NEW DELHI TIMES R.N.I. No 53449/91 DL-SW-1/4124/20-22 (Monday/Tuesday same week) (Published Every Monday) New Delhi Page 24 Rs. 7.00

29 March - 4 April 2021 Vol - 31 No. 9 Email : [email protected] Founder : Dr. Govind Narain Srivastava ISSN -2349-1221 National Population Register: Don’t Envy; Compete! Need of the Hour In dark honest and agonizing moments, we recognize with considerable National Population Registration (NPR) is regret and pain all the things that are missing from our lives. Of course, an important document that was scheduled there are a considerable number of things missing from our lives, to be updated along with the House listing like the career we wanted, or we may have made some catastrophic phase of Census 2021 during April to mistakes that have profoundly affected our lives, or our appearance September 2020 in all the States/UTs may be dissatisfying or in decline and so on. except Assam. We face humiliation in the face of desire we cannot have. The aim was to look into growth of We must admit that there are numerous unfulfilled desires population over the decade, to identify within us that eventually but undoubtedly cause us to Indian citizen and state of their livelihood, to envy. We have in life a lot of things that we desire, from a provide better facilities as Indian... companionship to materialistic desires but we... By Dr. Ankit Srivastava Page 3 By Dr. Pramila Srivastava Page 24

By NDT Special Bureau Page 2 The death of a true feminist in the Bangladesh Golden Jubilee Celebration of Indus Water Treaty is most Islamic world Independence with PM Modi generous, but Pakistan cribs

Nawal Saadawi, a renowned Arab feminist from Egypt, a On March 26, 1971, East Pakistan was liberated from Way back in 1960, a decade into independence, India psychiatrist and novelist, whose writings triggered anger the clutches of Military Rule of West Pakistan. Sheikh signed the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan for among Islamic clerics, leading to her imprisonment... Mujibur Rahman, known as the Father of the Nation... distribution of water of Indus river tributaries... By Tarek Fatah Page 2 By Sujay Dhawan Page 4 By Himanshu Sharma Page 5 For critical insights One Year* Five Year* Subscribe Rs. 350 Rs. 1500 To Subscribe E-Paper Whatsapp +91 9999 331 600 * Details on Page 21

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Opinion NEW DELHI TIMES India-US relations stronger than ever US Defence Chief’s first bilateral visit to India ◆ By NDT Special Bureau @NewDelhiTimes [email protected]

fter the joint visit of US Foreign A Secretary Anthony Blinken and Defence Secretary and Chief of Pentagon Lloyd Austin to Japan and South Korea– two important countries in the region – Austin headed to India while Blinken went home to meet China’s officials. However, the US-China talks in Alaska turned out to be “tough and direct,” and wrapped up on March 19 to the relief of both sides. Both sides had hardened their stand on the South China Sea and other conflicting issues. That shifted focus to India. On March 19, Austin arrived in New open regional order. Both sides exchanged Both the nuclear-armed Asian giants rushed office shows the priority and importance Delhi on a two-day India tour. He met perspectives on shared challenges thousands of troops to the frontier. Now Washington is assigning to New Delhi. Prime Minister Modi and NSA Ajit Doval confronting the region and committed to tensions have eased somewhat with a pull- India’s relationship with the US on the on March 20 and talks were dominated by further strengthen their broad-ranging and back from one area of contention. India military side has enhanced enormously shared alarms concerning the region. India is robust defence cooperation,” Kirby added. believes in the ideology of peace and not and the US has been helping India across a vital US partner in the Asia-Pacific region confrontation. all fronts. It is a partnership of two great and Austin’s March 19-20 trip became Before Austin’s meeting with Foreign democracies and it will bring only good to New Delhi’s first face-to-face meeting with Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister In 2016, the United States designated India the world in general and in the Asia-Pacifc Biden’s administration. PM Modi tweeted that Rajnath Singh on March 20, there were as a “Major Defence Partner.” Both countries in particular. “India and US are committed to our strategic speculations that he could raise the alleged have since signed a string of deals easing partnership that is a force for global good.” question of human rights in India, which the transfer of advanced weaponry and US Defence Secretary Austin’s visit to India the US regards “an important part of the deepening military cooperation. US defence Austin’s visit followed the first Summit of the is a message to the world that New Delhi Biden administration’s defence and foreign firms have inked military hardware deals Leaders of the Quad—a four-way alliance of is emerging as a global power with whom policy”. But the US believes in facts, not worth billions of dollars under India’s $250 the US, Japan, Australia and India—which cordial relations will drive in progress and propagandas. billion modernisation of armed forces whereas the world regards as a bulwark against China. innovation. Despite speculations about Russia was India’s biggest arms supplier for Austin “commended India’s leadership role The US-India relations have historically Biden’s administration approach towards decades. India-US defence partnership has in the Indo-Pacific and growing engagement been assertive with many ups and downs India, Austin’s visit to India has rested the only strengthened in the past decade and is with like-minded partners across the region to over last couple of decades. China’s growing speculations and proven that the US is eager ready to see many transformational attributes promote shared goals”, Pentagon Spokesman assertiveness is now their common worry. to strengthen its bond with India. None can in the coming decades. John Kirby said. “The two sides reaffirmed The Indian and Chinese troops clashed on deny that India’s relationship with the US their commitment to promote a free and the border at the Galwan in the Himalayas. Austin’s visit so soon after Biden took has been stronger than ever. The death of a true feminist in the Islamic world by her family after she tried to escape the marriage. Never shy of espousing her bold ◆ By Tarek Fatah views, in July 2008 during a BBC interview, Author & Columnist, Canada Saadawi described Al-Azhar University @TarekFatah as a “dangerous reactionary force” that [email protected] was preventing the ‘renewal of religious discourse’ in Islam. awal Saadawi, a renowned Arab N feminist from Egypt, a psychiatrist She said that all religions are in need of and novelist, whose writings triggered renewal because they are “incompatible anger among Islamic clerics, leading to with modern times” and that “no text in her imprisonment by President Sadat, died the Quran, in the New Testament, or in the of age-related health problems in Cairo on Torah can remain unchanged.”

Sunday. She was 89. PC : Getty Images Dr. El Saadawi said that “if you look at the With her passing, an era of women’s rights medical journal, Health, and as the assistant is Unveil the Mind.” Today, as Muslim Quran today, you will see that many verses warriors in the Islamic world has come to general secretary of the Egyptian Medical women suffer patriarchy in their homes and have been annulled because they run counter an end. She now joins Pakistan’s Asma Association. community, risking the ever-present slur to the public interest,” citing the Quranic Jahangir, whose book “Children of a Lesser of being of ‘loose character’ if they dare verses dealing with slavery as an example. While feminists in Canada and the U.S. God” also ran afoul of the ultra-conservative to reject the hijab and burka or arranged have made the hijab a symbol of feminism, mindset that attempts to dominate and define marriage to much older men, their suffering Last month Indian muslim Wasim Rizvi Dr. Saadawi saw it as a charade. In a the Muslim woman in not just the Islamic is compounded by the threats of ‘honour espoused similar views only to have a 2004 interview with Women’s eNews she world, but in the West as well. killing’ by brothers and fathers for refusing bounty placed on his head. His last known was blunt in her rejection of the Western to marry according to the dictates of these whereabouts are unknown. Here in the West, a guilt-ridden liberal elite feminists’ orientalist fascination of a Muslim cowardly men – they now won’t have Nawal defines a Muslim woman as one who wraps woman in a head covering. Perhaps Saadawi overstepped the bounds of Sadaawi to speak out for them. herself in the prescribed uniform of the Islamic discourse, but she is no more with She said: “This is a political movement using Muslim Brotherhood and its South Asian us and some may believe she is thrown in the head of women for political reasons. The In September 2020 she wrote in the Egyptian offshoot, the Jamaat-e-Islami. the pits of hell as an apostate, but one would veil is a political symbol and has nothing to daily Al-Masri Al-Yawm against Egypt’s have to die to join her for further discourse. As a psychiatrist, Saadawi first got into the do with Islam. There is not a single verse in patriarchal society that she said turns a blind limelight with her 1972 book “Women and the Qur’an explicitly mandating it. … Many eye to, and even encourages, the murder of If there is a God, I believe he will be chatting Sex,” where she dealt with the taboo topic of people are aware of that, but the educational women for “violating the family honor.” with her about the courage he bestowed on women’s sexuality. This led to her dismissal system puts a veil on the mind. The veiling Saadawi recounted the story of a 14-year- her and I expect her to say: “Release my as Egypt’s director of public health. She also of the mind is more serious. Our slogan at old girl who was married against her will to women from the clutches of the men you lost her positions as the chief editor of the the Arab Women’s Solidarity Association a man 40 years her senior and was murdered created, O Allah.” www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

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Editor’s Desk NEW DELHI TIMES National Population Register in the NPR registration without any protest and noise as NPR would be beneficial for the citizens Need of the Hour in the long run. duplicity while facilitating scholarships, jobs, subsidised grains and gas etc. Apart After the last NPR was ◆ Dr. Ankit Srivastava from these, security of the country will be announced, protesting Chief Editor strengthened after each and every citizen voices were heard @AnkitNDT has been identified thereby leaving little from the minority [email protected] community as they were “The objective of the misguided by people ational Population Registration (NPR) with political interest. N is an important document that was NPR is to create a However, a careful look scheduled to be updated along with the comprehensive identity would reveal that the data House listing phase of Census 2021 during collected through NPR would April to September 2020 in all the States/ database in the country eventually be used for the benefits UTs except Assam. The aim was to look with full identification and of the masses. Identity of an Indian poor,' he said, adding his government had into growth of population over the decade, citizen is already proved through various made productive use of the data collected by to identify Indian citizen and state of their other details by registering documents including Voter ID, Aadhar etc. previous NPR to give benefits of the schemes livelihood, to provide better facilities as each and every usual NPR would only synchronise and compile to the poor. 'We have record of your NPR, no Indian government has been running several all the available info. Numerous avenues citizen was persecuted based on that record of welfare schemes and programmes and to resident in the country. have been provided to those whop despite NPR,' he said, citing the statement of the home elevate under-privileged people to a certain This would help in better being an Indian citizen is deprived of the minister of the Congress-led UPA government status. required documents. These avenues can appealing to citizens to enrol in the exercise”. targeting the benefits be accessed easily. Only those claiming Addressing the concerns of the citizens, citizenship under forged documents and It is very unfortunate that the opposition, MHA clarified that the Indian citizens and services under the sucking government funds for their own largely led by the irrelevant Congress and do not need to submit any documents Government schemes/ benefits need to worried. the marginal left, which is known for taking for registering themselves in the NPR, positions antithetical to Indian interests, is information provided by them backed by programmes, improve The Indian opposition was rendered speechless trivialising a simple issue and is hell bent documentary proof would be sufficient to planning and prevent when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on instilling a fear psychosis amongst the get themselves registered in the NPR. defended the NPR in the Indian Parliament. minority community in India. identity fraud.” (MHA) The Indian PM categorically stated the pure The objective of the NPR is to create a facts that the NPR was being updated to allow There is not an iota of doubt that such political opportunist forces are looking for political comprehensive identity database in the space for infiltrators and foreign agents. the rightful beneficiaries get the benefit of polarization by creating an artificial atmosphere country with full identification and other The current NPR is also expected to be the government welfare schemes. of fear for the Indian minorities (read Indian details by registering each and every most authentic and reliable source to trace Muslims) and thus trying to regain their lost usual resident in the country. This would any person’s involvement in criminal and In Rajya Sabha, he said the NPR was first done voter base , which shifted to alternate sources, help in better targeting the benefits and violent affairs. The Social Security Number in 2010 and later updated in 2015. The Indian once it realised that who was committed to their services under the Government schemes/ and Card of America is an ideal example in PM was absolutely correct about his assertion real welfare and who was using them as mere programmes, improve planning and prevent this regard. The SSN has made it very easy that census and NPR are 'usual administrative' vote banks for petty electoral gains. identity fraud. for America to look after its citizens and processes which have been carried out respond promptly to any emergency. Those previously as well but have now suddenly NPR is not a recent phenomenon. The data It is high time some political parties in India opposing NPR must remember that it is become contentious. 'Dont try to mislead for National Population Register was first stop trying to make a hill out of a molehill compulsory for every citizen of the country people,' the Indian PM said, asking opposition collected in 2010 along with the house of every small issues. The Indian electorate, to register in a National Register of Indian parties to not politicise the issue for narrow listing phase of Census of India 2011 under irrespective of any religious identity, is aware Citizens (NRIC) as per Section 14A of the political gains. 'They are opposing (NPR) for the UPA-II government. narrow and frivolous political narrative. This of their nefarious designs. At present, such Citizenship Act 1955 as amended in 2004. forces are at the bottom of the India political Being a responsible citizen of India, it is the is anti- This was done as the government has been system. If they do not mend their ways, they responsibility of all to divulge their relevant planning to construct online data base of will very soon be a thing of the past. details for recording each and every individual to achieve many targets including minimising the multiplicity of documents and to avoid

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 4 29 March - 4 April 2021

International NEW DELHI TIMES Bangladesh Golden Jubilee Celebration of Independence with PM Modi An Independence worth celebrating ◆ By Sujay Dhawan Bangladesh’s National Day. Nepalese humanitarian crises. Pakistan adopted the has shown far more President Bidya Devi, Bhutanese Premiere “Scorched Earth Policy” and launched stringent measures Editor Dr. Latoy Tshering and Sri Lankan PM ‘Operation Searchlight’ 50 years ago to cope with the @SujayDhawan Rajapaksa also graced the occasion. during the genocide in Bangladesh, where pandemic. [email protected] thousands were brutally executed in Dhaka But the world had all eyes on PM Narendra by Pakistan Army. They were executed Media in n March 26, 1971, East Pakistan was Modi, who attended the Golden Jubilee under direct orders of General Yahya Khan. Pakistan is O liberated from the clutches of Military Celebration of Bangladesh Independence censored whereas Rule of West Pakistan. Sheikh Mujibur as the Guest of Honour. Sheikh Hasina and What happened to Bengali people was in Bangladesh, Rahman, known as the Father of the Nation PM Modi have shared strong diplomatic shameful in the name of humanity itself. press enjoys all the in Bangladesh, played a significant role ties. Sheikh Hasina also said ‘India is a true The Pakistani Army raped and killed rights and freedom in liberating the country by fighting and friend’ last year in December 2020 during every woman they found, not even sparing to express. revolting against the tyrant rule of General Bangladesh Liberation Day. It grew even innocent children. They plundered the streets Yahya Khan, who later was assassinated in stronger when Sheikh Hasina urged Pakistan of Dhaka like savage barbarians. This was a Reporters and the year 1975. to apologize for the 1971 systematic annihilation of Bengalis. Total of cameraman Bangladesh Genocide. 3 million people were murdered in 13-day are not This year, Bangladesh is celebrating its much long Liberation War which finally led to banned deserved 50th Anniversary Fifty years ago, Bangladesh Independence after surrender of from of Independence. Sheikh erstwhile East Pakistani Army on December 16, 1971. covering Hasina has won back- Pakistan witnessed events in to-back elections and one of the bloodiest Bangladesh today, stands firm economically Bangladesh whereas in Pakistan even the Awami League is still and diplomatically. Pakistan economy is social media like YouTube is banned. going strong in the in shambles, they are begging for finances country. Ten days from the International Monetary Fund, the grand celebrations PM Modi’s diplomatic move with respect to USAID, Saudi’s, China and the list is endless were planned Bangladesh grabbed a lot of hate on Twitter whereas, Bangladesh garment industry is on the from Pakistan and its supporters. worth $5 billion and growing even stronger. occasion Bangladesh will soon overtake Pakistan in o f India is trying its best to gather all the major terms of GDP and progress even more in players in the sub-continent. Pakistan as coming decade. always is at the losing end. Pakistan is in the grey list of the FATF which has made situations worse and it is All in all, Bangladesh Genocide shook known in the world for being a safe haven the world but now it is fading from the for terrorists. Pakistan economy is battered memories of young generation. The and COVID–19 pandemic management Pakistani government don’t remember but has been shabby whereas Bangladesh Bangladesh will never forget. International Political Scenario of the Week the situation of human rights in Myanmar, ◆ By NDT Bureau Tom Andrews, warned that the pace and @NewDelhiTimes scope of the international response to the military coup in Myanmar is falling short [email protected] of what is required to head off a deepening crisis. Kenya Andrews called on the UN Member The Kenyan government has ordered the States, including those in the Association closure of Dadaab, Kakuma refugee camps of Southeast Asian Nations, the European in the northern part of the country. Fred Union, the United States and China, to hold Matiang’i, the Interior Minister, has now an emergency summit of all stakeholders, given the UNHCR 14 days to draw up a plan including the duly elected illegally for the closure of both Dadaab and Kakuma, deposed Parliamentarians who make up his Ministry said in a tweet, adding that there the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu was no room for further talks on the issue. Hluttaw (CRPH). “Conditions in Myanmar are deteriorating,” he said, “but they will The UNHCR urged Kenya to ensure that likely get much worse without an immediate those who need protection continue to get it, robust, international response in support of and pledged to keep engaging in a dialogue. those under siege.” “The decision would have an impact on the protection of refugees in Kenya, including “It is imperative that the international in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 community heed the recent call of UN pandemic,” it said in a statement. Dadaab Secretary-General António Guterres for Refugee Camp, located in the semi-arid a ‘firm, unified international response’,” town of Garissa County, is one of the largest Andrews said. “To date, however, the limited and complex camps in the world. Kakuma sanctions imposed by Member States do not Refugee Camp is located in Turkana County cut the junta’s access to revenue that help United Kingdom 76 margin. Thirty-five Tory MPs voted and is among the largest refugee camps in sustain its illegal activities, and the slow pace against the government in the division. The the world. The camp was established in of diplomacy is out of step with the scale of The COVID-19 emergency measures in the opposition Liberal Democrats opposed the 1992 and is jointly managed by the Kenyan the crisis. Meanwhile, the crisis continues United Kingdom have been increased by extension, with leader Ed Davey saying Department of Refugee Affairs and the to impact Myanmar’s most vulnerable, six months. The House of Commons voted it gave Ministers “a blank check to use UNHCR. including migrants. According to the UN’s to extend the powers until September, and draconian powers they don’t need.” International Organization for Migration approved the government’s road map for Myanmar (IOM), the martial law imposed in Yangon gradually easing Britain’s strict coronavirus Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn townships forced thousands of migrants to lockdown over the next three months. Prime also spoke out against them, saying “our The United Nations has called for an return to their places of origin, many with Minister Boris Johnson’s large Conservative liberties are at stake.” Protests could be emergency summit regarding the situation in little savings to sustain themselves and their majority in the Parliament guaranteed witnessed in the country against the extension Myanmar. The UN Special Rapporteur on families. the measures passed by a decisive 484- of such COVID restriction measures. www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

