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CHINA ADMITS 4 OFFICERS, SOLDIERS BIDEN'S NEW BILL GIVES 8-YEAR PATH DISHA RAVI ARREST SHOWS SPACE FOR HC PARTIALLY BLOCKS SEC ORDER ON KILLED IN GALWAN CLASH WITH INDIA TO CITIZENSHIP FOR IMMIGRANTS DISSENT SHRINKING: FOREIGN MEDIA SCRAPPING UNANIMOUS ELECTIONS ight months after a fierce border clash at resident Joe Biden's proposed immigration s public enemies go, Disha Ravi is an he AP High Court on Friday restrained SEC Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh, China has overhaul was introduced in Congress on unlikely candidate. The 22-year-old Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar from stopping Eofficially acknowledged casualties and PThursday, kicking off what will likely be one of Aclimate change activist works for a Tthe unanimous elections where declaration named four officers and soldiers that it said his most difficult legislative challenges. The vegan food company and likes to join forms were already issued.The SEC had late on were killed. Five soldiers, including an officer legislation, known as the US Citizenship Act of volunteer cleanup drives. Earlier this month, Thursday issued orders keeping all MPTC and who was injured, were honoured by the Chinese 2021, is close to the outline that Biden sent to she helped disseminate a list of peaceful ZPTC unanimous elections in abeyance. Following leadership, reported the PLA Daily, the official Congress on his first day in office. The proposal ways to support a major protest by farmers the SEC move, the State Government approached newspaper of the Chinese military, on Friday. includes an eight-year path to citizenship for most against new agricultural laws. In today's the High Court. The High Court, however, Those killed included Qi Fabao, the regimental of the roughly 11 million immigrants living illegally India, that was enough to make her a target. authorised the SEC to inquire, if required, in cases commander from the PLA Xinjiang Military in the U.S., bolsters the nation's refugee and Over the weekend, Ravi was arrested. Police where election declaration forms (form 10) were Command. India had confirmed the loss of 20 asylum systems and calls for additional accused of her of sedition and conspiring to not issued. While deciding to resume the MPTC Indian soldiers shortly after the clashes on June technology to be used to help secure the southern "spread disaffection" against the state. Her and ZPTC elections, Ramesh Kumar had decided 15 - soldiers who were honoured for their border. The citizenship path is not conditional on arrest is the latest example of a disturbing to probe into the allegations of violence and forced bravery with their names installed in memorials. the implementation of border security measures. trend in the world's largest democracy. unanimous elections to these local bodies. Social engineering key to big YSRCP win in Kuppam

SNV SUDHIR face a sharp drop in the major- n VIJAYAWADA ity of votes. In 2024, Naidu may find the While Naidu's majority was Buoyed by the successful 47,121 votes in 2014 polls, it India-Australia part- implementation of a meticu- going against Bharat tough dropped to 30,722 votes in lously planned poll strategy 2019, a sharp decline of at least nership that brought it a huge win in Vijayawada: If TDP supre- The 32-year-old, who has 17,000 votes. Naidu has been will play a key role : PM gram panchayat polls, the mo N Chandrababu Naidu a PG degree in rural devel- winning the Kuppam seat con- YSRCP has now set its sights decides to continue to con- opment, has stayed put in secutively since 1989. on the ZPTCs and Nagar test from Kuppam in 2024 Kuppam ever since he lost Noticeably, a look at the data Panchayat in TDP chief N polls, he will have to face the his father -retired bureaucrat about the votes majority Chandrababu Naidu's home Krishna Raghava Jayendra Dr K Chandramouli who secured by YSRCP backed can- 5 turf Kuppam in Chittoor dis- Bharath. had unsuccessfully contest- didates in the just concluded trict. YSRCP will most likely ed against Naidu in 2019 panchayat polls throw up sur- YSRCP supremo YS field Bharath in the next polls. prising realignment in Kuppam. Jaganmohan Reddy, who was Assembly polls. 2 YSRCP backed candidates successful in implementing a won 75 panchayats that come winning social engineering ON THE GROUND under Kuppam's four mandals formula in 2019 polls by doing by securing a majority of 30,929 a carefully crafted balancing act n Kuppam segment has 2014 and in 2009, it was 82.55% votes over the TDP supported of castes, communities and 2,13,146 voters -- 1,07,587 n In 2014, Naidu won by a candidates. The majority of religions, had also used a sim- male, 1,05,539 women and 20 margin of 47,121 votes, 28.65% these candidates is more than ilar template in Kuppam which third gender of the total votes polled. Naidu that the number of votes Naidu is said to have yielded good n In 2019, Kuppam recorded a polled a total of 1,64,481-- had secured in 2019 polls which results in the panchayat polls. voter turnout of 85.43%, 83.97% in 61.91% votes should set off alarm bells in the Though panchayat polls are TDP. fought on a non-party basis trouncing Naidu in his bastion had jeopardised their expecta- The ruling party candidates and purely at local level, the in 2019 polls itself similar to tions. that won 21 panchayats in YSRCP leadership, especially the one faced by his son Nara Chandramouli later suc- Kuppam mandal secured 6,069 the Chief Minister, had taken Lokesh in Mangalagiri. cumbed to the illness. He majority votes, in 20 panchay- Kuppam 'seriously' to send a However, YSRCP candidate, could not campaign at all. His ats under Santhipuram mandal, The role of informality strong message to the elec- Dr Krishna Chandramouli , a son KRJ Bharath, who was a YSRCP backed candidates won Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy pulls the seven-tiered chariot along with his Cabinet colleagues — Chelluboyina torate across the state. retired senior bureaucrat, political novice, had to take up by a majority of 7,020 votes. in bureaucracy Venugopala Krishna, K Kannababu, P Viswaroop, MPs, MLAs, and officials — after formally inaugurating it, in Antarvedi on YSRCP leaders felt that the falling seriously ill a month the responsibility. Though Friday. REPORT ON PAGE 3 party was almost close to before the polling day in 2019 Naidu won the poll, he had to 2 2 SSC exam pattern Administering Differences in Vijayawada 553 sarpanches own territories, declared elected changed this year AP tells apex court TDP adds to party's troubles unanimously PNS n NEW DELHI PNS n VIJAYAWADA PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM Second Language, English, C PRADEEP KUMAR Differences between and Mathematics, Social The Andhra Pradesh govern- n VIJAYAWADA Kesineni Nani and Buddha The State Election In a major development for Studies papers which will be ment has told the Supreme Venkanna have been going on Commission on Friday the 10th class students in conducted separately for 100 Court that there was no The internal differences among for the last two years. They had announced that 553 Sarpanch Andhra Pradesh, the school marks, and Physical Science breach of its direction and has Vijayawada TDP leaders, openly castigated each other posts have been unanimous- education department has and Biology papers for 50 been duly administering its rumoured to have become several times in the past and ly elected ahead of the fourth made changes in the model of marks respectively. own territories and did not even more marked of late, both had indulged in a Twitter phase of the Gram Panchayat the examination. The internal Earlier, public examinations infringe upon the neighbour- spilled out in the open on war. At one stage, Kesineni elections to be held on marks and CCE process would were conducted for 80 marks ing Odisha's area. Friday. Two groups in the Srinivasa even contemplated February 21. be excluded this year. in each subject in a compre- 2 party, owing allegiance to MP walking out of the TDP and The SEC released details of In view of the late start of hensive continuous evalua- Kesineni Srinivas (Nani) and virtually served an ultimatum the number of candidates the academic year due to tion process and the remain- SC gives 4 weeks to MLC Buddha Venkanna, to party president N contesting in the final phase, Covid-19 pandemic, the Class ing 20 marks were taken from stepped up the attacks on each Chandrababu Naidu. However, including the number of dis- Bank unions to X public examinations have the internal marks and com- Odisha to reply on other on public domain. Vijayawada TDP leaders would tempers cooled down follow- trict-wise Sarpanch and ward march towards been reduced to 7 papers bined. However, this year – AP's affidavit The TDP has already suf- have an effect on the ing the intervention of the seats that were elected uncon- Parliament against instead of 11 papers. 2021 – this system has been FULL STORY IN fered a massive setback in the Vijayawada Municipal party chief. tested. The SSC timetable for 2021 abolished for examinations. ongoing gram panchayat polls Corporation polls slated for privatisation PAGE 2 2 2 includes First Language, 2 and Friday's clash between next month. 8 NASA’s rover makes historic Mars landing

PNS n WASHINGTON had survived its perilous announced from the control TODAY descent and arrived as planned room. “Perseverance safely on NASA’s Mars rover on the floor of Jezero Crater, the surface of Mars.” ALMANAC Perseverance, the most site of a long-vanished Martian The robotic vehicle “Hello, world. My Month & Paksham: advanced astrobiology lab ever lake bed. sailed through space first look at my Magha & Shukla Paksha sent to another world, streaked The six-wheeled vehicle for nearly seven forever home,” Panchangam through the Martian atmos- came to rest about 2 kilometers months, covering 293 Tithi : Ashtami: 01:31 pm phere on Thursday and land- from towering cliffs at the foot million miles (472 Nasa's Perseverance ed safely inside a vast crater, the of a remnant fan-shaped river million km) before Nakshatram: Rohini: Full Night first stop on a search for traces delta etched into a corner of the piercing the Martian Mars Rover tweeted Time to Avoid: (Bad time to start of ancient microbial life on the crater billions of years ago atmosphere at 12,000 any important work) Red Planet. Mission managers and considered a prime spot miles per hour (19,000 Rahukalam: 09:36 am – 11:03 am at NASA’s Jet Propulsion for geo-biological study on km per hour) to begin Laboratory (JPL) near Los Mars. its descent to the plan- Yamagandam: 01:56 pm – 03:23 pm Angeles burst into applause, “Touchdown confirmed,” et’s surface. Varjyam: 11:48 pm – 01:35 am cheers and fist-bumps as radio Swati Mohan, the lead guid- Gulika: 08:10 am - 09:37 am beacons signaled that the rover ance and operations specialist 2 Good Time: (to start any important work) Amritakalam: 05:09 am – 06:56 am Abhijit Muhurtham: 12:06 pm – 12:52 pm Indian-origin scientist Dr Swati Mohan leads NASA's operation VIJAYAWADA ndian-American Dr Swati Mohan is among the WEATHER scientists who are the part of the historic mission that NASAs Mars Perseverance rover Forecast: Sunny Ispearheaded the development of 'attitude control' and the acquired this image of the area in Temp: 33/21 landing system for the rover.While the world witnessed the front of it using its onboard Front Left Humidity: 52% dramatic landing, Dr Mohan was communicating and Hazard Avoidance Camera A. This Sunrise: 06:40 am coordinating between the GN&C subsystem with the rest of image was acquired on Feb. 18, 2021 Sunset: 06:19 pm the team. she also looks after the team and schedules the (Sol 0) at the local mean solar time of Current Weather Conditions mission control staffing for GN&C. 20:58:24.(NASA/JPL-Caltech) Updated february 19 , 2021 5:00 PM 2 VIJAYAWADA | SATURDAY | FEBRUARY 20, 2021 vijayawada 02

mericans pride them- consideration of the psycho- selves on their inter- logical, cultural, and social fac- Alocking system of tors that constrain a human checks and balances in order The role of informality in bureaucracy being’s action. to prevent overreaches by any The challenge before Indian of the three branches of gov- tured in a way that winning The American experience has shown that Based on her work in India, text and custom, deviations administrators is to make ernment. In the American positions of authority became Professor Ananya Roy at the from the formal are accepted. decisions in these deregulated scheme of things, the legisla- the highest priority for effective public authority is created in a University of Los Angeles has Here, there is a slight deviation decision settings or fluid land- tive, executive and judiciary American bureaucrats. variety of different ways. Under some described this unique form of from the formal, but this space scapes. In conventional deci- are empowered to control or What stood out during this circumstances, informality, instead of being deregulation prevailing in is not completely illegal, ille- sion settings, the choice is influence the actions of one period was the role of individ- India:“Deregulation indicates gitimate and unauthorized. between the “legal and parale- another. However, as pointed ual civil servants, prosecu- the main problem, could also be part of the a calculated informality, one In the informal space, deci- gal”. In contrast, in deregulat- out by Columbia University’s tors, and military officials solution. that involves purposive action sion-making constantly oscil- ed environments, the “law itself law professor Tim Wu, these who stuck their neck out in and planning, and one where lates between the formal and is rendered open-ended and equations of poise and coun- order to uphold norms (sim- that they would do domestic institutional norms or the val- the seeming withdrawal of informal. subject to multiple interpreta- terpoise were severely com- ilar to firewalls). Let us look at duties only “as a matter of last ues enshrined in what is called regulatory power creates a Deregulation has its own tions and interests” and choic- promised during the recent some examples given by pro- resort, and only in the most the “unwritten constitution.” logic of resource allocation, way of thinking and reasoning es have to be made between the past. What caused the misfir- fessor Wu. First, prosecutors urgent and dire of situations” The American experience has accumulation, and authority. It that involves prior planning, “informal and informal”. While ing of fail-proof structural upheld the norm that no one and not “…support invoking shown that effective public DR. SAMEER SHARMA is in this sense that informal- leading to goal-directed choosing between two or more mechanisms of oversight? dictates law enforcement deci- the Insurrection Act”. The authority is created in a vari- ity, while a system of deregu- actions. This is different from informal options there are In another context, scholar sions or criminal prosecu- third firewall was the tale of ety of different ways. Under lation, can be thought of as a the rationality followed infor- hardly any formulaic solutions of democracy John Keane, in tions. They withstood pressure Georgia’s civil servants, who some circumstances, infor- formal and informal. The for- mode of regulation. And this mal, rules-based institutions, on how to decide. As the his latest book ‘The New to openly investigate Joe Biden refused to “discover” voting mality, instead of being the mal is rules-based and regulat- is something quite distinct where there is a clear division American example has shown, Despotism’, explores how insti- or his family members and fraud without convincing evi- main problem, could also be ed. Contrary to common from the failure of planning between public and private the lodestar is the personal tutions have been diminished issue an indictment or a com- dence and confirmed the part of the solution. belief, decision-making in [decision-making] or the spheres of life. One can say compulsion to be and do what in recent times. Drawing from plaint. results despite threats and The role of the informal has informal settings is not irra- absence of the state.” that humans in deregulated is right. Keane’s work, one can infer The second firewall was attacks from members of their always been well-known in tional or anomalous, but fol- In other words, there are spaces do not behave in exact (Author has a PhD from that the institutional break- the resistance of the military to own party. India. Indian administrators lows its own way of reasoning, two spaces in India. One is the accordance with their rational the USA and a DLitt from down was the result of volun- deployment of active duty In all these cases federal frequently rely on a strong deciding and acting. This is an formal where the legal, legiti- self-interest as is assumed in Kanchi University. The article tary compliance by the forces in internal law and prosecutors, military officers, dose of informality in deci- in-between space, which is not mate and authorized works. orthodox economics. They is based on his research American bureaucracy. The order duties. The military and state elections officials sion-making. In fact, in India, completely unregulated, but Another one is the informal behave more like home sapi- and practice and views are incentive system was restruc- made its view well-known; relied on an informal set of two decision settings operate: best described as “deregulated”. where, based on the local con- ens, which emphasizes the personal) SC gives 4 weeks Perseverance makes historic Mars landing Continued from page 1 retrieve the samples and return them to NASA in the Indian-origin scientist... Moments after touchdown, next decade, in collaboration Apart from being a member of the Perseverance Rover Perseverance beamed back its with the European Space to Odisha to reply mission since the beginning of NASA's Perseverance Rover first black-and-white images Agency.U.S. President Joe mission, Dr Mohan has also been a part of various important from the Martian surface, one Biden, watching NASA cover- NASA missions. The Indian-American Scientist worked on of them showing the rover’s age of the event at the White PNS n NEW DELHI projects Cassini (a mission to Saturn) and GRAIL (a pair of shadow cast on the desolate, House, tweeted his congratu- formation flown spacecraft to the Moon. NASA scientist Dr rocky landing site. lations, saying, “Today proved The Supreme Court Friday Administering own territories... Mohan emigrated to America from India when she was just Because it takes radio waves once again that with the power granted four weeks to Odisha 11 minutes to travel from of science and American inge- Continued from Page 1 one-year-old and spent her childhood in the Northern to reply to Andhra Pradesh failed to achieve directly as Virginia-Washington DC metro area. Until 16, she wanted to Mars to Earth, the SUV-sized nuity, nothing is beyond the government's affidavit on its the apex court in its 2006 become a paediatrician. However, it was her physics class rover had already reached realm of possibility.” contempt plea against senior Odisha has sought con- judgement dismissed the when she considered "engineering" as a way to pursue her Martian soil by the time its In a special salute in keep- officials of AP for notifying tempt action against senior Suit filed by Odisha on the interest in space exploration. The NASA scientists hold a arrival was confirmed by sig- ing with virtual communica- panchayat polls in three 'dis- officials of AP for notifying ground that it was not Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical and Aerospace nals relayed to Earth from one tions emblematic of the era, puted areas'. panchayat polls in three maintainable under Article Engineering from Cornell University and completed her MS of several satellites orbiting the JPL webcast included a The panchayat elections 'disputed area' villages of the 131 of the Constitution. and PhD from MIT in Aeronautics/Astronautics. Mars. Zoom-like video collage flash- were held on February 13 by petitioner state. "Without prejudice to the The spacecraft’s self-guided ing the faces of hundreds of Andhra Pradesh in the dis- AP government told the above, it is most respectful- descent and landing during a Perseverance team members puted areas, on which Odisha apex court that the petition ly submitted that assuming complex series of maneuvers from home offices where claims ownership. filed by Odisha is grossly that there was any under- that NASA dubbed “the seven many worked remotely A bench of Justices AM misconceived and is not taking given to the Court by minutes of terror” stands as through the pandemic.NASA Khanwilkar and Dinesh maintainable at all in view the parties, it is settled law the most elaborate and chal- scientists have described Maheshwari took note of the of the fact that no contempt, that an action for contempt lenging feat in the annals of Perseverance as the most submission of senior advo- whatsoever, has been com- can only be taken in respect robotic spaceflight. ambitious of nearly 20 U.S. cate Vikas Singh that Odisha mitted by it. of a breach of undertaking Acting NASA chief Steve missions to Mars dating back be given some time to file its Seeking dismissal of the if the Court has passed an Jurczyk called it an “amazing to the Mariner spacecraft’s reply on the Andhra Pradesh contempt plea filed by order on the basis of such an accomplishment,” adding, “I 1965 fly-by. government's affidavit. Odisha, Andhra govern- undertaking. There was no cannot tell you how over- Larger and packed with In its affidavit, the AP gov- ment told the top court such undertaking in the pr- come with emotion I was.” more instruments than the ernment told the apex court that Odisha is seeking to esent matter," the AP gove- Deputy Project Manager for four Mars rovers preceding it, that there was no breach of achieve indirectly what it rnment said in its affidavit. the rover, Matt Wallace, said Perseverance is set to build on undertaking or its direction the descent and landing sys- previous findings that liquid and it has been duly admin- body polls with regard to the dispute with AP over 21 vil- tems “performed flawlessly.” water once flowed on the istering its own territories disputed area and said the lages, Odisha has moved the The landing represented Martian surface and that car- and has not infringed upon notification amounts to top court once again seeking the riskiest part of two-year, bon and other minerals altered the area of Odisha. invading Odisha's territory. contempt action against offi- $2.7 billion endeavor whose by water and considered pre- The Naveen Patnaik gov- More than five decades si- cials of the southern state for primary aim is to search for cursors to the evolution of life ernment has challenged the nce the first status quo order notifying panchayat polls in possible fossilized signs of were present. AP notification for the local on the territorial jurisdiction three of its villages. microbes that may have flour- Perseverance’s payload also ished on Mars some 3 billion includes demonstration pro- years ago, when the fourth jects that could help pave the planet from the sun was way for eventual human explo- SSC exam.. Differences in... warmer, wetter and poten- ration of Mars, including a Continued from Page 1 Continued from Page 1 as the party's candidate for the tially hospitable to life. device to convert the carbon 39th division. Poojitha, who is Scientists hope to find dioxide in the Martian atmos- The exam will be conducted Since Friday's fracas is believed aligned with the Buddha biosignatures embedded in phere into pure oxygen. for 100 marks in full. School to have not yet reached Naidu, Venkanna group, had already samples of ancient sediments The box-shaped tool, the education department issued political analysts are waiting to started campaigning. that Perseverance is designed first built to extract a natural a GO making minor changes see what would happen when Meanwhile, Kesineni to extract from Martian rock resource of direct use to to the questionnaire format. the TDP chief finally hears Srinivas reportedly gave the for future analysis back on humans from an extraterres- The Class X question about it. party's B-Form to Shiva. Earth - the first such speci- trial environment, could prove papers will ask objective type According to sources, the This led to a dispute betw- mens ever collected by invaluable for future human questions; very short answer present faceoff between the een the followers of Buddha humankind from another life support on Mars and for questions, short answer ques- two groups is over the selec- Venkanna and Kesineni planet. Two subsequent Mars producing rocket propellant to tions, and essay type ques- tion of candidates for the Srinivas, and escalated when missions are planned to fly astronauts home. tions. Students will be given forthcoming Vijayawada questions were raised against 2 hours 30 minutes to write Municipal Corporation elec- the MP for giving importance answers to these questions. tions and the Mayor candidate. to Shiva, who was earlier with The orders stated that they Sources say that with the the YSRCP. would be given an additional TDP-backed Sarpanch and On Friday, the MP said 15 minutes to read the ques- ward member candidates suf- that others (meaning his rivals tionnaire. The format is as fol- fering a defeat in the first three in the TDP) should follow him lows: Objective Questions-12 phases of ongoing gram pan- and he would not follow any- (Marks-12, Time-18 minutes) chayat polls, the latest rift in one. He said the TDP would Shortest Answer Questions-8 the Vijayawada TDP will be a win with the support he has in (Marks-16, Time-24 minutes) huge blow to the party's plans Vijayawada. Short Answer Questions-8 for the upcoming elections. He demanded to know what (Marks-32, Time-48 minutes) On Thursday, a war of is wrong if the candidate who Essay Questions-5 (Marks- words took place between key was certain to face defeat was 40, Time-60 minutes TDP leaders in Vijayawada changed. "People will believe West division. According to in candidates with character the reports, the name of and calibre and they do not tr- VIJAYAWADA Poojitha had been announced ust corrupt and lazy,” he said. BULLION RATES GOLD 10 gm 553 sarpanches... ` 46, 900 ( ) In 2024, Naidu... ` 450 Continued from Page 1 Social engineering key to big YSRCP... SILVER Continued from Page 1 of the Opposition saying ` 72, 300 (1kg) Nominations were not filed that democracy has been Continued from Page 1 ness among them about an as the chairman of bring a lot of awareness ` 2000 for the posts of sarpanch in Bharat, who had unexpect- defeated due to YSRCP's alternative party. The Vahnikula Kshatriya among the locals. two panchayats. On the other edly entered politics around big win in Kuppam," Bharat Huge majority was regis- Assembly segment was also Corporation, one of the Unfortunately we lost him," hand, the SEC declared that 2019 polls after his father told The Pioneer from tered in Ramakuppam man- devoid of any development. many BC corporations he KRJ Bharath who worked for CHICKEN Sarpanch posts in 553 pan- fell seriously ill due to can- Kuppam. dal of 11,043 votes where Jagan, who was successful had constituted. This helped YSRCP in Kuppam in the RATES `/KG chayats were elected unani- cer, has since then been "Actually democracy has YSRCP backed candidates in implementing a winning him win the trust of that seg- ground told The Pioneer. mously. nurturing Kuppam con- triumphed as now there has won 20 panchayats. social engineering formula ment who are majority in Bharat said that with the Dressed/With Skin `157 A total of 7,475 candi- stituency. He has his share been awareness among vot- In Ramakuppam mandal, in 2019 polls with a careful- numbers in Naidu's home volunteer system launched Without Skin `178 dates are in the fray for 2,744 of contribution in YSRCP's ers who are making their Naidu polled a majority of ly crafted balancing act of turf. by Chief Minister YS Broiler at Farm `108 Sarpanch seats for which big win in Kuppam in pan- own choices. All these years, 3,105 votes in 2019 polls. In castes, communities and "It was all hype that Naidu Jaganmohan Reddy, people Polling for the fourth phase chayat polls. this was not the case," he Gudupalli mandal, ruling religions, also used a similar had shown to the outside in Kuppam had actually wit- will be held on February 21. "I'm ready to carry out said. party candidates won 14 template in Kuppam. world that there has been a nessed the real welfare EGG Of the 33,435 wards in the whatever responsibility our A 1990 batch IAS officer, panchayats with a combined Of the total 2,13,146 vot- lot of development in schemes which were deliv- RATES `/100 panchayats that will go for leader YS Jaganmohan Chandramouli had voluntar- majority of 6,797 votes. ers in Kuppam, around 40 Kuppam. ered till lasts mile. polls in the final phase, 10,921 Reddy bestows upon me. ily retired from civil services YSRCP insiders pointed percent belong to the Most On the ground nothing "Panchayat Raj Minister VIJAYAWADA 435 have been declared unanim- Even without being an and to join the YSRCP just out that the electorate in Backward Class (MBC) had happened since decades, Peddireddy Ramachandra HYDERADAD 429 ously elected. Therefore, elec- MLA, I'm able to help the before the 2014 Assembly Kuppam was always kept in Vahnikula Kshatriya who which the voters had slowly Reddy had also won the tions will be held for 22,422 locals with the support of elections. He contested twice the dark all these years and have no say in the segment. started realising. My father, trust of locals as he has VISAKHAPATNAM 480 wards for which 49,083 can- the government. It's unfor- from Kuppam against Naidu no political party actually Jagan appointed a person with his bureaucratic expo- been regularly interacting RETAIL PRICE `4.35 (IN HYDERABAD) didates are in the fray. tunate to listen to the Leader in 2014 and 2019. focused on creating aware- from Kuppam constituency sure and experience, tried to with us," he said.

