,988 nology services industry’’s ever-evolving needs, enter- reaching USD 300-350 bil- “The Indian Technology fies, scale and specialisation units in the same month growth can accelerate by 2-4 prises are keeping up with lion in annual revenues if it services sector can utilise the will be critical to succeed in last year, TVS Motor said per cent over the next five continuous innovation, can win in the cloud, AI, cy- potential of deep technologies the next decade of tech- in a statement. Domestic years, reaching USD 300-350 leading to a shifting global bersecurity, and other emerg- like cloud, AI, ML, IoT, etc, nology services, the report two-wheelers sales were at billion in annual revenues on marketplace and 10 per cent ing technologies. This will through effective transfor- said. 2,02,155 units last month. the back of a cloud, artificial annual growth in the IT ser- require closer collaboration mational practices, thereby Providers will need to re- It was at 94,103 units in intelligence AI, cybersecurity, vices sector, generating high among stakeholders across contributing to the overall fresh their service lines and March 2020. Motorcycle and other emerging technolo- returns for shareholders and the private sector, academia, economy in the coming de- offerings and stay relevant to sales stood at 1,57,294 units gies, a report by Nasscom said investors in the last decade, and the government,” it said. cade. The government needs cater to these more digitally in March. It was at 66,673 on Wednesday. it added. Fueling over 50 digital ini- to encourage and support adept enterprises, who expect units in March 2020. Scooter The report - whose re- Being valued at roughly tiatives across sectors like digital literacy and skilling higher-quality services and sales were at 1,04,513 units search and analysis was USD 1 trillion, the technol- banking and finance, health- to ensure its talent, energy, have very different buying last month. It was at 34,191 conducted by McKinsey & ogy services sector is now care, governance, etc, the imagination, knowledge, behaviour, it added. units in March 2020, the Company Knowledge Part- among the most significant technology services industry and unmatched commit- Talent will also be a key dif- company said. Three-wheeler ners - noted that technology- contributors to economic continues to be a prime driver ment unites to address the ferentiator, and the war for sales were at 15,246 units last driven companies are leading growth worldwide, especially of the nation’’s exports and “...India’’s technology of India’’s digital dream with customers’’ surging needs,” acquiring and retaining the month. It was at 10,751 units the path to a faster recovery in India — the industry now provides livelihoods to about services industry could ac- a contribution of 8 per cent Nasscom President Debjani next-gen talent will aggravate a year ago. AGENCIES globally. produces about 27 per cent 4.4 million people. celerate growth by 2-4 per to the overall economy, the Ghosh said. in the future. AGENCIES The Financial World — new delhi 06 saturday • 03 april 2021 banking finance

also read | 7 convicted in HK for democracy protests * P8 | ICC retains ‘Umpire’s Call’ * P8 Bank credit to rise 10% this fiscal Zero-coupon bond not to Faster GDP expansion and policy interventions to boost credit growth, says ratings agency Crisil be used to recap PSU banks Mumbai: Banking system’s capital expenditure (capex) and the overall NPAs for banks to NEW DELHI: The gov- credit growth will almost dou- also impact on demand which 10.5-11 per cent, it said. ernment is unlikely to take ble to 10 per cent in 2021-22 curtailed the need for working The agency, however, said the zero-coupon bond route to on the economic recovery and capital. With the revival in the NPAs would have been higher further recapitalise public policy interventions, ratings economy, stimulus measures by one percentage point if not sector banks after the Reserve agency Crisil said on Thursday. by the government and the RBI for the policy interventions like Bank of India (RBI) expressed The quantum of gross non- and the Budget’s focus on infra- a moratorium, one-time debt some concerns in this regard, performing assets (NPAs) will structure, the same is expected restructuring and keeping the sources said. rise up to 10.5-11 per cent by the to see an uptick, it said. bankruptcy proceedings on The government, they said, end of 2021-22, which is about In 2020-21, the emergency hold. In the non-banks space, would resort back to recapitali- a percentage point lower than credit guarantee loans scheme the overall assets under manage- sation bonds bearing a coupon what was initially expected, the has been a key factor which ment (AUM) are estimated to rate for capital infusion in these agency said. drove the overall credit growth grow by a slower rate of 5 per banks. The GDP growth is expected for the banking system, it said. cent in 2021-22 and are yet to To save interest burden and to stand at 11 per cent for the Bank credit has shown a ‘V- touch the pre-pandemic levels, ease the fiscal pressure, the newly begun fiscal year, after a shaped’ recovery during the the agency said. government last year decided issued at a deep discount to financial years. 7.7 per cent contraction in the agency said. From a banks’ credit while corporate loans, which second half of the fiscal, the The biggest inhibiting factor to issue zero-coupon bonds the face value, it is difficult to During FY 2018-19, the pandemic-impacted 2020-21, it growth perspective, the agency de-grew during 2020-21, are rating agency added. for the non-banking financial for meeting the capital needs ascertain net present value, government paid `5,800.55 said. The second and third waves said the expansion will acceler- also likely to show a 5-6 per From an asset quality per- company (NBFC) industry will of the banks. they added. crore as interest on such bonds of COVID-19 infections are a ate by 4-5 percentage points to cent jump, it said. The agency spective, the corporate loans will be funding sources to take care The first test case of the As a result, sources said, issued to public sector banks risk to economic recovery but 9-10 per cent in 2021-22. said corporate loans, which show more resilience, and it will of the liabilities side, it said. new mechanism was a capi- it has been concluded to do for pumping in the capital it may not result in widespread The faster credit growth will account for nearly half of the be loans to the retail and micro, Schemes like targeted long-term tal infusion of `5,500 crore away with zero-coupon bond so that they could meet the lockdowns and a faster vacci- be led by retail loans, which are overall bank credit, were sub- small and medium enterprises repo operations have helped the into Punjab and Sind Bank for recapitalisation. regulatory norms under the nation drive will also help, the expected to grow in mid-teens, dued in 2020-21 because of low segment which will drive up sector, it added. AGENCIES by issuing zero-coupon bonds These special bonds are non- Basel-III guidelines. of six different maturities last interest bearing and issued at In the subsequent year, ac- year. These special securities par to a bank, they said adding cording to the official docu- with tenure of 10-15 years are that it would be an investment ment, the interest payment by NewsBrief Realty firm owner grilled over Yes Bank loan fraud non-interest bearing and val- that would not earn any return the government surged three Govt tells