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International NEW DELHI TIMES Indus Water Treaty is most generous, but Pakistan cribs Even after three wars and countless transgressions, India has kept its side of the 'IWT' deal. The onus is now upon Pakistan to do more and build more sustainable dams and save water diplomatic tensions for almost 60 years and Pipalkoti dams costing $2.1 billion By Himanshu Sharma ◆ but recent upstream water infrastructure exposes India’s vulnerability at the face of @_Himansh_ projects rekindled the conflicts. The report neighbours aggression. conjectured that Kashmir conflict, “threatens [email protected] to undermine the treaty”. The worsening Despite getting 80 per cent of water from effects of climate change on the Himalayan Indus subsidiaries, Pakistan is perennially ay back in 1960, a decade into glaciers could increase the likelihood of unhappy. Reason: its own incompetence. It W independence, India signed the disasters and threaten the long-term water won’t build infrastructure but oppose every Indus Water Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan Amin Aslam reminded a UN General security of communities. “These factors construction of India on some pretext or the for distribution of water of Indus river Assembly session on water in March that also have implications for future interstate other with no other motive but to put spanner tributaries. This was the most generous Pakistan was a signatory to the 1960 Indus cooperation and regional developments,” on India’s development plans. water treaty ever conceived by human mind Water Treaty (IWT) between Pakistan and the report opined. as it shared with Pakistan 80 per cent (!) of India and as a signatory Pakistan seeks trans- It ran to the World Bank multiple times water of some Indus river tributaries! boundary water cooperation for sustainable India, to its credit, has never breached any on small pretexts so much so that an Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United water management. agreement with its neighbours even at times exasperated World Bank had to turn deaf ears Nations Munir Akram recently emphasized of wars. Even after three wars and countless to Pakistan’s objections. Now Islamabad is the need for trans-border water management Recently, a Pakistani delegation visited New transgressions, India has kept its side of the attempting to raise water issues in the UN. and cooperation for inclusive sustainable Delhi from March 23 to March 24 to attend a IWT deal. The onus is now upon Pakistan development. Akram pointed out at the two-day IWT meeting. The previous session to do more and build more sustainable dams Since Pakistan is dragging IWT issues UN session that 40 per cent of the world’s was held in Lahore in 2019. Pakistan as and save water. But unfortunately, Islamabad to the UN, now is the opportune time for population lives within shared river basins, always dished out a plethora of objections is hiding behind empty rhetoric instead of India to review the treaty for equitable and like India and Pakistan. to India’s water projects on Chenab River. doing something concrete like building a proportionate distribution of Indus water labyrinth of water infrastructures. resources. Abrogation of the IWT appears as He emphasized on cooperation for a The Climate Diplomacy, a Pakistan- a much better option. holistic, systemic and multilateral response supportive organisation on environment, The British had left behind a very elaborate to confront and overcome the water urged world leaders in a recent report not to canal irrigation system in the Indus river With populations of India and Pakistan challenge. He asked to fully implement disregard the fact that future wars could be basin, which was the best in undivided increasing, water shortages have also to this fundamental right (to water) for all the fought over water. India and the envy of all Indian states. Only be shared among riparian states. Pakistan world’s people. Given his political agenda lectures and no action has spoiled everything should learn to manage better from there were no takers for his blabbering at the Its report on water conflict and cooperation and has done Pakistan a world of harm. whatever is its water share. India has UN. between India and Pakistan stated that water always been generous with water. But disputes between India and Pakistan were Recent floods, destruction and deep India’s sacrifices should not be considered Pakistan official on Climate Change Malik deepening. It noted that the IWT survived ecological disaster at Rishiganga, Tapovan its weakness. Britain moving ahead with Defence Policy to strengthen hold in Cyber and Space the South China Sea. The South China Sea ◆ By NDT Bureau is a severely contested zone between South @NewDelhiTimes Asian neighbours. China’s rejection of a UN convention on the law of the Sea (UNCLOS) [email protected] ruling which rejected Beijing’s unilateral claims in the region, has threatened to ecently, the Boris Johnson government impede Freedom of Navigation in the straits R released a policy document titled, which carry half of the world trade. “Global Britain in a Competitive Age: The Integrated Review of security, defence, Both the US and the UK, along with some development and foreign policy” setting other NATO partners are stepping up out the broad comprehensive parameters for cooperation and making efforts to strengthen defense, foreign, and national security. their navies in the Indo-Pacific region. British forays into space security and cyber In November, Britain announced a $33 command reflects the changing dynamics billion budget for defence, making it the of warfare. In cyber, China is assumed to largest spender on defence spending in PC : Getty Images command a considerable strength and Europe and the second largest in the NATO. its ability to infiltrate critical system The budget was extraordinary in many ways. threatening to de-stabilize the global order. China is rapidly advancing its capabilities on infrastructure is a challenge. The 21st It earmarked above $9 billion alone for This is visible as the focus on Islamist all domains of National Security, including Century security architecture will Research and Development in the coming Terrorism is outweighed by cyber wars. economy, cyber, land, air, water, and space. revolve around cyber-architecture with four years. The most important development Britain has long been at the forefront of a The recent ambitious application of National outer-space considered to be the next involved the creation of a National Cyber cyber war with primarily Russia, but also Security Law in Hong Kong, a previous UK frontier. Force, a UK space command, and a new China. Last year, there were allegations of colony, with thousands of British citizens, is agency to develop Artificial Intelligence. Vaccine IPR data stealing attempts from a warning that Britain needs to increase its The science community in Britain will be servers in the UK. capacities to defend both its own interests most beneficial in new policy. The defence On the new and more scientific orientation, and those of its global citizens. The document begins by focusing on technology initiatives in R&D will further Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace said that keeping up the technological edge through boost funding to universities, and research “the Integrated Review is modernising rapid addition of new technologies through The UK’s global ambitions are increasing institutions. Critical technologies like Defence to counter future threats and research. Cyber security will look to use with the demands of maintaining the artificial intelligence are severely dependent promote our interests and values in a more both offensive and defensive power to secure Freedom of Navigation, in line with PM on high-end research and ability to train a competitive age.” British National Security in cyberspace. Boris Johnson’s vision for “a stronger, workforce to adapt. British government However, the futuristic orientation of the more secure, prosperous, and resilient has already signalled that it intends to cut The document clearly points to a reorientation National Security will also raise the bar for Union bound by fundamental interests in the strength of its traditional military units. in the UK’s defence policy towards shaping sophistication among operators. Sovereignty, Security, and Prosperity”. The Instead the new policy will see mushrooming up an international world order. This may UK has already declared that the Carrier of a more tech-centric military oriented be in the context of authoritarian regimes NATO’s primary challenge regarding Strike Group led by HMS Queen Elizabeth towards securing soft-power and pushing for bending the rules of established norms and today’s world is China technologically. will sail through the Straits of Malacca into deterrence in cyber-security.

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International NEW DELHI TIMES Uncanny resemblance between Muslim Brotherhood and Popular Front of India which has become the mantra of the various of unity. Both Al-Ikhwān Al-Muslimūn and ◆ By NDT Bureau extremist organisations over the last 85 years. the Popular Front of India devised a clever @NewDelhiTimes This is a tactic of assimilation employed by strategy to gain the support of Christians to innovated groups with foreign and alien the thinkers and ideologues of the PFI to grab power. To lure the Christians, they used [email protected] ideologies are given room to flourish and infiltrate the Sufi ranks (representing the the word ‘faith’. When they use the word call to misguidance without censure — this peace-loving Muslims) in order to cause ‘faith’, the Christian, and others will come he Muslim Brotherhood (Al-Ikhwān results in more sects, more groups, more dissension among its followers and to pluck and participate and not feel embarrassed T Al-Muslimūn), founded in Egypt in division, and even more deviation. out as many youths as possible. And to a or annoyed. So, stating, “Faith in Allah”, 1928 CE by Hasan Al-Banna established for degree, the tactic has proven successful, “Faith in the Last Day”, would convince the themselves a principle that was intended to Abu Hurairah (Allah be pleased with him) especially among those raised on a constant Christian to accept the PFI ideology without unite the Muslims overlooking differences narrated that Allah’s Messenger (peace diet of YouTube, Facebook and other forms getting angry. However, based upon Islamic for the sake of reaching a “greater goal”, and blessings be upon him) said: “There of social media where mis-information teachings, if the PFI leadership were to say which was political power for the Ikhwān will appear in the last part of my Ummah spread like forest-fire. to the Christians that “Jesus is the servant (Brotherhood) in Egypt and then the rest people who will narrate to your narrations of God and His Messenger and not the son of the Middle-East, North Africa and that you have never heard and neither your The scholar of Hadīth and Sunnah, Al- of God” than they would get upset and elsewhere. By enacting this principle, the ancestors, so be warned from them and ’Allāmah Muqbil Ibn Hādi Al-Wādi’ī once angry with the PFI and subsequently break Muslim masses would be united under one beware of them.” said- do not cooperate with the Ikhwān Al- the unity. Likewise, the PFI deals with the banner and then mobilized to act against the Muflisūn (i.e. the Brotherhood of Hasan Sufis in a different way. They often use the established regimes/rulers. This principle of Al-Ikhwān Al-Muslimūn Al-Banna) because they only work for the word ‘Ēmān, ēmān’, and avoid saying things and their offshoots like the Popular Front benefit of their parties and organizations. like- “Don’t sacrifice to Al-Badawi or Ar- of India are one clear example of what this Hasan Al-Banna said- “We cooperate with The same is applicable to the proponents of Rifā’ī (deceased Sufi sheikhs). And don’t Prophetic narration foretold. Those who one another in that which we agree upon — Popular Front of India. They work for the call upon them. And don’t make vows to speak with it have no proof to support them, and we excuse (and overlook) one another benefit of their own organisation and not for them”. If they did so then the Sufis would yet they make it binding upon the Muslims in that which we differ.” the Ummah. never fall into the trap of the PFI. To avoid to overlook innovations, oppositions, these misadventures, the PFI follows the deviations, and sectarianism because they The above principle has been adopted by Their end goal is to achieve political power principle of Hasan al Banna and assimilates claim this principle of theirs calls to a a large body of proselytizers among the by creating unrest amongst the masses. all to strengthen their position. However, greater good. Muslims including the Popular Front of Muslims must not get confused by the Urdu- in reality, all they want is to gain power by India (PFI) who call for unity through Arabic names of the PFI leadership. Just as befooling the masses. However, one must keep in mind that, if ignoring differences while focusing on the the Muslim Brotherhood destroyed Egypt there was any good in this principle and its “end goal” as they see it. This is exactly and is still causing unrest in majority of the When a person ponders over this principle application unrestrictedly, then the Sahābah the intent behind the principle of Hasan Al- Middle-Eastern countries, the PFI is hell bent of excusing and overlooking unrestrictedly, and those who followed them would have Banna, reinforced by Yusuf Al-Qardawi and on destroying the unity and integrity of India he will find that it only increases splitting preceded the present-day Muslims in propagated by the Popular Front of India, by propagating their own selfish definition and differing in the Ummah because newly- mentioning it and applying it. Haiti’s political turmoil witnesses no near end In a statement the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has expressed concerns at the political crisis in Haiti

◆ By NDT Bureau @NewDelhiTimes [email protected]

aiti is in the midst of a protest as the H opposition demands the stepping down from power of President Jovenel Moïse. They are also demanding that legislative elections should be held to restart a Parliament dissolved a year ago. The opposition claims that Moïse’s five- year term was to legally end in February 2021, as it began when former President Michel Martelly’s term expired in February 2016. But Moïse maintains that his term began when he actually took office in early 2017, an inauguration delayed by a chaotic election process that forced the appointment of a provisional President to serve during a

year-long gap. PC : Getty Images

Opposition leaders and supporters claims at the political crisis in Haiti. The UNSC The Security Council further stresses the at the human rights violations and abuses, his five-year term ended on February 7 statement stresses the immediate need to significance of an independent judiciary and “including those involving the alleged use and he should step down then. But on that hold free, fair, transparent, and credible the full, equal, and meaningful participation of deadly force against protesters, as well as day, Moïse announced that authorities had Legislative elections that have been overdue of women and all Haitians, including youth, reported arbitrary arrests and detentions.” It arrested 23 people accused of plotting an since October 2019. The Security Council persons with disabilities, and civil society in stressed the importance of an independent alleged coup to kill him and overthrow his has also urged that all preparations be made Haiti’s political processes. judiciary, underscored the need to strengthen government including a high-ranking police for free, fair, transparent, and credible the rule of law, and urged the government official and a Supreme Court judge favoured Presidential elections in 2021. “The Security The Security Council underscores the need “to step up its efforts against corruption and by the opposition as a potential transitional Council urges all political stakeholders in to strengthen the rule of law and urges to ensure accountability and transparency in President. However, recently, the Haitian Haiti to set aside their differences in the Haiti’s government to step up its efforts connection with these efforts.” appeals court ordered the release of more interest of the people of Haiti, to engage against corruption and ensure accountability than a dozen people accused of plotting constructively to enable the organization of and transparency in connection with these President Jovenel Moïse has been accused against the President. upcoming elections and to ensure elections efforts”, the statement by the UNSC further by critics of holding on to power by take place in a peaceful environment and reads. unconstitutional means. As things stand In a statement the United Nations Security calls on the international community to now, Moise is unlikely to step down. Thus, Council (UNSC) has expressed concerns support Haiti in this endeavour. The Security Council expressed concern the political turmoil in Haiti will continue. www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

29 March - 4 April 2021 7

International NEW DELHI TIMES Pakistan making Afghanistan another Syria, Yemen spring/summer offensives! Violence has ◆ By NDT Bureau increased in the complex Afghan theatre as @NewDelhiTimes dialogue continues. Biden administration is reviewing the Doha agreement but is [email protected] unsure of honouring the May 1 deadline of withdrawal of American and NATO troops fghan peace process is now between from Afghanistan. Extending the deadline A the devil and the deep blue sea, even for a short period could be tough. On reflecting the choices Afghanistan has March 19, the Taliban issued a warning faced for the past 40 years. The Biden at the Moscow press conference against administration secretly proposed a draft defying the deadline stating that staying of ‘peace’ agreement in mid-March that beyond May 1 would breach the deal and consigns Afghan government to oblivion but PC : Getty Images “will have a reaction.” offers the Taliban substantial representation in every tier of an interim government. In compliance of the Doha talks, the Taliban A Constituent Assembly will draft the have not attacked US or NATO forces but Constitution providing for education, its insistence on an Islamic government, a intellectual freedom, women’s rights and Taliban an excuse to renege on their part of independent to decide its strategic choices; return to repressive rules that denies girls’ elections. the commitment and attack foreign forces. Pakistan should not worry about presence of education, bar on women from working, The security situation could deteriorate after American Army. imposition of harsh punishments and Afghan people fear the exit of foreign troop withdrawal as violence, atrocities, and opposition to the democratic government The US might leave – dignified or otherwise military forces because outsiders have targeted killings of women continues. of Ghani for not fitting with their definition – but that will make life hell for women shaped Afghans’ fortunes since the late of an Islamic government, has blocked a Hectic diplomatic activities are on: the UN- and civil society. The Taliban will be a 1970s. Inaccessible geographical terrains permanent and comprehensive ceasefire and sponsored conference of Foreign Ministers big headache for neighbours. Pakistan notwithstanding, neighbouring empires have a political roadmap for Afghanistan. invaded Afghanistan for strategic reasons. from Russia, China, the US, Iran, India myopically views the US exit from the When the US and the Northern Alliance and Pakistan in March last week and talks prism of defeat of the US, but ignores Foreign troops departure could imply return entered Afghanistan in 2001 post-9/11, between Afghan government and the Taliban Taliban’s fundamentalist ideology seeping to civil war reminiscent of Mujahideen days Pakistan gave refuge to Osama bin Laden in in Turkey in April. The latest US plan is into Pakistan to push already retrograded but their stay offers the Taliban an excuse army cantonment while offering the Taliban being called a moon-shot. Pakistan civil society many decades back. to abandon the peace process. The modus The Taliban bites the handlers every vivendi must stop violence, achieve power- safe sanctuaries in Pakistan. Islamabad still Americans’ departure will enable the Taliban time! Wiping out Talibanism could take sharing and start the Afghan reconstruction. mentors the Taliban. fill the vacuum immediately. A decent, generations; and that perpetuates the US The negotiation process will resume in civilised, democratic India will have no Now the Taliban awaits the exit of remaining relevance in Afghanistan. Turkey in April. say in Afghan affairs while terror-facilitator 2,500 US troops from Afghanistan by Pakistan will brainwash Pakistanis that the With May 1 deadline drawing closer, The Taliban sometimes talks of allowing girls May 1. The Pentagon usually understates US is defeated by the Taliban and is running Moscow talks among Afghan stakeholders to attend school, and women to work or be in troop numbers! More than 8,000 or so away. China, Pakistan, and Russia could gained salience. Even inimical US public life but insist on Islamic injunctions. ‘contractors’-unofficial military personnel- dominate the region. The U.S. has never rushed its Emissary on Afghanistan to What does it mean? Believing the Taliban will and smaller contingents from Western allies voluntarily and completely withdrawn forces Moscow. The Taliban has the upper hand be really foolish. Incidence of cancer can be remain. from any country. The exit of eagle from the but the US, China, Russia and Pakistan overcome but not terrorism. Pakistan’s support Joe Biden is under pressure to postpone Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan could lead to are elated to join the process. The joint for fundamentalist Taliban threatens to convert the pull-out of troops but that will offer the entry of dragon and Hyena! Afghanistan is statement urged the Taliban to not launch Afghanistan into another Syria, nay Yemen. Alternatives to cocaine production can aid Colombia fight the evil cultivation, with the potential manufacture ◆ By NDT Bureau of pure cocaine estimated to be just under @NewDelhiTimes 1,200 tons in 2018. On January 4, 2021, President Ivan Duque said that Colombia [email protected] has set its sights on destroying 130,000 hectares (321,237 acres) of coca - the chief n February 26, 2021, Colombia ingredient in cocaine - in 2021. O launched a new military unit to target coca crops and cocaine production, illicit mining, and the illegal armed groups who “In 2020 we also seized more than 500 use such activities for financial gains. “The tonnes of cocaine hydrochloride, another unit was born to hit, repress, and break objective we are keeping for 2021. The down the structures of drug trafficking and fight against drugs will continue to be a key transnational threats linked to illegal mining, focus and will continue to combine all the the trafficking of wildlife and people, and available tools,” Duque had stated at the end - of course - any transnational form of of a security meeting in the Caribbean city of terrorism,” President Ivan Duque said at a Cartagena. In 2019, Colombia’s police and military base in Tolemaida. armed forces destroyed 100,000 hectares of coca and seized 428 tonnes of cocaine. The new unit, consisting of 7,000 personnel, will be deployed to zones such The International Crisis Group in its report as the Catatumbo region on the border with dated February 26, 2021, and titled ‘Deeply Venezuela, as well as the provinces of Cauca Rooted: Coca Eradication and Violence in and Putamayo, Defense Minister Diego Colombia’ noted that dismantling the illicit Molano said. drug economy was one of six main planks of the landmark 2016 peace accord between This development comes as multiple media the state and the guerrilla Revolutionary reports suggest that the cultivation of coca, Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

the raw ingredient of cocaine, remains high PC : Getty Images in Colombia. Colombia continues to be by That accord promised to institute a far the largest producer of coca leaf and nationwide crop substitution program cocaine production to thrive. Four years This trend worsened as the government cocaine in the world. enabling roughly 200,000 coca-growing later, few of those promises have been met. struggled to meet the promises made families to pursue other legal businesses. It Coca cultivation began rising to historical to farmers. Bogotá has not been able to According to the 2020 World Drug Report sought to sever links between the insurgency highs during peace negotiations, driven in transform the economic fundamentals that from the United Nations Office on Drugs and drug trafficking, while establishing state part by the expectation that any eventual make coca – fast-growing and destined for and Crime (UNODC), Colombia accounted authority in pockets of the country where accord would benefit coca farmers who a loyal international market – such a reliable for 70% of the global area under coca criminal rule and poverty had long allowed pledged to substitute their crops. crop.

