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RNI No. TELENG/2018/76469 Established 1864 Published From HYDERABAD DELHI LUCKNOW BHOPAL RAIPUR CHANDIGARH BHUBANESWAR RANCHI DEHRADUN VIJAYAWADA *LATE CITY VOL. 3 ISSUE 73 HYDERABAD, FRIDAY JANUARY 1, 2021; PAGES 12 `3 *Air Surcharge Extra if Applicable www.dailypioneer.com BHEL BAGS RS 3,200 CR ORDERS FOR ‘PROBABLY IN NEW YEAR...’: DRUG GOVERNMENT EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR JIO TO OFFER FREE CALLS TO OTHER HYDRO PROJECTS IN TS, AP CONTROLLER HINTS AT VACCINE NOD SOON FASTAG TILL FEBRUARY 15, 2021 NETWORKS AGAIN, STARTING JAN 1 tate-run engineering firm BHEL on he approval for a Covid vaccine can he Ministry of Road Transport and eliance Jio on Thursday announced that it SThursday said it has bagged orders worth Tcome soon, the country's drugs control THighway (MoRTH) has extended the Rwould once again make off-net domestic Rs 3,200 crore for hydro projects in Andhra authority has indicated. At a webinar today, deadline for the collection of toll charges on voice calls free on its network starting January Pradesh and Telangana. "BHEL has bagged Drugs Controller General Dr VG Somani the National Highways using FASTag. The 1, 2021. The operator will restart its earlier significant orders, valued at Rs 3,200 crore, said, "Probably we will have a happy New deadline was originally until January 1, 2021 practice over a year after it started charging its for Electro-Mechanical (E&M) works for a Year with something in hand. That is what I which has now been extended to February subscribers 6 paise a minute to make voice Hydro Electric Project (HEP) in Andhra can hint at". The assurance from the Drugs 15, 2021. Under the original deadline, the calls to other mobile networks. The fresh Pradesh and E&M (electrical and mechanical) Controller General came ahead of a crucial National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) decision came as a result of the ‘Bill and Keep' works of pump-motor sets for Lift Irrigation meeting of the expert panel on emergency was slated to completely switch over to regime that the Telecom Regulatory Authority Schemes (LIS) in Telangana," a BHEL use vaccine authorization, which is set for FASTag payment at toll plazas from January 1 of India (TRAI) is implementing in the country statement said. The order for E&M works for tomorrow. Earlier today, Prime Minister onwards, which meant FASTags needed to be from January 1 that will end interconnect 12x80 MW Polavaram hydro power project in Narendra Modi said "Preparations are in retrofitted on all four-wheelers and usage charges (IUC) for all domestic voice Andhra Pradesh envisages manufacture and supply of India's highest last stages for the vaccination programme against COVID-19. commercial vehicles. At present, the share of transactions made calls. With the update, subscribers on Jio will be able to make free voice unit-rating Kaplan hydro turbines, the company said. People will get vaccine manufactured in India". through FASTag is said to be around 75-80 per cent. calls to any mobile network in the country — just like other telcos. New Year heralds a ‘changed KCR' HC sore at govt for VENKAT RAM REDDY LAKKADI Associations for lunch and allowing NY revelry n HYDERABAD n released their calendars and CM becomes more accessible to officials, employees diaries, much to their pleasant PNS n HYDERABAD Call it 'Dubbak dhamaka', n TRS leaders, Ministers, MLAs secure CM's surprise. HAPPY 2021 'GHMC double dhamaka or TRS circles say if KCR The Telangana High Court on whatever, TRS supremo and appointment easily becomes accessible even to Thursday expressed its dis- The Pioneer wishes its Chief Minister K common people in the New pleasure at the state govern- readers, advertisers, Chandrasekhar Rao is a n KCR reverses several of his tough decisions on LRS, Year 2021 by launching an ment's decision to allow New suppliers and agents a 'changed man' now for TRS outreach like "Praja Darbar", Year's Eve celebrations past HAPPY NEW YEAR. leaders, government officials Dharani and Ayushmaan Bharat to address a la some previous CMs in midnight, ignoring the Covid- As our offices will remain and employees. All of them see problems of people undivided AP, to lend his 19 situation. closed today a sea-change in KCR's deport- hear to grievances of common Taking suo motu cog- (01-01-2021), there will be ment and overall behavior people, he would be in a posi- nizance of media reports, the no issue of the paper since his return from Delhi trip 2014. Still, leaders of employees' After 2014, leaders of tion to completely shed his High Court wondered why tomorrow (02-01-2021) on December 13. Refreshingly, it has also unions secured KCR's appoint- employees' unions failed to image of being 'inaccessible' the state government had not After spending two weeks at became easier than ever for ment twice in two days-an get KCR's appointment to and unapproachable. In such altogether banned New Year Resident Editor his farmhouse post Delhi trip, TRS leaders, Ministers and achievement of sorts that is release calendars and diaries, circumstances, opposition revelry. The court expressed "What message does the KCR resumed work from party MLAs etc to secure being debated in political and due to which they had to rely parties will have no scope to its surprise over the permis- government want to give by Pragathi Bhavan on December KCR's appointment and meet administrative circles. KCR on KT Rama Rao, T Harish attack him at least on this sion given to bars and wine allowing indiscriminate open- 27. Since then he has been him at Pragathi Bhavan now. invited leaders of employees Rao, Etela Rajender and Swamy issue. shops to remain open till 1 pm ing of bars and wine shops? active, holding review meetings The common peeve against unions for lunch at Pragathi Goud, among others. Since Sunday last, KCR has and 12 midnight respectively Why is the government so every day concerning one KCR, ever since he became CM Bhavan on Thursday and even Apart from high-profile reversed several of his deci- by the state excise department indifferent to the threat of department or the other. This in 2014, has been that "no one released their New Year calen- associations such as Telangana sions on LRS, Dharani and at a time when the state med- pandemic?" the High Court is at variance with his known can meet KCR unless he wants dars and diaries --- something Non Gazetted Officers' Ayushman Bharat, among ical and health department asked. It pointed out that sev- style of functioning that to meet someone". KCR has which KCR did only once after Association (TNGOs), others, since they are believed has been sounding high alerts eral states, including Rajasthan involved holding such meet- weathered criticism of remain- he became CM in 2014, though Telangana Gazetted Officers' to have caused problems to over the possibility of the and Maharashtra, had already ings once a week, fortnight, or ing inaccessible even to he has done it every year dur- Association (TGOs), KCR people. quick spread of the new vari- banned New Year celebrations. even a month in some cases Ministers and party MLAs, let ing the Telangana statehood invited less prominent ant of Coronavirus from UK since he became CM in June alone others. agitation. Telangana Class-IV Employees 2 returnees. 2 ‘Green’ light for

Labour Ministry decides to notify new Secretariat 8.5% interest on EPF RAJESH JAIN NIDARKAR build a state-of-the art fully n HYDERABAD integrated Secretariat with ultra modern facilities. Chief Environmental hurdles relat- Minister K Chandrasekhar BJP corporator- ing to the plan for construc- Rao is particular that it should 8 Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao at a high-level review meeting in Pragathi Bhavan on Thursday tion of a new Secretariat in be built without any architec- elect dies of Telangana have been removed. tural defect. KCR TO COLLECTORS The Union Environment The new Secretariat is esti- Coronavirus Ministry on Thursday cleared mated to cost between Rs 400 the proposal submitted by the crore and Rs 500 crore. It will PNS n HYDERABAD state government for the con- be built on 7 lakh square feet ‘Resolve in 60 days land issues struction. area. It will have six floors. Corporator-elect Akula The TS High Court has The new Secretariat will be Ramesh Goud, who was already granted permission rectangular in shape. recently elected on behalf of for building the Secretariat. BJP from Lingojigudem divi- not embroiled in legal battles’ The government plans to 2 sion, died of corona on Thursday. He is yet take oath as corporator. 80K Dharani agri registrations completed in less than 2 months Ramesh Goud tested coro- na positive three days after PNS n HYDERABAD chasing, registering or upon sures required to improve its Sabharwal, Mee Seva CEO winning the GHMC elec- mutation of agriculture lands, performance. Venkateswar Rao, Revenue tion. He was admitted to Chief Minister K is giving the desired results. Ministers KT Rama Rao, Affairs experts retired IAS offi- AIG Hospital, Gachibowli. Chandrashekhar Rao has said The CM held a high-level Vemula Prashanth Reddy, T cers Ramaiah, Sundar Abnar, He breathed his last on that the Dharani portal, which review meeting at Pragathi Srinivas Yadav, Chief Secretary Rafat Ali, Collectors Thursday, while undergoing A year of political was created inter alia to ensure Bhavan on Thursday to take Somesh Kumar, CMO Venktramreddy, Hanumanth treatment there. that farmers would not face any stock of the maintenance of Principal Secretaries S Narsing Rao, turbulence, natural difficulties while selling, pur- Dharani portal and the mea- Rao, Seshadri, Secretary Smita 2 2 calamity for Bengal Three held with drugs ACT Fibernet, Sujana Mall fined Six involved in child 5 PNS n HYDERABAD Centre, Rs 3,91,000 from OM marriage arrested for New Year bash Books Foundation, Rs 3,00,000 PNS n HYDERABAD identified as Nikhil Shenoy The Enforcement, Vigilance from Paradise, Rs 3,00,000 and PNS n HYDERABAD limits, has been living with her (32), Faiz Mevati (20) and and Disaster Management Rs 3,00,000 Kalyan Jewellers. aunt, Hoor Unnisa, after her TODAY The Hyderabad City Police on Meroz Khan (31), all resi- (EVDM) wing of the Greater On Thursday, the wing Six persons allegedly involved mother died a few years ago. Thursday caught three persons dents of Secunderabad. Hyderabad Municipal released a list of fines collected in forcibly marrying a minor Her father had remarried and ALMANAC who were allegedly planning P Radha Kishan Rao, DCP Corporation (GHMC) has fined from these establishments, after girl to a 57-year-old man were has been living in another part Month & Paksham: to make money by selling (Task Force), said Nikhil had ACT Fibernet, Forum Sujana several citizens raised ques- arrested by the Falaknuma of the city. drugs to New Year revellers. lured Faiz and Meroz to help Mall and others heavily for tions on whether penalties Police on Thursday. According to the police, Margashirsha & Shukla Paksha The police seized MDMA him in identifying drug unauthorized advertisements levied are being collected. The police rescued the vic- earlier this month, Hoor Panchangam and LSD blots, Ecstasy pills, addicts and to sell the contra- in Hyderabad. Most of these establishments tim in the nick of time, with Unnisa conspired, along with Tithi : Dwitiya: 09:32 am hashish oil and dry ganja, all band to them. The gang pro- The EVDM collected Rs The wing collected Rs have erected unauthorised the elderly groom fleeing the her husband Mir Farhathullah Nakshatram: Pushya: 08:15 pm together worth Rs.10.18 lakh cured the drugs from suppli- 17,44,000 from ACT Fibernet, 5,00,000 fine from DSS Gold advertisements element above hotel in which he was staying. and son Mir Rahmathullah, to Time to Avoid: (Bad time to start after raiding a flat in East ers in Andhra Pradesh, Goa Rs 16,50,000 from Forum Pvt Limited and Rs 4,50,000 fine 15 feet in height from the The 16-year-old victim, a marry the girl off to some rich any important work) Marredpally. and other places. Sujana Mall, and Rs 7,50,000 from GVK One Mall, Rs ground level. resident of Teegalkunta under person. The arrested persons were 2 from Sonovision this year. 4,00,000 from Vijaya Diagnostic 2 the Falaknuma Police Station 2 Rahukalam: 10:57 am – 12:19 pm Yamagandam: 03:04 pm – 04:27 pm VANTAGE POINT -NNARSIM Varjyam: Nil, Gulika: 08:12 am - 09:35 am In a first, Numaish deferred to January 31 Good Time: (to start any important work) Amritakalam: 01:44 pm – 03:22 pm PNS n HYDERABAD exhibition could be held, he said. ple, the attendance at Numaish Abhijit Muhurtham: 11:57 am – 12:41 pm Numaish, which translates would be much higher and the In a first, the 2021 edition of the to 'spectacle' in Urdu, is a 46-day Union Ministry of Home All India Industrial Exhibition event held in Hyderabad. It Affairs' guidelines would have to HYDERABAD in Hyderabad, popular as begins invariably from January be followed, he said at a press WEATHER 'Numaish', has been deferred till 1 every year. The exhibition sees conference here. January 31. traders from across the country Regarding the new COVID- Forecast: Sunny Exhibition Society president setting up stalls, selling clothes, 19 strain, the Health Minister Temp: 27/14 E. Rajender said on Thursday food, accessories, home essen- said there were no such cases in Humidity: 67% that the annual Numaish was tials, etc. Telangana, except for the solitary Sunrise: 06:46 am being deferred till January 31. Over 20 lakh visitors had case reported after a person Sunset: 05:53 pm The situation would be reviewed attended the 2020 exhibition returned from the United Current Weather Conditions after January 31 and a decision with an average of 45,000 visi- grounds per day for 46 days. functions were being permitted Kingdom. Updated December 31, 2020 5:00 PM taken on when and how the tors entering the exhibition Although marriages and with a limited number of peo- 2 HYDERABAD | FRIDAY | JANUARY 1, 2021 hyderabad 02

New Year... NAGARJUNASAGAR BY-POLL Continued from page 1 'U-Turn CM' should merge All these days KCR has been known as a 'tough CM' who TRS gets down to business never goes back on his deci- TRS with BJP: Congress sions, no matter how oppo- PNS n HYDERABAD work in unison. Whoever is the sition parties or civil society The by-election candidate chosen by the party PNS n HYDERABAD Telangana which he had demonitisation, GST and NITI organisations attack him. Taking note of the electoral to Nagarjuna leadership, care will be taken to opposed earlier on the pretext Ayog. TRS MPs voted for BJP's But now KCR has relaxed reverses suffered by the TRS in ensure that the cadres support Former Minister Mohammed that Aarogyasri was more candidates in the elections for LRS norms, restored old reg- Dubbak by-poll and the Sagar Assembly him. In view of the by-election, Ali Shabbir on Thursday comprehensive and better. President of India, Vice- istration method of non- GHMC elections, the ruling constituency is party in-charges would be advised Chief Minister K Therefore, instead of enacting President and Deputy Chairman agriculture properties against party has been treading care- appointed mandal-wise and Chandrashekhar Rao to offi- the dramas of rivalry to cheat of Rajya Sabha. CM also sup- his decision of doing it only fully to choose its candidate for likely to be held municipal towns-wise in a day cially merge Telangana Rashtra people, KCR should officially ported BJP in Triple Talaq Bill, through Dharani. the forthcoming by-election to either in or two. Samithi (TRS) with Bharatiya merge TRS with the BJP," Article 370 and other issues. CM KCR was dead against the Nagarjuna Sagar Assembly Party internal reports indi- Janata Party (BJP) as his Shabbir Ali said adding also supported the NRC and did Modi government's constituency. The by-election February or cate that the party leaders government was imple- that TRS-BJP merg- not oppose CAA in a formal Ayushman Bharat scheme is likely to be held either in March have urged CM to take part in menting all the anti- er would be best manner. TRS MPs abstained since its launch in 2018 and February or March. the campaign in view of the people policies of New Year's gift from the voting during the No refused to implement it in Accordingly, the TRS is bitter experiences tasted dur- Modi Government. for people of Confidence Motion. They also Telangana. But KCR has focussing on achieving greater ing Dubbak and GHMC elec- "Chief Minister Telangana as enacted the drama of opposition now agreed to dovetail coordination between the party the constituency according to the party. Out of the 2.16-lakh tions. The TRS leadership has first enacted the they would during the passing of new Farm Ayushman Bharat with cadres at the field level besides their communities and other electorate, BCs, especially the shortlisted four probables to drama of oppos- realise that Bills in the Rajya Sabha. Instead Arogyasri. choosing the candidate. The aspects to choose the strong Yadava community dominate contest the elections. The ing new farm laws Modi-KCR of cheating the people with fake Pragathi Bhavan is now party leadership is taking into candidate on behalf of the other communities in the con- leadership is assessing their of BJP government were equal part- rivalry, CM should merge TRS flooded with TRS leaders consideration all aspects before party. stituency numerically. After strengths and weakness at the and even supported ners in deceiving with the BJP as there was no dif- from all levels. taking a decision to eliminate According to party's internal Yadavas, Reddy community field level. They are MLC the Bharat Bandh call them. ference in the policies being Less known TRS MLAs the margin for error. survey, from Assembly con- and ST voters are the largest member Tera Chinnappa given by farmers' Shabbir Ali, in a media state- implemented by them," he said. like Vithal Reddy (Mudhole), Moreover, the TRS has stituency in-charges and party groups. The TRS is strong in Reddy, advocate Koti Reddy, organisation. He then took ment on Thursday, said that TRS The Congress leader said Koneru Konappa (Sirpur) focussed on the development leaders who enjoy confidence six mandals (partially strong in son of the late Nomula a U-turn and announced sup- has been working as the B-Team that TRS could merge itself secured KCR's appointment programmes to be implement- of KCR, the political situation Madgulapalli mandal) and in Narsimhayya - Nomula port for the contentious agri- of BJP since beginning. "KCR with the BJP especially for the easily to seek funds for their ed in Nagarjuna Sagar prior to in the constituency is being two municipalities - Haalia Bhagat - and former MLA cultural laws. KCR also took a supported all the moves of reason that there were a lot of constituencies. In fact, release of the election notifica- assessed in depth and also and Nagarjunasagar. Rammurthy Yadav's grand- U-turn on the implementation Prime Minister Narender Modi. similarities between PM Modi Konappa came with his entire tion. The party leadership is in that of the strengths and weak- Out of 179 gram panchayats, son Rajnit Yadav. Kotireddy of Ayushman Bharat Yojna in He was the first CM to support and CM. family to meet KCR and take fact looking for a stronger nesses of the ticket aspirants. 