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THE LARGEST CIRCULATED ENGLISH DAILY IN SOUTH INDIA CHENNAI I SATURDAY 19 I DECEMBER 2020 WEATHER STATE | 3 WORLD | 5 SPORT | 7 Max: 30OC Min: 23OC CM Edappadi to hit Biden backs son Hunter India lead by Rainfall: Nil campaign trail today after tax probe revealed 62 runs ASTROGUIDE Sarvari: Margazhi 4 deccanchronicle.com, facebook.com/deccannews, twitter.com/deccanchronicle, google.com/+deccanchronicle Vol. 16 No. 264 Established 1938 | 8 PAGES| `3.00 Tithi: Panchami Star: Avittam ■ POLL SCENE HOTS UP Rahukalam: Talk about end of MSP biggest lie, ready to discuss all issues: PM 9 am to 10.30 am Yamagandam: 1.30 pm to 3 pm Kamal hits back at PRAYERS Modi trains guns on Opposition Fajar: 5.07 am Zohar: 12.09 pm CM with I-T taunt Asar: 3.19 pm DC CORRESPONDENTS “The (Opposition) par- TN Oppn goes on NEW DELHI/BHOPAL, DEC. ties are pained today. They G BABU JAYAKUMAR | DC Maghrib: 5.45 pm 18 are asking themselves how CHENNAI, DEC. 18 Isha: 7.01 pm Modi could achieve what hunger strike in SUNSET TODAY 5.47 PM Prime Minister Narendra they couldn’t do in all this Makkal Neethi Maiam pr- time. They are worried SUNRISE TOMORROW 6.26 AM Modi launched a scathing esident Kamal Haasan con- attack on the Opposition Modi will get credit. My support of farmers tinued his onslaught on MOONRISE TODAY 10.32 AM for “peddling lies” to mis- reply to them is -- you keep Chief Minister Edappadi K. MOONSET TOMORROW 10.23 PM lead farmers on the new the credit. I don’t want DC CORRESPONDENT Palaniswami through Tw- agricultural reform laws, credit. I only want farm- with agency inputs itter, asking ‘who is the ‘Big which have triggered ers’ lives to improve. Stop CHENNAI, DEC. 18 Boss’ of the highway con- CORONA nationwide protests, and misleading the farmers.” tractor, from whose house said he was ready “with The PM has in most of his The DMK-led opposition in Income Tax officials recov- C UNT folded hands” to “discuss recent speeches tried to Tamil Nadu on Friday ered Rs 170 crore recently.’ was impelled to speak dis- every issue” with the explain that the laws embarked on a day-long Peeved by Mr Palanisw- paragingly against Mr CASES DEATHS farmers and allay their brought by his govern- hunger strike in support of ami’s snide remarks agai- Haasan after the actor- fears. ment are for the farmers’ farmers demaning the nst him, his films and the politician turned aggres- Addressing a “kisan sam- good. But on Friday, he Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the farmers of repeal of the three laws Bigg Boss reality show on sive against the govern- (+26,786) (+338) melan” (farmers’ confer- addressed the farmers Madhya Pradesh, in New Delhi, on Friday. — PTI enacted by the Centre Thursday at a press meet in ment as the latter has been 1,00,04,620 ence) at Raisen, Madhya directly as part of his gov- recently. Ariyalur, Mr Haasan ret- trying to ride the political 1,45,167 Pradesh, via video-confer- ernment’s big outreach While DMK president M. orted immediately through wave on an anti-corruption encing on Friday, the PM amid protests on the high- K. Stalin led the fast at a tweet: ‘happy to know plank, portents a scenario covid19india.org claimed the measures ways near Delhi by thou- Solution likely by new Valluvar Kottam here, that the Chief Minister in which the AIADMK were discussed by every sands of farmers. A num- Puducherry Chief Minister watches Bigg Boss.’ could be hauled over the STATE GOVERNMENT BULLETINS government over the past ber of senior ministers are and Congress veteran V. Later in the night, he coal by too many parties. two decades, and that the part of this outreach. Narayanasamy headed the tweeted lines from a iconic For, On Thursday itself, (+1,134) talk about Minimum Emphasising the need year, says farm minister agitation in the neighbour- MGR film song titled Naan Mr Stalin also sang a few Support Price (MSP) end- for reforms, Mr Modi said ing Union territory. Anaiital from the film En- lines from the same ‘Naan TN :8,04,650 11,954 ing with the new laws “is Indian farmers should not SANJAY KAW |DC was ready to give a writ- Mr Stalin said the opposi- gal Veetu Pillai, which ref- Anaiital’ song that Haasan the biggest lie ever”. lag behind the world in NEW DELHI, DEC. 18 ten assurance that the tion bloc was extending sol- ers to people falling at oth- tweeted at a meeting while “These laws were not facilities. “Today I want minimum support price idarity to farmers who ers’ feet for their own bene- making a reference to the WORLD CONFIRMED CASES brought in overnight. In to expose those who have With negotiations (MSP) and mandi system were taking forward the fit and calling them as Chief Minister. the past 22 years, every absolutely no care or gen- between the farmers’ will continue. He said: protests to “protect their shameless individuals. Mr Haasan picking up 7,56,33,879 government, every state uine concern for you -- unions and the Centre “We have constantly been life”, even as he questioned The lines quoted end with lines from an MGR film to has discussed these in our annadaata (farmers). locked in an impasse, holding discussions with the ‘haste’ with which the a vow to ‘finish the game of strike back gives the elec- DEATHS detail. Farmers’ groups, I want to caution all those agriculture minister farmers’ unions... laws were enacted. He the gang’ by the singer, who toral battle a new dimen- agricultural experts, econ- who are being misled, Narendra Singh Tomar Overall, our effort is to termed the farm laws “anti- says that his time would sionas the harsh verbal omists, scientists and pro- instigated in the name of on Friday said the govern- reach a solution through people” and against the come to do that. Interestin- exchanges till now had 16,74,511 gressive farmers have these farm laws,” he ment was hopeful of dialogue with them. We ryots. “Farmers have been gly, Mr Palaniswami, as pa- been confined to the ones COUNTRIES, called for reforms. Parties added. Mr Modi said the resolving the farmers’ are still open for talks… I protesting (outside Delhi) rt of his broadside against between Mr Palaniswamy AREAS WITH opposing these laws today “three biggest lies” agitation over the three hope through dialogue we for 23 days as of today. We Mr Haasan, had mentioned and DMK president M.K. CASES 218 promised these reforms in spread by the Opposition new farm laws before the can move towards reach- have been extending our that songs in MGR films Stalin. worldometers.info their manifestos,” Mr parties were that the new new year and was contin- ing a solution.” support to them through had meaning to run down All these points to the Modi said. farm laws would pave uing its informal dialogue Asked about his recent various protests but today's the movies of Mr Haasan. dawn of a colourful election “If anyone has any con- way for discontinuance of with various groups to remark that he would hunger strike has been He said unlike MGR’s so- campaign, supported by Amid growing rebellion cerns, then with our heads the existing system of defuse the crisis. engage with “genuine” undertaken to express soli- ngs, the lyrics of Mr Haas- social media channels dish- bowed and our hands fold- minimum support prices; Speaking to a news farm leaders, the minister darity on behalf of the an’s film songs lacked me- ing out visuals, music and in TMC, Shah on two-day ed, with humility, we are closure of “mandis” and agency, Mr Tomar reiter- said: “When I say gen- Secular Progressive aning and the families that juicy recollections from the willing to discuss with the loss of agricultural ated that the new laws uine, I mean those who Alliance,” Mr Stalin, also watched his films faced the past, and even top political visit to Bengal them and assuage their lands due to the contract were beneficial for farm- are really concerned leader of opposition, said in prospect of ruination. leaders showing no Kolkata: Home Minister Amit fears,” he added. farming provision. ers and the government about farmers.” ■ P4 his address. ■ P3 That the Chief Minister restraint in muckraking. Shah will arrive in Kolkata on Friday night on a two-day visit to Bengal and take stock of HATHRAS CASE the BJP's affairs and activities in the districts, ahead of 2021 India’s Covid caseload assembly elections. Amid a growing rebellion in the ruling TMC, speculation is rife that CBI files chargesheet against Suvendu Adhikari, who quit edges close to 1 crore the party and gave up cabinet portfolios in the Mamata New Delhi, Dec 18: India's 95,20,827, pushing the SC notice to Kunal Banerjee government, may Covid-19 caseload rose to national recovery rate to four for gangrape, murder join the BJP along with a slew 99.79 lakh with 22,890 new 95.40 per cent. The Covid-19 of disgruntled leaders. Centre’s move in infections being reported in case fatality rate stands at New Delhi, Dec. 18: The court in Hathras, the recorded by it. Kamra, Rachita Taneja a day, while total recover- 1.45 per cent. CBI on Friday filed a agency has slapped Indian The findings submitted Re-opening of schools in WB attack on ies crossed the 95 lakh- The Covid-19 active case- chargesheet against the Penal Code (IPC) sections by the CBI have left red in contempt cases mark, according to the load remained below four four men accused of the pertaining to rape, mur- faced the top officials of Karnataka to be federalism: AAP Union Health Ministry's lakh for the 12th consecu- gangrape and murder of a der and gangrape apart Uttar Pradesh Police who New Delhi, Dec. 18: The data updated on Friday. tive day. There are 3,13,831 19-year-old Dalit woman from those under the had claimed that no evi- Supreme Court issued decided today New Delhi, Dec. 18: With 338 more fatalities, active cases in the country in a village in Hathras dis- SC/ST (Prevention of dence of rape was found in show-cause notices to stand- Delhi Chief Minister and the death toll reached which comprise 3.14 per trict of Uttar Pradesh, offi- Atrocities) Act against the forensic tests. up comedian Kunal Kamra Bengaluru: A decision on re-open- Aam Admi Party (AAP) 1,44,789, while the total cent of the total caseload, cials said. four accused men from the Uttar Pradesh’s Addi- and cartoonist Rachita ing of schools in Karnataka would convener Arvind Kejriwal Covid-19 cases mounted to the data stated. After nearly two months village, they said. tional Director General Taneja on Friday for their be taken at a high-level meeting on Friday accused the 99,79,447, the data updated India's Covid-19 tally had of probe, the agency con- The maximum sentence (Law and Order) Prashant alleged scandalous tweets on Saturday, officials said on Centre of blatantly inter- at 8 am showed. crossed the 20 lakh-mark cluded in its final report in the above charges is Kumar had said, “The against the apex court. Friday. The meet would be fering in the West Bengal The number of people on August 7, 30 lakh on that the accused — capital punishment. The report of the FSL has A bench of Justices Ashok attended by Chief Minister of the administration, saying its who have recuperated from August 23 and 40 lakh on Sandeep, Ravi, Luv Kush agency has based its find- come. It says clearly that Bhushan, R.S. Reddy and state B S Yediyurappa and move to transfer police the disease surged to September 5. — PTI and Ramu — allegedly ings on the dying state- samples did not contain M.R. Shah sought response Primary and Secondary School officers in the state was an gangraped and murdered ment of the woman in semen. It makes clear that from both in six weeks on Education Minister S Suresh “assault” on federalism. the woman when she had which she is understood to there was no rape or gan- the notices issued in two Kumar, the officials said. “I condemn the Centre's gone to the fields to collect have named the accused, grape”. The ADG had also separate cases. blatant interference in the India, China agree to continue work fodder on September 14 in besides scientific and claimed that the woman in It, however, exempted them Biden advisor Cedric Bengal administration. her village Bhulgarhi, forensic evidence collect- her statement to police from personal appearances Encroaching on the rights they said. ed by the CBI and state- "did not mention rape but in the cases. Richmond tests positive of states by attempting to towards complete disengagement soon In its findings submitted ments of witnesses and the talked about “'maar-peet' “Issue notice returnable transfer police officers to before the competent victim's family members (beating) only”. — PTI within Six weeks. The con- for coronavirus Centre just before elec- DC CORRESPONDENT LAC in the Western Sector temnor-respondent not to Wilmington: One of President- tions, is an assault on fed- NEW DELHI, DEC. 18 at the earliest” and noted appear in person,” the elect Joe Biden's closest advisors eralism and an attempt to that the 7th and 8th rounds bench said in its order tested positive for the coronavirus destabilise," Mr Kejriwal A satisfactory resolution on of Senior Commanders passed in a plea against on Thursday, according to his tweeted. the ground to the situation meetings held recently “had Man lynched over cattle theft suspicion Kamra. transition team. Louisiana Rep. The Trinamul Congress in the Ladakh sector also contributed to ensur- Similar order was passed Cedric Richmond, who is set to government in West between deployed Chinese ing stability on the ground”. Patna, Dec. 18: A 32-year- seen untying a buffalo arrested. The accused we- by the bench in the plea resign from Congress to join the Bengal led by Mamata and Indian troops still At the 20th meeting of the old man was lynched to from a cattle shed in the re arrested based on a against Taneja. incoming Biden administration as Banerjee is strongly remains elusive despite sev- Working Mechanism for death, on Wednesday , wee hours of the morning. statement by the victim’s The top court in its two a senior adviser, tested positive opposing the Centre's eral rounds of talks at the Consultation & Coord- over suspicion of cattle He was admitted to hospi- mother. The victim was orders noted that Attorney two days after travelling to move to send three IPS diplomatic and military ination on India-China theft at Phulwarisharif, tal, in the afternoon, whe- from a slum near Patlipu- General K.K.Venugopal has Atlanta to attend a campaign rally officers, who were respon- level in the past several Border Affairs (WMCC) near Patna, in Bihar. re he passed away. tra railway station in Pat- given his consent to initiate that Biden headlined for sible for the security of months. Nevertheless, held on Thursday between Phulwarisharif police said There was reportedly na. contempt proceedings Democratic Senate candidates BJP chief J.P. Nadda dur- India and China on Friday the two sides at the diplo- all the accused have been another person, with Ala- Another case of lynching against both the comic Jon Ossoff and the Rev. Raphael ing his recent visit to West decided to “continue to matic level, it was “agreed arrested. mgir, who managed to over suspected cattle theft artists in separate cases. Warnock. Bengal, on central deputa- work towards ensuring to maintain close consulta- The victim, Muhammad escape. Six people were had occurred in Phulw- Venugopal had granted tion on account of alleged complete disengagement in tions at the diplomatic and Alamgir, was beaten for named in the complaint, arisharif in 2015. consent for initiation of dereliction of duty. —PTI all friction points along the military level”, several hours after he was all of whom have been — Agencies criminal contempt proceed- COUNTER POINT ings against Kamra, saying the comedian’s tweets were in “bad taste” and it was time that people understand Mobile phones now have longer reach