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Veerraju: VSP Danger from Covid not fully Jagan pulls, inaugurates issue only to divert attention passed yet, cautions Collector PNS n VIJAYAWADA new chariot in Antarvedi PNS n VIJAYAWADA Claiming that its political PNS n VIJAYAWADA rivals are provoking people Cautioning people that the against the BJP on the basis danger from the deadly Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan of a tweet, BJP AP chief So- Coronavirus has not yet Reddy inaugurated the chari- mu Veerraju on Friday said passed, Krishna district ot of Sri Lakshminarasimha that it would be better for Collector A Md Imtiaz on Swamy temple coinciding with everyone concerned to wait Friday appealed to one and all the auspicious day of Ratha for the final decision of the to remain careful and alert and Saptami in Antarvedi of East Centre on the Visakha steel observe all safety precautions. Godavari on Friday. The Chief plant privatisation issue. “There has been an increase Minister offered puja and aarti “The YSRCP government in the number of positive and pulled the giant 40-feet is encouraging religious con- cases being reported from a chariot to herald its commis- versions while parties against few parts of the country. Many sioning. us are fomenting trouble in people are hesitant to take the AP reports 79 fresh Covid cases Earlier, the Chief Minister the name of Vizag steel plant,” vaccine and most of the peo- mounted to 8,81,369, a health was given a traditional wel- Veerraju stated. ple are getting careless about PNS n VIJAYAWADA department bulletin said. The total come on his arrival. He had Speaking to the media per- following Covid guidelines,” number of tests conducted in the darshan of the presiding deity son here on Friday, Veerraju said the district collector. Andhra Pradesh reported 79 fresh state stood at over 1.36 crore, and participated in the puja said that the issue was a sen- He said that Covid vaccina- Covid-19 cases, taking the tally to with 26,526 clinical examinations after which he was given sitive one and is being used tion is being carried from 8,89,156, while one death pushed during the period. The number of vedasirvachanam. by the BJP’s rivals to target it. mid-January and vaccines are to the toll to 7,167, the active cases stood at 620. He then proceeded to the Pointing out to the attacks being administered to health- government said on Friday. With Chittoor topped the chart with 16 colourfully decorated ‘ratham’ on temples across the State, care workers in the first phase 77 more recoveries in 24 hours fresh cases followed by Nellore and offered puja and aarti. The the BJP leader said that the and frontline workers in the ending 9 am today, the tally with 12. seven-tier chariot was commis- state government either second phase. “Surprisingly sioned with the Chief Minister directly or indirectly encour- only 60 percent of healthcare along with his Cabinet col- instructed replacement and work The seven-tiered new char- and Jana Sena had blamed the aging such acts of desecra- workers and 35 percent of the people undergoing treatment Kerala. The reason is that the leagues formally drawing it on the new chariot which was iot with six wheels is made out state government for the char- tion. frontline workers had taken have also come down. “In people have the impression forward. The new chariot was completed in record time ahead of 1,330 cubic feet of teakwood iot burning incident and it also “However, when the peo- the vaccine with some kind of February, cases in the single- that they developed herd im- built with a cost of Rs 1 crore of the annual Kalyanotsavam. and is equipped with hydraulic acquired religious hues, with ple reacted to the incidents, wait-and-see policy among digit were reported in Krishna munity as positive cases and after a fire gutted the previous State Ministers, MPs, MLAs, brakes and has a protective some groups alleged negli- the state government ordered them. While the whole world District. With the present sit- deaths came down,” he said. one on September 5. and officials were present on shed with iron gates. gence by the state government an inquiry only as an eye- is waiting for the vaccine, uation, people feel that we The Collector said that The Chief Minister had the occasion. Opposition parties BJP, TDP to safeguard Hindu temples. wash,” he said. here it is the other way round,” have won over Covid, but this India must have achieved said the Collector. is not correct. People should some degree of herd immuni- “I have taken the vaccine follow Covid appropriate ty with repeated mantra of and it is safe," Imtiaz said, behaviour by wearing masks, high pathogen load might adding that district-level offi- maintaining social distance have contributed and might Anantapur bags Jagan has set his eyes on VSP cers, after taking the vaccine, and using sanitiser,” he said. well be true. “However, seeing are appealing to people to do The Collector said that it the new strain of the virus and so too. “Despite their testimo- was observed that in educa- the increasing number of pos- ny, a few people are having a tional institutions, commercial itive cases in other states, one PM’s Kisan award land worth crores: Yanamala second opinion about the vac- complexes and movie the- should be cautious. In Banga- PNS n ANANTAPUR cine,” he said. atres, no one is following lore 28 cases were reported in PNS n VIJAYAWADA costly lands of the steel plant. The Collector said that the Covid guidelines. “Covid is one apartment that increased Anantapur district has been Taking over the VSP lands number of positive Covid spreading unnoticed in many to 103 cases in a couple of chosen for the PM Kisan Senior TDP leader Yanamala under benami names was the cases in the recent past has countries and neighbouring days, so one should be cau- National Award for achieving Ramakrishnudu on Friday secret deal behind Jaganmohan come down drastically and the states like Maharashtra and tious,” said Imtiaz. verification of 99.60 per cent expressed concern that Chief Reddy's approval for the pri- of the farmers in the district. Minister YS Jaganmohan vatisation plan,” he alleged. District Collector Gandham Reddy was bent upon benefit- Yanamala said that the hid- Chandrudu will receive the ting his benamis by putting up den agenda behind the Chief NTRUHS V-C SHORT TAKES award at a function to be held thousands of acres of the Minister's letter was to put up in Delhi on February 24. Visakha Steel Plant for sale. the steel plant lands for sale. roots for The Centre has decided to piness and said that the district Yanamala asserted that it “The whole drama was to sell recognise the districts that ranks not only first in the alp- was the Chief Minister and his the lands through the Central Cyclonic circulation to bring are in the forefront of imple- habetical order but also ahead party MP V Vijayasai Reddy Government and thereby avoid another term to mentation of the PM’s Kisan of other districts in imple- who were the co-conspirators benamis,” Yanamala alleged. any bad name for the YSRCP. spell of light rain in AP scheme, launched two years menting welfare programmes. behind the VSP privatisation In a statement here, he said The CM's ultimate plan was to Jagan ago. The district became eligi- In the district, 28,505 plan. “Companies like that since the YSRCP came to get possession of these lands Visakhapatnam : Under the influence of the cyclonic ble for the award as it complet- became eligible for the PM Aurobindo and Hetero were power, there was no end to the through his benamis. The steel PNS n VIJAYAWADA ed verification of the Kisan scheme. The district also party to this secret deal. threats, settlements and land plant lands are highly valued in circulation over coastal Andhra Pradesh, spells of antecedents of 99.60 per cent achieved 99.60 per cent verifi- Already, the Jagan regime has grabs being carried out by the the market, costing about Rs 3 Dr NTR University Health light rain with of the farmers in the district. cation of farmers thereby bec- handed over the Kakinada ruling party “thugs”. “Now, crore and above, per acre,” Sciences Vice-Chancellor thunderstorms may occur Chandrudu expressed hap- oming eligible for the award. SEZ and Bay Park to the CM's they have set their sights on the Yanamala said. Dr Shyam Prasad on in a few places in the State. Friday showered praises on On Friday, the circulation Chief Minister YS hovered over north coastal Jaganmohan Reddy, Andhra Pradesh and expressing confidence of neighbourhood between 1.5 Amid privatisation protests, another term for the and 3.1 km above mean sea level. Light rain with thunderstorms Dalits being attacked YSRCP supremo. were predicted over East and West Godavari, Guntur, Krishna, The NTRUHS V-C was Kurnool, Prakasam and Kadapa districts in the next 24 hours. VSP celebrates its ‘birthday’ the chief guest of Kurnool Andhra Pradesh has received more rainfall than the normal. It Medical College fresher’s recorded 1,090 mm rainfall from June (2020) to February against the for contesting: Naidu n PNS VISAKHAPATNAM day programme, where he normal of 865 mm. PNS n VIJAYAWADA elections to every citizen,” the said that medical colleges Leader of the Opposition N former chief minister said. Amidst the uproar across the are being set up in the state Chandrababu Naidu on Friday In a statement here, the state over the Union and many other pro- accused the ruling YSRCP TDP chief condemned the Government’s privatisation grammes are being carried LIC employees warn of stir leaders of launching attacks on pelting of stones on Dalits at decision, the Visakhapatnam out by Jagan. SCs in the capital city area just Lingapuram village in Steel Plant, a corporate entity Referring to the absence against privatisation because they came forward to Pedakurapadu Assembly con- of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam of doctors in Kurnool contest in the panchayat elec- stituency. Limited (RINL), celebrated its General Hospital, he said Vijayawada : tions. “The YSRCP leaders resort- 39 formation day on Friday. it’s a problem. “We give Rs Opposing the Naidu demanded to know ed to this attack as the SCs put On the occasion, addressing 2 lakh salary to a doctor Central whether the ruling party up a candidate who filed his the RINL fraternity at the MP and they are earning Rs 5 Government’s would not like to see Dalits nomination papers to take on Hall, Ukkunagaram Club of lakh outside. We should decision allowing rise to higher positions in the ruling party candidate. PK, CMD of RINL, PK Rath, ing a stimulating culture across we are a 7.3 MTPA company not talk about bad things Foreign Direct politics. “The Chief Minister This attack in the midst of the congratulated the outstand- the organisation. On this aus- and this transformation is pos- when the government is Investment (FDI) and leaders of his party should election process would forev- ing performance employee picious and historic day, let us sible through the dedicated doing a lot of good things into the insurance realise the fact that the vibrant er remain a stain for the award winners. rededicate ourselves to take the and committed efforts exhib- for the welfare of the peo- sector, democracy in the country democratic functioning of the “The award winners would company to higher horizons of ited by each one of you,” the ple,” said Dr Shyam Prasad representatives of gives the right to freely contest State,” Naidu said. serve as catalysts for promot- growth and prosperity. Today CMD said. on the occasion. the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) Employees Federation on Friday warned of a strike against the decision. South Central Zone Insurance Employees Federation zonal president K Venugopala Rao, addressing a press meet here on Friday, said that the Union government proposed to increase FDI in insurance sectors to 74 80% of major pollutants coming from industries in Vizag percent in the Union budget. This, he said, would sound the death knell for the LIC and other insurance companies in the country as production is a major heavy or the wearing of high-quality they would be privatised. He said that the decision would make a SUMIT ONKA industry activity in the area. particle filtering masks. huge impact on LIC and its 40 crore policyholders. Venugopala Rao n VISAKHAPATNAM Due to this, there would be recalled that LIC was started with Rs 5 crore investment by the a large amount of pollution Govt still scouting for government and now, the Corporation’s assets touch about Rs 32 Industrial pollution will pose a coming from vehicles and also agency to study pollution lakh crore. “The LIC created records by owning the highest major challenge to Visakhapat- ship fumes, many of which insurance policies in the world. Now, the Government is planning to nam city, projected as the de- would still be relying on fossil The Andhra Pradesh sell 50 percent of its stake in LIC under FDI which would privatise facto capital of AP. fuels such as diesel, which can Government is scouting for a the insurance company, despite it earning huge profits,” he said. A staggering 80 percent of lead to a considerably larger consultancy either based in Venugopala Rao demanded the Union government to junk its FDI the pollutants will keep com- output of pollutive haze than India or overseas to study the limit increase decision and warned that LIC employees would launch ing from the industries, unless their cleaner counterparts. pollution and also suggest mea- a strike if it goes ahead with the plan. Federation leader Kishore immediate steps are taken to Large number of factories sures to improve environmen- Kumar appealed to people to join them and save the LIC from being curb this, according to a pro- and other production plants tal conditions in Vizag, the privatised. jected analytical research aided dotted around the city’s limits, executive capital of the state. by satellite. with chemical and garment The agency need to study all Vizag city is a hub of eco- production factories being the available reports and stud- GVMC begins preparations nomic activity leading with prominent, also need to be ies done in past few years by fishing, ship-building, informa- monitored properly. In short, various agencies like CPCB, for civic body polls tion-technology, textile manu- the main causes of pollution in APPCB, Universities and other facturing, pharmaceuticals, Vizag would be vehicular and agencies, to carry out addition- Visakhapatnam: The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation medical equipment, and steel ship emissions, smoke and al environmental studies, to is bracing up for the civic body polls to be held on March 10. industries. haze from factories, as well as study the pollution related The GVMC has identified 1,712 polling stations with each having a Urban Emissions, after the large number of industrial problems and suggest mea- maximum number of voters of 1,200. About 11,000 polling recording the pollutant level of ity and fuel consumption esti- done for the pollutants – sul- international and local tourism, materials being moved through sures for mitigation and design personnel will be deployed for the polls. After the first stage the city in 2015 and 2018, has mates for the selected urban phur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen Vizag would be subjected to the port area, often giving off a futuristic sustainable environ- randomisation of polling personnel, the second level randomisation projected it till 2030. In 2018, airshed. This information is oxides (NOx), carbon monox- large amounts of vehicle usage, large amounts of part. ment management plan for would cover formation of polling teams (one presiding officer, one sector-wise analysis of PM 2.5 collated from multiple agencies ide (CO), non-methane volatile with about 13 lakh registered Visakhapatnam city as well as assistant presiding officer and three other polling personnel for each emission, which can go into the ranging from the central pol- organic compounds cars moving in the city now. Pollution control measures other industrial clusters in the station). The GVMC has identified 204 routes for distribution of respiratory system, shows 81 lution control board, state pol- (NMVOCs), carbon dioxide It is also part of major invest- must in winter district. election material and bringing the same back to the counting centres percent of this pollutant is lution control board, census (CO2); and particulate matter ments in the energy sector APPCB has invited bidding from 1712 polling stations. GVMC Commissioner S Nagalakshmi coming from industries, 7 per- bureau, national sample survey (PM) in four bins (a) coarse through the Petroleum, The months of November, for the project. But, it has also held a meeting with the corporation staff and other stakeholders cent dust, 6 percent from trans- office, ministry of road trans- PM with size fraction between Chemical and Petrochemical December and January record extended the last date thrice. to plan out the arrangement. port, 3 percent burning of port and highways, annual sur- 2.5 and 10 μm (b) fine PM with Investment Region (PCPIR) high pollutants, showing that The agency shall consult with waste and 2 percent from res- vey of industries, central elec- size fraction less than 2.5 μm programme between the city air pollution tends to rise all stakeholders and elicit the idential areas. The projected trical authority, ministry of (c) black carbon (BC) and (d) and Kakinada. The programme towards the end of the year, and opinion of the local people and report for 2030 shows the heavy industries, and munici- organic carbon (OC). has a budget of almost Rs peak in January of the follow- to prepare a sustainable industry sector will be con- pal waste management, and As Visakhapatnam is the 3,50,000 crore and expected to ing year. With such knowledge Environment Management tributing 78 percent to the publications from academic industrial hub of AP and a port generate 12,00,000 jobs. in mind, preventative mea- Plan. The plan is not only to pollution and 10 percent will be and non-governmental institu- city, industries and cargo ships The Simhadri Super sures should most definitely be study the ambient air pollution from transports. tions. are major sources of pollution. Thermal Power Plant, mostly considered, such as the use of but water including ground This emissions inventory is The emissions inventory for Besides, as a place that experi- coal based, run by NTPC is air quality maps to stay up to water, surface water, marine based on available local activ- the Visakhapatnam region was ences large volumes of both also a pollution generator. Steel date on daily pollution levels, pollution, sewage system. telangana 04 VIJAYAWADA | SATURDAY | FEBRUARY 20, 2021 Banks issuing Procedural lapses delay TRS membership drive notices to farmers: speedy justice, says JP yet to pick up momentum n Vijayashanthi ML MELLY MAITREYI Reports of the Law PNS n HYDERABAD n Enrolling 60 lakh n HYDERABAD Commission, Police members in 2020 not a PNS n HYDERABAD Commission and The TRS membership drive, big deal to the party, In all, 3.5 crore cases pending Administrative Reforms which was launched amid however, the Corona and a BJP senior leader in courts and three-fourths of Commission made out a much fanfare, was going on at changed political scenario, Vijayashanthi alleged that them are criminal cases. That case for many specific and a dull note. TRS Chief and like the party’s defeat in banks are serving court is not because of the increas- practical reforms to Chief Minister K Dubbak and GHMC notices on farmers warning ing crime rate, but due to pro- Chandrasekhar Rao directed that action will be taken as cedural lapses in the justice strengthen the rule of law, the party leaders and cadre to elections, has hit the per the law if they failed to system, be it crime investiga- said Founder and General meet the 60 lakh membership membership drive in some repay their loans, which were tion, prosecution, or convic- Secretary of Foundation target. The Chief Minister way or the other this year, taken for the cultivation of tion, said Founder and General for Democratic Reforms Dr also asked the constituency a leader from Uppal said crops, within five days. She Secretary of Foundation for Jayaprakash Narayan. party leaders to enrol 50,000 on condition of anonymity pointed out that banks Democratic Reforms Dr members. It seems enthusi- stopped crediting Rythu Jayaprakash Narayan. everything depends on the asm is lacking among cadre eral membership. The party Bandhu and pension Ahead of the forthcoming our problems without rectifi- settlement industry’, it will this time around unlike in the Enrolling 60 lakh mem- bership drive has been facing leaders are suggesting to the amounts in their accounts national virtual conference on cation in procedural aspects,” affect investment climate and past though the membership bers in 2020 not a big deal to troubles. It is learnt that many field level leaders to explain stating that they have to ‘Rule of Law in 21st Century’ JP explains about the objective undermine economic activity. drive was started on February the party, however, the MLAs had complained that the people about Rs 2 lakh repay crop loans. She alleged as the second edition of its of the conference. Reports of the Law 12. Earlier, cadre used to sit Corona and a changed polit- the corporators and council- insurance and make the peo- that the TRS government ‘Democracy at Work’ confer- Many are concerned that the Commission, Police Commi on thoroughfares to enrol ical scenario, like party’s defeat lors are not taking member- ple take the membership of has forgotten its assurance of ence series from February 21 biggest privatisation is happen- ssion and Administrative members. However, there are in Dubbak and GHMC elec- ship books. The situation is the party. It is learnt that the Rs 1 lakh loan waiver to the to 28, Dr Jayaprakash Narayan ing in the country in justice Reforms Commission made no such scenes have been wit- tions has hit the membership no different even in Warangal MLAs are sore over the slow farmers during the Assembly said they can do away with administration. The informal out a case for many specific nessed this time. The party drive in some way or the and Khammam pace of membership drive. elections. enormous delays in courts, justice system through settle- and practical reforms to leaders are not showing the other, a leader from Uppal Corporations. The membership drive will Vijayashanthi on Friday prisons overcrowded with ments, criminal gangs, the strengthen the rule of law. interest they showed in the said on condition of anonymi- Therefore, the leaders are continue till this month-end, posted on her social media under trial prisoners and role of politically and other- However little effort has been previous year in the member- ty. The membership drive in facing a lot of troubles in however, there is no expect- account alleging that some 'informal dispute settlement wise influential persons is on made to implement these rec- ship drive. Similarly, the peo- urban areas is very low when completing their targets. The ed response not only from the banks are forfeiting the system' with speedy remedial the rise. ommendations, he points out. ple are not showing the same compared to the rural areas. party is collecting Rs 100 per people but also from the lead- amount of farmers as the measures. Rule of law, economic The conference being zeal they showed in the past, Not only in Hyderabad, but head for active membership ers, who got benefits from the instalment for their loans, “It is the primary task of the growth and social harmony are attended by 40 eminent per- it is learnt. also urban areas, the mem- and Rs 30 per head for gen- party. which was deposited by them government to deliver justice inter-related, JP says. In a sonalities from various fields in their banks by selling their fairly, swiftly and efficiently. growing economy, more and will focus on procedural laps- paddy. She vented ire at the Now, we are all responding to more economic interactions es that are hindering speedy bank officials stating that symptoms. When a brutal and civil contracts are delivery of justice and also how though the government gave crime happens, we all respond inevitable. But, if there is no to insulate crime investigation Govt obstructing Empower women through clear instructions to the as citizens. When obvious trust in the formal justice dis- from partisan vagaries and banks not to forfeit the pen- injustice is manifested, we get pensation system, hope for a extraneous influences even as Shivaji statue sion and Rythu Bandhu worked up. But, responding to fair and quick settlement one recognises the importance SHGs, says Eatala amounts for loan instalments. symptoms alone will not solve mechanism wanes and if of elected representatives. installation: Bandi PNS n KARIMNAGAR n Minister for Health Eatala PNS n HYDERABAD Rajender asked the SHG Minister for Health Eatala women to choose their Focus on winning MLC seats: Uttam The BJP would come to Rajender has laid emphasis on choicest professions and power in Telangana in 2023, imparting training to self- receive training in the PNS n HYDERABAD n Uttam Kumar should be conveyed to the predicted State unit chief help groups for their empow- relevant skill. He assured Reddy said both employees that they would get Bandi Sanjay. He reviewed erment. to procure bank loans for Telangana Pradesh Congress Chinna Reddy appropriate fitment and decent the situation at Borabanda as He was the chief guest at the Committee (TPCC) President hike in HRA only if they defeat them to enable them to and Ramulu Naik the dispute was going on the awareness-cum-training pro- and MP N Uttam Kumar Reddy have a clean TRS and BJP in MLC elections. installation of the Shivaji gramme held at his camp set up their self- called upon the party cadre to Similarly, he said that the jobless statue. Speaking on the occa- office on Thursday on agricul- employment units focus on winning both the MLC image, vast youth must give TRS a big experience in sion, Bandi Sanjay said that ture, ancillary sectors to agri- n Zilla Parishad chairperson seats of Khammam-Warangal- shock if they wish to get the government is not con- culture and non-agricultural Nalgonda and Hyderabad- politics and a promised unemployment ducting the Shivaji birth products. Speaking on the Kanumalli Vijaya Vijaya Rangareddy- Mahabubnagar great record of allowance of Rs 3,016 per month, anniversary celebrations to occasion, he said the develop- the government would strive appealed to the SHG Graduates constituencies. serving the he said. appease a section of voters. ment of the state is possible to get bank loans to them. women to make good use He was addressing a review people. He said Uttam Kumar Reddy said He said that they will instal only with the development of He exhorted women to of the bank loans and meeting with leaders of TPCC, both were true that the BJP government has Shivaji statues in every village the self-help groups women, achieve development finan- achieve progress through DCC, Assembly, town and man- warriors of the neglected Telangana ever since after coming to power in the he said adding that the sensi- cially and socially. The minis- self-employment dal office bearers through Zoom Telangana its formation in 2014. He said State. Installing a statue at tisation and training pro- ter and Zilla Parishad chair- venturesShe asked on Friday. Congress candidates movement none of the promises made to Borababda is not a big deal, grammes go a long way in person Kanumalli Vijaya Anganwadi teachers to former minister G Chinna Telangana under the Andhra however, it is shameful that their uplift. handed over the products – work responsibly to Reddy (Hyderabad-Rangareddy- Pradesh Reorganisation Act the government is obstruct- He asked the SHG women detergents and phenol – man- extend protection to Mahbubnagar) and ex-MLC Rajeshwar Rao of TRS and ers that only Congress candi- were fulfilled by the Centre. He ing the installation. to choose their choicest pro- ufactured by SHG women to Ramulu Naik (Khammam- Ramchander Rao of BJP did dates could represent their prob- said a railway coach factory at The TRS government did fessions and receive training in District Collector K Sashanka. women Warangal-Nalgonda) also partic- nothing for their Graduates' lems in an aggressive and fruit- Kazipet and a steel plant at not learn a lesson though the relevant skill. He assured Vijaya appealed to the SHG those of ancillary sectors to ipated in the review meeting. constituencies during the last six ful manner. He said both the Bayyaram could have generated they ate a humble pie in the to procure bank loans for women to make good use of farming to set up their self- Uttam Kumar Reddy said years. They miserably failed to TRS and BJP have commer- hundreds of jobs. GHMC elections. The gov- them to enable them to set up the bank loans and achieve employment ventures. He both Chinna Reddy and Ramulu represent their constituents, espe- cialised the politics. The Modi But, the Modi government ernment is supporting the their self-employment units. progress through self-employ- promised to get them training Naik have a clean image, vast cially the employees, profession- government at the Centre and did not initiate those projects. MIM, which insulted Hindu He asked rural widows hav- ment ventures. Banks have for the purpose. He advised experience in politics and a great als and jobless youth. He said KCR government in Telangana Similarly, the Information Gods. The BJP has the ing children to choose their been releasing loans up to Rs them to choose their business record of serving the people. He Rajeshwar Rao, who is re-con- have not fulfilled any of the Technology Investment Region responsibility of fighting self-employment ventures so 10 lakh to SHG women. She ventures in tune with the said both were true warriors of testing from Warangal- promises they made to the peo- (ITIR), which was sanctioned by against religious conversions. that the government would be asked 15 women to form into modern-day life of the people. the Telangana movement. Khammam-Nalgonda con- ple. The only way to punish the the previous Congress-led UPA On the other hand, able to get them loans to a group and obtain the bank Additional collector Yenugu Therefore, he said they have a stituency, utilised his post to turn ruling parties for non-fulfillment government to generate nearly Nizamabad MP D Arvind ground their units with the loans. District Collector K Narsimha Reddy, officials and great potential of winning the his educational institutions into of promises was ensuring the 50 lakh direct and indirect jobs said that the BJP will wage a help of the SC, BC, Minority Sashanka asked SHG women elected people’s representa- MLC elections compared to a university. victory of Congress candidates in Hyderabad and neighbouring fight against granting pass- Finance Development to choose agricultural, non- tives and others were present their rivals of TRS and BJP. He The TPCC chief directed the on both the MLC seats. districts, was dropped by the BJP ports to Rohingyas. Corporations. He told them, agricultural products and at the event. said present MLCs, Palla party leaders to convince the vot- Therefore, he said a message government. Anganwadis Karimnagar Dairy to fortify Village celebrates arrival of girl child milk with Vitamin A, D soon PNS n KARIMNAGAR soon.In the wake of FSSAI to go digitial PNS n SANGAREDDY considered as an unwelcome girl under the Sukanya type still lingers in the minds making it mandatory for the addition by the villagers and Samrudhdhi Yojana. of the people. The Centre The Karimnagar Milk milk fortification, the Office PNS n PATANCHERU n Telangana State Women’s Here is a village in also the urban educated, Those who resort to launched schemes like Beti Producer Company Limited of the Commissioner of Food Commission chairperson Sangareddy district, which here is the village that set an female foeticide should feel Bachao Yojna and other also known as the Safety, Telangana State, has The Anganwadi centres will be V Sunita Lakshma Reddy celebrates the birth of a girl example for others to emu- ashamed of the village prac- schemes to protect the girl Karimnagar Dairy is all set for organised a technical session put on the road to digitalisation appreciated the services child on the lines of a major late. tice. In villages, the people child. But, the implementa- the milk fortification with “addressing micronutrient soon, disclosed Chairperson of being rendered by festival. The village is iden- The village invites the girl prefer to have a male child tion is not comprehensive. Vitamin A and Vitamin D as deficiencies through edible the Telangana State Women’s tified as Haridaspur in the child by lighting the lamps in rather than a female child Under such a scenario, the per the standards of the Food oil, milk and wheat flour for- Commission chairperson V Anganwadi centres and Kondapur mandal of the the whole village, by the dis- thinking that the boy would residents of Haridaspur is Safety and Standards tification” in Karimnagar Sunita Lakshma Reddy. pointed out that the district. The practice com- tribution of new clothes and help the parents in their old celebrating the arrival of a Authority of India (FSSAI) town on Friday. She was the chief guest in mother and child menced on January 1, 2020. sweets. The village deposits age. In spite of education and girl child in any family in the Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi mortality rates are on the At a time, a girl child is Rs 1,000 in the name of the modernisation, the stereo- village. Mubarak cheques and uni- wane. forms distribution programme n here on Friday. Speaking on the She pointed out how SHE occasion, she said that the teams, Bharosa centres State government is contem- and Sakhi centres have plating giving a mobile phone been set up in the state ‘Team building is most important investment’ to each Anganwadi teacher to for women’s security. She digitalise every activity of the asked Anganwadi PNS n PATANCHERU Effective team building Anganwadis. teachers to work meant more engaged She said that the Kalyana responsibly to extend A five-day Atal faculty develop- Mulugu Zilla Parishad chairman Kusuma Jagadheesh inspects Mini-Medaram Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubaarak protection to women ment programme (FDP) on employees, which was Jatara works in Medaram on Friday have reduced the child mar- ‘Team Building and riages taking place in the state. Coordination’ concluded at good for a family/ She hinted at the government extend protection to women. GITAM Deemed-to-be country or company passing laws to prevent atroc- As part of a novel pro- University, Hyderabad on Friday. ‘Rs 2 cr allocated for ities against women. She appre- gramme to be launched soon, The programme was organised culture and boosted ciated the services being ren- she said that every newborn with the support of the All India dered by Anganwadi centres girl child would be welcomed Council for Technical Education the bottom line, and pointed out that the moth- with flowers with the slogans to (AICTE) Training and Learning GITAM, Pro-Vice- Mini-Medaram Jatara’ er and child mortality rates are allow the female child to take (ATAL) Academy. It was coordi- Students celebrate Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s 391st birth anniversary at GITAM Chancellor said PNS n on the wane. birth, allow them to grow, nated by Dr T Joseph R Jayakar, Deemed-to-be University in Hyderabad on Friday MULUGU has allocated Rs 2 crore to She pointed out how SHE allow them to survive and associate professor, Department facilitate infrastructure and teams, Bharosa centres and allow them to study. She called of English, with the support of the company culture and boosted the Sarkar and Dr Anita Balaraju Friday to commemorate the Mulugu Zilla Parishad chair- amenities for the devotees, Sakhi centres have been set up upon one and all to cooperate Training and Placements bottom line, he said. delivered the keynote address and great Maratha emperor. GITAM man on Friday visited who throng Mini- Medaram in the state for women’s secu- with the Women’s Commission Department. Around 200 partic- The guest of honour for the spoke on fundamental concepts higher officials paid floral trib- Medaram and inspected the Jatara, said Zilla Parishad rity. She asked Anganwadi to achieve equality of women ipants from across the country valedictory function was Prof GA in areas of team building. The utes to Shivaji Maharaj, saying he work being taken up to set chairperson Kusuma teachers to work responsibly to in society. attended the event. Rama Rao, who explained the majority of the participants was remembered as a torchbear- up Mini-Medaram Jatara, Jagadishwar. The event concluded with the importance of FDP for the young expressed happiness about the er of good governance and as an which was scheduled to She visited Medaram and speech of the chief guest, Prof N faculty and research scholars. He conduct of the five-day work- accomplished administrator. begin from February 24 inspected works were taken Siva Prasad, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, highlighted the schedule with shop. Prof. N.Siva Prasad, Pro-Vice- The Mini-Medaram Jatara up there. Main amenities GITAM, Hyderabad. He said, emphasis on the relevance of Dr N Venu Kumar, Dr Chancellor, Prof. GA Rama Rao, is held every year in like a battery of taps, shelters “Team building is the most team building and effective strate- KTejaswini, Dr G Aruna and fac- principal, School of Science, February. The real jatara for devotees, streamlining of important investment you can gies for coordination to achieve ulty also took part in the valedic- Prof. GS Kumar, principal, takes place once in every two the queue for the darshan, make for your people. It builds the goals of the organisation, as tory session. B.Santosh, co-coor- School of Pharmacy, Prof Sunil years on the eve of Magha maintenance of sanitation, trust, mitigates conflict, encour- well as the proposed goal of FDP. dinator of this FDP proposed the Kumar, director, School of Shuddha Pounami for five toilets and drinking water ages communication, and Dr Hory Sankar Mukerjee, vote of thanks. Architecture, Sridhar Pabbisetty, days and about one crore pil- facilities and electrification increases collaboration.” Effective Prof Lalitha Akundi, Dr Sunita Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s founding director, Kautilya grims attend it and have works would be prioritised, team building meant more Mehra, Prof Y Manohar, Prof A 391st birth anniversary was cel- School of Public Policy, faculty, darshan of Tribal deities - she said. Local sarpanch engaged employees, which was Jagan Mohan Reddy, Prof A ebrated at GITAM Deemed-to- staff and students participated in Sammakka and Saralamma. Baburao and TRS leaders Telangana State Women’s Commission chairperson V Sunita Lakshma Reddy good for a family/ country or Chandra Mohan, Prof Anindata be University, Hyderabad, on the programme. On the demands of the were present on the occa- distributing sarees to Anganawadi teachers at Patancheru on Friday devotees, the government sion. VIJAYAWADA | SATURDAY | FEBRUARY 20, 2021 nation 05