RBI to check ued at par. and rather depreciate with each times to `16,285.99 crore to New Delhi: The Enforce- worth over Rs 400 crore. The charge sheet names However, the RBI raised passing year. PSBs as they have been holding retail inflation at 4% ment Directorate (ED) has filed In a statement, the central chairman of Omkar Realtors some concerns with regard This innovative mechanism these papers. New Delhi: The govern- a charge sheet in connection probe agency said the pros- and Developers Kamal Kishore to calculation of an effective was adopted to ease the finan- For the current financial ment on Wednesday asked with its money laundering probe ecution complaint (charge Gupta, its managing director capital infusion made in any cial burden as the government year, interest payment for re- the Reserve Bank to maintain against Mumbai-based realty sheet) has been filed under Babulal Varma, actor-producer bank through this instrument has already spent `22,086.54 cap bonds have been reduced retail inflation at 4 per cent group Omkar Realtors and De- various sections of the Preven- Sachin Joshi (also the promoter issued at par, sources said. crore as interest payment to `19,292.77 crore from with a margin of 2 per cent velopers linked to alleged illegal tion of Money Laundering Act of Viiking Group) and their Since such bonds usually towards the recapitalisation `25,239.4 crore pegged in the on either side for another five- diversion of Yes Bank loan funds (PMLA) before a special court in Mumbai. companies. AGENCIES are non-interest bearing but bonds for PSBs in the last two Budget estimate. AGENCIES year period ending March 2026. To control the price rise, the government in 2016 gave a mandate to the RBI to ICICI Pru Life confident HDFC Bank admits keep the retail inflation at 4 UBI launches ‘uni-carbon card’ per cent with a margin of 2 Dominick Rodrigues per cent on either side for a Mumbai to double biz premiums net banking glitches five-year period ending March MUMBAI: Despite hit by the 31, 2021. “The inflation target Union Bank of India launched its coronavirus pandemic, ICICI for the period April 1, 2021 to “UNI – CARBON CARD” -- an Prudential Life is confident of March 31, 2026 under the Re- HPCL co-branded credit card meeting the 2022-23 target serve Bank of India Act 1934 -- on the Rupay platform of NPCI of doubling the value of new has been kept at the same recently. This co-branded credit business premium over the level as was for previous 5 card is Union Bank of India’s 2018-19 numbers, and has years,” Economic Affairs Sec- maiden joint venture. set an annual growth rate retary Tarun Bajaj said. As a Describing it as an opportunity of around 30 per cent for result of inflation targetting to create value for customers, the same. premium over the same in mandate, the RBI has been RajkiranRai G, MD&CEO, Union customers and provide them solu- Cashback/Rewards in addition to To attain the objective set in 2018-19. “For this, we have able to keep consumer price Bank of India, said “It is a unique tions catering to their needs. The waiver of fuel surcharge, besides April 2019, the second-largest also set a target of growing the bank over the past two index averaging 3.9 per cent card designed with association Union Bank HPCL Co-branded many freebies and offers brought private sector life insurer will around 30 per cent annually The bank has been years, including the recent during October 2016-March one of the largest Public Sector credit card takes us another step out by NPCI such as Entertain- continue to increase its focus over the next two years.” penalised for two outages in the bank’s in- 2020. The six-member MPC, Bank, Union Bank of India and closer to making India a less-cash ment, Lifestyle, Travel, Shopping, on protection and savings Its VNB for the nine months major outages, one ternet banking and pay- which had its first meeting in HPCL -- a leader is fuel retail economy, realizing ‘Digital India’ Food delivery, etc., products. of 2020-21 stood at Rs 1,030 in November 2018 ment system on November October 2016, was given the and Rupay – India’s largest card vision of our Honorable Prime Dinesh Kumar Garg, Executive ICICI Prudential Life Chief crore with a margin of 25.7 per 21, 2020, due to a power mandate to maintain annual payment network. Minister,” he added. While the Director, Union Bank of India Financial Officer Satyan Jam- cent, of which Rs 428 crore and the other in failure in the primary data inflation at 4 per cent until “Union Bank of India is com- Union Bank of India has total said “The present co-branded bunathan told PTI in a recent came in the third quarter. The December 2019 centre,” HDFC Bank had March 31, 2021 with an up- mitted to customer centric prod- network of 9590+ branches and card is first of its kind with HPCL, interaction that the company company’s main focus will be said in a regulatory filing. per tolerance of 6 per cent ucts and processes that enhance 13280+ ATMs across India, use a major player in fuel retail and is well on track to meet the on protection products to meet New Delhi: The country’s The bank has been and a lower tolerance of 2 ease of living. As a Bank, it is our of this card at HPCL retail outlets the cardholder certainly be ben- 2022-23 target of doubling the the target of doubling of VNB largest private sector lender penalised for two major per cent. Not only did the desire to understand needs of our ensures the cardholder getting efited.” value of new business (VNB) by 2022-23. AGENCIES HDFC Bank on Tuesday outages, one in November headline CPI inflation aver- said it is taking steps to 2018 and the other in De- aged closer to the target at 3.9 resolve glitches in its digi- cember 2019. per cent during this period, there are a lot of areas which we tal banking platform and Taking a stern view of the inflation volatility, measured Payworld eyes 60% rise in gross transactions have seen are yet to be covered, restore services on priority. repeated outages, RBI Gov- by its standard deviation, also like the states of Odisha, Assam, “Some customers are ernor Shaktikanta Das had declined to 1.4 during October New Delhi: Fintech firm of Rs 7,500 crore by providing touch Rs 11,000-12,000 crore,” as people do need these services facing intermittent issues said in December the regu- 2016-March 2020 from 2.4 Payworld expects the gross payment interface to sell train Payworld CEO Praveen Dhab- and the competition is less,” accessing our NetBank- lator had some concerns in 2012-16, as per the BofA transaction value carried out tickets, Aadhaar enabled pay- hai told PTI. Payworld is look- Dhabhai added. ing/MobileBanking App. about certain deficiencies Securities report quoting the from its platform to increase by ment services, mutual funds, ing to double its distributors as He said that COVID-19 has We are looking into it on and it was necessary that RBI data. AGENCIES over 60 per cent to around Rs insurance, among others. well as headcount on the field fast tracked the retailers’’ board- priority for resolution. We HDFC Bank strengthens its 12,000 crore in the upcoming “Payworld’’s retail points have to widen its payment network. ing process on the platform apologize for the inconve- IT system before expanding SBI digital services hit financial year. become more than 5 lakh, we “We have right now around through webinars and video nience and request you to further. The company expects to close conduct almost 2 lakh transac- 3,500 distributors. So we want calls compared to the earlier try again after