153 are supported by the TRS. and Ranjit Yadav claim that a photograph. candidate to field in view of the The TRS wants to choose its Five MPPS and four ZPTCs their rapport with minister Other TRS leaders are also bitter experiences faced in by- candidate on the basis of the belong to the TRS. Out of eight from the district Jagadish queuing up to meet KCR to polls and GHMC elections. organisational strength in the Primary Agricultural reddy would help him get the invite him for the weddings TRS president K constituency and also the Cooperative Societies, chair- ticket. The TRS has been 3 held with drugs for New Year revelry of their kith and kin. KCR too Chandrasekhar Rao is taking strengths of various communi- men of seven belong to the assessing the winning chances Continued from page 1 400 per cent profit," the DCP East Marredpally and caught is meeting them and person- into consideration the ties. Teams being led by former TRS. Therefore, the TRS lead- in case Congress fields former "The drugs were purchased said, adding that the gang had the trio. Efforts are on to nab Faisal ally receiving invitation cards. strengths of the ticket aspirants, whip of the government and ership has decided to achieve minister Jana Reddy or his son from one Injoth Singh of AP, stocked up on drugs keeping in and Govind, who are absconding. Previously such invitation the possible candidates likely to party in-charges have gathered greater coordination in the Raghuveer Reddy and BJP Faisal alias Osman of Lalaguda mind New Year celebrations. The three, along with the seized cards were handed over his be fielded by the BJP against information on suitable candi- party. It wants to bring the fields Nivedita Reddy or and Govind of Adilabad district. Based on a tip-off, the Task drugs, were handed over to the personal staff. the TRS, the voter strength in date from important leaders of party activists and leaders to Kandari Anjaiah Yadav. The gang made around 300 to Force (West) raided a flat in Tukaramgate police. ‘Green’ light for new... HC sore at In a first, Numaish BJP corporator- Maoist movement: Cops Continued from page 1 state.KCR has been working govt for... elect dies of on the final designs of the new deferred to January 31 cordon off Medipally The offices of the secretaries of Secretariat for quite some Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 will administer the same. Coronavirus various departments and the time. The matter was dis- However, since the vaccine is PNS n BHUPALAPALLY the movement of Maoists. He section offices will be accom- cussed at review meetings However, the High Court He too was responding posi- being manufactured in Continued from page 1 created awareness among modated within portions allot- with senior officials several did not impose any stay on tively to treatment and would Hyderabad, we are appealing Medipalli, a remote tribal vil- youth urging them not to ted to ministers. times. Some changes were the New Year's Eve celebra- be discharged in a few days, he to the Central government to Expressing shock over the lage in Kataram mandal of provide shelter to Maoists as it There will be a separate suggested and accordingly tions, but said it was caution- said. "The current winter sea- accord us top priority in dis- sudden demise of Ramesh Jayashankar Bhupalapally dis- is against the law. He called entry gate for the Chief final touches were given to the ing people not to take up any son is conducive for spread of tribution of the vaccine," said Goud, Telangana BJP chief trict, was cordoned off by the upon the youth to tread a good Minister. An action plan has plan. The new government- celebrations this year on seasonal diseases. There is a Rajender. Bandi Sanjay extended con- police in the early hours of path and not to get influenced been drawn up to construct an approved design includes account of Coronavirus. It need to exercise caution and In reply to a query on dolences and expressed his Thursday suspecting the by Maoists.Tribals were integrated Secretariat building minor changes to the helipad also asked the government to follow the existing Covid-19 alleged irregularities in the sympathies for the bereaved Maoists' movement. The shocked when their village on a total of 27 acres of land. in front of the building, lawns make toughest measures to guidelines," said Rajender. allotment of medical seats, family. "It is great loss to the search was conducted under was cordoned off. Police About 20 per cent of this area on both sides, and provision see that the revellers do not On the vaccine, the Health the Health Minister said a party as Ramesh Goud was the supervision of SDPO appealed to them not to panic will be used for buildings. for vehicle parking. create nuisance on the New Minister said the State was all committee would be constitut- a committed, strong leader. Bonala Kishan. The villagers and sought their cooperation The government has already The cabinet meeting held a Year Day. It posted the case to prepared for administration of ed to check on the allegations Ramesh Goud used to com- were in a panic when the in eliminating the Maoists. He demolished the old Secretariat. few months ago approved the January 7 and asked the gov- the vaccine. and based on its report, a deci- plete the assignments given police cordoned off the village. further stated that the govern- KCR hopes to build an excel- final design of the new ernment to submit a compre- "As and when the Central sion would be taken. Not a sin- by the party sincerely," he Later, local youth were told to ment was implementing wel- lently designed new Secretariat Secretariat as well as the struc- hensive report on the mea- government commences the gle student from Telangana observed. gather in the middle of the vil- fare schemes for their welfare that will reflect the pride of the ture of the building. sures taken. distribution of vaccine, we would be at loss, he said. lage and they were asked about and advised them to avail it. Six involved... ACT Fibernet, SURVEY REPORT Continued from page 1 For this purpose, they had ‘Unplanned' lockdown caused chaos sought the help of two brokers, Sujana Mall fined Mohammed Abdul Rahman ANUSHA PUPPALA ple like free distribution of and Waseem Khan. They Continued from page 1 nient hoardings to the citizens. n HYDERABAD According to the ration at PDS Shops, 500 rupees found a man from Kerala Good job done by CEC team survey, it was for Jan Dhan account holders etc who was willing to marry the According to the authorities, under the leadership of EVDM The Center for Peace Studies but these families could not ben- girl, and accordingly the mar- erection of unauthorised adver- Vishwajit IPS in the illegal conducted a survey of over 500 found that lack efit from these. The survey riage was finalized, said tisments, use of flashing lights advertisements area for the year families in Muslim neighbour- of planning and focussed on the implementation Gajarao Bhupal, DCP (South). or non-static illumination in the 2020. Request MAUD Minister hoods in Hyderabad, Hospet, preparedness of PDS (public distribution sys- On December 27, they took advertisements, use of moving, to increase the bandwidth to this Jaipur, Bhopal and Delhi to tem) and Social Security pen- the girl to the office of Qazi, rotating or variable message wing to assist public. If you document the experiences dur- resulted in great sions in Muslim areas during Mohammed Badiuddin advertising devices etc is an observe citizens are also ing the lockdown of April-May hardship for Covid-19. Quadri, at Malakpet and sol- offence committed under sec- involved in this program, 2020. According to the survey, SQ Maqsood, Coordinator emnized the marriage, despite tion 420,421 of the GHMC Citizens+Administration + it was found that lack of plan- common people of Center for Peace Studies in the girl resisting their attempts. Act. Good policies is always a dead- ning and preparedness resulted and especially Hyderabad said, "People in The police were alerted by the Srinivas, a resident said, "As ly combination for success. in great hardship for common Muslim neighbourhoods were step-brother of the girl, who said by EVDM there is change Wish we soon see Swachh people and especially those those from poor deprived of food in violation approached the Falaknuma happening, but it is not enough; Hyderabad with no public from poor neighbourhoods. neighbourhoods of the National Food Security Police. The police formed spe- a lot more needs to be done. I places defacements and increase They faced issues of hunger Act (NFSA), passed by the cial teams and arrested all the prefer more than fining having in social responsibility in the and other health and financial Indian Parliament in 2013. six persons, including Quadri, the things removed and educat- Citizens". crisis due to lockdown for by placing their thumb on the not receive any rations during the beneficiaries before deletion. This law aims to ensure food though the groom fled the ing them will bring the real EVDM Director Viswajit months. Majority of respondents biometric devices at the ration lockdown. According to information security in India, chiefly by lodge in which he was staying change. First politicians need to Kampati told The Pioneer, "We complained about deletion of shops for getting the commodi- According to the survey, obtained under RTI, total 4.39 providing cereals at subsi- before the police could get change and make sure that are doing our best to bring in names of the family members ties. majority of beneficiaries were crore alleged bogus ration cards dized prices through the him. their followers do not install some qualitative change to the from the ration cards due to Many respondents said that only getting rice, other essential were weeded out since 2013 till Targeted Public Distribution The police initially regis- flexies for each and every func- city with utmost transparency which they could not get ration their application for new ration commodities were not provid- date across the country. This led System (TPDS). The primary tered a case under various sec- tion"(sic). and accountability. All efforts during lockdown. card was pending as govern- ed at ration shops. Respondents to suffering by genuine persons purpose of the act is to provide tions of the Child Marriage Vinay Vangla, a social activist, are being made by us to address Many people were denied ment kept it on hold. It was also complained that their ration during lockdown. People were for food and nutritional secu- Act 2006, but later also added told The Pioneer, "We can wit- the issues of defacement and cit- ration due to issues in Bio- found that there is no uniformi- cards were deleted on different not aware about Social Security rity by making food accessible Sections 120 B, 376 (2) (I) (N) ness the change, a lot of estab- izen safety in the city. We thank Matric authentication. As per ty in issuing ration cards to the grounds like not drawn ration pensions. The Government of both quantitatively and qual- and 420 of IPC and also lishments started removing/cov- all the netizens for supporting the system, the cardholders beneficiaries. Almost 30 per for 3 - 5 months. India announced several mea- itatively at affordable prices to Section 5 (N) of the Protection ering the dangerous/inconve- us in our endeavors". have to authenticate themselves cent respondents said they did No prior notice was given to sures to address the need of peo- people.” of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. HYDERABAD BULLION RATES ‘Resolve in 60 days land issues not embroiled in legal battles’ GOLD Continued from page 1 their land and mutations with- For this, accept applications settle the cases in revenue thereafter put up the details ture lands to sell or purchase tion document. o ` 50, 960 (10 gm) out any problem. through Mee Seva and allot courts. on Dharani portal and issue the lands through Dharani If the lands are registered in Prashant Patil, Narayan Reddy, KCR announced that even if slots. o In the areas where there is no passbooks. portal immediately. the names of minors and ` 00 Sashank, MLAs Balka Suman, S there were some uncertainties o Collectors should examine Act 1/70 implementation, o Changes, additions of the o Give an opportunity to NRIs guardians, issue Pattadar SILVER Marri Janardhan Reddy and regarding agriculture lands, the the application for regularisa- cases booked under the Act land details on the Dharani to get the land registered on Passbooks on both minor ` 72, 400 (1kg) others participated. District Collectors would solve tion of Sada Bainamas and should be solved. In the areas portal should be made based their names by registering and guardian names. ` 100 The Chief Minister expressed them in two months. finalise the ownership rights. where 1/70 Act is under on the verdicts given by their Passport Number. o Transfer the land assigned by his satisfaction that farmers The CM stated that the As per the regularised Sada implementation, take mea- courts and tribunals under o Give facility to take out print- the government to the legal were able to do registrations, sale Dharani portal would have more Bainamas land, the details sures to safeguard the land the Collectors. Add Court out of EC, Market Value cer- heirs if the allottee farmer dies. CHICKEN and purchase as well as muta- options, following improve- should be registered on rights of the local STs. Portal to the Dharani. tificates. o Give facility to obtain a true RATES `/KG tions within minutes and with- ments. He said that agriculture Dharani portal and Pattadar o Collectors should make o Give facility to register Lease o In case somebody is not in a copy of the Pattadar passbook out bribing any one, using any land registrations were being Passbooks issued. enquiries about the discrep- Agreements through the position to come on the day if the original one is lost. Dressed/With Skin `161 influence, or running from pil- done very transparently through o Barring cases pending in ancies on Sethwar and take a Dharani portal. the slot is allotted, allow them o Under any circumstances Without Skin `183 lar to post around government the portal. courts, the Collectors should decision. Register the details o Register details of lands con- to book slot for another day. never register Tank lands, offices. The CM said that in the CM's specific instructions solve all problems within 60 on the Dharani portal and verted through NALA and In case the slot is cancelled, FTL lands, Wakf lands, forest- Broiler at Farm `111 past two months, 1.6 lakh days in respect of lands put issue passbooks. issue proceedings. refund the money. lands, Endowment lands to booked slots, of which 80,000 The Chief Minister gave specif- under Part B during the o At some places, government o Provide facility on the o Give an opportunity to cor- private persons or parties. EGG had already completed their ic instructions for making Comprehensive Land and private lands are in the Dharani portal to register rect the information before o Put an option on the Dharani RATES registrations. improvements to the portal. Records Survey. If need be, same survey number. Those agreement of sale- cum-GPA. registration if the information portal to inform the reason `/100 The Chief Minister men- They include: Collectors should undertake survey numbers are put in o Allow registration of agricul- was not properly given at the why an applicant's slot was HYDERABAD 495 tioned that 90 per cent of farm- o Under the aegis of district col- field inquiries, and take deci- prohibited list (22/A). ture lands sale deeds, time of booking the slot. Give not booked. o VIJAYAWADA 521 ers in the state held less than 5 lectors, mutations should be sions to finalise ownership Collectors should inquire into exchange deeds through the them a chance to correct it. If the changes and additions acres of land and the state gov- done to the lands registered, rights. lands in these survey numbers Dharani portal. o Give an option under the mentioned above are done, VISAKHAPATNAM 510 ernment's aim was to make based on the registered doc- o Under the supervision of and decide which land o Give an opportunity for com- Consenting Party category lands can be registered more RETAIL PRICE `4. 95 sure that these farmers would be uments before the Dharani Collectors, Tribunals should belongs to government and panies, firms and other insti- to have names of the legal efficiently through the (IN HYDERABAD) able to do the registration of portal became operational. be formed in each district to which to private parties, and tutions to be set up in agricul- heirs recorded in the registra- Dharani portal.