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International NEW DELHI TIMES Cloud Computing exposes Cyber Hacking vulnerabilities: Concerns high code in its products was a significant applications on Google’s infrastructure. This ◆ By NDT Bureau achievement for the Russian intelligence means that the vast majority of organizations @NewDelhiTimes agency behind it, granting it access to a around the world entrust large quantities of wide range of target organizations through sensitive data to two companies. [email protected] allegedly trustworthy software. Even though Google Workplace and Office ireEye, a cyber-security company, was Supply chain attacks, in which a trusted piece 365 are prime targets, the two providers are F hacked by a state-sponsored attack. of software or a third party is compromised difficult to target as both provide customers Despite providing technical information to gain access to the actual target, are high levels of security. However, the SaaS known as Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) nothing new, and even security software has and cloud computing models are becoming that could assist others in looking for been targeted before. Given the scope and more popular, and not every service evidence of the same threat actors on their effect of previous supply chain disruptions, provider has the security resources that own networks, FireEye remained tight- the importance of the SolarWinds attack Microsoft or Google does. Almost every lipped about how the breach occurred and is debatable. SolarWinds is a well-known business function that used to necessitate the PC : Getty Images the details of its attribution to a state-backed installation of software on internal systems and respected vendor of enterprise IT and trust the service provider implicitly with actor. is now available as a cloud service. Each of network management software, and the unlimited, always-on access to all devices these services processes and stores data from The announcement that one of the world’s industry considers the use of such platforms running the software. a variety of organizations across a variety of leading providers of cyber-security services to be good IT management practice. The industries, making them a tempting target Cloud computing’s widespread use isn’t had been compromised had immediate companies that were hacked by SolarWinds for hackers. always a bad thing. Large companies like ramifications in an era where cyber-attacks were well-defended and would otherwise Microsoft and Google spend a lot of money and associated breaches dominate the be considered a difficult target for attackers. Endpoint security – the protection of to ensure the security of their platforms, news. It was, however, just the beginning The Russian threat actors were able to laptops, desktop computers, and servers – is and for most users, that means access of a series of events that had a much larger engineer undetected access to the heart of an excellent example of how security firms to security tools and assurance that they impact and shattered some commonly held their target’s networks by compromising have moved to a more cloud-based service couldn’t get by running their own systems. beliefs about successful cyber-security SolarWinds. delivery model. One example is traditional But the disadvantage of this cloud-based defense. Even though it was unsurprising Cloud computing allows attackers to antivirus software. Endpoint protection model is that it collects data from different that FireEye would be targeted by state- carry out supply chain attacks without systems today are much more capable. This organizations and puts it under the control sponsored hackers, the security industry was compromising the physical networks or also means that the endpoint protection of one. This will become a more attractive shocked by the breach. devices of their victims. Software as a service is no longer stand-alone, as much target for hackers, whether or not they are FireEye offers a variety of cyber-security Service (SaaS), which means the software of the functionality is reliant on the locally backed by the government. products and services, including technical runs entirely on the supplier’s infrastructure installed software’s ability to communicate In the security space, the expansion of defensive products and incident response and is accessed remotely by the customer, is with the cloud component continuously. this cloud model also causes concern as services, and is widely used by government becoming increasingly popular. Endpoint protection software, on the other hacking and security breaches continue to agencies and large corporations in a variety The Microsoft 365 platform follows this hand, has virtually unlimited access to become more prevalent. If all government of industries. model. Office 365 has become nearly the devices on which it runs, which is departments and the majority of a country’s SolarWinds, a popular network management ubiquitous in modern businesses, building required to provide the level of protection critical industry use one or two services as the tool from FireEye, had been hacked and on its existing dominance in the enterprise and analyst access required. This was also backbone of their operations, governments a “backdoor” inserted, allowing hackers space. Workplace – formerly known as G true to a degree with traditional antivirus may have legitimate concerns. There is also a to access the SolarWinds customer Suite – is Google’s platform, and it works software, though it was much more limited risk of availability as well as confidentiality, environment. The compromising of on the same principle, with users storing in its capabilities. Because modern endpoint as a malicious or unintentional outage at one SolarWinds and the embedding of malicious their files and emails and running their protection is cloud-based, the customer must of these suppliers could have a major effect. Failure of healthcare facilities in Jordon fuels protests and economic woes The Jordanian Government’s efforts to blame a single individual rather than to recognize the alleged endemic governance failures are unlikely to be widely accepted caught breaking COVID-19 rules are also ◆ By NDT Bureau likely to rise, and more efforts will be made @NewDelhiTimes to limit protesters’ ability to congregate, including possible online restrictions during [email protected] peak protest hours. n March 13, nine COVID-19 patients O were declared dead after the oxygen In the run-up to the awaited holy month supply ran out at the Al-Salt Public Hospital of Ramadan, the reviews of existing in Jordan. The number of cases of COVID-19 COVID-19 measures are underway, with the is expected to continue to rise in Jordan, potential of a national lockdown, which is putting even more pressure on an already moderately likely to last at least two weeks overburdened healthcare system. Daily (beginning April 12). In the event of further COVID-19 infections are at their highest constraints, a large security presence would likely decrease the probability of long- levels during the pandemic, according to PC : Getty Images IHS Markit, who believes the official figures term large-scale protests, favoring smaller, are likely underreporting the true numbers. healthcare are expected to rise as Jordon is the government to make concessions in more sporadic protests instead. Members marred with widespread protests. reviewing recent public transportation of Jordan’s traditional opposition, as well Due to the spread of the new COVID-19 restrictions, and new measures are likely as self-employed people who have lost variants, such increases have reached a It is highly unlikely that protesters are going to try to strike a balance in order to reduce their source of income, and those below the record high of nearly 9,000 on March to get the government to make the changes national unrest and nationwide economic lower-income level dominate the protests. 16, 2021 and such increases are likely to they want, but they may get some minor activity restrictions. severely decrease the availability of beds concessions. The demands of protesters Despite highlighting flaws in the and medical personnel. The Ministry of are unlikely to be met beyond those made The current government’s COVID-19 government’s response and handling of the Health announced on March 16 that four out immediately following the Al-Salt incident. restriction measures are unlikely to fully pandemic, the Al-Salt incident does not of thirteen public hospitals had reached full The government will be encouraged to contain the protests, especially given the appear to have sparked enough civil unrest capacity on their coronavirus wards. resist calls for any furthermore dramatic high likelihood of new restrictions being to inspire a large-scale movement willing to political changes following a recent imposed to combat rising COVID-19 risk a heavy security response and individual During the pandemic, inadequate staff Cabinet reshuffle, the dismissal of two cases, but large-scale nationwide protests infection with COVID-19. So, things will numbers and poor management were reported, ministers for breaking COVID-19 limits, are becoming increasingly unlikely. seem to be staying quiet for now. which likely led to the Al-Salt incident. Given and the dismissal of the Minister of Health. Public disappointment with the economic the pandemic’s economic constraints, Jordan’s The Jordanian Government’s efforts to consequences of pandemic restrictions, Rather than violently dispersing protests real GDP had contracted by 6.2 percent in blame a single individual rather than to which have resulted in unemployment rates with riot control methods, the government is 2020, with minimal revenue from the tourism recognize the alleged endemic governance of up to 24%, encourages opponents of attempting to shift the focus to the need to sector (approximately 20% of Jordan’s GDP failures are unlikely to be widely accepted. the measures to continue to express their adhere to measures to curb the spread of the in 2019), thus, additional strains on public Economic opposition has already forced displeasure. The arrests of those who are virus for ultimate economic benefit. www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

29 March - 4 April 2021 9

International NEW DELHI TIMES Papua New Guinea’s extractive sectors burdened with augmenting COVID cases neighbor, has seen an increase in COVID-19 employment). Local business restrictions, stabilizing the COVID-19 caseload in PNG ◆ By NDT Bureau cases among PNG arrivals, with half of combined with a lack of access to medical will be limited. @NewDelhiTimes 500 test samples collected from PNG by facilities, would increase the likelihood the Queensland government being positive. of protests and rioting. While there is still Failure to reduce virus transmission rates [email protected] Despite limited cross-country connectivity, a risk of opportunistic and targeted looting in PNG would increase the chances of a the virus has been detected in nearly all of in urban areas, demonstrations are likely to pandemic spreading across the country. four-week “National Isolation Strategy” PNG’s 22 provinces, and recent local media focus on the government’s response to the Similarly, if the transmission is not has been announced in Papua New A reports suggest that COVID-19 cases are outbreak. controlled, outbreaks in neighboring Guinea (PNG) to contain an increase in now affecting a large number of healthcare countries are more likely. If the outbreak Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) workers. The health sector in PNG lacks the Government restrictions are unlikely to worsens, and international travel restrictions cases. While there will be no statewide personnel and equipment needed to deal with affect key economic sectors, such as mining, remain in place, large numbers of expatriate restrictions on enterprises, measures to limit a large COVID-19 outbreak; some medical but disruption is still possible. Natural workers, mostly in PNG’s extractives sector, domestic travel will be implemented. Travel facilities have closed in recent weeks due resources account for over 40% of exports will be evacuated, resulting in increased between Australia and PNG has been halted to a lack of funding or staffing, while the and approximately 25% of PNG’s GDP, sector dislocation. for two weeks, including for fly-in fly-out virus’ increase in demand has forced some and the country’s economic growth will (FIFO) workers in the extractive industry. Although unlikely due to exemptions from hospitals to refuse admission. be largely driven by commodities exports, government constraints, a major downturn such as mining and energy production, in in the extractives sector would increase Restrictions on non-essential industries the short and medium-term. This provides the risks of a serious economic downturn are likely to be added, increasing the risk clear incentives for the PNG government in PNG, which economists estimate could of riots and looting. Given the risk of to continue to exempt the extractives sector be comparable in scale to the demand- further infection, Australia’s suspension from restrictions. driven drop experienced in 2020. Prolonged of FIFO travel to and from PNG in the hospital closures due to a lack of capacity extractives sector is likely to be extended Australia’s decision to expedite its support for or funding will increase the risk of riots and beyond the stated two weeks, and the PNG PNG’s COVID-19 response is likely to have demonstrations. government’s isolation strategy is also likely a minor effect. In response to the apparent to be lengthened and increased. increase in cases, Australia has accelerated

PC : Getty Images The provision of health services in PNG plans to assist PNG in its vaccination rollout. would be relieved if vaccines for health The government has so far avoided 8,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses will be workers were distributed quickly. A Official COVID-19 data understate the imposing business restrictions to alleviate provided by the Australian government substantial increase in COVID-19 testing disease’s prevalence, despite strong evidence the economic impact of the outbreak, but along with the dispatch of health supplies rates would also aid in the country’s virus of widespread infection. The number of once outbreak hotspots are recognized, and medical teams to PNG, which will be control. infected people in PNG has remained low, localized restrictions on non-essential donated from Australia’s own stockpile. with only 2,351 people infected during the companies and markets, such as curfews and The European Union has also been urged While imposing localized restrictions on pandemic. COVID-19 testing, on the other forced closures, are probable. Although non- by Australia’s Prime Minister to release one movement and business would increase the hand, is limited: as of March 15, 2021, only essential services, consumer spending, and million blocked vaccine doses to Papua New risk of protests in affected areas, it would around 55,000 COVID-19 tests had been other domestic demand-related activities Guinea. Australia is also likely to intervene also reduce the likelihood of disruption in performed across PNG, a country with a account for a small percentage of the to speed up vaccine distribution, with health- key industries. Plans recently announced population of nearly 9 million people. Over country’s overall GDP, prolonged closures care workers likely to be prioritized. Given by the Quadrilateral Framework (Quad) to the last two weeks, there have been strong would have a cumulative negative impact that health services in PNG are already provide vaccination assistance to developing indications of a much larger outbreak. on the country’s subsistence economy overburdened and virus transmission countries, including Pacific Island nations, (agriculture accounts for around one- hotspots are unknown, the short-term would reduce the risk of further COVID-19 The city of Cairns in Queensland, Australia’s quarter of GDP and over three-quarters of impact of Australian support in reducing or outbreaks in PNG. Saudi Arabia dogged by increasingly accurate UAV-attacks by Houthis to Saudi’s airports, oil-infrastructure, and ◆ By NDT Bureau other critical assets. @NewDelhiTimes With help from Iran, the accuracy of [email protected] these Unmanned Aerial Vehicles have significantly increased. Houthis are actively n September 14, 2019, an oil processing aided by Iran which itself is under the US O facility in Abqaiq and Khurias, owned sanctions. Further this war has resulted in by Saudi’s Aramco, was attacked with a severe humanitarian crisis. The United several weaponized Unmanned Aerial Nations had warned that famine conditions Vehicles (UAVs) leading to fires. The attack are prevalent in Yemen. led to a glut in global oil supply for a while But a shift in Biden’s stance may change the and exposed the vulnerabilities with regard fortunes in the region. Biden has signalled to to UAV attacks on critical infrastructure. Riyadh to end the Yemeni offensive against PC : Getty Images Saudi Arabia has been involved in a war Houthis which has not progressed well and gained by the Houthi rebels. The Yemeni posed by UAVs and the support of Iran in against the Houthis in Yemen. The Houthis Houthis remain in control of the northern government barely clings on to power in a making these missiles. or the Ansar Allah Movement have waged a region and other vast stretches. small portion. A ceasefire with Saudis and the civil war on the Saudi supported Abdrabbuh US engagement with Iran will give Houthis The Gulf states host multiple US bases, and Mansur Hadi-led Yemeni government. On February 5, the US ended its support to Iran’s increasing capabilities to use proxies to the Saudi-led war and removed Houthis as a the advantage to push for recognition of its Further the Houthis are backed by Riyadh’s Yemeni government. The worrying part for attack key infrastructure would be a factor in the arch-enemy Iran. The Yemeni Civil War has designated terror group. Though the United US calculations. Saudi Arabia saw the maximum States will keep selling arms and anti-missile the Sunni Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the been continuing for over seven years now. advanced ability of Houthis to attack its number of attacks using airspace in 2019, the shields to Riyadh, the drawing down of the brunt of the attacks on airports and energy-sites. Saudi Arabia almost wiped out any air assets war in Yemen is also inherent because both infrastructure at longer ranges and better captured by Houthis, blocked the Sanaa accuracy. It is a matter of time when they The attacks reduced in 2020 owing to Iran’s Iran and the US are expected to engage for a efforts to cool tensions with the United States. International Airport, and had complete reset to the pre-Trump era. start adapting to beat the air-defenses in the control of airspace. But, Houthis have form of low-flying UAVs or cruise missiles. But Houthis have their own calculations. Half a decade of operations has seen limited reverted to attacking Saudi Arabia with Peace with them has to be bargained by gains and without the US support, the Saudis If the Houthis decide to escalate the war, the ballistic missiles and weaponized UAVs. engaging them in the issue of government will find it difficult to procure the Air-to- Biden administration will need to support formation in Yemen and making them accept These attacks have already hit some oil Ground bombs, and other tactical help it was the Saudi forces to reduce the vulnerability responsibility as a legitimate organisation. stations and many such attacks have been receiving from the Pentagon. of its air-space being used by the Houthis countered using anti-air missiles procured to attack critical infrastructure. So, both Riyadh will look at some hard negotiations from the US. This presents a massive threat The greatest advantage in this will be partners will prioritise to meet the challenge in the coming days.

