Postal Registration No. : MNW/336/2018-20 www.acrossstates.com RNI: MAHENG/2017/74287

75

// Satyasya Paramam Nidhanam //

Year:4 Issue : 52 Mumbai, Thursday 12-18 August 2021 Editor in Chief : Sanjay M. Bhaire Rs.5/- Pages- 24

Inside

Help desks in 53 Mumbai stations to Independence verify vaccination certificates from Lockdown Maharashtra Read full story on page 3 allows restaurants, IAF focused on boosting malls to operate capabilities after Balakot till 10 pm with 50% strikes, Galwan Valley capacity clashes: IAF chief it before entry. Private offices whose employees are fully vaccinated have been allowed to keep their offices functional at a full capacity but they have to stagger the work hours and Mumbai can take place in closed halls with 100 keep 25 per cent strength at one time,” Further relaxing the COVID-19 people or at a 50 per cent capacity of the orders said. Read full story on page 6 curbs, the Maharashtra government on the venue or whichever is less, he said. This is the third time in this month Wednesday decided to allow shopping “Shopping malls, hotels, gyms, that the state government has relaxed malls and restaurants to remain open spas and shops will be permitted to various curbs, including allowing Renaming of Khel Ratna award till 10 pm with a 50 per cent capacity operate till 10 pm, on the condition that common people to board local trains, after Major Dhyan Chand to from August 15 onwards, provided the the entire staff at these establishments provided they are fully vaccinated inspire youngsters: PM entire staff is fully vaccinated against has taken both doses of the COVID-19 against COVID-19. COVID-19. Shops are also allowed to vaccine,” Tope said, adding these On August 2, the government operate till 10 pm. places will function at 50 per cent extended the timings of all shops and Talking to reporters after the capacity. other establishments from 4 pm till weekly cabinet meeting, state Health The state task force on COVID-19 8 pm and till 3 pm on Saturdays in Minister Rajesh Tope said spas and is not in favour of opening schools 25 districts with a low COVID-19 gymnasiums will also be allowed to and colleges from August 17. Chief positivity rate. Shopping malls were function till 10 pm at a 50 per cent Minister Uddhav Thackeray is also allowed to function. capacity on the condition that the scheduled to meet members of the On August 8, CM Thackeray entire staff at these establishments has task force to take a final decision. announced that fully vaccinated Read full story on page 7 taken both doses of the vaccine. As per the orders issued citizens of Mumbai can travel in local Meanwhile, as per the fresh orders on Wednesday night by the state trains from August 15, but a gap of HC quashes Maharashtra issued by the government, those government effective from August 14 days from the second dose of the government’s decision to hold visiting the shopping malls will also 15, holders of the final vaccination COVID-19 vaccine is necessary to have to carry the final vaccination certificate approved by the designated avail of the facility. CET for Class XI admissions certificate. authority will be given a railway pass Thackeray had said that his Yoga centres and salons will also to travel in local trains in Mumbai. government was considering granting be allowed to remain open till 10 pm. Railway ticket-checkers have been relaxations to shops, malls, restaurants Indoor sports activity will be authorised to demand the verified copy and places of religious worship. allowed but cinema halls and places of of the final vaccination certificate and The COVID-19 scenario in parts of worship will continue to remain shut identity card from passengers. Maharashtra has improved compared until further orders, the minister said. “Those seeking entry to shopping to previous months. As of August Weddings in open spaces will be malls will be mandated to carry their 11, the case recovery rate in the state allowed with 200 people, while events final vaccination certificate and display stands at 96.82 per cent Read full story on page 24 2 Mumbai, Thursday 12-18 August 2021 City / Local Across State

Bombay HC seeks Centre’s reply on why new IT rules should not be stayed Mumbai is no difficulty,” he added. The Bombay High court on Tuesday asked the But the additional solicitor general opposed the Union government to file a reply as to why an interim court’s proposal. stay should not be given to the implementation of the “Instead of granting an interim stay, the final Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021, as demanded matter can be heard,” Singh said. by two petitions. The court pointed out that similar petitions A bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice G opposing the new rules have been filed in high courts S Kulkarni sought the government’s reply by August 12. across the country, but the Union government was The petitions filed by digital news portal ‘The Leaflet’ yet to file its replies. and journalist Nikhil Wagle claimed that the new If a stay was not granted, the petitioners will be regulations are “vague”, “draconian”, and bound to under “constant fear” of adverse action whenever have a “chilling effect” on the freedom of press and freedom of speech and its limits) and the Union they publish anything online, the judges said. right to free speech guaranteed by the Constitution. government promising not to take coercive action “File a short affidavit on why interim relief should Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh, the against them under the new rules until the court gives not be granted,” the HC told the Union government, Union government’s lawyer, urged the court not to its final decision. adjourning the hearing to August 13. grant a stay without a final hearing. “Suppose we accept your (petitioners’) argument Arguing that the new rules were vague, advocate Senior counsel Darius Khambata, who appeared and grant a stay. So the rules will remain in Khambata had said on Monday that among other for The Leaflet, had argued earlier that the new suspension. If you fail in the writ (petition) and things, they prohibit media organizations from rules were a brazen attempt to regulate online rules are violated in the interim, you cannot use our carrying out sting operations without proof and content. They go beyond the parameters set by the orders to seek relief if you fail in the writ...And the publishing defamatory content against a public Information Technology Act and limits set under Union does not take any coercive action as per the personality. Article 19 of the Constitution, he said. new rules?” the HC said. But the rules do not define ‘adequate proof’ or On Tuesday, the HC asked if it could grant an Advocate Khambata said the petitioners always ‘defamatory content’, he said. interim stay to the rules with the petitioners agreeing, adhere to the restrictions under Article 19 and oppose “These rules are seeking to effectively monitor for now, not to publish anything in violation of the only the new rules which go beyond Article 19. and censor speech on the internet by giving powers restrictions under Article 19 (which defines the “As long as Article 19 (2) is the only limit, there to a ministerial committee,” he alleged.

Subscribe Today! Across State Self-proclaimed godman SUBSCRIPTION FORM Name :...... held for rape in Mumbai Address :...... Mumbai the woman at his office in Raghuleela ...... A 45-year-old self-proclaimed godman Mall in Kandivali and sexually assaulted has been arrested for allegedly raping a her on several occasions in Vasai and ...... woman who contacted him seeking help neighbouring Thane district, the official ...... with her family problems in the western said. Shukla also took some money from City :...... State:...... suburb of Kandivali here, police said on the woman to perform a ritual and started Tuesday. avoiding her when she it did not resolve Based on a complaint lodged by the her problems, he said. Phone :...... E-mail: ...... 37-year-old victim, the police arrested An FIR was registered against the Pranav Shukla alias Pranavanand Maharaj accused under section 376 (rape) and other 1 year subscription of both Across State (English) & Across on Sunday, an official said. relevant provisions of the IPC and further Mumbai (Marathi+Hindi) – 500/- Rs. The accused godman allegedly raped probe is underway, the official added. 1 year subscription of Across State (English) 240/- Rs. 1 year subscription of Across Mumbai (Marathi+ Hindi) 240/- Rs. Woman kills minor son, commits suicide Kindly, send the Cheque in favour of Nashik the woman, a resident of the were present in the house BHAKTI PRINT MEDIA PRIVATE LIMITED. A 32-year-old woman Pathardi Phata area, hanged when the twin incidents allegedly killed her three herself at home at around took place, the police Signature and a half years old son 9.30 pm on Monday. said. Send Your Subscription Here: apparently for not doing Prior to that, she The police said they online study, and later allegedly strangled her son found a suicide note near B wing, 512, Knox Plaza, Mindspace, Contact : committed suicide here in to death as she was angry the bodies of the mother- Off. Link Road, Behind Inorbit Mall, Mr. Sanjay M. Bhaire Nashik city, police said on with him for not doing son duo and it said no one Malad (W), Mumbai-64. (9819991194) Tuesday. online study, they said. should be held responsible According to the police, The woman's parents for their death. color

Across State City / Local Mumbai, Thursday 12-18 August 2021 3 lectricity (Amendment) Bill provisions Maha govt sets up IT award not in country's interest: Raut Mumbai with stakeholders, including states. in Rajiv Gandhi's name Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on "The provisions ring a danger bell for Mumbai recipient will be selected by October 30, Sunday claimed the Centre's Electricity state electricity companies. Our party is Days after former prime minister an official release said. (Amendment) Bill was not in the interest of holding consultations in this regard," he Rajiv Gandhi's name was removed from The Maharashtra Information and the country, and states were not consulted said. the country's top sports award Khel Technology Corporation will be the on its provisions. The proposed amendments also include Ratna, the Maharashtra government, nodal agency to decide the framework The Electricity (Amendment) Bill, de-licensing of the power distribution of which Congress is a constituent, on for screening organizations for the award. 2021 seeks to enable power consumers to business. Tuesday set up an award in his name to Rajiv Gandhi was born in Mumbai on choose from multiple service providers as Notably, West Bengal Chief Minister felicitate information technology (IT) August 20, 1944. in the case with telecom services. Mamata Banerjee on Saturday shot off a organizations helping society. The Congress is one of the partners According to the Lok Sabha bulletin letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, A government order said the award in the Maha Vikas Aghadi government issued on July 12, 2021, the government urging him to refrain from "initiating" the commemorates the contribution of Rajiv in Maharashtra along with the Shiv Sena has listed it as one of the 17 new bills legislation. Gandhi, who was prime minister from and NCP. it plans to introduce in the ongoing She requested the PM "to ensure that 1984 to 1989, in giving impetus to the The BJP-led Union governme‑nt last Parliament session. a broad-based and transparent dialogue on IT sector in India. week renamed the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Talking to reporters here, Raut claimed the subject is opened up at the earliest". The award would be conferred on Ratna award as `Major Dhyan Chand that state electricity companies will be Banerjee underscored that the bill August 20, the late Congress leader's birth Khel Ratna Award' in the memory of the adversely impacted if the bill is passed. would reduce the role of the state public anniversary, every year. But this year the hockey legend Dhyan Chand. The Rajya Sabha member criticised utility bodies and foster crony capitalism . the Centre for not discussing its provisions

Ayurveda doctor, spiritual leader Help desks in 53 Mumbai stations Balaji Tambe passes away CM Thackeray condoles demise to verify vaccination certificates Pune Mumbai help desks will be operational on all will be in place with the police only Dr Shri Balaji Tambe, a well-known spiritual leader With Maharashtra government seven days in two sessions – 7 am to allowing those with monthly pass and who was also an Ayurveda doctor and proponent of Yoga, allowing people fully vaccinated 3 pm and from 3 pm to 11 pm. vaccination certificate along with a died at a private hospital here on Tuesday following a against Covid-19 to travel in local trains The SOP issued by BMC stated photo ID card to enter platforms,” a brief illness, sources close to his family said. He was 81. from August 15, the Brihanmumbai that fully vaccinated commuters, senior railway official said. Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray Municipal Corporation (BMC) on who have completed 14 days after Those found with fake documents condoled his death, saying with the help of Ayurveda Tuesday said it will set up 358 help will be liable for criminal action under and Yoga, he brought about change in many people's desks in 53 stations of Mumbai the Epidemic Control Act, Disaster lives. "With the demise of Dr Tambe, we have lost a true to facilitate offline verification of Management Act and the Indian Penal proponent of Ayurveda, Yoga. His contribution will be vaccination certificates. The facility Code. remembered," said Thackeray. will be available from Wednesday. Municipal Commissioner Iqbal In the remaining 55 stations of Singh Chahal told mediapersons on Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the Tuesday, “The chief minister has Devendra Fadnavis meets respective municipal corporations or announced that the eligible citizens local bodies — like in Thane, Navi who have completed vaccination Amit Shah over OBC Bill Mumbai, Palghar and Raigad — will against Covid-19 (including 14 set up help desks. the second dose and wish to avail the days after second dose) will be New Delhi to push for its passage On August 8, Chief Minister monthly season pass, can approach able to travel by local train from Former Maharashtra in the House on Tuesday Uddhav Thackeray had announced these help desks. The commuters have August 15. This will be facilitated chief minister Devendra amid expressions of that people who have been fully to show their vaccination certificate, both online and offline. However, Fadnavis met Union support to it from most vaccinated and completed 14 days along with a government issued photo the process of creating a mobile Home Minister Amit parties, including the after receiving the second dose will be ID (preferably Aadhaar card) card. app and starting the online process Shah on Monday to urge opposition. allowed to travel in Mumbai suburban They also need to carry a photocopy may take a little more time. Hence, him for the passage of a Fadnavis also local trains from August 15. of the photo ID for stamping purposes. the offline process will start from Constitution amendment faulted the Maharashtra Thackeray had announced that The staffers at the help desks Wednesday.” He also appealed Bill, which seeks to government's handling an online and offline system would will verify the authenticity of the to people not to unnecessarily restore the states' power of the legal challenge be set up for commuters to verify the vaccination certificate by scanning crowd at stations. The Central to identify backward to the state's move to authenticity of their CoWin-generated its QR code. If found authentic, they Railway administration said it will classes, in the ongoing provide reservation to vaccination certificates to make them will stamp the certificate as well as open sufficient number of booking session of Parliament. the Marathas, saying it eligible for a monthly pass. the photocopy of the photo ID. The windows to avoid crowding. Social Justice and was found wanting in While the government is yet to commuter can then use the same to People working in government Empowerment Minister defending the decision start the online system, the BMC procure the monthly pass at the ticket and semi-government offices as Virendra Kumar in the Supreme Court on Tuesday rolled out the standard counters. well as those involved in providing later introduced the which had quashed operating procedure (SOP) on how the Commuters are required to carry all essential services will continue Constitution (127th the quota order for the offline system will operate. three – ticket, vaccination certificate to travel by local trains as per Amendment) Bill, 2021, politically and socially Across Mumbai, 358 help desks and ID card — while travelling. prevailing practice, even if they are in the Lok Sabha and the powerful caste in the will be set up at 53 stations. These “A strict system of checking not vaccinated. government is expected state. 4 Mumbai, Thursday 12-18 August 2021 National News Across State Decades after IK Gujral’s anti-Indira move, Kapil Sibal repeats history for PM Modi New Delhi a common Lok Sabha candidate It is unclear whether, like Nearly four decades after of the most dominant state party late IK Gujral’s initiative which Inder Kumar Gujral brought to defeat the BJP in 2024 – an was followed by meetings at opposition stalwarts together idea the former finance minister Hyderabad (hosted by NTR), to build an anti-Indira Gandhi P Chidambaram advocated Srinagar (hosted by Farooq platform in 1982, Congress before 2019 LS polls and the Abdullah) and Kolkata (hosted veteran Kapil Sibal repeated Congress Working Committee by Jyoti Basu), Sibal’s dinner history on Monday night by discussed but did not take meet would have spin offs. But attempting a similar experiment forward. that is what most leaders are against Prime Minister Narendra A major outcome of hoping for. Modi and the ruling BJP. yesterday’s meet was NCP chief The dinner that Sibal It is the start of a conversation Sharad Pawar’s take to have a hosted yesterday was attended on building forces to defeat the BJD, TDP and YSRCP. anti-Congress coalition. The Maharashtra like Maha Vikas by politicians of varied hues BJP in Uttar Pradesh in 2022 and “Discussions centred on assassination of then PM Indira Aghadi experiment in UP and namely—NCP’s Sharad Pawar, Lok Sabha in 2024, said most defeating the BJP in UP and Gandhi altered the political back SP chief Akhilesh Yadav in TMC’s Derek O Brien and Kalyan attendees who buried regional in 2024. Everyone agreed on dynamics and the Congress won state elections. It remains to be Banerjee, RJD’s Lalu Yadav, SP’s political rivalries to attend Sibal’s the need to work together on a huge sympathy vote but then seen where that would leave the Akhilesh Yadav, CPM’s Sitaram post birthday bash which soon the anti BJP sentiment,” said we had the National Front and the Congress with Priyanka Vadra in Yechury, CPI’s D Raja, RLD’s became a political discussion SAD MP Naresh Gujral, whose United Front governments. Both charge general secretary of UP. Jayant Chowdhry, BJD’s Pinaki zone. father late PM IK Gujral had the Left and the BJP supported VP Sibal for his part said the Mishra, NC’s Omar Abdullah, Adversaries in Punjab— attempted the first coalition Singh. Contradictions remained aim of his initiative was to Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut, Akali Shiromani Akali Dal and AAP against then PM Indira Gandhi by but a larger purpose became more “add to and not subtract from Dal’s Naresh Gujral, DMK’s came, as did Bengal rivals CPM- hosting stalwarts like NT Rama prominent,” said Gujral who the strengths of the Congress.” TK Elangovan, and leaders CPI and the Trinamool Congress. Rao; Jyoti Basu; Ramakrishna is learnt to have mentioned at “This conversation will only of TDP, YSRCP Congress’ P Also present were leaders Hegde, Chandrashekhar, Farooq Sibal’s dinner that the Congress strengthen the Congress since Chidambaram and members of of parties that have not been Abdullah, Biju Patnaik and needed to be “freed of the the idea is to come together G 23 (Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand attending formal opposition Harkishen Surjeet among others. control of Gandhis”. against a government that is Sharma, Manish Tewari, Shashi meetings convened by the “That meeting was a The meeting also discussed destroying the idea of India,” Tharoor, Prithviraj Chavan Congress of late—among them significant attempt to forge an an outstanding proposal to field Sibal said. among others).