SC refuses India, China to hold military talks today Efforts made to ensure plea on PNS n NEW DELHI would take place on the south Netaji is forgotten: Shah religious bank of the lake, he said. After completing the with- The sources said troops of PNS n KOLKATA drawal of troops and weapons both sides have retreated to conversions from the north and south positions that were agreed to Union Home Minister Amit banks of Pangong lake, India by both sides. Shah said on Friday that efforts PNS n NEW DELHI and China will hold a fresh The disengagement process were made to ensure Netaji round of high-level military began on February 10. Subhas Chandra Bose is forgot- The Supreme Court talks on Saturday to take for- The Indian delegation at ten but his legacy of courage, Friday refused to enter- ward the disengagement Saturday's talks will be led by patriotism and selfless service tain a plea challenging process in Hot Springs, Gogra Lt Gen PGK Menon, the to the nation will endure tille- the validity of controver- and Depsang in eastern Commander of the Leh-based ternity and continue to inspire more important to him than a sial Madhya Pradesh Ladakh, official sources said 14 Corps while the Chinese future generations. comfortable life under the ordinance regulating on Friday. side is expected to be headed Shah, while inaugurating British yoke. conversions due to inter- The tenth round of Corps by Maj Gen Liu Lin, the com- the "Shauryanjali Programme" Shah said Bose's popularity faith marriages. Commander-level talks are mander of the South Xinjiang - a tribute to the Bengali rev- was evident when he twice A bench headed by scheduled to start at 10 am at military district of the People's olutionaries, urged the youth of became president of the Chief Justice S A Bobde the Moldo border point on the Liberation Army (PLA). the nation to draw inspiration Congress, once after defeating asked petitioner lawyer Chinese side of the Line of In his statement in from the lives and struggles the candidate of Mahatma Vishal Thakre to go to Actual Control, and will be the Parliament, the defence min- ofthe freedom fighters. Gandhi. "Netaji is still loved the Madhya Pradesh first engagement between the ister also said that it was "Efforts were made to ensure and respected by people like he High Court in the pro- two sides at a senior level agreed to convene the next Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is was many, many years ago. His ceedings conducted after conclusion of the disen- out a comprehensive review of Sources indicated that dur- and south banks of Pangong meeting of senior commanders forgotten but failed. His lega- indomitable spirit still inspires through video confer- gagement process in Pangong the disengagement process in ing Saturday's talks, India will lake that mandated both sides of both sides within 48 hours cy of courage, patriotism, sac- people," he said. It was Netaji's encing. "Approach the lake areas, they said. Pangong lake areas," said a insist on a faster disengage- to "cease" forward deployment of completion of the disen- rifice and selfless service to the undaunted spirit and enthusi- Madhya Pradesh High Sources said pulling back of source. ment process in remaining of troops in a "phased, coordi- gagement in the Pangong lake nation willcontinue to inspire asm that led to the formation Court. We would like to troops, weapons and other Also on Friday, China for areas to bring down tension in nated and verifiable" manner. areas so as to resolve all other generations to come," he told of the Indian National Army have the views of the military hardware as well as the first time officially the region, which has wit- Under the agreement, he remaining issues. a gathering at the National (INA), the journey for which high court. We have sent dismantling of bunkers, tents acknowledged that four of its nessed a tense standoff said China will pull back its Days later, the defence min- Library. began from the soil of Bengal, similar matters back to and temporary structures in e soldiers were killed in the between the two militaries for troops to east of Finger 8 areas istry said other outstanding Recalling how Bose, as a Shah said. "Sacrifice is the the high court," said the north and south banks of fierce clash with the Indian over nine months. in the northern bank of "problems" including in brilliant student cracked the only means to take a nation bench which also com- Pangong lake were completed Army in the Galwan Valley in On February 11, Defence Pangong lake while the Indian Depsang, Hot Springs and ICS, Shah said, the legendary forward even if that means sac- prised Justices A S on Thursday and both sides eastern Ladakh in June last Minister Rajnath Singh told personnel will be based at Gogra will be taken up at the freedom fighter left the job and rificing one's career. Had Netaji Bopanna and V have carried out a verification year. India had lost 20 soldiers Parliament about an agree- their permanent base at Dhan upcoming talks between mil- plunged into the freedom thought of his career, the INA Ramasubramanian. of the same. in the fierce hand-to-hand ment between India and China Singh Thapa Post near Finger itary commanders of the two struggle just to drive home the would not have been formed," "Both sides will also carry combat. on disengagement in the north 3 in the region. Similar action countries. message that the nation was he added.