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Printed and published by B Krishna Prasad for and on behalf of CMYK Printech Ltd., Phone: 040-23322341, Hyderabad Office: F-502, Diamond Block, Lumbini Rockdale, Somajiguda, Hyderabad - 500 082. Telangana. Printed at Sree Seshasai Enterprises, Plot No.19, IDA Balanagar , Hyderbad-500037, Medchal -Malkajgiri District, Telangana. Chief Editor: Chandan Mitra. Resident Editor: B Krishna Prasad, AIR SURCHARGE of Rs 2.00. HYDERABAD | FRIDAY | JANUARY 1, 2021 hyderabad 03 Private schools to ‘return

or adjust’ excess fee YEAR! NEW HAPPY PNS n HYDERABAD stuck their guns stating that they collected the tuition fees Managements of private as per the rules and denying schools, which collected exor- having collected excess fees. bitant tuition fees violating the The official hinted at the gov- GO No. 46, have promised to ernment taking disciplinary the government to return the action against the manage- excess amount collected from ments. parents or adjust the same It may be recalled that a People thronged bakeries towards future payment of the financial crisis brewed in the to buy cakes in the city fee. The GO directs the schools private schools sector with on Thursday. With a to collect the tuition fees in several of them struggling to significant drop in Covid- monthly instalments. Violating keep afloat and meet the reg- 19 cases, florists, bakers, the orders, the school man- ular expenditure for running sweet makers are hoping agements collected higher fees. because of a steep fall in their for robust business. Many In view of the Covid-19 income as a result of lock- bakeries and local vendors pandemic, the State govern- down. Telangana was one of have also adapted to ment had issued GO No.46 the first States to impose lock- online sales and home directing all private schools down to curb the spread of delivery. affiliated to the State Board, Coronavirus. In April, Chief -SV Chary Central Board of Secondary all fees including sports and officials and gave undertaking Minister K. Chandrasekhar Education, ICSE and other library fee though physical that to return the excess fees Rao instructed private school international boards not to classes were not being held. collected or adjust the fees managements not to resort to increase fee during the acade- Some parents also moved the received against the monthly mandatory nominal fee hike mic year 2020-21. They were High Court over the issue. fee to be paid by parents, said this academic year and collect also directed to charge only The Education Department an official of the department only monthly fees instead of Traffic curbs in tuition fee on a monthly basis officials inspected 10 private on the condition of anonymi- annual fees at one go. until further orders. schools and confirmed the ty. He said that the All the schools empathetic to Chikkadpally TS’ daily Covid count dips further However, several parents collection of exorbitant fees by Department asked the private the extraordinary situation lodged complaints with the the managements and served school managements to com- complied with the advisory. PNS n HYDERABAD School Education Department notices on the schools. In a lat- plete the whole exercise by While parents are happy with from tomorrow over a fee hike by some est development, representa- January-end. online classes, some of them PNS n HYDERABAD In a further drop in new Covid schools, while others were col- tives of private school man- However, two school man- withheld payment of even cases in Telangana, the health lecting tuition fee by clubbing agements appeared before the agements are adamant and monthly fee. Certain traffic regulations have authorities on Thursday been imposed between Indira reported 415 new infections Park and VST junction in view during the last 24 hours. The of construction of four lane bi- new cases detected out of a CITY LIGHTS directional elevated corridor. sample size of over 43,000 NY fete: Cops The traffic police will enforce pushed the state's tally to the diversions from Saturday 2,86,354. Three more persons Breast cancer surgeon Raghu and the same will continue till succumbed to the virus during the completion of the works. the last 24 hours, taking the Ram on Queen's Honours list take no chances Accordingly, RTC buses/heavy death toll to 1,541. PNS n HYDERABAD of liquor at retail outlets till vehicles coming from RTC The fatality rate remained minent breast cancer surgeon Raghu midnight. It has also given per- cross-roads towards Hindi 0.53 per cent against the Rangareddy district saw the state has also dropped to Ram Pillarisetti is named on the The Hyderabad police on mission for liquor to be served Mahavidyalaya will be divert- national average of 1.4 per second highest number of below 6,000. The number Eprestigious 2021 New Year's Honours list Thursday imposed restrictions in bars, New Year events and in- ed at RTC cross roads towards cent. According to director of new cases at 43 followed by now stands at 5,974including of Queen Elizabeth II. The list has just been on New Year celebrations and house parties till 1 a.m. The Chikkadpally market, public health and family wel- Medchal Malkajgiri (39), 3,823 who are in home or published in the 'London Gazette', the official announced a special drive department made it clear that Narayanguda cross-roads left fare, 44.96 per cent of the Karimnagar (33), Warangal institutional isolation. publication of the Crown. Instituted in 1917 against drunken driving. this will be subject to observance turn, Crown Café, Barkathpura deaths occurred due to Urban (31) and Mancherial Over 90 per cent of beds in by King George V, the Queen's Honours are Hyderabad, Cyberabad and of SOP for Covid-19. All the Petrol Pump, Fever Hospital, COVID while 55.04 per cent (17). government-run and private amongst the most prestigious awards Rachakonda police commis- three police commissioner- Vidyanagar Main Road and had comorbidities. The state saw 316 recover- hospitals treating COVID-19 worldwide. Raghu Ram is the director of sionerates have announced ates have announced a slew of Hindi Mahavidyalaya. Greater Hyderabad ies during the last 24 hours, in the state remained vacant. KIMS-Ushalakshmi Centre for Breast closure of all flyovers and cer- measures to check drunken Similarly, buses/heavy vehicles Municipal Corporation taking the cumulative num- Out of 8,584 beds available in Diseases and founder-CEO of Ushalakshmi Breast Cancer tain roads in the interest of driving and New Year revelry from Hindi Mahavidyalaya (GHMC) reported 91 new bers to 2,78,839. The recovery 61 government hospitals Foundation. He is also the immediate past President of the public safety. The government on the roads. "So what are your towards RTC cross roads will cases during last 24 hours. rate stands at 97.37 per cent treating COVID, 7,834 beds Association of Surgeons of India. The 54-year-old has the rare has granted permission to the plans tonight? Will meet you at be diverted at Hindi This is the fifth time in a week as against the national aver- were vacant. A total of 750 distinction of becoming one of the youngest surgeons of Indian Telangana Prohibition and special drive on drunken dri- Mahavidyalaya junction that the daily count of cases age of 96 per cent. The num- people were undergoing origin in over 100 years to be honoured by the Queen with an OBE - Excise department to allow sale ving," the Hyd police tweeted. towards Fever Hospital. dropped to below 100. ber of active cases in the treatment in these hospitals. Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. It is the second highest Order of the British Empire award (excluding a knighthood /damehood) conferred in recognition of his outstanding services. MA&UD lays down Governor, Chief Minister extend New Year greetings procedure to grant overnor Tamilisai building permission Soundararajan and Chief GMinister K Chandrashekhar PNS n HYDERABAD Rao conveyed their New Year greetings to people in the State. The Municipal Administration and Urban The Chief Minister prayed to God Development Department has prescribed a to bless the people, who are procedure for granting building permission in entering into the New Year with various categories for plots and sites in unap- new hopes and desires, happiness and comfort. He desired that all proved and illegal layouts. the attempts being made to develop the state in all fronts should In a memo, the department said building fructify. Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan in a statement said, "I permits in plots and sites in unapproved and extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all the people of illegal layouts having documents registered Telangana to have a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year- on or before August 26, 2020 for which appli- 2021. I wish this New Year-2021 may be filled with best of the cation has been filed under the new LRS-2020 happiness, health, prosperity, aspirations and fulfilment. I wish this scheme can be processed duly after collect- New Year-2021 may herald the end of Covid-19 pandemic through ing fee/charges as per LRS-2020 on submis- successful vaccination and our strict adherence to preventive sion of LRS-2020 acknowledgement receipt measures. We have shown to the world in the year 2020 that by the applicant in the building application. through our collective will and effort, we could contain the massive Building permissions for plots and sites in spread of Covid-19." "Let us resolve to continue our spirited fight unapproved and illegal layouts having doc- against all societal evils and ill health and usher in a equal, uments registered on or before August 26, equitable, inclusive, peaceful, and healthy society.” 2020, but without applying for land regular- isation under the new LRS-2020 scheme, can be processed duly after collecting basic penal SCR to run spl trains between charges as per LRS-2020 and 33 per cent com- pounded fee on the same in addition to the Vizag and Lingampalli open space contribution charges of 14 per cent on the present market value of the site n order to clear extra rush, the or plot applied for building permission. South Central Railway will run The department prescribed the procedure Ispecial trains between after it came to the notice that plot or site Visakhapatnam and Lingampalli owners had submitted applications to the and will be fully reserved for GHMC seeking building permission enclos- passengers. Train No. 02831 ing online receipts filed under LRS-2020 Visakhapatnam - Lingampalli application. festival special train will be operated from January 9 to 31, which will depart Visakhapatnam at 6.20 am and arrive Lingampalli at 7.40 pm on the same day. In the return direction, Train No. 02832 Lingampalli - Visakhapatnam Six-month-old baby, festival special train will depart Lingampalli from January 10 to February 1, at 6.15 am and arrive Visakhapatnam at 7.45 am on the same day. Enroute, these special trains will stop at Duvvada, allegedly sold by Anakapalle, Elamanchili, Tuni, Annavaram, Samalkot, Rajahmundry, Tadepalligudem, Eluru, Nuzividu, Vijayawada, Tenali, Guntur. father, rescued Heart, lungs transplanted PNS n HYDERABAD A six-month-old boy, who was allegedly sold simultaneously in two patients by his father for Rs 70,000 to a childless cou- ple, was rescued by the Chaderghat police and he New Year brought new hopes into handed over to his mother on Thursday. the lives of two persons who received According to the Chaderghat police, a couple Theart and double lungs from a brain Raju and Sara lived on the pavement near the dead donor here. A 51-year-old woman Malakpet Area Hospital and were eking out a from Andhra Pradesh and a 59-year-old livelihood by seeking alms. man from Delhi received a new lease of On Friday, Raju with the help of a middle- life at the Institute of Heart and Lung man sold the child to one Afreen, a resident of transplant, KIMS Hospitals, Hyderabad as NTR Nagar in LB Nagar for Rs 70,000. On com- heart and double lungs were transplanted ing to know of this, Sara approached the respectively into them simultaneously, the Chaderghat police and lodged a complaint hospital said on Thursday. Dr. Sandeep Attawar, Director and Chair against her husband. Thoracic Organ Transplant program and his team made this feat The police then tracked the people who took possible on December 24 when they transplanted a heart in the the child to NTR Nagar in LB Nagar with the woman patient and lungs in the male patient. The donor was a brain help of CCTV cameras and on Thursday, res- dead patient from Hyderabad. "Biggest challenge presented to us cued the child from Afreen and handed him was to transplant harvested organs in two different recipients within over to Sara at the police station. S Sampath, 6-8 hours. The good thing was that the donor and recipients were in Sub-inspector (Chaderghat) said Afreen and his same hospital. It helped us cut down travel time to zero. It needed wife did not have a child even 10 years seamless coordination between surgical teams to make both after marriage and had bought the child from transplants successful," said Dr. Sandeep Attawar. Raju. HYDERABAD | FRIDAY | JANUARY 1, 2021 hyderabad 04 Kodandaram Uttam: KCR’s faulty policies Liquor sales at all-time to launch hunger strike preventing State’s growth ‘high’ in Khammam district PNS n HYDERABAD PNS n HYDERABAD PNS n WYRA Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) Telangana Pradesh Congress chief Prof Kodandaram will Committee (TPCC) president Barring the lockdown period, launch a two-day hunger strike and Nalgonda MP N Uttam liquor sales in 2020 crossed Rs in Hyderabad on January 3 or Kumar Reddy said that the 2,746 crore-mark during 4 demanding the appoint- wrong policies of Chief January-December period in ment of Vice-Chancellors and Minister K Chandrashekhar the district with an average sale filling the vacancies in univer- Rao and flawed administration between Rs 150-180 crore per sities. He said that the TJS is have halted the growth of month. Liquor shops in the demanding that the govern- Telangana to its full potential. state have remained closed ment take up recruitments in He was speaking with during March 22-May 5 on the universities as vacancies media persons after attending account of the lockdown. In are not filled since the forma- the Miryalaguda Municipality spite of it, it is remarkable to tion of the State. General Body meeting in the TPCC president N Uttam Kumar Reddy the Miryalaguda Municipality General note that the liquor sales have The TRS government has Municipal office and Body meeting on Thursday picked up subsequently. no vision on education while Miryalaguda Congress party Contrary to Excise the poor and needy have been meeting in Rajiv Bhavan on Department's claims of check- deprived of it. Why the gov- Thursday. He said that the Uttam Kumar Reddy said that TRS ing sale of liquor in villages ernment is encouraging pri- Miryalaguda was the hub of through belt shops, the sale of vate universities in the State cement and rice milling indus- government pursued policies which liquor in villages have contin- and why it had approved the try and it had huge scope for only benefited the contractors and ued unabated. The sale of private varsities bill on a war- development. As the local MP, liquor in March was put at Rs tions. The liquor sales revenue November 26th, 27th and 28th and Excise department accord- footing during the Assembly he promised that he would rich people. He said poor and 985 crore, while the preceding posted in the month of dates, the sales posted are Rs ed permission to liquor shops session, he questioned? He contribute his mite for the downtrodden people remained month of February saw sale of November is Rs 2,567.14 crore 229.26 crore, Rs 346.69 crore to remain open till 12 mid- asked the government why it development of Miryalguda. neglected under the TRS regime only Rs 150-crore work of and the Excise Officials were and 284.48 crore respectively. night on December 31 on the has not appointed Vice- He said that KCR lacked plan- liquor. The excise revenue to stunned with massive jump in The total revenue in these occasion of New Year's cele- Chancellors to the universities ning and required determina- the government has augment- the numbers. This is said to be three days is Rs 860 crore brations, relaxing present rules for the past 15 months? Hence, tion to develop all districts and ed as the liquor sales thrived. the highest revenue after the which is equal to one-third of that permit liquor sales till 11 quality education is not pro- regions of Telangana State. were facing an uncertain sit- farmers, he should specify Last year, the total sale of separate statehood was the revenues. pm. It also permitted license vided to students and are Citing the instance of uation due to KCR's decision how and where farmers liquor in erstwhile Khammam achieved. About 31,60,135 cases of holders of bars, event organis- unable to do research in the Miryalguda, he said that the of shutting down all procure- should sell their produce. If district was put at Rs 1,611 The officials said that gener- liquor have been sold in this ers and Tourism Development universities, he pointed out. cement and rice milling indus- ment centres for agricultural the government stops buy- crore. ally on an average the revenues month while 10 Lakh cases Corporation to serve liquor Earlier, the TJS submitted try in the area was not given products. He said that the pre- ing agricultural produce, It may be recalled that liquor through liquor sales would be sales happened in the above upto 1 a.m. on the intervening a report on varsities vacancies the required boost which could vious Congress regime start- then farmers will be forced sales in Telangana touched an Rs 1,700 crore every month. mentioned dates and 23,85,597 night of December 31 and to former minister Kadiyam have created thousands of jobs ed IKP Centres and PACS sys- to sell their crop at any all-time record in November, But November month has cases of beers reached the January 1, according to Excise Srihari and in turn, he and strengthened the local tems to help the farmers sell price offered by the corpo- thanks to Greater Hyderabad posted an additional Rs 800 wine shops from the depot. Commissioner Sarfarz promised to bring it to the economy. their produce without facing rates. Congress party will Municipal Corporation elec- crore revenue. Especially on Meanwhile, the Prohibition Ahmad. notice of the government. Uttam said that the TRS any inconvenience. However, not allow this to happen government did not deliver on he said by deciding to close all and we will continue our the electoral promises and procurement centres, KCR agitation until the State kept the people engaged with was leaving farmers helpless Government withdraws its Sowing in issues not related to their and exposed to the exploita- decision of closing down development. He said KCR tion by the corporate sector. procurement centres," only focussed on winning the "The new agricultural laws of Uttam announced. Yasangi still elections by all means and the BJP Government are total- He informed that the never paid attention to the ly inhuman. They are aimed at Congress party would organ- dismal expectation people had while benefiting a few corporate ise protests in all Mandal PNS n PEDDAPALLI voting for TRS. He said TRS houses like Adanis and Headquarters across government pursued policies Ambanis. By supporting the Telangana State till 8th The cultivation of crops in the which only benefited the con- new farm laws, KCR has January and memorandums current Yasangi is going at a tractors and rich people. He mortgaged the interest of would be submitted to snail's pace. Even after three said poor and downtrodden farmers to please Prime Mandal Revenue Officers months well into the season, people remained neglected Minister Narender Modi and (MROs). On January 11, the total area sown under var- under the TRS regime. his corporate friends," he said. protests will be held at all ious crops is put at 27.74 per Comparing KCR's rule with "If KCR believes that the District Headquarters and a cent, according to the the Tughlak regime, Uttam State Government was not a State-level protest will be Agriculture Department said that lakhs of farmers rice mill to buy paddy from held on 18th January. report. Generally, paddy, groundnut and Bengal gram are cultivated in the state as Rabi crops. Barring the Bengal LOOKING FORWARD Gulf-based gram, no other crop exceed- ed the area sown under them. Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao releasing the NRI activist CM afraid of teachers, In fact, Maize is cultivated diaries and calendars of TNGO, TGO, Class IV in four lakh acres in Yasangi. employees unions, Revenue Employees As the government made it Associations at Pragathi Bhavan on Thursday. felicitated TNGO's president and secretaries Mamindla PNS n alleges Bandi Sanjay clear that it will not procure HYDERABAD maize, the farmers back- Rajender, Prathap, TGO's President and PNS n HYDERABAD tracked. So far the area culti- secretaries V Mamatha, Satyanarayana, Telangana State BJP unit pres- vated under the crop is put at Class IV Employees Association leaders ident and Karimnagar MP Telangana BJP chief Bandi 87,972 acres. Against the nor- Gnaneshwar, Revenue Employees Association Bandi Sanjay Kumar praised Sanjay Kumar on Thursday mal area of cultivation of president and secretaries Vanga Ravinder Reddy, Gulf-based social activist alleged that Chief Minister K 22.19 lakh acres, paddy was Gautam were present. Muzzaffer Shaik, hailing from Chandrashekhar Rao is afraid cultivated so far in an extent erstwhile Karimnagar district, of teachers. "The Chief Minister of 3.64 lakh acres. for his services to the dis- kept the teachers away from tressed migrants and workers GHMC elections responsibili- in Gulf countries. Muzzaffer ties. It clearly shows as to how who met the Parliamentarian he is showing partiality towards at a private hotel was felicitat- teachers," he alleged. In a state- TRS govt being ‘step motherly' ed by the latter on Thursday. ment, the Karimnagar MP said The Karimnagar MP was that it is atrocious on part of all praise for the activist who KCR for neglecting teachers. It is atrocious reached out to the authorities One can't forget the role of on part of KCR towards Nalgonda: Cong MP in Gulf in various cases and teachers in separate Telangana ensured that the bodies of movement. Expressing happi- for neglecting PNS n HYDERABAD water if the government allo- workers, who died due to var- ness over inviting employees teachers. One cates Rs 1,000 crore. I will cease ious reasons there, were repa- unions for discussions, Bandi Bhongir MP Komatireddy National Highway on January triated to their hometowns in Sanjay questioned the Chief can't forget the Venkat Reddy on Thursday 7 protesting the State govern- Telangana promptly. Bandi Minister to reveal as to why the role of teachers questioned Chief Minister K ment's partiality. I will also take Sanjay lauded the efforts of latter didn't invite teachers for in Telangana Chandrasekhar Rao to reveal up hunger strike if the govern- Rally to mark Fit Muzzaffer in his personal discussions. as to why the latter is showing ment doesn't abolish LRS in capacity and ensured that "The Chief Minister should movement, said partiality towards Nalgonda total," he said. Addressing the distressed families of reveal as to why the latter is not the Karimnagar projects. "The Chief Minister media at Narketpally, the India programme workers got all help from giving PRC. The future of stu- MP Bandi is dumping crores and crores Congress MP compared KCR's authorities in the Gulf. dents will be decided in four of rupees for the development rule with 'Tuglaq Raj'. "KCR is Commissioner of Police VB Advocate Ramakant from walls of classroom. However, Sanjay of Siddipet but is not releasing releasing hundreds of crores PNS n KARIMNAGAR Kamalasan Reddy, Mayor Sircilla, Nangi Devender KCR is behaving conspicuous- any funds for the development for Ranganayaka Sagar project Yadagiri Sunil Rao, Reddy and Ajay Kumar, Bal ly towards teachers, who are of Nalgonda. Why the Chief Brahmana Vellemla project in Siddipet. However, he is not As part of the Fit India pro- Commissioner Valluri Kranti, Reddy were present. equally honored on par with going against the interests of Minister is showing step moth- and Srisailam tunnel works? giving a single rupee for gramme, the Karimnagar trainee Collector Ankit and God," he said. Bandi demand- BCs. "It is atrocious on part of erly attitude towards About 4to 5 lakh acres will get Nalgonda projects," he alleged. Municipal Corporation under Youth Sports Officer K ed the government to solve jus- Chief Minister for allocating the auspices of the District Rajaveer were the chief guests tified demands of teachers Uppara building to Christians," Youth Sports Department took at the event. Members of the immediately. Bandi made it he alleged. On Thursday, out a bicycle rally from the District Cycling and Olympic clear that the BJP will stand by Uppara Sangham representa- 1 held for local BR Ambedkar Sports Associations and athletes the teachers and launch a fight tives met Bandi Sanjay and Complex to Sri Rajarajeshwara enthusiastically participated for the sake of teachers. Bandi submitted a memorandum in making threat Degree College. in the rally. alleged that Chief Minister is this regard. call to VH PNS n HYDERABAD IT firms keen to set up centres in Khammam Cyberabad Police on ‘Better coordination Thursday arrested one Kamal of Kashibugga, Warangal for PNS n KHAMMAM Khammam. The graduates making threat calls to IT Hub has been have to upload their mail IDs curbed Maoist activities’ Congress senior leader V As many as 30 IT firms have established with and mobile numbers to regis- Hanumantha Rao. It may be expressed interest to set up ter their details on the app. The PNS n JAYASHANKAR to traffic police. Police officers recalled that VH filed a com- their centres at the proposed an objective of graduates could avail training BHUPAPALLY and staff explained that they plaint with the Hyderabad CP second phase of the IT Hub in serving the programmes offered by had worked efficiently, especial- and DGP. Following the com- Khammam, Transport Telangana Academy for Skill The district police officers ly in 2020 as they faced many plaint, the police arrested Minister Puvvada Ajay Kumar employment and Knowledge (TASK) and to and staff in coordination with challenges, including working Kamal. Kamal threatened revealed on Thursday. needs of the learn about job opportunities the police of the border States as front line warriors during the VH over phone by stating Speaking after launching a graduates in the with the help of the app, he had effectively curbed the Corona. The SP reminded that that they will kill if anyone newly developed mobile app of added. activities of the Maoists, dis- police personnel rescued many speaks against Malkajgiri MP Khammam IT Hub here, the district but not for The minister has also closed Jayashankar people, who were stranded due A Revanth Reddy. Minister said that during an IT the benefit of the launched several development Bhupalpally In-charge to heavy rains across the dis- summit in Dallas in the US, the works worth Rs 1.45 crores in Superintendent of Police trict. "Our motto is people- companies decided to establish firms, said different municipal divisions in Sangram Singh G Patil. friendly policing and at the their centres in the city. MInister Puvvada the city. He inspected He praised the performance same time we won the confi- Ajay Kumar said the mobile activities of the IT Hub. Besides but not for the benefit of the Kalvoddu crematorium and of Bhupalapally police during dence of tribals and people with app was designed and devel- information about the compa- companies. Non-IT firms directed the officials to devel- the Medaram jatara and our service," he said. oped in just 21 days by nies with centres at the IT Hub, should also come forward to give the details of all the pro- op it by spending around Rs 90 released the 2020 annual report Additional SP V Srinivasulu, Sovereign IT Solutions Private the app also gives information offer employment to grammes that take place at the lakh. MLC, B Lakshminaray at the district police office on AR Additional SP Sadananda Limited to serve as a source of about the companies at other Khammam youth, Ajay Kumar IT Hub. ana, SUDA Chairman Bachu Thursday.Speaking on the occa- Reddy, Bhupalapally DSP AS information about job offers locations. stated. He asked the officials to District Collector RV Vijay Kumar, Mayor G Papalal, sion, he said that the district has Sampath Rao, Kataram DSP for the youth in the district. He The IT Hub has been estab- make efforts to organise job Karnan speaking on the occa- his deputy M Murali Prasad, secured the first position by Bonala Kishan, trainee IPS offi- asked the youth to download lished with an objective of melas once every three months sion noted that the IT Hub App Municipal Commissioner recording the lowest number of cer Sudhir Ram Nath Kekan the app, available for free serving the employment needs while suggesting to create a was launched as a New Year Anurag Jayanthi and others road accidents in 2020, thanks participated. downloads, to learn about the of the graduates in the district separate window that would gift for the youth in were present. HYDERABAD | FRIDAY | JANUARY 1, 2021 nation 05 Dry run for Covid-19 vaccination A year of political turbulence, natural calamity for Bengal in all states, UTs on January 2 PNS n NEW DELHI gising Bengali icons such as Nobel laureate Rabindranath Notwithstanding the surge in Tagore, Swami Vivekananda PNS n NEW DELHI COVID-19 cases and a super and Ishwar Chandra Poor air quality may affect recovered cyclone that left a trail of Vidyasagar. A dry run for COVID-19 vac- destruction in its wake, West The ruling party, for the first cination will be conducted by Covid-19 patients, say Experts Bengal's political cauldron was time since it came to power in all state and union territory on the boil through 2020, with 2011, witnessed a rebellion administrations on January 2 to Pune: Considering the drop in from the infection. the ruling TMC and BJP cross- this year as several MLAs and test the linkages between plan- temperature that deteriorates air "In some patients, we have ing swords at the drop of a hat, an MP, including party heavy- ning and implementation and quality, doctors in Pune city have seen the development of lung stoking tension and triggering weight and minister Suvendu to identify the challenges, the issued a word of caution for fibrosis, post their recovery clashes. Adhikari crossed over to the Centre said on Thursday. people suffering from lung from corona-virus. Hence, Flashpoints in West Bengal leaving Chief Minister Mamata BJP. The TMC, however, put The activity is proposed to ailments, especially those who people suffering from lung politics were one too many, as Banerjee fuming. up a brave face and said it was be conducted in all state capi- have recovered from COVID-19. disorders and those who have the state hogged national lime- Several BJP leaders sus- finally free of "traitors". tals in at least 3 session sites. According to medical experts, also recovered from COVID-19 light for all the wrong reasons tained injuries in the attack. The Left Front and the Some states will also include deterioration of air quality can should take extra precautions at and witnessed widespread Union Home Minister Amit Congress, which have been districts that are situated in dif- also cause complications in a time when pollutants in the political violence, as the parties Shah and the BJP went ham- victims of the TMC's defection ficult terrain/have poor logis- by the Health Ministry on and protocols are being prac- patients infected by coronavirus. air have increased," he said. geared geared up for a high- mer and tongs against the politics in the past, said the rul- tical support, while December 20. tised at the identified sites in an Increased level of pollutants in According to Dr Pandharkar, octane assembly election next state government over the ing party is getting a dose of its Maharashtra and Kerala are Regarding the dry run to be ideal environment along with the air can affect people suffering there is an increased risk to year. "worsening" law and order sit- own medicine. likely to schedule the dry run held, for each of the three ses- vaccination teams to be iden- from lung-related disorders such lungs and heart of people The BJP has claimed that uation, and the saffron party The year began with massive in major cities other than their sion sites, the Medical Officer tified and trained in all aspects. as chronic obstructive lung suffering from comorbidities. more than 130 of its cadres shifted a battery of its central protests sweeping the state capital, the Union Health In-charge will identify 25 test The dry run will also equip disease (COPD) and COVID-19, "If people with comorbidities were killed or found dead leaders to the eastern state with over the Citizenship Amend- Ministry said. beneficiaries (healthcare work- the state and UT administra- prolonging the process of contract coronavirus, it may under mysterious circum- an eye on the assembly polls. ment Act, and the issue is The objective of the dry run ers). tion in management of vaccine recovery, they said. cause inflammation, which will stances, since the 2019 Lok Shah announced an ambi- expected to haunt the saffron for COVID-19 vaccine intro- The states and UTs have supply, storage and logistics "A drop in air quality makes it make it easy for the infection to Sabha polls. tious target of winning more camp in 2021 assembly polls. duction is to assess opera- been asked to ensure that the including cold chain manage- more difficult for COPD patients invade the lungs. For patients The TMC government rou- than 200 of the state's 294 The BJP is apprehensive that tional feasibility in the use of data of these beneficiaries is ment, the ministry stated. to breathe. We advise COPD of asthma, lung fibrosis or tinely sparred with the BJP-led assembly seats, an assertion the delay in implementing the Co-WIN application in field uploaded in Co-WIN. These As the vaccine administra- patients and those who have heart disease, the risk of death Centre during the year, and the which drew a sharp retort CAA due to agitations by its environment, to test the link- beneficiaries will also be avail- tors will play an important role recently recovered from COVID- increases when they also slugfest spared practically no from the TMC's adviser and rivals may turn refugee voters, ages between planning and able at the session site for the in the vaccination process, 19 not step out in the polluted contract the infection," he said. one, including the saffron poll strategist Prashant Kishor, especially those from the implementation and to identi- dry run. The states and UTs training of trainers and those air," said Dr Vaibhav Pandharkar, Some recent studies have party's president J P Nadda, who said the BJP will struggle Matua community, against it. fy the challenges and guide way shall prepare the facilities and who shall administer the vac- a pulmonologist from Noble stated that certain air pollutants whose convoy came under to cross double digits. Meanwhile, North Bengal, forward prior to actual imple- users to be created on Co-WIN cine has been taken up across Hospital. are likely to enhance attack earlier in December Pushed to the wall by the where the BJP made deep roads, mentation. This is also expect- application including upload- various states. Coronavirus disease affects susceptibility to COVID-19 during his visit to Diamond aggressive Hindutva campaign bagging seven of the eight Lok ed to give confidence to pro- ing the data of Health Care Around 96,000 vaccinators respiratory organs and its effects death outcomes, the doctor Harbour in South 24 Parganas. by the BJP, Banerjee and her Sabha seats in 2019, witnessed gramme managers at various Worker (HCW) beneficiaries, have been trained for this pur- can be seen even after recovering said. The Home Ministry sum- TMC invoked 'Bengali pride' to a political churning as the GJM levels," the ministry said. the ministry stated. pose. A total of 2,360 partici- moned three IPS officers to consolidate its support base. faction led by fugitive Gurkha The central government has The states and UTs have pants have been trained in said. Ministry and shared with the serve at the Centre on deputa- The BJP, in its bid to blunt leader Bimal Gurung quit the also asked all states and UTs to been asked to ensure physical National Training of Trainers The mock drill will include states and UTs to guide them tion over alleged lapses which the TMC's election weapon of BJP-led NDA and joined hands ensure effective preparedness verification of all proposed and over 57,000 participants concurrent monitoring and in the dry run. led to the attack on Nadda, sub-nationalism, took to eulo- with the TMC. for the COVID-19 vaccine sites for adequacy of space, trained in district-level train- review at the block and district The first round of the dry roll-out. logistical arrangements, inter- ing in 719 districts. States are levels, and preparation of feed- run was conducted in Andhra Union Health Secretary net connectivity, electricity, augmenting the state helpline back. The State Task Force Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Rajesh Bhushan on Thursday safety, etc. and prepare at least 104 (which shall be used in shall review the feedback and Punjab on 28-29 December in Urge Sri Lanka INDIA CORNER chaired a high-level meeting to three model session sites in addition to 1075) for any vac- share with the Union Health two districts each where five review the preparedness at ses- each state (at state capital) for cine/software-related query. Ministry. session sites with 25 beneficia- to not scrap sion sites for COVID-19 vac- demonstration. An important focus of the States/UTs were also asked ries each were identified. cination with principal secre- They have been asked to dry run will be on manage- to address the communica- No major issues were Riots case: Delhi Court grants taries (Health) and other health ensure that the model sites ment of any possible adverse tion challenges by taking in observed in the operational Provincial administrators of all states and have separate entry and exit in events following immunisa- confidence all the stakeholders aspects during this dry run. All bail to man UTs through video-conferenc- a 'three-room set-up' with ade- tion (AEFI). In addition, and by augmenting the com- States expressed confidence in Councils: DMK ing. quate space outside for aware- adherence and management of munity engagement through the operational guidelines and Delhi court has granted The planning for the vaccine ness generation activities, dis- infection control practices at innovative strategies. IT platform for large scale PNS n CHENNAI bail to a man in a north introduction will be as per the play all IEC material at these the session site, to prevent dis- Detailed checklist has been programme implementation, Aeast Delhi riots case, Operational Guidelines issued sites and ensure that all SOPs ease transmission, the ministry prepared by the Union Health the ministry said. The DMK on Thursday saying the alleged eye witness urged Prime Minister and the beat Constable had Narendra Modi to prevail identified him almost after two upon Sri Lanka to give up months from the incident. its 'proposal' to abolish Additional Sessions Judge Cops on duty surpass sanctioned No clarity yet on the provincial councils as Amitabh Rawat granted the it went relief to Deepak Tomar on furnishing a bail bond of Rs 25,000 with against the island nation's one surety of like amount in the case related to alleged looting and 13th Amendment to vandalism of a shop during the riots in Jyoti Nagar area on February strength by 35 per cent: Data night curfew in Goa Constitution. 