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THE LARGEST CIRCULATED ENGLISH DAILY IN SOUTH INDIA CHENNAI I FRIDAY 11 I DECEMBER 2020 WEATHER STATE | 3 WORLD | 5 SPORT | 8 Max: 31OC Min: 22OC Kamal to launch election EU chief publishes ‘no deal’ Italy’s 1982 WC hero Rainfall: Nil campaign on Sunday Brexit contingency scheme Rossi dead ASTROGUIDE Sarvari: Karthigai 26 deccanchronicle.com, facebook.com/deccannews, twitter.com/deccanchronicle, google.com/+deccanchronicle Vol. 16 No. 256 Established 1938 | 12 PAGES| `3.00 Tithi: Ekadashi/ Dwadashi Star: Chithirai/ Swathi JIBE AT RAJINI Rahukalam: Gang rape by 17 Farmers’ unions 10.30 am to 12 noon Central Vista: PM lays Yamagandam: men reported Spiritual politics is should consider govt 3 pm to 4.30 pm in Jharkhand PRAYERS symbolic foundation proposal: Tomar Fajar: 5.03 am NAYEAR AZAD | DC old in TN: Minister New Delhi, Dec. 10: Agr- Jumma: 12.05 pm PATNA, DEC. 10 New Delhi, Dec. 10: Prime Prime Minister iculture minister Asar: 3.16 pm DC CORRESPONDENT Minister Edappadi K. Minister Narendra Modi Narendra Modi Narendra Singh Tomar on In a shocking incident, a 35- CHENNAI, DEC. 10 Palaniswami to the laid the foundation stone of lays the foun- Thursday urged farmer Maghrib: 5.42 pm year woman was allegedly shrines of different reli- the new Parliament build- union leaders to consider dation stone of Isha: 6.57 pm gang-raped by 17 men in For the first time after gions – Velankanni ing Thursday and described proposals sent to them to Jharkhand’s Dumka. actor Rajinikanth anno- Basilica of the the event as a “milestone in new break the deadlock over US experts convene to decide The incident allegedly unced his political entry, Christians, Dha- India’s democratic history”, Parliament protests against the three occurred under the Mufa- an AIADMK leader had rmapuram Adheenam of asserting that if the old building, in new farm laws and said whether to okay Pfizer vaccine ssil Police station Tuesday countered him, at least the Hindus and the Parliament House gave di- New Delhi, the government is ready Washington: A US government evening. According to re- by saying that there was Nagore Dargah of the rection to the country post- Thursday. for further discussions advisory panel convened Thursday ports, the victim in her nothing new in the ‘spiri- Muslims – during his independence, the new one — PTI with them any time. to decide whether to endorse statement to the police on tual politics’ that the recent tour. would be a witness to the Addressing reporters mass use of Pfizer’s Covid-19 vac- Wednesday said that the actor was talking about. He made a snide making of an ‘Aatm- many scholars consider as along with his cabinet col- cine to help conquer the outbreak crime was committed while The AIADMK has been remark at Rajinikanth by anirbhar Bharat’. the framework for a mod- CM: Landmark league Piyush Goyal, that has killed close to 300,000 she was returning home practicing spiritual poli- saying “let him start his Addressing a gathering ern republic, the prime structure Tomar also said he is Americans. The meeting of outside from the weekly village tics, which was inclusive party and we shall see after laying the foundation minister said that the day hopeful of a resolution. advisers to the Food and Drug market along with her hus- of all faiths and did not after that.” To a question stone and performing the is not far when the world Chennai: “I am confident that “The government is keen Administration represented the band. According to reports, refer to one particular on Rajinikanth trying to ground-breaking ceremony, will term India “mother of this will be a landmark struc- and ready for further dis- next-to-last hurdle before the the victim in her statement religion, said Dairy appropriate the legacy of Modi urged the people to democracy” if Indians extol ture in Independent India,” cussions with protesting expected start of the biggest vac- mentioned that the men Development Minister AIADMK founder M.G. take a pledge to keep ‘India the country's democratic Chief Minister Palaniswami farmers,” he said, a day cination campaign in US history. held her husband hostage Rajendra Bhalaji on Ramachandran (MGR), First’ and asserted that history with confidence. “It said in his letter to the Prime after the farmer unions before committing the Thursday. Bhalaji said the leader every decision should incr- is a very historic day. Minister. He added, “on behalf rejected the government’s crime. An FIR against sev- Speaking to the media was common to all. ease the strength of the cou- Today is a milestone in of the people of Tamil Nadu, I written proposal, offering COUNTER POINT enteen people has been reg- at the Secretariat, the Maybe Rajinikanth was ntry, whose interest is para- India's democratic histo- congratulate you for your per- a written assurance on istered and one person was Minister said AIADMK impressed by MRG’s poli- mount. Asserting that Indi- ry... We, the people of India, sonal touch in shaping the pro- MSP and amendment to detained for questioning rule signified ‘spiritual cies, principles and an democratic traditions will together build this new ject. I had the pleasure of tak- few provisions in the new based on the victim’s state- politics’ and referred to hence wanted to follow predate the Magna Carta, a building of Parliament,” ing part in the function thro- farm laws enacted in ment. I P4 the recent visit of Chief him, he said. 13th century document Modi said. — PTI I P4 ugh video conference.” September. — PTI Facebook may be forced to sell Instagram, WA BJP prez Nadda’s convoy attacked Washington, Dec. 10: offensive this year could include a forced and largely left alone by The giant tech companies against once seemingly spinoff of Facebook’s Washington for nearly with stones, bricks in Kolkata whose services are woven untouchable tech behe- prized Instagram and two decades — Big Tech into the fabric of social moths. WhatsApp messaging ser- companies have seen RAJIB CHOWDHURI | DC Congress workers at The unprecedented inci- life are now the targets of The Federal Trade vices. The company’s con- their political fortunes KOLKATA, DEC. 10 Diamond Harbour in South dent took place a day after a widening assault by Commission and 48 states duct has crimped con- plummet. Facebook, Go- 24 Parganas of West Bengal the BJP chief slammed the government competition and districts sued the sumers’ choices and ogle, Amazon and Apple BJP president JP Nadda, in on Thursday afternoon for TMC over political dynasty enforcers. Regulators social network giant, harmed their data priva- have come under scrutiny a convoy with several other daring to make inroads to and also led a rally in party filed landmark antitrust accusing it of abusing its cy, the regulators from Congress, federal party leaders, came under a the Lok Sabha constituency supremo Mamata Bane- lawsuits Wednesday market power to squash charged. regulators, state attor- violent attack with stones, of chief minister Mamata -rjee’s assembly constituen- against Facebook, the sec- smaller competitors and Once lionised as innova- neys general and Europ- bricks and bottles allegedly Banerjee’s nephew Abhis- cy in Bhowanipore without ond major government seeking remedies that tors and job creators — ean authorities. I P7 by the ruling Trinamul hek Banerjee. any trouble. I P4 CITY pg DECCAN CHRONICLE | FRIDAY | 11 DECEMBER 2020 | CHENNAI 2

SHORT TAKES BAD ROADS NEED ATTENTION 2 OMR sheets of MBBS aspirant Sex abuse of Montieth road, Egmore minor: Man gets HC seeks NTA 10-year jail term

DC CORRESPONDENT PUDUKKOTTAI, DEC. 10 explanation The district fast track Mahila court on Thursday convicted J. STALIN | DC petitioner in the coun- wherein the marks came and sentenced a 30-year-old CHENNAI, DEC. 10 selling for admission to down to 248, he added. man to undergo 10 years’ medical courses (UG 2020 The judge said the addi- imprisonment for sexually The Madras high court with reference to 594 out tional rejoinder filed by assaulting a seven-year-old has directed the National of 720 marks in Neet (UG) the petitioner based on girl here, in 2018. According Testing Agency (National 2020 and accordingly pro- the account retrieved to the prosecution, the Eligibility cum Entrance vide him admission to the from the Google Account accused Bharathi hailed from Test UG 2020) to thorough- medical course. of the petitioner, changed Mampatti village near ly consider the entire The judge directed the the entire complexion of Illuppur in Pudukkottai dis- materials that have been authorities to permit the this case. On the face of it, trict. He sexually assaulted placed by an MBBS aspi- petitioner to participate these materials substanti- the girl on August 8, 2018. Korattur rant, conduct an investi- in the counselling for ate the case of the peti- Based on the victim’s parents’ gation and file a report admission to the medical tioner that two OMR complaint, the all women before the court by UG course by taking the sheets were uploaded in police, Keeranur, arrested the Dr Nair Bridge, Egmore December 23, explaining marks of the petitioner in the NTA website. accused under Pocso and filed as to how two OMR sheets Neet as 594 marks and The one which was a case against him before the containing name of this ultimately, if the petition- uploaded on October 5 and Mahila court. candidate were uploaded er secures a seat, the same which remained in the Judge Dr Sathya convicted in the website and how it shall not be finalized and website till October 16 and and sentenced the accused to were completely in vari- the results shall be kept in which showed that the 10 years imprisonment and ance. a sealed cover, awaiting petitioner had secured 594 also slapped a fine of Rs “It gives an opportunity the final orders in this marks in the Neet, has 30,000. The judge directed that to the 2nd respondent petition. been filed by way of addi- if the accused failed to remit (National Testing Agency) Petitioner’s counsel M. tional typed set of papers the fine, he should undergo to plug the leak, if there is Ravi submitted that the which contain the various three more months of impris- one”, said Justice N. OMR answer sheet that screen shots taken by the onment. Anand Venkatesh while was uploaded on October petitioner on October 11 The judge also directed the passing interim orders on 5, 2020 in the website of and 12. government to pay Rs 1.5 lakh a petition filed by K.S. NTA showed that the peti- This retrieved Google as compensation, to the vic- Manoj (a minor), which tioner had secured 594 account has to be taken on tim. sought a direction to the marks in the Neet-2020 face value since it was not NTA to declare the results exams and that this posi- possible to manipulate the and rank of the petitioner tion continued in the Google Account, which Watery last in Neet (UG) 2020 as 594 of website up to October 16, was not within the control 720 marks commensurate 2020. of the petitioner. with his performance as However, this position “It is not known as to journey for reflected in first OMR changed all of a sudden how this OMR sheet com- answer sheet uploaded on on October 17, 2020 and pletely changed from nonagenarian October 16, 2020, and issue the petitioner noticed that October 17 by bringing A. ARUL PALANI I DC consequential directions there was a complete down the marks of the CUDDALORE, DEC. 10 Anna Nagar — DC to the authorities to allow change in the OMR sheet petitioner from 594 to the participation of the in the same website 248”, the judge added. It was a long and arduous last journey for 91-year-old G. Sellammal, who died in her vil- lage near Vriddachalam in Cuddalore district on Thursday. Her relatives and local residents On the brink of burnout? Call to lift restrictions on carried her corpse wading through 6-feet deep water in the canal on the way to the grave- yard and cremated the body. No room for complacency As the coastal district received travel on suburban trains incessant rainfall for the past waiting to visit recre- Marina and Elliot’s The regular classes, three weeks all the lakes and beaches, set to be ational getaways. On the T. SUDHEESH I DC allowed to travel on subur- ly in Tamil Nadu. canals overflowed with rainwa- B. Vijayalakshmi other hand, people robbed CHENNAI, DEC. 10 especially of post- ban trains, no male stu- Meanwhile, MTC buses ter. opened on December of their livelihood and dents and working men were allowed to operate 14, are bound to woo graduate (PG) and Sellammal, of Melapalaiyur desperate for survival are Even though the Southern final year undergrad- are allowed. So the stu- with 100 per cent capacity. village near Vriddachalam, died thousands waiting to ready to let their guard Railway has increased dents who want to attend The Southern Railway following an illness. The local Viewpoint visit recreational down and hunt for jobs. suburban services in the uate (UG) students, practical classes have only increased the number of residents decided to conduct her getaways. On the other Despite a second wave of city, college students and are already going on the option of bus services suburban services in the last rites in a cremation ground. hand, people robbed of corona infections report- common passengers are at the colleges, but to commute’, she said. city to 320 from 244 from But, they faced problems as the their livelihood and ed in several cities, there struggling to commute as the government has The Traffic and December 7. As per the canal passing through the vil- ith shopping desperate for survival has been no significant the services are restricted Transportation Forum, latest guidelines, women lage was overflowing making it malls and restau- are ready to let their spike in fresh cases post to limited passengers. not allowed students Chennai, has taken up the would be allowed to travel difficult to carry the body to the Wrants witnessing guard down and Deepavali in Tamil Nadu The regular classes, to travel on the matter with the Railway on suburban trains graveyard. They decided to an increase in footfalls, hunt for jobs metros. especially of post-gradu- suburban trains Board chairman through throughout the day except carry the corpse with the help of big ticket retailers seeing Though a majority of ate (PG) and final year Coimbatore MP P.R. during peak hours — 7 am old tubes of four-wheeler tyres a rise in sales, cinema leges, especially deemed sectors have opened up undergraduate (UG) stu- can commute to colleges Natarajan. V. Rama Rao of to 9.30 am and 4.30 pm to 7 and collected a few tubes and theatres rolling out red universities, have decided with government easing dents, are already going located on the city out- the forum said that stu- pm Monday to Saturday. pumped air in them. carpet for movie lovers, to open only next semes- norms, the absence of on at the colleges, but the skirts with just Rs 10. But dents are now permitted Previously, the Southern The funeral procession was airline operations picking ter. Similarly, theatres regular public transport government has not the students are forced to to attend interviews and Railway had fixed the conducted in the village as up and colleges opening and multiplexes are yet to like suburban trains and allowed students to travel take MTC services, spend- exams only on production peak hour timings from 7 usual. After reaching the canal for UG final year and PG see the milling crowd as limited bus services have on the suburban trains. ing at least Rs 60-70 every of hall tickets and rele- am to 10 am and 4.30 pm to bund, they tied a rope connect- students and research seat distancing, diligent stopped commuters from This comes at a time when day. So we have decided to vant documents. Hence 7.30 pm. Children aged up ing one end of the bund with the scholars, Covid fear hygiene and contact-less flocking to railway sta- other cities like Mumbai take up the matter with PG students are unable to to 12 accompanying other end and tied the corpse seems to have reduced in services have completely tions and terminuses. and Bengaluru have the government to relax attend colleges and have to women will be permitted with the tube. With the help of the state. altered the movie-going Also, increasing immuni- allowed the suburban the restrictions on the depend upon bus service to travel during the non- the rope they waded through the While traffic jams are experience in the country. ty and precautionary train services in full suburban trains’, he said. which is costly and time- peak hours, the release 6-feet deep water and reached back on weekdays, traffic As fatigue has crept in measures seem to have swing. Esakki Nagaraj, Lekshmi, a final year UG consuming, especially to added. the other end of the canal. congestion is witnessed after months of prepar- reduced the corona posi- state vice-president, student studying at a col- colleges on outskirts like In the pre-pandemic Subsequently, they reached the on arterial