than missiles: Rajnath that attacking the apex court brazenly would Chandigarh, Dec. 18: video conference. “As ● “The enemy can now reach people to these dangers and save ed to national security and attract punishment. Apparently referring to times change, the nature ourselves from wrong and privacy. These included The attorney general had the impact of social media of threats and wars is also even without crossing misleading information the popular TikTok and also given consent to initi- on conflicts between changing. In the future, the border. So, every- and save others too, and WeChat apps. ate criminal contempt pro- nations, Defence Minister other security-related one should play the festivals like this can play The defence minister ceedings against Taneja, Rajnath Singh on Friday issues may come before a key role in this,” he said, said this year’s edition of stating that the caricatures said the reach of the us.” role of a soldier. We urging literary figures to the festival was special as posted by her on social mobile phone now is big- He added that conflicts should remain alive to make use of their talent to the country is observing media were intended to den- ger than that of a missile. are gradually becoming these dangers” the full for this. the 50th year of 1971 India- igrate the Supreme Court Addressing the annual “comprehensive” in the The defence minister did Pakistan War. and lower its authority in Military Literature manner never imagined —RAJNATH SINGH, not specifically refer to Mr Singh said there are the eyes of the public. The Festival here, Mr Singh earlier. China. But in recent many veterans around consent of either the attor- warned that different Possibly alluding to the Defence Minister months, since the standoff who fought that war and ney general or the solicitor kinds of security threats power of social media and between the two sides urged the youth to learn general is necessary under may emerge in the future. mobile apps, he said, missile,” the defence min- without crossing the bor- began at the Line of Actual from them. He asked them Section 15 of the Contempt “This event is important “Today the range (marak ister said. der, and urged everyone to Control, India has banned to follow in the footsteps of of Courts Act for initiating from another point of kshamta) of a mobile has He added that the enemy play the role of a soldier. several Chinese mobile soldiers who are living leg- contempt proceedings view,” he said through crossed even the reach of a can now reach people even “We should remain alive apps, citing concerns relat- ends. — PTI against a person. — PTI CITY pg DECCAN CHRONICLE | SATURDAY | 19 DECEMBER 2020 | CHENNAI 2

SHORT TAKES Positivity rate falls below 2 per cent in state Naval pilots awarded ‘Wings’ at INS Rajali `49.6 lakh worth gold seized by air Covid tests to be conducted customs DC CORRESPONDENT CHENNAI, DEC. 18 in 161 city college hostels

The customs officials at the DC CORRESPONDENT “The Chief minister has should be no compromise the new infections, the Chennai airport seized 972 CHENNAI, DEC. 18 instructed us that there on testing. So we are con- total number of positive grams of gold worth `49.6 lakh ducting extensive tests in cases stood at 8,04,650, and arrested a person. The health department should be no compro- markets, public places and while 7,82,915 people have Based on intelligence, will conduct extensive mise on testing. So we contact of Covid-19 been cured of the infec- Safiullah Abdul Wahith (34) & screening tests for Covid- are conducting exten- patients. Due to this effec- tion, it said. The positivity Sahabtheen Sahubar Sathik (34) 19 in the 161 hostels of 97 sive tests in markets, tive work, the mortality rate in the state was below of Ramanathapuram who colleges under the Greater public places and con- rate has now come down two per cent. As many as arrived from Dubai by FlyDubai Chennai Corporation tact of Covid-19 to 1 per cent’, he said.’’ 75,347 samples were tested flight FZ8517 were intercepted (GCC) limits. patients. Due to this He added that college by RT-PCR while over 1.33 at exit. On personal search two Health secretary J. effective work, the authorities have been crore specimens have bundles of gold paste(one from Radhakrishnan said that mortality rate has now instructed to provide take- been tested so far. Among each) weighing 211 grams were GCC collected over 6,000 come down to 1 per away food service or to the new cases, Chennai recovered from rectum which samples from students in cent,” healty secy said deliver food in the hostel recorded the highest of yielded 182 grams of 24 k purity colleges and hostels with- rooms. 341, followed by gold valued at Rs. 9.4 lakh on in the city limits following Out of 6,344 samples col- Tamil Nadu on Friday Coimbatore (115) and extraction and the same was the cluster of Covid-19 lected so far, 210 tested recorded 1,134 new cases Chengalpattu at 69. seized. cases on the IIT-Madras positive. As many as 2,361 of coronavirus and 12 The active cases stood at In another case Rawther (44) campus. ‘’We have decided samples are being related deaths, taking the 9,781. Perambalur saw no of Chennai who arrived from to conduct intensive processed and results are overall tally to 8.04 lakh new cases on Friday, while Dubai by Flight Indigo 6E-66 screening across the hos- awaited. Samples have and total fatalities to 10 districts saw single- was intercepted at exit. On his tels in the upcoming 15 been collected from across 11,954. Recoveries out- digit fresh infections. All Eleven officers of the Indian Navy were awarded the prestigious “Wings” by personal search one 49 gram days. If new clusters are the 15 zones that are under numbered new infections, 12 deceased, including an Rear Admiral Puneet Chadha, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding Tamil Nadu & gold cut bit valued at Rs. 2.50 reported anywhere, exten- the control of the GCC. with 1,710 being cured of octogenarian, suffered Puducherry naval area during a special passing out parade (PoP) conducted to mark lakh was recovered from his sive tests will be conduct- “The Chief minister has the virus, according to a from different comorbidi- the graduation of the 95th Helicopter Conversion Course (HCC) at Naval Air Station, pant pocket. ed,’’ he said. instructed us that there government bulletin. With ties, it said. INS Rajali, Arakkonam on Frday. The PoP was organized adhering to all laid down Further, three bundles of gold Covid-19 safety norms and social distancing. The officers of 95th HCC underwent rig- paste weighing 810 grams were recovered from rectum which orous flying and ground training for 22 weeks at the Indian Naval Air Squadron 561, yielded 741 grams of 24 k purity ‘Resumption of the Helicopter Training School (HTS). — DC gold valued at Rs. 37.7 lakh on extraction. 790 grams of gold normal train valued at Rs. 40.2 lakh was Man found recovered from him and he was services not 5-member family arrested. In three cases, 972 grams of gold valued at Rs. 49.6 hanging inside lakh was seized under Customs yet decided’ Act. Further investigation is New Delhi, Dec. 18: saved from slavery well near under progress. The railways on Friday said it is not possible to DC CORRESPONDENT Valliappan had received Sriperumbudur provide a definite date CHENNAI, DEC. 18 Rs 1,000 from his employ- Panel to probe for the resumption of er five years ago and the DC CORRESPONDENT normal train services Five members of a family, family was forced into CHENNAI, DEC. 18 irregularities in and pointed out that it employed as bonded slavery. has seen an 87-per cent labourers at They were paid a menial A 23-year-old man’s body computer instructor drop in the earnings fr- Thirukazhukundram in wage of `150 a week and was found hanging om the passenger segme- Chengalpet district, were were exploited day and inside a well in Keevalur nt so far this year, com- rescued on Friday by the night in the work. village near appointments pared to the last year. authorities of the Their movement was Sriperumbudur on DC CORRESPONDENT Addressing a press co- revenue department in restricted and not allowed Friday morning. CHENNAI, DEC. 18 nference, Railway Board the district and the to leave the facility dur- The police identified Chairman VK Yadav sa- volunteers of ing family functions and the deceased as The Madras high court has id so far in the current f- International Justice festivals. The labourers Dhanasai Kumar, a appointed Justice ‘Zero violation junction’ introduced near Spencer Plaza in the city . — DC iscal, the railways' earn- Mission (IJM). reported verbal and phys- native of Bihar. He came N.Authinathan, a retired judge ings from passenger rev- According to sources, a ical abuse at the work- to Chennai a few months of the Madras high court as a enue have been `4,600 team of officials led by site,” said a source. back and resided with one-man commission to con- crore and estimates sh- RDO Lakshmi Priya The rescued labourers his friends in a rented duct a thorough enquiry into ow that by March 2021, inspected Vilagam village underwent medical place in Keevalur vil- the allegations of irregularities the figure is expected to in Thirukazhukundram checks in the lage. Police said he in the conduct of online exami- Traffic police launch rise to `15,000 crore. taluk early on Friday. A Thirukazhukundram recently got a job at a nation for selection to the post Yadav said the railwa- family of five, Valliappan taluk office. They will be private company in the of computer instructor grade-I ys is currently operating (38), his wife Malliga (30) sent back to their home. suburbs. (PG cadre) in three centres in 1,089 special trains, whi- and three children were Rehabilitation and other The incident came to the state, made by the aggrieved ‘zero violation junction’ le the Kolkata Metro is rescued after five years of important necessities like light on Friday morning, candidates, and submit his running 60 per cent of bondage. an Aadhar card, ration after his roommates report to the court by February DC CORRESPONDENT CoP Mahesh- Agarwal has asked inspec- its services, the Mumbai Based on a tip-off from card, etc, will be given, found him hanging 1, 2021. CHENNAI, DEC.18 tors of all police stations suburban is running 88 an NGO that a family was sources said. inside a well near their Passing orders on a batch of kumar Agarwal has in Chennai to inform the per cent trains and 50 forced into slavery, the Based on the complaint house. Police said, while petitions from the aggrieved In order to reduce traffic asked inspectors public about the project in per cent of the Chennai Chengalpet revenue offi- by the officials, the the others had gone to candidates, Justice V.Parthiban congestion in Chennai, of all police the next phase. suburban services are in cials and the local police Thirukazhukundram night shift on Thursday made it clear that barring these the traffic police have stations in Chennai The traffic police and operation. Yadav said conducted a surprise police launched a search night, Dhanasai Kumar three centres, the authorities introduced a new scheme law and order wing are senior railway officials inspection rescuing them. for their employer. stayed back. are at liberty to go ahead with called ‘Zero violation to inform the involved in the surveil- are closely monitoring Police said it primarily the appointments of the select- junction’. The scheme public about the lance. A fine of up to Rs the situation and nor- According to sources, a team of appears that the victim ed candidates from other 116 focuses on prevention of project in the next 500 will be imposed imme- mal train services will officials led by RDO Lakshmi Priya had committed suicide. centres and in that process, driving without helmet, phase diately for traffic viola- be resumed "slowly" in a The body of the they should ensure that none of travelling without wear- tions. The police will give phased manner inspected Vilagam village in deceased has been sent the candidates from the disput- ing seat belt, talking on Spencer signal, Anna advice about the scheme if Yadav, however, said Thirukazhukundram taluk early on to the Sriperumbudur ed three centres should be cell phone while driving, Memorial Curve signal, motorists enter into an the loss in the passenger government hospital for favoured with the appoint- jumping the signal and Thiruvanmiyur signal argument. segment will be over- Friday. A family of five, Valliappan post-mortem. A case has ments. crossing the white fort. and Madhavaram round- The police have warned come from the earnings (38), his wife Malliga (30) and three been registered by the To that extent, the petitions, In the first phase, the about signal. that driving licence will through freight, which Sriperumbudur police challenging the entire recruit- project has been imple- Chennai police commis- be revoked if a person is expected to cross last children were rescued after five and investigations are ment shall stand dismissed, the mented at Anna Road sioner Maheshkumar repeats the offence. year's figures . — PTI years of bondage on. judge added. Alleging various irregulari- ties in the conduct of the online examination, N.Sriranjini and five others filed the present Environment department official petitions to quash the final selection list for the direct Tourism badly hit this year in Nilgiris recruitment of computer suspended over corruption charges instructors grade-I (postgradu- B. RAVICHANDRAN | DC here in 2019 was 29.72 ate cadre) and conduct re-exam- DC CORRESPONDENT The DVAC also seized OOTY, DEC. 18 lakhs, this year up to mid- NO DEARTH OF MAN-ANIMAL ination for all the candidates CHENNAI, DEC. 18 unaccounted cash of March, it was 4.54 lakhs who appeared for the examina- `1.37 crore, including Tourism was the worst hit 2 20 and from September till tion conducted by Teachers A superintendent of the `88,500 in cash, from in the Nilgiris this year WRAP-UP date, it is a little over one CONFLICT DURING LOCKDOWN Recruitment Board on June 23 environment department Pandian's office in due to the pandemic. lakh. and 27, 2019. in Chennai accused of Panagal Maligai. The offi- While all the summer things changed for the This explains the pathet- B. RAVICHANDRAN | DC In November, the The judge posted to February possessing `1.37 crore of cer also moved unac- shows and autumn shows worst for the travel and ic tale of tourism here as OOTY, DEC. 18 2, 2021, further hearing of the unaccounted cash and 3 counted cash of `37 lakh were cancelled with clo- tourism industry as the the pandemic took its toll forest department case. kg gold, was suspended under fixed deposit and sure of tourist spots, government ordered clo- on tourism. The pandemic and lock- initiated a project from his post on Friday. owned 3,343 grams of sil- stakeholders said that the sure of all tourist spots Tourism stakeholders down in no way contri- of studying the wi- The Directorate of ver and diamonds worth tourism industry incurred here from mid-March, claimed that the loss buted to lessen incidents of Vigilance and Anti- `5.4 lakh. heavy losses this year. resulting in the cancella- incurred by the tourism man-animal conflict in the ld elephants mov- Corruption (DVAC) raid- He also bought proper- The electric vehicle tion of the summer horti- industry was around sev- Nilgiris. While there were ing in the human ed multiple premises ties worth `7 crore. The tourism launched in early culture shows like the eral hundred crores this half a dozen incidents of settlements in the including the office and DVAC officials are also March by a private organi- flower show and other year, and would electrocution of wild ani- residential premises of planning to issue a sum- zation for eco-friendly events like the summer take a