sometime. “... we cannot have thou- Mumbai: The country’s the current financial year with tions every day. Payworld GTV this current run rate, next fi- to double our workforce from mode of physically reaching Thank you,” HDFC Bank sands and lakhs of custom- largest lender State Bank of gross transaction value (GTV) is about Rs 7,500 crore. With nancial year Payworld plans to the sales point of view because out to them. AGENCIES said in a tweet. ers who are using digital India’s customers had to face This is not for the first banking to be in any kind issues on Thursday due to time that the customers of of difficulty for hours to- the unavailability of various Its smart office is a com- the bank have faced service gether and especially when digital services on account plete green initiative which outage. In fact, the bank has we are ourselves giving so of upgradation of the bank’s Indian Bank seeks to boost efficiency will assist in cost saving on been penalised by the Re- much emphasis on digital digital banking platforms. Mumbai: State-owned Indi- poised for better growth,” its printing and stationery, im- serve bank of India (RBI) banking. Public confidence The bank informed its cus- an Bank on Thursday launched Managing Director and CEO proved turnaround time (TAT) for two major outages in in digital banking has to be tomers on Thursday morn- a slew of initiatives including Padmaja Chunduru. and increased productivity of the past. maintained,” Das had said. ing that it is upgrading its new HR vision, chabot and She said the bank’’s primary employees, among others. In December, the RBI HDFC Bank, the larg- digital banking platforms, smart offices to strengthen focus is on customer service The bank, as an amalgam- temporarily barred HDFC est lender by assets in the including Yono, Yono lite, its efficiency. and satisfaction. ated entity, reported a stand- Bank from launching new private sector, has been internet banking, Unified These announcements were The lender’’s Executive Di- alone net profit of Rs 514 digital banking initiatives classified as a systemically Payments Interface (UPI). made on the completion of rector V V Shenoy said the crore for the December 2020 and issuing new credit important entity by the RBI “We will be undertaking one year of amalgamation of new HR vision aims to foster quarter, against a net loss of cards after taking a seri- in the past. It is also the maintenance activities be- erstwhile Allahabad Bank with excellence through a journey Rs 1,739 crore in the year-ago ous view of service outages largest issuer of credit cards tween 2:10 PM to 5:40 PM Indian Bank. In February this of growth, individual develop- period. at the lender over the last and has a significant share on April 1, 2021. During the year, the lender achieved IT ment, and robust employee Its gross non-performing two years. in the payment processing period, INB/YONO/YONO integration of all the branches experience. asset (NPA) improved to 9.04 “RBI has issued an order segment. The bank is the Lite/UPI will be unavail- of erstwhile Allahabad Bank He said the bank has already per cent of gross advances in dated December 2, 2020, largest issuer of credit cards able. We regret the incon- with itself. identified high-level initiatives to focus on leadership develop- employees,” he said. the October-December 2020 to HDFC Bank Ltd with and had 1.49 crore custom- venience caused and request “The foundation (of the to be implemented over the ment and implementation of The lender has initiated a quarter, from 12.69 per cent a regard to certain incidents ers as of September 2020 you to bear with us,” the bank bank) has been strongly next two-three years on the HR initiatives, policies and leadership development plan year ago. Net NPA came down of outages in the internet while on the debit cards said on Twitter. SBI has the laid while going through the HR front. processes to enable the delivery to build a leadership pipeline to 2.35 per cent, from 4.22 per banking/ mobile bank- front, it had 3.38 crore cus- largest network with over change process. The bank is “Going forward, the plan is of a commitment towards our for the future, Shenoy added. cent. AGENCIES ing/ payment utilities of tomers. AGENCIES 22,000 branches and more than 57,889 ATMs across the country. As of December 31, 2020, it had 85 million in- Jaipur: Rajasthan on Thurs- medical relief to all residents Expressing concern on the ternet banking and 19 mil- day began the registration for of Rajasthan,” he said. second wave of coronavirus lion mobile banking users. Rajasthan govt an insurance scheme under “Development works, wa- cases, Gehlot said the state gov- The bank’s number of UPI which each family in the state ter, electricity, education, ir- ernment has imposed certain users stood at 135 million can claim up to Rs 5 lakh every rigation, social welfare and restrictions, which would be at December-end. At pres- launches health year for medical expenses. other sectors are also on the made stricter if the situation ent, the bank has 35 million The state began the regis- government’’s priority list, but worsens. However, he ruled registered users of Yono, the tration for Chiranjeevi Health health is the topmost priority out the possibility of clamping digital lending platform. It insurance Insurance Scheme, announced area for us,” Gehlot said. a lockdown, saying it causes can be noted that on March by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot He said the state govern- losses and is not a solution. 29, customers of the coun- in the state budget 2021-22. ment had launched the “Nirogi The chief minister said if try’s largest private sector scheme for all “Rajasthan has become the Rajasthan” campaign and the required, the state govern- lender HDFC Bank faced first state in the country, where preparations for it, which start- ment would impose stricter problems in accessing its each family will get health in- ed in December 2019, proved restrictions without clamping services due to glitches in Rajasthan has become the first state in surance of Rs 5 lakh each year. to be crucial in March 2020 a lockdown. its digital banking platform. People can get registered and at the time of the coronavirus Health Minister Raghu “Some customers are fac- the country, where each family will get be assured of cashless treat- outbreak. ing capacity is 70,000 now,” ing the possibility of tie-ups Sharma, Parliamentary Af- ing intermittent issues ac- health insurance of Rs 5 lakh each year. ment,” Gehlot claimed in a “The corona management of the chief minister said. He said with foreign universities for fairs Minister Shanti Dhari- cessing our NetBanking / tweet. the government was excellent, Rajasthan’’s “Bhilwara model” nursing-training courses. He wal, Transport Minister Pratap MobileBanking App. We are People can get registered and be assured He said the registrations due to which the recovery rate was praised worldwide and the said the numbers of medical Singh and senior officials at- looking into it on priority for the government’’s cashless was the highest and the mortal- “No Mask, No Entry” slogan colleges, seats in the MBBS and tended the programme dur- for resolution. We apologize of cashless treatment treatment for all have begun ity rate was the lowest in the was followed in the UK also. MD courses have increased in ing which the foundations of for the inconvenience and in the state from today. “It is state. We have strengthened Highlighting the medical the state and the government is various projects were laid and request you to try again after one of our biggest health care our medical infrastructure facilities in the state, Gehlot developing model community a few other projects were inau- sometime. AGENCIES schemes aimed at providing and the per-day corona test- said his government is explor- health centres (CHCs). gurated. AGENCIES The Financial World — New Delhi economy saturday • 03 april 2021 07 policy