25. The court noted that the alleged CCTV footage of the accused The amendment was an was near the place of the incident of another FIR. “As per charge- PNS n NEW DELHI PNS n PANAJI Sawant said, "The state govern- outcome of the Indo- sheet, there is a statement of public witness Mohd Rafiq under ment has not taken any deci- Lanka Accord of 1987, section 161 (examination by police) CrPC which states that he was West Bengal, Punjab, Bihar Goa Health Minister Vishwajit sion about night curfew yet." DMK Parliamentary an eye witness to the incident of rioting, vandalization and burning and Jammu and Kashmir have Rane on Thursday said that a Earlier in the day, a senior Party leader T R Baalu of properties including that of Imran on February 25, 2020, and the maximum numbers of night curfew is likely to be Goa health department official said and added that the named persons including applicant/accused Deepak Tomar. people getting police protec- imposed in the state, even as said that in a letter sent to the proposal, if carried for- tion, even as the all-India fig- Chief Minister Pramod Sawant state government on Thursday, ward, would put a ques- ure reduced by nearly nine per said that no decision to that the Union Health Ministry tion mark on the accord cent in 2019, according to effect has been taken so far. In asked it impose COVID-19 with India. official data. a statement issued on restrictions. In the letter, Baalu, who is also the Chief Minister Yediyurappa rules Also, the number of police Thursday morning, Rane said Union Health Secretary Rajesh party treasurer asked personnel put on protection he has discussed with the chief Bhushan called for a strict vigil "why and how Indian out leadership change duty in 2018 and 2019 for min- minister the issue of imposing in Goa to curb all potential government could be a uling out leadership change, Karnataka isters, MPs, MLAs, judges, a night curfew in the state. 'super spreader' events and mere spectator" if the Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on bureaucrats, etc., outnumbered "I have spoken to the chief places where crowds may island nation abolished RThursday asserted he will remain in the their sanctioned strength for showed. In 2018, the sanc- duties took place in Delhi, minister on imposing night gather to celebrate the New the councils after assur- post for the remaining over two year period the job by around 35 per cent, tioned strength was 40,031, where the number of protectees curfew in Goa on the lines of Year, the official said. ing the Tamil people, and complete the term, and there was no showed the latest data released while 63,061 police personnel stood at 503 in 2018 and 501 in Delhi and Karnataka. The file The ministry also referred to devolution of more pow- confusion regarding this within the ruling BJP. by the Bureau of Police were deployed on protection 2019, the data showed. is already in the process," he its earlier communication, ers, even beyond what Suggesting that the last one year had been like Research & Development duty, it revealed. The number of police per- said in the statement. wherein it had said that states was contemplated under a "trial by fire" for his administration with (BPR&D). West Bengal had the maxi- sonnel sanctioned for the pro- Rane said the file was moved and Union Territories may the 13th amendment, he natural disasters and COVID pandemic, he said his government's The number of people get- mum of 3,142 people under tection duties in Delhi was after his department received impose restrictions, such as said. desire was to take Karnataka to the first place on the development ting police protection across police protection in 2019, fol- 7,144 in 2018 and 7,294 in a letter from the Union Health night curfew, at the local level The DMK leader map of the country, as he also referred to financial constraints faced India stood at 19,467 in 2019 lowed by Punjab (2,594), Bihar 2019 while the deployment Ministry, suggesting that in based on their assessment of the requested Modi to prevail by the state. "In the last one-and-half years of my administration and 21,300 in 2018 -- a reduc- (2,347) and Jammu and numbers stood at 7,144 and view of the New Year celebra- COVID-19 situation."However, upon Lanka to not go even for a day I did not bother about it, I was focused on my work tion of 1,833 (or 8.7 per cent), Kashmir (1,184), according to 8,182, respectively, it showed. tions, each state should ensure there shall be no restriction on ahead with the plan to and development. These things have in no way impacted," the BPR&D stated in its latest the data. In 2018, Bihar led the Maharashtra had 356 police that SOPs and strict protocols inter-state and intra-state move- abolish the councils. Yediyurappa said. data on police organisations tally with 4,677 people, followed protectees and a sanctioned are laid down after a review of ment of persons and goods. In Modi should make it updated till January 1, 2020. by West Bengal (2,769), Punjab strength of 3,946 personnel in the coronavirus situation at the view of the matter, you may clear to the neighbour The number of police per- (2,522) and Jammu and both the years. It had a cent per local level. He said the file promptly assess the local situa- that the UP: Infant killed as drunk father sonnel sanctioned for protec- Kashmir (1,493), it showed. cent deployment for the job in about imposing a night curfew tion and consider imposition of proposal, if implemented, tion duty in 2019 was 43,556, However, the maximum both the years, according to the was pending with the chief appropriate restrictions on 30th, would adversely affect hits him with stick whereas 66,043 personnel were sanctioned strength and deploy- BPR&D, a wing of the Union minister. However, talking to 31st December and 1st January, Indo-Lanka ties, Baalu deployed for the job, the data ment of police personnel in such Home Ministry. PTI later in the day, CM 2021," the letter said. said. two-month-old boy died after allegedly being beaten with a Astick by his drunk father in a village in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district, police said on Thursday. Law Ministry provided courts with infra to go virtual The infant was hit as he lay on the lap of his mother Renu, who PNS n NEW DELHI law ministry. opposed and fought with her While India has 3,288 court While India has 3,288 court husband Devender due to his liquor addiction, police added. The As the Coronavirus pandemic complexes, which house thou- incident happened at Kaderghar village under Thana Bhawan police made courts adopt the new complexes, which house thousands sands of subordinate courts, station in Shamli district on Wednesday evening, SHO Prabhakar normal and go virtual in 2020, of subordinate courts, the funds the funds have been released Kantura said. According to the SHO, a case was lodged under Indian the Union law ministry pitched have been released for 2,506 court for 2,506 court complexes to Penal Code Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to in by providing the required set up video conference cabins. murder) against Devender, who is absconding. Renu lodged a infrastructure to ensure online complexes to set up video Bigger court complexes with complaint stating that she was beaten up by her husband with a hearings are held smoothly. conference cabins a large number of courtrooms stick for questioning his drinking habit. As part of its push to would get multiple cabins as improve India's ranking in the compared to smaller com- ease of doing business, the raised by stakeholders after The panel will have a full-time plexes. ministry also brought in an the enactment of the chairperson, four full-time The size of a court complex, Minor fatally shoots classmate ordinance to amend the arbi- Arbitration and Conciliation members (including a member including the number of tration law. (Amendment) Act, 2019 and to secretary), and law and legisla- courts it houses, depends upon after dispute over seats in school Issued in November, the ensure that all the stakeholder tive secretaries. the size or population of the ordinance ensures that all in the law came in way of India the court under Section 36 of parties get an opportunity to Seeking to boost the capabil- state. Class 10 student of stakeholder parties get an getting the benefit of having the law. But the court could seek an unconditional stay of ity of the lower judiciary to As courts continue to hear a school in opportunity to seek an uncon- foreign arbitrators. grant a stay on the award on enforcement of arbitral awards hear cases online, funds have cases online amid the COVID- ABulandshahr district ditional stay on enforcement of "But that was not the case conditions as it deemed fit. where the underlying arbitra- been released to set up "video 19 pandemic, the government of Uttar Pradesh arbitral awards where the arbi- and a wrong impression had As per the latest amendment tion agreement or contract or conference cabins" in 2,506 has also procured 1,500 addi- allegedly shot a tration agreement or contract got created. Still, to do away brought through the ordinance, making of the arbitral award court complexes across India. tional video conferencing classmate dead with his is "induced by fraud or corrup- with that impression, the con- if the award is being given on are induced by fraud or corrup- While funds to the tune of licences at an approximate uncle's licensed pistol tion". cerned schedule has been the basis of an agreement based tion". Rs 5.21 crore were released in cost of Rs 9 crore for provid- after a dispute over The ordinance which further dropped," a government func- on fraud or corruption, then In February, the Union September to set up video ing the facility for high courts seats, police said on amends the Arbitration and tionary explained. the court will not impose a Cabinet approved the constitu- conference cabins, another Rs and district courts. Thursday. The incident Conciliation Act, 1996 also Now, the qualifications condition to stay the award and tion of the 22nd Law 28.886 crore were given in From the day the nation- took place on does away with the 8th based on which arbitrators will grant an unconditional stay Commission which advises the October to buy additional wide lockdown was imposed Wednesday at the Surajbhan Saraswati Inter College of Shikarpur, Schedule of the Act which be accredited will be prescribed during the pendency of the government on complex legal video conference equipment, to check the spread of coron- they said, adding that the weapon used by 14-year-old Sunny contained the necessary qual- by regulations, which will be appeal if it has been chal- issues. The term of the previ- including hardware, cables and avirus till October 28, high belongs to his uncle, who is in the Army and is visiting home. The ifications for accreditation of framed by a proposed arbitra- lenged under Section 34 of the ous law panel had ended on monitors. courts and district courts teenager tried to flee after the fatal shooting, but the headmaster arbitrators. tion council. arbitration law. August 31, 2018. The funds were provided by across India have heard over had already closed the gate and informed the police, following This provision had faced Till recently, an arbitration The law ministry ordinance But the law ministry is yet to the e-committee of the 49.67 lakh cases virtually, which he was apprehended, Senior Superintendent of Police criticism from some quarters award was enforceable even if said the amendment was nec- notify the new panel, which Supreme Court and the according to data collated by Santosh Kumar Singh said. that the conditions prescribed an appeal was filed against it in essary "to address the concerns will have a term of three years. Department of Justice in the the law ministry. HYDERABAD | FRIDAY | JANUARY 1, 2021 op nion 06 www.dailypioneer.com facebook.com/dailypioneer | @TheDailyPioneer | instagram.com/dailypioneer/ PAPER WITH PASSION India in a churn The social commitment to rebuilding systems in stressed Clear & present danger times may deliver bigger gains than divisive politics he Government may have hit the pause button because of the pandemic, sweeping every other cri- China’s attempt to alter the status quo along the LAC should not be taken lightly Tsis under the carpet but it is likely to find its hands full with unresolved issues in 2021. And though he may as the PLA will have many options available once the snow starts melting have beaten many world leaders in actually winning the anything other than domestic war of perception — Modi’s political stock continues to politics. This has resulted in a be high despite what we may consider as flaws in COVID superficial understanding of the management, his economic packages or the migrant work- geopolitical complexities sur- rounding the issue of national ers’ pain — the Prime Minister has got to do a lot more security at the institutional level. than just rely on his party’s electoral victories. First and The Armed Forces have foremost, he will be tested on the successful rollout of DEEPAK SINHA borne the brunt of this igno- rance, being subjected to neglect the vaccination programme, a logistical challenge of s we see off a rather tur- by successive Governments over unimaginable proportions and attendant investments. With the shroud of COVID-19 likely to bulent and difficult year, the years. In all likelihood, it has cast dark shadows over the first half of the year and our public health infrastructure still in a it would be worthwhile been premised on the belief, to review how well the however misconceived, that a shambles in the countryside, the budgetary allocation for healthcare is likely to stretch the Amilitary faced up to the nation’s powerful military poses an exis- seams. Besides, a tanking economy has its own side-effects and though forecasts project security challenges and, more tential threat to the political a recovery by the year-end for India, pivoted around a strong base effect, the stressed bank- importantly, where it goes from dispensation in power. It must, here. As has been the case with therefore, be kept in check and ing sector and recessionary trends would but naturally contract the GDP growth in the first the vast majority of peoples and out of decision making. half when funding for vaccination would be the pressing concern. Besides, joblessness is countries around the world, the However, far more damaging has still a reality and a resultant weak demand arising out of low consumer spends means recov- COVID-19 impact has been quite been the political leadership’s ery will be a stutter. Resource mobilisation, too, will be an unprecedented challenge. Politically, disruptive and debilitating for our belief that the military’s utility has military as well. A situation no been severely constrained, if not the turbulence that has been simmering under the blanket shutdowns, which did encourage doubt further compounded by the rendered irrelevant, as chances of a Centrist and absolutist approach to problem-solving, is expected to surface with full force. unprovoked aggression by the a conventional conflict have In fact, the farmers, protesting against the new farm Acts in a depoliticised and pointed man- Chinese People’s Liberation Army greatly diminished with the (PLA) in Eastern Ladakh along advent of nuclear weapons in the ner, have shown that dissent can indeed win the day and bring even the toughest Government the Line of Actual Control (LAC), region. A belief which has been to its knees. Will this largely people-driven movement also make the Opposition further irrel- which undoubtedly caught the given considerable boost by the evant? Would a leaderless movement emerge as the alternative to the leader-driven politics military by surprise. Army leadership’s almost single- The year had started on an minded focus on counter-insur- of our times? Would this revive the dissent against the ruling BJP’s divisive politics, which excellent note with the gency operations; even to the has reared its ugly head again amid the legislation on love jihad — more an exercise in “oth- Government finally biting the extent of accepting a gradual erisation” of minorities than on conversion? If anything, it has reignited the latent anger that bullet and announcing the degradation of