long time to re- mals, including elephants, Gudalur forest the Pandian, superinten- mons to Pandian to make rides in Ooty, also failed to festival, horse racing, dog cover. there were 16 human division to provide dent of the Environment him appear before the make any progress. show, and autumn shows The hope for the tourism deaths due to the man-ani- unique ID code for Department on December directorate for inquiry, Tourism is the backbone in the month of sector began to soar when mal conflicts this year. 14. said reports. of the economy here, par- September and October. the mandatory e-pass In November, the forest de- wild elephants to ticularly in the urban lim- Though the hills wit- norms to visit Nilgiris was partment initiated a project follow them to its where many families nessed a record one mil- relaxed from November of studying the wild el- rely on tourism for their lion tourist influx in the that saw a renewed ephants moving in the hu- tackle man- livelihood. summer of 2019 alone, tourism dynamics here. man settlements in the elephant conflict Chidambaram temple cars While the dawn of 2020 sadly during the summer However, wildlife tourist Gudalur forest division to began with good hope and of 2020, tourist flow was spots here are yet to be provide unique ID code for ffer zone limits in Septem- a good influx of tourists, zero. While tourist influx reopened. wild elephants to follow ber came as a rude shock. them to tackle man-eleph- Though 16 persons lost ant conflict. Man-tiger con- their lives across the hills may be pulled by tractors flict, man-leopard conflict, due to man-animal conflict man-gaur conflict, man-el- this year, 21 others sustain- A. ARUL PALANI | DC The five temple cars carrying devotees with restrictions ephant conflict, man-bear ed grievous injuries. This CHENNAI, DEC. 18 the presiding deity Lord prescribed by Central and conflict, and the man-wild apart, electrocution of four Nataraj and his consort state governments. Since a boar conflict here, have wild jumbos, five wild bo- For the first time, cars of the Sivagamasundari, Lord large number of devotees been hitting the headlines ars, one gaur, death of five famous Lord Nataraj temple Vinayaka, Lord Subramaniam were expected to assemble at from January itself. In ea- wild dogs and a tiger due to at Chidambaramare likely to and Chandigeswar would be the temple premises, the dis- rly December, three perso- poisoning and gunning be pulled by tractors and rolled out from the temple trict administration had ns were killed in Pandalur down of a leopard this year giant bulldozer during premises in the morning. requested the temple authori- limits, one in Gudalur lim- in various places across the Arudra darshan this month. Normally the devotees used ties to tractor and bulldozer its and one in Ooty limits Nilgiris, was a rude jolt to to pull the temple cars instead in a week’s time. While foresters which forced the Thousands of devotees from to pull the cars through the Cuddalore and other parts of of involving the devotees. this speaks volume of the forest department to turn the state used to throng the town, covering the four Based on the suggestions, increasing man-elephant extra vigilant in dealing shrine and witness temple mada streets officials from Neyveli Lignite conflict here, the killing of with man-animal conflict. car of Sabapathy temple pop- Vinayaka, Lord Corporation India Ltd, a woman by a tiger in Mu- In November, Gudalur ularly known as Sri Natarajar Subramaniam and Neyveli have inspected the dumalai tiger reserve bu- officials renewed their ini- temple in Chidambaram, as Chandigeswar would be temple premises and route. tiative to profile wild ele- part of the Arudra darshan rolled out from the temple They have also inspected the <<<< phants rampaging human festivities. The temple admin- premises in the morning. cars. Police officers, revenue settlements in Gudalur lim- istration has proposed to hold Normally the devotees used officials and members from The Government its, and provided them with the ritual on December 29 this to pull the cars through the Podhu Deekshidars also Botanical Garden in an unique ID code which year. town, covering the four mada assisted the officials. Ooty, which went without would be helpful in study- The five temple cars carry- streets. Decision regarding involve- any tourist influx for half ing elephant behaviour, ing the presiding deity Lord After relaxing norms of ment of the tractor and bull- migration and its herd of the year in Nataraj and his consort Covid-19 pandemic lockdown dozer will be taken based on behaviour, to better ma- Sivagamasundari, Lord the temple was opened for the report of NLCIL officials. 2020. — DC nage man-elephant conflict. STATE pg DECCAN CHRONICLE | SATURDAY | 19 DECEMBER 2020 | CHENNAI 3

IN BRIEF RTI: Tamil Nadu information Man gets 10 Gang cut b’day cake CM Edappadi to hit commission second in India years’ jail for with sickle, held R. VALAYAPATHY I DC to provide required infor- Tiruchy, Dec. 18: The police PUDUKKOTTAI, DEC.18 mation to the rest of the 10 sexual assault arrested six people for cele- percent are fined, he DC CORRESPONDENT brating a birthday event by The Tamil Nadu Inform- added. PUDUKKOTTAI, DEC. 18 cutting the cake with a sickle campaign trail today ation Commission stood Mr Kumar expressed his here on Wednesday. second among states in concern over the inade- The Pudukkottai district The accused, identified as Salem, Dec 18: Chief providing information to quate awareness about the fast track mahila court on Gopi (22) of Somarasampettai, Minister and AIADMK the needy under the right Tamil Nadu Information Friday convicted and sen- celebrated his birthday along co-coordinator K. Palan- to information act(RTI), commission as well as the tenced a 35-year-old-man with his friends on December iswami will launch said Tamil Nadu RTI Act among the people to undergo 10 years’ 5 and posted a photograph of his party's campaign Information commission- and called upon the people imprisonment for sexually the event on the social media, for the 2021 assembly er R. Pratap Kumar. to know about the assaulting a 13-year-old which turned viral. election on Saturday Kumar, addressing a Information commission. girl at a village near Police arrested Gopi and five from his Edappadi press conference at On the other hand, the Keeranur in Pudukkottai others on Wednesday and are constituency in this dis- Pudukkottai on Friday on commission has punished district in 2013. in search of two more. trict. "I am going to start the sidelines of holding the miscreants who mis- According to the prose- the campaign from inquiries on the appeal of used the RTI Act and cution, the accused, Edappadi constituency petitions filed by hundreds threatened the officials for S.Packiaraj of MNM moves HC for tomorrow following a of applicants of gaining monetary bene- Poonaikuthipatti village request from party work- Pudukkottai, Tiruchy, and fits, and the baseless in the district, was arrest- battery torch ers," a beaming CM Edappadi K Palaniswami greets public at Jagir Ammapalayam near Salem on Karur districts after not appeal petitions are dis- ed by the all-woman police, Palaniswami told Friday on his way to his hometown where he is going to launch his poll campaign.—DC getting proper reply for missed, he added. Keeranur and a case was symbol reporters here on Friday. their petitions from offi- He said the Tamil Nadu filed against him before Chennai, Dec. 18: Makkal To a question, he replied the 2019 Lok Sabha elec- that the poll pact between AIADMK is eyeing a hat- cials concerned, said Government has sanc- the mahila court. Needhi Maiam has filed a writ that his party's alliance tions. Palaniswami and the two will be in place for trick of electoral every month as many as tioned Rs 40 crore for con- Judge Dr. Sathya convict- petition before the Madras high with the existing con- party coordinator and 2021 election also. victories in 2021, after 1,300 appeal petitions are structing an office com- ed and sentenced the court for directing the election stituents, including the deputy chief minister O Other parties in the storming to power in the taken up for inquiry of plex for the commission accused to undergo 10 commission of India to allot the BJP, will continue for the Panneerselvam had ann- alliance include Vijayaka- 2011 elections. Assembly which 90 per cent are dis- on Anna Salai, Chennai, years’ imprisonment and battery torch symbol in its assembly polls to be held ounced during a recent nt-led DMDK and the polls in Tamil Nadu are posed of and the con- and the new building func- also slapped a fine of Rs favour and to restrain MGR next year also. The exist- event attended by Union PMK, founded by Dr S due in April-May next cerned officials who failed tion shortly, he added. 20,000. If the accused Makkal Katchi from using the ing alliance was forged for Home Minister Amit Shah Ramadoss. The ruling year. —PTI failed to remit the fine he same. MNM has in its prayer, should undergo three stated it is entitled to the bat- Wildlife survey: 2 killed by jumbo more months of imprison- tery torch symbol for this gen- ment. eral election to the TN legisla- ZAKEER HUSSAIN | DC attacked by the animal. The judge also directed tive Assembly as per the provi- Palaniswami calls DMK opportunistic ERODE, DEC. 18 When forest ranger the state government to sions of the election symbols Satheeskumar (24) tried to sanction Rs 3 lakh as com- (reservation and allotment) Salem, Dec 18: Tamil state government and who, despite the coron- Responding to A team of two forest save injured Pon Ganesan, pensation to the victim. order, 1968, according to a press Nadu Chief Minister K AIADMK (party) have con- avirus crisis, went to Palaniswami's rangers and an activist he was unexpectedly release. Palaniswami on Friday cern for the people. I am every nook and corner of remarks,Stalin described involved in survey of ani- attacked and killed by the accused the opposition the only chief minister in Tamil Nadu to solve peo- as a "show",the former's mals in the Sathyaman- elephant. DMK of being "oppor- the state to visit each and ple's problems. review meetings on the galam Tiger Reserve One of the activists Ban on bath in tunistic" and claimed that every district, meeting While he, ministers and covid situation and those (STR) on Thursday morn- involved in the survey, Transvestism it wanted only one family officials and people and government representa- on implementation of the ing, came under attack by Muthu Prabhakara sea lifted to prosper. solving their problems, tives were meeting people government's welfare a wild elephant, and two Serapandian (27), hailing While AIADMK stal- besides reviewing the in person despite the schemes. persons were killed by the from Thoothukudi dis- lands youth Tiruchendur, Dec.18: warts, the late Chief implementation of gov- covid pandemic,Stalin "In the name of review, animal, even as another trict, tried to escape by Devotees to the Arulmigu Ministers M G ernment welfare was addressing his party he runs a show by involv- one managed to escape climbing a nearby tree, Subramanyaswamy temple here Ramachandran and J schemes," he said. workers through video ing officials and party death. when the elephant pulled in trouble in Thoothukudi district have Jayalalithaa had no heirs, However, the DMK was conference meetings, the men," he said in Chennai. Sources said the wildlife him down with his trunk DC CORREEPONDENT been allowed to have a holy dip it was people of the state "opportunistic," he said. chief minister said. In his concluding survey of 10 wildlife sanc- and trampled him to VELLORE, DEC. 18 in the sea at the temple shore, and the party supporters In the AIADMK, those "Is it good to meet people address at a party-spon- tuaries under the Sathya- death. from Friday onwards. The tem- who were the heirs, he who work hard can come or to sit at home address- sored hunger strike in mangalam Tiger Reserve Based on the informa- A boy who claimed himself ple, closed for devotees in view said at the inauguration of up and loyalty will be ing videoconference meet- support of farmers agitat- in the district began on tion provided by surviv- to be a transgender was beat- of Covid-19 lockdown eight Amma Mini Clinic in the rewarded with high posi- ings with party workers?" ing in Delhi against Thursday morning. Two ing forest ranger Pon Ga- en up by a crowd in the months back in March this year, district. tions, he said. he asked. Centre's three farm laws, forest rangers and a vol- nesan, forest officials ru- Adukkampara government was opened for a restricted Targeting his party's This dedication enabled Only when one is active Stalin said that as LoP, it unteer had gone into the shed to the spot and recov- hospital here on Friday. number of devotees registered arch rival DMK, the the AIADMK to grow on the field can one under- was his job to 'highlight' forest area of the ered the bodies of the Sources said the incident online for the first five days of AIADMK Co- coordinator strong enough to defeat stand what is affecting the the wrongdoings. Vilamundi Wildlife sanc- deceased. They also sent happened near the waiting the Sashti festival from alleged that "right from the DMK's attempts to dis- people and accordingly Responding to tuary to survey animals Ganesan to the Sathyama- room of the maternity ward November 15. The climax event the leadership to the last lodge the government and take steps to resolve the Palaniswami earlier dub- there. ngalam government hos- at the Adukkampara govern- of the festival, Soorasamharam, person in the opposition break the party, he said. problems. bing him as "statement Around 4 pm, a wild ele- pital by ambulance, for ment hospital, where rela- on the sixth day, was however party, they all want only On DMK President M K "This is what we are hero" for issuing regular phant suddenly chased treatment. tives of women admitted for banned for devotees. Only a few one family to prosper," and Stalin's repeated criticism doing. I, my ministers, statements against the away the team who were A pall of gloom descend- delivery were permitted to people from nearby areas came said it was not the case on many issues, government officials and government on various engaged in a survey in the ed in the area as word of stay. to the sea, on Friday. The with the AIADMK, whose Palaniswami claimed he even the AIADMK elected matters, Stalin said he Singamalai forest area the double tragedy began Late night on Thursday, a Naalikinaru (soft water well) in functionaries were keen was 'intentionally' target- representatives are striv- was now giving the title under the Vilamundi for- to spread. The wildlife girl wearing a chudidhar was the temple premises has still on people's welfare. ing the state government ing for the well-being of "corruption hero" to the est reserve. Forester Pon accounting has also been moving in the area in a sus- not been opened. "Unlike the DMK, the and even the officials, the people," he said. CM. —PTI Ganesan was first suspended. picious manner. A little later, the local people there inter- rogated the girl. When the girl started to speak, she spoke in a man’s Govt urged to bring back voice. Angry, the people tried DMK president Stalin lashes out at Centre to grab the headgear of the girl, and in the melee, the detained fishers, boats From P1 harsh winter and are oppos- the protests near Delhi. turban fell down. ing the legislations as the leg- Meanwhile, in neighbour- Realising that it was a boy S. P. LOGANATHAN| DC between the Sri Lankan Lashing out at the BJP-led islations are totally against ing Puducherry, Chief in the guise of a girl, he was RAMANATHAPURAM, Tamil fishermen from the Centre, Mr Stalin questioned agriculture,” he said. Minister