Only 2 persons buy 2 properties in J-K post India advises its citizens Article 370 abrogation: Govt to Parliament in Afghanistan to return in New Delhi Territory of Jammu and to be a permanent resident of Only two persons have Kashmir since August, 2019,” the UT. view of escalating violence purchased as many properties he said. The government notification New Delhi the security advisory issued on in Jammu and Kashmir since Asked whether any hardship also extended domicile rights to India on Tuesday strongly June 29 and July 24 remained August 2019 when Article 370 or impediments are being faced central government employees advised all its citizens residing in valid. “Further, as violence was abrogated ending the special by the government and people who have served in the state Afghanistan to make immediate in many parts of Afghanistan status given to the erstwhile of other states while buying for 10 years and also to their travel arrangements to return has escalated, commercial state, Lok Sabha was informed properties in Jammu and children. home before commercial air air travel services to many on Tuesday. Kashmir, Rai said, “No such Before August 5, 2019, services are discontinued from the provinces and cities are getting Union Minister of State for instance has been reported to the Jammu and Kashmir country in view of massive spike discontinued,” the embassy Home Nityanand Rai’s written the government.” assembly was constitutionally in violence. In a fresh advisory, said. “All Indian nationals reply came in response to a The central government had empowered to define a resident the Indian embassy in Kabul also visiting, staying and working question on whether many abrogated Article 370, which of the erstwhile state. advised the Indian companies in Afghanistan are strongly people from other states of the gave special status to Jammu These defined residents operating in Afghanistan to advised to keep themselves country have purchased and are and Kashmir, on August 5, were alone eligible to apply immediately withdraw their updated on the availability also interested to buy properties 2019 and bifurcated the state for jobs or own immovable Indian employees out of project of commercial flights from in the Union Territory of into two Union Territories. property. sites before air travel services various parts of Afghanistan Jammu and Kashmir after the Since the abrogation However, the home ministry from the country is discontinued. and make immediate travel removal of Article 370. of special status, the amended a 2010 legislation— The embassy asked Indian arrangements to return to India “As per the information administration has formulated the Jammu and Kashmir Civil nationals working for Afghan or before commercial air services provided by the Government a new definition of domicile for Services (Decentralisation and foreign companies in Afghanistan are discontinued to their place of Jammu and Kashmir, two Jammu and Kashmir. Recruitment Act) -- last year by to immediately request their of stay/visit in Afghanistan,” it persons from outside Jammu According to that definition, substituting the term “permanent employers to facilitate their travel added. According to government and Kashmir have purchased a person residing there for at residents” with “domiciles of from project sites to India in view data, around 1,500 Indians are two properties in the Union least 15 years will be eligible Jammu and Kashmir”. of the ground situation. It said currently staying in Afghanistan. Across State National Mumbai, Thursday 12-18 August 2021 5 Opposition’s undemocratic behaviour in RS Court asks police to look proves nothing wrong in farm laws: Tomar into electronic evidence New Delhi Condemning the ruckus in defamation case Slamming the created in the Upper Opposition for creating House, Parliamentary ruckus during a short- Affairs Minister Prahlad against Smriti Irani duration discussion on farm Joshi told reporters that the issues in the Rajya Sabha Opposition had demanded on Tuesday, Agriculture that agriculture matters Minister Narendra Singh should be discussed and the Tomar outside Parliament Chair accepted it. said the “undemocratic “Later the Opposition behaviour” of Congress, created a ruckus sitting TMC and AAP proves that on the reporter’s table and there is nothing wrong threw book over chair in the new farm laws but AAP in the House when there is nothing wrong in and members....They the problem lies in their the discussion began on the farm laws, it is in their were sitting on the table perception. agriculture.” perception. (Aaj vipaksh even after the House was The government was He said if the ke is kadam se, ek baar adjourned. Some staff have ready to listen to their Opposition members were ... siddh hogaya hai krishi been hurt. ....we have never criticism and suggestions concerned about farmers sudaar kaanoonon mein seen such behaviour,” he Sultanpur (UP) will hear the matter of and was even open and agriculture, they would kala kuchh bhee nahin hai. said, and asked what the A special MP-MLA summoning of Irani, Raja for amendments to the have participated in the Vipaksh ke kapade mein Congress and its allies court here on Tuesday said. policies if the discussion discussion and kept their kaalaapan dikahi deta want. directed local police to Singh had filed a on agriculture issues had viewpoints instead of hai),” he said. The government is conduct an investigation defamation suit in January taken place, he said. protesting. The Opposition wants ready for discussion on into electronic and other this year, alleging that she In the Upper House, “We were ready to to mislead the country by the agrarian crisis, he said, evidences submitted by was hurt by the remark the Opposition protested listen to their criticism as telling lies. Its motive is to adding that the OBC Bill international shooter made by Irani. vehemently when its well as their suggestions. do vote-bank politics and being passed in the Lok Vartika Singh in a Complainant Vartika request for a calling If the policies were to family-based politics with Sabha is not being tolerated defamation case against Singh and other witnesses attention motion on be amended based on selfish intention, he added. by them. Union Minister Smriti have recorded their agriculture issues was those suggestions, the The minister highlighted Eight months on, Irani. statements in the court. converted into a short- government was open to that the government under thousands of farmers The court of Special Apart from this, another duration discussion. that also,” he said. the leadership of Prime mainly from Punjab, Judge MP/MLA Sultanpur, case is going on in the While the discussion Tomar further said the Minister Narendra Modi Haryana and western Uttar PK Jayant, on Tuesday MP/MLA court under was underway amid Upper House discussed has taken several measures Pradesh have been camping directed Inspector 156(3), in which Singh the din, the protesting the Covid-19 issue and to improve the farm sector at Delhi’s borders in protest Garuriganj to conduct the has accused three people, members trooped into the the government wanted and many schemes are against the three laws. investigation, her counsel including Irani, allegedly well with sloganeering. In discussion should take being implemented which The government and Arvind Singh Raja said. demanding money to make fact a protesting member place on agriculture all have led to growth in the unions have held 11 rounds Considering the her a member of the central climbed atop the table of as it is connected with sector and prosperity in the of talks, the last being prosecution application women’s commission. the secretary general. everyone’s life. However, lives of farmers. on January 22, to break under the Code of Criminal Irani’s legal counsel Stating that this the irresponsible behaviour “But the Congress the deadlock and end the Procedure as justified, the had in earlier hearings “irresponsible behaviour” of the Opposition in the members are unable to farmers’ protest. Talks have court ordered to complete described the case as of the Opposition has hurt House during discussion digest this,” he said, adding not resumed following police investigation by based on “the most bizarre the democracy, Tomar on agriculture has hurt the that the farmers across the widespread violence during August 18 and file the and mischievous set of said, “I reproach the Indian democracy. country are standing with a tractor rally by protesting report in the court, he said. falsehoods” and that undemocratic behaviour “Today, this step of the new farm laws and farmers on January 26 After the filing of the “political patronage” is of Congress, TMC and Opposition proves that agriculture schemes. police report, the court written large on the matter.

New Delhi decriminalise the political system. Janata Dal, Lok Janshakti Party, Indian Maintaining that persons with criminal “The nation continues to wait, and is National Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party SC holds 9 antecedents and involved in criminalisation losing patience. Cleansing the polluted and the Communist Party of India and of politics cannot be permitted to be stream of politics is obviously not one of asked them to deposit the money within parties guilty lawmakers, the Supreme Court Tuesday the immediate pressing concerns of the eight weeks with the poll panel. held nine political parties including the legislative branch of government,” a bench The Rashtriya Lok Samta Party was of contempt ruling BJP and Janata Dal (United) guilty of headed by Justice R F Nariman said. spared of fine. its contempt in 2020 Bihar assembly polls The bench, also comprising justice B R The poll panel had said that 469 for not sharing for disobeying an order requiring them to Gavai, imposed a fine of Rs five lakh each candidates, having criminal antecedents, publish antecedents of candidates within 48 on two political parties, the Communist were fielded by 10 political parties in antecedents of hours of selection or not less than two weeks Party of India (Marxist) and the Nationalist recently held Bihar assembly polls. before filing of nominations. Congress Party, saying that they “have not The bench held that the selection of candidates in While imposing varying fines on at all complied with the directions issued candidates having criminal antecedents political parties, the top court lamented by this court”. on the ground of mere winnability is the the apathy of the legislative wing of It also imposed a fine of Rs one lakh violation of the apex court’s direction of Bihar polls the government in not taking steps to each on Janata Dal (United), the Rashtriya February 13, 2020, color

6 Mumbai, Thursday 12-18 August 2021 National Across State IAF focused on boosting capabilities after Balakot strikes, Galwan Valley clashes: IAF chief New Delhi and its ability to “react fast, acknowledged that five Chinese India’s air power capabilities respond fast and hit fast”. military officers and soldiers in terms of hitting targets with “That is the edge we have were killed in the clashes though precision, defending assets and today in both scenarios, be it on it is widely believed that the death use of new technologies have the western front or be it on the toll was higher. gone up significantly after the northern front,” he said. The chief of Air Staff also Balakot air strikes and rapid He said the “transformation” mentioned Balakot air strikes as developments in eastern Ladakh was triggered by the developments an important event while talking following the Galwan Valley like Balakot strikes and situation about the transformation of the clashes, Chief of Air Staff Air in eastern Ladakh and it has now IAF in the last few years, and said Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria taken the IAF to the “next level”. it sent out a clear message about said on Tuesday. The IAF chief said the India’s approach in dealing with In an address at a leading induction of the Rafale aircraft security challenges. think-tank, the IAF chief said has helped in lifting the overall Indian fighter jets bombed India now has an “edge” in its offensive capability of the Air Jaish-e-Mohammed’s biggest ability on both the Western and Force. training camp near Balakot deep Northern fronts to “react fast, “It is a level or a level-and-a- inside Pakistan on February 26, respond fast and hit fast”, noting half above where we were.” He 2019, 12 days after the terror that induction of Rafale jets has ability of the air assets. Chief of Defence Staff Gen said the focus after the Galwan outfit claimed responsibility for a helped in bringing the “next level” Explaining the role of air Bipin Rawat, while referring to Valley clashes was to bolster the suicide attack on a CRPF convoy of operational transformation. power, the IAF chief also talked the proposed integrated theatre cyber security system as it was in Kashmir, killing 40 soldiers. About the drone strike on about the general perception to commands, described the Air identified as an area of concern Pakistan retaliated by the Jammu airbase, he said look at only its offensive role Force as a “support arm” but mainly because of some of the attempting to target Indian the IAF is taking a series of and the general tendency to say Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria “actions”, he said in an apparent military installations the next initiatives including procuring “no-no” for its use in certain disagreed with him, saying reference to the ability of the day. However, the IAF thwarted next-generation jammers to deal situations, saying the paradigms airpower has a huge role to play. adversary to the IAF’s networks. their plans. with such challenges and added and scenarios have shifted and About the IAF’s operational He said the IAF’s operational Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria that the attack would not have there is a need to keep this in readiness, he said the focus offensive capability has gone also spoke about the low cost been possible if it was attempted mind. was to bring in the next level up in terms of having long- activities of commercial drones two-three months later. “The ability of air power of operational transformation distance air-to-ground weapons, and its use for supply of arms, Referring to the 11-day which was largely seen as an including in the cyber-security in carrying out precision strikes drugs, money as well as use of the conflict between Israel and offensive, as a no-no in some domain after the Galwan and possessing network-centric armed version of the unmanned Hamas in May, Air Chief Marshal situations particularly in the Valley clashes and his force has environment. aerial vehicles to launch an attack Bhadauria said that Israel’s use subcontinent...the paradigms been largely successful in its Twenty Indian Army on the Jammu airbase. of air power in carrying out have shifted, the scenarios have endeavour. personnel laid down their lives He referred to China’s operations with surgical precision shifted and we need to keep this Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria in clashes with Chinese troops emergence at the world stage, its to achieve its objectives in Gaza in mind as we go ahead,” he said said the “edge” that the IAF has on June 15 last year that marked diplomacy, economic clout and against the militant group while at the United Service Institution today came from a combination the most serious military conflicts military belligerence in Indo- ensuring minimum collateral of India (USI). of its weapons, training status, between the two sides in decades. Pacific. damage was a reflection of the At a seminar last month, platforms network environment In February, China officially