Gig economy may support 90m jobs, Growth forecast raised to 10.1% 28th Hunar Haat opens in Goa add 1.25% to GDP India’s real GDP growth to range between 7.5% and 12.5%, World Bank predicts Dominick Rodrigues New Delhi: The World years there was no growth in Panjim bank has raised India’s growth India and there might well have forecast to 10.1 per cent from been over two years, a decline The 28th edition of “HUnar the earlier 5.4 per cent for FY in per capita income. Haat’ -- displaying products 2021-22. It further estimated “That’s such a difference with by indigenous artisans and the country’s GDP growth to what India was accustomed to. craftsmen – was inaugu- range between 7.5 per cent and And it means that there are still rated by the Goa Chief Min- 12.5 per cent. many parts of the economy that ister Dr Pramod Sawant Mumbai: The gig economy The Washington-based have not recovered or have not at the Kala Academy in can serve up to 90 million jobs global lender, in its latest South fared as well as they would have Panjim on March 27. in the non-farm sectors in Asia Economic Focus report without a pandemic. There is Former Goa Chief Min- India with a potential to add released ahead of the annual a huge concern about the fi- ister and Lok Sabha MP 1.25 per cent to the GDP over Spring meeting of the World nancial markets,’ Timmer said. Shri Francisco Sardinha; the “long term’, a report said Bank and the International “As economic activity nor- Union Minister for Minor- the country’s art and culture and craft of different states on Tuesday. The gig economy, Monetary Fund (IMF), said malises, domestically and in ity Affairs Mukhtar Abbas showcased under one roof. of the country and would where workers get hired typi- that the economy was already key export markets, the current Naqvi, Union Minister of Union Minister for Mi- provide benefits to artisans cally for short durations, can slowing when the COVID-19 account is expected to return State (I/C) Shripad Nayak; nority Affairs Mukhtar Ab- and craftsmen of Goa. lead to transactions of over pandemic unfolded. to mild deficits (around 1 per Rajya Sabha MP Shri Vinay bas Naqvi, said that “Hu- The 28th “Hunar Haat’ USD 250 billion over the long After reaching 8.3 per cent cent in FY22 and FY23) and Dinu Tendulkar; Goa Dy nar Haat’, which is held at has been organized under term, the report by the con- in FY17, growth decelerated to capital inflows are projected Chief Minister Shri Chan- different venues in India, the theme “Vocal for Local’ sultancy firm BCG said. The 4.0 per cent in FY20, it said. Highlights by continued accommodative drakant Kavlekar were also has witnessed participation from March 26 to April 4 firm said gig economy is not The slowdown was caused by  india is bouncing back, has opened up many of the monetary policy and abundant present on the occasion. and employment for over with over 500 artisans and a new concept but has seen a decline in private consump- international liquidity condi- Noting that “Hunar Haat’ 5.5 lakh artisans, craftsmen craftsmen from around 30 greater adoption following tion growth and shocks to the activities, started vaccination and is leading in the tions,’ the report said. strengthened “Sabka Sath, and others, besides on virtual states/UTs participating. the advent of technology. financial sector (the collapse of production of vaccination, says officials. Noting that the COVID-19 Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vish- and online platforms http:// These artisans are show- A few years ago, when a large non-bank finance in- shock will lead to a long-lasting was’ with the message “Jaan hunarhaat.org and on GeM casing products like Kalam- concerns were being raised stitution), which compounded  as economic activity normalises, domestically and in inflexion in India’s fiscal trajec- Bhi, Jahaan Bhi’, Sawant Portal for buyers. kari, Bidriware, Udaigiri about a ‘’jobless’’ growth, the pre-existing weaknesses in key export markets, the current account is expected to tory, the report said that the said Hunar Haat’ has been Union Minister of State Wooden Cutlery, products government had pointed to investment, it said. return to mild deficits and capital inflows are projected general government deficit is providing financial benefits (I/C) Shripad Naik said made from cane-bamboo- the growth in gig economy Given the significant un- by continued accommodative monetary policy and expected to remain above 10 to needy artisans and crafts- “Hunar Haat’ emphasized jute, Madhubani painting, jobs. In the short-to-medium certainty pertaining to both per cent of GDP until FY22. As men by not only promoting “Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and Moonga Silk, Tussar Silk, term, nearly 24 million jobs epidemiological and policy abundant international liquidity conditions, they say. a result, public debt is projected artisans and craftsmen, but “Vocal for Local’ while being Leather products, marble in skilled, semi-skilled and developments, the real GDP to peak at almost 90 per cent of also promoting the tourism an an effective platform for products, sandalwood prod- shared services roles could growth for FY21/22 can range GDP in FY21 before declining sector of Goa. providing large-scale em- ucts, embroidery, Chanderi be delivered via gig economy, from 7.5 to 12.5 per cent, de- tivity of 30 to 40 per cent, no incredibly challenging, both on gradually thereafter. Describing “Hunar Haat’ ployment opportunities to saree, Black Pottery, Kun- including nearly 3 million pending on how the ongoing clarity about vaccines, huge the pandemic side with the flare As growth resumes and as a platform strengthen- artisans and craftsmen of dan jewellery, glass prod- shared services roles and vaccination campaign pro- uncertainty about the disease. up that is being experienced the labour market prospects ing India’s cultural unity the country. ucts, wooden-clay toys, brass around 8.5 million roles ceeds, whether new restric- And then if you compare it now. It is an enormous chal- improve, poverty reduction is and diversity¸he appealed Rajya Sabha MP Vinay products, Handloom etc. meeting household demand, tions to mobility are required, now, India is bouncing back, lenge to vaccinate everybody expected to return to its pre- to people of Goa and tour- Dinu Tendulkar lauded Besides various musi- it said. and how quickly the world has opened up many of the in India, the official said. pandemic trajectory. ists visiting the state to visit Union Minister for Minor- cal cultural programmes, A majority 70 million ‘’giga- economy recovers, the World activities, started vaccination “Most of the people underes- The poverty rate (at the USD “Hunar Haat’ to encourage ity Affairs Mukhtar Abbas traditional foods from vari- ble jobs’’ are in the construc- Bank said. and is leading in the production timate the challenge,’ he said. 1.90 line) is projected to return the artisans and craftsmen. Naqvi for organising “Hu- ous states such as Mughlai, tion, manufacturing, trans- It is amazing how far India of vaccination, Hans Timmer, On the economic side, Tim- to pre-pandemic