Naryanasamy, lead- beaten by the public who DEC. 18 northern part of the the haste in enacting the The government should ers from the Congress, the thought he could be a mobile Island nation and the laws during the Covid-19 have consulted stakeholders Left parties and the VCK phone thief or child lifter. The Rameswaram fisher- Indian Tamil fishermen. pandemic and also hit out including farmers before observed a fast at Odiansalai. Learning about this, men federation which is They also wanted the at the Union government enacting the laws or The Chief Minister told Outpost police rushed in and on an indefinite strike state fisheries depart- over its labour reforms had discussions in the reporters that the Centre had rescued the boy. Initial inves- seeking the immediate ment to take stringent and the draft Environment Parliament to safeguard brought in the controversial tigations revealed that the intervention of the Union action against those Impact Assessment (EIA) democracy. “The central gov- laws which would “harm youth belonged to Ambur. government to release the indulged in cross-border among others. The govern- ernment did not do any of farmers and help corpo- The boy told the police that 36 fishermen detained by fishing. ment was not standing by these. What is the haste? Who and not any amendments to Besides Mr Stalin, party rates.” he was in the process of the Sri Lankan navy a The fishermen also the people but corporates, did they want to protect with the Acts. He also took objec- MP Kanimozhi, alliance He appealed to the Centre to turning into a transgender, couple of days ago, in a refused to withdraw their he alleged, and charged these? They should clarify tion to the protesters being party leaders Vaiko of immediately repeal the laws and hence, he was dressed meeting resolved not to indefinite strike until the the Centre with offering a these before people,” the “branded by the government MDMK, former TNCC and protect agriculture. like a girl. indulge in cross-border 36 fishermen and their slew of sops to big private DMK chief demanded. as anti-nationals, foreign president K. V. Thangkabalu Separately, DMK legislators Further, one of his relatives fishing. five boats were released. firms. Mr Stalin termed ‘a drama’ agents, Maoists...” The DMK and those from the CPI, CPI R. Siva, K. Venkatesan and had been admitted at the hos- The meeting convened They have decided to “Today, the entire country is the Centre's talks with repre- and its allies support the (M) and VCK participated in former education minister pital, and he had come to see under the chairmanship stage a mass demonstra- in a boil against these three sentatives of the protesting farmers' demand for repeal- the protest here. A two- S.P. Sivakumar and members him. As he was trying to find of its secretary, P Jesuraj, tion at Rameswaram bus (farm) laws...farmers are farmers and pointed out that ing the laws, he said and minute silence was observed of different wings of the his relative, he met with this at Rameswaram on stand on December 21 on staying put in Delhi with the farmers wanted nothing asserted “our protests will at the protest site for farmers party went on the hunger plight. Police are investigat- Friday, warned their fish- the issue, and threatened their families despite the less than a repeal of the laws continue till then.” who have died so far during strike in Tirukanoor village. ing further. er folks against fishing to intensify their strike across the Sri Lankan by extending it to a state- border in the Gulf of wide one, if the govern- Mannar region, as it ments remain compla- resulted in conflicts cent. Heavy rains fill dams, hike water flow in rivers ARULOLI M | DC Servalar dam, that has a TIRUNELVELI, DEC. 18 water level of 148.95 ft as on Friday morning. People living in low-lying Another 1,260 cusecs from areas on the banks of the Kadana dam was dis- Thamirabarani river have charged into the river on been warned to move to Friday. Manimuthar dam safer places due to the also had a good inflow as heavy discharge of 4,600 its water level increased to cusecs of water from the 106 ft against the dam’s Papanasam dam in the dis- fullest storage capacity of trict. 118 ft. Incessant rains in the As rains continued, there catchment areas at the was a heavy inflow into Papanasam hills and the dams. Collector Manimuthar hills in the Vishnu said that the dis- district for the last couple charge level might of days resulted in the sud- increase so as to maintain den increase of inflow to safer water level in the the Karaiyar and dams. Taluk-level moni- Servalaru dams in toring committees have Papanasam, and the been deployed to shift peo- Manimuthar dam. ple living in low-lying Water level in Karaiyar areas on the river banks at dam (Papanasam dam) Ambasamudram, touched 142.40 ft against Cheranmahadevi and its maximum storage Tirunelveli and capacity of 143 ft. The dam Palayamkottai taluks in is said to have an inflow of Tirunelveli district. 2,033 cusecs as rain contin- Due to incessant rains in ued on Friday. The district the Western Ghats, almost administration, hence, all the major falls in ordered the discharge of Courtallam, Manimuthar around 1,500 cusecs from and Papanasam, were in the dam. According to spate on Friday, and hence, Collector Vishnu, around the falls opened for 1,920 cusecs of surplus tourists on December 15 water has been discharged after a long ban for eight into Thamirabarani river months due to the Corona from the 156 ft high lockdown. NATION pg DECCAN CHRONICLE | CHENNAI | SATURDAY | 19 DECEMBER 2020 4

SHORT TAKES PM’S VARANASI Dissent in Bengal BJP over TMC exodus OFFICE LISTED ON Babul Supriyo, Agnimitra Paul are up in arms against the TMC deserters’ overnight induction to BJP OLX FOR ‘SALE’ RAJIB CHOWDHURI I DC They have started voic- ● BJP LEADERS started BJP MP, said, “There is a BJP are two different Varanasi (UP), Dec. 18: Four KOLKATA, DEC. 18 ing their displeasure open- voicing their displeasure tiff between Supriyo and issues. We have seen that AMID GROWING REBELLION IN TMC, people have been arrested for ly after Jitendra Tiwari, openly after Jitendra Tiwari because when many leaders left the TMC allegedly posting an online The sudden trend among Pandabeshwar MLA and Tiwari was the Asansol earlier. That does not advertisement listing Prime heavyweights deserting former Asansol Mayor, left Tiwari left the TMC on Mayor and TMC district mean all of them came to SHAH ON TWO-DAY VISIT TO BENGAL Minister Narendra Modi’s the ruling Trinamul the TMC on Thursday. Thursday. president, he did not allow the BJP or they were roped Varanasi office for “sale”, Congress to join the Referring to Tiwari, Supriyo to work into our party.” Kolkata, Dec. 18: Home Assembly elections, Amit police said on Friday. Bharatiya Janata Party Supriyo, Asansol MP and Tiwari felt that he could in his Lok Sabha con- In Bankura, a group of Minister Amit Shah will Shah will also hold strate- The accused had taken a pic- (BJP) ahead of the Union minister, wrote on not do his welfare work for stituency. Bricks were BJP workers came out on arrive in Kolkata on gic and preparatory meet- ture of the “Jansampark Assembly election in West Facebook, “What my Top Asansol as crores of hurled on Supriyo on the road and organised a Friday night on a two-day ings,” he said. Kaaryalay (public relations Bengal has triggered Bosses decide is a different money for projects were road. So Tiwari was demonstration near their visit to Bengal and take Shah will be putting up office)” of Modi, who repre- strong dissent within the thing but I will try my very returned. Where were his rival there. Now when party office after former stock of the BJP’s affairs at a hotel in Newtown after sents Varanasi in the Lok saffron party in the state. best with all my might & these thoughts in him? he shows a prospect state textiles minister and activities in the dis- arriving in Kolkata Sabha, and put it “up for sale” Prominent BJP leaders honesty to ensure that NO These came to his mind to join the BJP, it is natu- Shyamapada Mukherjee tricts, ahead of 2021 around 11 PM, another on OLX website, they said. like Babul Supriyo, #TMC leader who tor- four months before the ral for Supriyo to voice his quit the TMC on Thursday Assembly elections. BJP leader said. The office is located in the Agnimitra Paul and even mented, tortured (both Assembly elections. He complaint against him.” evening and hailed his ex- According to a press Shah will also review ele- Jawahar Nagar locality of the state president Dilip physically & mentally) my opposed Supriyo. Tiwari, however, claimed party colleague statement issued by BJP ction management work city, and it falls under the Ghosh are up in arms grass root level BJP col- Moreover the people of that he had no plan to join Shubhendu Adhikari as national media in-charge, during a meeting with cen- Bhelupur police station limits, against the TMC desert- leagues in Asansol, don’t Asansol do not like him. the BJP. his leader with a hope to Anil Baluni, Shah will par- tral ministers from West Varanasi Senior ers’ overnight induction to get an entry in BJP!!” Many told me to ensure he On Barrackpore MLA join the BJP. They made it ticipate in various pro- Bengal, organisation sec- Superintendent of Police their party without Paul, the state BJP does not come to our party Silbhadra Datta’s prospect clear that Mukherjee grammes and functions retaries, zonal observers (SSP) Amit Pathak said. any assessment of their women wing chief, said, (sic).” Ghosh observed, “Quiting should not be allowed to during the weekend. and BJP state general sec- “Yesterday, it came to our past. “Suddenly after nine years Ghosh, the Midnapore the TMC and joining the join the BJP. “In the wake of ensuing retaries. — PTI notice that the Prime Minister’s office here has been put up on sale on OLX website. An FIR was immediately ENSURE ALL lodged at the Bhelupur police station, and the matter is Protesting farmers plan Republic Failed political being investigated,” Pathak COVID HOSP ARE said. “Four people involved in the FIRE SAFE: SC case have been taken in cus- Day cerebration with tractor rally players misleading tody,” the SSP said, adding New Delhi, Dec. 18: The that the person who took the SANJAY KAW Supreme Court on picture and put it on the web- NEW DELHI, DEC. 18 Friday directed all the site is among them. The states to carry out fire farmers, says Naqvi accused are being questioned, Despite the government’s safety audit of dedicated and further legal proceedings repeated assurances that Covid-19 hospitals across New Delhi, Dec. 18: ● NAQVI LASHES out at are being carried out, he said. the new laws were for the the country to prevent Slamming Opposition lead- Rahul Gandhi and Arvind benefit of farmers, thou- fire incidents in medical ers for their stance against Kejriwal, alleging that the sands of farmers from institutions. the new farm laws, Union Congress leader was ‘pos- SHIV SENA MAY Punjab and Haryana The apex court also minister Mukhtar Abbas have been protesting at directed dedicated Covid- Naqvi has alleged that ing’ as a farmers’ leader OPPOSE PM’S PET Delhi’s borders for over 19 hospitals to take a no “failed political players” despite knowing little about three weeks. Several objection certificate who have been rejected farming, while the Delhi PROJECTS IN MAHA protesting leaders have (NOC) from the fire repeatedly by the people are Chief Minister was ‘karne even threatened to step department within four acting under their “depres- mein zero, dharne mein PRASAD PATIL | DC up the agitation and have weeks and said that fail- sion of defeat” and “mis- hero (zero in work, but hero MUMBAI, DEC. 18 said they are prepared to ure to do so will invite leading” the farmers. in sit-ins)’. celebrate Republic Day punitive action. The minority affairs min- The Shiv Sena, rattled by the next year with a tractor A bench headed by ister also lashed out at Bombay High Court’s stay on rally on Delhi’s borders. Justice Ashok Bhushan Opposition leaders Rahul inal conspiracy and firing the construction of Metro car Farmers at the Singhu said that those hospitals, Gandhi and Arvind from farmers’ shoulders)”, shed at salt pan land in border have started mak- whose fire NOC has Kejriwal, alleging that the Naqvi said, hitting out at Mumbai, is preparing for ing further arrange- expired, will have to get Congress leader was “pos- the Opposition parties direct confrontation with the ments to face the increas- it renewed within four ing” as a farmers’ leader demanding a repeal of the Union government led by the ing cold weather condi- weeks. despite knowing little about farm laws. BJP. tions. “We’re preparing The top court said that farming, while the Delhi Farmers have also under- The HC stayed the Metro car for a longer stay as our all the states will follow Chief Minister was “karne stood that the issues have shed work after the Centre’s fight against the black Muslim farmers offer 'Namaz' during their protest against the new farm laws, at Covid-19 guidelines, mein zero, dharne mein hero been solved and neither the salt pan department chal- laws will continue. It is Kundli border in Sonipat, Friday. — PTI including on wearing of (zero in work, but hero in farmers nor the country has lenged the state’s decision in getting colder, so we’re face mask and adherence sit-ins)”. any doubts about the hon- the court. Now, as part of its putting up more tents,” Brahmachari Yadav, rights of farmers.” BKU bling day, to see the grit, to social distancing Farmers throughout the esty of Modi, Naqvi strategy to take on its erst- said a protester. Satendra Yadav, Raudas (Asli) division president resolve and determina- measures, and the stan- country are satisfied that claimed. while alliance partner head- The protesting farmers and Veer Singh. They Sanjeev Gandhi said tion of protesting farm- dard operating proce- Prime Minister Narendra Attacking the Congress- on, the Uddhav Thackeray-led also faced action in Uttar have been organising none of them or their ers and the elderly at dure issued by the com- Modi has worked for their led Opposition, the minister party has decided to oppose Pradesh. The Sambhal protests in the district. family members had #SinghuBorder petent authority. empowerment and interests alleged that “failed political the proposed port in Palghar district administration The notices were issued signed the bonds. “We’re #FarmersProtests,” she The SC had earlier after coming to power, players” are “misleading” district. The `65,000 crore proj- has issued notices to six under Section 111 CrPC doing peaceful protests, tweeted alongside the taken cognisance of a Naqvi said. farmers. ect was approved by the farmers’ leaders asking (magistrate’s order not any crime,” he added. photos. fire incident in a desig- The farmers’ issue “These failed political Narendra Modi government in them to submit personal against any person who Support for the farmers Punjabi singer and nated Covid-19 hospital involves Minimum Support players who have been February this year. bonds of Rs 50,000 each, is likely to commit has also been coming actor Diljit Dosanjh, who in Gujarat’s Rajkot in Price (MSP), kisaan mandis rejected repeatedly by the The Maharashtra govern- as a police report has breach of the peace) on from Bollywood. Swara set the Internet on fire which several patients and protection of farmers’ people are acting under ment is also considering mov- warned of a breach of the basis of a report sub- Bhasker on Friday joined with his Twitter fight had died. — PTI land and the government their depression of defeat. ing the Metro car shed to a site the peace during the mitted by the police. the league of Bollywood with actress Kangana has given a 100 per cent Farmers are