New Delhi are not political strategies for us and both of these are articles of Asserting that RSS is a “strong supporter” of reservation, the faith for us.” Stating that reservation is a “historical necessity” RSS strong organisation’s general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale on Tuesday for India, Hosabale said, “It should continue as long as there is said it is a tool for affirmative action and should continue as long inequality being experienced by a particular section of society.” supporter of as a particular section of the society experiences “inequality”. Describing reservation as a tool for “affirmative action”, Hosabale Underlining that the history of India said that reservation and reconciliation reservation; would be “incomplete” without the history (between all sections of society) should of Dalits, Hosabale said they have been go hand in hand. He also said it would at the forefront of social change. He was be unfair to term the personalities who should continue speaking at an event organised by the led social change in the society as “Dalit India Foundation for the launch of a book, leaders” as they were leaders of the entire as long as titled “Makers Of Modern Dalit History”. society. “When we discuss the various “History of India is not different from aspects of SC and ST sections of society, inequality exists History from Dalits. Without their history, invariably certain aspects come to fore India’s history is incomplete,” Hosabale such as reservation. My organisation and said. Talking about reservation, Hosabale I are strong supporters of reservations for in society: categorically said he and his organisation decades. When there were anti-reservation Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh “are strong supporters of protests in many campuses, we passed a resolution and organised Hosabale reservation.” He also said, “Social harmony and social justice a seminar in Patna in support of reservation,” Hosabale said. color

Across State News Mumbai, Thursday 12-18 August 2021 7 PM Modi launches Ujjwala 2.0 for Renaming of Khel Ratna award after Major Dhyan Chand to inspire youngsters: PM providing free LPG connections Lucknow or Ujjwala 2.0 through of our young sportspersons Lucknow LPG connection under the scheme was Prime Minister video-conferencing, Modi in the Olympics will inspire Prime Minister Narendra Modi on announced. Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tributes to “Dadda crores of youngsters. Tuesday launched Ujjwala 2.0—the second These one crore additional connections said the renaming of the Dhyan Chand”, who hailed “This time we have phase of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala under Ujjwala 2.0 aim to provide deposit- “Khel Ratna” award in the from Bundelkhand. seen that our players have Yojana (PMUY)—by handing over LPG free LPG connections to those low- not only won medals, but connections in Mahoba in Uttar income families who could not have also given us an Pradesh. be covered under the earlier indication of the future by After the formal launch, the phase of PMUY. performing well in many Prime Minister distributed free Along with a deposit-free sports,” the prime minister gas connections to 10 women LPG connection, Ujjwala 2.0 said. virtually. will provide first refill and Making the Uttar Pradesh Chief hotplate free of cost to the announcement on Minister Adityanath handed beneficiaries. The enrolment renaming the award after over the documents to the procedure will require Major Dhyan Chand on women on behalf of the PM. minimum paperwork and in Friday, Modi had said he During Ujjwala 1.0 Ujjwala 2.0, migrants will was getting many requests launched in 2016, a target was set to not be required to submit ration cards or from people across the provide LPG connections to five crore address proof. honour of hockey wizard “Today, I am country in this regard. women members of BPL households. A self-declaration for both 'family Major Dhyan Chand remembering another great Major Dhyan Chand Subsequently, the scheme was declaration' and as a 'proof of address' will will inspire “crores of child, Major Dhyan Chand, is widely regarded as one expanded in April 2018 to include women suffice, they said. youngsters”. our Dadda Dhyan Chand of of the greatest players in beneficiaries from seven more categories, Ujjwala 2.0 will help achieve the prime The award was Bundelkhand. The name field hockey. In his career such as SC and ST communities and forest minister's vision of universal access to originally named after of the country’s highest that spanned from 1926 to dwellers. LPG, it said. former Prime Minister sports award is now Major 1949, he clinched Olympic Also, the target was revised to eight Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Rajiv Gandhi. Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna medals in 1928, 1932 and crore LPG connections. This was achieved Minister Hardeep Singh Puri was also Addressing a gathering award. I am confident that 1936. in August 2019, seven months ahead of present on the occasion. in Mahoba after the launch this name of Dadda getting The country’s National schedule, officials said. In his address, Union minister Puri said of the second phase of the associated with Khel Sports Day is celebrated on In the Union Budget for 2021-22, that the use of wood and coal for cooking nationwide Pradhan Mantri Ratna in the middle of a August 29 to commemorate provision for an additional one crore has adverse effects on health of women. Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) phenomenal performance his birth anniversary. Congress will continue to fight against PM's Govt approves Bharat Biotech's Ankleshwar plant to produce Covaxin: ideology that divides India: Rahul Gandhi Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Srinagar Congress leader Rahul Gandhi New Delhi on Tuesday said he and his party Union Health Minister would continue to fight against Mansukh Mandaviya on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Tuesday said the government "ideology that divides India", even had given approval to Bharat as he claimed that the Opposition Biotech's Ankleshwar-based is not being allowed to raise manufacturing plant to produce important issues like farm bills, Covid vaccine Covaxin. snooping, unemployment and "Govt of India approves corruption, in Parliament. vaccine manufacturing He alleged that the BJP had facility for production of @ launched an assault not only on BharatBiotech's #Covaxin Jammu and Kashmir but on the Gandhi said the "assault" is not is at stake," he said. in Ankleshwar, Gujarat," entire country. only on Jammu and Kashmir but The Congress leader said his Mandaviya tweeted. Health ministries, noted. "I fight against Narendra Modi on Tamil Nadu and West Bengal fight is not against a person or even The approval would help In May, Bharat Biotech and we will continue to fight as well. on issues such as unemployment increase availability of Covid had announced that it planned against his divisive ideology, "The assault is on the idea of or corruption, it is against hatred vaccines in the country, he to produce an additional 200 the ideology that divides India," India. While the assault in the rest and fear. added. million doses of Covaxin at its the former Congress chief said of India is direct, it is indirect in "I fight against hate and "Following PM @ subsidiary's Ankleshwar-based addressing a party function here. Jammu and Kashmir," he added. fear. The difference between the NarendraModi ji's vision of facility. "We are not allowed to speak Gandhi alleged that the media Congress and other parties is that #SabkoVaccineMuftVaccine, The Hyderabad-based firm in Parliament on issues like farm in the country is being suppressed we do not hate anyone and we this will increase vaccine had noted that it would utilise bills, Pegasus, corruption, Rafale and not allowed to do their job. do not believe in violence. The availability & accelerate the the manufacturing plant of its (deal) and unemployment," he "They (media) always have a Congress is an army of peace and world's largest vaccine drive," wholly-owned unit, Chiron added. fear when they report as their job love," he said. the minister who heads both Behring, to add another 200 Chemicals and Fertilisers and million doses of Covaxin. 8 Mumbai, Thursday 12-18 August 2021 National Across State President Kovind to host Indian Ker Tourism dept to hold virtual Olympics contingent over Onam celebrations this year: Minister Thiruvananthapuram arrangement on the Tourism high tea on Minister P A Mohammed department's digital platform. Riyas on Sunday said the The minister also said Saturday Tourism department would this step was taken as Onam New Delhi be celebrating Onam virtually celebrations had to be put President Ram Nath this year in order to promote on hold last year due to the Kovind will host the Indian domestic tourism and bring COVID-19 pandemic and the Olympics contingent over a together Malayalees all over situation was still continuing. high tea at the Rashtrapati the world on a digital platform On identification and Bhavan cultural centre on in view of COVID-19 travel development of unexplored Saturday, according to an restrictions. tourist destinations, the official statement issued The minister, at a press minister said meetings have on Tuesday. meet, said that the state been held at panchayat level India put up its best government was working by Rs 7,000 crore. He said the event would in all the districts of the state ever performance in to revive domestic tourism Even the number of be inaugurated on August 14 and maps have been made of the recently-concluded by identifying unexplored tourists, both domestic and by Chief Minister Pinarayi such places in each panchayat. Olympics in Tokyo, tourist destinations in various foreign, has come down Vijayan. These maps would be winning seven medals, districts and collating them tremendously since 2016, he There will also be a collated and uploaded on the including a gold. on an app so that they can added. 'world flower arrangement app so that people world over “The President of be brought to everyone's Speaking on the topic of competition' as part of can see the new destinations India will host the Indian attention worldwide. virtual Onam celebrations, the this initiative and online for travel and exploration, he Contingent of the Tokyo He said the step was minister said as part of this registrations for the same will said. Olympics 2020 over a being taken as due to the new initiative, Kerala's arts, commence from August 10, he He said another idea ‘High Tea’ on August 14, pandemic, from March 2020 culture, food varieties and added. behind the virtual Onam 2021 at the Rashtrapati till December 2020 the prominent tourist destinations As part of the competition, celebrations was to convert Bhavan Cultural Centre,” tourism sector suffered a loss would be showcased virtually Malayalees all over the every Malayalee in the world said the statement issued of Rs 33,000 crore and foreign with the help of visual media world can upload their into a brand ambassador of by the Rashtrapati Bhavan. exchange earnings went down and other means. 'onampookkalam' or flower Kerala tourism.

Kozhikode crash: AI Express offers final compensation to all injured flyers, next of kin of deceased New Delhi injured passenger and Rs 50,000 He said the full and final Air India Express said it has to injured passenger. compensation offers have also made final compensation offers Once the interim been made to the four injured to all 165 passengers, who were compensations were given to the cabin crew members and the next injured and the next of kin of 19 victims, the airline gave them the of kin of the two deceased pilots, flyers who died in the plane crash, claim forms so that full and final and they have been accepted. in Kerala's Kozhikode district compensation offers for each Five days after the plane last year. of them could be calculated, crash, the Aircraft Accident According to the airline, he said. Investigation Board (AAIB) had 80 out of the 165 injured flyers The spokesperson added that formed a five-member panel to have taken up the offers as on the airline made the full and final inquire into the circumstances of August 6. The airline is awaiting compensation offers to each of the accident. The panel is yet to acceptance of the offers from the the injured passengers and the submit its report. remaining 85 injured flyers and board, including a six-member the carrier paid the interim next of kin of the deceased flyers Captain S S Chahar, former the next of kin of the 19 deceased crew, overshot the tabletop compensation to the injured between November 2020 and DGCA-designated examiner for passengers. runway during landing at the persons and the next of kin of the April 2021. pilots of the B737NG aircraft, "We have not received any Kozhikode airport amid heavy deceased persons by September "The airline started is the investigator-in-charge in rejection on the offers made rains on August 7, 2020. 2020. organising one-to-one meetings the panel. from the injured passengers or It fell into a valley 35 feet The interim compensation in Kozhikode to address the He is assisted by operations the next of kin of the deceased. below and broke into pieces, was Rs 10 lakh to the next of kin concerns or doubts of the injured expert Ved Prakash, senior aircraft Also, no legal case has been filed killing 19 passengers and the two of deceased passenger of more passengers and the next of kin maintenance engineer-B737 on the offers made," an Air India pilots. A total of 165 passengers than 12 years of age, Rs 5 lakh regarding the offers made. A Mukul Bhardwaj, aviation Express spokesperson told media. and four cabin crew members to the next of kin of the deceased total of 138 one-on-one meetings medicine expert Y S Dahiya The Air India Express flight were injured in the crash. passenger of less than 12 years have taken place till August 6," and AAIB deputy director Jasbir from Dubai with 190 people on The spokesperson said of age, Rs 2 lakh for critically he mentioned. Singh Larhga. Across State Mumbai, Thursday 12-18 August 2021 9 UNSC meeting on Afghan galvanised members to call for end to violence: India's envoy Tirumurti United Nations and the region are not threatened by terrorism, separatism The crucial UN Security Council meeting on and extremism. There needs to be zero tolerance for Afghanistan, held within the first week of India's terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, he said, Presidency of the powerful global body, galvanised adding that it is equally important to ensure that the members to call for an end to the violence and hostilities, territory of Afghanistan is not used by terrorist groups to and helped reveal to the outside world the dire situation threaten or attack any other country. facing the war-torn country, India's envoy here has said. Those providing material and financial support to India assumed the Presidency of the UN Security terrorist entities must be held accountable, he said. Council for the month on August 1 and wrapped up a India's second week of the Presidency will open with hectic first week with discussions on Afghanistan on Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairing a high-level August 6 amidst a deteriorating security situation in the virtual open debate on Enhancing Maritime Security -- A country as the Taliban carried out its military offensive. case for International Cooperation' on August 9. A meeting on Afghanistan had not been scheduled The meeting on maritime security, one of the three during the month as per the Council's Programme of Work signature events scheduled during India's presidency, for the month that was adopted on India's first working assumes significance as this will be the first time that an day of its Presidency last week. Indian prime minister would be presiding over a meeting Afghanistan Foreign Minister Mohammed Haneef meeting scheduled to be held in Qatar on August 11. of the UN Security Council. Atmar had spoken with External Affairs Minister S Talks under the format had earlier taken place on The Maritime Security high-level event with be the Jaishankar "to discuss convening an emergency UN March 18 and April 30. first of its kind in the Security Council. This holistic Security Council Session on Afghanistan. The crucial meeting being convened by Russia on the concept has never been discussed before in the Council. India's Permanent Representative to the UN and fast-evolving situation in Afghanistan is expected to see This is also something of high priority to our Prime Security Council President for month of August the participation of Pakistan, China and the US. Minister for international peace and security, Tirumurti Ambassador T S Tirumurti had also said during a press During the Council briefing, Afghanistan's UN envoy said, adding that Our Mission has worked closely with conference that he expected probably the Security Council Ghulam Isaczai said that the Taliban continued to enjoy the UN Secretariat and with other member states of the will be looking at this aspect sooner rather than later on safe haven in and supply and logistic line extended to Council, to put this high-level event together. Afghanistan. their war machine from Pakistan. During the week, Tirumurti, as President of the I think the UN Security Council meeting on Graphic reports and video of Taliban fighters UN Security Council, chaired the Troop and Police Afghanistan was crucial and timely. It galvanised both congregating close to the Durand Line to enter Afghanistan, Contributing Countries meeting on the UN Interim Force Members of the Council and outside to call for an end fundraising events, transfer of dead bodies for mass burial, in Lebanon (UNIFIL). India is among the highest troop to the violence and hostilities, and helped reveal to the and treatment of injured Taliban in Pakistani hospitals contributing countries to UNIFIL. outside world the dire situation facing Afghanistan and are emerging and are widely available, Isaczai told the India one of largest troop contributors for UNIFIL its people, especially women, children and minorities, Council. over 21 years. Paid tribute to #peacekeepers who made Tirumurti told PTI, as India wrapped up its first week of This is not only a naked violation of the 1988 UN ultimate sacrifice, Tirumurti tweeted. the UNSC Presidency. Security Council sanction regime, but also leads to further Under India's Presidency, the Council issued a press Tirumurti said he is happy that we could prioritise this erosion of trust and confidence towards establishing a statement on the escalating violence in Afghanistan meeting and hold it in our first week of Presidency itself. collaborative relationship with Pakistan to end the war and condemned in the strongest terms" the deplorable At the UNSC meeting, Council members strongly in Afghanistan, Isaczai said. attack against the United Nations compound in Herat, condemned the increase in violence in Afghanistan, with Stressing that the future of Afghanistan cannot be Afghanistan and expressed deep concern over the high permanent and veto-wielding member US asserting that its past, Tirumurti, addressing the UNSC briefing in his levels of violence in the war-torn country following the the "Taliban must hear from the international community national capacity, said terrorist safe havens and sanctuaries Taliban's military offensive, declaring that it does not that we will not accept a military takeover of Afghanistan in the region must be dismantled immediately and terrorist support the restoration of the Islamic Emirate. or a return of the Taliban's Islamic Emirate." supply chains disrupted, a reference to Pakistan, as New The Council also issued a Presidential Statement The UNSC meeting on Afghanistan came as the Delhi stressed it is time for the Security Council to decide on the drawdown and closure of African Union-United talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban in on actions to ensure an immediate cessation of violence. Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur on the first working Doha are stalled and just days before the extended Troika It needs to be ensured that Afghanistan's neighbours day of India's Presidency.