our convention- appointment of General Bipin al capabilities without protest. was visible in the protests against a religion-based citizenship law and the National Register Rawat as the first Chief of Defence As to the future, there is lit- for Citizens (NRC) and it remains to be seen whether the muffled voices take to the streets Staff, two decades after it was first tle scope for optimism as a few again with the Union Ministers spelling out their agenda in no uncertain terms. officially mooted following the to the Karakoram Pass, includ- on the other foot, as it provides our occupation of the Kailash months from now will herald the Kargil conflict. It went a step fur- ing the Shaksgam Valley that us a suitable launch pad for a Range was only in response to start of a new campaigning sea- The Modi Government must realise that it has a brute majority, it has achieved its ther by carving out a Department has been illegally ceded to riposte towards Moldo and the the PLA’s transgressions in the son along the LAC as the snow core agenda of the Ram temple and mainstreaming Jammu and Kashmir and it has the of Military Affairs, to be headed China by Pakistan. Our exist- Chinese depth areas, if the sit- vain hope that it would deter melts. Given our defensive mind- heft to get things done in Parliament. It doesn’t need to fan the flames but should go back by the CDS as its ex officio sec- ing posture threatens the secu- uation so warrants. further attempts at ingress or set, our choices will be wholly retary, to deal with issues pertain- rity of the China-Pakistan However, we should not be escalation. On that occasion, the limited to dancing to the PLA’s to its core development platforms to redeem itself as a stabiliser of hard times, not a ing exclusively to military matters. Economic Corridor (CPEC) misled by the selective rhetoric PLA probably miscalculated our tune. Their options are many; destabiliser. The BJP’s drumroll on its divisive policies is understandable, considering While a year is insufficient to passing through this region as which suggests that the Chinese willingness to stand up to their they could, for example, play a that the polarisation of votes continues to reap it rich electoral dividends. So the party is comment on the efficacy of these it is vulnerable to interdiction. are on the back foot, the PLA provocative behaviour and was waiting game and do nothing at changes, suffice it to say that Its importance to both China is demoraled and their leader- thus caught off guard by our all for now, having already forced deploying its proven formula with the Assembly polls scheduled in five States around the General Rawat has not distin- and Pakistan cannot be overes- ship floundering for a way out robust response. At that time, us to concede territory. On the middle of the year, by which time the vaccine politics and related controversies are expect- guished himself in his new role. timated given the massive of the impasse without loss of they just did not have the req- other hand, they could exert ed to take the centre stage. No matter how much of a prestige fight the States might be However, the unilateral and investments made, which could face. While our action does give uisite force levels in place to react pressure elsewhere along the partially successful attempt by be motivation enough for col- us a tactical advantage and has before the onset of winter. LAC to ensure that we respond for the BJP, it would be wise to respect the imperatives of a post-pandemic world and China to alter the status quo lusive or collaborative action by stabilised the situation, it has by In similar circumstances, a in much the same manner we appear as a transformative party, not a destructive one, under these circumstances. Of along the LAC thrust a wholly the two neighbours. no means robbed the PLA of more determined Government did this year. In fact, their biggest course, the only accelerator for Modi’s vaunted appeal is a slipshod Opposition. It can- unprepared military into the deep Despite the Army having the inherent advantages it would probably have respond- error would be to escalate the sit- not read into trends at the right time and, instead of making an issue, waits for the civil end, pushing all other concerns been caught napping in the ini- enjoys, given the superior eco- ed to such aggression by mirror- uation to teach us a lesson as out of the window. Till the com- tial stages, its speedy and robust nomic strength and its military ing the Chinese and resorted to then Modi would be forced to protesters to react. Little wonder then that the Opposition parties have been marginalised mencement of this imbroglio, the response — especially after the size. However, they may be in “salami slicing” actions along the respond in kind, to avoid his rep- from the discourse on the farmers or minorities. If the local body polls in States are any substantial tract of disputed ter- horrendous loss of lives at for an unpleasant surprise, LAC by occupying disputed utation being tarnished. indication, there is an undercurrent against the BJP from the high of 2019. It also proves ritory that we claim was regular- Galwan — was commendable. given the extended lines of areas along our claim line where However, if President ly patrolled by our security forces Subsequently, under the ambit communication and difficulties the PLA has no permanent Jinping does not cross that that the grassroots matrix of traditional parties is still intact. But somehow, the Opposition as per the mutually accepted pro- of “Operation Snow Leopard”, it of combat at such high alti- presence. This could have then Rubicon, the Modi Government is not being able to coalesce as a national alternative. And the main party that should tocols that have been in place for raised the stakes considerably by tudes, apart, of course, from the been used as a bargaining chip will continue to do what it does have been the initiator of such an effort, the Congress, is still sailing rudderless. Both the over two decades. Also, make no occupying dominating heights fact that they face an extreme- during negotiations to ensure an best, focus on increasing its mistake, despite all the talk of along the Kailash Range in the ly tough and battle-hardened equitable delineation of the LAC footprint by winning the forth- ruling party and the Opposition must realise that the pandemic has changed socio-polit- mutual withdrawal and easing of Chushul and Pangong Tso sub- opposition with ample experi- which, in time, would have coming Bengal elections. ical and economic anxieties. Respecting that will change India. tensions, there is little doubt that sectors which has negated some ence in mountain warfare. allowed the Prime Minister to Undoubtedly, it will resort to dis- the Chinese have no intention of of the PLA’s earlier advantages. On our part, we have to negotiate and resolve the border simulation regarding the LAC withdrawing from the occupied While these heights are well in accept that our Government issue to our advantage. situation, using every means at areas, especially in the Depsang depth within our territory and has always had a very defensive The Government’s unwill- its disposal to push the narrative and Galwan sub-sectors, without have never been claimed by the mindset when it comes to ingness to take the initiative is that our borders are quiet, safe A healing touch making us pay a heavy price. Chinese, they do dominate both China. In fact, the Modi partly explained by its fear of and inviolate. It will then be back The PLA now poses a clear banks of the Pangong Tso as Government has shown exces- Chinese reaction as well as dri- to business as usual and the CDS Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are trying to stitch together an and present danger to our posi- well as the important Chinese sive restraint at the present time, ven by the fact that it has no illu- could then return to the oner- tions at Daulat Beg Oldi. Its loss administrative base at Moldo. not only refusing to name China sion as to the poor state our mil- ous task of simplifying military inclusive Administration to represent the real face of the US in any future conflict would Most importantly, it allows us to but going so far as to try and itary is in; something that can- uniforms and badges of rank. adversely impact our ability to choke off the Spanggur Gap, the delink the Depsang intrusion not be rectified in short order by (The writer is a military vet- he Joe Biden Administration is trying to heal the continue holding on to the Saltoro area through which the PLA’s from the transgressions else- loosening the purse strings. eran, who is a consultant with the wounds inflicted by the Trump Administration Ridge, west of the Siachen Glacier. mechanised elements could oth- where in an attempt to justify the Unfortunately, misperceptions, Observer Research Foundation which had split America right down the middle That would be a serious strategic erwise have advanced towards ongoing negotiations, which lack of clarity and sheer disinter- and Senior Visiting Fellow with T setback as currently our occupa- our positions at Chushul, there- appear to be restricted to troop est in strategic affairs have been The Peninsula Foundation, on racial lines. The veteran politician, who is known tion of the Saltoro Ridge allows us by opening up an approach to withdrawals from the Chushul- the hallmark of our political lead- Chennai. The views expressed are to be sharp but down to earth, had promised to dominate the entire region up Leh. However, the shoe is now Pangong Tso sub-sector. Even ership, which finds little time for personal.) Americans a Cabinet that would be “the most diverse in history” while he was on the campaign trail. This is no surprise given that Biden’s running mate Kamala S O U N D BITE Harris is the first woman to be elected Vice-President I would remain the Chief The challenges that the world Not having any expectations (Jasprit) Bumrah is showing of the US. What makes this feat even more signifi- Minister for the next two faced this year testified to the from the New Year will be the signs of maturity. He is a think- years. There is no doubt importance of broad interna- best way to move into it and ing bowler and the way he has cant is that she is also the first Black and South Asian among the legislators or tional cooperation. Russia and live it accordingly!!! I want to done well in all formats is person to be elected to the key post and might be the public. There is doubt the US can contribute much to live life and characters to the remarkable. I thought he’d get on her way to becoming the President if Biden choos- only among the media. enhancing stability and security. best of my ability. hurt but his core is very strong. es not to run for another term at the White House. Karnataka Chief Minister Russian President Actor Former India bowler —BS Yediyurappa —Vladimir Putin —Manoj Bajpayee —Atul Wassan Now that the two of them have got down to the business of choosing their Cabinet, Biden is keeping his word to a highly polarised nation in the hope that he will be able to undo some of the damage to the social fabric of the country which is already reel- L E T T E R S T O TH E EDITOR ing under the impact of the Trump Administration and the Coronavirus outbreak. So far, the President-elect seems to be living up to the vow of an administration that Forward movement Battle-ready India would reflect the “real face of America”. A significant 54 per cent of the White House Sir — The talks between the Countdown to inoculation in India begins Sir — The Union Government’s appointees are people of colour and 61 per cent are women, while Asian-American Centre and farmers’ unions ow that the UK Government has given approval to two-day dry run for the Covid- and Pacific Islander appointees represent more than twice their share of the US’ pop- have borne some fruitful the Oxford vaccine, we can reasonably expect the 19 inoculation drive was aimed results with the Union NIndian Government to approve the Covishield — the at end-to-end testing of the vac- ulation and LGBTQ+ appointees have been given a 11 per cent representation. Some Government accepting two Indian version of the Oxford vaccine — soon. It would cination process and included of the trailblazing nominees to the Cabinet are Janet Yellen, who will be the first woman of the demands. The agree- be a New Year's gift to the nation. planning and preparations as per to be the Secretary of Treasury, while Neera Tanden will be the first woman of colour ments reached are on decrim- The Indian drugs regulator has hinted at imminent the operational guidelines. It inalising stubble burning and vaccine approval with his remark that India will proba- involved the creation of facilities and first South Asian to head the Office of Management and Budget. Then there is ensuring that the subsidies for bly enter the New Year with something in hand. Clearly, and users, session site creation Lloyd Austin, the first African American to be the Secretary of Defence, followed by electricity remain. inoculation against the virus in India is in the offing. The and mapping of sites, healthcare Alejandro Mayorkas, who will go down in US history as the first immigrant to lead The farmers in Punjab and Serum Institute of India has already manufactured 40- workers’ data upload, receipt of Haryana had been complaining 50 million doses of Covishield which would ensure the vaccines and vaccine allocation, the Department of Homeland Security. Xavier Becerra will be the first Latino to be of being unfairly targeted over supply for the start of the drive. involves public health and safety. session planning, deployment of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. stubble burning, for which The programme is a mammoth task that requires huge The Government must ensure that the programme vaccination teams and logistics To his credit, the President-elect also appointed the first all-women senior White House there are few alternatives. logistics support, effective coordination and public coop- encompasses all people and bears the entire cost, what- mobilisation at the session sites. The Electricity (Amendment) eration. A range of requirements, taking into account the ever it is. The success of the vaccination drive is crucial- The objective of the dry run communications team, which made headlines globally and sent out the message of gen- Bill that the Centre has in the ground realities, has to be factored in and taken care of. ly important for preventing COVID-19, to increase is also to undertake and confirm der parity. In 2020-2021, the US seems to have come a long way from the time when works is another bone of The process of vaccinating millions of people in a vast and immunity and regenerate the economy. The people must field implementation and guide in 1791 George Washington sanctified the idea of promoting divergent views in the US contention and the Centre disparate country like ours entails huge challenges in terms be made aware and given all the information they need the way forward prior to the aims to move the subsidy of cold storage facilities, transport and delivery arrange- for them to feel confident that the jab is safe and will pro- actual implementation. The Government, even though at that time, ironically, all his appointees were White men. offered by the States to farm- ments, deployment of adequate health professionals and tect them from the life-threatening disease. exercise was expected to provide Significantly, since 1933, only 11 US Presidents have named women to Cabinet-level ers into the Direct Benefit crowd management. The mass vaccination mission must G David Milton insights on any gaps or bottle- positions even though each successive President, save for the outgoing one, has tried Transfer (DBT) mode. be meticulously planned and diligently carried out as it Kanyakumari necks during the actual conduct to ensure greater representation of all sections. However, there is a growing demand However, the key issue of of vaccination. minimum support price and A new-look Britain Wednesday, a decisive but rushed when Parliament was gridlocked Now, the Government needs for an administration that reflects the true America and the Biden-Harris team seems guaranteed procurement of Sir — After the House of conclusion to a long Brexit story over Brexit. to prioritise its vaccination plan to be trying to achieve that. One of the reasons why it has taken the leader of the sup- agricultural produce remains. Commons overwhelmingly that has divided Britons and British Prime Minister Boris according to select population posed “free world” so long to include women and minorities in the decision-making Though the farmers have con- endorsed the 1,200-page agree- convulsed their politics for more Johnson will now surely enjoy his groups such as healthcare work- firmed that the agitation will ment, the House of Lords has also than four years now. India visit as the deal will lead to ers, frontline workers and senior process (even as a developing country like India had a woman Prime Minister way back continue, the agreements voted in favour of the British rat- Despite the lack of time for rearrangement of the UK’s for- citizens. in 1966, a woman President, Pratibha Patil, in 2007 and numerous women as Chief mark some forward motion in ification. The approval of a trade scrutiny, the ease with which the eign economic policy and inter- Bhagwan Thadani Ministers) is because in the US, there is a scarcity of women, especially those from the talks that have remained deal between the United pact sailed through the House of national relations, which offers a Mumbai deadlocked for weeks. Kingdom and the European Commons was in stark contrast happy opportunity to India too. minority base, in elective office. Now as Biden and Harris try to make history and undo CK Subramaniam Union was hurried through the to many knife-edge votes held Yash Pal Ralhan Send your feedback to: the wrongs of the past, one can only hope that the nation will heal itself. Mumbai British Parliament in just a day on before last year’s general elections Jalandhar [email protected] HYDERABAD | FRIDAY | JANUARY 1, 2021