genuine earmarked for the Mumbai- protests. The six farmers “We’ll not fill the bonds stars and Punjabi artistes Ranaut, had flown back guarantee on the three people, we respect them, Ahmedabad bullet train proj- who were served notices come what may,” BKU who have come out in from the United States fronts, he said. there is no problem,” Naqvi ect — another pet project of include Bharatiya Kisan (Asli) leader Rajpal Singh their support. The and had gone straight to COVID VACCINE Naqvi asserted that nei- said. PM Modi. Union (Asli) district chief Yadav said. “They can actress shared a few pic- the Singhu border to ther the MSP will go, nor “This (farmers) movement The locals are opposing the Rajpal Singh Yadav and hang us or send us to jail. tures from the protest express solidarity with the mandis and there was has been going on for long Vadhvan port project, which is Jaiveer Singh, We’re fighting for the site on Twitter. “A hum- the agitating farmers. IS VOLUNTARY, no threat to farmers’ lands. and the BJP was born out of part of Centre’s Sagarmala The “Modi bashing a movement, so we respect initiative, in Palghar district. SAYS MINISTRY brigade” instead of talking it. That is why no force was According to reports, Chief about issues of farmers, has used and the farmers were Minister Uddhav Thackeray FLOUTING SOPS SHASHI BHUSHAN | DC started abusing Modi, he facilitated here. Rahul met groups opposing the NEW DELHI, DEC. 18 said, adding that questions Gandhi does not know Vadhvan port as well Mumbai- Daggers out in Kerala’s arose with the entry of much about farming, but is Ahmedabad Bullet Train proj- LED TO COVID India on Friday regis- these “traditional Modi posing as a leader of the ect — another pet project of tered a landmark bashers”. farmers,” he said. PM Modi — and assured them SPREAD: SC achievement in its fight On farmers’ issues, the The Opposition has been that he will not allow any proj- Congress, BJP units against the Covid-19 government has always accusing the government of ect against the wishes of New Delhi, Dec. 18: when total recoveries in believed in talks not working for the interests of locals. The Supreme Court DC CORRESPONDENT ● THERE AREN’T many had claimed that party’s the country crossed a ‘takraav’ (confrontation), corporates by bringing the Friday said that Covid- THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, takers in the Congress base was intact citing crucial peak of 95 lakh. Naqvi asserted. legislations, a charge 19 pandemic has spread DEC. 18 for the leadership’s the- 2015 results, there aren’t Union health ministry, “The government moved denied by the government KARAN JOHAR like a “wild fire” in the ory that party’s base many takers for their meanwhile, said that get- forward to resolve the issue that has maintained that the laws will be beneficial country due to lack of Blame game has begun was intact citing 2015 theory in the Congress. ting vaccinated for through talks. When farm- DENIES NCB’S implementation of in the Kerala units of The only relief for Covid-19 will be volun- ers were also satisfied that for farmers in every way. guidelines and standard Congress-led UDF and results. Congress though was tary, while emphasising what the government was A delegation of opposition DRUG CLAIMS operating procedure BJP following the defeat BJP’s equally dismal per- that the vaccine intro- saying was logical and gen- parties including Rahul (SOPs) issued to contain in local body elections. affairs committee mem- formance. The BJP had duced in India will be as uine, those people who were Gandhi, Sharad Pawar and SAURABH JOSHI | DC it. The Congress-led UDF bers will take part. claimed that it would effective as any vaccine indulging in criminal con- Left leaders had last week MUMBAI, DEC. 18 Terming it as a “world which expected to do well On the demand for lead- replace Congress as main developed by other coun- spiracy thought their game met President Ram Nath war” against Covid-19, riding on the anti-gov- ership change, the KPCC opposition in many dis- tries. was going awry and they Kovind seeking repeal of A day after the Narcotics the apex court said that ernment sentiments, president said that no tricts. But barring The Union health min- started misleading people,” the three farm laws against Control Bureau (NCB) shot a due to the “unprecedent- ended up with a disap- individual is responsible Thiruvananthapuram istry listed a series of fre- he said. which thousands of notice to filmmaker Karan ed pandemic” everybody pointing performance. for defeat. “It’s the collec- corporation, a couple of quently asked questions The whole matter is one of farmers have been protest- Johar seeking details on a in the world is suffering In the political affairs tive responsibility of all municipalities and pan- (FAQs) on Covid-19 vac- “criminal conspiracy ka san- ing on various borders of gathering of Bollywood one way or the other. committee meeting held leaders. Success has chayats, the BJP failed to cine. Replying to a ques- dook aur kisano ke kandhe the national capital. celebrities that was held at his A bench headed by a day after the results many fathers but failure make much inroads into tion whether it is manda- par bandook (a box of crim- — PTI residence, he has responded to Justice Ashok Bhushan, were announced, the is an orphan. We need to the Congress base. tory to take the vaccine, the agency claiming it was not and comprising justices leadership drew flak for put our heads together Quite understandably, the health ministry said a drug party. R.S. Reddy and M.R. its failure to cash in on and work for the victory daggers are out in BJP as that vaccination for The NCB officials stated that Shah, said that any deci- the favourable political of UDF in Assembly well. At least two factions Covid-19 is voluntary, the response was received on sion to impose curfew or conditions. polls,” he added. in the party have however, it is advisable to Friday and the investigators lockdown must be A two day brainstorm- Though former chief demanded the removal of receive the complete Odisha ‘love jihad’ will decide on further steps announced long in ing will be held in minister Oommen state president K. schedule of Covid-19 vac- after due diligence on the film- advance so that people Thiruvananthapuram on Chandy, opposition Surendran accusing him cine for protecting one- maker’s response. may know and make pro- January 6 and 7 in which leader Ramesh of running the organiza- self against this disease The said party, which was visions for their liveli- party’s MLAs, MPs, DCC Chennithala and tion in an authoritarian and also to limit the victim rescued thrown by Johar in 2019, came hood. PTI presidents and political Pradesh Congress chief manner. spread of this disease. in the eye of the storm after AKSHAYA KUMAR young woman had gone to Shiromani Akali Dal leader SAHOO | DC VN College, Jajpur Road on Manjinder Singh Sirsa tweet- BHBANESWAR, DEC. 18 December 5 for obtaining ed the video, which went viral, INTERNAL | TIFF 23 leaders had written to Sonia demanding changes in the party her migration certificate. which he also sent to the NCB Odisha police on Thursday Later in the evening, she later. The filmmaker had later night rescued a 21-year-old went missing while her issued a statement then stat- woman of Jajpur district mobile phone was found to ing the allegations of drug who was allegedly kid- be switched off. consumption were slanderous Sonia to meet ‘letter writers’ today napped by a youth around As per the complaint asking why he would tweet a two weeks ago from lodged by the young video if it was a drugs party. DC CORRESPONDENT Gehlot and the senior approaching the demand in August this year. constrained to speak out Cuttack. The girl’s family woman’s family members, The NCB has now sought for NEW DELHI, DEC. 18 leader Kamal Nath who to make Rahul Gandhi Several issues are in the open. Some have members had alleged it was one Shaik Abdul Sehmat further clarity on the said played the role of a medi- the president again has expected to find mention gone ahead and said that a case of ‘Love Jihad’. Khan alias Bobby of party and the behaviour of the After four months of ator between the leader- gained momentum. in the meeting regarding the time for introspection In a telephonic conversa- Choramuhan village under actors that was captured in the wait, Congress president ship and the group of 23 General Secretary the functioning of the is over and now its time tion between the young Dharmasala police limits video. The agency sent a Sonia Gandhi will be letter writers. Randeep Singh Surjewala party especially the for action. woman and her mother that abducted her. notice to Johar and may ques- meeting with a core After the demise of sen- said, “party will soon demand for an active and In August this year, 23 came to fore earlier in the Khan was earlier forcing tion him soon in connection group of letter writers. ior leader Ahmed Patel start the procedure to visible leadership. leaders of the party had day, the young woman was the girl to have a love affair with the same. The meeting is scheduled who was the go between elect a new party presi- The meeting also written to Congress presi- heard informing her moth- with him and change her “The response will be looked to be held on Saturday the leadership and the let- dent. 99.9% including me assumes significance as dent Sonia Gandhi er that she was being tor- religion. As the girl refused into and further action will be morning at the official ter writers the role is want Rahul Gandhi to be the Congress has been demanding sweeping tured and kept by the abduc- to do so, Khan threatened to decided upon based on the residence of Sonia now taken up by Kamal elected as Party presi- facing electoral debacles changes in the function- tors at a hotel near beach in kidnap her. findings in the probe in the Gandhi Ten Janpath. Nath. dent.” not only in state ing of the party. Puri. On Thursday, the police case of alleged drugs con- Insiders claim that Rahul Gandhi and his Interestingly, the Assembly elections and The letter writers Also, the young woman had arrested Shaikh Abdul sumption in the film indus- apart from five or six sister and General Congress is downplaying by-elections but also in include former union said she will be taken to a Hamid Khan, father of try,” said an officer. members from the letter Secretary of Uttar the entire exercise and is local body elections. minister Ghulam Nabi Masjid at Sutahat in Shaikh Abdul Sehmat The NCB has already ques- writers camp there will Pradesh Priyanka just calling it a meeting Several leaders have Azad, Anand Sharma, Cuttack for solemnisation Khan, for his alleged tioned actors Deepika also be General Secretary Gandhi are also expected with senior leaders as come out in the open and Kapil Sibal, Shashi marriage with the abductor involvement in the abduc- Padukone, Shraddha Kapoor, Organisation K.C. to be at the meeting. there will also be leaders have said that there is no Tharoor, Veerappa Moily, in accordance with Islamic tion and threatening the Sara Ali Khan and Rakul Preet Venugopal, Rajasthan As the internal elec- who are not signatories to remedy available within Manish Tewari among rituals. parents of the girl to kill Singh over drug consumption. Chief Minister Ashok tions of the party are the letter that was written the party hence they are others. According to reports, the them. pg SATURDAY | 19 DECEMBER 2020 | CHENNAI 5 ■ Instructed to clear goods fast, credit drawback in 3 days Sensex hits 47000 quick Customs asked to behave in opening trade SANGEETHA G imports from Free Trade imported goods is initiated BITES CHENNAI, DEC. 18 economies have been only where there are suffi- receiving queries and were cient grounds to suspect In a major relief to getting delayed for days as origin of a good, or where % exporters and importers, well as months,” said the the same has been identi- INDICATORS customs officials have Federation of Indian fied as a risk by the Risk Sensex 46,960.69 0.15 been asked to credit duty Exporters Association. Management System. Nifty 50 13,760.55 0.14 drawback to the exporter The customs officials They should be suitably S&P 500* 3,699.28 -0.62 in three days. They have have now been advised to supervised to ensure that also been asked to reduce ensure judicious applica- unnecessary queries are Dollar (`) 73.56 0.04 unnecessary delays and tion of Carotar 2020, which not raised on account of Pound Sterling (`) 99.31 0.66 arbitrary practices during are rules pertaining to goods origin,” said CBIC. the custom clearance of country of origin, without “In order to resolve Euro (`) 90.10 -0.13 imported goods. causing disruption to the industry concerns around Gold (10gm)* (`) 49,644▲21 0.042 The Action Plan of CBIC supply chain. They were the Carotar 2020, CBIC has RAVI RANJAN PRASAD ly short-term funds, 2020- 21 directs officials improve the cash flow of back in seven days should also advised to review the issued instructions to MUMBAI, DEC. 18 which could fly out on Brent crude ($/bbl)* 52.17 0.67 that at least 90 per cent of various industry players be achieved, said Central function of customs ports ensure that queries under monetary policy tighten- IN 10-Yr bond yield 5.959 0.007 the duty drawback should involved in exporting Board of Indirect Taxes to ensure that unnecessary the said rules are issued The Sensex breached the ing by global central US 10-Yr T-bill yield* 0.926 -0.004 be credited within three goods out of India, espe- and Customs (CBIC). delays and arbitrary prac- only when sufficient 47000-mark for the first banks like the US Fed. days. Further, the refund cially in these Covid times A major cause of worry tices are not being resorted grounds to question the time ever on Friday in Large-scale foreign buy- * As of 8:30 PM IST may be deposited into the when a large number of for importers has been the to during custom clear- origin of goods are pres- opening trade, led by ing continued, with Rs customer account in T+2 businesses are still facing delay in clearances. ance of goods. ent. This is a smart move gains in the IT sector 2,720.95 crore net pur- days. liquidity crunch," said Exports, after a positive The CBIC observed that on the part of the govern- stocks post-Accenture’s chase reported by the “The government’s Abhishek Jain, tax part- growth in September, once importers are often asked ment and will be much strong first quarter per- exchanges on Friday. No cane price cut; instruction to further ner, EY. again started de-growing to directly seek clarifica- appreciated by the indus- formance and US Federal "The Fed’s decision to reduce the timeline for Moreover all the remain- in October and November. tions of the exporting try, as this, while prevent- Reserve’s decision to keep keep rates unchanged will crediting at least 90 per ing duty drawback claims Delays in the clearance of country on country of ori- ing revenue leakage, will rates unchanged. help FIIs to maintain a Goyal asks mills cent of the duty drawback should be positively dis- goods at the customs gin verifications. “Officers ensure that the shipments The unrelenting bull run positive view on emerg- claims to the exporters posed of by March 31, 2021 department have been one under your charge may are not unnecessary is now seen taking the ing markets like India," to be efficient from seven days to three and while doing so the tar- among the various reasons also be sensitised to ensure delayed at customs ports," benchmark index closer said Vinod Nair, head of days, will definitely help get of disposing of draw- for this. “Most of the that enquiry on origin of said Jain. to 50000 points, the target research, Geojit Financial Food minister Piyush Goyal set by some brokerages. Services. said