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 10 29 March - 4 April 2021

International NEW DELHI TIMES Tatmadaw overwhelmed with challenges from Jihadi rebels hit Myanmar’s Ethnic Armed Organisations town in north Instead some major blocs are siding with among the marginalized Rakhine people. ◆ By NDT Bureau the opposition against the Military imposed In the Eastern part with Thailand, the Shan Mozambique @NewDelhiTimes State Administration Council. state has rival factions opposed by the northern groups. [email protected] near gas project The Peace Process Steering Committee (PPST), which is a block of 10 ethnic ihadi rebels are fighting to capture n the first day of February, the world groups in North-Western Myanmar have J Palma, a strategic town in northern O was shocked by the Junta takeover of openly rejected the coup. Some of the Mozambique where fighting continued after power in Burma, modern-day Myanmar. groups are sheltering the fleeing civilians launching a three-pronged assault on the With the coup, Tatmadaw overthrew the and opposition leaders. The Karen faction- center a day earlier. hugely popular and recently elected National KNLA has clashed with Tatmadaw, League for Democracy (NLD) led by Aung The town in Cabo Delgado province was signalling a worsening of the situation in the San Suu Kyi. In late 2020, the NLD secured attacked “in three directions” by “terrorists,” Karen state. However, the PPST has said it a second consecutive landslide victory according to an official with Mozambique’s will stick to the NCA but will not negotiate sweeping over 396 out of 498 contested defense ministry. federalism with the military. seats. Tatmadaw has declared the election The coordinated attacks began just hours invalid and announced Military Rule for a PC : Getty Images after Total, the France-based oil and gas year after which it intends to conduct fresh The Federal Political Negotiation and company, announced that it would resume elections. Consultative Committee (FPNCC), a group The complexities in Myanmar prevents any of seven ethnic armed groups (NCA non- reasonable prediction in the near future. If work on its multi-billion-dollar liquified The coup was condemned by many western signatories) including the Arakan Army, Tatmadaw makes peace with protestors and natural gas project just a few kilometers democracies, but more so within Myanmar’s and the United Wa State Army (UWSA), decides on a reconciliation plan with the outside Palma, which is near Mozambique’s civilian population. Since the takeover, has decided to wait and watch. The FPNCC NLD, even then armed ethnic groups will border with Tanzania. is based in Northern Myanmar and China be tempted to push for better terms. If the protests have intensified and a massive Mozambique’s defense and security forces commands a wide-spread influence over Military keeps cracking down on protests, crackdown has claimed many lives. are “working tirelessly to reestablish these ethnic groups. The UWSA is the the ethnic groups will find further support security and order as fast as possible” most formidable challenge to Tatmadaw. and the country will be destabilised by Within Burma’s diverse ethnic groups, and will “do everything to guarantee the It commands as many as tens of thousands domestic turmoil. The Military may also the Tatmadaw returning to power is not a security” of the local population and of of armed members and is equipped with start negotiating with the ethnic groups on welcome news. Myanmar’s ethnic diversity the nearby “economic projects,” Ministry sophisticated Chinese weaponry. its own and there are less likely chances of has posed a challenge to the federal of Defense spokesman Col. Omar Saranga a success. government as well. It has numerous armed said at a news press conference in the groups of different ethnicities. Many groups The coup has also ignited factional rivalry, capital, Maputo. He said he didn’t yet have are heavily armed and control territories to its and some of the groups are trying to increase Tatmadaw may feel overwhelmed if information on casualties or damage caused North, East and Western parts. The Northern their influence significantly. Though most democratic protests continue with armed by the attack. territory is almost run autonomously by ethnic armed organisations have decided not ethnic organisations using the opportunity some powerful groups. Many of them remain to challenge militarily, the peace is hanging to increase their control over large parts wary of military action in the coming days. by a thread. Major destabilizing groups like of Myanmar. For a heavily fragmented the Arakan Army operating in the Northern social setup with a host of insurgencies to After the military decided to shift power to Rakhine state have no formal understanding deal with, Myanmar could use a military a civilian led government, the Nationwide with Tatmadaw regarding the ceasefire. The specifically focused on security and national Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) was released Arakan Army has thousands of soldiers and integration. The domestic matters left in 2015 in an effort to end all insurgencies. controls vast swathes. It receives arms near behind to a civilian leadership would be a But many groups have not signed it yet. the Chinese border and enjoys some support wiser choice than uncertainty. PC : AP Photo AP PC :

UN-backed Palma had been largely cut off from the rest of Cabo Delgado province for several weeks, as the rebels made road access vaccine delivery unsafe, leaving the airport and the seaport as the only routes in and out of the town. program warns The Islamic extremist rebels already hold the port town of Mocimboa da Praia, which of supply delays they captured in August. Since then, the PC : AP Photo AP PC : insurgents have seized nearby villages. The he U.N.-backed program to ship jihadis have beheaded scores of people, T COVID-19 vaccines worldwide has causing more than 670,000 people to flee announced supply delays involving a key their homes, creating a humanitarian crisis Indian manufacturer, a major setback for in northern Mozambique. the ambitious rollout aimed at helping low- and middle-income countries vaccinate their In their assault on Palma, the extremists populations and fight the pandemic. initiative devised to give countries access Serum Institute and another 3 million from a attacked the airport and two other locations, to coronavirus vaccines regardless of their South Korean contractor also producing it. Saranga said. Residents fled in all directions, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and its partners wealth, has so far shipped vaccines to some but mostly toward Palma’s beaches, The program had been aiming to deliver said that the Serum Institute of India, 50 countries and territories. according to sources who spoke to local a pivotal vaccine maker behind the some 237 million AstraZeneca vaccines news media, including Zitamar News and COVAX program, will face increasing The Serum Institute of Indian has been through the end of May. A Gavi spokesman Pinnacle News. domestic demands as coronavirus contracted to supply vaccines to 64 countries, said the delays were not expected to affect infections surge. and Gavi said the U.N.-backed program has the overall goal of shipping some 2 billion There were about 100 attackers, reported “notified all affected economies of potential doses worldwide through COVAX by the Pinnacle, citing its network of local sources. “Delays in securing supplies of SII-produced delays.” end of the year. Government helicopters flew overhead but didn’t open fire because of the difficulty of COVID-19 vaccine doses are due to the Gavi said the Serum Institute has pledged U.N. officials, governments, advocacy differentiating attackers from civilians, it increased demand for COVID-19 vaccines that “alongside supplying India, it will groups and others in recent months have reported. in India,” Gavi said. prioritize the COVAX multilateral solution pleaded with manufacturers to do more for equitable distribution.” to speed up and broaden production of The move will affect up to 40 million doses On the ground, the attackers went into the COVID-19 vaccines and ensure fair of the Oxford University-AstraZeneca Gavi, which runs COVAX jointly with the center of Palma, robbing banks, particularly distribution — insisting that the pandemic vaccines being manufactured by the World Health Organization and the Coalition the Standard Bank branch. The Amarula can only be defeated if everyone is safe from Serum Institute that were to be delivered for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, Hotel was also attacked, according to it. for COVAX this month, as well as 50 has distributed 31 million doses of the multiple accounts. million expected next month. COVAX, an AstraZeneca vaccine -- 28 million from the Credit : Associated Press (AP) Credit : Associated Press (AP) www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

29 March - 4 April 2021 11

International NEW DELHI TIMES Philippines Africa’s elephants now endangered What North deploys more by poaching, habitat loss Korean missile ncreasing threats of poaching and loss elephants is a war, he said. “We have patrol ships amid I of habitat have made Africa’s elephant transformed biologists into warriors,” White tests mean for US populations more endangered, according to said. “We have transformed people who rift with China a report released by the International Union signed up to watch elephants and work with relations? he Philippine military has ordered for Conservation of Nature. nature and the national parks into soldiers ew U.S. president, same old North T more navy ships to be deployed for who have gone to war for the survival of the N Korean playbook. Almost. “sovereignty patrols” in the South China The African forest elephant is critically elephants.” Sea, where a Chinese flotilla has swarmed endangered, and the African savanna Two months after President Joe Biden took around a disputed reef and ignored Manila’s elephant is endangered. The two species had Criminal networks working with corrupt office, North Korea is again turning to demand to leave the area. previously been grouped together as a single officials are a significant problem in central weapons tests to wrest outside concessions. species and were classified as vulnerable by and western Africa, Rudi van Aarde of the But the tests so far have been relatively Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin the IUCN. University of Pretoria’s zoology department. small compared to past launches. That Lorenzana has asked about 200 Chinese indicates Washington has a window of vessels he described as militia boats to engagement before North Korea pursues immediately leave Whitsun Reef, a shallow bigger provocations. coral region about 175 nautical miles (324 kilometers) west of Bataraza town in the This week, North Korea’s neighbors western Philippine province of Palawan. reported the country fired four short-range China ignored the call, insisting it owns the missiles into the sea in its first missile offshore territory and that the vessels were launches in about a year. The launches came sheltering from rough seas. after the North said it had rebuffed dialogue Military chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana ordered offers by the Biden administration, citing the deployment of additional navy ships to what it called U.S. hostility. beef up the country’s “maritime sovereignty patrols” in the disputed waters, the military Here’s look at North Korea’s recent missile said. launches and their motives. It did not say how close the Philippine navy WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT NORTH ships would maneuver from the Chinese KOREA’S STRATEGY THIS TIME? vessels, whose presence Lorenzana has called an “incursion” and “provocative North Korea has a long history of performing action of militarizing the area.” major weapons tests around the time new governments take power in the United States “By the increased naval presence in the and South Korea. area, we seek to reassure our people of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ strong

and unwavering commitment to protect Photo AP PC : and defend them from harassment and ensure that they can enjoy their rights over the country’s rich fishing ground,” military The number of African forest elephants has told The Associated Press. “Most of the ivory spokesman Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said fallen by more than 86% over a 31-year that leaves this continent for Asia is from in a statement. period, while the population of savanna central and western Africa. The population elephants dropped by more than 60% over is suffering more because of the illegal trade a 50-year period, according to the IUCN, in ivory instead of environmental issues like which rates the global extinction risks to the deforestation,” said van Aarde. world’s animals. Sub-Saharan Africa’s elephants suffered Africa currently has 415,000 elephants, a huge knock with a spike in poaching counting the forest and savanna elephants

between 2008 and 2012. A worrying trend Photo AP PC : together, according to the IUCN. is that a substantial amount of that poaching occurred in East and Southern Africa where The savanna elephants prefer more open an estimated 100,000 savanna elephants plains and are found in various habitats

PC : AP Photo AP PC : were killed in northern Mozambique and across sub-Saharan Africa, with Botswana, southern Tanzania, during that period, he South Africa and Zimbabwe having high said. The United States said that it’s backing the concentrations. The African forest elephants- Philippines in the new feud with Beijing smaller in size - mostly occupy the tropical “Africa’s elephants play key roles in and accused China of using “maritime forests of West and Central Africa, with ecosystems, economies and in our collective militia to intimidate, provoke, and threaten the largest remaining populations found in In February 2017, less than a month after imagination all over the world,” IUCN other nations, which undermines peace and Gabon and Republic of Congo. Donald Trump assumed the U.S. presidency, Director General Bruno Oberle said, security in the region.” North Korea tested a mid-range missile In Gabon, the fight against elephant poaching lamenting the reduced numbers of Africa’s that observers said showed an advance in The Philippines has filed a diplomatic protest “is more than just fighting for nature. It’s elephants. weapon mobility. Later in 2017, four days but China insisted it owns the reef, which it fighting for the stability of our country,” after current South Korean President Moon calls Niué Jiao, and said the Chinese vessels Lee White, Gabon’s minister of water and “Today’s new IUCN Red List assessment Jae-in was inaugurated, North Korea fired converged in the area to avoid rough waters. forests, told The Associated Press. of both African elephant species underlines what it called a newly developed, nuclear- The U.S., however, said “Chinese boats have the persistent pressure faced by the iconic capable intermediate-range missile. been mooring in this area for many months “We have seen countries like Central animals,” Oberle said. “The results quantify in ever increasing numbers, regardless of the African Republic, where poachers became the dramatic extent of the decline of these In 2009, North Korea conducted a long- weather.” bandits, became rebels and destabilized the ecologically important animals.” range rocket launch and a nuclear test within Beijing denied the vessels were maritime whole country,” White said, attributing the the first four months of the first term of the militias. “Any speculation in such helps bulk of poaching and ivory trafficking to “With persistent demand for ivory and Obama administration. nothing but causes unnecessary irritation,” international cross-border syndicates. escalating human pressures on Africa’s the Chinese Embassy said. wildlands, ... concern for Africa’s elephants This week’s weapons tests largely appear “Eighty to 90% of our ivory goes to Nigeria is high, and the need to creatively conserve to follow that playbook, but experts The Philippine government says the reef and ends up funding (the jihadist rebels) and wisely manage these animals and their believe the country held back from a more is well within the country’s internationally Boko Haram. So it’s very much a cross- habitats is more acute than ever,” said serious a provocation because the Biden recognized exclusive economic zone over border fight against organized crime and Kathleen Gobush, lead assessor in the IUCN administration is still evaluating its North which it “enjoys the exclusive right to even against terrorism,” he said. team compiling the list. Korea policy. exploit or conserve any resources.” Credit : Associated Press (AP) The battle to protect Gabon’s forest Credit : Associated Press (AP) Credit : Associated Press (AP)

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 12 29 March - 4 April 2021

International NEW DELHI TIMES UK extends emergency coronavirus powers by 6 months ritish lawmakers agreed to prolong lockdown. Children returned to school on B coronavirus emergency measures March 8 and shops, hairdressers and outdoor for six months, allowing the Conservative dining are to reopen on April 12, followed government to keep its unprecedented by indoor venues on May 17. Remaining powers to restrict U.K. citizens’ everyday restrictions are to end June 21, if the country lives. is not facing a new virus surge. Hancock said infections were likely to rise as society The House of Commons voted to extend the opened up, but thanks to vaccines that powers until September, and approved the would not automatically mean more virus- government’s road map for gradually easing related deaths. But he said it was still right Britain’s strict coronavirus lockdown over to proceed with caution. the next three months. “We must restore the freedoms that we all Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s large cherish, but in a way that doesn’t put the Conservative majority in Parliament (National Health Service) at risk,” he said.

guaranteed the measures passed by a decisive Photo AP PC : 484-76 margin. But Johnson faced rebellion Some lawmakers were concerned about from some of his own party’s lawmakers, he had not “heard a single good answer” as than half of its adult population, a far better suggestions that people in Britain may have who argued that the economic, democratic to why the British government needed to record than the European Union’s much- to prove they have been vaccinated in order and human costs of the restrictions outweigh extend the “draconian” powers for another criticized vaccine rollout. to travel, attend mass events or even go to the the benefits. six months. pub. The government is studying proposals Virus infections and deaths in Britain have for “coronavirus status certificates” and says The Coronavirus Act, passed a year ago as The opposition Liberal Democrats opposed fallen sharply in the last month even as they it will lay out its plans next month. Britain went into lockdown, brought in a the extension, with leader Ed Davey saying are rising in much of Europe. wide range of temporary health, economic it gave ministers “a blank check to use Johnson conceded there were “moral and social powers to deal with the pandemic. draconian powers they don’t need.” Former Simon Stevens, chief executive of the complexities” around the proposal, since It gives authorities the power to bar protests, Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn also National Health Service in England, said some people cannot be vaccinated for shut down businesses, restrict travel and spoke out against them, saying “our liberties that English hospitals were treating medical reasons. about 4,000 coronavirus patients, down detain people suspected of having the virus. are at stake.” The idea of “pub passports” has been from 34,000 in mid-January. He said strongly criticized by restaurant and bar Heath Secretary Matt Hancock said Britain has recorded more than 126,000 the health system’s coronavirus alert owners. Kate Nicholls, chief executive of Parliament had had to take “extraordinary coronavirus deaths, the highest toll in level should be lowered from 4 to 3 on the UKHospitality trade body, said the idea measures in response to this extraordinary Europe. But the U.K.’s fast-moving a five-point scale because the pressures was “simply unworkable.” threat.” But Conservative lawmaker Mark vaccination program has so far given at least on the system had eased. The British Harper, a leading lockdown skeptic, said one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to more government is gradually lifting a national Credit : Associated Press (AP) Russia opposition leader Navalny’s US gives $15 million health worsens in prison to Palestinians to deal with COVID-19 ussian opposition leader Alexei R Navalny has accused prison authorities he United States said that it is giving T Photo AP PC : of failing to provide proper treatment for $15 million to vulnerable Palestinian his back pain and leg problems, saying in a communities in the West Bank and letter posted that his physical condition has Gaza Strip to help fight the COVID-19 worsened in prison and he now has trouble pandemic, a sharp reversal from the Trump walking. administration which cut off almost all aid to the Palestinians. Navalny blamed his health problems on prison officials failing to provide the right U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield medicines and refusing to allow his doctor made the announcement at the U.N. Security inaugurated on Jan. 20, his administration to visit him behind bars. He also complained Council’s monthly Mideast meeting, saying announced that it was restoring relations in a second letter that the hourly checks a the money from the U.S. Agency for with the Palestinians and renewing aid to International Development will support guard makes on him at night amounted to Photo AP PC : Palestinian refugees, a reversal of Trump’s sleep deprivation torture. Catholic Relief Services’ “COVID-19 cutoff and a key element of its new support but refused to accept medicines earlier response efforts in health care facilities and for a two-state solution. Copies of his letters to penitentiary officials prescribed by his doctor. for vulnerable families in the West Bank and and Russia’s top prosecutor were posted on Gaza.” Thomas-Greenfield said the $15 million Navalny’s website. He accused prison officials of undermining in aid is “consistent with our interests and his health with a “deliberate denial of due In addition, she said, the funds will support our values, and it aligns with our efforts to The 44-year-old Navalny, who is President medical assistance.” emergency food aid to communities in need stamp our the pandemic and food insecurity Vladimir Putin’s most outspoken opponent, as a result of the pandemic. worldwide.” Tor Wennesland, the U.N. was arrested on Jan. 17 upon his return Russia’s Federal Penitentiary Service Mideast envoy, told the Security Council that from Germany, where he spent five months said that Navalny had undergone “This urgent, necessary aid is one piece of “COVID-19 continues to have a devastating recovering from a nerve-agent poisoning medical check-ups the previous day, our renewed commitment to the Palestinian effect on Palestinians.” “In addition to the that he blames on the Kremlin. Russian describing his condition as “stable and people,” Thomas-Greenfield said. “The aid brutal impact on public health, the recurrent authorities have rejected the accusation. satisfactory.” will help Palestinians in dire need, which lockdowns, school closures, and reduction will bring more stability and security to both Last month, Navalny was sentenced to 2 But Navalny’s lawyer, Olga Mikhailova, of commercial activity have severely Israelis and Palestinians alike.” 1/2 years in prison for violating the terms said after visiting him in prison that “his undermined living conditions,” he said. of his probation while convalescing in right leg is in terrible shape.” Under former U.S. President Donald Trump, The Palestinian Health Ministry began Germany. The sentence stems from a 2014 Mikhailova said on Dozhd TV that Navalny the U.S. provided unprecedented support administering the first of 61,400 doses of embezzlement conviction that Navalny has was taken to a hospital outside his prison for to Israel, recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s coronavirus vaccines it received from the rejected as fabricated — and which the magnetic resonance tomography but wasn’t capital, moving the U.S. Embassy from U.N. World Health Organization’s COVAX European Сourt of Human Rights has ruled given the results. Tel Aviv, breaking relations and slashing initiative to provide vaccines to developing to be unlawful. financial assistance for the Palestinians. The She said Navalny had experienced back countries. It was a boost to the West Bank Trump administration also reversed course “My condition has worsened. I feel acute pain for four weeks, but prison officials where the Palestinian Authority had only on the illegitimacy of Israeli settlements pain in my right leg, and I feel numbness in also would not permit a visit by his doctor. secured 10,000 doses of Russia’s Sputnik V on land claimed by the Palestinians. It did its lower part,” Navalny wrote in the letter. The lawyer argued that authorities should vaccine and 2,000 shots from Israel for the restore about $1 million during the pandemic “I have trouble walking.” transfer Navalny to Moscow so he could get roughly 3 million Palestinians living in the last year. West Bank. He said that the authorities have given him better treatment. standard pills and ointment for his pain, Credit : Associated Press (AP) Soon after U.S. President Joe Biden was Credit : Associated Press (AP) www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