INDIA CORNER SHAPING POST-COVID WORLD Budget session: Nitish govt 6 Naxals surrender Stalin slams focuses on industrialisation India-Australia partnership Minister he Nitish Kumar in Chhattisgarh overnment in Bihar on Velumani TFriday asserted that it was will play a key role : PM working with an aim to boost PNS n DANTEWADA Abhishek Pallava said. PNS n COIMBATORE industrialisation of the state PNS n NEW DELHI must become part of our Of the six cadres, Kamlu which would support its rapid lifestyles, the prime minister Six Naxals, five of them col- alias Santosh Podiam (25), People will give a befittingre- pace of development and also The strong India-Australia asserted. Modi and his lectively carrying a reward of amember of platoon number ply to those who refused 'six- lead to job creation. In his partnership will play an Australian counterpart Scott Rs 15 lakh on their heads,sur- 16 in Indravati area commit- feet' of land to lay to rest for- customary address to the state important role in shaping the Morrison also felicitated the rendered in Chhattisgarh's tee ofMaoists, and his wife mer chief minister M legislature as the budget post-COVID world, Prime participants of the India Dantewada district on Friday, Payke Kowasi (22), in-charge Karunanidhi, by defeating the session began, Governor Phagu Minister Narendra Modi said Australia Circular Economy a police official said. of Maddivision's tailoring AIADMK in the coming Chauhan said that in the industrial policy formulated in 2020 a provision on Friday and expressed con- Hackathon(I-ACE) at a virtu- The cadres, team, were carrying a Assembly elections in Tamil has been made for "additional capital subsidy" which would incentivise fidence that the two countries al award ceremony. including two reward of Rs 3 Nadu, DMK resident M K setting up of new units. The governor, who spoke for more than half-an- would take the lead in provid- The idea of the hackathon couples, lakheach Stalin said Friday. hour, also said the state government has succeeded in keeping the ing circular economy solu- originated during the India- turned on Despite requests, the ruling COVID-19 pandemic under control, and had excellent rates of testing tions. matter how fast or slow one Australia Virtual Leaders' themselvesin their AIADMK refused to give and recovery while the mortality rate stood way below the national Addressing the valedictory drives, if the direction is Summit between the Prime before the heads, he a'place' to lay Karunanidhi to average. Chauhan also said that the state government has remained function of the India-Australia wrong, then one is bound to Ministers of India and police and the said. rest near former chief minis- committed to establishing rule of law, which has fostered an nvironment Circular Economy Hackathon, reach the wrong destination. Australia, held on June 4, CRPF offi- Similarly, ter, of social and communal harmony. Besides, "zero tolerance for Modi said consumption-ori- "And so, we must set the 2020. cials here Linga Ram C N Annadurai's samadhi at corruption" has been evident in crackdowns on public servants accused ented economic models have right direction," he added. "This hackathon has seen cit- Uikey (36), a Marina beach and the party of corruption and confiscation of assets worth Rs 45.81 crore, amassed put a great strain on the plan- The prime minister called innovative solutions from supply team had to approach the court to by 45 people facing action under the Money Laundering Act, he said. et. for looking at consumption Indian and Australian stu- member,and get it, Stalin said addressing a "We must never forget that patterns, and how their eco- dents, start-ups and entrepre- his wife massive gathering as part of his we are not the owners of all logical impact can be reduced. neurs. These innovations show Bhume pre-election campaign "Ungal NHRC recommends: Initiate that Mother Earth has to offer, Noting that this is where the your commitment to the phi- Uikey (28), a Thoguthiyil Stalin" (Stalin in but merely its trustees for all concept of a circular economy losophy of circular economy," member of pla- your constituency). action against erring police the future generations to comes in, Modi said the con- Modi said. ing thatthey were impressed by toon no. 26,carried a reward of "The people will decide come," he said. cept can be a key step in solv- "I have no doubt that your the police'ss rehabilitation Rs 2 lakh each, he said. whether to give a place to those he NHRC has recommended to Stressing that it is not ing many of our challenges. innovations will inspire our drive 'LonVarratu' and disap- These four Naxals were who refused the six-feet to the Rajasthan government to enough to make production Recycling and reusing two countries to take the lead pointed with the "hollow" active in the banned outfit Karunanidhi, which will be a Tinitiate disciplinary action processes more efficient and things, eliminating waste, and in circular economy solu- Maoist ideology,Dantewada forthe last 15 years in various befitting reply to the ruling against erring police officials for less polluting, Modi said no improving resource efficiency tions," he said. Superintendent of Police capacities, he said. party in the elections," he said. the delay in the registration of an FIR on the allegations that a class 5 student had died after being beaten by a teacher in his school SKM firm on in Kota in 2017, officials said on Sreedharan ready for Friday. The rights panel has also asked the state government, Delhi HC: Media coverage holding ‘Maha through its chief secretary, to pay a relief of Rs 2 lakh to the mother Kerala CM’s post if BJP wins of the deceased child as the delay in the registration of an FIR on Panchayat' her complaint in a cognisable offence "amounted to violation of PNS n NEW DELHI on Disha Ravi sensational human rights". The National Human Rights Commission, in a PNS n NAGPUR statement, said it had registered the case on the basis of a Set to enter the political fray and only verified content complaint dated December 12, 2017, by the victim's mother that by joining the BJP next week, PNS n NEW DELHI ought to be publicised as also Even as the district admin- her son was "brutally beaten with a bamboo stick by a teacher, who technocrat E Sreedharan on that the investigation is not istration in Maharashtra's taught environment subject, for not completing his homework". Friday said his main aim is to The Delhi High Court Friday hampered. Yavatmal has denied per- help the party come to power said certain media coverage of The court was hearing mission to the February 20 in Kerala and that he will be investigation in the FIR Ravi's plea to restrain police 'Maha Panchayat' of farmer UP College student open to chief ministership. against climate activist Disha from leaking to the media leader Rakesh Tikait due to He also said that the focus Ravi for her alleged involve- any probe material in relation rising COVID-19 cases, shot at inside classroom will be on developing infra- ment in sharing a toolkit to the FIR lodged against her. its organiser- Samyukta n what is being suspected to structure in a big way and backing farmers' protest indi- The petition also sought to Kisan Morcha (SKM)- on be a case of a love triangle, a bring the state out of the debt cates "sensationalism and restrain the media from pub- Friday said it is firm on IBundelkhand college student trap if the BJP wins the ernorship, saying that it is prejudicial reporting", but stand on affidavit that it has lishing the content or extract holding the public meeting on Friday shot at another assembly polls that are likely purely a "constitutional posi- declined to order removal of not leaked nor intends to leak of any private chats, includ- there. inside a classroom, injuring to be held in April-May this tion and no powers at all" and any such content at this stage. any probe details to the press. ing those on WhatsApp, The SKM said that if him critically, and then killed a year. that he won't be able to make Justice Prathiba M Singh The court also said that between her and third par- Tikait and other leaders are female student at her Known as 'Metroman' as any positive contribution to said the interim plea for police would be entitled to ties. The police, represented stopped in Yavatmal, then house.Both the victims and the well as for the efficiency in the state in such a position. removal of such news content hold press briefings in the by Additional Solicitor a sit-in protest would be accused are final year post- completing big infrastructure "My main idea is to bring and tweets by Delhi Police matter in accordance with the General (ASG) S V Raju, held. The administration graduate students, the police projects, Sreedharan told PTI BJP to power in Kerala. If BJP would be considered at a law and the agency's 2010 placed an affidavit before in Yavatmal district on said. While the woman, Kritika that he will contest the assem- comes to power in Kerala, later stage. office memorandum with the court categorically deny- Thursday ordered curbs Tripathi, was fatally shot at her Chanakyarpuri house, Hukmendra bly elections if the party wants there will be three to four The court, however, asked regard to media coverage of ing leaking of any informa- on gatherings and also Gurjar, who sustained a bullet wound to the back of his head, is and will also be open to chief major areas we want to focus. media houses to ensure that cases. tion to the media. closure of schools (which- fighting for life at a medical college, Senior Superintendent of Police ministership if the party asks. One is infrastructure develop- no leaked investigation mate- To media houses, the court It also assured the court had reopened for select (SSP), Jhansi, Dinesh Kumar P said. Accused Manthan Singh Sengar The 88-year-old techno- ment in a big way and anoth- rial is broadcast as it could said they should ensure the that it has no intention of classes) for ten days in view was arrested, and a countrymade pistol and live cartridges were seized crat also made it clear that he er is to bring industry to the affect the probe and directed information received from leaking any information to of the rising cases of coro- from him, he said, adding an investigation is underway. Before will not be interested in gov- state," he said. Delhi Police to abide by its their sources is authentic the media. navirus. opening fire at Gurjar inside the classroom, Sengar had drawn a heart on the blackboard and wrote "Manthan Finish" on it, the police said. Punjab Cabinet approves mission ‘India 2nd fastest after US Covid vax’ ‘Mask only shield 'Lal Lakir' in all villages PNS n NEW DELHI per cent of the total vaccine doses administered in the country. against Coronavirus’ he Punjab Cabinet on Friday India took 34 days to achieve the Uttar Pradesh alone accounts for approved implementation landmark feat of one crore 10.5 per cent (10,70,895). PNS n PUNE Maharashtra reveres Tof mission 'Lal Lakir' aimed COVID-19 vaccinations, the Seven states account for 60.85 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at facilitating villagers to second fastest in the world, the per cent of the second vaccine Maharashtra Chief Minister as a deity. "Numerous kings monetise property rights and health ministry said on Friday. doses administered. Telangana Uddhav Thackeray on Friday came and disappeared.... availing benefits provided by The US took 31 days, while leads the chart with a 12-per cent said that swords and shields Numerous battles were government departments, the UK took 56 days to surpass (73,281) share of the second were used in the battles fought fought, several kingdoms institutions and banks in all the one-crore vaccination mark. doses administered in the coun- during Chhatrapati Shivaji came and vanished, but there villages across the state. As no Till 8 am on Friday, the cumu- try. Maharaj's times but in the is something special about record of rights is available for lative number of COVID-19 Sixteen states and Union ter- fight against the coronavirus, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," such properties within the 'Lal Lakir', the same cannot currently be vaccine doses administered to ritories have not reported any face mask is the only shield. he said. monetised as per real value of the property and no mortgages can be healthcare workers (HCWs) and COVID-19 death in a span of 24 He made the statement at "Shivaji Maharaj fought created on such properties. There are households within the 'Lal Lakir', frontline workers (FLWs) in the The second dose of the 4,16,942 beneficiaries were inoc- hours. These are Gujarat, the Shivneri fort in Junnar several battles and estab- which do not own property other than the areas within the 'Lal Lakir', and country was 1,01,88,007. COVID-19 vaccination started ulated across 10,812 sessions for Himachal Pradesh, Goa, tehsil of Pune district, where lished 'swaraj'.... There is no are thus at a disadvantage when it comes to monetising or realising the "A total of 1,01,88,007 vaccine being administered to those who the first dose (HCWs and Jharkhand, Meghalaya, he paid homage to Shivaji need to tell how he fought the real value of the property, according to a government statement. Lal Lakir' doses have been administered have completed 28 days since the FLWs), while 2,41,732 HCWs Puducherry, Chandigarh, Maharaj on his birth anniver- opponents. No such battles refers to land that is part of the village 'abaadi' (habitation) and is used for through 2,11,462 sessions, as receipt of the first dose from received the second dose, the Manipur, Mizoram, sary. Shivaji Maharaj was born are being fought now, and non-agriculture purposes only. Under the mission, the right of record of per the provisional report till 8 February 13. The vaccination of ministry stated. Lakshadweep, Sikkim, on Shivneri fort in 1630. there are no swords and properties within 'Lal Lakir' in the villages of the state will be prepared am. These include 62,60,242 the FLWs started on February 2. The country is witnessing a Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Thackeray visited the fort shields. But right now we are with the cooperation of the government of India under the SVAMITVA HCWs (1st dose), 6,10,899 As on the 34th day of the vac- progressive increase in the num- Tripura, the Andaman and in the morning and paid flo- fighting a battle against the (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village HCWs (2nd dose) and cination drive (February 18), a ber of vaccinations day by day, it Nicobar Islands and Daman and ral tributes to Shivaji Maharaj coronavirus and face mask is Areas) scheme. 33,16,866 FLWs (1st dose)," the total of 6,58,674 vaccine doses underlined. Diu and Dadra and Nagar and his mother Jijabai. the only shield in the fight," ministry said. were administered, of which Eight states account for 57.47 Haveli. Thackeray said that entire he said. VIJAYAWADA | SATURDAY | FEBRUARY 20, 2021 06