levels in FY22, Former Goa Chief Minis- nar Haat’ and encouraging South Indian, Goa, Malayali, portation and logistics, and has come compared to a year World Bank Chief Economist mer said that even with the re- falling within 6 and 9 per cent, ter and Lok Sabha MP Fran- artisans and craftsmen. Punjabi, Bengali food etc are personal services sectors, it ago. If you think a year ago, for the South Asia Region, told bound and there is uncertainty and fall further to between 4 cisco Sardinha said that “Hu- Goa Deputy Chief Minister being displayed at “Bawar- said adding that these will how deep the recession was PTI in an interview. here about the numbers, but it and 7 per cent by FY24, the nar Haat’ highlighted India’s Chandrakant Kavlekar said chikhana’ in the “Hunar be primarily driven by small unprecedented declines in ac- However, the situation is still basically means that over two World Bank said. AGENCIES “Unity in Diversity’ through “Hunar Haat’ displayed art Haat’. business and household de- mand. The consultancy said its estimates are based on a de- Investors’ wealth rises massively Monaco Organises Virtual Economic Mission To India tailed mapping of job-types New Delhi: Investors’ Rs 2,04,30,814.54 crore in Dominick Rodrigues the Principality of Monaco in across industry sectors to wealth grew massively by Rs 2020-21. Mumbai New Delhi. identify opportunity areas 90,82,057.95 crore in 2020-21 On March 3 this year, Besides bilateral presenta- and barriers to unlock- driven by an extraordinary ral- the market capitalisation of The Principality of Monaco tions on both countries’ econo- ing demand for gig-based ly in the equity market, where BSE-listed companies had successfully organized a “Vir- mies, besides sector-specific services. the benchmark Sensex jumped reached its lifetime high of tual’ Trade Mission to Delhi focus on finance, innovation, The potential of the gig 68 per cent. Rs 2,10,22,227.15 crore. “The recently as part of its long renewable energy, trade and economy was determined In an unprecedented ral- bull-run got further strength history of friendship and co- raw materials, presented by using interviews with cor- ly, the 30-share BSE Sensex with the progressive unlock- operation with India, which Indian experts to Monaco porations, including large jumped 20,040.66 points or ing and sharp rebound in the moved up a gear in 2019 after companies, the event wit- corporations and medium, 68 per cent this fiscal year, economy. Discovery of vaccines an Official Visit by HSH the nessed the MEB interacting small and micro enterprises braving many uncertainties comeback towards the latter and optimism it generated gave Sovereign Prince Albert II to directly with Indian profes- (MSMEs), a survey of over due to COVID-19-led disrup- part of the fiscal year, inves- further strength to the bulls. India. economy and signed two coop- The E-Mission was organ- sionals working at: Crédit Ag- 600 urban households, and tions. tors were rewarded with high Globally, markets witnessed a The Monaco Economic eration agreements with coun- ised under the aegis of the ricole Corporate & Investment inputs from industry experts. Market analysts termed returns. huge rally in November. Emerg- Board (MEB), as the govern- terparts in the Indo-French Monaco Embassy in India, in Bank, Link Innovation, Total Over the long term, 2020-21 a roller coaster ride Thanks to the improved ing markets continued to be ment’s operational arm for Chamber of Commerce and partnership with the Indian India and TATA Steel Mining, there will be around 35 for not only Indian markets investor sentiment, the mar- flooded with FPI money,’ V K business policy, held the “vir- Industry (IFCCI) and the Fed- Embassy in France and Mo- and targeted pre-arranged million skilled and semi- but also for equity indices ket capitalisation of BSE- Vijayakumar, Chief Investment tual’ Trade Mission compris- eration of Indian Chambers naco, the Indo-French Cham- individual B2B meetings on- skilled jobs across sectors, globally due to the pandemic. listed companies zoomed Rs Strategist at Geojit Financial ing a 30-strong delegation of of Commerce and Industry ber of Commerce & Industry, line between Monegasque and it added. AGENCIES But with markets making a 90,82,057.95 crore to reach Services, said. AGENCIES key players in the Monegasque (FICCI). and the Promotion Bureau of Indian companies. India biggest recipient of FPI inflows at `2.6L cr Economic output may stay below 2019 level Dr Reddy’s, New Delhi: India has as per data available with the New Delhi: India’s eco- quarter with estimated year- Cipla invest in emerged as the biggest re- depositories. nomic output in 2021 is ex- on-year growth still close to cipient of foreign portfolio Together, the total net FPI pected to remain below the zero. “Despite a robust reduc- investments this fiscal with inflow this fiscal is Rs 2.6 lakh 2019 level despite roll-out of tion in new COVID-19 cases ABCD Tech net inflows worth Rs 2.6 lakh crore as on March 30, 2021. the vaccine to deal with the and the start of vaccine roll- crore, driven by ample liquidity Between March menace of the coronavirus out, India’s 2021 economic in global markets and hopes 2020-March 2021, foreign pandemic, said a report by the output is expected to remain of faster economic recovery, portfolio investors have been United Nations Economic and below the 2019 level,’ it added. according to experts. net buyers in all months ex- Social Commission for Asia Meanwhile, maintaining The current financial year, cept March, April, May and and the Pacific (UNESCAP) low borrowing costs while which witnessed significant September 2020. released on Tuesday. keeping non-performing loans disruptions due to the coro- “The massive fiscal stimulus India, according to the investment, the report said, in check would be a challenge, navirus pandemic, is ending by governments and monetary ‘Economic and Social Survey “Following one of the most it added. on Wednesday. stimulus by central banks of Asia and the Pacific 2021: stringent lockdowns in the In its second advance esti- Investments in the equities has led to inflows into select Towards post-COVID-19 re- world, the economic disrup- mates of national accounts, segment touched Rs 2,74,503 2012-13. visibility, and therefore might emerging markets. India has silient economies’, is estimated tions that the country experi- the National Statistical Office crore, which is the highest V K Vijay Kumar, Chief In- attract increasing FPI inflows been the biggest recipient of to record an economic growth enced mounted in the second (NSO) has projected an 8 per quantum of money recorded vestment Strategist at Geojit in FY22. FPI flows in FY21 amongst of 7 per cent in 2021-22, over quarter of 2020.’ cent contraction in 2020-21, New Delhi: Drug majors ever since the National Secu- Financial Services, said finan- In 2020-21, foreign port- emerging markets because a contraction of 7.7 per cent It added that a subsequent showing the pandemic impact. Dr Reddy’s Laboratories and rities Depository Ltd began cial sector, mortgage lenders, folio investors have put in a of the stronger recovery in witnessed in the previous fiscal change in lockdown policies The report futher said China’s Cipla on Wednesday said they making FPI data publicly fintech companies and private net sum of Rs 2.74 lakh crore the economy and surprise on account of the pandemic’s and success in reducing infec- swift and effective response to have entered into a partner- available. insurance players, attracted into equities and pulled out in earnings growth,’ Rusmik impact on normal business tion rates supported an im- COVID-19 enabled it to be- ship agreement with ABCD Previously, the highest in- significant FPI inflows. a total amount of Rs 24,070 Oza, Executive Vice President activity. pressive economic turnaround come the only major economy Technologies LLP which is flow of Rs 1.4 lakh crore into Going forward, he said that crore from the debt segment and Head of Fundamental Observing that India en- in the third quarter. worldwide to achieve a positive to be renamed as IndoHealth the equities space was wit- IT, financials, cement and while hybrid instruments saw Research at Kotak Securities, tered the pandemic with “However, the pace of recov- annual economic growth rate Services LLP. nessed in the financial year pharma have high earnings an inflow of Rs 10,238 crore, said. AGENCIES subdued GDP growth and ery moderated in the fourth in 2020. AGENCIES The two firms are contrib- uting up to Rs 40 crore each corresponding to the contri- bution by the other partners in the target entity which is Muthoottu Mini Financiers to raise Rs 250 crore via NCDs a newly incorporated limited liability partnership (LLP) Dominick Rodrigues Include: Net proceeds of the ing that MMFL is planning to sponse from people due to the As on 30th September and has not commenced any Kochi Issue will be utilized for the open new branches in Delhi, awareness about us. Investors 2020, MMFL had 3,69,019 business activities, they said purpose of onward lending, Mumbai while moving up fur- are drawn to such NCDs be- gold loan accounts -- predomi- in regulatory filings. Muthoottu Mini Financ- financing, and for repayment/ ther in North India. “Private cause of the company’s good nately from rural and semi The proposed business of ers Ltd.(“Muthoottu Mini’/ prepayment of principal and equity is on the table and we track record, high liquidity urban areas -- aggregating to the target entity will be car- ‘MMFL’), announced here to- interest on borrowings of the hope to go public by 2025- and external rating by India Rs 1825.55 crores, which ac- ried out with an objective to day the opening of its public is- Company (Atleast 75%) - and 26. But gold loans remain our Rating as IND BBB/Stable,’ he counted for 97.27% of its total facilitate the digitisation of sue of Secured and Unsecured the rest (up to 25%) for general strength as primary portfolio said, adding that the company loans and advances. Its net the healthcare infrastructure Debentures (“NCDs’) of the corporate purpose. and we were ranked among top maintained 804 branches with Non-Performing Assets for six- in India towards enhance- face value of Rs. 1,000 each. Addressing media virtual- NFDCs nationally,’ he noted 3200 employees in 10 states month period ended Septem- ment of good distribution The 14th NCD Issue opens on ly, Matthew Muthootu, MD, Describing this issue as the and one Union Territory. ber 30, 2020 stood at 0.59%, practices in support of the March 30, 2021 and closes on MMFL, said the company is 5th issue this year, P Mathai, Reacting to questions about lower from the March, 2020 National Digital Health Mis- April 23, 2021, with an option a pioneer in gold loans busi- CEO, MMFL, said the com- fluctuating gold prices, Mathai reported net Non-Performing sion of the government, they of early closure or extension. ness and was established as a pany’s increasing rating in said the company had foreseen Assets of 1.34%. added. The 14th NCD Issue ag- +One Stop Financial Services moving forward highlighted gold prices dropping and had The Secured and Unsecured While Cipla said the na- gregates to Rs125 crore, with Provider+ for the common investor confidence. “One lakh therefore reduced the tenure of NCDs offered through Pro- ture of consideration is cash an option to retain over-sub- man. “About 24,000 tonnes of new pledges are taking place its gold products to 180 days spectus dated March 25, 2021 infusion as capital contribu- scription upto Rs. 125 crore, gold is lying with family house- ness (93.37%), microfinance to lots (40%-50%) of recur- every month. There is growth and later to 90 days. are proposed to be listed on tion towards partnership, Dr aggregating upto a total of Rs. holds and needs to be tapped (4.54%) and other businesses ring customers,’ he replied to in gold loan business in rural Ann Mary George, CFO, the BSE. Reddy’s said the nature of 250 crore. The Issue offers for liquidity in requirements, (2.09%), Muthootu said the a question. and semi-urban markets for MMFL, said the company’s The Lead Manager to the consideration is cash infu- various options for subscrip- including strategizing our in- present business figures were Due to movement restric- tapping potential large market 2018 PAT stood at Rs 1,424 Issue is Vivro Financial Ser- sion as capital contribution tion of NCDs with coupon vestments in specific areas to Rs 2,000 crores with increase tions for customers during gold loans,’ he said. lakhs, Gross NPA ((2.00 vices Private Limited. Vistra and/or loan. Contribution of rates ranging from 9.00% - cater to middle and lower class targeted at Rs 3,500 crores the pandemic, MMFL had To a question as to why the percent of Assets), Financial ITCL (India) Limited is the up to Rs 40 crore is for up to 10.25% p.a. populations,’ he said. including Rs four crore per made tie-ups with banks for company was visiting the debt Assets (1,75, 430.71 lakhs), Debenture Trustee and Link 20 per cent share of profit/ The terms of each options Highlighting MMFL’s branch.’There are no problems customers to access online/ markets so frequently, Mathai and Capital Adequacy Ratio Intime India Private Limited loss in the target entity, the of NCDs offered under Issue business as gold loan busi- in servicing existing debt due gold loans etc, he said, add- said “We are getting good re- at 29.65 (20200. is the Registrar to the Issue. firms said. AGENCIES The Financial World—New Delhi 08 saturday • 03 april 2021 potpourri

Sunny Amruta Khanvilkar: Deol’s Actors must son to make focus on work, not Bollywood platform debut of release ctress Amruta Dharmendra requests fans to ‘shower Khanvilkar is love’ on his grandson Rajveer gearing up for the release of her “The more AMarathi film “Well Done Baby” on OTT. She says her time we spent Rajveer talking about the project, the job is to act well and not be talking about the has stud- more I began to see Rajveer concerned about which plat- on whether it is a feature film think when I choose a char- ied the- as the protagonist in my film,” form her project releases. or an OTT project. For me, acter, I look at it as a chal- project, the more I atre in Avnish said in a statement here. “I feel any kind of work the script, the director, the lenge and if it is something he Deol clan is noth- of Rajveer Deol and Avnish actor.Ra- the UK The makers are yet to finalise that gets a bigger audience is story and the entire ensemble that I have done before, I try ing but excited to Barjatya in a coming-of-age jshri Pro- began to see Rajveer and has the female lead. a win-win situation. I think is important and not where to make it better,” she says. have the youngest love story. A beautiful journey ductions worked as The yet-to-be-titled film is I am getting the best of both it’s going to be showcased.” Talking about “Well Done Deol entering the awaits ahead.” proudly as the protagonist an assistant expected to go on floors in July worlds. Before lockdown, two The actress has worked in Baby”, which