roads even ing meals and eating at tive cases and casualties. Students Federation of lege in Kodambakkam, Arakkonam, Gummidi- period, a total of 1,180,000 cremation ground and conduct- during weekends as peo- home, dine-in services Until vaccine is out for India (SFI), said that the who used to travel on sub- poondi and Kanchee- passengers used the sub- ed the last rites. ple have decided to shop are lapped up by usage, our hard fought attendance in PG and UG urban trains, says it is dif- puram. So we demand the urban services every day, A local resident, Govindan, and eat out they had Chennaiites. Most of gains cannot be squan- classes is currently below ficult for students to reach government to allow all including 400,000 in the said: “There is no proper road to missed over the last eight them are ready to take the dered by Covid-fatigue 50 percent because of colleges due to the restric- common people to travel western route, 560,000 in the cremation ground in the vil- months. risk of venturing out to people by giving up pro- transportation problems. tions on suburban trains. on suburban trains as the the southern route, 120,000 lage. We face difficulties to con- However, more than half escape the monotony of tective measures. It is also ‘’If the suburban services ‘’Though girl students and Covid-19 pandemic cases in the northern route and duct funerals whenever the of the students have not staying and working at imperative that the gov- are opened up, students working women are have come down drastical- 100,000 in the MRTS route. canal is filled with water. The turned up as parents are home. Marina and Elliot’s ernment regulates testing district administration must set not ready to send their beaches, set to be opened strategies and ensures up a proper creation ground and wards to colleges now. on December 14, are strict compliance of road”. Several engineering col- bound to woo thousands norms. Flesh trade: 10 Medicos form human Hospital helps 7-yr-old girl walk freely arrested chain against fee hike DC CORRESPONDENT DC CORRESPONDENT of `13,600 for MBBS and M.K. Stalin also demand- DC CORRESPONDENT Joyesmita Chando is the TIRUCHY, DEC. 10 CUDDALORE, DEC. 10 `30,000 for MD/MS in ed the Tamil Nadu govern- CHENNAI, DEC. 10 youngest kid who have other medical colleges in ment to reduce the fees ch- undergone a complete key- Police on Wednesday More than 350 students of the state. The students arged by two government Apollo Hospitals, performed hole procedure for discoid arrested 10 persons Government Rajah were staging protests on medical colleges — Rajah a procedure that trans- meniscus in India. After including ‘TIK TOK’ Muthiah Medical College, the campus for the last Muthiah Medical College, formed a 7-year-old girl seven months of misery her familiar ‘Rowdy Baby Chidambaram participat- three days. Chidambaram and IRT child’s life. Dr. Vijay Kishore parents saw their child walk- Surya’ for being ed in the human chain On Thursday, students Perundurai Medical Col- Reddy and his team complet- ing effortlessly on the same involved in the flesh protest on the campus on organised a human chain lege, on par with fees ch- ed the procedure on the day of surgery.” trade, under the guise of Thursday demanding the protest on the campus. Th- arged by other state-own- patient who was affected by Ms Preetha Reddy, vice running ‘spas’ in differ- government to roll back ey have demanded the go- ed medical colleges. Stalin “discoid lateral meniscal chairperson, Apollo ent parts of the city. hike in tuition fees. vernment to reduce the tu- said the fees at IRT Perun- tear”, an abnormal condition Hospitals Group, said “Most Police said, on a tip off Nearly 100 parents also ition fees immediately. durai Medical College are in children. Ms. Joyesmita of the orthopedic procedures about the crime, city took part in the agitation. The students have also pl- fixed at `3.85 lakh which Chando’s parents brought are technically demanding police commissioner, Dr Since taking over the anned to stage other for- raises doubts in the minds her to Chennai from procedure that should be per- J Loganathan, formed a Annamalai University ms of demonstrations if of people whether these Guwahati as she was experi- formed by an experienced special team to check it, including the medical col- the fees are not reduced. two are private colleges. encing severe pain in the orthopedic surgeon in a med- and raided spas in lege in 2013 the govern- They have also demanded The government had right knee, with difficulty in ical center accustomed to Woriyur, KK Nagar, ment had allotted `2,000 the government to incre- hiked the fees in these two walking and restricted right performing arthroscopy at Thillai Nagar in the city, crore for the development ase the stipend given to th- colleges like private med- knee movements. least several times a month. and arrested and of the varsity. Last month em and release the pend- ical colleges putting the The meniscus is a soft piece Our orthopedic department remanded them to judi- the government hiked the ing stipend. It may be no- poor students in difficulty. of cartilage that acts as a is at the forefront of provid- cial custody, police tuition fees of the medical ted that various political After telling the court that shock absorber to protect the ing most innovative thera- added. Police also res- college. The tuition fees party leaders had urged the fees for Rajah Muthi- knee. There are two of these pies alongside other interna- cued 12 women involved were increased to `5.6 the government to reduce ah Medical College this C-shaped pads in each knee tionally acclaimed health- in the flesh trade, and lakh for MBBS course and the fees for students in academic year is `4 lakh, and they are crescent- care institutions.” sent them to the govern- `9.6 lakh for MD and MS Government Rajah the government has hiked shaped. A discoid meniscus ment women protection courses. However, the gov- Muthiah Medical College. it to `5.44 lakh, Stalin is thicker than normal and The child underwent home, police added. ernment fixed tuition fees Recently, DMK president said. has a different shape and tex- arthroscopic lateral ture. It is more likely to be discoid meniscus injured than a normally saucerization and shaped meniscus. Discoid repair which was meniscus may never cause Govt urged to pay `30K damage for crop loss injury in some people, but done completely some will face issued through keyhole DC CORRESPONDENT A resolution to this on Thursday. CPI district um to December 31, and because of this condition, THANJAVUR, DEC. 10 secretary, MA Bharathi, take up relief works on procedure effect was adopted usually during childhood. >>>> said that concerned VAOs roads and bridges affected The child underwent Preetha Reddy, vice chair- The Thanjavur district at the council should provide cultivation due to Burevi. He also said arthroscopic lateral discoid council of the CPI has certificates to farmers that farmers will take part person, Apollo Hospitals meeting held here meniscus saucerization and appealed to the state gov- on Thursday who cultivate lands in sit in agitations repair which was done com- Group, Baby Joyesmita ernment to pay relief of belonging to temples and demanding repeal of three pletely through keyhole pro- Chando and her father seen `30,000 per acre to farmers cyclone. other religious establish- farm legislations brought cedure. Dr. Vijay Kishore along with Dr Vijay Kishore whose samba and thaladi A resolution to this ments as tenants, extend by Central government in Reddy, Orthopedic Surgeon, Reddy, consultant orthopedic paddy crops have been effect was adopted at the the last date for payment the district on December Apollo Hospitals, said, “Ms. surgeon, Apollo hospitals. damaged due to ‘Burevi’ council meeting held here of crop insurance premi- 14. STATE pg DECCAN CHRONICLE | FRIDAY | 11 DECEMBER 2020 | CHENNAI 3

SHORT TAKES Kamal to launch Covid-19 tally inches election campaign on Sunday Chennai, Dec. 10: Makkal towards 8 lakh mark Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan will launch his campaign for the 2021 Tamil Chennai, Dec. 10: The Nadu Assembly elections from coronavirus caseload in December 13 , the party said on Tamil Nadu inched Puducherry logs 24 new corona cases Thursday. The actor-politician towards the eight lakh Puducherry, Dec 10 and Family Welfare S Mohan Kumar said the will embark on his first phase of mark with 1,220 fresh Puducherry logged 24 Mohan Kumar said in a Health department exam- campaign between December 13- infections reported on fresh Covid-19 cases while release. ined 1,570 samples during 16, MNM vice president, Dr R Thursday, while the death two more people suc- The two did not have any the last 24 hours and Mahendran said in a release toll went up to 11,853 after cumbed to the infection comorbidities, he said, found 24 to be positive for here. During this four-day 17 people succumbed to pushing the toll in the adding one of them aged coronavirus. schedule, Haasan will cover the virus. union territory to 617, a 45 years died of septic While the Puducherry Madurai, Theni, Dindugul, The infection count now top Health department shock and refractory region accounted for 12 of Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli, is 7,95,240. As many as official said on Thursday. hypoxemia while the the 24 fresh cases, the Tuticorin and Kanniyakumari 1,302 people were dis- The two deceased were other (aged 72) succumbed Karaikal and Mahe districts, he added. Haasan had charged from health care from the Puducherry to Covid pneumonia and regions reported six launched MNM in February facilities after getting region, Director of Health ARDS. each. — PTI 2018 and the party had faced last cured, aggregating to CM Edappadi K. Palaniswami hands over free bicycles to class 11 students studying year's Lok Sabha elections but 7,72,995, a bulletin from 18,856 infections out of examined so far. Chennai cumb to the virus 'without in government and government aided schools on Thursday. Deputy CM O. could not return any MP. — PTI the health department more than 7.95 lakh cases. also continued to top in any chronic illness' while Panneerselvam and other ministers also present. — DC said. The number of Eleven districts have the number of fatalities the remaining 16 were active cases in Tamil added new infections in accounting for 3,898 of the with co-morbidities. Rajaji’s 142nd Nadu stood at 10,392. single digits while 30 dis- state's overall 11,853. Of Eleven of those who tested Chennai added 313 and tricts reported zero fatali- the 17 fatalities reported positive were returnees birth anniversary Coimbatore 124 cases, ties. A total of 68,928 sam- today, nine succumbed in from other destinations OPS formula for while the rest were scat- ples were tested on private hospitals while including one individual observed tered across other dis- Thursday, taking the eight in government. A 44- from the United Arab tricts. Chennai continued cumulative total to year-old man from Vellore Emirates, the bulletin DC CORRESPONDENT to top the list of cases with 1,27,44,479 specimens was the only victim to suc- said. — PTI KRISHNAGIRI, DEC. 10 gender equality

Rajaji alias C Rajagopalachari DC CORRESPONDENT police officials and local has not only served India during CHENNAI, DEC. 10 body leaders, he said the the freedom movement and was Farmers AIADMK government also an activist against the cre- Randomised clinical trial on efficacy Deputy Chief Minister O. had taken all steps to root ation of nuclear weapons, and attempt to Panneerselvam came up out violence against also founder of the Tamil scien- with a novel idea to per- women in the State. tific terms society. block trains, petuate gender equality Stressing on the need to His 142nd birth anniversary by suggesting a legisla- teach children about sex- was observed on Thursday, at of Siddha medicine completed tion to enable the sharing ual violence and gender his home in Thorapalli village arrested power equally between a equality, the Deputy Chief PM to address near Hosur, Krishnagiri dis- Chennai Dec. 12: Tamil domised trial examined Out of these, 146 were male and a female head of Minister said that future trict. G. SRINIVASAN | DC Nadu, which has initiated the changes in the interventional trials, 84 government for two and a generations needed to be intl Bharati Collector Dr V Jaya Chandra KUMBAKONAM, DEC 10 a number of clinical trials immunological markers observational trials, and half years each during a sensitised on the issue. Banu visited the place where on the efficacy of Siddha of the Siddha medicine three post-marketing sur- five-year term of rule. He also called upon Rajaji was born, and garlanded The police arrested 40 formulations in the man- against control. veillance. Speaking at the valedic- SHGs to function as festival today a bust-size image of the leader farmers who tried to agement of Covid-19, has Also, the trial evaluated Randomised control tri- tory of a six-day seminar courts in dealing with Chennai, Dec. 10: at his house, now converted into take part in rail roko completed a randomised the safety of Siddha medi- als are higher in number to mark the International crimes against women Prime Minister a memorial. agitation expressing sol- study undertaken at the cine and documented clin- than non- randomised. Day on the Elimination of and children in their Narendra Modi will idarity with agitating Stanley government hos- ical profile of asympto- Nearly 20 per cent of the Violence Against Women, areas of operation and address the farmers at Delhi and pital here in association matic Covid-19 as per trials involved patients, organised for SHG mem- thus dispense with jus- International Bharati demanding the repeal of with Siddha doctors. principles of Siddha sys- and research institutions bers, government and tice. Festival 2020 on Friday, Stalin’s Human the three legislations on The outcome will be tem of medicine. sponsored more than half organiser of the event, agriculture re- announced soon with the "The randomised clini- of the trials, Dr P Vanavil Cultural Centre, Rights Day forms brought by the concurrence of the Ayush cal trial at Stanley GH by Sathiyarajeswaran, direc- said here. The PM will Centre. The farmers ministry, researchers Siddha and allopathy doc- tor incharge Siddha address via video confer- message reached the railway sta- involved in the project tors has been completed Central Research Devenendrakula encing and also present tion, but were stopped said. Nine other clinical and a detailed manuscript Institute, said. In most of Bharati award, K. Ravi, DC CORRESPONDENT by police. trials involving Siddha is ready. The outcome will these trials, the interven- founder of Vanavil CHENNAI, DEC. 10 The farmers were plan- medicine either as stand- be announced after tional agent is either mul- Cultural Centre, told ning to stop the Cholan alone or adjunct with allo- approval and concurrence tiple drug combinations Vellalars thank CM reporters here on The fight for rights would con- express from Tiruchy to pathic medicine that were of the Ayush ministry," Dr or compound drug formu- Thursday. The event is tinue till humanity retrieved Chennai. taken up throughout K Kanakavalli, Director lations compared to single DC CORRESPONDENT which recommended the being conducted as part human rights, DMK President As the police did not Tamil Nadu are in various General, Central Council drug administration. CHENNAI, DEC. 10 clubbing of the castes of the 138th birth M K Stalin said, pointing out permit them, they sat in stages of comple- for Research in Siddha "These are not normal into one. anniversary celebration that people’s rights and State’s front of the station and tion. Apart from studying (CCRS), said. clinical trials. These were Community and associa- Based on the recommen- of Tamil poet and writer rights were being robbed of in agitated. the reduction of SARS- A total of 233 COVID-19 taken up during the pan- tion leaders of the seven dations, the demands of Mahakavi Subramanya broad daylight. CoV-2 viral load and clinical trials, involving demic times involving the castes that had been com- the caste groups and an Bharati. This year the Wondering when the country The farmers were reducing the onset of various systems of medi- participation of patients. bined to form the anthropological report of festival is being organ- would be eligible to celebrate planning to stop symptoms in asympto- cine, were registered from So, the outcome of the tri- ‘Devendrakula Vellalars’ the Madras University, ised in virtual mode due Human Rights Day, Stalin, in a matic Covid-19 with India with the Clinical als should be peer called on Chief Minister the State government had to the pandemic. Modi Facebook post, said farmers all the Cholan Siddha formulation Trial Registry of India reviewed before publica- Edappadi K. Palaniswami recommended to the Cen- will address the