the government cannot The index opened at Strong first quarter reduce the fair and remunera- 47026 as against the previ- FY21 performance by IT tive price (FRP), the minimum ous close at 46,890.34. But major Accenture led to a price at which sugar mills buy it closed below 47000 at rally in Indian IT stocks. cane from farmers, and asked Logistics’ competitiveness gap may cost $500 bn by 2030 46,960.69, up 70 points or The BSE IT index the industry to be efficient, 0.15 per cent, as the mar- gained 1.70 per cent, led profitable and diversify product SANGEETHA G fragmented networks and lack of about 40 per cent of logistics costs, said Barnik Chitran Maitra, man- ket turned volatile post by gains for Infosys (2.64 portfolio with less dependency CHENNAI, DEC. 18 technology adoption. The pandem- and heavy dependence on the road aging partner of Arthur D. Little the big opening move and per cent), Wipro (1.89 per on the central subsidy. ic further accentuated supply networks, combined with poor India and South Asia. touched a low of 46,630.31. cent), HCL Technologies Addressing Isma, Goyal said the With the supply chain inefficien- chain weaknesses. transportation infrastructure, The study finds that India will The Nifty-50 also closed (1.32 per cent) and and central subsidy of Rs 3,500 cies remaining high, the competi- Indirect logistics costs in India makes transportation costs bal- have to optimise the logistics at a new all-time high of TCS (0.87 per cent) . crore for exports will help in tiveness gap of the Indian logistics are four times the average of those loon. India’s rail and sea network modal mix to global benchmarks, 13,760.55, gaining 0.14 per “Accenture's Q1 per- liquidating surplus sugar stocks. sector is expected to go up from in developed countries. The main are highly under-utilised due to with roads constituting 25-30 per cent, or 19.85 points. formance and guidance $180 billion to $500 billion in 2030. reasons are excessive layers in dis- lack of supporting infrastructure cent, railways comprising 50-55 per Recently BNP Paribas came in well ahead of The logistics cost in India stands tribution channels and inventory Failing to address India’s compet- cent and waterways accounting for set a target of 50500 for expectations largely due at 14 per cent of GDP, compared to mismanagement. Inadequate itiveness gap of $180 billion could 20-25 per cent of transportation 2021, earlier Morgan to continued strong Printed & Published by the global average of about 8 per demand forecasting due to lack of expand it to $500 billion by 2030. modes. It will have to reduce indi- Stanley had said that the demand in outsourcing K Sudhakar on behalf of Deccan cent, creating a competitiveness technology adoption leads to Greenfield manufacturing will not rect or “hidden” costs to 20-25 per Sensex would cross 50000 and recovery in the con- Chronicle Holdings Limited. Printed & gap of $180 billion and this could inventory mismanagement. It also be viable because high logistics cent through efficient inventory by December 2021. sulting business,” said Published at Deccan Chronicle Presses increase to $500 billion by 2030, leads to high inventory carrying costs are a barrier to entry. High management and monitoring. In Who knows it may come Emkay Global Financial situated at SP-3 Developed Plot, logistics costs will continue to addition, turnaround time should Services. “A broad-based Industrial Estate, Guindy, Chennai. finds a report by global manage- costs, which include costs for hold- even earlier by March Editor: T.Venkatram Reddy, RNI Reg. ment consultancy Arthur D. Little. ing and storing unsold goods. impede local manufacturing and be optimised to 700-800 km per day, 2021, going by the pace of demand recovery and sus- No. TNENG/2008/25473 Air surcharge Re India’s supply chain and logistics These costs alone amount to 15-25 reduce demand for Indian prod- with the target of increasing truck index movement. tained healthy growth 1. © All rights reserved. Reproduction in sector is valued at $215 billion and per cent of inventory costs or $120 ucts in the global markets. trips by 50 per cent. The through- At the same time risks momentum in revenue/ whole or in part without written per- is growing at a CAGR of 10.5 per to $180 billion. “To bridge the current competi- put of the road network has to be are increasing as the for- order booking of the out- mission of The Editor, Financial cent. It is marred by an unbal- Transportation by road is at the tiveness gap of $180 billion, India raised with better quality roads eign money pouring into sourcing business augur Chronicle ® is prohibited. anced logistics modal mix, high root of the unwarranted logistics needs to halve logistics cost from and a higher proportion national the equity market is large- well for Indian IT peers.” indirect costs, poor infrastructure, costs. Transportation represents 14 per cent of GDP to 7 per cent,” highways in the road network. WORLD

SHORT TAKES Biden backs son after tax probe revealed Washington, Dec. 18: US 15 KIDS KILLED Pence gets Covid jab on live President-elect Joe Biden has expressed full confidence IN AFGHANISTAN in his son Hunter, a frequent target of Republican attacks, BOMB BLAST after it was revealed last TV, Trump sparks confusion week that he was under a fed- eral tax investigation. Ghazni, Dec. 18: At least 15 During his unsuccessful re- children were killed when a Don jumps gun on FDA, says Moderna vaccine ‘overwhelmingly approved’ election campaign, President motorbike laden with explo- Donald Trump launched sives blew up near a religious repeated accusations against gathering in eastern Afghani- Washington, Dec. 18: Hunter and said the Bidens stan on Friday, officials said. The US vice president LOCKDOWN LOOMS were a “corrupt” family and The children had gathered at received a Covid-19 vac- Macron rides out virus, a “criminal enterprise.” a home in Ghazni province to cine shot live on television OVER CHRISTMAS recite Quran verses, a regular on Friday in a public dis- activity on the Islamic holy play designed to boost IN BETHLEHEM day of Friday, when the blast national confidence in the fever at Versailles retreat happened. “Unfortunately, as a drug even as President Ramallah (West Bank), result of this incident 15 peo- Donald Trump sparked Dec. 18: The Palestinian ple, all children, were mar- confusion over approval Paris, Dec. 18: As French the days before testing comes as French health prime minister annou- tyred,” said Wahedullah for a second anti-Covid President Emmanuel positive on Thursday. authorities are again see- nced a two-week lock- Jumazada, spokesman for the drug. Macron rides out the Critics say that’s a bad ing a rise in infections and down in the West Bank province’s governor. “Building confidence in Coronavirus in a presi- example for compatriots warning of more as that appears certain to Ghazni police confirmed the the vaccine is what brings dential retreat at advised to keep their gath- French families prepare to curtail Christmas cele- blast and that all victims were us here this morning,” VP Versailles, French doctors erings to six people. get together for Christmas brations in the town of children. Twenty other people, Mike Pence said after are warning families who Macron is suffering from and New Year festivities. Jesus’ birth. including some children, were being injected at the White are heading for the holi- fever, cough and fatigue, France reported another Prime Minister Moha- wounded. House, quipping: “I didn’t days to remain cautious officials with the presi- 18,254 new infections on mmad Shtayyeh said that Interior ministry spokesman feel a thing.” Pence, his because of an uptick in dency said on Friday. Thursday and its death with a Coronavirus out- Tariq Arian earlier said the wife Karen and the lead infections — especially at They wouldn’t provide toll is just under 60,000. break raging, there will group had gathered in Gilan public health official in the dinner table. details of his treatment. France’s Pasteur Institute be a nighttime curfew district to recite the Quran. the country, Surgeon While Macron routinely He is staying at the presi- released a study on Friday from 7 pm to 6 am General Jerome Adams, wears a mask and adheres dential residence of La suggesting that meal throughout the West were all given the Pfizer- to social distancing rules, Lanterne in the former times at home and in pub- Bank. SUPER CYCLONE BioNTech vaccine in the he hosted or took part in royal city of Versailles. lic are a major source of On Fridays and annex to the White House. multiple group meals in Macron's positive test contamination. — AP Saturdays, the local week- YASA FLATTENS Signalling the impor- end, the lockdown will be tance given to the event, Covid-19 throughout the ly approved” and that “dis- tribution — expected later around the clock. The top infectious diseases crisis, even as the US tribution to start immedi- Friday. US President-elect restrictions, which are to VILLAGES IN FIJI Anthony Fauci and death toll topped 3,00,000 ately.” This sparked some Joe Biden’s incoming be in effect through Suva, Fiji, Dec. 18: Super Centers for Disease this month. confusion — while an White House senior advi- January 2, will greatly cyclone Yasa flattened entire Control and Prevention However, he has been advisory panel recom- sor, congressman Cedric restrict travel throughout villages as it tore through Fiji, director Robert Redfield keen to take credit for the mended emergency use Richmond, has tested posi- the West Bank. Most busi- aid agencies said on Friday, were also in the room. historic speed of vaccine approval for Moderna’s tive for Covid-19 after hav- nesses, with the exception with a baby among two con- The notable absence was development. Early Friday vaccine on Thursday, the ing open-air “interac- of pharmacies and bak- firmed deaths and rescue work- Trump himself. He has he tweeted that a second Food and Drug Adminis- tions” with Biden, the eries, will be forced to ers racing to the worst-hit com- sent mixed messages drug made by Moderna tration has yet to give the transition team said on close during the curfews, munities. about the seriousness of had been “overwhelming- final verdict allowing dis- Thursday. — AFP/AP Shtayyeh said. — AP Yasa made landfall at the Pacific Island nation late Thursday as a top-of-the-scale Category Five cyclone, lashing Fiji's second-largest island, Israeli peace, sustainability award for Ratan Tata Vanua Levu. The storm triggered floods, Jerusalem, Dec. 18: international chapter in Commerce, said. landslides and blackouts before Veteran industrialist Dubai on December 21. The 82-year-old industri- moving out to sea early Friday, Ratan Tata will be hon- The virtual ceremony alist and philanthropist is where it rapidly weakened to a oured by the Indo-Israel will be attended by senior the recipient of two of Category Three system. Chambers of Commerce officials from Israel, India India’s highest civilian Zalim Hussein of Savusavu, a for promoting innovation and UAE. “Tata has done a awards — Padma small town of a few thousand that supports sustainabili- lot for India-Israel ties. He Vibhushan and Padma people on Vanua Levu, said he ty and peace in the region, has generously con- Bhushan . The opening of feared for his life sheltering at including with the tributed towards promot- the Federation of Indo- home in the dark as screeching Palestinians. ing innovation that sup- Israel Chamber of winds ripped apart houses The chairman emeritus ports sustainability and Commerce’s international around him. of the Tata group will be has been a promoter of Ratan Tata chapter in Dubai is the “I could hear roofs of neigh- honoured with ‘Global peace in the region, first such initiative aim- bouring houses flying, trees Visionary of Sustainable including with the ties between the two coun- ing at tapping business falling and branches breaking Business and Peace’ award Palestinians. He has visit- tries. He very well opportunities together in outside and big waves crushing during the launch of the ed Israel a few times deserves this honour,” other countries, and devel- on the shore,” he said. Federation of Indo-Israel which has been extremely Raviv Byron, President of oping trilateral collabora- Chamber of Commerce’s beneficial in promoting Israel-India Chamber of tions. — PTI EDIT DECCAN CHRONICLE | SATURDAY | 19 DECEMBER 2020 | CHENNAI pg 6

19 DECEMBER 2020 Kerala: Big triumph for LDF, Cong rudderless Subhani he brilliant show put up by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala in the elections to the local bodies is sure to offer the ruling front a solid base to prepare for the state Assembly elections hardly four Tmonths away while raising the bar higher for the Opposition, United Democratic Front (UDF), to win the race. The LDF has won 11 of the 14 dis- trict panchayat councils, 108 of the 152 block panchayats (the state has 140 assembly seats), 42 of the 86 municipalities and five of the six municipal cor- porations. Among the gram panchayats, the leftists won 514 of the 941, leaving 375 to the UDF and 23 to the National Democratic Alliance (BJP). That the LDF has improved its own tally of 2015 local bodies elections when it was in the Opposition indicates that it faces little anti-incumbency threat in a state which alternates its ruling dispensation in every election without fail ever since 1977. While the Pinarayi Vijayan government’s creditable perfor- ed mance in fighting virus attacks, first by Nipah in 2018 and by the coronavirus n- in 2020, its successful handling of two successive floods in 2018 and 2019, its n- focus on improving infrastructure especially in education and healthcare, its determined efforts to push through mega projects which includes the natural a gas pipeline and the national highway project gave it the image of a govern- st ment that works, its focus on welfare measures, which includes the construc- LETTERS th tion of 2.5 lakh homes for the poor, the timely distribution of enhanced wel- a- fare pensions for the elderly and food kits during the pandemic, Covid-19, con- As schools reopen, try CRYING FOUL as vinced the people that it is a government that cares. The angry verbal This image, coupled with the failure of the central investigation agencies to exchange between Tamil DF come up with a credible case against people associated with the government vis-a-vis gold smuggling, has helped the LDF keep its head above water. The Nadu Chief Minister and smart political manoeuvring with which it got a section of the Kerala the MNM supremo Mr Congress which held sway in central Kerala to its side has paid rich dividends to bridge digital divide Kamal is reaching a for the LDF while denting the prospects of the UDF of which the regional crescendo even as the party was a major part for the last 50 years. The digital divide government school chil- The Congress, which leads the UDF, has party machinery that covers the dren. State governments election to the state entire spectrum, starting from the booths but a rudderless leadership squan- is layered on to across India made exten- assembly is just four dered them all away, thinking that the relentless and one-sided media scruti- existing divisions sive efforts to deliver text- months away (CM: Kamal ny of the government will carry the day for them. The UDF, which recorded Rukmini Banerji in our society books to children, and no good in politics; MNM a spectacular victory in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections on the back of the entry this statistic is testament of then Congress president Rahul Gandhi from Wayanad constituency and to these endeavours. a flop, Dec.18). Rather the Sabarimala issue which put the LDF in a dock, was a house divided