SC notice to Centre, others on plea seeking BJP cancels membership of Jitendra Singh Bablu disclosure of data on Covid vaccine clinical trials Lucknow BJP Himanshu Dueby said in a New Delhi weeks. petition nor the petitioner The BJP on Tuesday cancelled press statement. Expressing shock The Supreme Court on While hearing the plea, the is seeking to stop Covid the membership of former BSP over the induction of Bablu, Joshi, Monday sought responses from bench referred to the problem of vaccination in the country, MLA Jitendra Singh Bablu, who is the sitting BJP MP from the Centre and others on a plea vaccine hesitancy in the country Bhushan said transparency inducted in the party last week, Allahabad, had alleged that Bablu seeking directions for disclosure and asked advocate Prashant on the issue was needed and following a complaint by sitting might have hidden the facts from of data regarding clinical trials Bhushan, who was appearing disclosure of data would rather party MP Rita Bahuguna Joshi the party leaders. "In July 2009 of COVID-19 vaccines. for the petitioner, as to whether clear all the doubts. that he was allegedly involved in when my house was set ablaze in A bench of justices L entertaining the petition would The bench was hearing a the torching of her house in 2009. Lucknow, he (Bablu) was in the Nageswara Rao and Aniruddha not create doubt in the minds of plea seeking directions for State unit president of the forefront and he was found guilty Bose issued notice on the plea, the citizens over vaccines. disclosure of data on clinical BJP Swatantra Dev Sing has during investigations," Joshi, who and asked the Centre and others While making it clear that trials of COVID-19 vaccines cancelled the membership of was in the Congress at that time, to respond to it within four neither it is an anti-vaccine and also on post vaccination. Bablu, joint media incharge of the had alleged. color

10 Mumbai, Thursday 12-18 August 2021 Global View Across State Once lagging, Europe catches

upBrussels to the US in vaccinationswhile the EU initially focused on hospitals Despite a sluggish start, the European and other medical facilities, she said. Union's COVID-19 vaccination drive has EU nations were also overly confident caught up to that of the United States, manufacturers would deliver. As it turned where the slowdown of the country's out, Astra-Zeneca failed to produce its once-vaunted campaign has contributed shots on time and delivered a paltry to the virus's deadly comeback. number of doses. Concerns over its safety In mid-February, less than 4 per cent and effectiveness also contributed to of people living in the 27-nation EU were vaccine skepticism. But with the major at least partially vaccinated against the rollout of the Pfizer shot, things turned coronavirus, compared with nearly 12 per around. cent in the US, according to Our World Meanwhile, the US vaccination in Data, an online science publication effort peaked and then dropped off connected to the University of Oxford. dramatically in the face of significant Now the EU has surpassed the US by hesitancy and outright hostility, fueled that same measure, with some 60 per cent by misinformation and partisan politics. of the bloc's residents receiving at least As of the end of July, the US was one dose, versus less than 58 per cent of dispensing under 600,000 shots a day on Americans. average, down from a peak of over 3.4 In Italy, where roughly 63 per cent of million a day in April. people 12 and older are fully protected, Now it becomes clear that not only the demand. But it quickly turned into a major The highly contagious delta variant Premier Mario Draghi took a victory lap pace of vaccination in the first months but political embarrassment for European has sent new daily cases soaring over this past week. also the long-term strategy is important. officials, as the US and Britain jumped the past month to levels not seen since I said that I don't want to celebrate The turnaround in Spain has been ahead. February. The vast majority of those successes, but it must be said that Italy pronounced. In mid-April, when nearly The major factor holding back the hospitalised were not vaccinated. has inoculated more doses per 100 a quarter of all Americans were fully EU initially was its decision to purchase Still, not all is well within the EU. inhabitants than France, Germany, the vaccinated, only 7 per cent of Spaniards vaccines as a bloc instead of as individual Discrepancies between member states are United States,' he said as the country's were similarly protected, according to countries. huge. For example, in the Netherlands, 85 vaccine verification program went into Our World in Data. Now, nearly 60 per The move ensured smaller member per cent of adults have received at least effect Friday. cent of Spain's roughly 47 million people nations weren't left out, but it ended one dose. In Bulgaria, it is less than 20 People in Italy must now show proof per cent. they have had at least one vaccine dose, There are also troubling signs that recovered from COVID-19 or recently Europe's campaign is losing steam. tested negative for the virus if they want to In Germany, where 54 per cent of dine indoors, use gyms or go to concerts, the population is fully vaccinated, the theaters, museums and tourist sites such number of shots being dispensed per day as the Colosseum. has declined from more than 1 million in European authorities attribute success May to about 500,000. in Italy and elsewhere to nationalized Officials there have begun pushing health care and a history of public for more vaccinations at megastores and confidence in the safety of immunizations. in city centers and are offering incentives. The EU's slow process for approving A vaccination drive in Thuringia state the vaccinations set the bloc back at included free bratwurst, while sites in the beginning, but that is now paying Berlin planned to have DJs play music dividends because it is instilling more this weekend in hopes of encouraging confidence in the rapidly developed young people to get inoculated. De Maio formulas, said Dr. Peter Liese, a European said she believes nationwide vaccine Parliament member from Germany. are fully vaccinated, while about half the up taking more time to negotiate mandates like her native Italy's Green While the US and Britain issued US is. with pharmaceutical companies, said Pass program could help EU nations avoid emergency authorizations of vaccines to Portugal, with around 10 million Giovanna De Maio, a visiting fellow America's fate. get shots into arms quickly, the EU went people, had fully vaccinated around a in international relations at George European politicians see it coming and through the longer process of granting third of its population by the end of June. Washington University. they're taking these measures, she said full approvals, putting it weeks behind. Now officials say it is on track to reach 70 The US was also more efficient in of the potential for vaccination efforts I am convinced that we have a good per cent by the end of the summer. distributing the vaccine, quickly setting to stall in Europe. They're desperate argument to explain to people still Like the American vaccination drive, up large-scale vaccination sites and trying to avoid that because Europe can't hesitating that the vaccine was properly the European Union effort started around also supplying shots to neighborhood afford another lockdown, given the big tested in Europe, Liese said recently. Christmas and struggled to meet initial pharmacies, groceries and other places, economic toll COVID has already taken. Across State Mumbai, Thursday 12-18 August 2021 11 In a world first, South Africa grants patent to an artificial intelligence system Johannesburg saw this as an indictment of South Africa's At first glance, a recently granted South patent procedures, which currently only African patent relating to a food container consist of a formal examination step. This based on fractal geometry seems fairly requires a check box sort of evaluation: mundane. The innovation in question ensuring that all the relevant forms have involves interlocking food containers that been submitted and are duly completed. are easy for robots to grasp and stack. Critics feel that if South Africa instead On closer inspection, the patent is had a substantive search and examination anything but mundane. That's because system in place, the DABUS patent the inventor is not a human being it is an application would have been rejected. I artificial intelligence (AI) system called disagree. DABUS. DABUS (which stands for device for Enabling policy environment the autonomous bootstrapping of unified critically analyse data, learning from Office rejected these applications in the While it is possible that the commission sentience ) is an AI system created by it. This process is known as machine formal examination phase. They gave three erred in granting the patent, South Africa's Stephen Thaler, a pioneer in the field of AI learning. Once the machine learning reasons. First, their respective patent laws policy environment in recent years and programming. The system simulates phase has occurred, the machine is able only provide for human inventors not AI as suggests otherwise. human brainstorming and creates new to autonomously create without human indicated by the use of pronouns such as The first relevant policy was the inventions. DABUS is a particular type of intervention. As has been seen in the him and her in their text. Second, ideas, for Intellectual Property Policy of the AI, often referred to as creativity machines COVID pandemic, as just one example, the purposes of patents, require the element Republic of South Africa Phase I of 2018. because they are capable of independent AI is able to solve problems humans of mental conception something of which It marked the beginning of patent reform and complex functioning. This differs from were unable to and also much faster than only a human mind is capable. Finally, in the country. Since then, from 2019 to everyday AI like Siri, the voice of Apple's people can. inventorship comes with rights, which AI 2021, three other notable instruments iPhones. Over the years there have been many is not legally capable of possessing. have been published: the Department of The patent application listing DABUS kinds of creativity machines. Prior to Much to the surprise of the global Science and Technology's White Paper on as the inventor was filed in patent offices DABUS, Thaler built another AI which community, South Africa's patent Science, Technology, and Innovation; the around the world, including the US, created novel sheet music, and which he office, the Companies and Intellectual Presidential Commission on the Fourth Europe, Australia, and South Africa. credited with inventing the cross-bristle Property Commission, granted the patent, Industrial Revolution; and the proposed But only South Africa granted the patent toothbrush design. He filed a patent for recognising DABUS as an inventor. It has National Data and Cloud Policy in terms (Australia followed suit a few days later the cross-bristle design, and it was granted not yet explained its reasons for doing so. of the Electronic Communications Act after a court judgment gave the go-ahead). proving AI's ability to generate truly novel This patent was published in July 2021 36 of 2005. The core message of all South Africa's decision has received inventions that meet the standards for in the South African Patent Journal, with these documents is that South Africa's widespread backlash from intellectual patents. However, Thaler listed himself, major news agencies including The Times government wants to increase innovation property experts. Some have labelled it rather than the AI, as the inventor at that reporting on the matter. to solve the country's socio-economic a mistake, or an oversight by the patent time. The granting of the DABUS patent issues. There is clear worry about issues office. However, as a patent and AI scholar When it came to the food container in South Africa has received widespread such as poor innovation levels, lack of whose PhD aims to address the gaps in invention by DABUS, Thaler, assisted by backlash from intellectual property funding and lack of suitable infrastructure patent law created by AI inventorship, I Ryan Abbott of the University of Surrey, experts. The critics argued that it was the which is necessary to really capitalise on suggest that the decision is supported by decided instead to list DABUS as the incorrect decision in law, as AI lacks the the fourth industrial revolution. the government's policy environment in rightful inventor, as the invention was necessary legal standing to qualify as an Given the policy environment and the recent years. This has aimed to increase entirely devised by the AI. This was the inventor. vast potential of AI, the granting of the innovation, and views technology as a way start of their push for AI to be recognised Many have argued that the grant was patent makes sense. Perhaps this will turn to achieve this. as inventors the world over. simply an oversight on the part of the out to be a strategic masterclass by the Creativity machines The United States Patent and commission, which has been known in South African office which will lead to a Creativity machines can process and Trademark Office and the European Patent the past to be less than reliable. Many also much more innovative nation.

New Delhi countries during the year 2020- as to provide high quality coal India India exported 8 lakh tonnes of 21," it said. for use in various industries, coal to its neighbouring nations, Coal was exported mainly the country has no option but exports 8 including Nepal, in the fiscal year to Nepal 0.618 million tonnes to resort to import of coal, ended March 2021. (MT), followed by Bangladesh especially low-ash coal, it said. Of the said quantity, the 0.104 MT, it added. In FY'21, import of raw coal lakh tonnes maximum 77.20 per cent was "In spite of sufficient coal of the country was 214.995 MT exported to Nepal, followed by reserve, we have not been able valued at Rs 1,16,037.2 crore of coal to 13.04 per cent to Bangladesh, to meet our demand from our against import of 248.537 MT according to the Coal Ministry's own production. Moreover, valued at Rs 1,52,732.1 crore neighbouring Provisional Coal Statistics the supply of high-quality coal in 2019-20. 2020-21. (low-ash coal) in the country "Thus, in the year 2020-21, countries in "Although, there was had to resort to import of coal, has been limited," it added. import of coal decreased by short supply of coal in India India exported some quantity Therefore, to bridge the 13.50 per cent over the previous FY'21 compared to its demand and it of coal to its neighbouring demand and supply gap as well year," he said. 12 Mumbai, Thursday 12-18 August 2021 EdiTrack Across State Golden show in Tokyo

The stunning throw of 87.58 winning bronze to end a 41-year metres, with which Neeraj Chopra drought. The silver won by Ravi won the javelin throw gold at the Dahiya and Mirabai Chanu and the Tokyo Olympics, made Saturday bronze by PV Sindhu — the first India’s best day ever in their Indian woman to win medals in two Olympics journey — wrestler Bajrang Olympics — were just rewards of Punia had won bronze less than an great performances. hour before Chopra threw the javelin The most pleasing aspect of past 87 metres on his first two India's show was that the circle of attempts. Chopra’s medal, India’s India’s competitiveness expanded, if second gold in an individual event ever so slightly, in Tokyo. Aditi Ashok in all Olympics, took our haul from was in contention for a golf medal the Tokyo Olympics to seven. The until the very end; fencer Bhavani previous best was six at London Devi and Fouaad Mirza in equestrian 2012, while the previous individual impressed, too. All in all, the festival gold came in 2008, from shooter of sport went off pretty well, despite Abhinav Bindra. India’s shooters, India, but he was a British citizen — is an alarming surge in Covid-19 cases who went to Tokyo with high hopes, rightly being hailed as historic for it was in Tokyo. Crucially, the pre-Olympics returned empty-handed from their second won in a mainstream sport that demands horror scenario, as projected by Japan’s consecutive Olympics after medalling in a very high degree of athleticism, strength doctors and health experts, was averted. three Olympics in a row from 2004 — if and technical finesse. Before Chopra Over time, we’ll know the cost to Japan’s they had performed to potential, India's arrived on the scene, the hope of India economy for holding the Olympics during medal count would have passed 10. winning an Olympics track and field medal the pandemic. For now, let’s celebrate our Chopra’s gold, India’s first medal ever — let alone gold! — seemed an impossible and the world’s exceptional athletes. in athletics — Norman Pritchard won two dream. The performance by the hockey // satyasya paramaṁ nidhānam // We would like to hear from you. Please share your comments on silver at Paris in 1900 while representing teams was exceptional, too, with the men [email protected]

"Life is what happens when you're busy Mixing vaccines making other plans." -John Lennon Conclusive research needed to reassure people