festival over the country had come to express from Kabasura Kudineer (KSK) (CTRI) from March 1, 2020, tion," Dr to thank for his efforts to tre to change the name of at 4.30 PM on Friday, the streets to fight and people in Tiruchy to compared to Vitamin C & to June 22, 2020, when the Sathiyarajeswaran told club them all together. seven castes and rename Ravi said. Minister for the lower rungs of society had Chennai Zinc (CZ) used as supple- infection cases pe- P T I in an interaction. Among those who met them as Devendrakula Tamil Official Language lost their livelihood.. ment in allopathy, the ran- aked. — PTI the Chief Minister at the Vellalars. The Chief and Tamil Culture and secretariat on Thursday Minister, who made the Archaeology K were 10 retired officers of announcement at a press Pandiarajan will also the Central Civil Servi- conference in Sivaganga, address the festival, he ces, besides leaders of ca- had also assured to follow added. The Bharathi Imported coal helps start 5th unit in TTPS ste organisations, accord- up the matter with the Award, to be presented ing to an official press Centre and expedite the by Modi, was instituted ARULOLI M | DC generation in all five units by sea. The coal reached coal, the TTPS administra- would be able to put into release. renaming process. in 1994 by Vanavil THOOTHUKUDI, DEC. 10 by importing fresh coal from Thoothukudi port on tion on Thursday resumed operation the rest of its four Responding to demands The change in name, Cultural Centre. Every the coal fields of Bihar and December 9, but was divert- operation of its fifth unit units. “The water-soaked from the various caste le- however, would not take year it is being con- The 5x210 MW Tuticorin Odisha. ed from the TANGEDCO which went on smoothly to coal also will not go to aders to combine the cas- the Scheduled Caste sta- ferred on eminent per- thermal power station “TTPS has been sanctioned coal handling facilities at achieve its maximum gener- waste,” said an official, who tes of Devendrakulars, tus now enjoyed by the sons who have done (TTPS) completely stopped an emergency allocation of Ennore Kamarajar Port ation capacity by the after- added that steps have been Kadaiyar, Kaalaadi, Kud- members of the castes. laudable service in any its generation last week, as around 1 lakh ton of fresh TTA, while another consign- noon, said official sources. taken to dry the wet coal, umbar, Pallar, Pannadi All the benefits that they field of social relevance the entire coal stocked in its coal to resume operations,” ment of coal is reportedly on It is also said that on and as it dries to a certain and Vathiriar, the govern- caste groups enjoy now and thus worked towa- coal yard got soaked with said a TTPS source, accord- the way from Haldia port in receiving the next consign- extent, it would be used by ment formed a committee would continue even after rds the fulfilment of Bh- continuous rains here, and ing to which the plant West Bengal. ment of 55,000 tons of coal mixing it with the fully dry headed by senior bureau- they are named as arathi's dreams. is expected to resume power received 55,000 tons of coal Using the dry imported within this week, the TTPS imported coal. crat Hansraj Verma, Devendrakula Vellars. — PTI Restore our jungle rights, plead tribes International Mountain Day B RAVICHANDRAN | DC tamarind. For the tribal com- However, in recent times, OOTY, DEC. 10 munities who live in and there has been a curb and Conserving hill biodiversity, daunting task: Experts around the jungles, the collec- foresters are not allowing the TRIBESMEN IN THE NIL- tion of these MFP products tribes to collect MFP in the ju- B RAVICHANDRAN | DC pearance of the fragile GIRIS WANT THE GOVERN- will bring cash income thro- ngles.This has led to curtailed OOTY, DEC. 10 species in different micro- MENT TO EASE NORMS TO ugh sales and sustain their income flow to tribal families climatic zones. This will HELP THEM COLLECT livelihood. from the jungle resources. Th- While the world observes help plan for better biodi- MINOR FOREST PRODUCE ‘Mountains and the tribes ough the Tribal Forest Rights the 'International Moun- versity conservation (MFP) TO EARN A LIVELI- are inseparable. The tribes by Act of 2005 provides the tain Day' on Friday (today) strategies to protect the HOOD, AS THEIR LIVES nature know how to live in provision and rights for the under the theme 'Moun- existing bio-diversity, and DEPENDED ON NATURE tune with nature. Their tribes to collect MFP in the tain Bio-diversity', the to retrieve the lost habi- AND THE JUNGLE. knowledge in conservation jungles in Nilgiris, the forest 'Greens' here feel that bio- tats, advocated Pitching his argument in also is worth emulating. The administration doesn’t allow diversity conservation in Kumaravel. this regard, KM Alwas, secre- Nilgiris is home to primitive the tribes MFP collection. We the Nilgiris is a mounting Managing trustee, tary, Nilgiris Adivasi Welfare tribes like the Toda, Kota, want the Nilgiris district task as various factors Nilgiris Environment and Association, said that MFP Kurumba, Kattunayakan, Iru- administration to convene a including climate change Socio-cultural Trust, V includes all non-timber forest la and Paniya. For centuries, meeting of forest officials to and global warming, add Sivadass, said that in the produce of plant origin like their livelihood had been lift the ban on MFP collection to the growing challenges technology-oriented cyber bamboo, cane, waxes, resins, dependent on MFP. Since in the jungles to provide in conservation efforts in era, one still needs to fodder, leaves, gums, natural MFP products are renewable livelihood for tribes, who mountains. learn from the tribal com- dyes, nuts of wild origin, wild sources by nature, no harm is form the core of tribal diver- Field Officer, CPR munities and other indige- fruits, honey and wild amla, done to jungles by collection sity and local ethnic diversity Environmental Education nous communities about black stone flower and of MFP periodically. in mountains,” Alwas added. Centre here, M the ancient conservation Kumaravelu, said that the methods of medicinal and Nilgiris which is core cen- herbal plants which is tre of the Nilgiri generally rich in the hills. Biosphere Reserve (NBR), “The recent rainfall pat- the first of its kind in the tern shows that certainly country, is home to about there is a difference which 3,300 species of flora, over is more harmful than help- 100 species of mammals, ful. The heavy rains would 350 species of birds, 80 Toda tribesmen staging their cultural dance in the alluring environs at a toda hamlet not only lead to soil ero- species of reptiles and near Ooty. sion, but also inflict dam- amphibians, 300 species of age to the local eco-sys- butterflies and innumer- tion of the existing eco- are found now. The nature to enact stringent moun- tems leading to the vanish- able vertebrates. Quite a systems, growing concrete and jungle dependent cul- tain biodiversity conser- ing of certain endemic few species among this culture, migration of local ture of the native commu- vation laws to protect micro-flora which are flora and fauna are endem- communities in search of nities also have changed what is left in the hills to helpful in soil health and ic. This speaks volumes jobs, are the issues to be over the times. Most of the ensure that the existing slope stability. Impetus about the rich mountain addressed. Though the eco-destruction and habi- species of flora and fauna should be given to grow biodiversity in the NBR. Nilgiris is known for its tat loss is due to do thrive. In the present native plant species and Added to this is the diver- glorious wetland ecosys- unplanned developmental scenario, the threat from try to find out ways and sity of tribal communities tem and the unique grass- activities and mushroom- global warming and cli- means to eradicate the and local indigenous com- land Shola forest ecosys- ing of concrete jungles. mate change also pose a invasive and exotic munities like the Badagas. tem, many of these eco- Unless this eco-destruc- big threat to mountain bio- species, or otherwise that “Conservation is already system which sustain var- tion trend is stopped, the diversity. A detailed study would play havoc with a daunting task in the ious flora and fauna have mountain bio-diversity is to be initiated to docu- wildlife health and origi- Rajinikanth’s brother Sathyanarayana takes part in the special homam organised for the well- Nilgiris where unplanned vanished across the hills, conservation efforts will ment the micro-climatic nality of the mountain being and success of the superstar at Arunagirinathar shrine along girivalam path in development activities, as only in a few pockets be in peril,” he added. changes in different biodiversity,” Sivadass Tiruvannamalai on Thursday. — K. Senthil Nathan encroachments, degrada- such valuable ecosystems The need of the hour is ecosystems, and the disap- added. NATION pg DECCAN CHRONICLE | CHENNAI | FRIDAY | 11 DECEMBER 2020 4

SHORT TAKES Triangular Parl to IMA CALLS FOR Nadda’s convoy attacked in NATIONWIDE see Lotus symbol PROTEST TODAY Mamata nephew’s LS seat New Delhi, Dec. 10: Indian ber, we have used the BHAGWAN PARAB | DC Parliament’s new building national bird Peacock as its MUMBAI, DEC. 10 will have a triangular shape theme, in Rajya Sabha BJP alleges TMC workers involved, slam ‘lawlessness, intolerance’ in Bengal to reflect the importance of chamber we have used the Doctors across the country on triangles being a sacred national flower Lotus as its Friday (December 11) will FROM PAGE 1 geometry in various reli- theme and in Central protest against government’s gions, while its interiors Lounge courtyard we have decision to allow non-graduate Though Mr Nadda, who will have three national used the national tree practitioners in Ayurveda to enjoys Z-category securi- symbols as their main Banyan as its theme,” Patel perform general surgeries. ty cover by the central themes — Lotus, Peacock said. The National Emblem The doctors from medical reserve police force, and Banyan Tree. will crown the new Parlia- colleges, general practitioners, escaped unhurt, he The new building, being ment building. specialists, government serv- informed that BJP constructed by Tata He said the architecture of ices, resident doctors and med- national general secre- Projects Ltd, will come up the new building is in har- ical students will take part in tary Kailash in front of the existing mony with the present the demonstrations. Vijayvargiya and party's Parliament House that was building so that both build- As a part of the protest, the national vice president built nearly 100 years ago at ings complement each doctors will withdraw all non- Mukul Roy were injured a cost of `83 lakh at that other. The ceiling of the essential and non-Covid serv- in the rain of bricks, time and would eventually new Parliament building ices on Friday from 6 am to 6 stones and bottles thrown be turned into a museum. will have fresco paintings pm. All emergency services by the angry TMC sup- The new building will like that of Rashtrapati including casualty, emergency porters, who shouted “Go house larger Lok Sabha and Bhawan and carpets will room, critical care, ICUs, Back BJP” slogan, after Rajya Sabha Halls, with have traditional designs, Covid care, emergency surger- blocking the convoy's way capacities of 888 seats and instead of the current sin- ies and labor room will contin- in Shirakol. 384 seats respectively, to gle colour carpets, Patel ue to function. However, OPD Apart from them, the accommodate an expanded said. services will not be available cars of West Bengal BJP Parliament after the freeze To retain some of the and elective surgeries will not chief Dilip Ghosh and on its expansion lifts in characteristics of the exist- be posted. five more leaders were 2026. ing Parliament, the interior The Central Council of also damaged. Braving The Lok Sabha Hall will walls of the new one will Indian Medicine (CCIM) has the attack on the second also have additional capaci- have shlokas inscribed on issued a notification to train and final day of his state ty, up to 1,272 seats, to host them. Dholpur stone will be and allow the legal practice of tour, Mr Nadda alongwith joint sessions. largely used, as is the case surgeries by Ayurveda practi- others reached Diamond “The new Parliament with the existing tioners and the formation of Harbour and lashed out building is designed in a tri- Parliament, and in some four committees by NITI at the CM and her angular shape, since it sits interior portions, red gran- Aayog for the integration of nephew. Injured BJP national secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya receives treatment in South 24 Pargana on Thursday follow- on a triangular plot and has ite may be used in place of all systems of medicine. “While coming here I ing an attack by alleged TMC activists. — PTI three main spaces — Lok the red sandstone. witnessed how Bengal Sabha, Rajya Sabha and a This will be a building has slipped into anarchy Cental Lounge. Also, trian- with most modern facilities NE STUDENTS TO under Mamataji's mis- gles are sacred geometries but displaying our culture rule. It has become a state SHAH TELLS WB in various religions and cul- and tradition as well, the OBSERVE DEC. 11 of lawlessness and intol- tures of the country,” the eminent architect said. The erance. Only Maa Durga's Didi wonders if BJP men TO ANSWER FOR new building’s architecture four-storey building will be AS BLACK DAY blessings helped me to Bimal Patel said. built on 64,500 square reach here. I am safe “In the Lok Sabha cham- metres area. — PTI MANOJ ANAND | DC because my car is bullet- STATE TERROR GUWAHATI, DEC. 10 proof. The TMC and it's strike their leader’s cars goons left no stone DC CORRESPONDENT The North East Students’ unturned to throttle Kolkata, Dec. 10: West Bengal. CISF (personnel). Why KOLKATA, DEC. 10 Organisation (NESO) a plat- democracy. But this Bengal Chief Minister Describing the TMC as are they so scared?” Pressure mounts on form of students bodies of all Goondaraj will not stay. Mamata Banerjee on the party of the state and Banerjee said. Expressing his concern, the north-eastern states has Lotus will also bloom Thursday alleged that the the BJP as one belonging Her statement came over the attack on the decided to observe December here, starting from this BJP is holding rallies to Delhi and Gujarat, she days after the death of a convoy of BJP chief J.P. 11, the day controversial place,” he told a BJP with arms every day and urged people to stop BJP worker during a Nadda by alleged TMC BJD to sack Sahoo Citizenship Amendment Act, meeting. its workers are attacking “goons from outside” the protest rally in Siliguri supporters in West 2019 was passed by the parlia- The BJP chief claimed, fellow activists while state during elections on December 7. Bengal, Union home AKSHAYA KUMAR body was found. ment as “black day” across the “Mamataji's misrule has blaming it on the here. The police have claimed minister Amit Shah SAHOO | DC “Minister Arun Kumar region. lowered Bengal's height. ruling Trinamul “They (BJP activists) that armed persons were tweeted, “Today, the BHUBANESWAR, DEC. 10 Sahoo, who is accused of It was on December 11, 2019 It has to be restored. This Congress. are coming out (for ral- brought in the rally and attack on the BJP nation- shielding the accused, that the controversial legisla- is Diamond Harbour Banerjee, also the TMC lies) with arms every day. the man was killed in fir- al president @JPNadda ji Aiming to nail the ruling should immediately resign tion was passed by the Parlia- from where Jyotirmoyji, supremo, said in a sarcas- They are slapping them- ing from a shotgun which in Bengal is really con- BJD in the five-year-old girl on moral grounds. The SIT ment despite widespread a known parliamentari- tic way that personnel of selves and blaming it on is not used by the force. demnable. The more it is Pari murder case, the formed by the state govern- protest against the Citizenship an, once led. But the pres- security forces such as the Trinamul Congress. The saffron party, how- condemned, the lesser Bharatiya Janata Party ment has no judicial pow- (Amendment) Bill, 2019. ent MP is not visible in the CRPF, BSF, CISF and Just think of the situa- ever, maintained that the would it be. The (BJP) led by its new Odisha ers. For a proper investiga- NESO chairman Samuel the parliament. It is a the Army are present at tion. They are roaming police were behind the central government is in-charge Daggubati Puran- tion into the case, we Jyrwa and secretary general shame on democracy. Pol- convoys of every BJP around with the BSF, killing of its activist. taking this attack very deswari on Thursday visit- demand a CBI probe. The Sinam Prakash here on ice and administration leader visiting West CRPF, Army and the — PTI