www.dailypioneer.com facebook.com/dailypioneer | @TheDailyPioneer | instagram.com/dailypioneer/ PAPER WITH PASSION King Cong The Generals in Punjab civic poll results show that all other parties KARLEKAR in the fray were losers, one way or the other HIRANMAY ndeed, the Congress has put up a spectacular show in the Punjab civic elections, their labyrinth the results of which were declared recently. The party bagged 1,373 of the 2,218 Iseats that went to the polls, followed by the Shiromani Aakali Dal (SAD) at 285, Aam The world’s democracies should make it clear that the Generals along with Aadmi Party (AAP) 60, BJP (49) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (five). Independents won 392 seats, almost the total number that all the registered parties — save for the Congress families will pay a heavy price for any savage crackdown on the protesters — could amass. Apart from these dry statistics, there are a few interesting takeaways he coup by Myanmar’s from these results. First and foremost, despite having its own Government in the State rogue military, official- and therefore battling the dreadful perception of anti-incumbency, the Congress has proved ly called Tatmadaw, has its unquestionable hold at the grassroots of democracy in Punjab. The win also strength- clearly triggered a grow- ingT confrontation between it ens Chief Minister (CM) Amarinder Singh’s position and almost the entire people of vis-à-vis Navjot Singh Sidhu, who has been canvass- the country. Except large-scale ing with the high command for the post of the party’s killing of civilians, in which it has State unit chief, as seen by the announcement of mis- a record not many uniformed forces can match, it has resort- sion ‘Captain for 2022’. Also, the party’s resound- ed to almost every repressive ing victory has nipped in the bud whatever little hopes measure in the book for stamp- of resurgence the AAP was carrying; the Congress’ ing out mass upsurges. It has worst fears about the latter’s renewed momentum proclaimed a state of emergency which is to last for a year and (because of its involvement in the ongoing farmers’ amended the penal code pre- agitation) proved to be unfounded. scribing 20 years’ imprisonment The AAP, the main Opposition party in Punjab, came for inciting hatred for the a distant third, far behind the SAD, which is perceived Government or the Army or hindering efforts of the securi- to have lost ground because of its erstwhile partner- ty forces to ensure State stabili- ship with the BJP at the Centre. Despite the AAP’s good showing in the 2014 Lok Sabha ty. Seven years in prison is the elections and the 2017 Assembly polls, its fortunes had been sliding in the State, but it punishment for preventing the seemed to have found the surefire formula for bouncing back by actively supporting the security forces from performing their duties, and three years for farmers’ agitation. The AAP leaders, including party convener and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, spreading fear, “fake news” or nessed on February 17 hun- party, the National League for nomic ventures which will be have been quite vocal about the party’s ambition of fielding candidates for the Assembly. agitating against Government dreds of thousands of people Democracy, which swept the affected if the economy falters The party, which was hoping to put up a much better performance by encashing its back- employees. All this was besides attend the largest single rally November 2019 parliamentary as a result of domestic disorder ing to the farmers’ agitation, obviously needs to do a lot more if it wants to broaden its the power given to the Tatmadaw since the beginning of the election, to form a and sabotage, and sanctions to detain people indefinitely protest movement. The move- Government. On the other specifically targeting them. electoral footprint. This election was being watched closely since it was the first impor- and/or search private property, ment has united nearly 7,50,000 hand, it seems set on pursuing The Tatmadaw may resort tant election in the State since farmers began their agitation and after the SAD and the BJP besides revalidating a law requir- doctors, lawyers, civil servants, a course of keeping her under to a savage crackdown if it feels parted ways following differences on the controversial farm laws. The results show that ing people to report overnight railway workers, electricity detention by levelling utterly that it could afford the costs. the break-up of the partnership resulted in electoral losses for both the parties. The results visitors to their homes. providers and others, including spurious charges of illegally Hence the democracies must have made it clear that not just rural, even urban voters are angry with the BJP. While the The steps on the ground Government employees work- importing and possessing six disabuse it of any such idea, include the deployment of troops ing in tax offices and the gen- walkie talkie radios and violat- and make it clear that the saffron party has been vanquished in strongholds such as Gurdaspur, Pathankot and Hoshiarpur, and armoured vehicles on the eral administration. Both train ing the country’s natural dis- Generals and their families will the SAD fared poorly in its citadel Bathinda from where former Union Minister Harsimrat roads of Yangon, Myitkyina (cap- services and power supply THE TATMADAW aster laws. Also, it continues pay a very heavy price for any Kaur Badal is the MP. There was a lot of anger among farmers, especially the Sikh farm- ital of Karen State) and Sittwe (the have been disrupted. Business trying to crush the civil disobe- such misadventure. The US ers, against the SAD in the State. They didn’t want to vote for the party as it was in alliance capital of Raknine State), firing of interests of the Tatmadaw and REFUSES TO dience movement with repres- has slapped sanctions on 10 rubber bullets, the use of water the Government functions CONCEDE THE CIVIL sion, though it has not yet current and former Generals with the BJP earlier and the voters still didn’t see sufficient distance between the two. With cannons against demonstrators, essential to military rule have resorted to the kind of savage who led the coup and three this round of battle over, the stage is now set for an interesting Assembly election. arrests during night curfew hours been targeted. DISOBEDIENCE violence it used to crush pro- economic ventures. It has also and detention of a wide range of Meanwhile, Hannah Beech MOVEMENT'S democracy protesters in 1988 taken steps to prevent the people including political leaders, points out in a report in The and Buddhist monks, pro- Generals from improperly PICTALK Government officials, activists, New York Times of February 17 DEMAND TO UNDO democracy activist and others accessing more than one bil- journalists, student leaders and that the atmosphere in the daily THE COUP, who, in August and September lion dollars in Burmese medical personnel. According to protest rallies in Myanmar’s of 2007, peacefully demon- Government funds held in the the Myanmar’s Assistance major cities is that of a cultur- RELEASE strated against the Junta’s near- US, and immediate action to Association for Political Prisoners, al carnival. “Graffiti artists,” she AUNG SAN SUU KYI ly two decades of dictatorial limit exports of sensitive goods the number of people arrested adds, “have spray-painted mes- rule and economic bungling. to the Burmese military and since the coup reached 495 on sages mocking Senior General AND OTHERS Three questions arise here. other entities associated with February 17 and was growing. Min Aung Hlaing, the Army ARRESTED AND Why has the Tatmadaw not the recent coup. This is a Further, the Tatmadaw has chief who staged the coup. unleashed that kind of murder- good beginning. While con- announced that it had issued war- Poets have declaimed in angry ALLOW HER PARTY, ous violence this time? Is it like- demning the coup and rants for the arrest of six celebri- verse. A cartoonists’ union THE NATIONAL ly to do so? How can the rest proposing resolutions critical ties, including a film director, marched holding hand-drawn LEAGUE FOR of the world prevent such an of it, and supportive of democ- actors and a singer, under an anti- figures. Street dancers twirled eventuality? As to the first, it racy and Suu Kyi, the incitement law for instigating with abandon.” DEMOCRACY, TO clearly did not anticipate the European countries have not civil servants to join the protests. The Tatmadaw, however, FORM A kind of nationwide upsurge taken comparable measures. Gatherings of five or more per- refuses to concede the civil dis- their coup has provoked. They must put their money sons have been banned. obedience movement’s GOVERNMENT Second, it is worried about the where their mouth is. All this notwithstanding, the demand to undo the coup, economic consequences of (The author is Consulting civil disobedience movement release Aung San Suu Kyi and such a bid. The Generals have Editor, The Pioneer. The views continues to swell. Yangon wit- others arrested and allow her extensive involvement in eco- expressed are personal.) LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SOUNDBITE A snow-clearing operation in Huntington, West Virginia AP HANG THE CULPRITS AT THE EARLIEST Success and fail- ure do not deter- Sir—This refers to the editorial ‘Ignominious Akbar deserves to be punished mine our pre- record’ (February 19). We must understand nitely empower working women and give them sent and future. Chinese checkers that a crime is a crime, whether commit- the courage to stand up against sexual preda- You may not get ted by a man or woman. Both men and tors. The silence on the part of most of the vic- results you Beijing admits to casualties in the Galwan clash women deserve the same quantum of pun- tims, who choose to keep mum rather than raise thought after ishment for committing similar crimes. their voice against the offender, gives the cul- taking a decision, but you should not but pins the blame for the incident on India Such judgments strengthen our faith prit the audacity to commit the crime repeated- be afraid to take a decision. in the judiciary and constitutional institu- ly. hina, in the midst of withdrawal of troops and armoury from both banks of the Pangong tions. Shabnam was convicted along with Prime Minister Tso in eastern Ladakh, fired yet another diplomatic salvo aimed at embarrassing The court should not have ended the mat- her lover Salim of axing seven of her fam- ter by just acquitting Ramani, but should have —Narendra Modi CIndia. Eight months after a fierce and bloody hand-to-hand combat between the ily members to death in 2008. The Amroha summoned Akbar and punished him for filing frontline troops of the two neighbours in Galwan valley (Pangong Tso lies well south of district court had sentenced them both to the bogus suit. The likes of Akbar must be taught Facebook's Galwan), Beijing has for the first time officially acknowledged casualties and named four death. The convicts appealed their sentence a lesson. Meanwhile, the matter has given fresh actions to first at the Allahabad High Court and then impetus to the #MeToo movement, which unfriend officers and soldiers that it claims were killed in the clash. The four have been honoured Australia, cutting took their plea to the Supreme Court, but seemed to have lost its momentum of late. The his refers to the editorial ‘Landmark verdict' off essential posthumously, and an officer seriously wounded in the skirmish has also been award- both courts refused to reduce their sentence. court's observation that a woman has the right (February 19). The acquittal of journalist information on ed, by the Chinese leadership. And now comes the They then sent a mercy petition to the Priya Ramani in a defamation case filed by to put forward her grievances before any plat- President but it too was rejected. T health and twist in the tale. Citing the “bravery” of its Army offi- former Union Minister MJ Akbar is a tight slap form of her choice even after decades is also of emergency services, were as A woman cannot be pardoned for such on the face of those who sexually molest or great importance. It's the fear of infamy, cers and men, China has conveniently sought to pin heinous crime just because of her gender, arrogant as they were abuse a woman and then try to get away with besides retaliation from the offender, that disappointing. the blame for the occurrence of the incident on India nor the quantum of punishment should be the heinous crime. Many habitual offenders who forces many victims to keep suffering quietly. Australian Prime Minister by saying that they lost their lives in a clash with “tres- made lesser for her. It is only under extra- cannot control their lust often blame the victim —Scott Morrison ordinary circumstances, like when she is passing foreign military personnel wielding steel tubes, of being addicted to sex. The verdict will defi- N Sadhasiva Reddy | Bengaluru pregnant or have a deadly disease that the I am someone who cudgels and stones”. India has consistently denied the question of pardoning arises. The hanging allegation and maintained that the People’s Liberation will be justice for those who have been slain wants to explore every ries can be obtained from their home sites, touched `100 in the country. He has genre possible in my Army (PLA) troops, armed with medieval-style by the psycho duo. We must also keep in the blocking of any media and news warned that he would stop the shooting mind that being educated doesn’t mean that career. I also want to weapons like spiked maces, had trespassed across reporting by anyone is worrying. It could of their films. undertake as many a person will likely not commit a brutal Actors like Bachchan and Kumar are be that this is Facebook’s way of saying that risks as possible. the Line of Actual Control into Indian territory. crime. Shabnam holds Masters degrees in if you want us to pay for your journalism, just flatterers who toe the line of the BJP, Then there were reports, accompanied by satel- two subjects and taught at the village pri- we are not going to play the game at all. which rules the Centre, for their selfish Actor lite images taken by a third party, that China has built mary school. She initially pretended that her It is a matter of concern that Facebook gains. They are not concerned with the —Vaani Kapoor a village comprising 120 houses five kms inside the house was attacked by unidentified pages that have been blocked include State Mumbaikars at all and are only worried assailants. However, she later confessed that There's no clarity as disputed territory in Arunachal Pradesh. So, that gets us to the moot point: Who’s not telling Police, health sites and even the Bureau of about their films. she had abetted Salim in the crime and Meteorology. The spread seems overly They live in luxury bungalows and of now regarding the the truth in the instant case? For the record, India had confirmed the loss of 20 Indian sol- made her family members drink milk laced broad at this stage, with commercial and commute in high-end cars and the spike venue of the IPL. The diers and injuries to 76 others shortly after the clash on June 15, 2020, and installed the with sedatives and thereafter throttled her charity pages blocked from new postings, in fuel prices is hardly a cause of concern BCCI will weigh vari- names of the martyrs who were honoured for their bravery at memorials. Indian intercepts little nephew. What a shame! perhaps any area they says “News.” for them. They have more than dozen cars ous options, and do Azhar A Khan | Rampur also revealed that the Chinese side had suffered 43 casualties. But so far, Beijing had never Facebook should have thought twice and some of them are imported. Amitabh whatever is best. before taking the action. It is not that only Bachchan must have received a huge sum Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor acknowledged Chinese casualties. Lies and deceit are ingrained in the Chinese FACEBOOK LEAVES AUSTRALIANS FUMING Australia will suffer but it adds no feath- for the advertisement in which he can be —VVS Laxman Communist Party and PLA’s psyche. The admission from China comes days after India’s Sir —Facebook has blocked many sources ers to the Facebook’s reputation either. seen teaching others to wear a mask and Northern Army Commander referred to the figure of 45 Chinese casualties as reported by of news for its users in Australia, leaving Dennis Fitzgerald | Australia sanitise their hand, or he must have done Not just in Maharashtra, Russian news agency TASS. Also, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson could offer them in a tizzy. Many people get all of their it for popularity. But the common man Chhatrapati Shivaji news from Facebook and are now feeling COMMON MAN IS SUFFERING A LOT continues to reel under the rising petrol nothing better than an obscure reply when pointedly asked why Beijing chose to reveal the Maharaj took efforts to uninformed by this step. The Australian Sir —Maharashtra Congress chief Nana and diesel prices. preserve Hindu dharma casualties after over eight months. Meanwhile, with the troop disengagement at the Pangong Government is enacting a legislation that Patole has rightly admonished Bollywood Bhagwan Thadani | Mumbai and the concept of Tso now complete, the 10th round of the Corps Commander-level talks are scheduled for would require digital companies, includ- actors Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Swadharma in Goa too. Saturday. The disengagement from Gogra, Hot Springs and the strategically-located Depsang ing Facebook and Google, to pay for news Kumar for not speaking out against the Send your feedback to: Goa CM content. Although most of these news sto- Plains is likely to come up in the high-level meeting. Centre even when the price of petrol has [email protected] —Pramod Sawant VIJAYAWADA | SATURDAY | FEBRUARY 20, 2021 07 www.dailypioneer.com facebook.com/dailypioneer | @TheDailyPioneer | instagram.com/dailypioneer/ FIRSTCOLUMN A move in the STOP MILKING THE COMMON MAN right direction SURESH KUMAR Petrol and diesel prices were deregulated in 2010 and 2014 respectively, but in reality this is on paper only The virtual recording of testimonies of child trafficking survivors and prosecution witnesses will be a giant leap forward in ensuring that survivors obtain justice he recent Supreme Court directive ordering virtual recording of testimonies of child traf- Tficking survivors and prosecution witness- es, who are required to depose in courts which are SHSHANK SAURAV far from their place of residence, will be a giant he price of premium petrol in India has crossed the `100 per litre leap forward in ensuring that survivors obtain jus- mark in a few cities and a litre of normal petrol now costs over `90. tice. Despite being illegal in India, the malaise of Though the Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based inflation rate is with- forced and bonded labour is widespread and com- T mercial sexual exploitation of children and child in the mandated rate, the rise in fuel prices has started pinching the com- trafficking persist, often with impunity for the per- mon man. This is because a rise in petroleum prices has a cascading petrators of the crime and limited legal recourse effect on the economy but if there is a downward revision in prices, we for the survivors. Children, both girls and boys hardly witness a corresponding price adjustment by suppliers or service from marginalised families in the country, are traf- providers. Petrol and diesel prices were deregulated in 2010 and 2014 ficked to engage in various exploitative situations. respectively, but in reality it is a case of deregulation on paper only. While minor boys are subject to child labour, Deregulation means that the retail value of commodities should move in forced labour, bonded labour, most of the girls end up serving as domestic help and sex slaves, where tandem (though not in exact proportion) with the changes in global prices. they are commercially exploited for sex. Sadly, child However, both the Centre and State Governments take the southward move- trafficking is a demand-driven problem. There is ment in crude prices as an opportunity to hike taxes. In other words, con- a demand for children in the labour and commer- THE TRAFFICKERS sumers are asked to bear the burden when there is hike in crude prices cial sex market, so there is a supply. In fact, there ARE ALWAYS IN A but taxes are levied when there is fall in prices. In Delhi, the overall tax are industries which primarily run on the nim- POSITION TO incidence on petrol was `22 in 2014 which touched `53 in February 2020. ble fingers of children such as bangle-making, zari- INFLUENCE The Central Government has replaced the excise duty component with making, firecracker production and also cotton SURVIVORS OR farming. Children are engaged in cotton farms various cess (Road and Infra Cess, Agriculture Infrastructure and THEIR FAMILIES because of their short height that enables faster WHO USUALLY Development Cess and AID) resulting in lesser devolution to States from plucking of cotton. the consolidated fund of India, even though collection has increased. HAIL FROM Shockingly, the crime of human trafficking MARGINALISED Afterwards they appeared in the operation. After Shailendra was protection application with the through Section 370 of the Indian Penal Code COMMUNITIES. Jaipur court and recorded their tes- re-united with his family in Gaya, support of an NGO has been moved (IPC) was codified post the 2012 Nirbhaya gan- timonies against the alleged traffick- he revealed the shocking nature of to the competent authority in the grape-cum-murder incident, although it has HENCE, THEY ARE er. They had to face severe threats the torture that he along with other district in this regard. been termed unconstitutional in the country from RESOURCELESS and intimidation upon arrival in children had been going through at Given the grim scenario sur- the time the Constitution of India became effec- AND POWERLESS their home State. After three the hands of the factory owners. rounding child trafficking, record- tive. According to the National Crime Records AND IF THEY ARE months, Raushan, his mother and “If we did not do the work prop- ing of testimonies through video- Bureau (NCRB) figures released in 2018, there NOT PROVIDED the mother of another child labour- erly, or accidentally broke a bangle, conferencing will have a huge were 1,830 reported cases of human trafficking in PROPER CARE er who had also testified against the we were thrashed mercilessly. After impact on the thriving racket in the the nation. However, activists say that the actual UNDER THE trafficker, were kidnapped. They long working hours when we dozed country. There are around 12 to 15 figure could be much higher as many victims do WITNESS were being taken to Jaipur by a train off late in the night chilli powder child traffickers in a few cities of not register cases with the police, largely because PROTECTION to turn hostile in the court case was sprinkled into our eyes as Bihar who have been active for a they do not know the law or fear the traffickers. SCHEME, THE against the traffickers when they punishment for sleeping. They had long time and are still involved in In the same year, the Government complet- WHOLE EXERCISE were rescued just 110 kms away a music system in the room and aiding and abetting of trafficking of Out of the total tax of `53, the Centre’s net share is `28 and `25 ed prosecution in 545 cases, convicted 322 traf- WILL PROVE from Gaya. This was done through whenever they would beat us they children. Over the last three years, goes to the States, including `5.1 revenue devolution from the Centre. fickers in 95 cases and acquitted 1,124 suspects in FUTILE the swift intervention of the ADG- would play the music at full volume 922 children, all natives of Bihar, Tax on petroleum has become a cash cow for governments and discus- 450 cases. The acquittal rate in trafficking cases CID who was approached for help to drown out our cries, so that no have been rescued from Jaipur. sions about bringing this under the ambit of the Goods and Services Tax touched 83 per cent in 2018. Poverty, involvement by social workers. Consequently, a one could know what was happen- After the apex court’s order, two (GST) is just an eyewash because no Government would like to do so. of huge money and an extremely low rate of con- second FIR of kidnapping of three ing in the factory,” Shailendra told cases have been identified on a pilot The above facts are reinforced by the Budget data released by the viction contribute to child trafficking becoming persons was lodged against the his parents. basis for the recording of the testi- Government which shows that the central excise collection for 2020-21 a huge problem in the country. same trafficker and his accom- However, within a week of the monies virtually. One is to be done After victims are rescued and a criminal case plices in Gaya. In the absence of a rescue, the trafficker arrived at between the Protection of Children has increased from `2,67,000 crore of the Budget Estimate (BE) to is lodged, often the subsequent police investiga- strong protection mechanism, re- their home asking for Shailendra to from Sexual Offences (POCSO) `3,61,000 crore in the Revised Estimates (RE). An increase of `94,000 tion and prosecution does not result in a convic- trafficking is another major chal- be taken back to the factory in Court-2, Jaipur, and the POCSO crore in tax collection as compared to the BE shows the immorality of tion as a majority of cases are inter-State and there lenge in the fight against child traf- Jaipur. This was vehemently Court, Gaya in Bihar and the other our policymakers, given the fact that tax incidence is to be borne by con- is a weak mechanism for coordination among the ficking. This is because trafficked opposed by the parents and they which has already been put in sumers whose livelihoods were impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. States to deal with such crimes. Survivors or wit- children become skilled over a insisted that their older son, motion, is between the Additional Time and again social media posts are circulated citing repayment nesses are either taken to the court by the traffick- period of time and become assets for Narendra be sent home, too. But the Sessions Court, Karkardooma, ers to speak in their favour or the victims fail to establishments that require their ser- trafficker kept mounting pressure Delhi, and the POCSO Court, of loans by the NDA Government as a reason behind high fuel prices. As appear in the court because they do not have time, vices. That’s why they become sub- on them to allow the child to go Sitamarhi in Bihar. a matter of fact, oil bonds worth just `3,500 crore have been redeemed money and the energy to pursue the case. ject to re-trafficking upon being res- back to Jaipur with him. He told the The traffickers often belong to so far and that, too, in 2015. There can be another argument that the rupee Consequently, the traffickers often get away with cued or soon after reintegration with parents that if they did not comply the neighbouring or same village as has depreciated and, therefore, importers have to pay a higher amount the crime with impunity. On the other hand, sur- their families. with his wishes their elder child the survivors, and are well-off and in rupee terms. All these arguments look good when they come from the vivors are often harassed, intimidated and become For instance, during the lock- would be killed. The mother spoke politically well-connected. The traf- Government or functionaries of the ruling party but appear puerile when vulnerable to social stigma, on top of poor inves- down necessitated by the with Vijay Kewat, a social worker fickers are always in a position to given by analysts. There is no denying that the Government needs resources tigations and slow trials resulting in the victim feel- Coronavirus pandemic, a 12-year- associated with a non-governmen- influence survivors or their families ing further victimised. old boy Shailendra (not his real tal organisation fighting against who usually hail from margin- to run welfare schemes and create infrastructure facilities. However, it is Cases of intimidation of the witnesses and their name) was rescued from a bangle- child trafficking, who took her to a alised communities. Hence, they are the job of the Government to maintain a balance between different class- families are very high. A perfect example of this The writer is making factory in Jaipur along nearby police station to lodge an FIR resourceless and powerless and if es of taxpayers. Sadly, this balance is missing and it can be vouched by is the Raushan case (not his real name). Raushan Executive Director, with other children. However, his against the trafficker. The FIR was they are not provided proper care the fact that the corporate sector has received major benefits like tax rate along with four other children, all natives of Gaya, Centre DIRECT. 13-year-old elder brother Narendra registered and Narendra was final- under the witness protection The views expressed reduction, abolition of dividend distribution tax (DDT) and so on. But var- Bihar, was rescued from one of the bangle-mak- are personal. (not his real name), was hidden by ly brought back home by Gaya scheme, the whole exercise will ious tax incentives available to the middle class were withdrawn gradu- ing factories of Jaipur, Rajasthan, in 2016. the traffickers during the rescue police in December 2020. A witness prove futile. ally. Abolishing DDT for corporates but taxing dividend, capital gains and now even interest on Provident Fund of salaried persons shows that the decision-makers are least concerned about the pains of the middle class. POINTCOUNTERPOINT Policymakers and economic advisors in governments should be scep- tical of their choices. A Government is for the people and if ruling parties THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT HAD SENT RELIEF FUNDS THE BJP DIDN’T DO ANYTHING FOR WEST BENGAL. at the Centre and in the States lose touch with the masses then they will AFTER THE AMPHAN CYCLONE, BUT THE MONEY WAS EVEN DURING AMPHAN, THEY DIDN’T GIVE PROPER meet the same fate as the Congress Party. There are laws to check prof- iteering by business entities but there is nothing except a moral compass SIPHONED OFF BY TMC LEADERS. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. to stop governments from profiteering at the expense of citizens. —UNION HOME MINISTER —WEST BENGAL CHIEF MINISTER (The writer is a chartered accountant and public policy analyst. The AMIT SHAH MAMATA BANERJEE views expressed are personal.) Govt indifference plaguing the solar energy sector The Budget left the renewable energy sector feeling let down as not only have its requirements not been met but some existing benefits have been taken away, too n a country where the Sun 35 per cent by 2030. of the 23,600 MW renewable tunity to address these concerns power industry, the supply chain as well, which is worshiped, solar power is But these lofty ambitions power projects, won by various and put the sector firmly back Government would have done would have contributed in low- Ijustly considered the energy do not match the develop- players after quoting the lowest on track, but somehow that did well to address the challenges. ering costs. of the future. Solar power’s ments on the ground and the rates in reverse auctions con- not happen. The complexity of the subsidy Additionally, the Centre abundant availability in India slowdown in capacity addition ducted by the Solar Energy The Budget left the renew- structure and involvement of could have focused on the need not only ensures scalability but in recent years is a proof of the Corporation of India (SECI) for able energy sector feeling let too many agencies, electricity to build consumer awareness also bolsters our energy secu- same. The cause of this slug- the Inter-State Transmission down as not only have its boards and the electricity reg- about the technology, econom- rity. India can generate 748 GW SRIRAJ gishness is the presence of a System (ISTS), are staring at an requirements not been met but ulatory commission makes the ics and right usage of PV prod- of solar energy provided three KOTA variety of unaddressed hurdles uncertain future as the agency some of the existing benefits development of solar PV pro- ucts and modules. At the man- per cent of the waste land is cov- that have been allowed to grow has not yet found buyers for have been taken away, too. An jects difficult. The Budget ufacturer end, the awareness ered with solar photovoltaic by a lethargic Government pol- power from these solar/wind unwelcome change in this should have demolished all could have been driven by (PV) modules. Pursuing this icy regime. This is further evi- energy generation units. regard relates to the custom these complex structures and sharing technical information goal is the Government’s dent by the state of PV cell pro- There are systemic issues as these firms, because they are duty for machinery, instru- focused on critical issues such through conferences and work- National Solar Mission (NSM) duction which is yet to become well. For instance, on the sup- unsure of profit sustainability. ments, appliances, components as financing, which is a major shops, in collaborating with bal- which is mandated to develop truly competitive. Adding to ply side the main grouse for The lack of Government inter- or auxiliary equipment, includ- issue for PV manufacturers. ance of systems manufacturers India as a global solar energy these challenges are the trans- solar power suppliers are the vention in these conditions is ing those required for testing The Government should and in gathering and publish- leader. The NSM’s purpose is to mission losses at approximate- rock bottom tariffs which are disturbing enough but what and quality control of solar have installed a robust financ- ing accurate market data, trends install 100 GW grid-connected ly 40 per cent, which make solar among the world’s lowest. On makes it even more concerning power generation projects, ing infrastructure, models and and projections. Finally, the solar power plants by 2022 power generation highly unfea- top of this, State governments is when State Governments which was capped at five per arrangements to spur the PV Government should have and assist India to realise the sible. These conditions are fur- insist that companies sell power renege on the terms of Power cent previously. This exemption industry and consumption of linked the solar energy targets Intended Nationally ther made worse by the scarci- to discoms at cheap prices Purchase Agreements (PPA) has been taken away. PV products, besides training with ‘Make in India’, the ‘Smart Determined Contributions ty of per capita land availabili- which hurts these firms’ profit and demand tariff renegotiation Developers would now be bur- and development of human City Mission’ and ‘Digital India’. (INDCs) target of achieving 40 ty in India, especially near sub- margins and negatively affects at the time of payment. These dened by the increased costs of resources to drive industry This would have given this per cent cumulative electric The writer is stations for exclusive installation focus on quality and innova- unhealthy practices must be import and this would also lead growth and PV adoption. promising sector a fresh per- power installed capacity from an environmental of solar cells. tion. Low tariffs combined with curtailed by the Centre if the to litigation under the PPAs for This would have had a spective and ensured the devel- non-fossil fuel-based energy journalist. On the other hand project chronic delay in payments solar power sector is to flour- change in law claims. positive cascading effect and opment and transformation of The views expressed resources and to reduce the are personal. costs are increasing, debt is mean that even the banks ish. The recently-announced Instead of a lacklustre improved intra-industry coop- the entire renewable power emission intensity of its GDP by mounting while nearly a third become reluctant to lend to Budget was a fantastic oppor- attempt to support the solar eration for expanding the PV system in the country. VIJAYAWADA | SATURDAY | FEBRUARY 20, 2021 Money 08