29 March - 4 April 2021 13

THIS DAY | THAT YEAR | NEW DELHI TIMES

March 29, 1974 Chinese farmers discovered the Terracotta Army near Xi'an, 8,000 clay warrior statues buried to guard the tomb of China's 1st emperor, Qin Shi Huang on this day that year. PC : Getty Images

March 30, 1959 Dalai Lama fled China and was granted political asylum in India on this day that year. PC : Getty Images

March 31, 1992 UN Security Council voted to ban flights & arms sales to Libya on this day that year. PC : Getty Images

April 1, 1974 Ayatollah Khomeini called for an Islamic Republic in Iran on this day that year. PC : Getty Images

April 2, 1910 Karl Harris perfected the process for the artificial synthesis of rubber on this day that year. PC : Getty Images

April 3, 2016 The Panama Papers were published as 11.5 million confidential documents from

PC : Getty Images offshore law firm Mossack Fonseca exposed widespread illegal activities including fraud, kleptocracy, tax evasion and the violation of international sanctions by the world's elite in the world's largest ever data leak on this day that year.

April 4, 1968 US civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated by James Earl Ray at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee on this day that year.

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 14 29 March - 4 April 2021

Delhi/NCR NEW DELHI TIMES AAP says BJP led SDMC bought Legal age for consumption proposals to hike property rates; of Alcohol in Delhi lowered BJP refutes charges per cent by stopping the smuggling of liquor ◆ By NDT Bureau into the national capital. @NewDelhiTimes ◆ By NDT Bureau "The new excise policy was approved @NewDelhiTimes [email protected] by the Cabinet today on basis of the recommendations of the Group of Ministers. [email protected] he Delhi government has decided to It was decided that no new liquor shops will T has reduced the minimum legal age for be opened in the national capital and the he ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in consumption of alcohol to 21 years from 25 government will not run any liquor shops. T Delhi has said that the Bharatiya Janta years. An announcement regarding the same At present, 60 per cent liquor shops in Delhi Party (BJP) led South Delhi Municipal was made by Delhi Deputy Chief Minister are run by the government," Sisodia said at a Corporation (SDMC) has brought a proposal Manish Sisodia. press conference. to hike the property tax by 34 percent. Manish Sisodia also announced that the Addressing a press conference, Aam govt has not hiked any tax in the last seven Delhi government will no longer run liquor Aadmi Party (AAP) spokesperson Saurabh years. stores in the city and that no new liquor Bhardwaj said, "The BJP-ruled MCD shops will be opened in the national capital. The BJP has denied all such charges.BJP waived six months'' licence fee for outdoor spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia also advertisement contractors and it is now said it seems "in his malafide anxiety to said that the Kejriwal government has now making up for the loss from residents". level charges against MCDs, AAP leader made a major change in the excise policy in Bhardwaj does not even cross-check facts the state. According to the new rules that are

"The BJP-ruled SDMC has brought a PC : Getty Images before speaking". being laid down by the Delhi government proposal to hike the property tax by 34 per Any unnamed liquor shops in the national cent. The Kejriwal government reduced "Today, at a press conference, Saurabh capital would no longer be allowed to "Government will ensure equitable circle rates by 20 per cent while the BJP- Bhardwaj has alleged that South DMC is function. Meanwhile, new guidelines will distribution of liquor shops so that liquor ruled MCD increases property taxes by 34 raising House Tax in its area and a proposal also be put up in place for the existing liquor mafia are thrown out of the trade. A revenue per cent," he said. to this effect is coming in the House meeting shops. Sisodia also said that the excuse growth of 20 per cent is estimated after the today. The allegation is totally false as the revenue in the state will now increase by 20 reforms in excise department," he added. Bhardwaj said the Bharatiya Janata Party SDMC Standing Committee has already (BJP) government has "massively" increased long back rejected the proposal of the the prices of diesel, petrol and LPG in the Commissioner to raise House Tax," he said Shaheed Bhagat Singh Smarak last several days and claimed that the AAP in a statement. inaugurated at Delhi University and pride in the youth of today, to absorb the values that our national heroes exemplified in making independent India a reality.

The University of Delhi organized a programme to pay homage and commemorate 90 years of martyrdom of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar and Shivaram Rajguru

PC : Getty Images on ‘Shaheed Diwas’ in the Convention Hall of the Viceregal Lodge on 23rd March, 2021.

◆ By NDT Bureau The University organized various competitions–poetry, song, slogan and essay @NewDelhiTimes writing in all the Colleges. The topics for [email protected] these competitions were related to Shaheed Diwas. The award-winning students o commemorate 90 years of martyrdom were felicitated by Prof. P.C. Joshi, Vice T of our national icons of the Indian Chancellor, University of Delhi. Later, the National Movement -Shaheed Bhagat Singh, award-winning students also showcased Sukhdev Thapar and Shivaram Rajguru, a their talents in front of the guests. Vice- memorial – Shaheed Bhagat Singh Smarak Chancellor, University of Delhi announced -was inaugurated virtually by Union that the Bhagat Singh Smarak shall Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' at the remain open to the students and university Delhi University. Pokhriyal stressed on the community to inculcate values of freedom need of holding events that instil inspiration and sacrifice. Lok Sabha passes the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021 powers of the Lieutenant Governor through ◆ By NDT Bureau an amendment of Section 24 of the 1991 @NewDelhiTimes Act, which deals with "Assent to bills." Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed [email protected] his firm opposition to the bill. He tweeted: “ Passage of GNCTD amendment Bill in he Lok Sabha has passed the Lok Sabha today is an insult to the people T Government of National Capital of Delhi. Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021. The bill substantially increases the powers of the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi. The Act requires the Delhi Leiutenant Governor to reserve certain Bills passed As per added by Section 21 i.e.: "The by the Legislative Assembly for the expression 'Government' referred to in any consideration of the President. The Bill law to be made by the Legislative Assembly provides that such Rules must be consistent shall mean the Lieutenant Governor." with the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Section 3 of the Bill seeks to extend the Business in the Lok Sabha. www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

29 March - 4 April 2021 15

National NEW DELHI TIMES People above 45 now take COVID vaccination starting April 1 He requested people entitled to get ◆ By NDT Bureau themselves registered to take the COVID19 @NewDelhiTimes shot.

[email protected] Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan PC : Getty Images sent a letter to chief administrators of S tarting April 1, those who are above 45 all states and Union Territories, stating years of age can now also undertake that on the basis of available scientific vaccination against COVID-19. evidence, the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 Union minister Prakash Javadekar (NEGVAC) has been guiding all aspects announced: "We appeal that all above 45 of the vaccination drive. should take the vaccine as early as possible undertake necessary measures for expansion "Special focus should be given on optimal that will provide them shield against "You are requested to kindly direct of COVID-19 vaccination drive to include utilisation of the capacity of COVID-19 Corona,". the officials concerned to immediately beneficiaries aged 45 and above. vaccination”. Finance Bill Union Education Minister National Portal 2021 passed holds virtual meeting with for Transgender persons launched in Lok Sabha Director General of UNESCO in India ◆ By NDT Bureau ◆ By NDT Bureau @NewDelhiTimes ◆ By NDT Bureau @NewDelhiTimes @NewDelhiTimes [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] he Lok Sabha has passed the Finance n March 25, the Union Education O he Indian Ministry of Social Justice T Bill 2021. The government has Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ T & Empowerment has e-launched proposed 127 changes to the original Finance held a virtual meeting Director General the National Portal for Transgender Bill, 2021 which was introduced in the Lok UNESCO, Ms Audrey Azoulay in New persons. The launch was attended by Sabha on February 01, 2021. The Finance Delhi. They discussed key issues of mutual many persons from the transgender Bill was later passed by the Lower House importance including National Education community. with 127 official amendments by voice vote. Policy, India’s response to COVID Pandemic especially in the education sector, among others concerning India UNESCO Sharing) platform was started to continue In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, cooperation. Amit Khare, Secretary, Higher education for students (with internet access). Minister of State for Social Justice and Education, delegation from UNESCO and While One Class - One Channel programme Empowerment Shri Rattan Lal Kataria senior officials of the Ministry were also ‘SWAYAM PRABHA’ was initiated for informed that so far, 1915 Transgender present in the meeting. providing education to children without Persons have applied for Certificate of internet access. Identity and Identity Cards. Nishank informed the UNESCO Director General that under the visionary leadership Director General of UNESCO Ms. Audrey of PM Narendra Modi, Ministry of Azoulay appreciated the response of the Education Government of India has ensured Indian Government in mitigating the that education reaches even the last child challenges of covid and ensuring continuity PC : Getty Images in the remotest part of the country. In this of education during covid pandemic by context he mentioned about initiatives providing education to the students through undertaken to ensure continuity of education different mediums of TV, Radio, online for children across the country. Such as under etc. to the last student of the country. She Prime Minister E –Vidya scheme, DIKSHA remarked that India’s response to covid was (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge remarkable in terms of scale and diversity.

The government has raised the deposit threshold limit, for which interest would Over 600 Wayside Amenities continue to be tax-exempt, to Rs 5 lakh per annum in provident fund (PF) account. This along National Highways will would be applicable to those cases where Out of 1695 valid applications, 277 no contribution is made by employers to the Certificates of identity and Identity Cards retirement fund. be developed by the NHAI have been issued. 220 applications develop 120 such wayside amenities. As per have been rejected due to insufficient/ Replying to discussion on the Bill, Finance ◆ By NDT Bureau plan, wayside amenities will be developed invalid documents or being Duplicate Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the @NewDelhiTimes every 30-50 km along the current and applications. government is committed to simplify the upcoming Highways and Expressways. taxation compliance procedures. [email protected] National Portal for Transgender Persons According to the Ministry of Road Transport which provides for the procedure for She also said, government is taking all he National Highway Authority of & Highways, the amenities will include identification certificates issued by the measures to widen the tax base in the T India (NHAI) will develop world numerous facilities for passengers such as District Magistrate has been established country. class ‘Wayside Amenities’ at more than 600 Fuel Station, Electric Charging Facilities, and is functional in all districts of the locations across 22 states along the National Food Court, Retail Shops, ATM, Toilets country. She said, rationalization in the taxation Highways in the next five years. Out of with shower facility, Children Playing system would encourage Ease of Doing these, 130 are targeted for development in Area, Clinic, Village Haat for local As per the Census 2011, there are 4,87,803 Business in the country. 2021-22. NHAI has already invited bids to handicrafts etc. persons under the category called ‘Other’.

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 16 29 March - 4 April 2021

Neighbourhood NEW DELHI TIMES Bangladesh expresses United Nations Human Rights Council gratitude to India adopts Resolution on Sri Lanka for conferring the

◆ By NDT Bureau Gandhi Peace Prize @NewDelhiTimes on Bangabandhu [email protected] ◆ By NDT Bureau he United Nations Human Rights @NewDelhiTimes T Council at its 46th Regular Session adopted the Resolution A/HRC/46/L.1/Rev [email protected] which calls on it to enhance its monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation T he Bangladesh government has in Sri Lanka, including on progress in acknowledged with deep gratitude reconciliation & accountability. the decision of the Indian government to confer the Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 to 22 countries voted in favour of the text, 11 Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, opposed and 14 abstained, including Sri posthumously for the first time. Lanka’s neighbours, India and Nepal and “It is an honour for Bangladesh and its most Muslim majority countries, except for people for the Father of the Nation to be Pakistan, Bangladesh and Uzbekistan, who bestowed with this prestigious award”, said voted against the motion. an official release today.

In the resolution the Human Rights marginalisation of minorities and impunity. Tichy-Fisslberger, speaking on behalf of The award is also a befitting tribute to Council expressed "deep concern" at the the European Union, represent clear early the ever-deepening Bangladesh-India “deteriorating situation" in Sri Lanka, and The text pointed to trends emerging over “warning signs of a deteriorating human relations in a year when both countries are criticised the erosion of judicial independence, the past year, which according to Elisabeth rights situation in Sri Lanka”. jointly celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence, 50 years of diplomatic relations and the birth centenary Nepal- Prime Minister of Bhutan of Bangabandhu. Bangladesh sign thanked India for additional four bilateral 400,000 doses of Covishield agreements According to a statement by the Indian ◆ By NDT Bureau Embassy in Bhutan, Ambassador Ruchira ◆ By NDT Bureau @NewDelhiTimes Kamboj recalled Prime Minister Shri @NewDelhiTimes Narendra Modi’s virtual address to the UN [email protected] General Assembly in September 2020 [email protected] where he had declared that in keeping with hutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering the ancient Indian ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva our bilateral agreements were signed B has expressed gratitude to the Indian Kutumbakam’ India’s vaccine production F between Nepal and Bangladesh in Prime Minister for Narendra Modi for giving and delivery capacity would be used to the presence of Nepal President Bidhya additional 400,000 doses of Covishield to help humanity in fighting the COVID-19 Devi Bhandari and her Bangladeshi his country. crisis. counterpart Md Abdul Hamid at “As Bangladesh commemorates the legacy of Bangabhaban, Dhaka. Bangabandhu on his 100th birth anniversary, She reiterated Prime Minister Modi’s the award comes as recognition of the life words that “India will be a force for good long struggle of this enduring leader to The four agreements are Memorandum of in the neighbourhood. It is committed to ensure the freedom, rights, aspirations and Understanding on Tourism Cooperation, improving the well-being of the region.” MoU on sanitary and phytosanitary emancipation of his people and towards building a world free from hunger, poverty cooperation, cultural exchange programme, Earlier, Bhutan was the first country among and exploitation,” the release said. and Letter of Exchange to designate neighbours and partners to receive the Rohanpur-Singabad railway route as an ‘Made in India’ COVID-19 vaccine from The Ministry of Culture, India had announced additional transit route. India on 20 January 2021. that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been conferred with the 2020 Gandhi The President of Nepal Bidya Devi Bhandari On that occasion, the Prime Minister of Peace Prize. The award carries an amount paid a two-day official visit to Bangladesh. Bhutan had said, "It is the display of altruism of Rs. 1 crore, a citation, a plaque and an at best, and an exhibit of India's sincerity in exquisite traditional handicraft/ handloom A VVIP aircraft of Nepal Airlines (A320), the relationship we cherish. item. carrying the Nepalese President along with PM Modi said that Bangabandhu was a her entourage members, landed at Hazrat It is of unimaginable value when precious champion of human rights and freedom, and Shahjalal (R) International Airport (HISA). commodities are shared even before meeting is a hero to Indians as well. He also said that your own needs, as opposed to giving out the legacy and inspiration of Bangabandhu The Nepalese President was given an honour only after you have enough." guard with 21-gun salute by a contingent has made the heritage of both countries more comprehensive and deep-rooted, and drawn from Bangladesh Army, Navy and The provision of a total number of 550,000 that the path shown by Bangabandhu has Air Force at the HISA. ‘Made in India’ COVID-19 vaccine by India laid a strong foundation for the partnership, will enable Bhutan to launch its nationwide Tshering, in a tweet, prayed that these progress and prosperity of both countries The Nepal President then went to pay vaccination drive from 27 March onwards. gestures from India during the pandemic over the last decade. tributes to martyred freedom fighters at turn into boundless blessings for the people National Memorial in Savar on the outskirts of India. The entire eligible population of Bhutan Gandhi Peace Prize is an annual award of the capital will, thus, be inoculated with the first dose instituted by Government of India since "Pleased to receive additional 400,000 of the ‘Made in India’ COVID vaccine. 1995, the 125th Birth Anniversary Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina doses of Covishield, making possible Thus, Bhutan is likely to be one of the first commemoration year of Mahatma Gandhi. paid a courtesy call on Bhandari. During the nationwide rollout of our vaccination countries to protect its entire population The award is open to all persons regardless the meeting, matters of mutual interest and programme. People of Bhutan and I remain against COVID-19, with assistance from of nationality, race, language, caste, creed or bilateral cooperation were discussed. grateful@narendramodi," he said in a tweet. India. sex. www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