seriously. The Bengal ed the victim’s village Jad- matter is also linked to Thursday said, “The CAA has are getting politicised government will have to upur and met her parents. organ trading. We will fight been a glaring example of how here. No administration answer to the peace The party, while accusing till Pari’s parents get jus- a controversial bill was passed exists here. It has col- Bengal government will believe in democratic val- convoy. Everyone is safe loving people of the state the local lawmaker and st- tice,” said Purandeswari. in the parliament in an auto- lapsed. Without the cen- have to answer to the ues.” and situation is peaceful. for this sponsored vio- ate minister Arun Sahoo of She also said that the gov- cratic manner, ignoring the tral force's security, Ben- peace loving people of the The West Bengal Police Matter is being investi- lence.” shielding the accused inv- ernment was “incapable” of massive protest by the people gal visit is a challenge.” state for this sponsored however stated, “Shri JP gated to find out actual He added, “Bengal has olved in the kidnapping and providing security to the of the Northeast. The region, Expressing his concern, violence.” He added, Nadda, National happenings.” slipped into an era of murder of Pari, said it wou- couple. Purandeswari’s vis- which is already bearing the union home minister “Bengal has slipped into President, BJP reached Senior TMC MP tyranny, chaos and dark- ld not stop from its agitation it follows unrelenting sta- burden of illegal migrants Amit Shah tweeted, an era of tyranny, chaos safely at the venue, Sougata Roy wondered, ness under the Trinamul against the ruling party un- tewide protests by the BJP from neighbouring “Today, the attack on the and darkness under the Diamond Harbour, South “Why did the BJP need to rule. The way political less the minister is sacked. workers against the state Bangladesh, would never BJP National President Trinamool rule. The way 24 Pgs. Nothing happened prick Mr Banerjee's con- violence has been institu- Accompanied by BJP’s government’s inaction to accept this legislation and we Shri @JPNadda ji in political violence has to his convoy. Few stituency with it's nation- tionalised and taken to state president Samir arrest the Pari murder case would continue to fight Bengal is really con- been institutionalized bystanders at Debipur, al president's visit? They an extreme level in West Mohanty and several party accused and Chief Minister against this black law.” demnable. The more it is and taken to an extreme Falta PS, Diamond could have planned only a Bengal under the TMC leaders, Purandeswari held Naveen Patnaik’s noncom- condemned, the lesser level in West Bengal Harbour PD, sporadically meeting there. Anyway, it rule is both tragic and discussion with the mittal attitude to sack Arun would it be. The central under the TMC rule is and suddenly threw would have been better worrisome for all those deceased girl’s parents and Kumar Sahoo from his cabi- Central Vista: PM government is taking this both tragic and worri- stones towards vehicles had stones and bricks who believe in democrat- also visited the spot near net for his alleged complici- lays symbolic attack very seriously. The some for all those who trailing long behind his were not pelted.” ic values.” the house where the girl’s ty in the crime. foundation FROM PAGE 1 Rajnath suggests restraint for peace Kerala records 76.38 pc in The new building will be an inspiration when India will DC CORRESPONDENT RAJNATH SINGH emphasises India’s call for an and adherence to Inte- celebrate 75 years of its inde- NEW DELHI, DEC. 10 open, inclusive order in Indo-Pacific based upon res- rnational rules and laws. pendence. The making of the pect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of nati- He also reiterated 2nd phase of civic polls new Parliament building is an At a time when India is ons, peaceful resolutions of disputes through talks. India’s support to free- example of co-existence of the facing Chinese aggres- dom of navigation and DC CORRESPONDENT fully with no incident of nt is going to register a sig- new with the old, he said. sion in the Eastern In his address, Singh India’s IPOI and ASEAN over-flight for all in THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, violence being reported nificant victory in the polls “I can never forget the Ladakh, Defence minis- emphasised that Indo- Outlook on Indo-Pacific, International waters in DEC. 10 from any part of the state. while Congress leader and moment in my life when I had ter Rajnath Singh on Pacific region in particu- both being opportunities accordance with the UN However, there were rou- former minister Thiruvan- the opportunity to come to Thursday told ASEAN lar confronts numerous for cooperation. Convention on the Law of Huge voter turnout was tine complaints of EVM anchoor Radhakrishnan sa- Parliament House for the first Defence Ministers’ traditional and non-tra- In his speech address- the Sea (UNCLOS). witnessed in the second snag in some polling sta- id the high voter turnout in- time in 2014 as an MP. Before Meeting-Plus (ADMM- ditional security threats. ing the defence ministers Singh stated that terror- phase of local body elec- tions which held up polling dicated the electorate’s ang- stepping in, I bowed and salut- Plus) that exercising self- Defence minister of ASEAN member coun- ism remains a major tions in Kerala with the for a brief period. er against the government. ed this temple of democracy,” restraint in the conduct recalled the launch of the tries — USA, Russia, scourge for the region state recording 76.38 per- While the three major The BJP leaders claimed Modi said. of activities and avoiding Indo-Pacific Oceans China, Japan, South and world. He reiterated cent polling on Thursday. fronts; the CPM led ruling that the two fronts were in “The current Parliament actions that may further Initiative (IPOI) by Prime Korea, Australia and that the structures that All districts which went to LDF, Congress led UDF and for a surprise this time. building played an important complicate the situation, Minister Narendra Modi New Zealand — Singh support and sustain ter- polls recorded high polling BJP led NDA made claims The LDF and UDF are loc- role in pre and post independ- will go a long way in in last year’s East Asia emphasised India’s call rorism continue to exist, percentages. Wayanad and counter claims about ked in a direct fight in Er- ent India. The first govern- bringing sustained peace Summit and stated that for an open and inclusive including in India’s neig- recorded the highest their electoral prospects, nakulam, Wayanad and Ko- ment of an independent India to the region. IPOI is an open global order in Indo-Pacific bas- hbourhood. He called for polling with 79.46 per cent, the top leadership of these ttayam districts, while BJP was formed here and the first ADMM Plus is an annu- initiative which draws on ed upon respect for sover- stronger commitment Kottayam 73.91 per cent, parties are keeping their is putting up a stiff compet- sitting of Parliament took al meeting of Defence existing regional cooper- eignty and territorial int- and need to strengthen Ernakulam 77.13 per cent, fingers crossed over the ition in Thrissur and Pala- place here, our Constitution Ministers of 10 ASEAN ation architecture and egrity of nations, peace- International mecha- Thrissur 75.03 and heavy turnout. kkad districts where trian- was drafted here, our democ- countries and eight part- mechanism. He noted the ful resolutions of dis- nism to fight terrorism, Palakkad 77.97 per cent. LDF Convenor A. Vijayar- gular contest is likely to be racy was re-established here. ner countries. commonality between putes through dialogue jointly and vigorously. The polls went off peace- aghavan said the ruling fro- witnessed in many wards. Babasaheb Ambedkar and oth- ers, after deep deliberations in the Central Hall, gave us a Constitution,” he said. Union ministers, ambassa- dors, leaders of different par- BJP: Crime against women Scindia lobbies for accommodating ties, including former Lok Sabha speaker Shivraj Patil and representatives of the YSR Congress, AIADMK, BJD on rise due to JMM his loyalists in Shivraj’s ministry and the TRS, were in the audi- ence. However, some opposi- FROM PAGE 1 THE VICTIM in her Shahdeo said. RABINDRA NATH JYOTIRADITYA SCINDIA istry has caused unease in former ministers in his tion leaders gave the event a statement mentioned According to BJP lead- CHOUDHURY | DC is scheduled to meet Chief the Scindia camp. Scindia cabinet, by going for mini- miss. BJD MP Bhartruhari “The matter is being that the men held her ers in Ranchi incidents BHOPAL, DEC. 10 Minister Shivraj Singh is keen to see their re- expansion of his ministry”, Mahtab said it was a matter of investigated. One person of crime against women Chouhan here to discuss induction in the Shivraj the BJP leader said. pride to be present at the foun- has been detained for husband hostage before has increased after Senior BJP leader and cabinet as early as possi- with him on the issue. dation stone-laying ceremony. questioning after he was committing the crime. Jharkhand Mukti Rajya Sabha member ble”, a BJP leader told this Businessman Ratan Tata, identified by the victim”, Morcha (JMM) formed Jyotiraditya Scindia has newspaper requesting not whose group firm has got the DIG Santhal region, has blamed the state gov- the government in the started lobbying with the Sources said Scindia was to be quoted. contract to construct the new Sudarshan Mandal told ernment for failure in state. Senior BJP leader party leadership here to keen to re-induct 2 former Sources said the Chief building, was also there. reporters. controlling law and order Louis Marandi said, “the accommodate his loyalists ministers, Govind Singh Minister has so far shown Rajya Sabha Deputy According to and rising crime against situation has turned in the state ministry as well Rajput and Tulsi Silawat, no interest to go for a Chairperson Harivansh read Jharkhand Police statis- women. worse after the JMM gov- as the organisation. in the Shivraj cabinet as mini-expansion of his out the statements from tics, on an average five Terming the scenario ernment came to power Scindia who is arriving soon as possible. The two ministry to take back the President Ram Nath Kovind cases of rapes have been in the state as “Jungle in the state. Crime here on Friday on a day’s former ministers, consid- two former ministers in and Vice President M registered in the state till Raj” BJP state unit has against women has visit to the state is sched- ered staunch loyalists of his cabinet, apprehending Venkaiah Naidu. July this year. The state demanded action against become frequent in tribal uled to meet Chief Minister Scindia, had resigned from that such a move would Modi said the laws made police website shows that all those who have been districts which is a major Shivraj Singh Chouhan the Shivraj government on trigger resentment among inside this building and the around 1033 cases of rape involved in the case. cause of worry for all of here to discuss with him on October 27 when their 6- other ministerial aspi- debates that took place are a have been registered till “The system in us. We feel that tribals the issue, sources close to month-tenure as non-MLA rants in the BJP legisla- part of the country's demo- July, which is higher Jharkhand has col- are not safe under the him told this newspaper on ministers ended. ture party. cratic heritage, but it is impor- than the figure recorded lapsed. We demand current regime. We Thursday. They have been elected to “The Chief Minister tant to accept reality as this in 2019. strong action against the demand immediate This would be Scindia’s the house in the November does not want to send a building is now nearly 100 Meanwhile, the BJP criminals through a fast action against all those second meeting with 3 Assembly by-elections. message in the party that years old and has been upgrad- which is the main opposi- track court”, BJP who have been involved Chouhan in the last fort- “The delay in their re- he has buckled under ed from time to time. tion party in Jharkhand spokesperson Praful in the crime”. night. induction in the state min- pressure to re-induct two WORLD pg DECCAN CHRONICLE | CHENNAI | FRIDAY | 11 DECEMBER 2020 5

SHORT TAKES CHINA SANCTIONS 3,054 die of Covid US OFFICIALS OVER HK MOVES in 24 hours in US Beijing, Dec. 10: China said on Thursday it will impose sanctions on US officials who Advisory panel convened to decide on have “performed badly” over Hong Kong issues, in response endorsing mass use of Pfizer virus vaccine to restrictions slapped on Chinese officials this week Washington, Dec. 10: over Beijing’s harsh clamp- The US has set a new grim down on the city. record of more than 3,000 Cyberattackers hit The financial hub was Covid-19 related deaths in rocked by pro-democracy a single day, reflecting a protests last year that were bleak reminder of the pan- largely halted by a sweeping demic’s devastating toll, vaccine regulator national security law imposed even as two coronavirus by Beijing, drawing criticism vaccine candidates appear The Hague, Dec. 10: zer/BioNTech’s vaccine over eroding rights from coun- to be on the verge of clear- Documents related to the by December 29, with a ru- tries including the US. ing the country's final reg- Pfizer Coronavirus vac- ling on Moderna’s version On Monday, the US said it ulatory hurdles. cine were illegally acce- to follow by January 12. was freezing any US assets and According to The Covid ssed during a cyberattack Canada on Wednesday barring travel to the United Tracking Project, the US at the EU regulator, the became the latest nation States for 14 vice chairs of the on Wednesday reported as company said Wednesday, to approve the Pfizer- Standing Committee of the many 3,054 reported as Germany and other BioNTech vaccine, a day National People’s Congress, deaths — the highest sin- northern hemisphere after Britain gave out the which spearheaded the tough gle-day total to date. The countries grappled with a first approved vaccine France's President Emmanuel Macron talks with Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and European Union High new law. previous single-day record winter surge in the pan- jabs in the Western world. Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell as he arrives at the EU headquarters’ Europa was on May 7 at 2,769 demic. The United States is building in Brussels on Wednesday, prior to a European Union summit. — AFP deaths, it said. Overall, The Amsterdam-based expected to follow suit U.S. BOMBERS there were 1.8 million tests European Medicines within days, after a Food reported on Wednesday, Agency (EMA) reported and Drug Administration FLY ON MISSION 2,10,000 cases, and a record the cyberattack as advisory panel meets on 1,06,688 Covid-19 patients European countries the issue Thursday. TO DETER IRAN in US hospitals, it said. eagerly await a vaccine, But a top government Deadline to salvage Brexit The 7-day average for including Germany scientist said the FDA Washington, Dec. 10: In a Covid-19 deaths are at an where Chancellor Angela would probably ask peo- new show of military might, all-time high as deaths are Merkel is pushing for ple with a known history two American bomber air- rising throughout the tougher action against a of severe allergies not to craft took off from the United country, it said. So far second wave of Covid-19 take it — after two health accord extended to Sunday States and flew over a swath of more than 15 million that is proving deadlier care workers in Britain the Middle East on Thursday, Americans have been than the first there. needed treatment for Brussels, Dec. 10: British sending what US officials said infected with Covid-19 and While the EMA did not allergic reactions. Prime Minister Boris Joh- was a direct message of deter- 2,86,249 people have lost give details on the attack, The cyberattack comes nson and European Com- EU chief publishes ‘no deal’ rence to Iran. their lives, according to Pfizer and BioNTech said after Britain accused mission President Ursula von The flight of the two massive Johns Hopkins University. documents relating to Kremlin-linked hackers der Leyen gave themselves B-52H Stratofortress bombers The US, the worst-affect- their vaccine candidate in July of targeting labs until Sunday to decide on the over the region, the second ed country by the had been accessed, but researching Coronavirus future of post-Brexit negotia- Brexit contingency scheme such mission in less than a Coronavirus pandemic, is that “no systems have vaccines and after a US tions, after a three-hour din- month, was designed to in the final stages of been breached in connec- newspaper reported that ner left the two sides “far Brussels, Dec. 10: EU closer economic integra- Thursday with barely 72 underscore America’s