also stars ac- Bollywood industry. Announcing his grandson’s announces in my film” director. He this year and is slated for a re- of my very big films were re- digital space earlier, in the tor Pushkar Jog, Amruta TSunny Deol’s youngest son—Ra- debut, Dharmendra took to the collabora- has been train- lease in 2022. leased. One was ‘Malang’ in series “Damaged”. Reflecting says: “My character is a very jveer Deol—is all set to make his the microblogging website, and tion of Rajveer ing under the guid- The movie not only marks Hindi and ‘Choricha Mamla’ on why digital platforms can strong, stubborn, career ori- acting debut. said: “Introducing my grandson Deol and Avnish ance of theatre and film Rajveer’s debut but also marks in Marathi, and both did re- have an edge over feature ented girl, who is working The film, a coming-of-age #RajveerDeol to the world of Barjatya in a coming -of-age director Feroz Abbas Khan, director Sooraj R. Barjatya’s ally well. I think for actors films, Amruta feels it has to through a failed marriage love story, will also mark the cinema along with #Avnishbar- love story.A beautiful journey known for directing plays like son Avnish S. Barjatya’s debut it is important to do our job do with the availability of and in the process of that, debut of Avnish S Barjatya, jatya directorial debut. I hum- awaits ahead.” “Mughal-e-Azam” and “Tum- as a director. He also penned and not think about which stronger content. she gets pregnant. How she Suraj Barjatya’s son, as a writer bly request you all to shower Rajveer’s uncle Bobby Deol hari Amrita”. the script. The movie marks platform (the work) is go- “I feel very confident while has to tackle her dreams and and director. It will be Rajshri the same love and affection on also extended his support. “On Avnish said he decided to the banner’s 59th production. ing to be released. When you doing my work and choosing aspirations along with her production’s 59th film. both the kids as you have on the way to realise his dream cast Rajveer as the newcomer is Rajveer’s older brother Karan work with dedication, every- my character. It is irrespec- baby along with the baby The official Instagram page me. Good luck and Godbless ...Rajshri Productions proudly hard-working and has a charis- Deol made his acting debut with one sees it. Across platforms, tive of it being a project on starts taking a toll on her. A of Rajshri Productions also an- #Rajshrifilms #barjatyas #Deols announces the collaboration of ma about him. “Rajveer speaks Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas, in 2019, what I can do is see what I OTT or feature films It’s just very common thing between nounced Rajveer Deol’s associa- #RajveerDeol.” Rajveer Deol & Avnish Barjatya with his eyes. He has a silent with Sunny helming the movie. bring to the table,” she told that OTT gives you an edge me and my character is that tion with the project and wrote: Sunny also shared the an- in a coming-of-age love story. A charisma and is tremendously He will soon appear in Apne 2 IANS. over choosing bolder and she is very connected to her “Rajshri Productions proudly nouncement and wrote, “My son beautiful journey awaits ahead,” hard-working,” he said. co-starring Sunny, Bobby and She added: “For me, choos- more content driven films mom. I had a blast perform- announces the collaboration Rajveer starts his journey as an he tweeted. “The more time we spent Dharmendra. AGENCIES ing scripts does not depend other than feature films. I ing this character.”

said. “The arrested terrorists were Antetokounmpo brothers Six held plotting planning to target the law en- 7 convicted in HK for democracy protests forcement agency and army tences are handed down. Tak- personnel,” the CTD said. ing part in an unlawful assem- enter record books attacks on army Explosives, detonators, cell bly or a riot in Hong Kong can LOS ANGELES: Giannis phones and other articles to result in a maximum sentence Antetokounmpo made it a be used for militancy were of up to 10 years imprisonment family affair on Wednesday recovered from them, it added. for serious offenses. night scoring 25 points and During interrogation, the Ahead of the trial, sup- joining his two brothers on terrorists disclosed that they porters and some of the de- the court as Milwaukee Bucks had been radicalised and mo- fendants gathered outside beat Los Angeles Lakers 112- tivated by ideology of the Teh- the court, shouting “Oppose 97 at Staples Center arena. rik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), political persecution” and Giannis joined forces with but now they were working “Five demands, not one less,” Bucks teammate Thanasis An- for the masterminds based in in reference to demands by tetokounmpo against the Lak- Afghanistan. democracy supporters that ers’ Kostas Antetokounmpo “The terrorists were get- HONG KONG: Seven Hong They were convicted for their include amnesty for those ar- to become just the second ting funds from Afghanistan Kong pro-democracy advocates involvement in a protest held on rested in the protests as well brother trio in NBA history for terror activities. They had were convicted on Thursday Aug. 18, 2019. Organizers said as universal suffrage in the to play in the same game. planned to attack the army on charges of organizing and that 1.7 million people marched semi-autonomous territory. Jrue Holiday scored a the great thing we did was personnel in Rawalpindi and participating in an unlawful that day in opposition to a pro- “So on this day, in a very dif- game-high 28 points for the keep our poise,” Mavs coach Islamabad,” it said. assembly during massive anti- posed bill that would have al- ficult situation in Hong Kong, Bucks who snapped a three- Rick Carlisle said. “We were LAHORE: Pakistan’s secu- nabbed in Lahore - the two In a separate raid, the CTD government protests in 2019 lowed suspects to be extradited political retaliation is on us,” game losing skid. able to get fouled, make free rity agencies have arrested main cities of Punjab province. arrested two TTP terrorists in that triggered a crackdown on to mainland China for trial. Lee Cheuk-yan, one of the The Bucks also spoiled throws and get a key basket six terrorists belonging to During an intelligence- Lahore on Wednesday. dissent. The activists, apart from defendants, said ahead of the the Lakers debut of Andre when we needed.” Afghanistan-based Tehrik- based operation in Rawalpindi The terrorists - identified The seven include media ty- those who have been remanded court session. Drummond as the American Elsewhere, Kyrie Irving i-Taliban terror group who on Wednesday, law enforce- as Abdul Karim and Abdul coon and founder of the Apple in custody on other charges, “We will still march on no centre finished with just four scored 31 points and finished were plotting attacks against ment agencies arrested four Basit - were planning attack Daily tabloid Jimmy Lai, as were granted bail on condition matter what lies in the future. points. In Boston, Luka Don- with a season-high 12 assists army personnel, officials terrorists involved in a grenade on law enforcement agencies well as 82-year-old Martin they do not leave Hong Kong We believe in the people of cic scored 36 points, including as Brooklyn Nets stormed said. blast. The arrested terrorists in Lahore, it said. The CTD Lee, a veteran of the city’s de- and must hand in all their travel Hong Kong, in our brothers seven three-pointers, as Dallas back in the final quarter to According to the Counter had also carried out a grenade recovered IED, a 30 bore pistol mocracy movement. Lai had documents. and sisters in our struggle, and Mavericks held on for a 113- beat Houston Rockets 120- Terrorism Department (CTD), blast in Rawalpindi in 2020 with ammunition, prima cord already been held without bail They will next appear in court the victory is ours if the people 108 win over the Celtics. 