COVID-EFFECT 18mn Indians to find new SensexSensex tankstanks 435435 pts;pts; occupation by 2030 PNS n MUMBAI NiftyNifty givesgives upup 15K15K Covid will have a lasting impact on labour markets, and as much as 18 million Indian workers will be forced to switch to a newer occupation by 2030 because of the pandemic, a report said on Friday. Toshihiro Mibe to be The impact will be "dis- Asia stocks proportionately" felt on low-wage workers in retail, follow Wall St Honda’s next CEO food services, hospitality, PNS n TOKYO to withstand this once in a and office administration, Beijing : Asian stock mar- hundred years transforma- the report by McKinsey kets followed Wall Street Toshihiro Mibe, a research tion,” Mibe told reporters. Global Institute, a think- lower on Friday after disap- expert tapped president of Mibe stressed the automaker tank, said. pointing US jobs and eco- Japanese automaker Honda will be aggressive about devel- The pandemic has dis- nomic data. on Friday, promised to steer oping and selling electric vehi- rupted labour markets Shanghai, Tokyo, Hong the company toward new cles. because companies have Kong and Australia all growth by focusing on eco- Mibe, who joined Honda in been forced to respond to PNS n MUMBAI Nifty gave up the 15,000 level, Head-Strategy at Reliance days. However, investors con- declined. logical models and safety 1987, had been widely expect- a new dimension of work dropping 137.20 points or 0.91 Securities, domestic equities tinued to show interest in mid- Overnight, Wall Street's technology. Honda Motor Co. ed to take the top post, accord- - physical proximity, an Extending its losses for the per cent to 14,981.75. fell sharply as profit booking cap and smallcap stocks given benchmark S&P 500 index said Mibe replaces Takahiro ing to Japanese media. He was official statement fourth straight session, equity ONGC was the top loser in across the sectors dragged the improved earnings outlook," he lost 0.4% for its third Hachigo effective April 1, instrumental in further forg- explained. The report benchmark Sensex slipped the Sensex pack, shedding benchmark indices. Bank and added. straight daily decline. and subject to shareholders' ing Honda's partnership with identifies the lasting below the 51,000-mark by tum- around 5 per cent, followed by auto Indices corrected sharply Elsewhere in Asia, markets Stocks retreated after the approval at a meeting in June. U.S. automaker General impact of Covid on labour bling 435 points on Friday, SBI, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, by 2-3 per cent, while PSU in Tokyo ended on a negative US government reported “I am going to build a house Motors Co. demand, the mix of occu- tracking losses in ICICI Bank, Bajaj Auto and Maruti. bank index witnessed steeper note, while Shanghai, Hong 861,000 people applied for that is the future of Honda on GM and Honda have had a pations, and workforce Axis Bank and SBI. On the other hand, IndusInd correction by over 5 per cent Kong and Seoul closed with unemployment benefits last the foundation of businesses relationship for two decades, skills required in eight The 30-share BSE index Bank, HUL, Dr Reddy's, NTPC after registering back-to-back gains. Stock exchanges in week. Minutes of the that Mr Hachigo has worked centered around collaborating countries including India. ended 434.93 points or 0.85 per and Reliance Industries were gains in last five trading days. Europe were also trading in the Federal Reserve's latest so hard to create. And this on fuel cells, batteries and Three broad changes in cent lower at 50,889.76. among the gainers. "A pullback in broad index positive terrain in mid-ses- meeting showed central building must have resilience, autonomous driving. consumer behavior and Similarly, the broader NSE According to Binod Modi, was quite visible in last three sion deals. bank officials believe the business models will pers- coronavirus pandemic still ist to varying degrees be- poses considerable risks to cause of the pandemic Global stocks higher after weak US jobs, economic data the economy. which include the rise of In Washington, Treasury MONEY MATTERS remote work, the increas- Beijing : Global stock mar- third straight daily decline. In early trading, the FTSE 0.4 per cent after the U.S. gov- Secretary Janet Yellen urged ed embrace of e-com- kets and US futures were “The market is likely still 100 in London was up less ernment reported 861,000 Congress to avoid cutting merce and virtual interact- mostly higher Friday after dis- on a reflation path, but the than 0.1 per cent at 6,621.20 people applied for unem- President Joe Biden's pro- Gadkari for making usage of ions, and the more rapid appointing American jobs way will get choppier from while Germany's DAX gained ployment benefits last week. posed $1.9 trillion aid pack- deployment of automa- and economic data. here,” said Stephen Innes of 0.2 per cent to 13,912.29. The The Nasdaq Composite tum- age. She said the economy tion and AI, it said. This London and Frankfurt rose Axi in a report. He said CAC 40 in France advanced bled 0.7 per cent. is in “a deep hole” despite e-vehicles mandatory for staff will lead to a reshuffling of in early trading while improvement requires “con- 0.2 per cent to 5,741.49. On Minutes of the Federal signs of improvement. ransport Minister Nitin jobs in the economy over Shanghai, Hong Kong and tinued economic growth Wall Street, futures for the Reserve's latest meeting “The market is likely still TGadkari on Friday made a a decade, and over 100 Seoul closed higher. Tokyo recovery” because govern- S&P 500 index and Dow Jones showed central bank officials on a reflation path, but the case for making it million workers will have retreated. Overnight, Wall ment and central bank sup- Industrial Average were up believe the coronavirus pan- way will get choppier from mandatory to use electric to find a new job, it said, Street's benchmark S&P 500 port already are reflected in less than 0.1 per cent. demic still poses considerable here,” said Stephen Innes of vehicles for all officials in adding 18 million of those index lost 0.4 per cent for its asset prices. On Thursday, the Dow lost risks to the economy. Axi in a report. government ministries and will be in India itself. department. He also suggested that government should give subsidy to buy electric cooking appliances instead of giving support for buying cooking gas to households. Addressing at Bank unions to march towards Muthoot the launch Go Electric campaign, Gadkari said, "Why don't we provide subsidy on electric cooking appliances. We already provide subsidy on cooking gas. " He was of the view that electricity cooking Finance to is clean and will also reduce import dependence for gas. Gadkari Parliament against privatisation suggested that use of electric vehicles should be made mandatory raise `6K cr for all government officials. He, further, urged Power Minister R K PNS n NEW DELHI fy the agitation and go for pro- Singh to make is mandatory to use electric vehicles for officials in longed strikes and indefinite via bonds his department saying he will do so for his departments. Opposing government's pri- strike. We demand of the gov- vatisation plans, bank unions ernment to reconsider their PNS n NEW DELHI on Friday staged protest in all decision," AIBEA added. the state capitals and plan to The union said after India Muthoot Finance on LIC Housing disburses `1,331 march towards Parliament got independence no private Friday said its board has next month if their demands sector bank came forward to approved a proposal to are not met, All India Bank help the economic develop- raise up to Rs 6,000 cr of loans via mobile app Employees' Association ment of the country that neces- crore by issuing non Govt to appeal IC Housing (AIBEA) said. sitated the nationalisation of convertible debentures Finance on Finance Minister Nirmala major private sector banks in (NCDs). LFriday said it has Sitharaman during her Budget The bank unions, after 1969. The funds would be disbursed Rs 1,331 speech earlier this month Friday's dharna, will stage Since then, banks have raised by way of private Cairn tax award crore worth loans announced plans to privatise protests across the country in made great strides and have placement of through its mobile two public sector banks. the next 15 days. "On 10th played a significant role in the redeemable NCDs to be PNS n NEW DELHI verdict did not figure in talks banking app in the About 10 lakh bank March, we will hold a protest country's development and issued in one or more either on Thursday or Friday. last one year. employees and officers under demonstration before from 8,000 bank branches in tranches as may be The government is likely to file Cairn on its part remained It said the 'Homy' the banner of United Forum of Parliament during the Budget 1969, today there are as many decided by the board or an appeal against the USD 1.4 tight-lipped on the parleys it has app facilitated 14,155 customer home loan applications since its Unions consisting of nine session," AIBEA said. as 100,000 bank branches a committee thereof billion international arbitra- initiated with an aim to avert the launch on February 14, 2020. More than 7,300 of these customers unions AIBEA, AIBOC, Thereafter, 10 lakh employ- across India, of which many from time to time, it said tion award won by Cairn company having to take legal have had their home loans sanctioned. Of these, loans were NCBE, AIBOA, BEFI, INBEF, ees and officers of the banks are in rural areas. in a BSE filing. Energy in a tax dispute, even recourse to recover the amount disbursed to 6,884 customers amounting to Rs 1,331 crore so far, it INBOC, NOBW, NOBO are will observe two days of con- AIBEA said from 2010 to Muthoot Finance as the issue did not figure dur- including through seizure of said in a release. “We are thrilled with the massive customer agitating against government's tinuous strike on 15-16 March, 2020, public sector banks have stock was trading near- ing two-days of talks the Indian assets overseas. response received over the past year and aim to work towards the proposal, AIBEA said in a 2021. "If the government pro- earned a total profit of Rs ly flat at Rs 1,294.55 on Finance Secretary held with "Constructive dialogue is ultimate objective of organizing and automating every facet of statement. ceeds further, we will intensi- 14,57,000 crore. BSE. the company officials to look continuing," Thomson said customer interaction under Project RED (Reimagining Excellence for a resolution, sources with after the meeting on Friday. He through Digital transformation),” LIC Housing Finance MD and CEO knowledge of the matter said. did not elaborate. Y Viswanatha Gowd said. Soon after the second meet- Cairn in a letter to the ing in as many days between Indian government last month Coronil gets Ayush certification: Patanjali Cairn CEO Simon Thomson indicated it could seize over- and Finance Secretary Ajay seas assets such as airplanes IKEA gets about 50,000 sq m PNS n NEW DELHI Minister Nitin Gadkari. humanity while providing Bhushan Pandey ended, a per- and ships if New Delhi fails to "Coronil has received the affordable treatment based on son informed of the develop- comply with the arbitration Patanjali Ayurved on Friday Certificate of Pharmaceutical naturopathy. ment said the government award and return the value of land for facility in Noida said Coronil has now received Product from the Ayush sec- On the basis of presented intends to defend its sovereign the shares sold, dividend certification from Ayush tion of Central Drugs Standard data, the Ministry of Ayush has right in taxation and will file seized and tax refund withheld KEA was on Friday handed Ministry as per WHO certifi- Control Organisation as per recognised Coronil Tablet as a entific evidence. an appeal against an interna- by the income tax depart- Iover a land parcel measur- cation scheme. The company the WHO certification medicine for "supporting mea- Then, the Ayush Ministry tional tribunal ordering India ment to recover part of the tax ing nearly 50,000 sq metres claimed that it is the first evi- scheme," said Patanjali in a sure in COVID-19." had indicated it as "Immuno- to return USD 1.4 billion to demand it had raised using in Noida where the Swedish dence-based medicine to fight statement. Patanjali had earlier intro- booster" only. the British firm. retrospective legislation. furniture giant is set to start Covid. The medicine was Under CoPP, Coronil can duced Ayurveda-based Coronil Coronil is developed by However, another person The firm has already start- its first retail outlet in Uttar launched here at an event now be exported to 158 coun- on June 23 last year, when the Patanjali Research Institute. It briefed on the discussions ed identifying assets it could Pradesh, according to officials. The allotment, which has been made which was presided by Union tries. Commenting of the pandemic was at its peak. had started work for an between Cairn and Finance seize in the event of Indian in Sector 51, was transferred by the Noida Authority that received Rs Health Minister Harsh development Swami Ramdev However, it had to face Ayurvedic remedy for COVID- Ministry said the option of government does not comply 850 crore from IKEA for the commercial land, they said. The transfer Vardhan and Transport said, Coronil will help the severe criticism as it lacked sci- 19 in January, 2020. India appealing against the with the tribunal order. was made during a programme held here in the presence of top Noida Authority and IKEA officials, while Uttar Pradesh Chief Minisiter Yogi Adityanath and UP Cabinet Minister Satish Mahana joined the event virtually from Lucknow. The company is expected to OIL can’t disown responsibility on Baghjan fire mishap: NGT invest Rs 5,000 crore in Noida in seven years, Noida Authority CEO Ritu Maheshwari said that officials estimate job creation for 2,000 persons due to the project. "In dignified presence of CM Yogi PNS n NEW DELHI gone into by a six-member looked into and remedial mea- of the occurrence who is Adityanath and Minister Satish Mahana, the Noida Authority handed Committee headed by the sures planned by the ten-mem- aggrieved by denial of compen- over land for commercial development to IKEA. Oil India Ltd (OIL) cannot dis- Secretary, Ministry of ber Committee headed by the sation or inadequacy of com- own its responsibility on the Petroleum and Natural Gas in Chief Secretary, Assam, nom- pensation to take remdies for fire incident in Assam's consultation with the DG inees of MoEF&CC and CPCB, such claim before any appro- Baghjan oil well by shifting the Hydrocarbon and DG Mines Assam Wetland Authority, priate forum in accordance Indian Bank signs MoU with SID blame on the contractor, the Safety, DG Oil Industry Safety State Biodiversity Board of with law," the NGT said. National Green Tribunal Friday and PESO (Petroleum and Assam, SEIAA Assam, State "A public notice of crux of for funding startups MSMEs said while constituting a fresh Explosives Safety Organi PCB, Chief Wildlife Warden the order may be given at a six-member committee to fix zation), Chief Controller of Assam, District Magistrate, prominent place in the office of tate-owned Indian Bank on responsibility for the failures of Explosives, New Delhi within Tinsukia, and Managing the District Magistrate, SFriday said it has entered the concerned individuals in three months," the bench said. Director, OIL," the bench said. Tinsukia and at some promi- into an MOU with Society for the present incident. The said Committee may The tribunal said that while nent place near the Campus of Innovation and Development Well number 5 at Baghjan in review the situation and take The Committee may also suit- State Environment Impact floor level compensation can be the Establishment in English as (SID), an initiative of Indian Tinsukia district, had been appropriate remedial measures, ably take into consideration the Assessment Authority (SEIAA) directed to be paid even on well as in Assamese, the bench Institute of Science, for xtending exclusive credit facility to Start-ups spewing gas uncontrollably including fixing responsibility observations in the reports of Assam, Chief Wildlife Warden, some guesswork, higher com- said. and MSMEs. This initiative is a part of the Banks scheme Ind Spring and it caught fire on June 9 last for the failures of the concerned the Committee earlier appoint- Assam, Member Secretary, pensation claims require The NGT on June 24, 2020 Board for financing Start-ups and will empower Start-ups and year, killing two of OIL''s fire individuals in the present inci- ed," the bench said. Biodiversity Board, Assam and adjudication, based on evi- had constituted a committee MSMEs to realise their research efforts powered by financial support fighters at the site. dent, the tribunal said. With regard to the issue of Member Secretary, State dence of loss. headed by former high court from the Bank and backed by incubation facilities offered by SID, it A bench headed by NGT "It may also lay down the accountability for the past Wetland Authority Assam. "As already observed, in judge B P Katakey to look into said in a release. The Bank will extend loans of up to Rs 50 crore to Chairperson Justice A K Goel road map for ensuring compli- compliances and the remedial "Last aspect is assessing the absence of relevant data, we are the matter and submit a report. these start-ups for their working capital requirements or for purchase said it "prima facie" agrees ance of safety protocols by all action, the NGT also formed a damage to the environment unable to determine the claims The order came on a plea of machinery, equipment etc, it added. Stating that SID is the fore- that there was failure of the OIL similar installations. Effective seven-member joint committee and remedial restoration plan, for higher compensation, filed by activist Bonani Kakkar runner in setting up joint R&D with industries and supporting start- in taking safety precautions and execution of such road map comprising MoEF (Ministry of including Dibru-Saikhowa beyond the amounts already and others alleging failure of up incubation, the bank said, it provides support to the MSME sector there is need for ensuring that may be ensured by the Environment and Forest), National Park, the paid or conceded by the OIL. the authorities in preventing by providing joint research and development arrangements and tech- such incidents do not recur. Secretary, Ministry of CPCB (Central Pollution Maguri-Motapung Wetland. "It is made clear that this the blowout of Baghjan oil nical and financial support for incubation andacceleration of high-end "We direct this aspect to be Petroleum and Natural Gas. Control Board), State PCB, "We direct this aspect to be order will not debar any victim well. technology products under its department named TIME2. 9