A STUDY by the Indian Organisation (WHO) had Printer-Publisher & Editor In Chief Council of Medical Research said on July 12 that the (ICMR), released on Sunday, practice of mixing vaccines Sanjay Mangesh Bhaire Allied publication Across Mumbai has shown that giving was a ‘dangerous trend’ (Marathi & Hindi) people a shot of Covishield, since there was little data on Managing Editor followed by Covaxin as the record about its health impact. Suchita Bhaire second dose, is safe and Europe’s drug regulator, Editor improves immunity. The too, has not made any Sreeraj N. apex medical body has stated definitive recommendation on Legal Advisor that such a mixed regimen combining shots. Adv. Ameet Mehta will help to ‘overcome the The ICMR study won’t Special Correspondents challenges of the shortfall be enough to dispel doubts in K V Raman Vinod Raghavan of particular vaccines, and the people’s minds as long as Asha Gopalan Menon remove hesitancy’, especially the WHO keeps sounding a Chief Designer in settings where multiple that no recommendation expedite the vaccination cautionary note. The findings Vikram Jadav Covid-19 vaccines are being to mix the first and second programme. Mixing of must be reconciled with Cartoonist used. However, the ICMR doses of Covid vaccines had vaccines can give a fillip scientific evidence available Sunil Vinekar has hastened to add that been made by the National to the campaign, subject with the global health body. Photographers a multicentre randomised Technical Advisory Group on to validation of the ICMR With research to establish Ajit Raut Bhooshan Koyande control trial needs to be Immunisation or the National study at the international the safety or otherwise of carried out to conclusively Expert Group on Vaccine level. Several countries, mixing vaccines continuing, Contributors and Advertisements Satish Shetty prove these findings. The Administration for Covid-19. including Russia, Germany, it is not advisable to jump to Savita Tiwari study has come out days Though India has South Korea and Thailand, conclusions. The government J D Rodrigues after Minister of State administered over 50 crore are keen on switching to should take an informed Circulation Dept. for Health Bharati Pravin doses so far, supply delays different vaccines for second decision on the matter, Dinesh Gupta Suchit Kumar Saytonday Pawar, in a written reply and vaccine hesitancy doses or booster shots, even once it has sufficient data to in the Rajya Sabha, said have impeded efforts to though the World Health reassure the public. Across State Opinion Mumbai, Thursday 12-18 August 2021 13 Indigenous naval warship Retrospective tax Aircraft carrier tactically and operationally significant New legislation expected to allay investors’ fears

Proudly displaying the military operationally significant for an India might and defence engineering whose endeavours to become a world Adverse decisions by international for the Indian government last year, the capability of India in the high seas is the power are increasingly undermined arbitration tribunals in the cases of UK Permanent Court of Arbitration at The country’s maiden Indigenous Aircraft by China’s nefarious activities in the telecom major Vodafone Group and oil Hague ruled that India’s retrospective Carrier (IAC-1) that on Wednesday Indian Ocean region. Along with INS producer Cairn Energy have prompted the demand of Rs 22,100 crore as capital sailed out for rigorous trials to validate Vikramaditya (the aircraft carrier Union government to table the Taxation gains and withholding tax imposed on its efficiency. It marks an important acquired from Russia already in service Laws (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, Vodafone for a 2007 deal was in breach milestone for this vessel — which has since 2013) this new warship will enable seeking to nullify the retrospective tax of the guarantee of equitable treatment. been in the making for nearly 20 years the country to extend mobile air power — before it is commissioned in the in both the eastern and western seas provisions introduced in 2012. It’s a The protracted litigation has not only Indian Navy as INS Vikrant next year. simultaneously, spanning the waters welcome move that was long overdue, and been expensive and time-consuming but Behind this stellar accomplishment from the Gulf of Aden to the Malacca what proved to be the proverbial last straw has also dented India’s reputation as an that has catapulted India to the Straits, and help thwart any challenges was a French court’s order allowing Cairn investor-friendly destination. It is hoped stratospheric band of nations (the US, to its supremacy. For, this 40,000-tonne Energy to seize 20 Indian Government that the new legislation will usher in UK, France, China, Russia) equipped complex vessel is a beastly machine. assets in central Paris, including luxury a fair and predictable tax regime and with the expertise to manufacture such The IAC-1 is empowered to operate flats meant for the stay of visiting VIPs, to boost investors’ confidence, which is a a warship, it has been a relentless all- MiG-29K fighter aircraft, Kamov Ka- recover a part of $1.72 billion (arbitration prerequisite for bringing the country’s hands-on-deck effort. Credit goes to the 31 Airborne Early Warning Helicopters, award plus costs and interest) owed by Covid-battered economy back on track. designer and builder at the helm — the MH-60R Multi-Role Helicopters and New Delhi. India is ranked a middling 63rd on the Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval the domestically built Advanced Light Though the NDA government has been Ease of Doing Business index, way Design and the state-owned Cochin Helicopters. Shipyard Limited, respectively — for Experts have been urging the Central reiterating its opposition to retrospective behind other Asian nations such as successfully navigating the delays government for building another carrier taxation ever since it came to power in Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, UAE, and price escalations that threatened so as to offset the times when a warship 2014, it kept banking on arbitration for too Japan and China. Foreign investors have to rock the boat along the way. And, is undergoing a refit, given that China long, hoping against hope for favourable many options, and they won’t prefer in a heartwarming affirmation of the is armed with five carriers. While judgments to resolve the ‘legacy disputes’. countries where they are likely to face acceptance of women officers on board the response so far has been tepid, if On December 21, 2020, an arbitration uncertainty and intimidation on the for combat duties, the makers made sure and when the go-ahead comes, stress tribunal at The Hague pronounced its taxation front. The challenge for India to secure accommodation for them. should be on cutting the design and award in favour of Cairn Energy Plc and will be to optimally use the new law to The aircraft carrier is tactically and construction time of IAC-2 to half. Cairn UK Holdings Ltd. In another setback attract big-ticket investments.

The newly recast Union Cabinet has hit the ground running with farm laws during the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament, the a slew of confidence-building measures. During its first meeting, Centre has again reached out to the protesters and attempted to allay the Cabinet on Thursday approved a Rs 23,123-crore package for their fears. The move to bolster the APMC mandis through financial improving health infrastructure to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, support makes it evident that the existing procurement system and Best foot besides allowing Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) the MSP regime are here to stay. The government had launched the to utilise Rs 1 lakh crore financing facility under the Agriculture AIF last year with the aim of facilitating investment in viable projects Infrastructure Fund (AIF). With these decisions, the Union government for post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming has clearly zeroed in on its priority sectors: healthcare and agriculture. assets. These steps are intended to strengthen agriculture, the only forward The waning of the second wave of Covid-19 has given the Centre sector that had held its own during the Covid-induced nationwide breathing space to review and augment its pandemic preparedness lockdown last year. It is also heartening that the ongoing 2021-22 Govt reaffirms by plugging various gaps. The overarching objective is to ensure that rabi marketing season has witnessed a record procurement of wheat the authorities are not caught off guard and ill-equipped as and when — over 433 lakh tonnes so far. In view of these developments, the focus on the third wave hits the country. The action plan suggests that lessons time is ripe for the Centre and the protesting farmers to resume talks have been drawn from the nightmarish experience of the second wave, and end the stalemate. It’s worrying that no round of negotiations healthcare, when tens of thousands of people had died due to unavailability or has been held after the January 26 violence. The stakeholders should shortage of oxygen, ventilators, ICU beds and medicines. Even as not miss this opportunity to save agriculture from being crippled by agriculture the farmers have announced to intensify their agitation against the one-upmanship. 14 Mumbai, Thursday 12-18 August 2021 Across State India’s Olympic Medalists receive Hero’s Welcome, Felicitated by Sports Minister Success of Team India is a reflection of how New India aspires to dominate the world: Anurag Thakur

New Delhi We also had the first female sailor from India to qualify competitive sports and do India proud. It’s been an evening like no other in the national for the Olympics - Nethra Kumanan, first Indian fencer Several ‘Firsts’ and other highlights came out of Tokyo capital as our Olympic stars descended after their valiant from India to make it to the Olympics - Bhavani Devi, the 2020 for India, starting with Neeraj Chopra, who won the heroics in Tokyo. best place achieved by an Indian in Equestrian eventing - historic gold for India in athletics by throwing 87.58m at Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Shri Anurag Fouaad Mirza, the best-ever finish for Indian Rowers, the the men’s Javelin Throw final. Not only is this Independent Thakur felicitated the medalists, namely Neeraj Chopra, highest-placed finish by an Indian in golf by Aditi and a India’s first gold in Athletics at the Olympics but also the Ravi Kumar Dahiya,Bajrang Punia, Lovlina Borgohain national record was set in steeplechase by Avinash Sable. only medal ever by an Indian from Athletics. and the men’s national Hockey team, at a gala felicitation And let me add, the foundations of sports in India are firm; PV Sindhu became the only female sportsperson from program at the Ashoka Hotel in New Delhi today. Among under Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi’s leadership India, to win two successive Olympics medals – silver those present on the occasion to felicitate them also various schemes such as TOPs and Khelo India have at Rio 2016 and bronze in Tokyo 2020. Mirabai Chanu included Union Minister of Law and Justice Shri Kiren shown results ensuring podium finish. We will continue joined the legendary Karnam Malleswari to become the Rijiju; Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri to support our sports persons and we endeavour to make only second weightlifting medallist from the country and Nisith Pramanik; Secretary-Sports Shri Ravi Mittal, and India a sporting powerhouse, the Minister affirmed. the very first weightlifter to win the silver medal. Director-General, Sports Authority of India, Shri Sandip Shri Kiren Rijiju praised the performances of all the The Indian men’s hockey team, meanwhile, won Pradhan. athletes and reiterated that India will be a force to reckon their first medal in hockey at the Olympics since their Sports Minister, Shri Anurag Thakur said, “Tokyo with by the 2028 Olympics. “I am thrilled beyond words gold medal at the Moscow Olympics 1980, whereas the 2020 was an Olympic Games of many firsts for India. to share this space with our champion athletes today. India women’s hockey team entered the semifinals of The success of Team India at the Olympics is a reflection This is a historic event with India registering its best ever the Olympics for the first-time ever. The Tokyo Games, of how New India desires and aspires to dominate the performance in the Olympics. We have much to be proud which saw a record representation of 128 athletes from world…even in sports. The Olympic Games showed of, we have a hockey medal after 41 years and a first-ever India, also registered their highest tally of medals from us that with self-discipline and dedication we can be gold in athletics. And it's not just our medal winners, each any Olympics, which were 7 medals. champions. Team India excelled and inspired while athlete has put their best in Tokyo and I congratulate Ravi Dahiya became the second wrestler to win the Indians cheered and celebrated all around. Truly sports all of them. This is just the beginning because India's Olympics silver medal from the country, while Lovlina is a great unifier as our athletes come from villages and resurgence in sport is visible now and I am confident that Borgohain became the second female Olympics bronze cities, north to south, from east to west. Their journey is by 2028 Olympics India will be a force to reckon with,” medalist after the great Mary Kom, and the third Indian an incredible story of resilience and sporting excellence.” Shri Rijiju mentioned. boxer overall to win an Olympics medal. The other The Sports Minister further said that there were Shri Nisith Pramanik lauded performance of the Indian highlights of the games included Bhavani Devi, Nethra many firsts, a 128-member Indian contingent, 7 Olympic athletes in the Tokyo Olympics and said, you have made Kumanan and Aditi Ashok. While Bhavani became the Medals, our first Olympic gold medal in an Athletics India proud. Congratulating all the medal winners, Shi only fencer from India to make it to the Olympics since event, two successive medals in consecutive Olympic Pramanik added that Indian contingent has won 7 medals the sport was introduced, Nethra became the first female Games by PV Sindhu, a medal(bronze) won by the Indian in the Tokyo Olympics, highest so far in any Olympics. It sailor from India to qualify for the Olympics. Aditi Ashok, men's team in hockey after a gap of 41 years and a historic is an historic and memorable event which will be a great meanwhile, finished 4th in golf and registered the highest- entry to the semi-finals by the Women’s hockey team. source of inspiration for the coming generation to take up placed finish for any Indian in the sport at the Olympics. Across State Mumbai, Thursday 12-18 August 2021 15 PM releases 9th installment of PM-KISAN New Delhi cooking oil ecosystem. Government will The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra ensure that farmers get all the facilities, Modi released the next installment of from quality seeds to technology. The financial benefit under Pradhan Mantri Prime Minister pointed out that today, for Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) today the first time, India has reached among through video conference. The Prime the top-10 countries of the world in terms Minister also interacted with farmer of agricultural exports. The country has beneficiaries during the event. This set new records of agricultural exports enabled the transfer of an amount of more during the Corona period. Today, when than Rs. 19,500 crores to more than 9.75 India is becoming recognized as a big crores beneficiary farmer families. It was agricultural exporting country, it is not the 9th installment of the financial benefit right to stay dependent on imports for under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman our needs of edible oil. Nidhi (PM-KISAN). The Prime Minister remarked that the Addressing the gathering, the Prime small farmers are now being given utmost Minister talked of the sowing season years of independence. It is time to Rs 1,70,000 crore have reached directly priority in the agricultural policies of the and expressed the hope that the amount give direction to India's agriculture to into the accounts of rice farmers and country. With this spirit, in the last few received today will help the farmers. He face new challenges and take advantage about Rs. 85,000 crore have gone years, serious efforts were being made to also mentioned that the scheme of Kisan of new opportunities. He called for directly into the account of wheat provide convenience and security to these Infrastructure Fund with 1 lakh crore changes in the Indian agriculture farmers. small farmers. Under PM Kisan Samman rupees corpus also completes one year according to the demands of changing The Prime Minister reminded that Nidhi, Rs 1 lakh 60 crore has been given to today. The Prime Minister touched upon times. He lauded the farmers for record he urged the farmers to increase the farmers so far. Out which Rs 1 lakh crore initiatives like Mission Honey-Bee and production during the pandemic and production of pulses, when there was a were transferred to small farmers during making saffron from Jammu & Kashmir outlined the government’s measures to shortage of pulses in the country, a few the pandemic period. More than 2 crore in the NAFED shops. Honey mission has reduce the hardships of farmers during years ago. He said that as a result, there Kisan Credit Cards were issued during led to 700 crore export of honey resulting the difficult period. The Government has been an increase of almost 50 percent Corona persion, most of them to small in extra income for farmers. ensured uninterrupted supply of seeds, in the production of pulses in the country farmers. Such farmers will be benefitted Referring to the upcoming 75th fertilizers and access to markets. Urea in the last 6 years. by the agriculture infrastructure and Independence day, he said that apart was available throughout and when The Prime Minister highlighted connectivity infrastructure that is coming from being an occasion for pride it is prices of DAP increased manifold in the National Edible Oil Mission-Oil Palm up in the country. Initiatives like Food also an opportunity for new resolutions. international market, the government i.e. NMEO-OP as a pledge for achieving Parks, Kisan Rails and Infrastructure Fund We have to take this opportunity to immediately arranged 12000 crore self-reliance in edible oil. Today, when will help small farmers. In the year gone decide where we want to see India in rupees for that so that the load is not felt the country is remembering the Quit by, more than 6 thousand projects have the coming 25 years, he said. The Prime by the farmers. India Movement, on this historic day, this been approved under the Infrastructure Minister remarked that our agriculture The Prime Minister said the resolve fills us with new energy, he said. Fund. These steps increase the small and our farmers have a big role in government has made the biggest ever He said that through the National Edible farmer’s access to market and his determining the condition of India in purchase from farmers at MSP, be it Oil Mission-Oil Palm mission, more than bargaining power through FPOs, said 2047, when the country completes 100 Kharif or Rabi season. With this, about Rs 11,000 crore will be invested in the the Prime Minister. Nearly 72% of financial transactions of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) done through digital channels New Delhi digital banks at present. End-to-end automated digital Digital retail loan request life certificate online. Nearly 72% of financial The Minister further lending has been introduced initiation through digital (3) Initiation of digital transactions of Public Sector enumerated a number of steps in larger PSBs for unsecured channels has been enabled in all lending has been made Banks (PSBs) are now done that have been taken to facilitate personal loans (in five PSBs), the seven large PSBs, with retail contactless through through digital channels, with digital banking including, inter- loans to micro-enterprises disbursements from loan requests PSBloansin59minutes.com, customers active on digital alia: - (“Shishu Mudra”, in five PSBs) so initiated in the financial year using triangulation of credit channels having doubled from (1) Under the Public (FY) 2020-21 amounting to bureau, income-tax and goods 3.4 crore in FY2019-20 to 7.6 Sector Banks (PSB) EASE Rs. 40,819 crore; and services tax (GST) data, crore in FY2020-21. This was Reforms Agenda,— Customer-need-driven, to provide online in principle stated by Union Minister of State Enhanced access to analytics-based credit offers approval for loans to Micro, for Finance Dr Bhagwat Kisanrao mobile banking and Internet have been given an impetus, Small and Medium Enterprises Karad in a written reply to a banking has been enabled resulting in Rs. 49,777 (MSMEs), home loans, personal question in Rajya Sabha today. through an increase in the crore of fresh retail loan loans and automobile loans. The Minister stated, however, PSB average for the number disbursements by the seven (4) Online bill discounting that the license for banking of services offered (43), larger PSBs in FY2020-21. for MSMEs has been enabled is given by the Reserve Bank customer-friendly features (2) Government’s Jeevan on a competitive basis through of India (RBI) and RBI has (135) and regional languages and renewals of loans to micro, Pramaan initiative for pensioners onboarding of PSBs onto the informed that it is not considering available on the customer small and medium enterprises (in has enabled pensioners the Trade Receivables Discounting a separate licensing category for interface (8); three PSBs); facility to update their annual System (TReDS) platform. color