contin- approving at least two tion with this incident.” cybercriminals had tried apart”. chief Ursula von der tion to an end. hours left before the deci- uing commitment to the Covid-19 vaccines — one The EMA has promised to to attack several pharma- Johnson came to Brussels Leyen on Thursday pub- Negotiators from Lon- sive moment, and the Middle East even as President by Pfizer and BioNTech reach a decision on condi- ceutical firms developing on Wednesday in a last gasp lished a back-up plan to don and Brussels have contingency plan served Donald Trump’s administra- and another by Moderna. tional approval for Pfi- vaccines. — AFP effort to salvage trade talks protect road and air trav- been trying to agree a fol- as “no deal” warning tion withdraws thousands of A US government advi- that are teetering towards el and fishing rights if low-on trade pact that shot. troops from Iraq and sory panel convened on failure and the two leaders Britain leaves the union would govern cross-Cha- “Negotiations are still Afghanistan. Thursday to decide described agency scien- tions on Tuesday. agreed that their negotiators without a trade deal. nnel business after the ongoing. However, given The long-range heavy whether to endorse mass tists working nights, week- Still, a positive recom- should attempt one last push The UK left the Euro- transition period ends, that the end of the transi- bombers, which are capable of use of Pfizer’s Covid-19 ends and over mendation and speedy US to bridge the divide. pean Union on January but talks are deadlocked tion is very near, there is carrying both conventional vaccine to help conquer Thanksgiving to get that approval appeared nearly “We had a lively and inter- 31 and at the end of this with three weeks to go. no guarantee that if and and nuclear weapons, are a the outbreak that has done. certain after FDA scien- esting discussion on the state month will leave the The EU’s Michel when an agreement is formidable sight and are killed close to 3,00,000 With unprecedented tists issued an overwhelm- of play across the list of out- bloc's single market and Barnier and his UK coun- found, it can enter into flown less frequently in the Americans. interest in the normally ingly positive initial standing issues,” Von der customs union, bringing terpart David Frost force on time,” von der Middle East than smaller The meeting of outside obscure panel, the FDA review of the vaccine ear- Leyen said in a statement a half-century of ever resumed their talks on Leyen said. — AFP combat aircraft, such as advisers to the Food and broadcast the meeting via lier this week. after the dinner at her American fighter jets. Drug Administration rep- Youtube, and thousands FDA said results from Brussels’ headquarters. “We Adversaries often complain resented the next-to-last logged on to follow the dis- Pfizer’s large, ongoing gained a clear understanding about bomber flights in their hurdle before the expected cussion. The FDA is not study showed that the of each other’s positions. EU weighs sanctions over region, deeming them a start of the biggest vacci- required to follow the com- shot, which was developed They remain far apart,” she provocative show of force. nation campaign in US his- mittee’s advice but is wide- with Germany’s added. tory. Depending on how ly expected to do so. BioNTech, was more than A senior UK source said the fast the FDA signs off on Once that happens, the 90% effective across people talks were “frank” and that it Turkey’s Med drilling work NOBEL PRIZE the panel’s recommenda- US will begin shipping of different ages, races and remained unclear whether tion, shots could begin millions of doses of the underlying health condi- the “very large gaps” between Brussels, Dec. 10: Conc- the prospect of more Borrell told reporters WINNERS WARN within days. shot. The meeting came as tions, including diabetes the two sides can be bridged. erned that their credibili- funds to help Turkey man- after chairing a videocon- The FDA panel functions the Coronavirus continues and obesity. No major safe- The leaders agreed to fur- ty is at stake, European age Syrian refugees on its ference between the min- ABOUT HUNGER like a science court. surging across much of ty problems were uncov- ther discussions by their Union leaders are set on territory if it halts its isters on Monday. During the scheduled day- the world, claiming more ered, and common vac- negotiating teams “over the Thursday to give the “illegal activities” in the “In several aspects the Oslo, Dec. 10: Accepting the long session, it was expect- than 1.5 million lives, incl- cine-related side effects next few days” and that a green light to the expan- eastern Mediterranean. situation has worsened.” Nobel Peace Prize in a ceremo- ed to debate and pick apart uding more than 2,89,000 like fever, fatigue and “firm decision” should be sion of sanctions against But EU foreign minis- The 27 EU countries are ny held online because of the the data — in public and in the US. Hanging over injection site pain were taken by Sunday, the UK Turkey over its explo- ters agreed this week that split over how best to han- coronavirus, the World Food live-streamed — on the meeting is a warning tolerable. source said. ration of gas reserves in Turkey’s behavior has not dle Turkey. France and Programme (WFP) warned on whether the vaccine is safe from British officials that “The data presented in EU negotiator Michel Mediterranean waters improved, and on Cyprus have pushed for Thursday of a “hunger pan- and effective enough to be people with a history of the briefing report were Barnier and his UK counter- claimed by EU members Thursday’s summit is tougher measures like demic” it said could be worse cleared for emergency use. serious allergic reactions consistent with what we part David Frost have nar- Greece and Cyprus. shaping up as a “crucial” economic sanctions, but than Covid-19. “The American public shouldn’t get the vaccine. heard before and are really rowed the gaps over eight At their last summit in meeting for EU-Turkey other countries are con- “Because of so many wars, demands and deserves a Government officials exciting,” said Dr. William months but London insists it October, the leaders relations. “All of them cerned about further climate change, the wide- rigorous, comprehensive there are investigating two Moss, head of Johns will reclaim full sovereignty offered “a positive politi- considered that we have undermining the coun- spread use of hunger as a and independent review of reports of reactions that Hopkins University’s Int- at the end of the year after cal EU-Turkey agenda” to not seen a fundamental try’s already ravaged political and military weapon, the data,” said FDA’s Dr. occurred when the coun- ernational Vaccine Access half-a-century of close eco- Ankara, including trade change of direction,” EU economy and destabilis- and a global health pandemic Doran Fink, who try began mass vaccina- Center. — AFP/AP nomic integration. — AFP and customs benefits and foreign policy chief Josep ing the region. — AP that makes all of that expo- nentially worse, 270 million people are marching toward starvation,” WFP executive director David Beasley said. Fed tax officials probing Hunter Biden UK spokesperson clarifies after “Failure to address their needs will cause a hunger pan- Willmington, United “I learned yesterday for demic which will dwarf the States, Dec. 10: Hunter the first time that the US TRUMP, REPUBLICANS PIN HOPES ON impact of Covid,” he said, Biden, the son of US Attorney’s Office in Boris confuses farmers’ protest removing his facemask to President-elect Joe Biden Delaware advised my legal TEXAS TRIAL TO OVERTURN RESULTS make his remarks broadcast and a frequent target of counsel, also yesterday, London, Dec. 10: The UK A UK GOVERNMENT Office are following the from the WFP’s headquarters Republican attacks, said that they are investigating Washington, Dec. 10: A results in the other four Foreign Office is closely spokesperson said: “The issue of protests in India in Rome. Wednesday he was under my tax affairs,” Hunter longshot Supreme Court states were “unconstitu- following the protests by Prime Minister clearly closely”. Dhesi, who has The largest humanitarian federal investigation about Biden said in a statement lawsuit from Texas against tional” because of their farmers in India, a gov- been very vocal on the organisation fighting famine, his taxes. released by his father's pr- four states key in the heavy use of “fraud-prone” ernment spokesperson misheard the question in protests by farmers the UN agency founded in 1961 The revelation about the esidential transition team. November 3 election gave mail-in votes during the said on Thursday as it Parliament. The Foreign against India's agricul- feeds tens of millions of peo- probe included no details, “I take this matter very President Donald Trump Coronavirus pandemic. It clarified that Prime Office are following the tural reforms, had raised ple each year — 97 million in but it promises to rekindle seriously but I am confi- fresh hope of stalling if not offered no proof of signifi- Minister Boris Johnson issue of protests in India the issue of the footage of 2019 — across all continents. Republican rage about the dent that a professional overturning Democrat Joe cant fraud, and it didn't had “clearly misheard” a closely”. “water cannons, teargas Biden family, including and objective review of Biden's victory. challenge the use of mailed question in Parliament and brute force” being Hunter Biden’s business these matters will demon- Texas — a state Trump ballots in states Trump when he responded with settle bilaterally in used against the peaceful SEXUAL ABUSE dealings and the elder strate that I handled my won — lodged the suit late won. Britain’s stance on the response to a question by protesters. Biden’s anti-corruption affairs legally and appro- on Tuesday against Mic- The suit cited numerous India-Pakistan dispute Opposition Labour MP “So, will the Prime SHAKES FBI’S push in Ukraine when he priately, including with the higan, Georgia, Pennsy- alleged examples of poten- instead. Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi Minister (Johnson) con- was US vice president. benefit of professional tax lvania and Wisconsin, chal- tial fraud already repeated- The gaffe occurred dur- about conveying British vey to the Indian Prime SENIOR RANKS It also presents a series of advisors.” Hunter Biden, lenging Biden’s victory in ly rejected by courts in ing the weekly Prime Sikh “anxieties” over the Minister (Narendra thorny issues during the 50, is a lawyer who has each of the four. dozens of Trump campaign Minister’s Questions ongoing protests against Modi) our heartfelt anxi- Washington, Dec. 10: An president-elect's transition founded consulting and The suit was seen as auda- cases. Texas Attorney Gen- (PMQs) session in the agricultural reforms in eties, our hopes for a spe- assistant FBI director retired into the White House in investment firms, worked cious and barely legally eral Ken Paxton asked the House of Commons on India. edy resolution to the cur- after he was accused of drunk- just over one month’s time, in private equity, and sound, given that no one Supreme Court to quickly Wednesday, when A UK government rent deadlock and does he enly groping a female subordi- including the possibility served on the board of var- state has any legal right to freeze the process by which Johnson reiterated that spokesperson said: “The agree that everyone has a nate in a stairwell. Another his son will still be under ious organisations includ- interfere in another's elec- state vote counts are trans- any dispute between Prime Minister clearly fundamental right to senior FBI official left after he investigation by the US ing national railroad cor- tion processes. lated into electors at the India and Pakistan was misheard the question in peaceful protest,” he que- was found to have sexually Department of Justice. poration Amtrak. — AFP Texas alleged that the Electoral College. — AFP for the two countries to Parliament. The Foreign stioned Johnson. — PTI harassed eight employees. Yet another high-ranking FBI agent retired after he was ac- cused of blackmailing a young DYING | STATISTICS Diabetes, dementia in top 10 causes of death, non-communicable diseases 7 out of 10 causes employee into sexual enco- unters. An Associated Press in- vestigation has identified at least six sexual misconduct allegations involving senior Heart disease kills more people than ever: WHO FBI officials over the past five years, including two new cl- United Nations, Dec. 10: 4 of the 10 leading causes DEATHS FROM dia- dementia are now among greatest percentage incre- “These new estimates aims brought this week by wo- Heart disease, which has in 2000. betes increased by 70 per the top 10 causes of death ase of all WHO regions. are another reminder that men who say they were sexual- remained the leading The new data cover the cent globally between worldwide, ranking 3rd in The WHO said the esti- we need to rapidly step up ly assaulted by ranking agents. cause of death at the glob- period from 2000 to 2019. 2000 and 2019, with an 80 both the Americas and mates reveal trends over prevention, diagnosis and Each of the accused FBI offi- al level for the last 20 “Heart disease has per cent rise in deaths Europe in 2019. Women the last 2 decades in mor- treatment of non-commu- cials appears to have avoided years, is now killing more remained the leading are disproportionally tality and morbidity nicable diseases,” Dire- discipline, the AP found, and people than ever before, cause of death at the glob- among males. In the affected: globally, 65 per caused by diseases and ctor-General of WHO Dr several were quietly trans- according to the World al level for the last 20 Eastern Mediterranean, cent of deaths from injuries, clearly high- Tedros Adhanom Ghebre- ferred or retired, keeping their Health Organisation. years. However, it is now deaths from diabetes Alzheimer’s and other lighting the need for an yesus said. “They high- full pensions and benefits even The WHO said diabetes killing more people than have more than doubled forms of dementia are intensified global focus on light the urgency of dras- when probes substantiated the and dementia are also ever before,” the organi- and represent the great- women. preventing and treating tically improving pri- sexual misconduct claims aga- among the world’s top 10 sation said. est percentage increase Deaths from diabetes cardiovascular diseases, mary health care equi- inst them. Beyond that, federal causes of death. Heart disease now rep- of all WHO regions. increased by 70 per cent cancer, diabetes and tably and holistically. law enforcement officials are The WHO’s 2019 Global resents 16 per cent of total globally between 2000 and chronic respiratory dis- Strong primary health afforded anonymity even after Health Estimates, deaths from all causes 2019, with an 80 per cent eases, as well as tackling care is clearly the founda- the disciplinary process runs released on Wednesday, and the number of deaths rise in deaths among ma- injuries, in all regions of tion on which everything its course, allowing them to said non-communicable from heart disease Diabetes and dementia les. In the Eastern Medite- the world, as set out in the rests, from combatting land on their feet in the private diseases now make up 7 of increased by more than enter the top 10 causes of rranean, deaths from dia- agenda for the UN non-communicable dis- sector or even remain in law the world’s top 10 causes two million since 2000 to death. Alzheimer’s dis- betes have more than dou- Sustainable Development eases to managing a glob- enforcement. of death, an increase from nearly 9 million in 2019. ease and other forms of bled and represent the Goals. al pandemic.” — PTI EDIT DECCAN CHRONICLE | FRIDAY | 11 DECEMBER 2020 | CHENNAI pg 6