this increase in smartphone Asked about where chil- than spewing scathing time. It would take enormous efforts on the part of the leadership to put it in ownership is visible dren were learning at and withering comments, order and take on the resurgent LDF if it were to keep its hope of returning to across states. Nationally, home during the refer- it would be better for power. As for the NDA, its hopes replacing the Congress after decimating it y January 2021, used for monitoring and in 2018, 29.6 per cent fami- ence week, 70 per cent lie shattered with the poor showing, especially in the capital schools will cross-checking. For lies whose children went families said their chil- new party leaders — in Thiruvananthapuram. The party needs to cover a lot of ground before it gains have been clos- ASER 2020, the 2018 sam- to government schools dren did some learning this case — both Mr a critical mass to emerge a major force in the state politics. ed for almost ple was used as the frame. owned smartphones. This activities in that week. Kamal and Mr. Rajini — to 300 days. Even To rely on numbers, the number rose to 56.4 per While a majority of these announce their poll mani- whenB school systems sampling process must be cent by 2018. For families activities were with tradi- festo and its effective reopen, it will take time scientific and rigorous. who send their children to tional materials like text- for parents to feel comfort- Despite the Covid-19 chal- private schools, the figure books and worksheets, implementation if voted ‘Punishing’ a state able in sending children lenges, ASER even in this in 2018 was 49.9 per cent, fewer children (usually to power. Come what daily to school. The longer difficult year remains which increased to 74.2 below 20 per cent) may, voters can’t be hile it is not yet clear what elements attacked the car convoy of BJP schools stay shut and the based on a meticulous per cent in 2020. A signifi- accessed learning pro- hoodwinked with any- president J. P. Nadda at Diamond Harbour near Kolkata recently — more uncertain we are sampling process. cant rise in access to grammes on television, Wone theory points the finger at hooligans sponsored by the ruling about the next steps, con- Timing-wise, September smartphones in rural fam- radio or online. thing that would under- Trinamul Congress and the other says it is an internal BJP job to discredit the cern grows about the seemed the right time to ilies is a striking feature Five major takeaways mine their intellect and Mamata Banerjee government as an excuse for punitive action — the Union impact and implications do the ASER 2020 survey. of the last two years. from this year’s ASER fair judgment. government brought the hammer down on three IPS officers of the West of what looks like a year- Many schools have sum- Overall, households exercise: First, the situa- E.S.Chandrasekaran, Bengal cadre. Their services have been compulsorily requisitioned by the long closure. mer holidays in April- reported that about 75 per tion is likely to remain Union home ministry. Starting 2005, every year May-June-July. This year, cent children get some fluid for some months. Chennai Chief minister Mamata Banerjee has responded with fury. She has threat- in mid-January India sees July and August was used help at home in terms of With the clear inequities ened to take recourse to legal action. Ordinarily, the Centre requests a state to the release of the Annual by state governments to learning support, and in our society, it is essen- A PRACTICAL DECISION release a particular officer when there is special need since an officer of the Status of Education Rep- plan and implement their despite the crisis, close to tial to track who is getting THE SUPREME Court has played IAS or the IPS is assigned to a state on being selected. ort (ASER). From 2005 to Covid response. By 30 per cent children con- what opportunities and to its part as a mediator in an astute There may be scope for emergency procedures if a particular officer is badly 2014, the ASER report September, school sys- tinued to attend paid assess what kind of learn- and clever manner by ordering the needed with the Centre. But here the Union home ministry is forcing three IPS tracked the status of tems across India had set- tuition classes. Obviously, ing loss is experienced. contentious farm laws for review officers out of the state in one go. Is this dictatorial? Is it a “colourable” exer- schooling and provided tled into providing what- in families where parents Second, ASER 2020 gives and reappraisal of a committee of cise of power, as the CM has observed? How the judiciary deals with the issue estimates of basic reading ever support they could to have more education, clear evidence of parental experts. The stalemate in the farm- will be keenly watched if Ms Banerjee goes to court. It will be a precedent-set- and arithmetic skills. Af- their students. they are able to help chil- engagement and willing- ers’ strike issue has been brought to ting order and will have a bearing on the broader question of Centre-state ter 2014, the nationwide ASER 2020 Wave 1 was dren more. However, even ness to support children’s a temporary halt by the wisdom of relations. ASER report is done anchored around a set of in families where both learning. This family sup- the Supreme Court. It is now the Before the 2019 Lok Sabha election, there was an instance of violence at a poll every other year and in interconnected questions. parents have less than port must be leveraged by duty of the farmers to lift the embar- rally of then BJP party chief Amit Shah in Kolkata. The police commissioner the gap year we look in These included: what five years of schooling, the school system in a sys- go and blocking of the movement of was relieved of his charge by the Election Commission and subsequently depth at a specific age resources did families close to 25 per cent par- tematic way. Third, tradi- vehicles of all kinds besides the rail asked by the state to report to the Centre. The officer who replaced him was group. For example, have, who in the family ents help children. tional teaching-learning roko without further delay. They also changed, along with three other IPS officers. These were not decisions of ASER 2017 focused on the was able to help children, Significant help in low methods should be com- are also duty bound to return to the Union home ministry as in the present instance, but of the EC. And yet it 14-18 age group, while what inputs and learning education families also bined effectively with their native places and resume nor- is the bulk nature of transfers, which makes these cases look like punishment. ASER 2019 dealt with the opportunities did chil- comes from siblings (in newer ways of reach- mal activities. Both the central gov- Political antagonism between the Centre and a particular state government 4-8 age group. The year dren receive and what households where both ing/learning. Fourth, in- ernment and the farmers’ unions has probably not gone in this direction before and it is not a good sign for fed- 2020 would have seen the were children able to do parents have not even depth assessments of should give undertakings to the eralism, “cooperative” or otherwise, although Prime Minister has made regular country-wide with respect to learning. studied up to Class 5, 23.2 “what works and how” is Supreme Court that they will abide renewed avowals of cooperative federalism. report. But given the Many of these questions per cent children get help needed to improve digital by the views and decisions of the Covid crisis, it was appro- were designed not only to from older brothers and content and delivery for experts committee. The government priate to change the focus explore how families dealt sisters.) the future. Just because should also not delay constituting of and timing of ASER to with the Covid crisis on In the reference week families have devices and the experts committee. DECCAN CHRONICLE explore what children the education front, but before the survey in connectivity doesn’t auto- B.S. Jayaraman Iyer, Coimbatore were doing while the also to provide inputs into September, about a third matically mean learning KAUSHIK MITTER K. SUDHAKAR of all children reported is happening effectively. Editor Printer & Publisher schools were closed. thinking about opportuni- R. MOHAN There are several key ties that could be lever- receiving learning mate- Finally, the digital divide INTERESTING TEST Resident Editor features of the ASER arch- aged beyond the crisis. rials and activities from is layered on to existing OUR WALL, Cheteshwar Pujara is DECCAN CHRONICLE offices are located at: itecture that are worth Close to 120,000 house- their school. 67 per cent divisions in our society. dead right that the situation on the Chennai: SP 3 Developed Plot, Industrial Estate, Guindy, Chennai 600032. Phones: (044) 22254747, families whose children Mechanisms to reach and 22254748 highlighting. ASER has holds were sampled. opening day of pink ball Test at Coimbatore: 77 Vivekananda Road, Ramnagar, Coimbatore 641009. Phone: (0422) 2231255, 2231256 always been a rural sur- Approximately 58 per cent go to government schools teach children who are on Adelaide warranted lot of patience Hyderabad: 36, Sarojini Devi Road, Secunderabad 500 003. Phone: (040) 27803930-4. Fax: (040) vey with information col- households were reached, and 87 per cent of those the dark side of the divide and hence he played according to the 27805256. lected from households. of which 75.8 per cent whose children go to pri- must be worked out so situation. Even Captain Kohli slow- Bengaluru: 5th Floor, BMTC Commercial Complex, 80 Ft. Road, Koramangala, Bangalore-560095. Ph: vate schools reported their educational disad- 08043460500; Fax: 080-22960551/52/55 The children’s sample is completed the survey. ly and steadily took control of the sit- Visakhapatnam: Survey No. 1/3A Beach Road, Near Kailasagiri Ropeway, Sector-9 MVP Colony, representative at the dis- Thus, the ASER 2020 receiving materials via vantage can be ameliorat- uation and commanded respect from Visakhapatnam - 530 017. Phones: (0891) 2552333/2552334, Fax (0891) 2755285 trict and state levels. Wave 1 survey obtained WhatsApp. Interestingly, ed over time. his opponents. Unfortunately, it Vijayawada: No. C 3 & 4, Patamata, Industrial Estate, Auto Nagar, Vijayawada (A.P.). Phones: (0866) During Covid-19, where information for about 31.8 per cent of govern- ASER 2020 completed was, Rahane, who put a brake to our 2555284/ 2555287, Fax (0866) 2555234 the only way to reach fam- 60,000 children. ment school children’s the first wave in Rajahmundry: Vemagiri, Dhawleswaram Rd, Rajahmundry 533125. Phones: (0883) 2417208, 2417618 captain’s progress to another ton at Anantapur: Thapovan Colony, Bangalore Bye-Pass Road, Anantapur 515004. Phones: (08554) 276903, ilies was through phone Here are some of the families also added that September. It’s likely that Adelaide. Though the Aussies had Fax: 08554-276904 calls, and it was essential highlights. First, the materials came via visits a follow-up wave may be the upper hand during the first ses- Nellore: Survey No. 527/2, Burranpur Village, Venkatachalam (M), Chemudugunta Panchayat, Nellore. to maintain the represen- availability of ASER 2018 (either to the school by planned later in the cur- sion, they started losing their grip Phone: (0861) 2348581/ 82, Telefax (0861) 2348580 tativeness of the sample. data allowed comparisons parents or by teachers to rent school year to track Karimnagar: Survey No. 1341, Vavilalapally Colony, Jagityala Road, Karimnagar 505 001. during the second and third session Phone: (0878 ) 2228908; Telefax (0878) 2220433 Luckily, as part of the to be made. For example, the child’s home). how children’s learning till the unfortunate run out, which Kochi: No. 3-B, 3rd Floor, DD TRADE TOWER, Kaloor-Kadavanthara Road, Ernakulam, usual ASER process, the proportion of house- Interestingly, 80 per cent journeys are progressing. triggered a collapse against the new Ph: 0484-4039408 phone numbers are col- holds who own televisions of all children in the sam- ball. Still, Bumrah & Co. can prise Kozhikode: No 6/1002 E, First Floor City Mall, Opp. YMCA Kannur Road, Kozhikode - 673 001 lected from each surveyed or motorised vehicles ple had textbooks of their Rukmini Banerji is the out the Aussies and who knows they Fax : 0495 4019018 Thiruvananthapuram: St Joseph Press Thycaud post, Cotton Hills, Thiruvananthapuram-14, Ph: 0471- household. In a normal remained similar from current grade. This num- CEO of Pratham could even grab a slender lead. 2735105/6/7, Fax: 0471-4016112 Gram: CHRONICLE Postal registration no: No. H/SD-348/2006-08ss year, this information is 2018 to 2020, but a sharp ber was slightly higher for Education Foundation N.V. Krishnan, Chennai

“If our hands bent both ways and-large-accurate encyclopaedia(e) agement to a child as you fling it into we punctuate our sentences with the ation with place, as with Adenwalla There’d be lines marked on as the world has never known, to con- the air, mysterious. The appearance MC and BC words. I sincerely protest and Billimoria, should really be Farrukh the back. tinue — till time and ingenuity of this Daisy, presumably a girl and that my family and their acquain- “Singaporia”. It is easy to see how the We’d call them life, fate and fortune replace the ethereal store of knowl- not a flower, doesn’t figure in the tances never fell into the particular eastern tongue twists the sound of Dhondy Predicting ruin and rack. edge with some other scientifically explanations. linguistic habit, but a friend in col- “x” or “ks” into “sk”, as in the trans- invented miracle. And in my idle researches I find lege was universally known as Adi formation of Alexander to Sikander, Cabbages With our palms already foretelling The triviality of what I resort to that there are places where “MC” Manekshaw. He would freely or as boys in school would say “I’ll It’d be a sort of heads and tails Wiki for will or may, gentle reader, Wikipedia doesn’t fear to tread. It use the expletives and was famous for aks my bro’”! & Kings And palmists would be confounded prompt you to judge me harshly. very bravely, if casually, tells the lit- his expression of surprise or disbe- And so with the word signal, again Not knowing which fortune Today it occurred to me that I had eral meaning of the “F” word while lief, which was “Good Lord MC!” — in English two consonants “g” and prevails.” never investigated the origins of the incorporating the various expres- (the mouth-filling words not just “n” thrown together and rendered phrase “oopsy daisy”! I am now fair- sions which use the single syllable initials). very often by the general Indian — From Come, Say ‘Come’ ly knowledgeable about the mean- without in any sense invoking its lit- The intriguing word, which I grew public as “singal”. Which is why I by Bachchoo ings of certain nursery rhymes such eral meaning. It is, as Bagwash Shri up hearing in the Parsi and wider suspect, as there is no place in as Humpty Dumpty which wasn’t an Ragwort noted in one of his rambles, Indian community, was “saala”. The Gujarat called Siganpor, that the dle days, my friend, idle days in egg as mistakenly portrayed by car- used to express dismissal, disdain, word literally means brother-in-law, surname derives from some ances- terms of worldly commerce, but toonists, but a cannon in the service disappointment and other “d”s, not and of course can mean that the tor who pursued the opium trade, Researching busy as a woodpecker tapping of His Majesty’s artillery. I also to mention the moods and utterances speaker had carnal relations with the banking or some such in the far Ithe imagined computer keys