Vijayawada Saturday February 20 2021 what’s brewing? Natti Natasha reveals she's pregnant onstage at Girl power rules 2021 Premio Lo Nuestro atti Natasha’s surgery that required the removal pregnancy reveal of a fallopian tube, Natti under- is one for the went IVF treatment. N books. Initially, Natti said they new-age OTT space At the 2021 believed the treatment didn’t Premio Lo work, making her feel “like a total emale-centric things happen. There are Four More Shots 3 Nuestro, a noticeably preg- failure as a woman.” themes have found a women who drink and party, nant Natti took to the stage But by some chance, the singer fresh lease with the make their own money, and The show will soon start to perform her hit song found out she was pregnant last F rise of OTT plat- make mistakes. They live life shooting for season three, with Antes Que Salga El Sol fall. forms. A string of on their own terms. They are the previous two seasons hav- with Prince Royce. The “We are super happy. I am women-oriented regular people trying to lead ing gained popularity. The artist, dressed in a stun- going to be a mother,” Natti told series have grabbed audience life on their terms.” series presents life of four ning white jumpsuit, cra- People. “I have never been in such attention. More than television Here are four shows on OTT women, played by Sayani dled her belly as she sang. a good mood in my life.” and the big screen, filmmakers that credibly toast women’s Gupta, Bani J, Kirti Kulhari Prince Royce concluded And the singer has a lot to be have found an ideal platform to empowerment, and are worth and Maanvi Gagroo. While the their performance by con- happy about. experiment more freely with checking out. Dev DD 2 show initially faced criticism gratulating the mom to be. On February 1, she and her subjects focussing on woman- for its unconventionally-pre- Moments after the longtime manager announced hood and issues related to The show carved a special sented narrative from certain reveal, People en Espanol their engagement on Instagram. women in the digital space. space with season one, as it sections, the OTT audience published breathtaking She shared a photo of the Be it the story of a smalltown reinvents Sarat Chandra overall has loved it. photos of the pop star, sparkling diamond ring, writing, girl playing a phone sex opera- Chattopadhyay’s classic literary who told the magazine “I SAID YES.” tor or women asserting their work Devdas with gender she and her fiancé, music What’s more is Natti’s fans were rights across society, there are reversal. Here, Devdas is manager Rafael Pina, felt unaware of her relationship status diverse shades being served. Devika, played by Asheema now was the right time to until just days before the propos- Actress Nyra Banerjee, who Vardaan. Sanjay Suri is a new- try for a baby. She al, Rafael were dating until plays the role of a phone sex age, male version of explained in Spanish, “I January 29, when Rafael shared operator in the series Hello Jee Chandramukh i, spoke with my partner an Instagram video of him and says: “I think people find the as Anurag. Akhil Kapur is Rafael [and told him]: Natti kissing. situations and characters more Parth (Paro). Rashmi Agdekar ‘The years continue to Though the pair seemed to relatable. Also, OTT has an Bombay Begums is Chandni, or a female pass, I know that work quickly fall in love, Natti told audience which is comparative- Chunnilal, who is a lesbian. is very important ... but People they’re in no rush to get ly more open to various scenar- The upcoming series stars right now the [biologi- married. Instead, she wants to ios the women are. They are Pooja Bhatt, Shahana cal] clock does not focus on decorating the baby’s more accepting.” Goswami, Amruta Subhash, Hello Jee stop.’” room, saying, “I’m already look- Actress Maanvi Gagroo, who Plabita Borthakur and Aadhya Because of a prior ing at decoration and everything.” will soon start shooting for the Anand. The story revolves The lead character, portrayed third season of Four More Shots around four women in by Nyra Banerjee, is a phone Please, says: “Till now we had Mumbai who come from dif- sex operator. The story is about not seen such characters on ferent strata of society. The how the girl, who hails from screen, but it doesn’t mean that series is directed by Lipstick smalltown India, finds a Twitter abuzz with ‘No signs of Matt Damon' they don’t exist in real life. Of Under My Burkha maker unique way to earn livelihood. course, these are slightly Alankrita Shrivastav and will Currently streaming, Hello Jee dramatised versions but these stream from March 8. has garnered a huge following. jokes after NASA lands on Mars Sorry, but there is “no to survive on Mars sign” of Matt Damon thanks to a hobby of on Mars, where the growing potatoes on Ekta Kapoor: In most countries, S NASA Perseverance the planet. rover landed on Feb. Matt’s name just so 18.” This was a quip happened to be trend- from rugby player Brian Moore, ing right alongside woman's sexuality is sinful who joined the many other peo- Ted Cruz’s on Twitter. ple who flooded Twitter with While the Texas sena- ollywood Czarina “It is a conscious decision. rated several stories of “con- memes about Matt’s character in tor didn’t star in an Ekta Kapoor, who In most of the countries, the servative women” with The Martian on Thursday. In outer space movie too, has successfully sexuality of a woman is con- “household issues”, and now it case you forgot, the 50-year-old son joked in a tweet. he did leave his state amid a tapped the sidered as sin. That’s a big is time to tell stories of actor played an astronaut who Fark founder Drew Curtis power crisis on February 17, B domains of film, problem and I was told many women who have “other gets left behind on Mars in the joined in on the Twitter-wide leading people to joke that the TV and OTT, says times that I was a big part of issues”. 2015 film. joke, writing, “The Federal politician actually caught a ride in most countries, that journey — by showcasing “I have told several stories The Perseverance rover sent Government continues to spend to Mars. However, others joked sexuality of a woman is con- women wearing sarees and of conservative women who back its first photo from Mars far too much money trying to that Cruz should actually be sent sidered a sin. sindoor (on her TV shows). I have household issues, now it’s after it touched down on the rescue Matt Damon. He knew to Mars. One such person tweet- It is a conscious decision on have somehow stunted the time I tell stories of women planet, and sadly, Matt was what he was getting into.” ed, “We’ve made history. her part to push strong growth of women in this who have other issues. Every nowhere in sight. Some Twitter Meanwhile, NFL analyst Jamey #NASAPerseverance has landed women-centric stories such as country. I don’t agree to this woman in different stages of users got creative and edited a Eisenberg asked NASA how the on #Mars2020 Now can we bring Lipstick Under My Burkha, because I felt that a woman in their life have choices and it’s photo of a spacesuit-clad Matt Good Will Hunting star is doing: Matt Damon home & send Ted The Dirty Picture and Dolly a saree is a choice, as a woman their choice. They don’t into the photo. “This is awesome. “Is Matt Damon OK? How are Cruz there, please?” Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte in a swimsuit,” says Ekta. become good or bad by any of Huge congrats to everyone who the potatoes?” The Martian was a box office Sitaare, she adds. She adds that she has nar- their choices,” she sums up. helped find Matt Damon. Let’s For those who didn’t watch the success after its release in bring him home,” one such per- movie, Matt’s character was able October 2015. FUN

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GINGER MEGGS

Rules l Each row and column can contain each number (1 to 9) exactly once. l The sum of all numbers in any row or column must equal 45. Follow us on @TheDailyPioneer facebook.com/ dailypioneer