11 DECEMBER 2020 Farmers’ standoff has a few lessons for govt Subhani fter a meeting with Union home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday follow- ing a sudden and late invitation, and considering the government’s pro- posals advanced through a 20-page note, the protesting farmers have Aannounced intensification of their agitation. The protest is already a fortnight old. The new element in it is that it threatens to engulf the entire country, not just the borders of the national capital with Haryana leading on to Punjab, which has emerged as the epicentre of the dissatisfactions. This is suggested in the programme announced by a coordination committee of the dozens of farmers’ bodies from across the country. This plan visualises demon- strations at district headquarters across India, taking over toll plazas nationwide, in measured steps blocking entry by road to the national capital, and protesting at the door of all BJP MLAs, MPs, and ministers. From being seen as a movement of Punjab farmers to begin with, it is the all- India profile of the movement that has now emerged. This is a clear rebuff of the home minister who had invited only 13 of the many more farmer organisations for talks last Tuesday, excluding in fact the largest farmers’ union of Punjab, giving rise to speculation that, at one level, the effort was to sow seeds of discord among protesters. LETTERS Five representatives of Opposition parties led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and including NCP chief Sharad Pawar, and leaders of CPI(M), CPI and the DMK, called on President Ram Nath Kovind to submit a memorandum in support of the FARMERS ON WARPATH How Nehru had gutted Since day one of agitation, farmers’ demands, and later addressed the media to publicise their endorsement. While the farmers have not called for the support of political parties, the backing the farmers of Punjab have given to them by these entities can only impart operational resilience and muscle been aggressive in their to any future deepening of a planned nationwide protest. Moreover, in the forum of Parliament, it is parties that represent various sections of the people, not asso- tone and tenor and made it ciations and unions of occupation or trade groups. It is open to the government to the Constitution in 1951 clear to Centre to repeal appreciate that the linking of political parties brings on a new dimension, making three farm laws. They mean it prudent to offer serious political conciliation. If not, the country is staring at blithely change the daman Singh says, Nehru business in planning to blo- serious economic dislocations and an atmosphere of confrontation and mistrust in Constitution to overturn argued that his govern- the body politic. its verdict. ment, with its huge majori- ck national highways to In the written offer made to the farmers on Wednesday after the meeting with the Tripurdaman Singh iden- ty, represented “the will of Delhi and not allow toll-pla- home minister, the government has agreed to present its assurance in black and Karan Thapar tifies two other equally the people” and thus took zas to function on Dec. 14. It white that the minimum support price regime won’t be dismantled, that terms on important points. First, precedence over the princi- is an open secret that all the which private traders (the feared big business and multinational corporations) will “the very concept of the ples of and the rights en- anti-BJP parties have sup- operate in the farm sector will be the same as the present APMC “mandis”, whose As I See It judiciary and the Constitu- shrined in the Constitu- vanishing the farmers fear, and also that contract farming being encouraged tion as checks on the gov- tion. Consequently, Nehru ported the rich Punjab farm- through the contentious agri-laws will not cause land alienation from farmers. ernment” was undermin- had no qualms using a pro- ers’ lobby to choke the capi- These seem reasonable, but farmers still demand the total repeal of the three ’m part of a genera- oppressive laws” like the ed. Instead, a tradition of visional and largely tal and make Modi wave the laws passed without due discussion in Parliament and without consultation with tion that grew up National Security Act, the using executive power to unelected Parliament to white flag. The storyline is them, the key stakeholders. Their demands have sometimes been called “maxi- thinking of Jawa- Maintenance of Internal subdue the judiciary be- amend the Constitution. malist”. But what they emphasise, in effect, is that legislation must not be carried harlal Nehru as the Security Act and the gan. Second, the 1951 am- But it was worse than again similar to anti-CAA out on the strength of a party’s brute majority in legislature, ignoring those who architect of our demo- Unlawful Activities endments undermined the that. The Constitution stip- and NRC agitation at Sha- are impacted the most. cracyI and the guardian of Prevention Act, all of constitutional position of ulates that amendments heen Bagh. Any act by Cen- our Constitution. For which have been used to the individual qua class, require a two-thirds vote in tre to maintain law and or- many this was beyond ban books, arrest journal- caste, community and both Houses of Parliament. questioning. However, a ists, jail activists and State. Since the original do- However, the provisional der will be publicised by the Breaking up Big Tech book published earlier this harass political opponents. cument had placed the parliament was a unicam- Opposition as anti-democra- year reveals a very differ- The second fundamental individual at its heart, this eral institution. In 1951, the tic and suppression of the he war against Big Tech just got bigger in the US where the Federal Trade ent side of the first Prime right that Nehru’s 1951 changed not just its focus Rajya Sabha did not exist. farmers’ peaceful agitation Commission and a coalition of attorneys general of 46 states sued Facebook Minister. It argues that the amendments made redun- but, more critically, its So Nehru misused the and will approach Supreme Ton the grounds that it transgressed antitrust law and hence should be broken first amendment to the dant was the right to prop- character. Constitution (Removal of up. This comes on top of the Justice Department taking similar legal action Constitution, that he got erty. Because the courts So why did Nehru do all Difficulties) Order to get Court. What the Opposition Alphabet’s Google two months ago. The day cannot be far when Amazon will be passed in 1951, gutted the placed obstacles in the way of this? The answer is sim- around this. It wasn’t could not do in Parliament facing similar charges, perhaps Apple, too, for its restrictive App Store practices. original. So sweeping were of his attempts to acquire ple but hardly a valid justi- intended for this purpose, they want to pursue on the Together, the quartet is the creme de la creme of the new economy, whose bloated the changes that constitu- zamindari lands — in the fication. He felt the original but that did not deter him. streets by coaching the growth into behemoths gave them the power to influence society by dictating dig- tional scholar Upendra case of Bihar requiring Constitution was blocking This is a technical and ital lives and the economy while enjoying a global footprint. Baxi calls the post-amend- unaffordable compensa- his policies and reforms. complicated point and I farmers how to reject all The charge against Facebook is it used its dominance to crush rivals at the ment document “the sec- tion — Nehru amended the As Tripurdaman Singh deliberately won’t go into proposals from Centre. expense of everyday users even as its power rose manifold with the acquisition of ond Constitution”. He does- Constitution to ensure that writes: “Zamindars, busi- detail. However, what Parthasarathy Mandadi, Instagram and WhatsApp. The same charges could as well be aimed at other tech n’t believe that it bears such compensation need nessmen, editors and con- Nehru did is uncannily Tirupati giants who have already been facing intense scrutiny from lawmakers in credible resemblance to the not be paid. Consequently, cerned individuals had similar to what Narendra Congressional hearings. Given the US history of successfully breaking up monop- original. the right to property may repeatedly taken the Modi did in 2019 when he ■ olies like Standard Oil, US railroads and AT&T, besides Microsoft in the new mil- In his book Sixteen have continued in theory Central and state govern- changed the constitutional lennium, Big Tech world could look quite different in a few years. Stormy Days, Cambridge but in practice, because ments to court … (and) the character of Jammu and FARMER UNIONS are resolute in While socialist countries can move against monopolies by simply nationalising scholar Tripurdaman compensation was not nec- courts had come down Kashmir. Just as Nehru the repeal of farm laws passed by the industries like India did its banks and the life insurance business, only to suffer a Singh identifies several essary when lands were heavily on the side of the misused Article 392, from NDA government. That they want to different kind of lazy monopoly, the US believes in dismantling monopolies to fundamental rights which forcibly acquired, it ceased citizens and struck mighty which the Constitution block all entry points to the capital in ensure healthy competition thrives. The Internet may not be that much different the first amendment ad- to be a fundamental right. blows against the govern- order gets its authority, to their bid to achieve the objective is for users if Facebook were to hive off WhatsApp or Amazon were to divest some of versely affected. I shall Let me mention one other ment”. So, to rein in the change the amendment unacceptable. This will affect the its 88 acquisitions. The only difference would be that Google cannot demote com- only focus on two. element of Nehru’s first courts, Nehru amended the procedure, so too Narendra livelihood of many. What right have petitions through clever search algorithms or Amazon copy goods of their own The first is freedom of amendment which serious- Constitution from which Modi misused Article 370 they got to affect lives of others? After sellers to take a greater slice of the marketplace. speech, perhaps the most ly damaged the original they got their powers. In to amend critical defini- all, two wrongs cannot make a right. When threatened with anti-monopoly action by the UK, Mark Zuckerberg chal- important of all rights in a Constitution. This is the the process, he gutted it. tions thus enabling him to Moreover, according to reliable lenged a nation saying he would invest elsewhere in Europe. And now you know democracy. Nehru’s 1951 insertion of the Ninth Nehru thus became the de-operationalise the arti- sources, out of 70 crore farmers in the why the arrogance of unbridled power should be curtailed by promoting healthy amendment added new Schedule. Here, Tripur- first Prime Minister to cle. Both were guilty of a country, only 70,000 are against it. competition free of restrictive trade practices. grounds on which this daman Singh writes, “laws damage the Constitution. sleight of hand. The protesters must reconsider their could be curbed. In addi- could be placed to make However, Tripurdaman The only thing I can add points of disagreement and bring an tion to the existing grounds them immune to judicial Singh’s book goes one criti- to salvage Nehru’s image is end to the impasse. of libel, slander, defama- challenge even if they vio- cal step further. It not only that B.R. Ambedkar, whom S. Ramakrishnasayee, Chennai DECCAN CHRONICLE tion, contempt of court and lated fundamental rights”. exposes what Nehru did to we consider the Father of anything that undermines In other words, the Con- the Constitution, equally our Constitution, was a KAUSHIK MITTER K. SUDHAKAR the security of the state or stitution now provided pro- importantly it shines a member of Nehru’s Cabi- DIGGING THE GRAVE Editor Printer & Publisher tends to overthrow it, Ne- tection for unconstitution- cruel light on how he did it. net when the first amend- R. MOHAN INFORMATION AND publicity Resident Editor hru added relations with al laws. Frankly, this is In June 1951, when the ment was approved and did minister Kadambur C.Raju has DECCAN CHRONICLE offices are located at: foreign states, public order nothing short of a constitu- first amendment was not protest. Even Sardar proclaimed that the Edappadi K. Chennai: SP 3 Developed Plot, Industrial Estate, Guindy, Chennai 600032. Phones: (044) 22254747, and, most important, the tional monstrosity and, passed, the Constitution Patel, who died six months Palaniswami-led AIADMK would 22254748 earlier and may have had Coimbatore: 77 Vivekananda Road, Ramnagar, Coimbatore 641009. Phone: (0422) 2231255, 2231256 interests of the security of arguably, the worst of the was barely 16 months old. revive the cases related to the sus- Hyderabad: 36, Sarojini Devi Road, Secunderabad 500 003. Phone: (040) 27803930-4. Fax: (040) the state. amendments pushed Yet in that brief period reservations about the picious deaths of DMK leader A. 27805256. Now, Tripurdaman through in 1951. Nehru decided it was an impact on the right to prop- Raja’s close aide A.M. Sadiq Bengaluru: 5th Floor, BMTC Commercial Complex, 80 Ft. Road, Koramangala, Bangalore-560095. Ph: Singh argues, this amend- Now, if the content of the impediment to his govern- erty, would have supported Batcha, and M.K. Stalin’s associate 08043460500; Fax: 080-22960551/52/55 amendments was trou- ment’s policies. This does- the new curbs on freedom Visakhapatnam: Survey No. 1/3A Beach Road, Near Kailasagiri Ropeway, Sector-9 MVP Colony, ment created the grounds civil contractor Ramesh. The min- Visakhapatnam - 530 017. Phones: (0891) 2552333/2552334, Fax (0891) 2755285 to validate sedition. This is bling, the impact they had n’t speak highly of his com- of speech. In fact, as Tripur- ister has said that the deaths had Vijayawada: No. C 3 & 4, Patamata, Industrial Estate, Auto Nagar, Vijayawada (A.P.). Phones: (0866) because “the interests of on Indian politics was no mitment to the Constitu- daman Singh points out, he taken place during the DMK rule 2555284/ 2555287, Fax (0866) 2555234 the security of the state” less disturbing. For a start, tion. In fact, as Tripur- considered free speech and would be dusted off and rein- Rajahmundry: Vemagiri, Dhawleswaram Rd, Rajahmundry 533125. Phones: (0883) 2417208, 2417618 Nehru established the “exaggerated exuberance”. Anantapur: Thapovan Colony, Bangalore Bye-Pass Road, Anantapur 515004. Phones: (08554) 276903, can be variously interpret- vestigated once the AIADMK co- Fax: 08554-276904 ed and, thus, permits a precedent of amending the So sweeping were the This raises the question: mes to power for the third consecu- Nellore: Survey No. 527/2, Burranpur Village, Venkatachalam (M), Chemudugunta Panchayat, Nellore. wide range of speech to be Constitution to overcome how committed to protect- tive term after the 2021 election. Phone: (0861) 2348581/ 82, Telefax (0861) 2348580 classified under it. And adverse judicial pro- changes in the first ing our freedoms were the Are we to assume that the party Karimnagar: Survey No. 1341, Vavilalapally Colony, Jagityala Road, Karimnagar 505 001. nouncements. His succes- men who fought for our Phone: (0878 ) 2228908; Telefax (0878) 2220433 this gave the state enor- amendment that con- has not had the time to dig the Kochi: No. 3-B, 3rd Floor, DD TRADE TOWER, Kaloor-Kadavanthara Road, Ernakulam, mous powers. Admittedly sors and his daughter, in stitutional scholar Independence? The answer grave so far, and that it would be Ph: 0484-4039408 Nehru did not misuse particular, made this Upendra Baxi calls will have to wait for anoth- able to do so only during the third Kozhikode: No 6/1002 E, First Floor City Mall, Opp. YMCA Kannur Road, Kozhikode - 673 001 them, but his successors almost a regular practice. er day. term? Come election time our lead- Fax : 0495 4019018 Today, when governments the post-amendment Thiruvananthapuram: St Joseph Press Thycaud post, Cotton Hills, Thiruvananthapuram-14, Ph: 0471- certainly did. Thus the first ers have absolutely no idea of what 2735105/6/7, Fax: 0471-4016112 Gram: CHRONICLE Postal registration no: No. H/SD-348/2006-08ss amendment “opened the don’t like what the Su- document ‘the The writer is a television to promise to woo the electorate. floodgates for drastic and preme Court has said, they second Constitution’ commentator and anchor P.G. Menon, Chennai