16 Mumbai, Thursday 12-18 August 2021 Across State Measures taken to curb food inflation and alleviate problems Revenue Deficit Grant of Rs.9,871 of common man due to COVID-19 New Delhi that the Government imposed crore released to 17 States The Government is taking stock limits on some pulses under New Delhi effective measures to curb the Essential Commodities Act, The Department of inflation especially food inflation 1955 in July 2021, which has Expenditure, Ministry of Finance keeping in view of the condition had a salutary effect in terms of has released 5th monthly of the people suffering from softening of prices. installment of Post Devolution coronavirus pandemic situation The Minister stated that Revenue Deficit (PDRD) Grant in the country. This was stated the Government eased import of Rs. 9,871 crore to the States by Union Minister of State for restrictions to enhance domestic on 9th August, 2021. With the Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary availability of Tur, Urad and release of this installment, a total in a written reply to a question in Moong and have also entered amount of Rs. 49,355 crore has Rajya Sabha . into MoUs with Myanmar, been released to eligible States as Enumerating more steps taken Malawi, Mozambique for pulses Post Devolution Revenue Deficit in Revenue Accounts of the a total Post Devolution Revenue by the Government to alleviate import. Basic import duty and Grant (PDRD) in the current States post devolution. The Deficit Grant of Rs. 1,18,452 the problems of the common Agriculture Infrastructure and financial year. Commission has recommended crore to 17 States in the financial man, the Minister stated that the Development Cess on Masur State-wise details of the PDRD grants to 17 States during year 2021-22. Out of this, an buffer stock of pulses have been have been brought down to zero grant released this month and 2021-22. amount of Rs. 49,355 crore used to tackle price volatility and 10% respectively. total amount of PDRD Grant The eligibility of States (41.67%) has been released so of these commodities. Pulses The Minister stated that steps released to the States in 2021-22 to receive this grant and the far. The States recommended from the buffer were used very were taken to soften the prices of is annexed. quantum of grant was decided by for PDRD Grant by the Fifteenth effectively during the COVID-19 edible oils and the duty on Crude The Post Devolution Revenue the Commission based on the gap Finance Commission are : Andhra pandemic for supplying @ 1 kg Palm Oil (CPO) has been cut, Deficit Grant is provided to between assessment of revenue Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, per household per month free of bringing down the effective tax the States under Article 275 and expenditure of the State after Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, cost to approx. 19 crore National rate on CPO to 30.25% from the of the Constitution. The taking into account the assessed Kerala, Manipur, Meghalaya, Food Security Act (NFSA) earlier 35.75%. Further, the duty grants are released as per the devolution for the financial year Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, beneficiary households between on Refined palm oil / Palmolein recommendations of the Fifteenth 2021-22. Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, April and November 2020. has been reduced to 37.5% from Finance Commission in monthly The Fifteenth Finance Tripura, Uttarakhand and West The Minister further stated 45%, the Minister added. installments to meet the gap Commission has recommended Bengal. Action Plan for effective and efficient inclusion of Homeopathy in Integrative care New Delhi in NPCDCS Program, Research studies in epidemic The Homoeopathy Education and Practice is diseases are being undertaken at Community level. regulated by the National Commission for Homoeopathy (II) Ministry of Ayush is implementing Centrally (NCH) Act, 2020. The said Act is having the provision Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission (NAM) for having interface between Homoeopathy, Indian in the Country through States / UTs for promotion system of Medicine and Modern system of Medicine to and development of all AYUSH systems including promote Medical pluralism. The NCH Act, 2020 also Homoeopathy. The State/UT Government has been provides provision for the State Government to take supported as per the provision of NAM guidelines for necessary measures to address various issues related development and promotion of AYUSH systems as to health including promotion of Public health through per the proposal received through their State Annual Homoeopathy. The NCH, Act, 2020 come in to force Action Plans (SAAPs). Under NAM, there is provision w.e.f. 5th July 2021. of financial assistance to the State /UT Governments Ministry of Ayush has undertaken following activities for various activities in general and specifically for for effective and efficient inclusion of Homoeopathy in integration of different systems of Medicine as under:- integrative care – National Programme for Prevention and Control of Co-location of AYUSH facilities at Primary Health (I) Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy Cancer Diabetes Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke Centers (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs) (CCRH) was established to undertake, coordinates, (NPCDCS) at two districts: Krishna (Andhra Pradesh) and District Hospitals (DHs). develops, disseminates and promotes scientific research w.e.f. Sept. 2015 and at Darjeeling district (West Bengal) Setting up of up to 50 bedded integrated AYUSH in Homoeopathy through its network of 24 Research w.e.f. February 2016 by co-locating 16 AYUSH Lifestyle Hospital. Centers and 06 Homoeopathic treatment Centers. disorder Clinics at District Hospital/Area Hospital/ Up gradation of State Government Under-Graduate CCRH is carrying out intramural research including Community Health Centre/ Block Primary Health and Post-Graduate AYUSH Educational Institutions. collaborative research with Institutes of excellence. Centre. The project was carried till 30.04.2021 Setting up of new AYUSH Educational Institutions Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) Further, CCRH has undertaken integrative studies including Homoeopathy in the States where it is not in collaboration with Directorate General of Health on Covid-19, acute encephalitis syndrome, Dengue, available in Government sector. Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Diabetes and its complication, Hypertension, Chronic This information was given by Minister of Ayush Shri Welfare, had taken up a pilot project and successfully low back pain and Cancer. In the area of Public Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply in Rajya Sabha . integrated Homoeopathy along with Yoga in the health, Homoeopathy along with Yoga was integrated color

Across State Mumbai, Thursday 12-18 August 2021 17 Sports Policy Should Aim to Promote Health, Joy and Team-Spirit ome of the most hearwarming memories of the recent Olympic SGames for India will remain of sportspersons from humble backgrounds overcoming very heavy odds to perform very well at the biggest international sports event. Whether their hard work and perseverence resulted in medals or not, the great effort they put in won widespread admiration. The most obvious example is that of the women’s hockey team of India which gave such a splendid performance and displayed such a spirit to fight back in difficult conditions. Most hearwarming was the bonding and the team spirit of our hockey players. This also brought back memories of the great Indian team effort in the 1983 Cricket World Up when Kapil Dev led a team of less acknowledged talents who displayed great comraderie and spirit to come back fighting from impossible situations to defeat acknowledged champions and emerge victorious in the end. Profiles of several Indian women hockey players in the recent Olympics reveal that they grew up in conditons of great economic hardship and sometimes social discrimination as well. They had early in morning every day for training. No tapped for their potential in gymnastics. In takes away the real joy of sports. There is to practice in conditions where basic less touching it is to know that when their particular encouragement should be given an urgent need to move away from such facilities and equipments were lacking, hard work resulted in some initial success, to those team sports like football which do an approach and instead come back to the and they were even deprived of essential including jobs and cash rewards, their first not require expensive equipment. basic aims of sports of promoting health, nutrition. One brilliant woman player priority was to help their parents. There should be adequate space for joy and team spirit. had to initially train at a place which No doubt such experiences are not playing in cities and villages, paticularly Excessive competitiveness and required trainees to carry the daily supply unique to India and talented players of for school-children. Where schools are excessive linking of sports to medals at of milk to the training center, so that they several developing and poorer countries somewhat cramped, arrangements for prestigious sports events can ultimately could have a nutrition drink after the hard share such difficulties and experiences. linking them to adequate open spaces for prove counter-productive as far as training. This girl often did not even have However such difficult conditions also playing should be made. There should be realization of true aims of sports is this meager supply of milk at home, so provide them the grit and determination special emphasis right from early training concerned. These can result in some she mixed whatever little milk she had at needed to overcome very difficult days on team sports and encouraging team moments of euphoria and celebration of home with water so that she could save situations, as displayed for example by spirit. We need trainers and sports schools course, but these can result in even more face and say that she too had brought her some atheletes, wrestlers and weightlifters which are sympathetic to the aspirations of heartbreaks and deep dissappointments. quota of milk. Some of these girls often from India, apart from hockey players. sports students from weaker sections and The message to our young sportspersons faced taunts when they put on their sports The sports policy must focus more provide them very encouging conditions. should be—go out in the field happily and dresses and went for practice. Arranging on encouraging the talent existing among Complaints of budding sportspersons, without feeling any burden, do your best essentials like good quality sports shoes poorer communities, including tribal particularly girls, facing problems at and enjoy every moment of your game. was often a problem. This is true for and dalit communities as well as small training instititions have been received If in the process you also win medals and many players who represented India in farmer communities. Those belonging from time to time and strong efforts should trophies, most welcome, but if you do not several games and events at the Olympics. to fisherfolk and boatmen communities be made to minimize the various reasons fetch medals or trophies, as long as your Their parents and siblings made sacrifices should in particulr receive encouragement which lead to such complaints. effort is great and you play with team to somehow save the pennies for their and training for aquatics, swimming, There has been a tendency all over spirit, you are still equally welcome and eqipment, dress and training. rowing sports while talent of adivasis the world to relate sports development will get the same encouragement. Above As one player’s home did not possess should be identified for training in archery. and training to winning more medals and all, always play with the true spirit of a clock for some time, her mother would We have several communities in our trophies. In some authoritarian countries sports, never cheat and never turn unduly remain awake for much of the night to country with great skills in acrobatics. this has been taken to absurd lenghts. violent. Sports should always promote ensure that her daughter would leave home They as well as some circus artists can be This may result in more medals but often friendship, never hostility. 18 Mumbai, Thursday 12-18 August 2021 Across State UN agency report documents worldwide impact of climate change