29 March - 4 April 2021 17

North America NEW DELHI TIMES Biden’s disciplined agenda rollout tested by the unexpected he Biden administration has taken “That’s one of the best tools we have right T tremendous pride in methodically now to prevent gun violence,” Biden said. unveiling its agenda, particularly the $1.9 trillion pandemic relief measure the president Biden, as a candidate, promised rapid action hopes to trumpet over the next several weeks. on gun control, including some steps on his But a growing list of unforeseen challenges first day in office. But the polarizing issue is beginning to scramble the White House’s was quietly sidelined by the focus on the plans. virus effort and the imperative to prioritize his agenda with narrow Democratic In less than a week, two mass shootings majorities in Congress and the legislative have overshadowed President Joe Biden’s filibuster in place. “Help is Here” tour at which he planned to herald the ways his administration is helping During the general election, Biden managed Americans recovering from the pandemic. to quell much of the intraparty divisions that The White House has also struggled to have so often riven Democrats by rallying PC : AP Photo AP PC : respond to the growth in unaccompanied them around a central purpose: defeating minors crossing the U.S.-Mexico border critical moment for Biden. The most However, the two senators set aside their Trump. or blunt a nationwide effort by Republican valuable asset of presidents is their time, block on the nominees after securing the legislatures to tighten election laws. especially in their opening months in office, Biden administration’s assurances more After his election, his team adopted the same when the concerns of future elections are would be done. Press secretary Jen Psaki principle to unite the Democratic factions Biden’s meticulous approach to the most distant. There were signs that the said the White House will add a senior-level by again organizing around a common presidency is intended to serve as a stark patience of Biden’s diverse coalition may Asian American Pacific Islander liaison motivation: passing the massive $1.9 trillion departure from the chaos of his predecessor, be fraying. “who will ensure the community’s voice is COVID relief bill. There was to be no debate Donald Trump. But the rapid developments further represented and heard.” about priorities, Biden’s aides made clear over the past week are a reminder that even Two Democratic senators, Tammy Duckworth to Democrats. The pandemic relief, which the most disciplined administration can only of Illinois and Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, Biden could soon face another fight if he emphasizes vaccines and unemployment control so much. condemned the lack of diversity in Biden’s follows through with his commitment to benefits, had to come first at a time of Cabinet. Scrutiny of those advising Biden tighten gun regulations. After shooting at a historic crises. “Every president and their staff make plans has intensified after last week’s shooting in Boulder, Colorado, supermarket that killed Publicly, Democratic lawmakers and groups but every day the plans get blown up by Atlanta, which killed eight people, including 10 people, Biden urged Congress to close signed on even as the behind-the-scenes reality,” said Ari Fleischer, who was press six women of Asian descent. The violence loopholes in the background check system jockeying began over what would come secretary to George W. Bush when that came during a wave of attacks against Asian and ban assault weapon and high-capacity next. administration’s priorities were suddenly Americans over the past year. magazines. swamped by the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist Biden aides have acknowledged that fighting attacks. “Outside events intervene and Duckworth said she raised her concerns Biden homed in on closing what is known over the sequence could become fierce, with force you to play defense or improvise or with the White House and she and Hirono as the Charleston loophole — provision disparate groups pushing for gun control, change your plans nearly every day. If you threatened to withhold their votes on in federal law that gives a gun seller immigration, voting rights and climate can’t juggle, you don’t belong in the White nominations until the administration discretion on whether to proceed with a change to become the centerpiece of the next House.” addressed the matter. In a Senate that’s sale if the FBI fails to determine within White House push. evenly divided, such a move could have three business days whether a buyer is The juggle is intensifying at a particularly significant ramifications. eligible to purchase a gun. Credit : Associated Press (AP) Puerto Rico cracks down on Guatemala City airport closed tourists flouting pandemic rules as volcanic ash coats planes hey come from New York, Illinois, a negative test, according to statistics from T Michigan, and authorities say too the island’s health department. many of the tourists are flouting Puerto Rico’s pandemic health measures, including the mask mandate, the nightly curfew and a requirement to stay in isolation pending coronavirus tests.

So officials are cracking down, with nearly a dozen visitors arrested over the past six

days. Photo AP PC :

They include three men from New York who were not wearing face masks and got into an argument with a teenager while visiting By law, those who do not present a negative a popular beach on the island’s northeast test have to remain in isolation for two coast, authorities said. But most of the weeks, until they get tested in a local arrests have been been in the San Juan laboratory and receive a negative result. metropolitan area, and a couple of tourists PC : AP Photo AP PC : remain in jail. Last week, officials pledged to increase the shift in wind blew ash from an mechanical devices. Charges range from assaulting police officers number of police officers in popular tourist A eruption at the Pacaya volcano over to lying on their traveler’s declaration form, areas and allow access only to residents Guatemala City, and authorities closed the Tourists frequently hike up to visit Pacaya’s which carries a punishment of three years in in certain neighborhoods as the midnight airport as ash coated planes and planes peak, but those trips have been temporarily prison if found guilty. curfew approaches. That was in response to widespread anger over the behavior of some parked at the terminal. cancelled. The lies include falsely promising to honor visitors who, like some local people as well, the required quarantine if someone fails to have flagrantly violated pandemic measures. The 8,373-foot (2,552 meter) volcano, Pacaya has a clear view of the nearby present a negative coronavirus test upon just 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of Volcano of Fire, which erupted in 2018, arrival or agreeing to get tested after landing, “After months of complaints, we finally Guatemala’s capital, has been active since emitting a fast-moving avalanche of super- said Damarisse Martínez, a spokeswoman see that action is being taken,” said Joaquín early February. heated muck that killed at least 110 people for the island’s Justice Department. Bolívar, president of the board of directors and left about 200 missing. Pacaya had an of Puerto Rico’s Association of Hotels and Civil Aviation Director Francis Argueta explosive blast in 2010 that killed a reporter An average of about 10,000 to 12,000 people Tourism. did not say how long the closure would and two local people. have flown into Puerto Rico daily this last. Volcanic ash is highly abrasive and month, and only about 30% have presented Credit : Associated Press (AP) can damage airplane engines and other Credit : Associated Press (AP)

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Africa NEW DELHI TIMES Ethiopia’s leader Five die in says atrocities stampede to view reported in body of Tanzania’s Tigray war Magufuli thiopia’s leader said atrocities have ive people, including four children, E been reported in Tigray, his first public F died in a suspected stampede during acknowledgment of possible war crimes in a public viewing of the body of former the country’s northern region where fighting Tanzanian President John Magufuli over persists as government troops hunt down its the weekend, as regional leaders joined fugitive leaders. Tanzanians to pay their last respects to the PC : AP Photo AP PC : controversial leader. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also admitted, keep controlling border areas,” he said. Bachelet, told The Associated Press last week after repeated denials by authorities, that Magufuli was one of Africa’s most prominent “But they have told us they don’t have the that Ethiopia’s Human Rights Commission COVID-19 skeptics and even though his troops from neighboring Eritrea have gone willingness to stay as long as we control had asked to participate with her office in into Tigray, where their presence has inflicted government announced that he had died of trenches along the border.” “a joint investigation into allegations of a heart failure, opposition leaders and his “damages” on the region’s residents. serious human rights violations by all sides” Abiy spoke as concern continues to grow critics charge that he died of complications in Tigray. But Abiy said in the address, from COVID-19. “Reports indicate that atrocities have been over the humanitarian situation in the which included answering questions from committed in Tigray region,” Abiy said in embattled region that is home to 6 million lawmakers, that fighters loyal to the Tigray Tens of thousands of Tanzanians came out an address before lawmakers in the capital, of Ethiopia’s more than 110 million people. People’s Liberation Front had committed a to view Magufuli’s body at Uhuru Stadium Addis Ababa. Authorities haven’t cited a death toll in the massacre in the town of Mai Kadra. “But it in the country’s largest city, Dar es Salaam, war, but a trio of opposition groups based is not getting enough attention,” he said of over the weekend. War is “a nasty thing,” he said, speaking in Tigray say more than 50,000 have been that massacre, describing it as “the worst” the local Amharic language. “We know the killed. in the conflict. destruction this war has caused.” He said soldiers who raped women or committed The United States has characterized some Hours after Abiy’s parliamentary address, other crimes will be held responsible, abuses in Tigray as “ethnic cleansing,” the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission even though he cited “propaganda of charges dismissed by Ethiopian authorities released its preliminary report into serious exaggeration” by the Tigray People’s as unfounded. The U.S. also has urged rights violations in the Tigrayan city of Liberation Front, the once-dominant party Eritrean troops, who are fighting on the side Axum, where accounts of atrocities by whose leaders challenged Abiy’s legitimacy of Ethiopian government forces, to withdraw Ethiopian and allied forces were detailed after the postponement of elections last year. from Tigray. last month in reports by The Associated Photo AP PC : Press and by Amnesty International. Commenting on the reported presence of The Ethiopian prime minister, who won the Suzan Mtua, 30, died with four school-age Eritrean troops in Ethiopia, Abiy said they Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 for his efforts According to the new report by the children from the same family when there crossed the border and moved across Tigray, to make peace with Eritrea, faces pressure government-established rights agency, was a stampede of people wanting to view “causing damages to our people ... We won’t to end the conflict in Tigray as well as to Eritrean soldiers killed over 100 people, the body, Heri Mtua, a family spokesman, accept that.” institute an international investigation into including pilgrims attending an annual said. alleged war crimes, ideally led by the United religious event, on Nov. 28 and the next “The children had demanded they also He suggested the Eritrean soldiers are not Nations. The government’s critics say an day in Axum, which is also spelled Aksum. attend the funeral of President Magufuli,” there with his blessing. “The argument the ongoing federal probe simply isn’t enough The victims included some “killed in front he said. “Later that day we received a call Eritrean government presents for this is because the government can’t effectively of their children, spouses and mothers,” the late evening by an unknown person using that it is a national security issue because investigate itself. Rupert Colville, a report says, citing witnesses. Suzan’s phone.” The caller said that the Ethiopian troops are going after (Tigrayan) spokesman in Geneva for U.N. High owner of the phone had been taken to a forces in other locations, so they want to Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Credit : Associated Press (AP) hospital. But her body was eventually found at the morgue, he said. Republic of Congo President Sassou The children were aged between 7 and 12 years. Hundreds of peoples who attended the N’Guesso declared winner funeral fainted in the crush and authorities said he plans to appeal to the Constitutional said they will issue a statement about the Court to cancel the official results, citing an number of people killed in the national article of the constitution “which provides event. for the cancellation of the ballot when a President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who was candidate dies or is unable to vote.” Magufuli’s vice president and succeeded him, was joined by nine African heads of However, the head of the national state for Magufuli’s state funeral. independent electoral commission said that the article in question does not apply this Among them were Kenya’s President time. Uhuru Kenyatta, Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, Felix Tshisekedi of Congo and Filipe “Kolelas died after the vote in Paris so Article Nyusi of Mozambique, Lazarus Chakwera 70 cannot be evoked in these conditions,” of Malawi, Azali Assoumani of Comoros, said Henri Bouka, who is also president of Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe,

PC : AP Photo AP PC : the Supreme Court in Congo. Edgar Lungu of Zambia and Mogkweetsi Masisi of Botswana. lection officials in Republic of Congo overshadowed by its neighbor with a similar Sassou N’Guesso, a former army general, E declared President Denis Sassou name, Congo. led Republic of Congo from 1979 to 1992, “We mourn the loss of our friend, our brother, N’Guesso the winner of an election, further when he placed third in the country’s first a hard worker,” Kenyatta, chairman of the extending his presidency of more than 36 Sassou N’Guesso received 88.5% of ballots democratic elections. regional bloc East African Community, said. years in office. The election was marked cast, according to official results. The top “He showed us that, as Africans, we by the death of his main opponent from opposition candidate whose death was After a voluntary exile in France, Sassou have the potential to liberate ourselves COVID-19. announced the day after the election, Guy N’Guesso came back to power in 1997 after from dependence on foreigners. That we Brice Parfait Kolelas, won 7.8% of the vote. his supporters prevailed in a four-month have potential as Africans to manage our The results were announced by Interior The remaining ballots were split among the civil war, and he has now been re-elected economies and ensure that our people get Minister Raymond Zephirin Mboulou five other contenders. four times. on national television two days after the justice,” he said. vote in this Central African nation often One of those candidates, Mathias Dzon, has Credit : Associated Press (AP) Credit : Associated Press (AP) www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

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South America NEW DELHI TIMES Rights Groups Colombian town uses discipline, Brazil court rules Concerned as speakers to stay virus-free Car Wash judge Venezuela Reviews hen customers enter his hardware shows that talk about prevention. To ensure was biased in W store Nelson Avila asks them to wear everyone gets the message, the mayor’s Media Laws a mask and wash their hands. He sprays office distributed 1,000 radios to farmers set of laws due to be debated in alcohol over the bills and coins they give who live in Campohermoso’s rural areas. Lula case A Venezuela could further limit citizens’ him before putting them in the till. razil’s Supreme Court ruled that rights, experts are warning. “The whole town has come together” B former judge Sergio Moro was Avila’s shop is in Campohermoso, a town Rodríguez said. “The police, the health biased in the way he oversaw former of 3,000 people in Boyaca state in the center, church personnel and the mayor’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s mountains of central Colombia that has no office all go on the radio station to talk about corruption trial, providing vindication for reported cases of the coronavirus. According the virus.” the leftist leader who has long claimed to the Health Ministry, Campohermoso political persecution. county - which consists of the town and Rodríguez said his message to townsfolk has surrounding farms and villages - is one of been simple: “Its’ up to every family to stop The decision further darkens the shadow just two counties in the country that are it.” over the reputation of Moro and the COVID-19-free. Colombia has more than sweeping Car Wash corruption investigation 1,100 counties. He has also tried to lead by example. The he presided over for years. He sentenced mayor says he decided to take a test during hundreds of business and political leaders “Those bills can carry the virus” said Avila, a recent visit to Bogota, and despite he was previously believed to enjoy impunity, and 49, as he disinfects a wad of wrinkled negative, he decided to isolate himself. transformed himself into one of the Brazil’s PC : Getty Images Colombian pesos. “They go from hand to best-known public figures. Some hailed him hand, so we have to be careful.” “We’ve put 60 families in town in quarantine as a hero while others accused him of being because they showed some symptoms,” a zealot. The country’s newly formed National Officials and locals say the town has been Rodríguez said. “But all of them have tested Assembly was asked to review 34 laws able to keep the virus away thanks to the negative.” Businesses are now open in “In this case what is discussed is something earlier this month, including the Law on disciplined behavior of its residents and Campohermoso and only allow customers that for me is key: everyone has the right Social Responsibilities on Radio, Television constant campaigns urging people to social wearing masks. The town has not banned to a fair trial, due legal process, and the and Electronic Media or “Ley Resorte,” distance and wear masks. visitors from other parts of the country but impartiality of the judge,” said Justice which regulates media; and the International Carmen Lucia, who cast the tie-breaking Cooperation Law, which governs how civil vote. society groups operate in Venezuela. Leaked messages published by The Intercept No details have been made public about Brasil in 2019 showed apparent collusion what reforms may be proposed, but rights between Moro and Car Wash prosecutors groups and those who rely on platforms such during the process that ultimately jailed da as Twitter to access independent information Silva for corruption and money laundering. raised concerns that any revisions could His conviction on appeal sidelined him from limit press freedom. the 2018 presidential elections, pursuant to Ali Daniels, director of the nonprofit civil the rules of Brazil’s Clean Slate law, and rights group Acceso a la Justicia, told VOA allowed fringe lawmaker Jair Bolsonaro the plans for reform are further evidence that to cruise to victory. Moro quickly became the Venezuelan government seeks to control Bolsonaro’s justice minister. the few spaces over which it has minimal control. The ruling follows a separate decision from Justice Edson Fachin on March 8 to annul "If you want to control content on social

PC : AP Photo AP PC : da Silva’s two convictions, on the grounds networks, what you really want to control that he was tried in a court without proper is dissent and the manifestations of freedom The town’s remote location ringed by those who arrive and wish to stay have been jurisdiction, and establishing that he of expression that are made through it,” mountains, far from major roads, has also asked to quarantine in a relative’s home, and could be retried in federal court in capital Daniels said. helped it to stay coronavirus-free. It has receive a daily call from the local nurse. Brasilia. José Gregorio Correa, a member of the just seven streets and six avenues laid out newly formed National Assembly, told in a neat grid. It is nestled at the bottom of a Campohermoso’s only school is running VOA he believes some amendments are green valley, 3300 feet (about 1,000 meters) at half of its usual capacity. Students have needed to update the Resorte law, but that above sea level. been divided by shifts and attend school the government should avoid measures that every other day. And in the largely Roman restrict freedom of expression. “Campohermosos has a low population Catholic town, the local priest has also density and little contact with big cities,” gotten involved in prevention efforts. "It’s necessary that we make some said Jairo Mauricio Santoyo, the health amendments and adapt it to new realities. secretary for Boyaca state. “We pray to Saint Roch, who is our patron I don’t believe in restrictions; I believe in saint and the protector of the sick,” says responsibilities,” Correa said, adding, “I Given that Colombia, with a population Father Camilo Monroy, who has also gone don’t think the state may interfere in people's of about 50 million people, has reported on radio to talk about ways to prevent the freedom to express themselves.” more than 2.3 million confirmed cases of Photo AP PC : the coronavirus, many consider the lack of spread of the virus. Journalists, including those using social infections here a small miracle. media, have an “obligation to answer,” The only other town in Colombia that is Da Silva’s attorneys, Cristiano Zanin Correa said, adding, “I do not think that During the first decade of this century, reportedly coronavirus-free is San Juanito, Martins and Valeska Martins, said in a social media should be restricted, but Campohermoso was affected by fighting which is also located in a remote valley in statement that the decision was “historic and rather that those who use it, should be held between paramilitary groups and leftist the Andes mountains. reinvigorating.” accountable.” rebels, says the town’s mayor, Jaime Rodríguez. The coffee-growing area has Officials consider the two cases striking “We proved that Moro never acted as a judge, VOA tried to reach other members of the been peaceful for more than a decade but it because the virus has even appeared in but as a personal and political adversary of new National Assembly for comment, but is seldom visited by outsiders. Amazon jungle villages that can only be former President Lula,” they said. Da Silva they did not respond to the requests. reached by boat or small plane. is universally known as Lula in Brazil. “We The United States, European Union and Rodríguez says communication has been suffered all sorts of illegalities in the Car several other countries do not recognize crucial in keeping the pandemic away from Campohermoso has vaccinated 80 people Wash, some of them described in the ruling Venezuela's newly formed National Campohermoso. Messages about the virus so far, most of them senior citizens over the that recognized the bias of the former judge, Assembly, saying elections in December, and how to prevent it are broadcast three age of 80. Now the coronavirus-free county such as the illegal monitoring of our phones which the opposition largely boycotted, times a day on speakers perched on the is waiting for more shots from Colombia’s so members of the investigation could failed to comply with international standards. town’s lampposts. central government. follow the defense strategy in real time.”