don’t know when the interview else does one explain the masterly their followers. A group, clearly not with God, but be careful with After reading Josh’s Marsias, the was done but I saw it on YouTube Muazna-e-Anis-o-Dabir, a comparative from among “Naqqan Sahib’s” follow- Mohammad) Maulana invited the complainants and last week. Naseeruddin Shah dis- study of Anis and Dabir, written by one ers, created what for Lucknow was a Dara Shikoh’s prime minister, Josh. What happened next was dramat- Imissed Lucknow as a centre of cul- of Nadwa’s greatest scholars Shibli major scandal. The group accused the Chandrabhan Brahman, broke the ic. The maulana spread out his person- ture and praised Hyderabad sky-high Nomani. Anis and Dabir were famous respected cleric of blasphemy and code brazenly: “Panja dar panja-e- al prayer mat for Josh and invited him Saeed Naqvi by comparison. Naseer’s right but Marsia writers, a genre focused on the physically assaulted him. Khuda daram/ Man che parwa e to recite “Hussain and Inquilab”. The there’s a reason why Lucknow lost out tragedy of Karbala, central to the obser- Apparently, Naqqan Sahib had in Mustafa daram.” (My hand is in the message from the maulana was in the culture stakes with both vance of Muharram, not exclusively his research spotted mention of water hand of God: Why should I worry about straightforward: it would be wrong to Wide Angle Hyderabad and Lahore. Both cities but primarily a Shia occasion. in Imam Hussain’s tent. Even a hint Mohammad?) occupy the pulpit inebriated. were around, their “culture” intact, till Kalbe Sadiq came from a long line of like this was anathema to a bunch of It reflects in the backward slide of a This was the open mindedness 1947. Lucknow had begun to “die” in “ulema”, theological scholars conver- fanatics. The absence of water in tolerant culture that Yagana did not go Maulana Kalbe Sadiq inherited from 1857, after the British exiled Nawab sant with liberal traditions of which Karbala’s torrid heat heightens scot free. His face was blackened and he the generations of “ulema”. From the Wajid Ali Shah to Metiabruz near Sufism was another part. Saiyid Waris Hussain’s tragedy. For that reason, was given a donkey ride through the 1990s he had pleaded: Even if the Kolkata in late 1856, triggering 1857’s Shah, Pir of Dewa Sharief, 7 km from even a suggestion of water in Karbala old city. Muslims win the Ram Janmabhoomi Great Uprising. Lucknow, had a simple explanation for would soften the tragic effect. The The liberal streak in the “ulema” of land dispute, they should gift the land Lucknow, however, retained its pre- not going through the “namaz” rituals. truth, of course, is “Naqqan Sahib” Lucknow comes out in bold relief in to the Hindus. “You will win their mier slot for the institution of the “Where is the space to bow in had never said “water” was available. an incident concerning Josh goodwill.” His point was that a Muslim Is Naseer right? “ulema”, plural for “alim” which supplication?” The implication was: He simply cited sources hinting at Malihabadi. His Marsia titled can turn towards Ka’aba and say his derives from “ilm”, or knowledge with “He is in me”. such a possibility. “Hussain and Revolution” became a prayers anywhere. “Ram is central to theology as the main expertise. With During my schooldays, a phase of cul- Worst was the treatment of poet Yaas cult poem even in devout circles. Josh the Hindu ethos.” He initiated the joint That Hyderabad Maulana Kalbe Sadiq’s death at the age tural bifurcation between school and Yagana Changezi, a contemporary of became a popular invitee to various Shia-Sunni namaz, allowing the Sunni of 83 last month, the curtain finally fell home, the two towering “Alims” of Jigar, Firaq and Josh. Yagana wrote: Imambaras of Lucknow, indeed cleric to take the lead. on the institution of a long line of Lucknow were Maulana Kalbe “Samajh mein kuch nahee ata,/ Parhey across the country, including He traced Muslim backwardness to a Lucknow’s “ulema”. Hussain (alias Kabban Sahib), Kalbe jaaney se kya hasil?/ Namazon mein Hyderabad. He built up a reputation singular lack of education and dedicat- more ‘cultured’ That this was largely a Shia institu- Sadiq’s father, and Maulana Ali Naqi hain kuch maaney,/ to pardesi zabaan for Marsias, second only to the great ed his life to establishing non-sectarian tion is easily explained: the Nawabs of (Naqqan Sahib), both brilliant orators kyon ho?” Mir Anis. A group of orthodox Shias institutions in every possible field. But Awadh were Shia, which is where the whose sermons were much valued at In one of his “naats”, or religious turned up at the residence of the great he died a disappointed man because of than Lucknow? patronage came from. This mustn’t congregations called the “Majlis”, pro- songs, Yagana referred to Prophet Alim of his age, Maulana Naasir ul the expanding communalism and a detract from the fact that international- vided the speaker deftly brought in Mohammad in less than reverent Millat, armed with a complaint. Josh, community trapped in the snare of self- ly known Sunni institutions like Darul Karbala to clinch the argument. terms. He probably did not know that devoted to liquor (he called it Kaaba e ish political leaders. Uloom Nadwatul Ulema also flour- Lucknow’s celebrated tapestry of he had violated one of the unenforced khaas o aam), should be banned from ished. There was considerable intellec- manners found itself frayed even in codes: “Ba Khuda deewana baash-o/ Ba reciting Marsias from pulpits in “our The writer is a senior journalist and tual rapport between the sects. How this limited circle of theologians and Mohammad hoshiyar.” (Take liberties sacred imambaras”. commentator based in New Delhi FRIDAY | 11 DECEMBER 2020 | CHENNAI pg 7 Smaller players may find norms tough CCI raids offices Lawsuits could force FB to quick of UltraTech, Dividend cap won’t ACC, Ambuja sell Instagram, WhatsApp BITES ADITYA KALRA FROM PAGE 1 fewer choices to reach NEW DELHI, DEC. 10 consumers online. affect large NBFCs Their once-consider- The new lawsuits were % India’s antitrust body on able political support in announced by the FTC INDICATORS FALAKNAAZ SYED Wednesday conducted Congress has eroded. and New York Attorney Sensex 45,959.88 -0.31 MUMBAI, DEC. 10 raids at offices of Ultra- Lawmakers and con- General Letitia James, Nifty 50 13,478.30 -0.38 Tech Cement and two sumer advocates have culminating separate S&P 500* 3,671.57 -0.03 The Reserve Bank of subsidiaries of the accused Facebook of investigations over the India’s proposal to restrict world’s largest cement anticompetitive behav- past year and a half. Dollar (`) 73.66 -0.12 dividend payments by non- maker LafargeHolcim, ior, most starkly in buy- The FTC said Facebook Pound Sterling (`) 98.36 0.55 banking finance compa- two sources close to the ing up aspiring smaller for consumers looking, has engaged in “a sys- nies (NBFCs) could impact matter said. rivals like Instagram and for instance, for compa- tematic strategy” to elim- Euro (`) 89.06 0.14 several hundreds of unlist- Swiss firm LafargeHol- WhatsApp and by copy- rable services that do less inate its competition, Gold (10gm)* (`) 48,652▼534 1.11 ed NBFCs, but may not cim in a statement to ing features introduced tracking for targeted including by purchasing have any material impact Reuters confirmed offi- by competitors. Critics advertising. Businesses, smaller up-and-coming Brent crude ($/bbl)* 50.99 2.13 on the listed ones. cials visited the Mumbai say such tactics squash including mom and pop rivals like Instagram in IN 10-Yr bond yield 5.916 -0.001 The apex bank’s draft offices of ACC and competition and could shops, might have to pay 2012 and WhatsApp in US 10-Yr T-bill yield* 0.933 -0.008 norms on dividend pay- Ambuja Cements and limit viable alternatives more for ads if they have 2014. outs for NBFCs have been Transport Finance (due to net NPA filter and thus said the companies were * As of 8:30 PM IST anchored on the capital high net NPLs) will not be dividend payout could be fully cooperating with adequacy ratio (CAR) and eligible to pay dividends, if impacted for those, if this the authorities, but could net non-performing loans the norms apply to the pre- circular is implemented. not comment further as (NPL) and only firms vious year. “Kotak awaits Icra notes that while the matter is ongoing. Tata rejects Mistry’s offer as ‘nonsense’ Hina Nagarajan meeting the prescribed the final set of guidelines HFCs have not been Several officers of the UPMANYU TRIVEDI Harish Salve said during a main holding company -- prudential requirements and implementation time- specifically mentioned in Competition Commi- DEC. 10 hearing before the to be worth more than Rs would be allowed to lines,” the report said. this draft, meeting the ssion of India (CCI) were Supreme Court on 1.75 lakh crore ($23.7 bil- to head United declare and distribute divi- According to the draft CAR criteria would be rel- involved in search opera- Tata Group rejected a Thursday. "I'm opposing lion). It was seeking pro- dends. The RBI proposes to norms released by the RBI atively easier given the tions conducted simulta- truce offer by Pallonji it," he said, arguing on rata shares in all listed Spirits from July 1 cap the dividend payout on Tuesday, NBFCs that lower risk weights on the neously at multiple loca- Mistry's conglomerate behalf of the largest Tata entities, cash, or any ratio for NBFCs at a maxi- have capital adequacy large part of their portfo- tions, the sources said, that suggested swapping Indian conglomerate. The marketable instrument in United Spirits Ltd (USL), a part mum of 50 per cent. ratio (CAR) below 15 per lio. Also, the net NPA cri- asking not to be named the Mistry family's stake Mistry-led Shapoorji lieu. Tata Group earlier of global liquor giant Diageo, Asutosh Mishra, head of cent or net non-perfeorm- teria specified for NBFCs because of the confiden- for shares worth $24 bil- Pallonji Group had this week pegged this val- appointed Hina Nagarajan as research, institutional ing loans (NPLs) above 6 may not be a constraint tial nature of the raids. lion in the listed Tata com- informed the court in uation at $11 billion, or the firm’s new CEO with effect equity at Ashika Stock per cent are not eligible for for HFCs to pay out divi- Searches were also con- panies. "It's nonsense. October that it estimated less than half of Mistrys' from July 1, 2021. Incumbent Broking, said, “There are paying dividend. NBFCs dend considering the low ducted at Shree Cement This kind of relief cannot its 18.4 per cent stake in ask. Anand Kripalu will step down thousands of unlisted have to comply with these NPAs for the segment,” Ltd, a third source said. be granted," Tata's lawyer Tata Sons-- the group's — Bloomberg on June 30. Nagarajan is cur- NBFCs in India and of requirements for three said Manushree Saggar, None of the Indian rently MD, Africa regional mar- them around 400-500 could consecutive years (includ- VP-financial sector rat- cement companies kets at Diageo and will join USL be impacted. Several man- ing the current fiscal) to be ings at Icra Ltd. responded to requests for as the CEO-designate from ufacturers such as Hero, eligible for dividend pay- Kailash Baheti, CFO, a comment. The CCI did ICICI Lombard offers cashless OPD, cover reset April 1. She will be a member of Maruti, Ashok Leyland, outs. The payout ratio caps Magma Fincorp, said, not respond either. Mumbai, Dec. 10: Non-life enhanced protection. today's customer needs, it the Diageo executive commit- Bajaj Auto have their own range from 15-50 per cent “Within NBFCs the NPAs In 2012, the CCI player ICICI Lombard on Some of the new cover- said. tee. Nagarajan will be based in unlisted NBFC arms and based on the two ratios. for different classes of imposed a total penalty Thursday announced 100 age benefits include donor With the unlimited reset Bengaluru. such NBFCs may have to “The draft circular on NBFCs would be very dif- of $1.1 billion on several per cent resetting of the expenses, domiciliary hos- benefit, a policyholder can restructure their opera- dividend distribution by ferent. A vehicle financing cement-makers for col- sum assured multiple pitalisation, emergency reset up to 100 per cent of tions to comply with the NBFCs is unlikely to company would typically luding to under-use their times and also cashless assistance, worldwide the base sum insured Printed & Published by new regulatory norms in impact most of the have higher NPAs. A trac- plants and create a short- OPD in its bid to offer max- cover, unlimited reset, air unlimited times in a policy K Sudhakar on behalf of Deccan order to pay dividends. NBFCs. Over the last tor financing company age of cement. An appeal imum benefits to likely ambulance, super no claim year for an un-related ail- Chronicle Holdings Limited. Printed & However, the large listed three years, dividend pay- would have even higher against that decision is Covid-19 patients. bonus, sum insured protec- ment, the company said. Published at Deccan Chronicle Presses out ratios have been about NPAs. The higher NPAs situated at SP-3 Developed Plot, NBFCs may not have any still pending. As part of offering a tor and claim protector, The sum insured protec- Industrial Estate, Guindy, Chennai. significant impact.” 10-20 per cent for most are well covered by higher In recent years, the CCI more comprehensive cashless OPD services, tor feature increases the Editor: T.Venkatram Reddy, RNI Reg. A Kotak report said LIC entities, with a few in the yield and does not neces- has raided offices of health policies, the fourth among others, the compa- sum insured every year in No. TNENG/2008/25473 Air surcharge Re Housing Finance (due to range of 20-30 per cent. sarily mean weak busi- other foreign firms, largest non-life insurer ny said in a concall. line with inflation rates. 1. © All rights reserved. Reproduction in low capital adequacy Icra expects NBFCs to ness. It would be sensible including beer giant launched four refreshed We are redefining the The new plans also comes whole or in part without written per- ratio), Mahindra & comfortably meet the CAR to have different thresh- Carlsberg and commodi- policies of the existing health insurance space by with services such as free mission of The Editor, Financial Mahindra Financial criteria but a few entities olds considering the ties trader Glencore. ones—health shield, health introducing benefits that health check-ups and Chronicle ® is prohibited. Services (due to high net having high NPAs would underlying business of — Reuters shield plus, health elite and are aligned to the new nor- online chat with doctors NPL) and Shriram find it difficult to meet the each NBFC.” health elite plus—offering mal and contextual to and dietician. —PTI COFFEE-BREAK CALVIN AND HOBBES| Bill Watterson Your day today By Dr C.V.B. Subrahmanyam QUICK CROSSWORD Aries: Taking insights from your partner before making important decisions will be beneficial. Work pressures may increase. Be assertive but don’t lose your temper. Taurus: Teamwork will be productive. Focusing on domestic issues will be a priority. Social engage- ments are likely to be on the agenda. Some of you THE WIZARD OF ID| Parker and Hartsd may be in a contemplative mood. Gemini: Being patient with people who challenge your authority may be difficult, but losing your temper will be counterproductive. Meetings could lead to ideas for new ventures. Cancer: Keeping up with new commitments will be hard so don't make promises in haste. A practical and pragmatic approach will help you resolve issues. Leo: Effective communication will help you make a positive impact in important meetings. Delegating tasks with colleagues will speed up ARCHIE| Bill Henry Scarpelli & craig boldman the pace at work. Virgo: You may want to take up a small home improvement project. A slow recovery from an ailment is likely to pick up pace. Career plans will materialise. Businessmen will gain from new collaborations. A fine time for romance. Across Down YESTERDAY’S ANSWER You share your b’day with 1.Gloaming (8) 1. Give medical care (5) Across: 1. Submerge, 7. Ward off (5) 2. Undamaged, in one 6. Axis, 7. Mosaic, 9. Hailee Steinfeld. Hailee Steinfeld is 8. Arc (5) piece (6) Sense, 11. Cairn, 12. Onion, 13. Debut, 16. an American actress, singer and model. She’s 9. Poster (6) 3. Craving (4) Errata, 18. Data, 19. acted in famous films like 10. Cremation wood pile (4) 4. Rugged (5) Heighten. Pitch Perfect film series (2015–2017). 12. Military flute (4) 5. Exaggerated (9) Down: 1. Soapstone, 2. Libra: Take a break from your tasks to relax. 14. Strait (anag) (6) 6. Heavenly (9) Bairn, 3. Romp, 4. BLONDIE| Dean Young and John Marshall Enslave, 5. Ski, 8. Taking the initiative will be productive. 17. Young eel (5) 11. Cowardly (6) 18. View (5) 13. High temperature (5) Constrain, 10. Planningg a romantic occasion will enhance Stomach, 14. Boast, 19. Simulation (8) 15. Progeny (5) 15. Sari, 17. Roc. your love life. 16. Worry (4) Scorpio: The day will help you create a positive impact and stay ahead of the competition. You may be in a contemplative frame of mind. Time Word Mine jumble to take a break. Sagittarius: Giving colleagues a stake in your G projects, combined with your natural flair for communications, will make it easier for you to get your plans on the agenda. L N M Capricorn: Socialising or engaging in activities ANDY CAPP | Reg Smythe that make you happy will be a priority. Be dis- A N I T E creet with plans that are in the pipeline. TODAY’S RATINGS: 40 AVERAGE; 45 Meetings can lead to valuable information. GOOD; 50 OUTSTANDING How many words of four or more Aquarius: Patience and flexibility will help you deal letters can you make from the with upcoming obstacles. At work don't lose your cool. letters shown in today’s puzzle? You will be in a cheerful and optimistic mood. Setting In making a word, each letter may be used once only. Each word new benchmarks and goals may be on the agenda. must contain the letter at the top of the pyramid. There should be Pisces: Implementing new strategies will be pro- at least one nine letter word. ductive. Find ways to express your appreciation Plurals, foreign words and proper

names are not allowed.