he latest report issued by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Monday Tmorning goes beyond all previous global scientific documents to definitively link human industrial and agricultural activity to climate change, and to link climate change to specific weather events like recent droughts, heat waves, storms and flooding. Some 234 scientists summarized the results of more than 14,000 separate studies, but the language of the report is stripped of the usual bureaucratese that afflicts agencies of the United Nations, mainly to conceal conflicting class and national interests. In part, that is because this report is confined to the physical evidence of climate change and avoids any discussion of the social consequences or policy proposals—both are set for reports to be issued next year. Nonetheless, the language is much stronger than previous IPCC studies. The summary for policy makers declares, “It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land. merely general, but concrete and specific. If there is upcoming conference of 197 nations in Glasgow, Widespread and rapid changes in the atmosphere, not a concerted, systematic and global response to the Scotland in November, the next stage in an endless, ocean, cryosphere and biosphere have occurred.” dangers, there will be more frequent and ever larger and fruitless, process that included the Paris accords They go on to warn, “Human influence has such disasters. in 2015, in which the same countries pledged to warmed the climate at a rate that is unprecedented In part, the prospect of greater weather extremes take voluntary action to limit the rise in world in at least the last 2000 years,” adding, “Observed at both ends of the spectrum—drought and storms— temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius above the warming is driven by emissions from human relates to a simple physical relationship. The higher preindustrial level. The conference led to no concrete activities…” the temperature of the air, the more water vapor it can improvement and was followed by the US withdrawal “Evidence of observed changes in extremes such accommodate and store. Rainfall can be heavier, but from the accord under the Trump administration, as heatwaves, heavy precipitation, droughts, and also, droughts can be longer and more severe since headed by a scientific ignoramus and mouthpiece for tropical cyclones, and, in particular, their attribution water is diverted elsewhere. the fossil fuel industries who called claims of global to human influence, has strengthened,” the report An atmosphere 1.1 degrees hotter than in warming a Chinese plot. The replacement of Trump by continues. the preindustrial era already produces disastrous Biden allows the reestablishment of a superficial global The report notes that from 1850 to the present, changes in rainfall, heat waves and snowstorms. consensus, which will duly be ratified at Glasgow human activity has raised the average temperature of The 1.5-degree rise that is inevitable will have through some diplomatic patchwork. But no assembly the globe by 1.1 degrees Celsius, mainly through the further consequences. A rise by 2 degrees, let alone of capitalist nation-states is capable of actually dealing burning of fossil fuels like coal, gas and oil. 3 or 4, would mean catastrophes on the order of the with the existential threat of climate change, whatever A further increase of 0.4 degrees, bringing the total German and Chinese floods taking place every week the rhetoric of Biden and his climate envoy, John Kerry, rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, will take place over the or every day. Added to this is the disproportionate the former senator and secretary of state (and apologist next decade, regardless of what policy measures are impact of global warming on the polar regions, the for American imperialist violence and aggression). adopted. It is the inevitable consequence of emissions Arctic and Antarctic, and especially the huge glacial Climate change is a global threat, but it is of carbon dioxide that have already taken place, as formations there, which, once melted, cannot be easily inextricably bound up with the development of the well as other processes that are now in the past. reconstituted under conditions of a warming planet. capitalist system. It is not industrial development The report is strongest when it applies new The objective data is absolutely irrefutable: carbon itself—as the IPCC report implies—that is the cause developments in data modeling, satellite measurement dioxide in the atmosphere reached a seasonal high of the climate crisis, but the development of the and attribution science (establishing causal links) to of 419 parts per million this year, the highest in two productive forces under the aegis of the capitalist ruling give regional and even local accounts of the impact of million years, based on the fossil record. class, on the basis of private profit and the nation-state climate change. For example, the United States was Many of the consequences of global warming are system, that has given rise to the disaster now facing divided into Western, Central and Eastern portions, already irreversible, at least on a scale of decades. humanity. each considered separately and as parts of the global Increased ocean temperature and acidity have already Dealing effectively and rationally with climate whole. killed off massive swaths of the world’s coral reefs, change can no more be left to the world’s financial Unlike the last such report, issued in 2013, this while sea levels have steadily risen one inch every aristocracy than dealing with a global pandemic. Both IPCC document directly links climate change to decade for more than a century. require the mobilization of the only social class that such events as the recent flooding in Germany and Catastrophes on a truly global scale, such as the will defend all that is progressive in modern science Belgium, the heat dome over the Pacific Northwest, disintegration of the Greenland or Antarctic ice caps, and technology, while abolishing the irrational, droughts and wildfires in the western US and the or the breakup of the Gulf Stream, are on the horizon exploitative and monstrously self-destructive social eastern Mediterranean, and the increasing frequency if there is not significant change in the trajectory of relations of the profit system. That means the and intensity of hurricanes and cyclones. climatic processes. international working class, under the leadership of The alarm being raised by the scientists is thus not The new report sets the framework for an the world party of socialist revolution. Across State Mumbai, Thursday 12-18 August 2021 19 We Have Reached Our Climate Tipping Point: It’s Up to Us to Tip It Back ne of the best-known features action on climate change by about a factor of the Amazon rainforest is that of five, give or take. So how on earth are Oit is, well, wet. But increasingly we going to do that? Only if we can find researchers are wondering how much and trigger some really strong reinforcing longer that will be true. About three decades feedbacks, and hopefully, they’re so ago, disquieting research began suggesting strong, they’re almost like these tipping that the twin effects of deforestation and point dynamics where a little nudge can climate change could cause the South certainly tip the rest of the population to American forest to tip. The forest would change.” shift from lush, wet, and dense to a drier, We see the kind of behavior that more savanna-like landscape. Lenton is referring to on a much smaller It’s a transformation that’s more than scale when fashion styles change and aesthetic. suddenly everyone is wearing the same For roughly two centuries, the Amazon style of jeans, or when certain words, such has acted as a buffer, protecting us from famous by its exaggerated role in the irreversible…or both. as racial slurs, or behaviors, like sexual some of the worst effects of carbon dioxide blockbuster film The Day After Tomorrow, “Because there’s so much bundled harassment, that were once normal become pollution. In a good year, it absorbs up to 2 may be closer to collapse than earlier into this concept, we try to focus more taboo. We also see this in the climate billion tons of climate warming emissions studies have suggested—as early as next on specific defined elements like abrupt space. The report points to the way the a year. But over the past few decades, century rather than 300 years down the change, or irreversibility, and less on this UK transitioned to an energy sector that it’s had fewer good years. Deforestation, line. The circulation is a system of ocean sort of really bundle of things that are is now 43% renewable first by subsidizing to clear the Amazon to grow soybeans currents that brings warm water from the called tipping points,” said Kopp. investments in renewable energy, which led for cattle feed or for animal pasture, has tropics to the northern Atlantic and sends Maisa Rojas Corradi, the director for to renewable energy eventually becoming made drought in the region worse, and cold water back to the tropics. The process the Center for Climate and Resilience cheaper—even without subsidies—than the drying wetlands release nitrous oxide, helps to distribute heat and energy across Research at the University of Chile and coal. And these tipping points aren’t a greenhouse gas. The burning that often the planet contributing to the climate coordinating lead author on chapter I of limited just to technologies, but also to accompanies land clearing also releases we’ve become accustomed to. Its collapse the IPCC 6th Assessment Report, added social movements, like Fridays For Future, greenhouse gas emissions while also would upend, among other things, the that even though you won’t find the phrase the climate movement begun by Greta creating black carbon, a soot-like product West African monsoon, a seasonal rainfall “tipping point” frequently in the document, Thunberg, or the Sunrise Movement, that attracts heat, warming things up critical to the West Africa’s farmers. the emphasis on these kinds of lower which helped propel forward the Green even more. As the Amazon moves from It does so by shifting the way ocean likelihood but high-impact outcomes are New Deal and make climate a subject rainforest to savanna, a process researchers currents move such that the Gulf of in the report nestled in the risk assessment presidential candidates had to address in call savanafication, instead of absorbing Guinea, which borders countries including section. this most recent election. climate pollution it will release it. The Nigeria, Cameroon, and Benin, warms up. As for Lenton, he says there’s another “Friday’s For Future and the other new, Amazon would begin to heat up the planet. “In some of the models the Gulf of Guinea kind of tipping point that people should largely youth-led climate movements are In fact, a recent study in the journal Nature will suddenly warm up like three degrees,” consider. Our fate, to borrow from the a classic example of just social tipping found that the heavily deforested eastern said Lenton. “Now that is a big problem movie The Terminator, is what we make. dynamics that have been described since part of Amazonia has already tipped. It for the monsoon because the monsoon There’s a certain amount of warming that the 1980s,” said Lenton. now emits more carbon than it absorbs. relies on the land heating up more than is now locked in because of the nature of After the IPCC report was released, The Amazon is not the only system that the ocean. And that’s why it kind of breaks the climate system: it’s like trying to halt a Friday’s for Future tweeted, “With the latest can tip, creating a reinforcing cycle that the monsoon.” large vehicle. But how much worse things #IPCC Climate Report, we must remember makes climate change even worse. Given the potentially catastrophic will get—that is up to us. our power. Every fraction of a degree “In the climate, or bits of the climate impacts of climate tipping points, it might So how do we change the systems matters and we must fight harder than ever. system, sometimes just a little bit of seem surprising that the report released and the behaviors that are leading us to Join the movement.#UprootTheSystem.” extra warming can cause abrupt and/or by the United Nations Intergovernmental catastrophe? Lenton looks into this with Kendra Pierre-Louis is a climate irreversible change,” said Tim Lenton, the Panel on Climate Change makes only a co-author Simon Sharpe in a recent paper reporter and contributing writer to Sierra. director of the Global Systems Institute handful of references to tipping points. that contains a somewhat unusual phrase She currently works for Gimlet, the at the University of Exeter who has been The report, created by a global panel of for a climate study: “plausible grounds podcasting company, and co-host of How sounding the alarm on climate tipping scientists, is the first of four to be released for hope.” to Save a Planet. Previously she was points since 2008. between now and early 2022 and is focused “I’m basically saying, look, we’ve got a climate reporter with The New York His 2019 comment published in Nature on the physical science underpinning plenty of evidence that tipping point-type Times, a staff writer for Popular Science noted, for example, that should a part of a climate change. The choice to limit the changes happen in human society and in (PopSci) where she wrote about science, West Antarctic ice sheet collapse it might use of tipping points was intentional, their relationship with technology as well the environment, and, occasionally, bring the rest of the ice sheet with it. The according to Bob Kopp, director of the as with ecology, and have done so in the mayonnaise. In addition, her writing ice sheet would topple like dominoes, Rutgers University Institute of Earth, past,” said Lenton. “For good, or ill, we’ve has appeared in FiveThirtyEight, The eventually causing sea level to rise by Ocean & Atmospheric Sciences and author had this rapid transition from horse drawn Washington Post, Newsweek, Modern close to 10 feet. of the report’s Summary for Policymakers. carriages to motorcars in the 1900s in the Farmer, and Slate. Kendra is also the Similarly, new analysis suggests that And it goes back to the ways in which US, for example. We know that there are author of the book, Green Washed: Why the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Lenton described what a tipping point these reinforcing feedbacks in societies. We Can’t Buy Our Way to a Green Planet. Circulation, the ocean system made is—a change that could be very fast, or And we know that we need to accelerate 20 Mumbai, Thursday 12-18 August 2021 Across State Cinema plays an important role in showing nationalism: Akshay Kumar Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar then I don't see any problem in that. I feel Though cinema halls in many parts believes the unsung heroes of the country it shouldn't be less, if it is more than it is of the country have reopened with 50 deserve praise for their service, which ok. They deserve praise. per cent capacity, Maharashtra, which he says is the highlight of his upcoming It is not that he enjoys playing unsung contributes a major chunk to the overall release "Bell Bottom". heroes more in cinema, said the actor, business of Bollywood, continues to In the 1980s-set spy thriller based on who averages three to four movies a year. remain shut. true events, the 53-year-old actor plays I enjoy every space. I have played this But for Kumar, the bigger joy is the an intelligence agent with codename man who stands in support of women in arrival of Bell Bottom on the big screen. 'Bell Bottom' who spearheads the mission Toilet: Ek Prem Katha' and Padman', an "It's been two years and we haven't to rescue 210 hostages from a hijacked out-and-out comedy role in Houseful' and seen anything in theatres. It's about time Indian plane then played a transgender in Laxmii'. So, that people come to watch movies but Asked if unsung heroes are the new I have not restricted myself to playing with necessary protocols as suggested face of nationalism via movies, Kumar particular kinds of roles. by the government. We just hope it never said, "Cinema does play an important For "Bell Bottom', the actor said, closes down again, he said, adding, role in showing nationalism." he has tried to make the character a bit he hopes cinema operations resume in "It is essential that we tell everyone glossy to make it entertaining for the Maharashtra too. about these people who do so much for audience. His other film "Sooryavanshi", a cop the country, the risk they take. I am glad The film is about this mission and drama, is still awaiting theatrical release I got the opportunity to be part of 'Bell how these men saved the lives of several since March 2020 but Kumar said there Bottom' which is about an unsung hero," people. These undercover agents are very is nothing much that he can do in the the National Award-winner told PTI in normal people. They are not like James current scenario. an interview. Bond, they do things in a very raw and "We don't know what is going to "Bell Bottom" joins the long list of real manner. happen. I don't have any answer. I am Kumar's films which blends high octane Like, my character is not someone not the only one facing this difficulty, stunts, synonymous with the actor's jumping from one building to another. everyone in the industry is. There are action star status, and patriotic fervour Since, this is a real story, things are done so many people who are facing such big following titles like Holiday , Baby , in a logical way. But we have tried to difficulties and my difficulties are nothing Airlift , Kesari , and Mission Mangal . make it a little big and commercial (by in front of them." With this film, I would like the adding some fantasy). However, 80 per The actor also has films like period audience to see and understand the life cent of the story is real, Kumar added. drama "Prithviraj", musical romance of an agent, who are unsung heroes and Bell Bottom happens to be the first "Atrangi Re", action comedy "Bachchan how they work selflessly for the country film to be shot amid the pandemic Pandey", comedy drama "Raksha without expecting anything in return. last year and Kumar is grateful to the Bandhan", and action-adventure drama And how he goes unnoticed. It is a great producers for shooting the film during "Ram Setu" in the pipeline. life and people should know about them. COVID-19 in the UK. "'Prithviraj' is ready and if all goes Asked about his views on nationalism, "We didn't face any difficulty. The well then it should release during Diwali," the actor said, What I believe about credit goes to the producers to take the Kumar shared, without divulging details nationalism I show it onscreen through crew of more than 200 people to shoot about his other movies. films and that is what I want to say about over there but with all the necessary Directed by Ranjit M Tewari and nationalism. protocols. They took the risk to do written by Aseem Arrora and Parveez As the contribution of many heroes something unbelievable, he said. Shaikh, Bell Bottom also stars Lara goes unnoticed, it is imperative they are It is also the first Hindi movie to Dutta, Vaani Kapoor, Huma Qureshi, celebrated through films, he added. release on August 19 in 3D and 2D after and Adil Hussain in key roles. The film They are the unsung heroes and even the second wave of the coronavirus is produced by Pooja Entertainment and if there is more glorification being shown, pandemic. Emmay Entertainment.

Legendary British director and backed by 20th Century Studios and Scott. producer Ridley Scott, known for films "The Last Duel" follows a man who Ridley like "Gladiator" and "Blade Runner", will goes to war (Damon) and returns to receive the Cartier Glory to the Filmmaker discover that his friend (Driver) has raped Scott to be award at the 78th Venice International Film his wife (Comer). No one believes the Festival, the festival organisers said on woman, and the soldier appeals to the awarded Monday. king of France, saying he wants to fight a The Venice International Film Festival duel to the death to decide the man's fate, will be held on the Lido from September 1 becoming the last legally sanctioned duel in Glory to the to 11. France. The award, which was previously place on September 10 in the Sala Grande Alberto Barbera, Director of the Venice Filmmaker sponsored by Jaeger-LeCoultre, is at 9.15 pm, before the 'Out of Competition' Film Festival, said throughout his amazing "dedicated to a personality who has made screening of his new film, "The Last Duel", and prolific career, which counts just short prize at a particularly original contribution to the starring with Matt Damon, Adam Driver, of 30 films completed with astonishing contemporary film industry". Jodie Comer, and Ben Affleck. frequency, Scott has demonstrated his Venice Film According to the organisers of the The movie is described as "a gripping ability to navigate the most disparate genres festival, also called La Biennale di Venezia, tale of betrayal and vengeance set against with ease, injecting new lifeblood into each Festival the award ceremony for Scott will take the brutality of 14th century France". It is one of them. Across State Mumbai, Thursday 12-18 August 2021 21 When Big B 'fluffed' his lines during a college play!

New Delhi lined up for our curtain call. Amitabh's infidelity, motherhood, commitment, the held high. Amitabh Bachchan "fluffed his lines" head is bowed, looking steadfastly at ecstasy and the heartbreaks. "It feels wonderful that my life has while performing a play during his Delhi the floor". She describes in detail how she was found its way onto the page. It's taken University days and had among others his According to Bachchan, it was roped in as casting director for "Gandhi" me eight decades of living, forty years mother Teji as audience that day. "because he'd fluffed his lines, and his and how she was also the unit publicist of sifting through memories, and finally Veteran theatre personality Dolly mother had come to watch". and PR liaison. Arghya Lahiri (the book's co-author), to Thakore recalls this in her memoir Thakore bares it all in her memoir Among other characters, distill it all into a book." "Regrets, None", which looks at the which is full of wit, humour and candour. Thakore writes how director Richard According to Swati Chopra, worlds of glamour, fashion, theatre, film The book follows her life and career - Attenborough wanted Rohini Hattangadi executive editor at HarperCollins India, and advertising from the 1960s till today. growing up in Delhi and an assortment to lose about 11 kg to play the role of "Dolly is a feminist 'foremother', who Thakore, who studied at Miranda of Air Force stations, getting her start in Kasturba Gandhi. has lived her life completely on her House, says she remembers Bachchan, theatre in college, her time in London, She also mentions how Naseeruddin own terms, as an uncompromising equal an alumnus of Kirori Mal College, as involvement with social issues, casting Shah was keen on playing Gandhi and to the men in her life, and by being as "being shy and laconic, a well-mannered, for "Gandhi" and filming it across Attenborough's willingness to cast him unflinchingly honest to her own truth very tall and very thin young man". India, working in radio, television and as Jawarharlal Nehru. Finally "Richard as possible". During the annual play once, they advertising while returning always to her said 'no' to Naseer playing Gandhi. "Regrets, None", Chopra says, both performed in Benn Levy's "The first love, theatre. Naseer, in turn, said 'no' to Nehru," describes a woman who "takes whatever Rape of the Belt". She played the role Thakore brings alive another era - the Thakore writes. life throws at her on the chin, and of Antiope, the Queen of the Amazons, glitz, the glamour, the struggles in her Thakore says her life has been an draws from her inner strength, skill and and Bachchan played Zeus. book, published by HarperCollins India. open book and she has always shared resourcefulness at every point to forge She remembers a "photo of all of us She speaks candidly about love, sex, her choices and decisions with her head her own unique path".