of a proudly know that ring-a-ring-a- whose descriptions begin with other sister of the one to whom the word is eastern colony. tree-trunk. And as random questions roses is about the plague that swept letters of the alphabet. directed. That could be provoking Again, in idle intellectual mode, I Wikipedia on occur, sometimes pertaining to work. Britain and nothing to do with neck- And so, with other words which we, and insulting, but in my hearing, it wonder why my grandmother Sometimes thoughtful wanderings lace of blossoms as I had imagined in our graciously inoffensive era, was often used as an endearment. demonised the vegetable which we from questions about how one dodges when we played holding hands and shorten to their first letters. And in How in such discourse has its nega- call “brinjal” and Europeans refer to British tax by registering companies forming a ring, at the age of three in that context, after a few minutes of tivity turned into its opposite? (All as aubergine or eggplant, by charac- the origins in Nassau, to the origins of phrases the joyous hours of infant birthday research in these idle hours, I have answers to this newspaper’s letters terising anyone who fell ill with the one has used and never stopped to parties. discovered, gentle reader, that page! — fd. Sub-editors: Delete this phrase “vengna khaddha”, meaning etymologise. And now Wikipedia corrects my Wikipedia gives us definitions and line, we have enough unprintable “ate brinjals”. In my short and happy of toxic words Praise be to Ahura Mazda for lifelong notions and says the phrase connotations of very many common nonsense stimulated by his columns life, I have never known the veg- inspiring the founders and conspira- is “Whoopsy Daisy”. There are sever- Hindi or Urdu swear words, includ- anyway — Ed) etable to be toxic or poisonous. tors of Wikipedia. And yes, I do con- al notes on the origin of the phrase, ing those which the victims of the And wandering outside the possible Where are the Parsi etymologists tribute small sums to their coffers and they contradict each other and abuse may object to as “going on remit of Wikipedia, I have taken to and phraseological historians when now and then. We must all will their still leave the attribution of alarm, at mothers/sisters”. wondering whether the Parsi sur- you need them? Come back, all is incredibly comprehensive and by- an accidental slip, or as an encour- One stereotype for us Parsis is that name Siganporia, based on an associ- forgiven. GAMES pg DECCAN CHRONICLE | CHENNAI | SATURDAY | 19 DECEMBER 2020 7

SHORT TAKE We need to score Rooney’s son Kai signs for Man U goals, says Laszlo London: Wayne Rooney’s son ASHWIN ON FIRE NEHA SURANA | DC Kai has followed in his father’s CHENNAI, DEC. 18 footsteps by signing for Manchester United. Having scored just three United’s record goalscorer Spinner takes four to tie Aussies in knots on Day 2 goals in five games this posted a picture on social season, Chennaiyin FC are media of the 11-year-old, the Adelaide, Dec. 18: Ravi well aware of the issue at oldest of Rooney’s four sons, Ashwin bagged four wick- hand. As the two-time signing a contract at his ets as a dominant India champions are keen to father’s former club. held a 62-run lead at move up the table, head Rooney accompanied the stumps on day two of the coach Csaba Laszlo made it Edwin Sydney (left) and image with the caption: “Proud Adelaide day-night Test clear that he wants to see S. Pandiyan. day. Kai signing for @manches- after Australian captain more goals from CFC play- terunited. Keep up the hard Tim Paine ran out of bat- ers. injury concerns, the coach work son.” ting partners. “If you don’t score goals, said,” Enes Sipovic is Rooney, 38, joined United from Paine was left stranded you don’t win games. I ready but I don’t know if Everton in 2004 as a teenager. on 73 not out when the don’t want to push all the he will play from the begin- — AFP Australian innings ended responsibility just on the ning. Isma’s injury is not at 191 to trail India’s 244 by players. This is also a little so bad, I hope he joins the 53 runs. bit to do with your own team next week. Thapa is Live on TV Ashwin had figures of 4- confidence and maybe okay now and he is fully fit. 55 while Umesh Yadav took because our preparation We have some small CRICKET 3-40. was not long. If you are out injuries, that is normal. We Australia vs India: First Test — Day At stumps, India in their of football for six months need players on the pitch Three from 9.30 am on Sony Ten 1, second innings were one and then come back, it is and not in the doctor’s 3, Sony Six, HD down for nine with not easy for players. So, I room.” Mayank Agarwal on five don’t want to blame any- Meanwhile, Chennaiyin FOOTBALL and nightwatchman body," said Laszlo ahead of FC’s defensive midfielder English Premier League: Crystal Jasprit Bumrah yet to their game against FC Goa. Deepak Tangri has set Palace vs Liverpool from 6 pm; score. The under-pressure “I want players to start sights on winning three Southampton vs Manchester City Prithvi Shaw, who was out scoring more goals even in points from FC Goa game. from 8.30 pm; Everton vs Arsenal for a duck in the first training. I want to see the “The coach has told us to from 11 pm; Newcastle vs Fulham innings, was bowled by Pat ball touch the net from the stay more compact and from 1.30 am (Sunday) on Star Sports Select 1, HD Cummins for four. sides, not just from the cen- focus on ourselves rather Fifteen wickets fell on the tre. And, eventually, if we than focusing on Goa. So, Indian Super League: Goa vs day which started when play more games and keep we will give our best to get Chennaiyin from 7.20 pm on Star Cummins and Mitchell scoring in our practice ses- the three points, because Sports 2, 3 Starc took just 25 deliveries sions then automatically these points are very Italian League: Fiorentina vs Verona to knock off the final four Ravichandran Ashwin (left) celebrates with teammates after dismissing Australia’s Steve Smith during the second the confidence will be important for us to climb from 7.30 pm; Sampdoria vs India batsmen. day of the first Test in Adelaide on Friday. — AFP gained,” said Laszlo. up the points table,” said Crotone from 10.30 pm; Parma vs Australia in turn strug- Speaking about the Tangri. Juventus from 1.15 am (Sunday) on gled to make headway as Sony Ten 2, HD Bumrah, Ashwin and SCORECARD NUMBERS GAME Yadav worked their way India 1st Innings: (overnight 233 for 6): Saha c Paine b R. ASHWIN’S BEST BOWLING IN AUSTRALIA: UFC through the batting order. Fight Night: Leon Edwards vs Khamzat Starc 9, Ashwin c Paine b Cummins 15, Yadav c Wade b ● Ravichandran Ashwin recorded the best bowling per- Even with India spilling Starc 6, Bumrah not out 4, Shami c Head b Cummins 0. Chimaev and other bouts from 5.30 five chances, they never formance in Australia by taking four for 55 off 18 overs. It Ahamed leads am (Sunday) on Sony Ten 2, HD Extras (B-2, LB-8, NB-7, WD-1) 18. Total (all out in 93.1 was only second time when this off-spinner took four allowed Australia to settle overs) 244. wickets in an innings in Australia. His previous best in apart from a determined FoW: 1-0, 2-3, 3-100, 4-188, 5-196, 6-206, 7-233, 8-235, 9- Australia was four for 105 off 19 overs at Sydney in Paine who plugged on to 240, 10-244. Bowling: Starc 21-5-53-4, Hazlewood 20-6- January 2015. The 34-year old’s best bowling against his eighth half century, 47-1, Cummins 21.1-7-48-3, Green 9-2-15-0, Nathan Lyon Australia is seven for 103 at Chennai in February 2013. TVS Racing 1-2 aided in part by being ● Ravichandran Ashwin also became the third highest Regd. No. 21-2-68-1, Marnus Labuschagne 1-0-3-0. at the MMRT, here on dropped by Agarwal on 26. Australia 1st Innings: Wade lbw b Bumrah 8, Burns lbw b wicket taker for India against Australia in Tests after Anil DC CORRESPONDENT TNENG/2010/35692 It was Paine’s only mis- Kumble (111 wickets in 38 innings of 20 Tests) and CHENNAI, DEC. 18 Friday. Bumrah 8, Labuschagne lbw b Yadav 47, Smith c Rahane Also notching up victo- step and he brought up his b Ashwin 1, Head c&b Ashwin 7, Green c Kohli b Ashwin 11, Harbhajan Singh (95 wickets in 35 innings of 18 Tests). He Printed & Published by 50 off 68 deliveries with an took 81 wickets at an average of 31.00 in 29 innings of 16 KY Ahamed started his ries in the National cham- K. Sudhakar on behalf of Paine not out 73, Cummins c Rahane b Yadav 0, Starc run Tests by end of the Australian first innings. pionship were 23-year old assured cut to the bound- out 15, Lyon c Kohli b Ashwin 10, Hazlewood c Pujara b campaign in the second Deccan Chronicle Holdings Limited ary. As his confidence grew ● Steven Smith made just one run off 29 balls in 45 min- and final round of the MRF Engineering graduate and Printed at Yadav 8. Extras (LB-3) 3. Total (all out in 72.1 overs) 191. he produced a reverse utes. It was his fourth single in 132 innings of 74 Tests.His from Bengaluru Seshadri Deccan Chronicle Presses situated FoW: 1-16, 2-29, 3-45, 4-65, 5-79, 6-111, 7-111, 8-139, 9-167, MMSC fmsci Indian sweep to move into the 60s previous slowest single was against England at Lord’s in National Motorcycle Suresh (Sparks Racing), in at SP 3, Developed Plot, Industrial Estate, 10-191. Bowling: Yadav 16.1-5-40-3, Bumrah 21-7-52-2, July 18,2013, off 14 balls in 19 muinutes. the Novice (Stock 165cc) Guindy, Chennai - 600 032. with a four off Ashwin. Racing Championship 2020 Shami 17-4-41-0, Ashwin 18-3-55-4. ● Tim Paine’s unbeaten 73 was fifth half century in 31 and Ann Jennifer (Sparks RNI Registration No: TN ENG/2005/14987 Ashwin’s spin captured India 2nd Innings: Prithvi b Cummins 4, Mayank not out 5, with two brilliant perform- the wickets of Steve Smith, innings of 20 Tests as skipper.Overall, it was his eighth fifty ances as he led his team, Racing) who completed a Ph Nos: 22254747, 22254748, 22254750, Bumrah not out 0. Total (for 1 wicket in 6 overs) 9. in 51 innings of 32 Tests. 22254751 Travis Head and Cameron TVS Racing, to 1-2 finishes hat-trick of wins in the FoW: 1-7. — S. PERVEZ QAISER Girls (Stock 165cc) catego- Editor: KAUSHIK MITTER Green between dinner and Bowling: Starc 3-1-3-0, Cummins 3-2-6-1. in both the Pro-Stock cate- tea. — AFP gories (301-400cc and 165cc) ry. COFFEE-BREAK CALVIN AND HOBBES| Bill Watterson Your day today By Dr C.V.B. Subrahmanyam QUICK CROSSWORD Aries: Take timely action. Be prudent and precise about your decisions and many a path will open up for you. A dull routine could take away interest in work. Taurus: Investment offers may tempt you. You find it difficult to achieve professional targets. Family life could suffer. Unexpected travel could be tiring. THE WIZARD OF ID| Parker and Hartsd Gemini: You will sort out differences with associates. Neglecting parents could vitiate domestic harmony. Avoid talking without purpose. Persistent efforts will bring results. Cancer: Business partnerships bring expected results. You learn important lessons to enjoy the domestic life. Voluntary work will be recognised. Leo: Banking, engineering and tourism professionals will touch new heights. Domestic life will be happy. Personal expectations will be fulfilled. ARCHIE| Bill Henry Scarpelli & craig boldman Virgo: You will complete research-related work. Family will be supportive. A death could haunt you. You’ll earn from indirect sources. A hectic schedule could make you short-tempered. Thoughtless action could mar domestic harmony. Across Down YESTERDAY’S ANSWER You share your b’day with 1.Beer maker (6) 1. Bill (4) Across: 1. Precipice, 3. Joint (4) 2. Titillating (6) 6. Caper, 7. Trunk, Manav Kaul, theatre director, actor and 9. Odds, 10. Shekel, playwright. He is best known for his roles in 7. State emphatically (4) 4. Balanced (4) 12. Berate, 14. Scot, 8. Artful (6) 5. Rile (6) 17. Rinse, 18. Raven, Tumhari Sulu, Badla, Thappad, Wazir, Jolly LLB 2, 19. Cockroach. Jai Gangajaal and Haider amongst others. 10. Bibliotheca (7) 6. Ruler of ancient Egypt (7) 13. Deep regret (7) 9. Spreading plant (7) Down: 2. Rapid, 3. Care, 4. Patchy, 5. BLONDIE| Dean Young and John Marshall Libra: Lack of communication skills will 16. Three-legged stand (6) 11. Free of charge (6) Caulk, 6. Crowbar, hamper work. The family front could be 17. Confront (4) 12. Property (6) 8. Kiloton, 11. Streak, 13. Rondo, disturbing. Join a vocational course to 18. Appear like (4) 14. Swoop (4) 15. Civic, 16. Trio. equip yourself with technical skills. 19. Wretchedness (6) 15. Charge (4) Scorpio: Domestic atmosphere will be harmonious. Profits are likely to come much sooner than expected. You enjoy perfect health. Word Mine jumble Sagittarius: A supportive family will help you deal with a personal issue. Some of you may V waste time chasing fantasies. An unexpected financial burden is likely. Capricorn: Domestic tensions may increase. D S R Impulsive behaviour might cause health problems. ANDY CAPP | Reg Smythe Secret enemies would conspire to harm. No E R I I E improvement in financial position. Work stress may harm your reputation. TODAY’S RATINGS: 19 AVERAGE; 20 GOOD; 21 OUTSTANDING Aquarius: You might face family problems. How many words of four or more letters can you make from Circumstances could force curtailment of the letters shown in today’s expenses. Professional results may exceed puzzle? In making a word, each letter may be used once only. expectations. Health will be sound. Work Each word must contain the commitments won’t be honoured today. letter at the top of the pyramid. There should be at least one Pisces: A promising day to streamline work. No nine letter word. Plurals, foreign indication of monetary losses. Health will bloom. words and proper names are

not allowed.

Obstacles won’t deter you on the professional vied versed, verse, veer,

river, RIVERSIDE, serve, served, server, sever, sieve, sever, server, served, serve, RIVERSIDE, river, path. Healthy interaction with family will keep you reviser, revised, revise, ever, driver, drive, diverse,

happy. Spend time learning a new skill. diver, dive, devise, derive, derisive, ANSWERS: TARZAN| Edgar Rice Burroughs bridge ome countries have ond. It was reported by Knut spades or correct to four sure what was happening. held top-level at-the- Kjaernsro. spades with four-card sup- He shifted to the heart jack. Stable bridge events. How did Johansen play in port. Declarer seemed des- South played low from the PHILLIP The first three were, I four spades after West led tined to lose one heart and board and dropped the nine ALDER believe, in Poland, Latvia the diamond queen to three clubs. How could he from his hand! West, think- and Norway. dummy's king? make one loser evaporate? ing that he had found the The Norwegian pairs Note that South's jump to Johansen drew trumps in killing defense, continued BACK championship was played in four spades promised at three rounds, played his with the heart two. Declarer September at Kragero. The least five trumps. Since second diamond to took East's queen with his TO THE teams championship took North might have raised dummy's ace and called for ace, played the heart three place one month later at with only three spades in a the club 10. If East had cov- to dummy's eight and dis- TABLE IN Latvik, an hour's drive up minimum 3=1=4=5 or ered with his queen, it carded a club on the heart the coast from Kragero. 3=4=1=5 hand, South, with would have clarified the king. Cool! NORTHERN Today's deal features great only four spades, should position, but he played low. Copyright United play by Tom Johansen, rebid three no-trump. Then Now West, after winning Feature Syndicate EUROPE whose team finished sec- North will pass with three with the club ace, wasn't (Asia Features) DECCAN CHRONICLE | SATURDAY | 19 DECEMBER 2020 | CHENNAI pg 8