Credit : Voice of America (VOA) The local radio station also broadcasts daily Credit : Associated Press (AP) Credit : Associated Press (AP)

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Opinion NEW DELHI TIMES Two Michaels and “Trials” in China A saying known to every Chinese litigation Chinese judges are classified as civil servants ◆ By Clive Ansley, David Kilgour lawyer is: “Those who make the judgements in China’s Civil Service Law. A Chinese & Peter Lamont have not heard the case; those who hear the “court” is simply a low-level administrative case don’t make the judgement.” Chinese organ of the CCP. he sordid prison experiences of “courts” at all levels include an internal Canadian opinion appears firm about trends T Canada’s two Michaels during more and invisible Adjudication Committee, in China. According to Nanos Research in than 800 days in custody illustrate well why consisting of the Court President and several early March, 61 per cent of us supported the rule of law and independent judges/ other judges. The Secretary (Chairman) and 22 per cent somewhat supported the prosecutors are essential to good governance. of the Court’s CCP drives the agenda. The House of Commons motion last month Adjudication Committee meets in secret and declaring that the government of China was In the immediate aftermath of Meng hears the recommendation of the presiding

PC : Getty Images committing genocide against the Muslim Wanzhou’s arrest on an American trial judge. The prosecutor is often present, minority Uyghurs. Fully 51 per cent of us government extradition application, both but nobody represents the accused. The Why were the court hearings for the two favour and 19 somewhat favour seeking to Michaels were arrested in China for Committee may also hear privately from any Michaels so brief? relocate the 2022 Winter Olympics away allegedly stealing state secrets. party/state officials. from Beijing. The hearings only appear brief to some of Some ask whether Kovrig and Spavor us because we expected a typical Chinese The Adjudication Committee instructs We should heed the concluding paragraph were tortured. Torture in China’s “judicial” “show trial”, televised and theatrical, with the three trial judges who then reconvene in the judgement of the London Tribunal system is described by leading human rights great pains to disguise a Chinese “court” the “Court” and solemnly pronounce the on forced organ harvesting from non- organizations as “routine”, “endemic”, and as one similar to those in countries with Committee decision as their own, whether consenting donors in China: “systemic”, but the Chinese Communist genuine judicial systems. We anticipated they agree with that decision or not. The Party’s (“CCP”) medieval torture equipment “... any who interact in any substantial a spectacle similar to that of the Chinese trial itself is reduced to theatre (assuming it has likely not been applied to these two way with the PRC including: Doctors tribunal which sentenced Canadian Robert has been one of the rare open cases), with accused. On the other hand, many who are and medical institutions; Industry, and Schellenberg to death in 2020. the actual decision making performed by a familiar with Chinese prison and detention faceless committee in a back room. businesses, most specifically airlines, travel centre conditions say incarceration in a Once it becomes clear that for reasons companies, financial services businesses, Chinese prison is torture in and of itself. known only to its leaders the CCP has China’s Criminal Procedure Law explicitly law firms and pharmaceutical and insurance eschewed the opportunity for major theatre, requires all trials to be public, unless they companies together with individual Last week’s secret two-hour trial of Michael then these trials do not appear brief by involve “State Secrets”, but in almost every tourists; Educational establishments; Arts Spavor occurred suddenly in Dandong Chinese standards. Indeed, two hours instance, the trial is in fact closed because of establishments...; should now recognise that near North Korea. No foreign diplomat, could be deemed lengthy by the CCP trial “State Secrets”. Any information disclosed they are interacting with a criminal state.” including Canada’s, was allowed to enter the standards. Complicated cases often require by any criminal investigation is treated as (Clive Ansley practised law in China for 14 court. Precisely the same phenomenon has no more than half an hour of “court” time. a “State Secret”. Moreover, it is difficult years; David Kilgour was Secretary of State now occurred at the trial of Michael Kovrig The general rule is that Chinese judges try to to find a judge with a deep interest in the (Asia-Pacific), 2002-2003; Peter Lamont is a in Beijing. finish before lunch. wording of statutes. retired military judge, who studied law in China) COVID-19 a wake-up call to address development fault lines in Asia and the Pacific vulnerable to the continuing COVID-19 The ESCAP research maps out a “riskscape” Resilience is largely affordable threats and a likely uneven vaccine rollout. of economic and non-economic shocks ◆ By Armida Salsiah Building resilience does not add too much Alisjahbana Worse, there is a risk that economic – financial crises, terms-of-trade shocks, financial burden to the region if such UN Under-Secretary-General and recovery will be skewed towards the better natural disasters, and epidemics – and shows Executive Secretary of the UN ESCAP off – a “K-shaped” recovery that further that all adverse shocks have cause severe investments are accompanied by bold policy @UN_Armida marginalizes poorer countries and the damage to the region’s social, economic, actions, such as ending fuel subsidies and disadvantaged. and environmental well-being. It takes introducing a carbon tax. A range of policy he world is emerging from the biggest several years for investment and labour options can meet immediate and medium- T social and economic shock in living Building a resilient and inclusive future markets to return to their pre-crisis levels. term financing needs with great potential memory, but it will be a long time before the Adverse shocks also leave behind long-term for Asia-Pacific countries to leverage these deep scars of the COVID-19 pandemic on The good news is that countries in Asia and scars by widening inequality and increasing options. human well-being fully heal. the Pacific have taken bold policy measures pollution. But bold policy choices can reduce to minimize the pandemic’s social and setbacks. Governments must implement However, it is important to note that several In the Asia-Pacific region, where 60 per economic damage, including unprecedented aggressive policy responses to protect hard- countries will need to engage closely with cent of the world lives, the pandemic fiscal and monetary support. Last year, won development gains. international development partners and the revealed chronic development fault lines developing countries in the region announced private sector. Least developed countries through its excessively harmful impact on some $1.8 trillion, or nearly 7 per cent of with significant “resilience gaps” will also the most vulnerable. The United Nations their combined GDP, in COVID-19 related require international assistance. Developed Economic and Social Commission for Asia budgetary support. But investments in long- countries that fulfil their Overseas and the Pacific (ESCAP) estimates that term economic resilience, inclusiveness, Development Aid (ODA) and climate 89 million more people in the region have and green transformation have so far been finance commitments will go a long way been pushed back into extreme poverty at limited. in scaling up long-term investments and the $1.90 per day threshold, erasing years addressing these countries’ vulnerability to of development gains. The economic and The region’s vulnerability to shocks shocks. educational shutdowns are likely to have like COVID-19 was heightened by its severely harmed human capital formation lagging performance towards achieving COVID-19 has been a trauma like no and productivity, exacerbating poverty and the Sustainable Development Goals, other. Yet, it offers a unique opportunity inequality. which would have enhanced resilience by PC : Getty Images for governments and other stakeholders to chart a new path to rebuilding. Whilst being The pandemic has taught us that countries in reducing entrenched social, economic, and forced to adjust, the Asia-Pacific region has the Asia-Pacific region can no longer put off environmental deficits. Notably, policy packages should align post- seen fundamental transformations in lives, protecting development gains from adverse pandemic recovery with the 2030 Agenda. workplaces and habits. It is high time that the shocks. We need to rebuild better towards The evidence shows that we need a better The ESCAP recommends a policy package region takes its lessons from this pandemic a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable understanding of the Asia-Pacific region’s focusing on three areas – ensuring universal and commits to a foundation that ensures a future. complex risk landscape, and a comprehensive access to health care and social protection, approach to building resilience in the wake closing the digital divide and strengthening solid ability to withstand future jolts to the We know that the post-pandemic outlook of the COVID-19 crisis. Building resilience climate and energy actions. Estimates show system without its people, and the planet, remains highly uncertain. The 2021 into policy frameworks and institutions will that such an approach could reduce the having to again pay a high price. Economic and Social Survey for Asia and require aligning fiscal and monetary policies number of poor people in the region by Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana is Under- the Pacific released today by ESCAP shows and structural reforms with the 2030 Agenda almost 180 million and cut carbon emissions Secretary-General of the United Nations and that regional economic recovery will be for Sustainable Development. by about 30 per cent in the long run. Executive Secretary of ESCAP www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

29 March - 4 April 2021 21

Sports NEW DELHI TIMES Torch relay for Tokyo Olympics How top five football leagues kicks off its 121- in Europe look Manchester City have all but sealed the By Dr. Pawan Mathur Bundesliga day journey ◆ league title sitting 14 points clear of city @PawanMathur rivals Manchester United. Pep Guardiola he torch relay for the postponed has covered all the bases of Manchester City [email protected] T Tokyo Olympics began its 121-day and at present, despite the odd hiccups. City journey across Japan and is headed looks set to win the league. The race for he European club football has taken a toward the opening ceremony in Tokyo the top 4 in the EPL could go to the wire. T break as the international fixtures are on July 23. Manchester United (57 points), Leicester going on. Here is the look at how the title City (56 points) and Chelsea (51 point) make The relay began in northeastern Fukushima race of the top five leagues are shaping up the top 4 as of now. Manchester United prefecture, the area that was devastated up and what are the prospects of direct and Chelsea (rejuvenated under Thomas by the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and the Champions League qualification as we come Tuchel,) should make the top 4. Leicester meltdown of three nuclear reactors. About to the business end of the season. 18,000 died in the tragedy. City, though third, have their last three matches against Manchester United (Away), The first runner with the torch was Azusa La Liga Chelsea (Away) and Tottenham Hotspurs

Iwashimizu, a key player in the Japan team (Home). Liverpool, whose form slumped PC : Getty Images that won the Women’s World Cup in 2011. suddenly sit 7th (46 points) behind West Wearing a white track suit, she carried the Ham (49 points) and Tottenham (48 points) Defending German as well as European torch out of the J-Village indoor soccer and level with city rivals Everton. The race Champions Bayern Munich (61 points) training center and was surrounded by 14 for the final Champions League spot will be currently sit 4 points clear of RB Leipzig other members of that 2011 World Cup the one to watch out for in the league. (57 points) at the top of the table and it is squad and coach Norio Sasaki at the rear. unlikely that they will surrender this lead. They were also decked out in white track Serie A These two teams will finish 1 and 2 in all suits. probability. Wolfsburg (51 points) and Eintracht Frankfurt (47 points) make up the The ceremony was closed to the public top 4 while Borussia Dortmund sitting at 5 because of the fear of spreading COVID-19 (43 points). So, there is a three-way battle but was streamed live. for the third and fourth spot for Champions League qualification. Wolfsburg are yet to play Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayern Munich and Dortmund in the second half and the

PC : Getty Images luck of the draw may see them drop out of top 4 to the advantage of Dortmund. PC : Getty Images After 28 games, Atletico Madrid sit on top of the La Liga with 66 points, 4 clear of second Ligue 1 placed Barcelona and 6 clear of third played Real Madrid. However, by no means are they secured of the title. Barcelona have won their PC : AP Photo AP PC : last 5 league fixtures and Lionel Messi is looking in great form in the league. The gap “The torch of Tokyo 2020 will become a with Atletico Madrid which was 10 at one bright light for hope for Japanese citizens stage has now been cut to 4 by Barcelona. and citizens in the world and a light at the More importantly, Atletico Madrid are yet The Italian league looks the most interesting end of the tunnel,” said Seiko Hashimoto, the to play Barcelona in the second half of the president of the local organizing committee of the big 5 leagues. The two Milan giants season. That game is scheduled at Camp finally seem to have woken up and more and a former Olympian. Nou and will prove to be the title decider. than likely, one of these two will end the PC : Getty Images Homare Sawa, the biggest star on the 2011 Real Madrid, who are 6 behind Atletico, decade long dominance of Juventus. As team, missed the ceremony. She is being have a remote chance of winning the league things stand now, Inter Milan (65 points) treated for a condition affecting her inner ear as Barcelona are unlikely to drop a lot of have a 6-point lead over their historical rival Rather surprisingly Ligue 1 in France is and had to withdraw from the event. points. However, Zidane’s Real Madrid, the AC Milan (59 points). Inter Milan (27) have looking the closest of all the top 5 leagues only remaining Spanish team in the UEFA Fans were told to social-distance along the played one game less than AC Milan (28). with 4 points separating the top 4 – Paris Champions League, has definitely set its eye Juventus with 55 points (27 games) and Saint-Germain (PSG, 63). Lillie (63), Lyon roadside as the torch passes, and they were on European football biggest prize. Sevilla to refrain from loud cheering. Organizers Atalanta with 55 points (28 games) are third (60) and Monaco (59). The PSG, which has should easily finish fourth and take the final and fourth. Napoli with 53 points (27 games) dominated this league in recent years, have have said they will stop or reroute the relay spot for the Champions League. if crowding becomes a problem during the are also contenders for a top 4 finish and moved to the top again. Considering their four-month parade. Champions League spot. Although pundits squad strength and depth, which is way English Premier League (EPL) have predicted that Serie A is in the bag of superior to any Ligue 1 side, they should Spectators cooperated in Naraha Town, just Inter Milan, AC Milan must keep putting the emerge victorious again. Lillie, Lyon and down the road from where the torch started pressure on their biggest rivals. Serie A title Monaco will fight for the remaining 2 UCL its trip. A few hundred people stood on the race is far from over. spots. roadside and were safely spread out. “At first I didn’t think much of it,” said 20-year-old Takumu Kimura. “But when I actually saw it, it felt like: — yes, it’s the Olympics.” Setsuko Hashimoto, a 63-year-old local resident, was emotional as the torch passed. “Ten years ago there was a nuclear accident so (seeing the torch) it felt like I could really look forward to something and live,” she said. “When you become my age, this is the last Tokyo Olympics and it’s here. It was very touching.”