Mumbai the 2010 romance drama "Guzaarish", starring Hrithik Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Monday Roshan and Aishwarya. celebrated 25 years in the film industry and said he has In his 2007 romance drama "Saawariya", Bhansali Sanjay Leela Bhansali enjoyed making movies "every minute" of his journey launched two new faces belonging to film families -- in Bollywood. Bhansali, who has emerged as one of Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor Ahuja. the biggest filmmakers of the country in the last two He then recreated Shakespeare's tragic romance completes 25 years in decades, made his directorial debut with the 1996 drama 'Romeo and Juliet' on screen in 2013's "Goliyon Ki "Khamoshi: The Musical". The film featured Manisha Raasleela Ram-Leela" with Deepika Padukone and Koirala, Salman Khan, Nana Patekar and Seema Biswas. Ranveer Singh, before changing gears to period dramas Bollywood, says 'still It was, however, the 1999 romantic-drama "Hum Dil De like "Bajirao Mastani" (2015) and "Padmaavat" in 2018. Chuke Sanam" which got him nationwide acclaim. The The special anniversary video ended with the quote of a long way to go' film, featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Salman and the 58-year-old director. Ajay Devgn, brought out his penchant for larger than "I have enjoyed every minute of making films these life storytelling through a star-studded cast, memorable 25 years... And still a long way to go," he said. ballads and lavishly mounted sets. The official account Apart from direction, writing and production, Bhansali of Bhansali Productions took to Twitter and shared a has also worked as an editor and music composer on some montage of his films, chronicling his Bollywood journey of his films. through his work. "Each passing day has been an onset of In his career, the director has bagged four National a new beginning. A journey of a thousand miles wouldn't Film Awards for his work in "Devdas", "Black", "Bajirao have been possible without each one of you. "As we Mastani' and his last directorial, "Padmaavat". celebrate #25YearsOfSLB, we relive every moment of Bhansali has also backed Akshay Kumar's actioner curating these handmade films just for you. Thank you "Rowdy Rathore" and "Mary Kom", the Priyanka Chopra- for being a part of this incredible journey," the tweet led 2014 biopic on the Olympic bronze medallist boxer, read. Post the success of "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam", which won a National Award in the best popular film Bhansali helmed acclaimed blockbuster dramas like the providing wholesome entertainment category. 2002 remake of "Devdas", starring Shah Rukh Khan, The filmmaker is currently gearing up for the release of Aishwarya, and Madhuri Dixit Nene; megastar Amitabh his upcoming drama, "Gangubai Kathiawadi". The film is Bachchan and Rani Mukerji-starrer "Black" (2005), and headlined by Alia Bhatt and is awaiting a theatrical release. 22 Mumbai, Thursday 12-18 August 2021 Sports Across State Messi's arrival at PSG would give coach tactical headache Paris for 222 million euros ( 261 million) from which includes Neymar, France's World Neymar on the left and Mbappe playing If Lionel Messi does become the latest Barcelona in 2017, or Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Cup star Kylian Mbappe, Copa America through the middle in his preferred center star to help Paris Saint-Germain's quest to brazenly self-promoting presentation by match-winner Angel Di Maria and forward's role. Messi has played in this role win the elusive Champions League, coach the Eiffel Tower in 2012. sharpshooter Mauro Icardi? many times at Barca. But while the 4-3-3 Mauricio Pochettino must work out the They never won a Ballon d'Or, let alone Mbappe cost 180 million euros ( 212 also offers greater security in midfield, best way to accommodate him in a top- the record six Messi has. million) and netted a career-high 42 goals there's no place for Di Maria. heavy attack. The soccer great's staggering tally last season. The club paid 50 million euros 4-2-3-1: This time Di Maria takes his Messi bid a tearful farewell to of 672 goals for Barca includes an ( 59 million) for Icardi. He showed his place on the right flank with Messi playing Barcelona on Sunday. At the same time, extraordinary 50-goal season in 2012; 96 finishing skills on Saturday night in PSG's behind Mbappe in a playmaker's role and PSG was in talks with his team trying to league goals and a remarkable 133 overall league-opener a 2-1 win at Troyes and has Neymar again attacking from the left side. finalize a deal to sign him amid reports across 2012 and 2013; eight Spanish 34 goals in 64 games for PSG. Great on the eye but a two-man midfield Messi had flown to Paris on Sunday for league and six Champions League scoring Icardi looks certain to fall behind in the likely Marco Verratti and new signing a meeting. titles. pecking order and could even be sold or Georginio Wijnaldum would make PSG Talk of Messi's imminent arrival led Not to mention four Champions loaned to take some weight off the club's vulnerable to counterattacks. several hundred PSG fans to wait outside League trophies with Barcelona, a record huge wage bill. 3-5-2: Possibly the best option with Le Bourget airport, to the north of Paris, 91 goals in a calendar year for club and Pochettino needs to decide whether to Messi pushing up front alongside Mbappe, which is often used by PSG and the country, and a Copa America title with use Di Maria in a four-man attack at the and Neymar using his slick probing and national team. Argentina. risk of unbalancing midfield. PSG showed passing playing behind them. Verratti and Messi would become the biggest star to Even Messi's age he's 34 will have last season and in the way it conceded a Wijnaldum would get welcome support arrive at Parc des Princes since cash-rich little impact on the huge anticipation that soft goal from a corner against Troyes that in the middle. But this formation would Qatari owners QSI took over the club 10 his arrival would generate within French it needs protection at the back. once again be at the expense of Di Maria, years ago. soccer and beyond. Here's a look at possible PSG tactical who was arguably PSG's best player last Messi's arrival would surpass even the But where is Pochettino, a fellow formations with Messi in the side: season along with Mbappe and goalkeeper fanfare of Neymar's world-record signing Argentine, going to play him in attack 4-3-3: Messi on the right of attack, Keylor Navas.

New Delhi The camp will be conducted under a the squad immediately after finishing The national football team's camp will be secured bio-bubble adhering to the laid- their club commitments in the continental Indian held in Kolkata after 15 years when initial down health parameters in wake of the tournament. 23 probables assemble at the 'City of Joy' current COVID-19 pandemic situation. The "I am very happy to meet with my football on August 15 to prepare for next month's contingent will also be undergoing regular players again and get ready for the upcoming international friendlies. testing. challenges forward together," Stimac said. team's camp The training sessions will start from National team head coach Igor Stimac "We wish both the Indian clubs good August 16, the AIFF said in a statement. has named an initial list of 23 probables, luck and hope they do well in the AFC Cup. to return to This will be the first time Blue Tigers' leaving out players from ATK Mohun Meanwhile, we need to check on the rest camp will be held in Kolkata as they Bagan and Bengaluru FC owing to the two of the players who will kick-off the camp assembled here for training way back in club's commitments in the AFC Cup in the with us next week, and choose the best ones Kolkata after 2006 ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qualifier Maldives. until the rest of the players join us," added 15 years against Saudi Arabia. Players from both clubs will be joining the Croatian. Across State Get Set Go... Mumbai, Thursday 12-18 August 2021 23 Opposition bowlers only need a few good balls to get England batsmen out: Boycott London He has stickability but his lack of Former captain Geoffrey Boycott has strokes hurts him. He cannot rotate the slammed the England batsmen for showing strike, so if he cannot move his score lack of patience and technique in the drawn along, and the team's score, then he first Test against India. creates enormous pressure on himself. Boycott feels some of the batsmen can't "Burns is like Sibley. First innings resist the temptation of poking at the ball he lasted five balls. It was a repeat of when it is not meant to be hit and said too previous dismissals. He started his much focus on one-day cricket is adding front foot forward on the wrong side of to their struggles. the ball and then realised he had picked Skipper Joe Root was only England the wrong length," said Boycott. batsmen who made an impact in the Then came the turn of Jos Buttler series-opener, scoring 109 and 64 in his and Dan Lawrence. two innings. "I don't know what to say about Dan "I recently bumped into Graham Gooch Lawrence. It is just footwork with him. and we chatted about England's batting. They have to find someone else. He summed it all up by saying: Fiery, if balls because they know batsmen will soon "The talk is all about strike rates but "Jos Buttler is a sad tale. In the first bowlers keep it tight for four balls, then be tempted to play a big shot." for Test match cricket that is a load of innings he got nought off 18 balls and you know our batsmen will have a go at England's batsmen had also struggled rubbish. If you can't defend, then top could have been out about seven times. the fifth and sixth deliveries and there is in the preceding home series against New bowlers in Test match cricket with a His footwork and judgement were every chance they will get themselves out," Zealand. newish ball will find your weaknesses. non-existent, but it is not surprising Boycott wrote in The Telegraph. "We supporters are disappointed when What is the point of having a range because he has not played any four- "The culture of cricket has changed. they look to attack all the time, but we of eye-catching strokes if you can't day matches. Many of us batsmen love playing shots should not be surprised, because that is stay in? That is the root cause of his "Many of our batsmen don't get and because of the diet of one day cricket, the type of cricket they have been taught problems." enough preparation before Tests with modern players are pretty good at it, but at county level. He also had a go at opener Rory proper county cricket. it is their defensive technique that lets "Look at Zak Crawley. He is Burns and Dom Sibley. "I don't think our administrators them down. symptomatic of the problem. Over the last "Not just former Test players but understand how difficult it can be to "It might sound unfashionable because number of years young batsmen have even club players look at Rory Burns transfer the mental approach and way of franchise leagues to talk about staying been taught to whack the ball because and Dom Sibley and think they can of batting from trying to hit every ball in and being defensive but, like Goochie there are so many one day matches," do better. to the different tempo and technique said, teams only have to bowl a few good lamented Boycott. "Sibley is the opposite of Crawley. required for Test matches," he added. Fewer medals, more heart for US at a most unusual Olympics "We spent a ton of energy on creating an environment the Games, the USOPC introduced new mental-health Tokyo where people could be heard, and feel safe to be heard, offerings and created a new athlete-service division first Kara Winger is the American record-holder in the said Sarah Hirshland, who came on as the CEO of the U.S. as a nod to the fallout from the sex-abuse cases, then as a javelin throw who just wrapped up her fourth Olympics. Olympic and Paralympic Committee in 2018. resource to help athletes cope with a yearlong delay and She has never finished higher than sixth place. When She was tasked with repairing the damage from the COVID pandemic. Their offices stayed busy over the she got the call over the weekend telling her she would sexual-abuse cases that led athletes to wonder if they were 17 days in Tokyo. In the end, COVID-19 knocked out only be carrying the flag Sunday for the United States at the valued for more than simply what they won. four of the 600-plus athletes officially named to the team, closing ceremony of the Tokyo Games, her first reaction If Winger as flagbearer is one sign that the USOPC has a remarkable logistical challenge in a pandemic that came was "shock." "I expected tweets with people saying What made some headway, then Simone Biles gets credit for with its share of stumbles and critiques. Some athletes who has she done?'" Winger said. making sure the message stayed front-and-center despite worked all their lives to get to this point were bitter that Turns out, an awful lot over a career that has spanned the hectic, pandemic-tainted run-up to an Olympics. they couldn't share the trip with friends, family or fans. two decades. That the American athletes chose her as The willingness of the highest-profile athlete at the That was largely a decision by local organizers that flagbearer is a fitting lens through which to view the U.S. Games to step away because it didn't feel right, and to left the USOPC with limited options. Still, Hirshland accomplishments at these Games. The Americans won 113 place her personal welfare over victory for herself and and the rest of the federation leaders are bound to hear medals, which, for the fifth straight Summer Games, was country, was startling at first. Much more than costing their fair share of critiques if not about Tokyo, then about double-digits more than the nearest competition. It was, medals, what Biles did was re-center the focus. As the what lies ahead. The Beijing Games start a scant 180 however, eight fewer than what they won five years ago Olympics moved into their second week, all but the most days from Sunday's closing act in Tokyo. Much as the in a Rio de Janeiro Olympics with fewer events. cynical observers started celebrating athletes for winning USOPC was forced into playing a lead role in changing When the athletes voted for Winger to represent them, bronze or nothing even if they were picked to win gold. the outlook on the IOC's rule banning demonstrations, it they tapped into the core message resonating inside a "These are not the USOPC's medals, these are the will be pressed by some to boycott those Games as a sign fractured, fractious U.S. Olympic family over the last few athletes' medals, Hirshland explained as the Biles decision of protest of China's much-criticized human-rights record. years: The medals shouldn't matter more than the athletes was still reverberating. That was part of what Hirshland The federation almost certainly won't go down that road, who win them. Or sometimes not matter at all. pitched as a new outlook for the USOPC. Leading up to but the questions will persist. color

24 Mumbai, Thursday 12-18 August 2021 Last Page Across State HC quashes Maharashtra government’s decision to hold CET for Class XI admissions

Maharashtra’s SOP committees headed by respective reopens. classes in two sessions. The school for schools: Panels to collectors of districts have been tasked All school teachers and staff have timings should not be of more than three with taking a decision keeping in view been asked to undergo RTPCR test 48 to four hours and there should not be decide on reopening, the Covid situation in the area. more than 15-20 students in each class at all teachers to be The SOP states that schools should a given time. The SOP states that schools be started only in those villages and can stagger the time for classes. vaccinated cities where the number of Covid cases All teachers need to be vaccinated „„ Mumbai has seen a substantial decline over the and local authorities must take steps The Maharashtra government on past month. to ensure that they get their doses. Tuesday came out with a detailed SOP for School management has been asked Teachers have also been asked to avoid schools, which will reopen from August to commence a “Back to School” using public transport while travelling to 17. campaign to let students know that school. The SOP also states that parents Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad schools will be restarting. The SOP of students should not be allowed to step had last week announced that offline states that physical attendance should into school premises to stop crowding. classes will commence in rural areas for not be made compulsory and schools Schools in the state were closed from students of Classes 5-8, and in cities for need to take consent of parents before March 2020 since the pandemic started students from Classes 8-12 following asking their wards to physically attend and classes are being held online. Covid-19 protocol. classes. Schools in states like Punjab, The state government has directed The schools have also been asked to hours before the reopening of the school. Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka setting up of a four-member committee be equipped with digital thermometers The SOP states that only one student and Tamil Nadu have reopened recently. headed by Municipal Commissioners in and sanitisers. The district administration be allowed to sit on a class bench with Maharashtra presently has 19,997 Mumbai, Mumbai Suburban and Thane has been directed that if quarantine minimum six feet distance between two secondary and higher secondary schools, to take a decision on reopening schools centres have been set up in schools, they benches. Schools with a high number in which over 45 lakh students study in in their respective jurisdiction. Similar need to be shut down before the school of students have been asked to conduct Classes 8 to 12.

Printed, Published and Owned by Mr. Sanjay Mangesh Bhaire. Printed at Somani Printing Press, Gala No.4, Amin Industrial Estate, Sonawala Cross Road-2, Near Jawahar Nagar Fatak, Goregaon (East), Mumbai- 400063 amd published at B/s, Mangal Murti, Goregaon Subhash Nagar Co-op. Hsg. Soc.,Near Sanskardham College, Goregaon (West), Mumbai- 400 104. Editor- Sanjay Mangesh Bhaire Phone : 022-49719932 Email: [email protected]