Saturday February 20, 2021 ‘HYDERABADIS DON'T SEE ONE ANOTHER AS COMPETITION' diti Tiwari, who won the Miss Congeniality and Miss Glamorous pageants, while repre- A senting the city, was taken by sur- prise with the amount of concern Hyderabadis showed to a new visitor. The city of Hydera - Narrating to us an inci- dent about the same she bad is witnessing a says, “I came here to be an independent woman, new era of growth there was no better city than Hyderabad for me with multiple small- to cultivate in the fash- ion industry with the town residents amount of exposure it moving in from the gives. Coming from an Reconnect with extremely disciplined family, I, all of a sudden nook and corners of stepped out of my state and travelled to another the country to build and that was a huge deal back then! So one day, I a new den for them forgot my wallet that selves here. One had all my identity cards your heritage and cash, in an auto- such girl hailing from rickshaw. That evening I went looking for my the state of wallet and after some he long-standing time, received a call Chhattisgarh got Jaipur-based brand from my sister from my known for its THE ENSEMBLE TO WATCH OUT FOR: home-town asking me here full of award-winning where my wallet was. I T jadau pieces, was amused. Apparently, aspirations, dreams Raniwala 1881, The Mahadevi look jewellery. This line a really sweet, old uncle announced the launch of Named after Late Rai retains her signature old- found my wallet and of growth, and the Beawar Legacy, their 2020- Bahadur Champalal ji world-charm with back- contacted my sister and 21 collection of bridal jew- wife, the range is aristo- to-basic designs, that made me feel so wish to explore the ellery, much to the excite- cratic, just like her. inspired by the Raniwala warm about the place, ment of the 2021 brides. Mahadevi ji was lauded haveli. There is a gener- despite the unexpected conducive aspects of The collection acknowl- for her opulent taste, ous use of pearls in the incident that happened Hyderabad because edges and pays tribute to, with a fondness for gold flat-cut tikkas, as soon as I entered the and honours, the brand’s zari silk saris, and mag- bajubandhs, kadas, city.” all she knew was to rich heritage and legacy nificent jewels, which bangdis and hathphools. For the 27-year old that stems from the town she personally designed. Chandrakanta look fashionista who came make a name for of Beawar in Rajasthan that She treated dressing up here in search of better started with the late vision- as an art form. The col- Chandrakanta, Sushil opportunities, moving to herself in the field of ary forefather, the aristo- lection has recreated her ji’s wife, was renowned a metropolitan city did- crat Rai Bahadur Seth grandeur with sizable for her forward-thinking n’t give her any sort of fashion and mode - Champalal ji Raniwala. polki sets with statement outlook. She balanced complex! It may not be The narrative of this col- embellishments includ- her customs with easy for her as she strug- lling! Aditi Tiwari lection is centred around ing sheesh pattis, tikkas modernity; just like this gled a lot to be where The three sisters of style and spruced with Zambian line of ethno contempo- she is today. Recounting talks to substance, as they return to emeralds, bajubandhs, rary jewels that boast a the same, she shares, Pioneer their ancestral home in kadas, bangdis and hath- young-yet-rooted sensi- “While belonging to a 's SHIKHA Beawar. Women of the phools. bility. Employed with known business family, I DUGGAL about world, it is now time for The Radha Rani navratna gemstones and had my share of resis- them to reconnect with look coloured stones to infuse tance too. Few of my what makes her fall their heritage. But simply a youthful spirit to the school peers helped me an ode to a bygone era is The next generation collection. This range find a PG here in in love with not what they set out to saw Radha Rani, late features sheesh pattis, Attapur, I was going accomplish — the inten- Ganeshilal ji’s wife, navratan kathi necklaces through financial diffi- Hyderabad over and tion is to embrace their whose style was synony- layered with pearl culties but they booked roots while burnishing mous with timeless ele- strings, kadas, bangdis a bus for me to come to over again. them with modern flair gance. Her warm soul and hathphools. Hyderabad. I was the language so well earlier never stood Hyderabad, to witness one of their and a global outlook. and charming So all you who plan to one who would keep the as a barrier for her. “The level of daughters be positioned well, inde- As they return home, demeanour were com- tie the knot this year, flat tidy, as well as cook regard that the locals have for one pendently living a sovereign life on they walk down the che- plemented by wispy chif- you know your jewellery for my peers. They were so kind another is so charming to witness. her own terms, the mother-daugh- quered-floored corridors, fon saris and minimal and theme are sorted! and they never asked me for any There is no competition over here! ter duo shed tears of happiness. “I lined with gilded pillars rent. Five years ago, Hyderabad was always so freshening for me.” Instead, one is filled with so much wanted to be my family’s support, and hand-painted walls - so expensive! I used to travel all the Not having experienced any cul- peace, even if I am not around with also the feeling of earning takes you all living testaments to from Raniwala 1881 stems mehrabs and gumads, the way from Attapur to Mehdipatnam tural shock, the only thing that the my friends, the tranquillity this city to another high altogether. I feel Champalal ji’s patronage of from not just metaphorical, latticework in every corner, while my friends would take an fashion diva has an aversion to is has to offer keeps your inner soul so blessed I could put a smile on my the arts and his passion for but also literal inspirations the iconic baradari, and the auto-rickshaw. But keeping the the city’s terrible traffic! “It may be calm. I feel relieved,” she shares. family’s face. When they were here, being surrounded by the rooted in the family’s artefacts of Champalal ji hardships away for a moment, this new for me but I didn’t expect such One of her fondest memories I took them to places like Wonder finer things in life. Every Beawar haveli. are all echoed in the collec- city has become my second home. I awful traffic from the city and seem spent in the city that brought her to La, party-hubs, resto-bars and cafes. turn is home to a treasure The design language tion. can speak fluently in Hyderabadi like it’ll never end. Moving traffic is tears was when her whole family My mother loved Roastery, they trove of artefacts he loving- comes from the palatial The motifs follow the Hindi now! You won’t believe it, I adjustable while halting for so long from Chattisgarh visited her here liked where I lived and I know they ly collected from around structure. Its history and contours of the intricate love visiting the old city so much is so exhausting, especially in sum- when she lost her father a few are content now,” she smiles. the world. Every mosaic splendour are resonated in wall carvings, while the that whenever anyone's visiting me, mers,” she adds. months ago. Having four siblings, Despite a drastic cultural differ- door leads to a different every piece. Additionally, colours borrow from the I tend to turn into a proper local Additionally, she emphasises how since her father had just passed ence, Aditi says she never felt out of chapter of the family’s his- fine design features like the multi-hued inlay work on guide for them. Charminar, Chudi secure she feels while jogging in the away, nobody in the family was in a place here and that’s what has kept tory; the parlour that was intricate ornamentation the marble flooring and Bazaar, Begum Bazaar, these places lanes of Jubilee Hills early in the mood to feel any moment of joy. her here, despite missing her home- once always buzzing with and detailing in the interiors. may look old for others, while it’s morning. Not knowing the Telugu But once they visited Aditi in town sometimes. guests; the courtyard that has seen generations grow up and the domed terraces where peacocks delighted the family with surprise visits. Every corner evokes memories of a bygone era; echoing with the hopes, Shahid's digital debut dreams and laughter of the many generations who built their lives in the Raniwala haveli. The Beawar family home is making all the noise more than just an ancestral home, it lays at the heart of what connects the Prime Video platform. I and work with! The intensi- Raniwala family’s past with loved the story idea when I ty he brings to his roles is its present and future - a first heard it and since then, amazing,” they added. celebration of what was, it has been an exciting ride Meanwhile, the cast and what is and what will be. so far! Can’t wait for all of crew seem to be having a lot Speaking about the new you to watch it!” of fun while working on the collection, Abhishek There will soon be an series. Shahid Kapoor is also Raniwala, the co-founder announcement on the sur- the latest celeb to jump on says, “The soul of Raniwala prise cast featured in the the ‘Pawri Ho Rahi Hai’ 1881 lies in preserving and series. “For us, the objective meme trend. The actor celebrating the culture of is always to challenge our- shared a hilarious video Rajasthan — this is our selves to do better with with Raj and DK, Raashi legacy that has remained every film or series we do,” Khanna, making the most of unchanged since 1881. As said the creator duo Raj and the viral trend. The video we grow, it is very easy for DK. “This is our favourite starts with the director values to be replaced by script and has truly been a introducing Shahid as ‘ye misplaced ambition. But I ctor Shahid Raj Nidimoru and Krishna debut, Shahid Kapoor said, labour of love. We found a mera star hai’, then panning am proud to say that this Kapoor, who was DK’s upcoming series. Filled “I have been keen to collab- perfect match in Shahid! He the camera to his team and legacy and authentic iden- last seen on the with Raj and DK’s trade- orate with Raj and DK for a was always our first choice said, ‘ye hum hai’ and end- tity has survived in our big screen in mark dark and wry humour, while. Their The Family for this series. We hit it off ing it by saying ‘ye humari brand philosophy.” The A 2019-released the show is co-written by Man is my favourite Indian immediately, and have been pawrri horahi hai’. Shahid Beawar Legacy collection Kabir Singh is all Sita R Menon, Suman show. I couldn’t think of on the same page from the captioned the video saying, set to venture into the digital Kumar and Hussain Dalal. anyone better for my digital first time we spoke. Shahid “#fakers faking feku .... bet- space with filmmaker duo Talking about his digital debut than the Amazon is an exciting actor to watch ter words were never said.” VIJAYAWADA | SATURDAY | FEBRUARY 20, 2021 sport 11 MEDVEDEV’S STREAK AT 20 4th seed Daniil extends his unbeaten run, which includes three titles, with a dominant 6-4, 6-2, 7-5 win over fifth-seed Tsitsipas to set up final date against Djokovic AFP n MELBOURNE ussia’s Daniil Medvedev over- powered Stefanos Tsitsipas to Mertens, Sabalenka Rmake his first Australian Open final on Friday, where he will bid to stop combine for doubles trophy world number one Novak Djokovic Naomi Osaka hits a forehand return to Hsieh Su-wei during quarterfinal match AP from clinching an unprecedented ninth title. The fourth seed proved far too strong for Greece’s Tsitsipas, crushing I fight hardest him 6-4, 6-2, 7-5 in front of more than 7,000 noisy fans at Rod Laver Arena to extend his win streak to 20. The 25-year-old, ultra-confident on in finals: Osaka the back of his unbeaten run, which includes three titles, has been knock- AFP n MELBOURNE “I have this mentality that ing on the door of Grand Slam success people don’t remember the for some time, but has yet to win a title. aomi Osaka says nobody runners-up,” she said. “I think To finally get over the line he must on Nremembers a loser — and I fight the hardest in the finals. Sunday beat top seed Djokovic, who has she doesn’t plan to be one I think that’s where you sort of won all eight finals he has played at when she tries to set yourself Melbourne Park. win a fourth Osaka vs Brady (Final) apart.” But nobody on tour has more Grand Slam crown Live from 1:30pm IST Osaka momentum than Medvedev, against Jennifer SONY TEN 2, TEN 3 & SIX is hot whose tricky game has stymied Elise Mertens, left, and Aryna Sabalenka celebrate with their trophy after win AP Brady in the favourite all opponents since November, Australian Open final on against Brady, who is making and he has won three of his last AFP n MELBOURNE point. Saturday. her Grand Slam final debut four against the 17-time Grand It was their second Grand Slam A second trophy at after being forced into a hard Slam-winning Serb. econd seeded Elise Mertens and success as a team after the 2019 US Melbourne Park would mean 14-day quarantine ahead of the “It definitely wasn’t easy,” said SAryna Sabalenka swept past Open and sixth title overall as they the 23-year-old from Japan Australian Open, where she Medvedev, only the third Russian Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina both bounced back from fourth- has won half of the Majors she’s was confined to her hotel after Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Marat Siniakova to clinch their first round defeats in singles at Melbourne contested since her first at the room and unable to train. Safin to reach the Australian Open Australian Open and second Grand Park. US Open final in 2018 — an The pair first clashed as final. Slam doubles title on Friday. They pair made their debut infamous match forever juniors in Florida seven years “I got a little bit scared and tight The Belgian-Belarusian combina- together at the 2019 Australian Open remembered for Serena ago when Brady won. Osaka (in the third set) because it’s a semi- tion proved too strong for the third- and have since established themselves Williams’s implosion. has won both their matches final of a Slam... but happy I was able seeded Czech pair, winning 6-2, 6-3 as one the tour’s top teams, along with Osaka’s defeat of Williams since with their rivalry hitting to turn my game on, especially in some on Rod Laver Arena after sealing the two-time Grand Slam winners in the semi-final on Thursday new heights in the second of tight moments on my serve.” match on their fourth championship Krejcikova and Siniakova. ended the 39-year-old’s latest those, last year’s epic US Open Medvedev came into the show- attempt to win an elusive semi-final. down boasting a 5-1 edge in their head- record-equalling 24th Slam Eventual champion Osaka to-heads and a frosty relationship Daniil Medvedev serves to Stefanos Tsitsipas during their semifinal match at Aus Open AP hard for every point, and he was bro- broken again, to love, on his next game title and reinforced the belief prevailed 7-6 (7/1), 3-6, 6-3 in stemming from Shanghai in 2019, In front of vocal, flag-waving Greek 2019 US Open final, stayed focused and ken again after a seven-minute as the Russian raced through the set in that a new generation is taking a nerve-jangling encounter, when the popular Greek blasted his fans, the servers controlled the points worked two set points at 5-4. But marathon game when the Russian 36 minutes. over from the American. dubbed by some as the best slugfest playing style as “boring”. as they moved to 2-2 in the opening set Tsitsipas defended both successfully blasted a sizzling forehand down the He was broken again early in the Osaka is at the forefront of match of the truncated 2020 before the Russian, anchored to the with deep, aggressive returns as the line for 2-1 second-set advantage. third set and appeared spent, but the young wave and credits a season. FLAG-WAVING FANS baseline, drew first blood. crowd lifted their volume. Frustrated, Tsitsipas slammed his roared on by the crowd he found new new-found mental maturity Osaka, who has never lost Fifth seed Tsitsipas was backing up Until then, Tsitsipas had only faced He sent down his first double-fault water bottle to the ground at the reserves to break back for 3-3. for being able to battle through a Slam match after getting from a stunning five-set upset of 20- eight break points in the entire tourna- of the match on his third before blast- changeover, with the ballkids forced to For the first time in the match, matches under the highest past the fourth round, is aim- time Grand Slam champion Rafael ment, but Medvedev earned two and ing an ace and a winner to take a one- mop up the mess after it burst and Medvedev was under pressure but pressure. And she had a warn- ing to become the first Nadal, but it was an energy-sapping converted on the second when the set lead. sprayed everywhere. held his nerve with a glorious passing ing for the 22nd-seeded woman’s player since Monica four-hour epic and he appeared to feel Greek sent a return long. Medvedev dominated the long Medvedev was commanding on shot giving him another break for 6-5 American Brady ahead of the Seles to win her first four the effects. Medvedev, who also reached the rallies, with Tsitsipas needing to fight serve and a glum Tsitsipas unravelled, before he calmly served out to win. final. Grand Slam finals. SINGLES BENZEMA DOUBTFUL FOR ATALANTA TIE Wood hopes D/N Test will Madrid: Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is in Ankita wins maiden WTA title danger of missing next week's Champions League match at Atalanta after picking up an unspecified injury. swing series in Eng favour Raina will enter the Australian Open in the Madrid coach Zidane on Friday said that his top scorer doubles, and also won a round n would not available for Saturday's match at Valladolid PTI AHMEDABAD Wood joined the England squad ahead top-100 of doubles in the main draw of a WTA and that “we will see next week” how his recovery goes. of the third Test. singles tournament. Madrid is set to visit Italian side Atalanta on Wednesday ast bowler Mark Wood feels While the spinners have taken the for first time Elated at her performance in the first leg of their round-of-16 tie. Zidane said that England, boasting one of the game’s bulk of wickets in the first two Tests of and the result, Ankita says the F n Benzema had “discomfort” but did not elaborate. finest seamers in James Anderson, can the ongoing series, Indian pacers took PTI MELBOURNE singles top-100 is also just fancy their chances in the upcoming all 20 wickets to win their only previ- around the corner. TOLISSO OUT FOR 3 MONTHS WITH INJURY day/night Test against India if the pink ous day-night match on home soil, ndia’s Ankita Raina on “It’s been a great week. Munich: Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso ball moves around. against Bangladesh in Kolkata. IFriday claimed her maiden Kamilla and I played together will be out for at least three months after tearing a The four-match Test series is level “We’ve been bowling with them in WTA title by lifting the Phillip for the first time. We signed up tendon in his left thigh in training, coach Hansi Flick at 1-1 heading into the day-night Test the nets - they have swung quite a bit Island Trophy along with just 20 minutes before the said. Tolisso's injury comes ahead of a Champions at the new 110,000-capacity Sardar Patel and they’ve lasted longer which was Russian partner Kamilla draw because there was a lot of League game at Lazio on Tuesday and could affect his Stadium here. interesting to see,” said Wood. Rakhimova, a feat which will confusion with the entry list. chances of making France's squad for this year's Euro. “As soon as the ball moves, we “With the ball, as soon as it catapult her into the top-100 in “Kamilla plays very aggres- Flick said Tolisso was in “enormous pain” when he was know how good our seam bowlers can moves, every one of the bowlers the doubles for the first time in sive, has good strokes and I just hurt during training on Thursday and has already be. We’ve got good depth there, from the past couple of months her career. had to ask her to be aggressive undergone an operation on his thigh. good skills and two of the best- is dying to get it in their Ankita and Kamilla erased at the net, which she did,” ever (James Anderson and hand. I’m not the only one a one-set deficit to beat the Ankita said. INDIA'S WC QUALIFIERS NOW IN JUNE Stuart Broad). who’s trying to get hold of Russian combination of Anna India’s Ankita Raina, right, and her doubles partner Kamilla Rakhimova from Russia “It was not that draw was Kuala Lumpur: India's 2022 FIFA World Cup/2023 “Hopefully, if it. “The wickets in the Blinkova and Anastasia pose with winner’s trophy after win in Phillip Istand Trophy final WTA/Twitter easy, we beat some good play- Asian Cup qualifying round matches, which were the ball does nets have been a bit green Potapova 2-6, 6-4, 10-7 in the ers who were tough not only in scheduled to be played next month, have been move and it is and had good pace and summit clash here. current 115 when the WTA Mirza, who is a six-time doubles but in singles, too. postponed to June due to coronavirus-related travel seamer-friendly carry too. I don’t know if The 28-year-old Indian doubles chart is updated next Grand Slam champion. Kamilla has great fighting spir- and quarantine restrictions. AFC announced on Friday we can be very confident going that’s anything to go by or shared the $8000 prize money week. The past two weeks have it. It’s great... First WTA titles that the majority of Asia's 2022 World Cup qualifying into the game,” Wood said during whether it’s a bit of a with her partner and earned Ankita will become only been extremely memorable and doubles top-100, too. I am matches in March will be postponed to May and June a virtual interaction on Friday. trick.” 280 ranking points, which the second player to crack the for the gritty Indian, who looking forward to crack sin- — with a few exceptions that include Japan, Australia Along with Jonny Bairstow, will take her to 94 from the doubles top-100 since Sania made her Grand Slam debut at gles top-100,” she added. and Saudi Arabia. The Indian team is yet to play three matches — against Qatar (at home), Bangladesh (away) and Afghanistan (at home). DHAMMIKA PRASAD QUITS INT’L CRICKET Iyer, Dhawan eye impactful show in Vijay Hazare Man United, Spurs win big Colombo: Sri Lanka fast bowler Dhammika Prasad has announced his retirement from international cricket PTI n MUMBAI son. They have the team to aim for a dou- with immediate effect. Prasad, 37, last played a Test ble. in relocated Europa games match in October 2015 against the West Indies. He ome established names such as Shikhar The squad, however, will be missing the represented Sri Lanka in 25 Tests and 24 ODIs, bagging SDhawan and Shreyas Iyer will be aiming services of yorker specialist T Natarajan after 21st goal of the season. 75 and 32 wickets respectively. He also played lone to make an impression before the white-ball he was released following a request from United continued to play at a pace T20I against Australia in 2011. series against England when the Vijay BCCI, which wanted him to be fresh for the Sociedad could not deal with and Hazare 50-over competition gets underway white ball series against England. Rashford finally got his goal in the 65th OLY QUALIFICATION PERIOD EXTENDED in bio-secure bubbles across six venues on It won’t be easy for Tamil Nadu, as they minute following a blistering counter- New Delhi: The Tokyo Olympics badminton Saturday. will face stiff competition from teams like attack started by goalkeeper Dean qualification period was on Friday extended by nearly Shreyas Iyer, who missed the Syed Punjab and Karnataka, always a force to Henderson. two months to June 15 after the postponement of three Mushtaq Ali Trophy as he was recovering reckon with in national competitions. The tie was surely put to bed in the important tourneys due to Covid-19 related restrictions. from shoulder injury, along with others like Bengal will miss the services of experi- final minute of normal time as Daniel The world body said preparations for the Olympic Bhuvaneshwar Kumar and Dhawan will be enced campaigner Manoj Tiwary and it will James raced clear and fired into the qualifying tournaments will continue as international keenly watched during the tournament. be a challenge for stand-in-skipper Anustup bottom corner. badminton is set to resume with the YONEX Swiss While Tamil Nadu, winner of the Majumdar after the team made a group exit Open 2021 (March 2-7) and YONEX All England Open recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, has a strong in Mushtaq Ali. BALE STRIKES 2021 (March 17-21). The development came after the team and others like Karnataka, Mumbai Explosive left-handed opener Vivek Wales winger Bale notched his first BWF decided to postpone two tournaments in Malaysia and Delhi will also fancy their chances. Singh is in sublime form and will look to Spurs wingers Gareth Bale and Son Heung-min Tottenham assist since April 2013 to and Singapore Open from their earlier scheduled dates. The tournament will give the players a prove himself again after the IPL snub. after the Korean scores team’s opening goal AP tee up Son Heung-min for the open- chance to impress the national selectors, Abhimanyu Easwaran has been released ing goal in Budapest against Wolfsberg, UNITED TO DISCUSS CAVANI’S FUTURE before the ODI and T20 series against from the India squad and is available and AFP n BERLIN before drilling in the second before the Manchester: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Manchester England, which will begin in March. India he will form the back-bone of their batting. half-hour mark. United will sit down with Edinson Cavani to discuss the is slated to play five T20s in Ahmedabad and The teams have been divided into six runo Fernandes scored twice as A wonderful individual strike veteran striker's future at Old Trafford. The 34-year-old three ODIs against England in Pune. groups — five Elite Groups, one Plate Group. BManchester United romped to a 4- from Lucas Moura extended Spurs’ Uruguay international has impressed on and off the This is the second domestic tournament The group stage will be followed by quar- 0 victory over Real Sociedad in their first-half lead, and although Michael pitch since joining on a free transfer from Paris Saint- to be conducted by the BCCI in this cur- terfinals with the summit clash scheduled Europa League last-32 first leg on Liendl pulled one back for the Germain in October. Cavani, PSG's all-time top-scorer, tailed season after the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 for March 14. Thursday, while Gareth Bale impressed Austrians with a second-half penalty, signed a one-season deal with United with the option to Trophy. Elite Group A: Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, for Tottenham Hotspur in a 4-1 the English club have one foot in the extend by a further year. He has scored seven goals in The focus will be firmly on Shreyas, who Hyderabad, Tripura, Baroda, Goa (Surat) thrashing of Austrian side Wolfsberg. next round after Carlos Vinicius’ 88th- 24 appearances for United and Solskjaer has made no is back to lead Mumbai, the domestic giants, lead Uttar Pradesh, will be raring to go as Group B: Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Jharkhand, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United minute goal. secret of his hopes to keep him at Old Trafford. who also have a new coach in former India well and so will another white-ball special- Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Andhra are all but into the last 16, with four off-spinner Ramesh Powar. ist Shikhar Dhawan, who last played in the (Indore) away goals to take into the return game MILAN, ARSENAL HELD BEDIA CLEARED OF ‘BITING’ CHARGES He will be eager to make an impact and series against Australia. Group C: Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, in a week’s time, after the first leg was AC Milan, who have not reached Margao: All India Football Federation's Disciplinary so will the prolific Suryakumar Yadav, who He will be playing under Pradeep Odisha, Railways, Bihar (Bengaluru) played in Turin due to coronavirus the quarter-finals of any European Committee on Friday cleared FC Goa captain Edu Bedia is close to making the Indian team. Sangwan for Delhi. Group D: Delhi, Mumbai, Maharashtra, travel restrictions. competition since the 2011-12 of charges of “unsporting behaviour” and decided not Even Prithvi Shaw, who has been Baroda, after their impressive runners- Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Pondicherry The Premier League outfit grabbed Champions League, had to settle for a to impose any additional punishment after he was named Shreyas’ deputy and has been short up show in the Mushtaq Ali Trophy, will be (Jaipur) the lead in the 27th minute when 2-2 draw at Red Star Belgrade. show-caused for an allegedly violent foul on an of runs, will want to bounce back stronger. bolstered by the return of skipper and all- Group E: Bengal, Services, Jammu and Fernandes pounced on a defensive Arsenal youngster Bukayo Saka opponent during an ISL match. Bedia was show- Mumbai had an eminently forgettable rounder Krunal Pandya, who had to leave Kashmir, Saurashtra, Haryana, Chandigarh mix-up to slot in from Marcus continued his excellent season as his caused by the AIFF Disciplinary Committee following an outing in the Mushtaq Ali Trophy, failing to the national T20 championship, mid-way (Kolkata) Rashford’s clipped pass. sixth goal of the campaign cancelled incident that occurred during the injury time of the make it past the group stage and going down following his father’s demise. Plate: Uttarakhand, Assam, Nagaland, Solskjaer’s men doubled their out Pizzi’s penalty in a 1-1 draw match against Chennaiyin FC on February 13 at to minnows Puducherry. Tamil Nadu, led by Dinesh Karthik, will Meghalaya, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, advantage 12 minutes into the second against Benfica at the Stadio Olimpico Bambolim, which ended in a 3-3 draw. Agencies Pacer Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, who will be aiming to make it two out of two this sea- Mizoram, Sikkim (Tamil Nadu). period as Fernandes stroked home his in Rome. 12

Vijayawada Saturday February 20 2021 tollywood SatishSatish ropesropes Thank You inin Poorna,Poorna, to be shot in Surbhi,Surbhi, HebahHebah Rajahmundry fter being shot in Hyderabad forfor hishis webweb a so far, the unit of Vikram Kumar’s next, Thank You, starring Naga seriesseries Chaitanya in the lead, will move to Rajahmundry next. According to a source, the mak- ers initially con- sidered shooting in Hassan, Karnataka but after undertaking a recce, decided against it. The source adds, “Vikram was particular about Hassan acclaimed film, project is set on a big scale. meeting certain he director notes Shathamanam Bhavati, tells I’ve taken a unique point requirements of that he has taken a us that he has roped in from our culture and the story but as it unique point from Poorna, Surbhi and Hebah designed an edge-of-the- didn’t, he decided T our culture and Patel to play key roles in the seat whodunit. I guarantee to shoot in designed an edge- series. The filming is set to that such a series hasn’t of-the-seat whodunit. roll once cameraman Sameer been made in India so far.” Rajahmundry. Presently monitoring the Reddy’s availability is sorted. He adds that Rajeev The schedule will re-recording of his next fea- Satish states, “The series Kanakala and Ajay will be begin later this ture, Kothi Kommachi, which unfolds over nine episodes, seen in other significant month and will will grace cinema halls some- with each episode running parts. “The project will time next month, Satish into nearly 30 minutes. Each have an urban and a forest go on for almost Vegesna also has an eye on episode will see either backdrop. We are looking 15 days. Portions the pre-production of his Poorna, Surbhi or Hebah at Kerala and Maredumilli involving Chay next, an investigative crime Patel in action. There’s to shoot the forest portions. and Malavika drama, which marks his Nandini Rai as well. Three Most likely we will go to Nair will be shot maiden foray into the digital episodes will see all of them floors in April,” the director space. The director of the sharing screen space. The ends. — NG during this leg.” Vikram is directing Thank You from a script by BVS Ravi. It traces the jour- ney of an ordi- nary guy who Nithiin's Andhadhun works his way up to become a suc- cessful business remake in June magnet, estab- lishing his ith Check and Rang De set to release within a empires across space of one month, actor Nithiin has one more the world. How release lined-up for this year. On Friday, he took he wants to thank to Twitter to announce that his next with people who have w Merlapaka Gandhi will have a big screen debut helped him in his on June 11. The still-untitled film, which went to floors last journey forms December in Dubai, is the official remake of Bollywood hit the gist. Andhadhun. Alongside Nithiin, who reprises Ayushmann Dil Raju and Khurrana from the original, Tamannaah and Nabha Sirish are pro- Natesh are playing other important roles in the film, which is a murder drama at the center of which is a pianist who ducing it under may or may not be blind. Sri Venkateswara When the film was first announced last year, Tagore Creations. Madhu was attached it to as a presenter but due to his financial woes, Rajkumar Akella has stepped in his place, while Nithiin’s home banner Sreshth is producing it. Mahati Swara Sagar is scoring the music.

ctress Rakul Preet Singh has shared the therapy she effec- tively uses every day. Mahesh is ageing a Rakul posted a picture on Instagram from her Madivian getaway. She is seen in an over-water hammock. backwards: “Laughter is my everyday therapy!!” she wrote alongside the image. Rakul, who is awaiting the release of Check, in which she plays a lawyer who Trainer Minash defends Nithiin’s role, is right now film- ing for Amitabh Bachchan and Ajay Devgn thriller drama May Day. The uperstar hard or go home. Each film is directed and produced by Ajay Mahesh Babu’s workout spanned roughly Devgn. The actress will be seen in the trainer Minash 60 mins. Everyday he’d role of a pilot. This is her second film s Gabriel is push himself and make with Ajay after De De Pyaar De. pleased with sure he performed each

Laughter is my The actress will also be seen in the effort the exercise to the T and give Doctor G and a cross-border love story actor is putting for it a 100 percent. He is a featuring Arjun Kapoor, John Abraham Sarkaru Vaari Paata. The perfectionist, on and off and Aditi Rao Hydari. actor has been in Dubai the set (sic),” the trainer for the past one month wrote on his Instagram

everyday therapy: Rakul shooting for the film, space. with his training days Minash, who started split into strength train- working with Mahesh ing, cardio that involves since 2019, is proud that anaerobic variants and the latter has come a long most importantly Zone way. “From battling and two training after pack- overcoming injuries to up for the day. Minash getting into such incredi- believes that the intensity ble shape and condition- with which Mahesh is ing is a testimony to his approaching training, work ethic and persever- especially after shooting ance. I can safely say that in the desert is “second to this man is ageing back- none”. “His approach was wards and is only getting simple, once he stepped better with time (sic),” into the gym it was go the trainer added.