Credit : Associated Press (AP) PC : Getty Images

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 22 29 March - 4 April 2021

Technology & Health NEW DELHI TIMES Canine Parvo Virus: An epidemic of serious concern There are two prominent strains of the Canine Parvovirus (CPV-2a and CPV-2b) from the genus family of Parvoviridae from the genus family of Parvoviridae. It vaccine is 14 times more costly than the Efforts to vaccinate street and community spreads through infected faeces, vomit, anti-rabies vaccine, but both the diseases are dogs in India are largely dependent upon the ◆ By Smt. Maneka blood, touch, surfaces, clothing, etc. deadly. Inspite of the epidemic that is raging goodwill of volunteers feeding animals or Sanjay Gandhi Shelters, kennels, clinics, public parks throughout India, the CPV is a disease that on non-profit animal welfare organizations. are prime locations where the virus lurks. has been omitted from Government budgets Vaccination drives against the CPV, funded @ManekaGandhiBJP Its favourite victim is the young pup, but entirely. by the Government (Veterinary Department/ unvaccinated dogs in general are vulnerable. Animal Husbandry Department/Municipal But it has lethal ramifications on wildlife ndia is in the throes of a terrible viral Undetected or diagnosed at a later stage, it is Administration) would pave the way for conservation. The mass die-off of lions, at I epidemic. Much worse than the Bird almost always fatal within 48-72 hours. ensuring a healthy dog population. Serengeti National Park in Tanzania in 1994, Flu, much worse than the Swine Flu. It has There is a silent massacre going on, was attributed to the CPV and its equally 91% mortality and, while it is mainly dogs, but government municipalities, health potent cousin, the Canine Distemper Virus it can spread to cats of all kinds as well and authorities, animal husbandry departments (CDV). In 2018, Asiatic Lions at Gir National God knows which other animals. The killer in every state refuse to respond with Park were afflicted by both CPV and CDV, is the deadly Canine Parvo Virus (CPV). either short- or long-term measures. In leading to the loss of irreplaceable Protected Outbreaks have been reported from all one district only – Uttar Dinajpur – one Schedule I Animals, and shrinking their gene over India. Thousands of pups have died. Parvo vaccination camp was held after the pool even more. Dwindling habitats and the My own People For Animals shelters have government dispensary received 342 cases blurring of boundaries, between urban areas several thousand cases admitted. Shelters in a week with 100% mortality, as there and forest land, have brought wild animals from Mangalore to Siliguri have shut down were no drip stands or IV fluids available! in increasing proximity to domesticated and and refused to admit normal accident cases Across the country veterinary government free ranging dog populations. as they are full of parvo afflicted, dying clinics are unable to handle even this The National Tiger Conservation Authority animals. Each shelter is a war zone with basic treatment, for lack of supplies, has asked for a sterilization program for dogs PC : Getty Images makeshift drip stands, or volunteers patiently infrastructure, manpower and, sometimes, around tiger reserves. It states the creation holding IV fluids while they go slowly into even basic facilities such as water supply of ‘immunization buffers’ in buffer zones of A compelling case may be derived from small dying bodies. and electricity. the reserve, and encompasses vaccination the One Health Approach – a policy that Government refuses to even acknowledge Dissemination of mass public messages, to against canine distemper along with rabies. recognises the interconnectedness between this viral epidemic. While they were quick spread awareness about the disease, should The Canine Parvo Virus is not included public health, animal health, and ecosystem to strangle and burn millions of birds have been undertaken. While we have any within its ambit. But even their original health of our shared environment. The during the Bird Flu epidemic, because they amount of information – and a lot of it is demand has not been complied with. approach has been endorsed by the One thought it would affect humans, they have total rubbish – being spread about Bird Flu, Health Platform Initiative, represented The vaccines are effective and completely ignored the Parvo Virus one – the government is completely silent about by leading experts from the World Health immunoglobulin serum (given to CPV probably because they think it will not affect this deadly virus – which may also prove to Organization (WHO), the United Nations afflicted animals at the time of treatment) humans. be zoonotic in time. Food and Agricultural Organization can help fight the virus. But vaccination (UNFAO), the United States Centre for So, government refuses to give vaccines There is absolutely no Government Policy in interventions have their own set of Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and to poor people and to street animals, and any State for mandatory vaccination of all challenges. Maintenance of cold chain the World Organization for Animal Welfare government hospitals do not treat parvo dogs for the CPV. In contrast, there exists supply and storage, especially during (OIE). cases because they say they do not have the a mandate for vaccination of dogs against transportation, is always inadequate. The budget for drips and antibiotics. 80% of all rabies under the Animal Birth Control Parvo virus mutates regularly, and vaccine The time has come when the world is going Indian vets are employed by the government (Dogs) Rules, 2001, promulgated under The makers often cheat in supplying old strains. to lurch from one viral epidemic to another. and they sit idly in government clinics Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. So, the vaccination is a mismatch between It is time for the government to plan sensibly which open at 10 am and close at 2 pm – Protocols under the ABC Program make outbreak strain of the CPV and the vaccine on how it is going to deal with each virus. while lakhs of animals fall dead, untreated. it mandatory to vaccinate sterilized dogs strain. Viral strains used in vaccines are not In the meantime, can we please have some If you ask the same vets to go and strangle against rabies before releasing them. This is disclosed by manufacturers. The relevance state dealing with this one? chickens they will happily do so. also the reason as to why the rabies vaccine of a comprehensive vaccination policy must To join the animal welfare movement There are two prominent strains of the for both human and animal consumption is be based on adequately addressing these contact [email protected], Canine Parvovirus (CPV-2a and CPV-2b) subsidized by the government. The CPV challenges. www.peopleforanimalsindia.org been largely banned from Facebook since 2020. Report: Extremist But despite what Avaaz called “clear violations” Part of Wright groups thrive on of Facebook’s policies, it found that 119 of these pages and groups were still active on brothers’ 1st airplane Facebook despite bans the platform as of Feb. 24 and had just under on NASA’s Mars 27 million followers. Facebook said that of A new outside report found that Facebook the 119 that Avaaz found, only 18 “actually chopper has allowed groups — many tied to violated” Facebook’s policies. Four had QAnon, boogaloo and militia movements — already been removed and Facebook has now piece of the Wright brothers’ first PC : AP Photo to glorify violence during the 2020 election taken down the remaining 14. A airplane is on Mars. and in the weeks leading up to the deadly grandnephew, said park curator Steve Lucht. riots on the U.S. Capitol in January. NASA’s experimental Martian helicopter holds a small swatch of fabric from the 1903 “Wilbur and Orville Wright would be Avaaz, a nonprofit advocacy group that Wright Flyer, the space agency revealed. pleased to know that a little piece of their says it seeks to protect democracies from The helicopter, named Ingenuity, hitched a 1903 Wright Flyer I, the machine that misinformation, identified 267 pages and ride to the red planet with the Perseverance launched the Space Age by barely one quarter of a mile, is going to soar into history groups on Facebook that it says spread PC : AP Photo rover, arriving last month. violence-glorifying material in the heat of again on Mars!” Amanda Wright Lane and the 2020 election to a combined following Facebook acknowledged that its policy Ingenuity will attempt the first powered, Stephen Wright said in a statement provided of 32 million users. More than two-thirds enforcement “isn’t perfect,” but said the controlled flight on another planet no sooner by the park. than April 8. It will mark a “Wright brothers’ of the groups and pages had names that report distorts its work against violent Orville Wright was on board for the world’s aligned with several domestic extremist extremism and misinformation. moment,” noted Bobby Braun, director for planetary science at NASA’s Jet Propulsion first powered, controlled flight on Dec. 17, movements, the report found. The first, 1903, at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The boogaloo, promotes a second U.S. civil war The company said in a statement that it has Laboratory. done more than any other internet company brothers took turns, making four flights and the breakdown of modern society. The The Carillon Historical Park in Dayton, that day. A fragment of Wright Flyer wood second is the QAnon conspiracy, which to stanch the flow of harmful material, citing its bans of “nearly 900 militarized Ohio, the Wrights’ hometown, donated and fabric flew to the moon with Apollo claims that Donald Trump is waging a secret the postage-size piece of muslin from the 11′s Neil Armstrong in 1969. A swatch also battle against the “deep state” and a sect social movements” and the removal of tens of thousands of QAnon pages, groups, and plane’s bottom left wing, at NASA’s request. accompanied John Glenn into orbit aboard of powerful Satan-worshipping pedophiles space shuttle Discovery in 1998. Both accounts. It added that it is always improving The swatch made the 300 million-mile who dominate Hollywood, big business, astronauts were from Ohio. the media and government. The rest are its efforts against misinformation. journey to Mars with the blessing of the various anti-government militias. All have Credit : Associated Press (AP) Wright brothers’ great-grandniece and great- Credit : Associated Press (AP) www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper

29 March - 4 April 2021 23

Entertainment & Lifestyle NEW DELHI TIMES ‘Nomadland’ Lara Dutta Bhupati turned showstopper for renowned wins PGA Award, Assamese handloom designer Sanjukta Dutta at the cementing front- Lakme Fashion Week 2021’s recent edition! runner status ◆ By NDT Bureau @NewDelhiTimes hloé Zhao’s “Nomadland” cemented C its Oscar front-runner status, winning [email protected] the top award at the 32nd annual Producers Guild of America Awards. ara Dutta Bhupati turned showstopper L for Assam’s handloom designer “Nomadland,” Zhao’s recession-era portrait Sanjukta Dutta at the Lakme Fashion Week of itinerant people in the American West, is 2021’s recent edition. only the second film directed by a woman to win the producers’ Darryl F. Zanuck award Lara looked gorgeous in an Assamese silk for outstanding producer of a motion picture. Mekhela Chador in white with golden motifs The other was Kathryn Bigelow’s “The Hurt and a dash of bright colour conventional Locker” in 2010. prints on the Chador. She wore it for the first time and walked the ramp.

Her Mekhela Chador was teamed with a PC : Getty Images long-sleeved silk white blouse. She finished the look with big jhumkas and loose hair. Sanjukta Dutta has been committed to resuscitating and revamping the Mekhela Chador. It is a conventional dress worn by Assamese women to hold its interest among contemporary customers. This outfit comprises “two main pieces of cloth draped downwards. It is folded into two or three tucked into the midriff over the Mekhela around the body.” The Mekhela is the base pleats around the waist and tucked in. The while its remainder is draped as a pallu. This PC : Getty Images segment that is draped from the midriff Chador is a long fabric whose one end is is generally teamed with a fitted blouse. In a delayed, virtual and very long awards season that has marched along during the Bono, Cruz to star in animated Disney shifts pandemic with little of the usual pomp, declaring a clear front-runner has been ‘Black Widow’ and challenging. But if any film could claim that series on vaccine importance mantle, it’s “Nomadland,” winner of the doubles down on Golden Globe best picture award for drama. Zhao, too, is considered the favorite for best streaming director. If she does win, she would only the he Walt Disney Co. overhauled second female director to do so, again after its upcoming film release plans, Bigelow. T postponing some of its biggest films and “Nomadland,” made for less than $5 million shifting Marvel’s “Black Widow,” among and with many nonprofessional actors, is other titles, to Disney+ the same time they an unusually low-budget winner for the arrive in theaters. PGA honor, which has traditionally gone to PC : Getty Images “Black Widow,” once planned to debut larger-scale productions. in May 2020, had been set to kickoff the “In a year where we have been all been summer movie season on May 7. It will leading such isolated lives and movies felt instead premiere July 9. And it will do so so vital, we are proud to have produced a simultaneously on the company’s streaming ono, Penélope Cruz and David left at the back of the line,” he continued. film about community and what connects platform for a $30 early-access fee. Oyelowo will lend their voices in an “It’s the right thing to do, obviously, but it’s us,” said producer Peter Spears, accepting B animated series to raise awareness about the also the only way out of this pandemic for the award in a taped message. importance of global vaccine access. all of us. If the vaccine isn’t everywhere, this The PGA Awards are watched especially pandemic isn’t going anywhere.” closely as an Oscar bellwether. The The ONE Campaign announced the new producers use the same preferential ballot series called “Pandemica,” which will Cruz said she wants everyone who watches as the film academy, and their best-picture launch. The series was created to bring the animated series to “use their voice and fields often nearly mirror each other. This attention to global vaccine access in an effort take action” to ensure that no one gets left year, the producers nominated a few movies to end the COVID-19 pandemic. behind. the academy passed over for best picture The seven-episode series will feature “Pandemica is a compelling illustration of (“Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” “One Night PC : Getty Images the inequality around the world,” Cruz said. in Miami,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”) characters voiced by Kumail Nanjiani, while skipping one that landed the Oscar Danai Gurira, Michael Sheen, Phoebe All episodes will be available at ONE’s For theaters, which are beginning to reopen nomination: “The Father.” Robinson and Wanda Sykes. The first website and the campaign’s YouTube after punishing months of closure due to the episode will include Nanjiani, Robinson and pandemic, the announcement was a blow to In the 11 years since the Oscars expanded channel. The episodes will be released Meg Donnelly. hopes of an imminent recovery. While bigger the best-picture category, the two groups in several countries including the United and bigger films have turned to streaming have picked the same winner eight times. States, Canada, Nigeria, South Africa, “Pandemica’s animated world animates a and premium-on-demand in recent months, They differed last year, when the guild Senegal, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and simple truth — that where you live shouldn’t Marvel movies are Hollywood’s most chose “1917” and the academy crowned the Netherlands. determine whether you get these life-saving bankable box-office behemoths. “Parasite”; in 2017, when “La La Land” shots,” said Bono, U2′s lead singer and co- “We’re all trapped in Pandemica, but only triumphed with the PGA and “Moonlight” Disney will instead launch its summer with founder of ONE, an organization focused on some can get out,” Oyelowo said about the won the Oscar; and in 2016, when the “The “Cruella” on its previously scheduled date, global health and anti-poverty. The series is series. “This virus thrives on inequality, Big Short” topped the producers’ awards May 28. The “101 Dalmatians” spinoff with part of ONE’s ONE World Campaign, which and right now billions of people around the and “Spotlight” won the Academy Award. Emma Stone will also premiere in both calls for a global response to the COVID-19 world are seeing the promise of a vaccine, theaters and on Disney+ for $30 — the pandemic. but not the opportunity to receive it. We Other awards went to Pixar’s “Soul” for same hybrid approach the studio took with animated film and “My Octopus Teacher” must step up and do what it takes to end this “Even while many of us still wait our turn, the recent release of “Raya and the Last for documentary. pandemic for everyone, everywhere.” we need to commit to making sure that Dragon.” Credit : Associated Press (AP) billions of people around the world aren’t Credit : Associated Press (AP) Credit : Associated Press (AP)

India’s only International Newspaper www.NewDelhiTimes.com 24 29 March - 4 April 2021

Think - Tanks NEW DELHI TIMES Don’t Envy; Compete! The feeling of envy often contains garbled but important messages about what we ought to be doing with our lives envious, but at the same time we shouldn’t ◆ By Dr. Pramila hold on to envious feelings, but we should Srivastava try to understand the nature of our envy. If our envy stems from a desire to possess @PramilaBK something or anything that doesn’t belong to [email protected] us and the pursuit of which will be our ruin or does not add to the pursuit of our virtue, n dark honest and agonizing moments, we best remove ourselves from such desire

I we recognize with considerable regret PC : Getty Images and focus our energy and efforts elsewhere. and pain all the things that are missing from our lives. Of course, there are a considerable But if we take a moment and try to carefully number of things missing from our lives, understand the nature of our envy, we could like the career we wanted, or we may have stand to remove the negative emotions and made some catastrophic mistakes that aspect and focus our energy and efforts to have profoundly affected our lives, or our develop ourselves, concentrate our efforts appearance may be dissatisfying or in decline of envy stirring in us as we all do, we’re people that make us envious. If we keep on recognizing our goals and objectives, and and so on. We face humiliation in the face of inclined not to confront it or examine it but track of our envy, we could see the fragments channeling all our energy to achieve those desire we cannot have. We must admit that we just feel ashamed and guilty for feeling of our future self, trying to break the envious positive goals instead of wasting our time there are numerous unfulfilled desires within envious of what so ever reason. But we chain. burning with envy of things that we do not us that eventually but undoubtedly cause us need to understand that envy like fear is an have and cannot possess right now. to envy. important emotion that exists in all of us for We often forget that the things we admire a good reason. It’s there to guide us to what do not belong to one specific glamorous Life is full of things that are beyond our We have in life a lot of things that we desire, we want. The feeling of envy or the envious and unattainable life, they can be pursued capacity and this world is filled with things from a companionship to materialistic desire of want is a call to action that we need in lesser and weaker but still very real that we are attracted to and would want to desires but we do not and cannot possess to listen to and act upon it to get what we dose in countless smaller and manageable possess but most often, as life would have it, them, at least not all at the same time. This desire for. realistic versions of the lives we are drawn the things we want or most desire for, often causes us to look towards the people who to. Envy doesn’t necessarily have to be a sin remains a distant goal or a dream. So, we have the things we want and we look at them The feeling of envy often contains garbled and we don’t need to feel like a bad person should understand that it’s something we and their lives with a burning desire to have but important messages about what we for feeling envious of others but we can have to work towards and slowly but surely what they have or to put it simply we feel ought to be doing with our lives. If we can do something far more productive. When one day we would eventually get there. “envious”. get past our negative envious feelings, we we feel envy, we can focus our energy and Maybe by the time we are ready to achieve could start to view them as a set of clues efforts and become more diligent and careful those goals or possess the thing we wanted But from a very young age, we’re taught of what we should be doing next or how to of our emotions. to have, it wouldn’t matter so much as it did that it’s a terrible thing to envy, a sin that channel our efforts and energy to accomplish before and we would realize that there are will have us condemned to hell and its which goals we most desire. We could study It remains that envy still is a vice but, as far more important and meaningful things in eternal fire. So, when we sense the feeling or even record on paper the situations and human beings, we cannot avoid feeling life to do and achieve. IRENA, SADC and SACREEE sign MoU power projects with a particular emphasis on Mr. Ndhlukula. Southern Africa has seen a improve admittance to sustainable finance in ◆ By International Institute for Non - Aligned Studies decentralized technologies across nations in notable improvement in power access over the area. The forum will be part of IRENA’s Southern Africa. the previous decade. This is largely because commitment to the Climate Investment @iinsNAM of a solid dedication from SADC member Platform, which has been created to enhance [email protected] IRENA and SACREEE intend to quicken states to benefit from the area’s immense investment maturity and admittance to fund renewable energy deployment power and renewable energy potential to enhance sustainable power projects. The forum will he importance of access to reliable, accomplish universal energy access by energy security and meet rising energy further aid networking between “projects, T affordable, economically viable, establishing an atmosphere more favourable needs. project developers, and potential financiers socially acceptable and environmentally to renewable energy investment. The and investors.” sound energy services for sustainable two parties will join in catalyzing policy Consequently, the aggregate share of development, particularly in developing advancement, capacity-building programs, renewable in terms of power generation IRENA and SACREEE additionally restored countries cannot be undermined. As such, and events to draw investment in the region. increased from 23 percent in 2015 to nearly their obligation to assist entrepreneurship in the Non–Aligned movement representing Further, the two associations will carry 39 percent in 2018. the locale. The two associations recently the largest collective global grouping of out joint actions under the Africa Clean collaborated on setting up the SADC developing countries has recognized the Energy Corridor (ACEC) in the regions Nevertheless, regardless of considerable Renewable Energy Entrepreneurship significance of the enhancing international of renewable energy resource evaluation, advancement, power accessibility remains Support Facility. The goal of the Facility Cooperation through partnership in all long-term planning investments, policy, a challenge. Francesco La Camera, IRENA was to upgrade and reinforce the capability forms of energy including clean and administrative and institutional structures. Director-General, expressed that The of small to medium entrepreneurs in renewable energy. In pursuit of this, NAM Execution of activities under ACEC gives COVID-19 pandemic has re-emphasized evaluating the business possibilities of leaders have extended their full cooperation an extensive chance to dodge greenhouse the importance of reliable, affordable, clean renewable energy, create suitable business with the International Renewable Energy emissions in accordance with the goals of energy,” He added that “It has served as a plans and loan requests, and dealing with Agency (IRENA). The International the Paris Agreement. stark reminder that the new energy age their businesses fruitfully. Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an must be inclusive, just, and low-carbon if intergovernmental organization to promote Kudakwashe Ndhlukula, SACREEE we are to achieve sustainable development (in arrangement with adoption and sustainable use of renewable Executive Director, stated that “SACREEE in Southern Africa and around the world. News from Non-Aligned World) energy. It was founded in 2009 and its statute has implemented several joint programmatic Africa can seize the moment for meaningful www.iins.org entered into force on 8 July 2010. IRENA’s activities with IRENA through the African change and dramatically objectives are to become the main driving Clean Energy Corridor initiative and the improve socioeconomic Contact New Delhi Times force in promoting a transition towards the SADC Renewable Energy Entrepreneurship outcomes by moving use of renewable energy on a global scale. Support Facility since 2017.” “The renewal decisively towards the For Complaints & Suggestions of this MoU will expand and strengthen our energy transformation. The International Renewable Energy collaboration in areas of mutual interest and This agreement will +91-9999331600 Agency (IRENA) and the Southern African given mandates. We, therefore, appreciate bolster regional progress.” Development Community’s Center for the continued partnership and support A-2/59, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi-110029 Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency from IRENA towards the fulfillment of IRENA and SACREEE (SACREEE) have signed a memorandum our mandate towards an energy secure and thus intend to execute Visit us at : twitter@NewDelhiTimes of understanding (MOU) to work together resilient society through clean, affordable, the Southern African facebook.com/newdelhitimes on expanding the disposition of renewable and sustainable energy solutions,” added Investment Forum to Printer and Publisher: Dr. (Mrs.) Pramila Srivastava, on behalf of Dr. Ankur Srivastava, Printed at Sudhir Printers, 151, Desh Bandhu Gupta Market, Karol Bagh, Delhi - 110005, Published at A-2/59 Safdarjung Enclave New Delhi-110029. Ph.: 26102520, 26105846 Fax: 26196294 Email: [email protected], Vol. 31, No. 9 Editor : Dr. Ankit Srivastava www.NewDelhiTimes.com India’s only International Newspaper