108 despite losing James four terrorists were arrested in that killed one person and and a mobile phone from their on other charges related to his on April 16, where mitigation of Hong Kong are persistent,” “I thought when things got Harden to an injury in the Rawalpindi, while two were wounded 15 others, officials custody. AGENCIES pro-democracy activities. pleas will be heard before sen- he said. AGENCIES a little hairy down the stretch, third quarter. AGENCIES ICC retains ‘Umpire’s Call’ China expands virus origin search beyond its border BEIJING: Chinese health of- gin within China, I think this insistence on broadening the European nations’ im- ficials pushed on Wednesday is a scientific misunderstand- research seems partly politi- munisation campaigns against to expand the search for the ing, because the source is still cally motivated in the face of COVID-19 are “unacceptably origins of the novel corona- unclear,” said Liang Wannian, Western criticism. slow” and risk prolonging the virus beyond China, one day the head of the Chinese team The WHO report con- pandemic, a senior World after the release of a closely that worked with the WHO cluded that the virus or a Health Organisation official watched World Health Orga- group of experts. progenitor of it was most said Thursday. nization report on the issue. He said the experts agreed likely carried by a bat, which Hans Kluge, WHO’s re- They also rejected criticism that the place where the first infected another animal that gional director for Europe, that China did not give enough case was identified is not infected a human. said vaccines “present our best data to a WHO team of inter- necessarily where the virus Researchers have not been way out of this pandemic,” but national experts that visited emerged. “Based on this sci- able to trace the bat or the noted that to date, only 10% Wuhan, the Chinese city where entific consensus, we should intermediate animal yet, but of Europe’s population has re- the first cases were detected, have a broader viewpoint in suspicion has fallen on bat ceived one dose and that only earlier this year. terms of sourcing,” he said. could have come from else- countries in Southeast Asia habitats in southwest China 4% have been fully protected “If we limit the study of ori- Experts agree that the virus where, with neighbouring a prime possibility, but China’s or nearby Southeast Asia. with two doses. AGENCIES

DUBAI: The contentious portant it remains,” he added. ‘Umpire’s Call’ will continue Three minor changes to be a part of the Decision Review System, the Interna- The ICC introduced three Mumbai fest focuses on transgender community tional Cricket Council ruled minor changes to the DRS on Thursday, but introduced and third umpire protocols: Dominick Rodrigues John Sheedy, The Family InHarmony, a Mumbai based a few changes to the current “For LBW reviews, the Album (USA) by Anthony Diversity & Inclusion con- DRS protocols. height margin of the Wicket Mumbai, Mar 31: The Kash- Chapman, I’m Alex (Spain) sultancy. As per the existing rule, Zone will be lifted to the top ish Mumbai International by Joss Manz & Itzuri Sán- Recalling the journey of 50% of the ball should be hit- of the stumps to ensure the Queer Film Festival celebrat- chez, Plunge (UK) by David working with the transgen- ting at least one of the three same Umpire’s Call margin ed International Transgen- James Holloway & Samuel der community three and stumps for the batsman to be around the stumps for both der Day of Visibility here Lawrence, The Summer Of 12 half years back, Anupama adjudged LBW on review in height and width. today with a daylong online (Taiwan) by Kuan-Ling Kuo Eashwaran said, “One of the case an umpire’s not out call “A player will also be able program of film screenings and Sunken Plum (China) by first events I attended during has been challenged. to ask the umpire whether a and discussion titled Kashish Roberto F. Canuto & Xiaoxi my research was the Kashish “The Cricket Committee genuine attempt has been Trans*Fest. Xu. QUEER FILM FESTIVAL had an excellent discussion made to play the ball before “This one-day festival of The day-long festival also where I watched this beauti- around Umpire’s Call and deciding to review an LBW LGBTQ films from India and featured a Live Panel Dis- ful Kannada movie Naanu analysed its use extensive- decision. around the world highlights cussion that explores how Avanalla...Avalu based on ly,” ICC’s Cricket Commit- “The third umpire will the life of Transwomen and corporate India is including the life of the trans woman, tee head Anil Kumble said check a replay of any short Transmen, not only their transgender professionals at Living Smile Vidya. This in statement issued by the run that has been called and struggles, but their small workplace and what more was also my first solo movie governing body after the correct any error prior to little victories in finding love and a National Award win- The documentary Ladli, community from the society.” is required to create a more viewing experience and this end of its board meetings the next ball being bowled.” and acceptance by families ning documentary – were which recently won the Na- Other Indian short films trans inclusive work environ- movie, the film festival and on Wednesday. COVID-19 regulations will and society. We are happy to organised under this event, tional Award for Best Social being screened here include: ment and society. The panel- interacting with many won- “The principle underpin- continue to be followed and be doing our bit to support where films were streamed Issue at the recent 67th Na- Guptadhan by Makarand ists were transgender men derful people transformed ning DRS was to correct clear the ICC also decided to allow the Transgender commu- on BookMyShow platform tional Awards, was screened Sawant, Birds Of Paradise by and women professionals my life.” errors in the game whilst en- seven additional players or nity in India”, said Sridhar for global audiences viewing here.. Director Sudipto Kun- Rahul MM, Sex Changed by working with corporates, and The 12th edition of Kashish suring the role of the umpire support staff to accompany Rangayan, festival director at a very modest cost with du said, “At a glance Ladli is Ankit Gupta, Wig by Atanu NGO representatives focused Mumbai International Queer as the decision-maker on the squads for its senior events. of Kashish. proceeds going to Tweet a story about an individual, Mukherjee and Miss Man on skilling trans people to Film Festival is scheduled field of play was preserved... India can now travel with a Four programmes -- In- Foundation, a NGO in Delhi but in a broader context it by Tathagata Ghosh. The in- be career ready. The panel from May 20 – 30, 2021 as an Umpire’s Call allows that to 30-strong squad for the WTC ternational Shorts, Indian working for the welfare of tells about the acceptance ternational selection include discussion was moderated online event and will feature happen, which is why it is im- final. AGENCIES Shorts, a Panel Discussion the transgender community. and adversity faced by the Mrs.McCutcheon (USA) by by Anupama Easwaran from 150 films from 50 countries.