for your partner. Finding ways to increase your tingle tinge, teaming, tangle, taming, naming, mintage, mingle, meting,

ligament, ling, magi, magnet, malign, mange, mangle, mating, meaning, melting, meaning, mating, mangle, mange, malign, magnet, magi, ling, ligament,

financial security will be on your mind. You may legit, leaning, laming, LAMENTING, image, gnat, glint, glen, glean, gleam, gimlet, elating, enigma, gain, gait, gale, game, gate, genial, genital, gent, giant, gilt, giant, gent, genital, genial, gate, game, gale, gait, gain, enigma, elating,

need to spend some time sorting out glitches. eating, antigen, anteing, angle, angel, ALIGNMENT, align, agile, agent, ANSWERS: TARZAN| Edgar Rice Burroughs bridge here's supposedly noth- responder's. If the opener ing between three and four As you can see, six clubs ing new under the sun. makes a support double, he trumps seems like a good idea have been made by taking the TBut bridge is rarely played shows three trumps in part- to me. heart finesse and discarding PHILLIP outside. Also, it doesn't matter ner's suit and any hand Yes, all right, here I had only South's diamond loser on the ALDER how often you play; occasion- strength. If he raises respon- two hearts, so, over East's heart king. But at Bridge Base ally, something will come up der's suit, he guarantees four two-club cue-bid raise, I Online, with 16 tables in play, that you have not thought trumps, and the more he bids, passed. West rebid two seven pairs played in five THERE IS about before. In today's deal, the stronger his hand. spades, and my partner clubs, six in four clubs, one in for me, this was a new look at Here, though, North has jumped to four clubs. (Yes, she three clubs, one in two clubs ALWAYS the trump-length theme. made a negative double, might have made a four-spade (don't ask!) and one in four Yesterday, I explained the showing four hearts. Why use splinter bid if she were confi- spades by West. support double. Opener bids a support double? Well, North dent I would realize that she SOMETHING one of a suit, responder bids might have five hearts if his had good club support.) I Copyright United Feature one of a major, and the next hand is too weak for a two- raised to five clubs, ending the Syndicate NEW player bids a suit below two of heart response. So distinguish- auction. (Asia Features) GAMES pg 8 DECCAN CHRONICLE | CHENNAI | FRIDAY | 11 DECEMBER 2020

SHORT TAKES Italy’s 1982 WC Dad-to-be Kane pulls out of Test hero Rossi dead Wellington: New Zealand cap- SUPERMAN CITY tain Kane Williamson on Milan, Dec. 10: Paolo Thursday pulled out of the sec- Rossi, who fired Italy to ond Test against the West victory in the 1982 World Indies in Wellington as he Real Madrid, PSG carve out victories; Reds held Cup after almost missing awaits the imminent arrival of the tournament through a his first child. The abrupt U-turn Paris, Dec. 10: Karim match-fixing scandal, has came just hours after batting Benzema sent Real died aged 64, prompting an mainstay Williamson had told Madrid through to the last outpouring of grief and head coach Gary Stead he 16 of the Champions tributes. would play in the match, which League on Wednesday Rossi’s wife Federica begins on Friday. alongside their rivals Cappelletti announced the Williamson had flown home to Atletico, while Neymar death in an Instagram post Tauranga to be with his wife scored a hat-trick as Paris featuring a photo of the Sarah on the even of the match. Saint-Germain beat couple, accompanied by After confirming his availability Istanbul Basaksehir in a the comment “Forever,” he flew back to Wellington match that had been followed by a heart. where, after further discussions delayed for 24 hours over a She did not disclose the with Stead, he agreed it would racism row. cause of his death. In this file photo, Paolo be best if he returned to be Real are Europe’s most “He didn’t want to go, I Rossi poses at the with his wife. decorated club with 13 hugged him tightly and Juventus Stadium in Turin, “It’s a decision that we’ve come European Cups but they told him ‘Paolo, now go, Italy. — AP to around the best interests for needed to beat Borussia you have suffered too him and for Sarah, and also for Moenchengladbach in much’,” Cappelletti said. our team,” Stead said. Madrid to be sure of mak- “It is not easy to sum- the opening goal in the 3-1 Williamson had previously said ing it through the group marise in a few words all win over West Germany in the baby was due “mid-to-late stage of the Champions that Paolo was,” she con- the final. December”. — AFP League for a 24th straight tinued. Goalkeeper Dino Zoff, year. “A unique person, full of who captained the 1982 Benzema was their hero, optimism even in the most winning side, described East Bengal held easing the pressure on difficult moments, a great Rossi as an “extraordinary coach Zinedine Zidane person but at the same footballer, excellent team- with two fine back-post time simple. He knew how mate and friend”. by Jamshedpur headers in the first half to talk in the same way “He was irreplaceable in Vasco: SC East Bengal held a securing a 2-0 win in a with Heads of State but that group. And the rela- wasteful Jamshedpur FC for a game played behind also with the people we met tionship with him was goalless draw to secure their closed doors at the Alfredo at the supermarket. This great. We were a team of first point of the Indian Super di Stefano Stadium. was Paolo and this was his friends, a great group,” League at the Tilak Maidan The Frenchman also hit greatness,” she further Zoff said. Stadium, here on Thursday. the bar in the second half added. Prime Minister Giuseppe SCEB’s Eugeneson Lyngdoh and in the end it was a Rossi’s funeral will take Conte paid tribute to an was given the marching orders result that suited both place in his adopted city of “unforgettable champion”, following a second yellow card teams, with a 0-0 draw Vicenza, in northeastern saying that his goals that in the 25th minute but their between Inter Milan and Italy, with his ashes summer “gave a dream to defence led by Hero-of-the- Shakhtar Donetsk allow- returned to his native an entire generation”. Match Mohammed Irshad ing Real to top Group ‘B’ Tuscany, Cappelletti added. “You will always remain stayed compact and foiled and Gladbach, former Rossi won the hearts of our hero. Ciao Pablito,” every attempt. European Cup runners- Italian fans when his goals Juventus coach Andrea After three losses on the trot, up, to go through as run- propelled Enzo Bearzot’s Pirlo, wrote on Twitter. laggards SCEB finally opened ners-up. Azzurri — who started the “Paolo was a friend, a their account as they now have Players from the tournament with three golden boy: benevolent, one point from four matches, German club gathered uninspiring draws — to a humble and intelligent. He while JFC moved to fifth place around smartphones and Mohamed Salah (centre) of Liverpool and Midtjylland’s Jens Cajuste vie for the ball during their UEFA Champions third world title. will be forever remem- with six points from five games. laptops after full time in League Group ‘D’ football match in Herning, Denmark, on Wednesday. — AFP He exploded onto the bered by the (Juventus) SCEB coach Robbie Fowler crit- Madrid to follow events in stage of the 1982 tourna- team and everyone with a icised the referee’s decision for Milan, where a winner for pions Bayern completed cials, the game restarted ment with a hat-trick in black and white heart,” the second yellow on Lyngdoh either team would have the group stage unbeaten THE RESULTS in the 14th minute on the 3-2 defeat of Brazil. France football legend and said the “standard needs knocked Gladbach out. as Niklas Suele and Eric Wednesday and Neymar In the semifinals he Michel Platini, who played to improve”. — PTI They celebrated wildly Maxim Choupo-Moting Real Madrid 2 Paris Saint-Germain 5 scored a hat-trick while scored both goals as Italy alongisde him at Juventus, when their qualification gave them a 2-0 win over (Benzema 9, 32) (Neymar 21, 38, 50, also winning a penalty beat Poland 2-0, and he hit said in a statement. — AFP was confirmed. Lokomotiv Moscow. Borussia Kylian Mbappe 42-pen, converted by Kylian Satyasagara is “Moments like that live Mbappe. ATALANTA THROUGH Moenchengladbach 0 62) new CCFC coach long in the memory. It was Istanbul Basaksehir 1 That was Mbappe’s first absolutely incredible and The other team to clinch Manchester City 3 (Topal 57) Champions League goal in Chennai: Former I-League the joy was uncontain- qualification on 12 months, and he scored champions Chennai City FC able,” said Gladbach mid- Wednesday was Atalanta, (Torres 48, Aguero 77, again later on after on Thursday appointed fielder Christoph Kramer. whose 1-0 win away to Sterling 90) Bayern Munich 2 Mehmet Topal pulled one Satyasagara as the team’s Shakhtar go into the Ajax secured second place Marseille 0 (Suele 63, Choupo- back. With their 5-1 victo- new head coach for the Europa League while in Group ‘D’ behind Moting 80) ry, PSG go through as upcoming season. Inter finish bottom of Liverpool and a last-16 Liverpool 1 Lokomotiv Moscow 0 group winners. Satyasagara, a former their group, failing to spot for the second year (Salah 1) Pep Guardiola’s assistant coach of the club, reach the last 16 for a running. Midtjylland 1 Inter Milan 0 Manchester City made it replaces Singapore’s Akbar third season running. Luis Muriel scored a late (Scholz 62-pen) Shakhtar Donetsk 0 five wins and a draw in Nawas, who parted ways Meanwhile Atletico winner for Atalanta in Group ‘D’ as they eased to with CCFC in October last. “I needed to beat Red Bull Amsterdam after Ryan a 3-0 victory against am delighted for the new Salzburg in Austria to Gravenberch was sent off 2019 winners ahead early being suspended after an Marseille with Ferran opportunity that has come qualify as runners-up in for the hosts, who drop on but Alexander Scholz’s unprecedented walkout. Torres and Sergio Aguero my way. As everyone knows Group ‘A’ behind Bayern into the Europa League. penalty gave the hosts an Both sets of players getting second-half goals I was working with Akbar Munich, and did so with Already through, honourable draw. refused to continue after a before an Alvaro Gonzalez Nawas and I am familiar with Mario Hermoso and Liverpool were able to PSG had wrapped up row erupted over an own goal. the CCFC culture and setup. Yannick Carrasco scoring give a chance to several their qualification for the alleged racist remark by Also, Porto beat I am also excited to work in a 2-0 victory. younger players in their 1- last 16 on Tuesday thanks the fourth official aimed Olympiakos 2-0 in Piraeus with young local talents,” Salzburg now go into the 1 draw with Midtjylland to Manchester United’s at Basaksehir’s assistant courtesy of Otavio’s early Satyasagar said. Europa League while in Denmark, where defeat at RB Leipzig, coach, Pierre Webo. penalty and a Matheus “The local talent in Tamil reigning European cham- Mohamed Salah put the despite their own game With a new set of offi- Uribe goal. — AFP Nadu has always excited me and I am waiting to see what is in store for us this year,” he added. Satyasagara has a lot of KOHLI MAINTAINS TOP experience behind his back Vihari, Kuldeep in focus as he has been involved with coaching for almost 26 SPOT IN ODI RANKINGS In this July 8, 1982 file photo, Paolo Rossi of Italy races years now. Club owner Rohit Dubai, Dec. 10: India captain Virat Kohli cemented across the pitch after scoring his team’s first goal against Ramesh said: “He has been ahead of 2nd warm-up his spot at the top of the ICC Men’s ODI Player Poland during their Fifa World Cup semifinal match at the with us for two years now. Rankings for batsmen after scoring two half-centuries Nou Camp Stadium, Barcelona, Spain. — AP He knows the culture and Sydney, Dec. 10: A sec- cal move to ensure that in the recently-concluded three-match series against the pedigree of our club ond spinner in Kuldeep the Australians do not Australia. keeping in mind to promote Yadav or an additional get a sneak peek at his Kohli, who had scored 89 and 63 in the second and our local talent. We wish batsman in Hanuma long format preparation. third ODI against Australia in Sydney and Canberra him the best.” Vihari will be India’s For Australia, new sen- respectively, has 870 points. Highs and lows of Satyasagara takes over prime concern during sation Cameron Green Despite missing the ODI series owing to a hamstring from Nawas, who guided their day/night first- will get another chance injury, Rohit Sharma (842) remains at the second spot, CCFC to the I-League title in class game against to impress skipper Tim five points ahead of Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, the 2018-19 season in his Australia ‘A’ from Friday Paine and coach Justin who is number three in the rankings. Rossi’s mixed life first full season in charge. which would be the dress Langer while Mitchell Playing his first ODI since the ICC Cricket World Cup The I-League 2020-21 sea- rehearsal for the ‘Pink Swepson would hope 2019, India all-rounder Hardik Pandya struck 90 in the Rome, Dec. 10: Football is 1981-82 season, earning a son will get underway on Ball Test’ in Adelaide, that when the third Test first game and 92 not out in the third to make his first mourning the death of spot in Italy’s 1982 World January 9 next year. starting December 17. Hanuma Vihari is played at the SCG in appearance in the top 50 batsmen at 49th place with a Paolo Rossi, the prolific Cup squad. the New Year, he is in The three-day game at career-best of 553 points. striker whose goals led the WORLD CUP GOLD the floodlight Sydney leave around 10mm consideration. From the Australian camp, captain Aaron Finch’s Azzurri to World Cup glory Live on TV Cricket Ground will grass cover on the strip. Save Ajinkya Rahane innings of 114 in the first ODI, followed by 60 and 75 in 1982. Here are the stand- A 2-1 win over Argentina serve as proper simula- The match, which will and Cheteshwar Pujara helped him up to a career-best tally of 791 points and out moments from the was followed by the most CRICKET tion for the opening Test be streamed live, may in the first essay and fifth place. career of one of Italy’s memorable match of Australia ‘A’ vs India: Day 1 from but the flat batting track not feature skipper Virat Wriddhiman Saha’s dour Steve Smith’s twin centuries in the first two matches greatest players: Rossi’s career, when he hit 9 am on Sony Six, HD fifty in the second here may not exactly be Kohli, who has hinted enabled him to move back into the top 20 for the first INAUSPICIOUS START a hat-trick as Italy downed conducive for prepara- that he wants to go on innings, there wasn’t time since 2018. He is currently at number fifteen with star-studded Brazil 3-2 to Big Bash League: Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat from 1.45 pm on tion considering that with his own prepara- much to write home 707 points. Glenn Maxwell’s 167 runs in the series and Rossi made his debut with reach the semifinals. Rossi Sony Ten 2, HD Adelaide Oval curator tion routine before the about for India in the featured two half-centuries pushed him back up to 20th Juventus in 1973 and then won the Golden Boot for Damian Hough, accord- “Battle Royale”. opening first-class rank. — PTI loaned to Serie ‘B’ side top-scoring with six goals, Lanka Premier League: Dambulla ing to Ian Chappell, will It could also be a tacti- encounter. — PTI Vicenza for the 1976-77 sea- the Golden Ball as the tour- vs Colombo from 7.30 pm on son. Rossi was Serie B’s top nament’s best player, and Sony Six, HD scorer that year, firing that year’s Ballon d’Or. Vicenza to promotion, and FOOTBALL HEYSEL TRAGEDY he led the Serie ‘A’ scoring Indian Super League: Mohun Bagan 30,000 SPECTATORS TO charts the following sea- After the World Cup, Rossi vs Hyderabad FC from 7.20 pm Chennai to host 2 Tests son, earning a call-up to enjoyed his most success- on Star Sports 2, 3 THRONG BOXING DAY TEST Enzo Bearzot’s Italy squad ful club spell with Italian League: Sasssuolo vs for the 1978 World Cup in Juventus, where he formed Benevento from 1.15 am (Saturday) Melbourne, Dec. 10: The iconic Boxing Day Test Argentina. Rossi shone in a formidable partnership on Sony Ten 2, HD between India and Australia is set to be played in front in India-England series the tournament, scoring with Michel Platini and of 30,000 fans per day after the Victorian government three goals as the Italians Zbigniew Boniek. WWE eased crowd restrictions on Thursday. New Delhi, Dec. 10: BCCI secretary Jay Tests and five ODIs will finished fourth. Juventus won the 1983 SmackDown: Bouts from 6.30 am be in Ahmedabad. The In a world scarred by the Covid-19 pandemic, the lim- India’s much-anticipated Shah on Thursday TOTONERO SCANDAL Coppa Italia, the 1983-84 (Saturday) on Sony Ten 1, HD ited overs series between Australia and India saw the Day/Night Test against announced Motera as remaining two Tests will Serie ‘A’ title and UEFA return of spectators. England will be held at the venue for the be in Chennai and three Despite his World Cup Cup Winners’ Cup and the The Boxing Day Test scheduled to be played between Ahmedabad from day/night Test during ODIs in Pune,” a senior heroics, Rossi again strug- 1984 UEFA Super Cup. December 26 to 30 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground February 24 next year the Gujarat Cricket BCCI source said. gled with injuries in the Rossi also top-scored with Regd. No. was earlier restricted to 25 per cent of the total capac- and the city will also be Association’s Indoor “As per our rotational following season. Rossi six goals as Juventus ity crowd — about 25,000 fans a day. the venue of one more Academy inauguration. policy, Pune and then got embroiled in the reached the 1983 European TNENG/2010/35692 However, the decision to increase the cap to 30,000 Test and five T20 The match will be India’s Chennai were due to get ‘Totonero’ match-fixing Cup final, where they lost was made after the state went past 40 days without a Internationals at its second pink ball Test at matches long back. With scandal and was banned to Hamburg. However, Printed & Published by new Covid-19 case. newly-constructed home after the this series, they would for three years, later Rossi’s final game for K. Sudhakar on behalf of “We’re so excited to be able to welcome so many fans Motera Stadium. Bangladesh game at the get a chance to host their reduced to two as he con- Juventus was marked by Deccan Chronicle Holdings Limited to the MCG in what’s been such a challenging year for The two other venues Eden Gardens last year. pending games,” he fur- tinually protested his inno- tragedy. At the 1985 and Printed at Deccan Chronicle Presses situated Victorians! #AUSvIND,” Cricket Australia tweeted. that have been allotted “England team will not ther added. It is under- cence. The ban ruled Rossi European Cup final 39 fans at SP 3, Developed Plot, Industrial Estate, The much-anticipated four-Test series is scheduled to matches as per BCCI’s travel the length and stood that a successful out of the 1980 European died in a stampede and Guindy, Chennai - 600 032. begin from December 17 in Adelaide. rotational policy are breadth of the country hosting of England Championship, where wall collapse following RNI Registration No: TN ENG/2005/14987 The Adelaide Test will be the only five-day game Chennai, which will host in the prevailing situa- series would pave the hosts Italy finished fourth. crowd disturbances. Ph Nos: 22254747, 22254748, 22254750, which Virat Kohli will feature in before he returns to two Test matches, and tion (Covid-19 pandem- way for a good and suc- However, he was rehired by Season-long spells at Milan 22254751 be with his actor wife Anushka Sharma for the birth of Pune that will host the ic). There are only three cessful IPL at home after Juventus and returned in and Hellas Verona fol- Editor: KAUSHIK MITTER their first child in early January. — PTI three ODIs during the cities where BCCI is cre- it had to be taken to UAE time for the tail-end of the lowed, before Rossi retired February-March series. ating a bio-bubble. Two this year. — PTI Turin team’s victorious in 1987. — AFP DECCAN CHRONICLE | FRIDAY | 11 DECEMBER 2020 | CHENNAI pg 9 DECCAN CHRONICLE | FRIDAY | 11 DECEMBER 2020 | CHENNAI pg 10