www.dailypioneer.com analysis 07 FIRSTCOLUMN A booster dose POINTCOUNTERPOINT ‘`15 LAKH IN EVERY ACCOUNT AND TWO CRORE JOBS I KNOW MORE THAN RAHUL ABOUT FARMING. I AM for healthcare EVERY YEAR.’ FARMERS DON'T TRUST MODI DUE TO THE SON OF A FARMER AND WE CANNOT TAKE HIS LONG HISTORY OF ‘ASATYAGRAHA.' DECISIONS AGAINST FARMERS. The new decade may witness a more —CONGRESS LEADER —DEFENCE MINISTER advanced stage of digitisation of health sector infrastructure and services RAHUL GANDHI RAJNATH SINGH Take a bipartisan view GURPREET SANDHU he year 2020 was an extremely eventful one for the healthcare Both India and China must shed their nationalistic stand; else the border dispute would and pharma industry, and for humanity as well. The world faced remain unresolved. A lot of confusion was caused by politics after the Galwan incident Tthe deadliest pandemic in recent history which killed 18,00,114 people worldwide and, it seems, will continue to wreak havoc in 2021, too. As we enter the new year, it is time to look at some of the trends that could dominate in terms of health technologies, organisations, busi- nesses, regulatory authorities, products and services. One overarch- ing theme that flows right through this whole transformative process is technology in the form of Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learn- ing (ML), big data, robotics and cloud computing, among others. The new decade may be witness to a more advanced stage of digitisation of healthcare infrastructure and services. With the Government and private players, both ploughing in a substantial amount of money with the intention of wholesale overhauling of legacy Information Technology (IT) systems, hitherto chiefly used for recording payment SIMI MEHTA of bills, the next decade will be marked by a greater number of ser- vices related to healthcare being delivered through advanced IT-based systems. While digital therapeutics could increasingly underpin remote mid the COVID-19 pandemic and lock- diagnosis and treatment, digital solutions such as Electronic Health down in India, the month of June brought Records (EHRs) and Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) would become Aa rude shock for the country when Chinese and Indian soldiers confronted each more routine. Purely in terms of infrastructure, a combination of tra- other in the disputed area on the Galwan river ditional brick-and-mortar hospitals and a modular and scalable net- valley. There were casualties on both sides and work of healthcare givers and community healthcare hubs will come a violation of decades of mutual faith and under- into being. Traditional hospital buildings would more likely be fronted standing between the countries on the use of by unmanned reception facilities, face recognition systems and auto- firearms. mated disease screening kiosks. There could even be robotic and The Indian perspective: New Delhi main- autonomous healthcare assistants in hospitals, a phenomenon high- tains that the territorial dispute has been elevat- ly likely in developing countries which typically face a shortage of health- ed by China by claiming that it was related to care professionals. At the same time, remotely guided tele-ICUs and the latter’s sovereignty. Further, Beijing’s nega- Smart ICUs would become more common. Although foldable and tive comments on the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution and terming of the portable hospital units have already been developed in our country, they creation of Ladakh as a Union Territory as “ille- would become more sophisticated and advanced in the coming decade. gal” have not gone down well with New Delhi. Rising on the back of connected devices — remote monitoring devices For India, these are all internal issues. It calls for and wearables, combined with applications and software — the resul- fairness in understanding of the situation as India tant Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) would increasingly become the did not react when China reorganised the change agent in the coming decade. With wireless technologies such Tibetan provinces in 1965. India is also con- as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth establishing a 24X7 connection between patients cerned about the repeated mention of Arunachal (using stationary medical devices, implanted and wearable external ones) Pradesh as southern Tibet since 2005. and practitioners and caregivers, virtual/remote care would visibly become China has also expressed its criticism over more commonplace. Some of these devices such as blood pressure India building a feeder line from Daulat Beg Oldi to Darbuk-Shyok in 2019. On the other hand, monitors, pulse oximeters and blood glucose monitors would also give China has continued to build such feeder lines FOR INDIA, It wishes to arrive at a mutual under- The way forward: According to the clarification of the LAC as a cru- a fillip to self-monitoring of health. Significantly, AI-based mental well- for the last 20 years. Hence, New Delhi does not IT IS IMPORTANT standing first and then build a mutu- the Indian perspective, it is important cial step in dispute resolution, yet, since ness medical-grade chatbots are already being used to help people understand the logic behind Chinese objections THAT THE al political consensus to demarcate the to respect the previous agreements of 2002, China has been unwilling to con- with psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and stress. They would to India’s construction activities. It realises that LEADERSHIP DOES LAC. Beijing fears that if it agrees to 1993, 1996, 2005 and 2013 and to tinue with exchange of maps with become more commonplace in the coming decade. China would not want the Indian Armed NOT the Indian line of thinking, then China ensure disengagement and tranquilli- India. New Delhi says that this has been Also, with increasing digitisation and application of advanced ana- Forces to reach the Line of Actual Control (LAC) GIVE IN TO THE would lose a large part of the territo- ty along the border by ensuring the deliberately discontinued by China to lytics across the value chain including research and development (R&D), swiftly. PRESSURES OF ry. retreat of 60,000 troops in violation of occupy more land under the garb of manufacturing, quality, supply chain and sales, the pharma industry However, Beijing wants smooth movement VERTICAL OR In China’s strategic calculations, the previous agreements. ambiguity. is set to wear a new look. With the need for instant delivery of phar- of Chinese patrol personnel belonging to the HORIZONTAL India’s position is that of a rising power There is a need to define and clar- A major concern in India is trying ma products regardless of the location and time, companies would People’s Liberation Army. If China continues guided by its increasing national mil- ify the LAC to avoid such incidents to understand why China has been so with such a stance, India believes that the bor- ESCALATION AND itary strength. Despite this, for Beijing, again. It is necessary to have new strident in occupying disputed territo- need to strengthen their supply chains and align with hospitals and care der negotiations would not be very fruitful. CONTINUES WITH India is not a competitor, especially Confidence Building Measures as was ry. India’s position that the Galwan centres evolving a new integrated model for ePharma. The coming Another area of contention is Chinese NEGOTIATIONS AT after the US has become a strategic decided in the Xiamen BRICS meeting incident was a premeditated action by decade would see a large-scale shift to digital marketing tools such investment in the China-Pakistan Economic THE HIGHEST challenger for China. Further, its aims of 2017. the Chinese troops is the reason as videos, mobile marketing, digital content, social media, high impact Corridor (CPEC) in the Gilgit-Baltistan area LEVEL. IT MUST to maintain peaceful ties with New However, the Chinese think that behind the comprehensive economic visuals and live sessions on social media for pharma products and which is a sovereign territory of India and the INSTITUTIONALISE Delhi because its BRI network has to under no circumstances should either consequences on bilateral relations, for services. The new decade would also witness a greater collaboration subject of a long-running conflict between THE CONFLICT pass through India on land and in the side fire in the sky or at each other. example, ban on some mobile applica- and partnership between drug companies and health technology firms. Pakistan and India. Beijing has retorted that RESOLUTION Indian Ocean. They must reduce frontline deploy- tions, restrictions on infrastructure This would be a natural development. Technologies such as AI, big these are commercial investments but India is MECHANISM IN In fact, during a webinar conduct- ment of troops unlike the current sit- investments and so on. data and ML would not only compress the time required between drug not convinced because China has deployed over ORDER TO SETTLE ed by the RAND Centre for Asia Pacific uation. There has to be an increased This demonstrates an opposing research and product development, including clinical trials, testing and 36,000 security personnel in this area. Policy, it was clear that the Chinese coordination of the soldiers at the fron- official position and this has been at the There is a feeling in New Delhi that China THE DISPUTE have refuted the prevailing narrative in tier to avoid confrontation by giving core of non-resolution of disputes. As so on, these would also be able to churn a staggering amount of data wants to teach a lesson to India because it has ONCE AND FOR the international western media that them authority to resolve tensions. And a reaction, India has increased its mil- previously unheard of for R&D while also streamlining processes and decided against joining the Belt and Road ALL, SO THAT China was making use of the pandem- finally, setting up a hotline between the itary capabilities to thwart Chinese reducing wastage. In the coming decade, drug R&D would also entail Initiative (BRI) and instead focussed on improv- GALWAN-LIKE ic to become more assertive and two countries is pertinent as China has incursions into its territory and must more of gene-based experimenting which would map how the genet- ing US-India ties, especially amid the 2+2 dia- INCIDENTS DO aggressive. such a communication channel with continue with its preparedness, espe- ic makeup of a person responds to a medicine. Related to the above, logue process, foundational defence agree- NOT RECUR A renewed vigour in the QUAD the US, Russia and other countries. cially with the change in guard of the genomics in combination with AI and big data would be increasingly ments, Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or ties arising out of concerns of aggres- Conclusion: India and China must Western Theatre Command (WTC) deployed for treatment of a patient accounting for the individual char- QUAD and other such arrangements. Also, sion by China has also been dismissed take a step forward and shed their and appointment of General Zhang acteristics of a person in terms of variability in genes, environment and because of the asymmetry in power relations, by Beijing, as each of the four countries, nationalistic stand; else the border dis- Xudong. lifestyle. By the next decade, these technologies would have to a great China is showing its military might to India. India, Australia, Japan and the US pute would remain unresolved. A lot For India, it is important that the extent found answers to several forms of cancer, neuro-degenerative The Chinese perspective: While the June would not compromise their bilateral of confusion was caused by politics leadership does not give in to the pres- diseases and so on. At the same time, as R&D in biotechnology and event was acknowledged as being unfortunate, relations with it. after the Galwan incident. Therefore, sures of vertical or horizontal escala- the official position of the Chinese leadership The warmth in Indo-US ties has it is important to understand the sit- tion and continues with negotiations biopharma including vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics get spurred was that the Indian side triggered the confronta- also been downplayed by China as uation with a bipartisan view. Perhaps, at the highest level. It must institution- by the unprecedented pandemics, AI and big data would also be used tion, which raised tensions. Unlike New Delhi, “superficial.” According to Chinese they can take lessons from their own alise the conflict resolution mechanism in epidemiological research and forecasting on a larger scale. Beijing did not announce the casualties on its analysts, China does not want US recent history, wherein they had in order to settle the dispute once and The coming decade will see the legalisation of medical marijua- side in the Galwan clash because of the under- involvement in the dispute. demonstrated their maturity to resolve for all, so that Galwan-like incidents do na by more countries in addition to the existing ones. Finally, taking standing that the situation would be blown out While there is no need for China border disputes in exchange of peace not recur. If China continues with its lessons from the outbreak of COVID-19, given the commonality of the of proportion through the media. to make use of its military strength to and tranquility. expansionist autocratic tendencies vis- challenge posed to humanity, the pharma regulatory authorities across The fundamental reason that the border con- prevail over India at any time through For instance, India peacefully à-vis India, New Delhi must go to the the world would increasingly evolve a more cooperative framework to tinues to be a disputed matter between India and border skirmishes, yet with all clarity resolved its border disputes with International Court of Justice for arbi- deal with any future pandemic. China is the asymmetry in the thinking that pre- it subscribes to the notion that the size Bangladesh. China settled border dis- tration of land under dispute. (The writer is president, Council for Healthcare and Pharma. The vails on both sides. While India seeks to verify of the territory is immaterial but what putes peacefully with Russia and (The writer is CEO and Editorial the LAC first and then engage in discussing ver- holds immense value in its strategic cal- Tajikistan, among other countries. Director, IMPRI. The views expressed are views expressed are personal.) itable solutions, China’s thinking is top-down. culations is honour, interest and fear. While both India and China recognise personal.) Govt, farmers must negotiate with an open mind This isn’t the first protest and it won’t be the last either. But it would define the way growers resolve their issues

ing them from the biting cold. From set by the Prime Minister. of farmers being small and marginal. “Things might not work out for the panacea but it certainly helps them debt as they take loans from banks or Singhu Border to Panipat, National The “godi media” is abuzz with Most farmers in such a scenario are as farmer even if middlemen are elimi- negotiate a better price. Punjab farm- a local moneylenders-cum-middle- Highway NH44 wears the look of a stories that the people protesting at the good as meagre wage earners. Parties nated. It would then be monopolised ers can afford smartphones as their men to purchase, seeds, fertilisers, pes- makeshift township. Community Singhu Border are anything but farm- may be winning elections but it does by corporates. The farmer would landholding size is more and yield per ticides and diesel. So when the harvest kitchens are busy dishing out food and ers. They maintain that the growers of not mean that farmers are happy. At have no negotiating status vis-à-vis the acre is above average. comes, they have no option but to sell beverages while medical camps are dis- the country are happy with the least 10,281 people involved in the corporates,” he adds. According to an estimate, the the whole crop immediately. They can- tributing medicines and giving first- Government. How else would you farm sector ended their lives in 2019, He fears that corporates might average Indian agricultural household not wait for prices to swing in their aid. And yes, pizza distribution is going explain the recent victories of the BJP accounting for 7.4 per cent of the total monopolise the distribution chain income is `77,124 in a year. Punjab favour. on at Singhu Border, much to the in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and number of suicides in India, says the and reap more profits than all the mid- farmers earn `2,16,708 per annum and Sadly, real issues are swept under GYANESHWAR DAYAL amusement of the social and nation- Goa? Meanwhile, the two sides seem National Crime Records Bureau’s dlemen put together as they would that of Bihar `42,684 or roughly the carpet and farmers become a pawn al media. Milling about in the largely to be digging in their heels. The farm- Accidental Deaths and Suicides in have better resources to hold and `3,500 per month. So forget doubling, in the games political parties play. So rural crowd of growers and Nihangs ers are in for a long haul as the India report for 2019. People commit release the stock when the price suits even quadrupling their income would far the protest is free from any politi- he deadlock between the are people in western outfits as sup- Government wants this agitation to fiz- suicide out of utter helplessness and them. Prices for farmers are almost sta- not be enough. The farmers would still cal influence, consciously or otherwise. protesting farmers and the port pours in from people who do not zle out like others before it. To be hon- despair looms large over Indian agri- tic but inflation is rising and so is the be dangling below the poverty line. It is also non-violent even though TGovernment shows no sign of have any connection with agriculture. est, both sides are not helping their culture, big time. cost of agriculture inputs. The margins Indian agriculture sector needs farmers are dying of cold. In a protest ending even after six rounds of delib- A group of young girls from Ludhiana cause. The farmers asking for total If one looks at the price structure, are thin and if you are a small or mar- funds. It needs investments in cold of this size, things could change erations and concerted efforts to reach is lending support by performing repeal and not negotiating would not it becomes very clear where the prob- ginal farmer you don’t have a choice storage, an efficient transportation sys- instantly. It would, therefore, be in an amicable solution. Consequently, “sewa.” get what they want. The Government lem lies. Everything which comes from but to take a loan. According to the tem, irrigation facilities, research and everyone’s interest to resolve the the protracted protest against the The sit-in so far is peaceful even says the three laws will end the free run the farm sells at a good price to the end National Bank of Agriculture and facilities for scientific practices. Despite impasse soon. Both must talk with an farm laws will drag on. The sit-in of though more than 30 of them are said of middlemen and give growers the consumer. But the farmer gets just 10 Rural Development data, about 52 per big talk about the farmers’ income, the open mind, keeping the arrogance of growers from Punjab and Haryana at to have died during the protest so far. choice to sell their produce anywhere. to 40 per cent of the price that the con- cent of the agricultural households in actual investment in the sector is going power aside. History tells us that the Singhu Border was not by choice The farmers want nothing less than the In this situation, the Government must sumer pays. The reason being that the country were estimated to be down. So the powers that be provide farmers’ protests have always been since they were stopped from enter- repeal of the three farm laws and legal take the initiative to ease the situation, farm produce changes hands four to indebted. At the all-India level, about short-term succour that people can turning points in a nation’s life. This ing Delhi. But it would not be accu- status for the Minimum Support Price as discrediting the protesters doesn’t five times before it is purchased by the 60 per cent of the outstanding loans remember when they go to vote. The isn’t the first protest and it won’t be the rate to call it a sit-in dharna anymore. (MSP). The Government insists that help in mitigating it. end consumer for use. were taken from institutional sources UPA did it and the NDA is doing it last either. But this would define the It is more of a live-in one. The tractor it has no intention of withdrawing One thing is for sure, all is not well “It is pathetic that the producer which included Government (2.1 per now. way farmers resolve their issues. trolleys the farmers came in have MSP and the new laws would help with Indian agriculture. It provides a gets a pittance while the middlemen cent), co-operative society (14.8 per The biggest problem with Indian (The writer is a columnist and doc- become their home, with canopies of achieve the target of doubling the livelihood to 70 per cent of the coun- make money,” says Sahajdeep Singh, cent) and banks (42.9 per cent). agriculture is that by the time it is har- umentary film-maker. The views polythene sheets and blankets protect- income of farmers by 2022, the target try’s 1.3 billion people, with 82 per cent a young farmer from Rajasthan. True, the MSP may not be a vest season, farmers are neck-deep in expressed are personal.) HYDERABAD | FRIDAY | JANUARY 1, 2021 Money 08 Interest rate Govt’s outstanding debt on PPF, NSC Labour Ministry decides to unchanged notify 8.5% interest on EPF for Q4 PNS n NEW DELHI swells to Rs 107.04L cr PNS n NEW DELHI The Labour Ministry has PNS n NEW DELHI The 5.6 per cent The government on decided to notify 8.5 per cent Thursday kept the interest rate of interest on employees' Total liabilities of the govern- quarter-on-quarter rates on small savings provident fund (EPF) accounts ment increased by 5.6 per cent increase reflects schemes, including PPF and of over six crore subscribers of to Rs 107.04 lakh crore at NSC, unchanged for the retirement fund body EPFO end-September 2020, accord- pressure on January-March quarter amid for 2019-20 after receiving the ing to official data on public revenue collection moderating bank deposit finance ministry's concurrence debt. and rising rates. on that, a senior official said. At the end of the first quar- Public Provident Fund "The labour ministry has ter, the outstanding total debt expenditure due to (PPF) and National Savings decided to notify the 8.5 per of the government stood at Rs the COVID-19 Certificate (NSC) will contin- cent rate of interest for cred- 101.3 lakh crore. ue to carry an annual inter- iting the same into the account The 5.6 per cent quarter-on- crisis est rate of 7.1 per cent and 6.8 of over six crore subscribers of quarter increase reflects pres- per cent, respectively. the Employees' Provident Fund sure on revenue collection and Interest rates for small sav- Organisation (EPFO)," the rising expenditure due to the ernment securities hardened ings schemes are notified by official told PTI. interest rate on EPF for 2019- Government. COVID-19 crisis. due to apprehension about the the Finance Ministry on a The official said that the 20. "It (8.5 percent interest) Public debt accounted for Centre further raising the bor- quarterly basis. rate of interest on the EPF has Earlier in September this would comprise 8.15 per cent 91.1 per cent of total out- aggregating to Rs 4,20,000 cent at end-September 2020, rowing from revised target of "The rates of interest on been formally approved for year, the EPFO had decided to from debt income and balance standing liabilities at end- crore, which was slightly more lower than 40.4 per cent at end- Rs 12 lakh crore amid the various small savings notification by Labour split 8.5 per cent interest into 0.35 per cent (capital gain) September 2020, as per the lat- than the pre-announced calen- March 2020. strained fiscal position, MPC schemes for the fourth quar- Minister Santosh Gangwar on two installments of 8.15 per from the sale of ETFs est quarterly report on public dar because of exercising of "The share of insurance decision to keep policy rate ter of 2020-21 ending on Thursday after receiving the cent and 0.35 per cent in its (exchange traded funds) sub- debt management. greenshoe option, it said. companies and provident unchanged in its meeting held March 31 shall remain finance ministry's concur- trustees meet headed by ject to their redemption by The weighted average yield The central government funds at end-September 2020 on August 4, geo-political issue unchanged from those noti- rence. Gangwar. 31st December, 2020," it had on primary issuances of dated issued dated securities worth stood at 25.3 per cent and 4.8 with China and higher retail fied for the third quarter Now the interest rate would But later, the ministry said. It has planned to credit securities showed further mod- Rs 3,46,000 crore in the first per cent, respectively. The inflation data, it said. (October 1-December 31, be officially notified in the gov- decided to credit the entire 8.5 the remaining 0.35 per cent eration to 5.80 per cent in Q2 quarter as against Rs 2,21,000 share of mutual funds The yield on 10-year bench- 2020)", the Finance Ministry ernment gazette following per cent into subscribers' rate by December 31, after of FY21 from 5.85 per cent in crore in the same period a year increased from 2.0 per cent at mark security opened at 5.84 said in a notification. which the EPFO headquarter accounts in one go. proposed liquidation of ETFs. Q1 FY21, it said. ago. The ownership pattern of end-June 2020 to 2.4 per cent per cent at the beginning of the Accordingly, the interest would give directions for The labour ministry had The EPFO had earlier During Q2 FY21, 13 tranch- central government securities at end-September 2020," it quarter and closed at 6.02 per rate for the five-year Senior crediting the rate of return on then (in September) explained planned to liquidate some of es of auctions were held for shows that the share of com- said. cent at end of the quarter in Citizens Savings Scheme has EPF into the subscribers that "in view of exceptional its investment in ETFs to pro- issuance of dated securities mercial banks stood at 38.6 per During Q2, yields on gov- September. been retained at 7.4 per cent. accounts. circumstances arising out of vide 8.5 per cent interest for The interest on the senior cit- In March this year, the COVID-19, the agenda the last fiscal. However, it izens' scheme is paid quarter- EPFO's apex decision making regarding interest rate was could not do so because of the ly. Interest rate on savings body Central Board of reviewed by the CBT and it choppy market conditions JFL to acquire Rs 320-crore deposits has been retained at Trustees headed by Gangwar recommended the same rate of amid the lockdown, induced 10.76 pc stake FDI equity inflow up project to enable 4 per cent annually. had approved 8.5 per cent 8.50 per cent to the Central by COVID-19. in Barbeque- digital ecosystem Nation 21% to $35.3 bn MONEY MATTERS PNS n NEW DELHI and hardware, services, trad- for ports Over 4.73 cr ITRs PNS n NEW DELHI ing, chemicals and automo- PNS n NEW DELHI Foreign direct investment bile. Shahlon Silk declares dividend of Jubilant Foodworks Ltd (JFL), (FDI) equity inflows into The country attracts max- The government is imple- filed till Dec 30 Rs. 0.25 per equity share which operates fastfood India grew 21 per cent to imum funds from Singapore, menting a Rs 320-crore pro- chains Domino's Pizza and USD 35.33 billion during the US, Mauritius, the ject for five major ports in PNS n NEW DELHI hahlon Silk Industries Dunkin' Donuts in India, on April-October period of the Netherlands, the UK, France order to provide a digital port Ltd., a leading textile Thursday said it will invest Rs current financial year, and Japan. ecosystem, according to the Over 4.73 crore income tax Senterprise, Annual 92 crore into Barbeque- according to an official data. In the last one year, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping returns (ITRs) for fiscal 2019- General Meeting on Nation Hospitality Ltd In the year-ago period, government has eased FDI and Waterways. 20 have been filed till December 26, 2020. All the (BNHL) for a 10.76 per cent FDI equity inflows stood at policy in several sectors These ports are Mumbai, December 30, amid the gov- resolutions stated in the equity stake. USD 29.31 billion, as per including insurance inter- Chennai, Deendayal, Paradip ernment extending the dead- 12th Annual General Meeting "The company has entered the data of the Department mediaries and defence. and Kolkata (including line for filing ITR till January had been passed with into a share subscription for Promotion of Industry "26 FDI applications Haldia). 10 for individuals. requisite majority of agreement to acquire equity and Internal Trade (DPIIT). marked to DPIIT have been "An enterprise business Earlier, the deadline to file so far in the current year, while shareholders. The company shares and a restated share- During the first seven disposed of in 2020," it added. system (EBS) is being imple- ITRs was December 31, 2020 filing by businesses and trusts has declared dividend of Rs holders' agreement to regu- months of the current fiscal, The department also said mented at five major ports for individuals and January 31, have increased. 0.25 per equity share for the late the rights and obligations total FDI (including re- total 84 plots admeasuring with a project cost of about Rs 2021 for companies. This was Over 2.61 crore ITR-1 have financial year FY19-20. Shahlon Silk Industries Ltd., leading fashion of BNHL's key shareholders," invested earnings) increased nearly 554.73 acres have been 320 crore to provide a digital extended on Wednesday till been filed till December 30, to technical fabric player to domestic and leading fashion brands Jubilant Foodworks said in a 11 per cent to USD 46.82 allotted to companies with port ecosystem," Ministry of January 10 and February 15, 2020, lower than the 2.91 across the world, is based in Surat, the textile hub of India. With the regulatory filing. billion from USD 42.06 bil- investment to the tune of over Ports, Shipping and respectively. crore filed till August 30, 2019. unwavering vision to be a fully integrated textile enterprise, and the The company said it will lion in April-October 2019, it Rs 16,100 crore including Waterways has said in a doc- "More than 4.73 crore Over 1.05 crore ITR-4 have strong support from workforce of more than 1800 employees, the invest Rs 92 crore for acquir- said. investors like HYOSUNG ument.A total of 2,474 Income Tax Returns for AY been filed till December 30 as company has expanded from yarn marketing agency to texturizing, ing the 10.76 per cent stake in "FDI equity inflow (South Korea), NLMK processes were rationalised, 2020-21 have already been compared to 1.10 crore filed twisting, sizing, yarn dyeing, weaving, finish fabrics and industrial BNHL.BNHL operates increased by 21 per cent to (Russia), HAIER (China), harmonised, optimised and filed till 30th of December, till August 29, 2019. infrastructure fabric player in the country. Shahlon Silk Industries Barbeque Nation (BBQ), an USD 35.33 billion (April 2020 TATA Chemicals and AMUL standardised to arrive at a 2020," the I-T department Returns in ITR-1 Sahaj can Limited is engaged in manufacturing and exporting of supreme Indian cuisine casual dining to October 2020) from USD so far. Nine companies have final re-engineered process said in a tweet. be filed by individuals whose quality fabrics and synthetic textile yarn across the world. Brand, which introduced the 29.31 billion reported in the also started their commercial count of 162 processes, it said. Last year, the deadline for total income does not exceed Headquartered in Surat, SSIL has state of art facilities in and around concept of live grilling of same period of previous production, DPIIT said. In addition, a centralised individuals to file ITRs was Rs 50 lakh, while form ITR-4 Surat, the textile hub of India. The company has three manufacturing kebabs to the Indian market. financial year," the depart- It added that Project web-based port community August 31 and over 5.65 crore Sugam is meant for individu- units in Gujarat located at Kim, Karanj, and Kosamba. The company It owns and operates 138 ment said in a statement Development Cells (PDCs) system (PCS) has been oper- ITRs were filed. The number als, Hindu Undivided Families is leading player in fabric used in women's wear like sarees and Barbeque Nation restaurants while listing out its high- have now been established in ationalised across all major was over 5.12 crore till August (HUFs) and firms (other than garments, which are growing segments and have been growing at across 73 cities in India and lights during 2020. 29 ministries/departments of ports which enables seamless 30.An analysis of the data LLP) having a total income of double digits. Shahlon's garment manufacturers in Delhi, Mumbai seven international Barbeque Sectors which attracted the government, headed by data flow between various showed that filing of tax up to Rs 50 lakh and having and Bengaluru who export to top brands like M&S, Matalan, H&M, Nation restaurants (as of maximum foreign inflows respective Joint Secretary- stakeholders through com- returns by individuals for fis- presumptive income from Belk, and many more. November 30, 2019). It also included computer software level nodal officers. mon interface. cal 2019-20 has slowed down business and profession. has a presence in the Italian cuisine segment under the brand Toscano. Jubilant Foodworks Chair man Bank credit grows 6 pc, deposits Shyam S Bhartia and its Co- ‘Stable regulatory environment must for medical tech’ Chairman Hari S Bhartia by 11.3 pc during Dec 5-18 said the proposed invest- PNS n NEW DELHI prepared by Pricewater comprehensive account of how vanilla protectionism, but for providing better access to ank credit grew 6.05 per ment will create value for the houseCoopers (PwC) also the entire healthcare continu- smart globalisation, which will quality healthcare to Indian cent to Rs 105.49 lakh company's shareholders. Timely payment of dues by stresses on the need for hospi- um has been battling chal- help maintain the supply chain patients as hospitals have either Bcrore, while deposits rose BNHL had reported a total rev- government, transparency tals to drive patient and doctor lenges on multiple fronts and continuity with substantial postponed or shelved their 11.33 per cent to Rs 144.82 enue of Rs 742.5 crore in 2018- while taking price control mea- confidence besides collaborat- has shown grit in the face of room for localisation manoeu- capital expenditure plans due lakh crore during December 5- 19 on a consolidated basis. sures and a stable regulatory ing with medical technology adversity to remain devoted to vres, he added. to a sharp drop in revenues this 18, RBI data showed. In the environment are required to companies for clinical research. its cause. It is clear that urgent "Such an approach will help year. As per the whitepaper, fortnight ended December 20, revive the medical technology It further noted that med- measures are required to us expand the economy with- majority of hospital beds have 2019, bank credit stood at Rs sector in the country, as per a ical technology companies reverse the trend of falling out shrinking our indigeniza- been held up for COVID-19 99.47 lakh crore and deposits at whitepaper released by the should continue using digital revenues and profitability," tion drive and undermining treatment, creating a shortage Rs 130.09 lakh crore. In the Medical Technology means to enhance their out- MTaI Chairman Pavan our geo-commercial prepared- for other cases. Senior doctors, fortnight ended December 4 this year, bank credit grew 5.73 per cent Association of India (MTaI). reach, and conduct training Choudary said. The measures ness," Choudary said. who are part of the high-risk to Rs 105.04 lakh crore and deposits by 11.34 per cent to Rs 145.92 The whitepaper -- programs for junior doctors to should be evidence based and The PwC whitepaper noted population, still have low con- lakh crore. In October, non-food credit grew 5.6 per cent The MedTech Industry in India upgrade their skill. shorn of ideology and there- that the COVID-19 pandemic fidence to visit hospitals and compared to a growth of 8.3 per cent in the same month of the – COVID-19 and Beyond -- "The PwC report gives a fore, the solution is not plain has intensified the challenges perform surgeries safely. previous year.Growth in loans to agriculture and allied activities accelerated to 7.4 per cent in the month from 7.1 per cent last year.Credit to industry contracted 1.7 per cent in October 2020 as compared with 3.4 per cent growth in the year-ago period.Growth in loans to the services sector accelerated to 9.5 per cent in October 2020: An eventful year for growing agricultural sector 2020 from 6.5 per cent in the same month of the previous year.During the month, personal loans registered a growth of 9.3 per PNS n NEW DELHI lockdown restrictions for farm cent as compared with 17.2 per cent increase in October 2019. Union Agriculture Minister activities to ensure food secu- Indian agriculture sector rity. achieved record foodgrain pro- Narendra Singh Tomar, who is While many farmers, espe- duction and registered positive leading the negotiations with the cially those growing perishables Tax tribunal suo motu junks growth despite the coronavirus items, suffered in the initial pandemic but the massive unions, was hopeful of finding days of the lockdown and were farmers' protest at the borders solutions before the year end, forced to dump their crops, negative remarks on Mistry of the national capital against paddy and wheat growers were n an unprecedented move, the the new farm laws overshad- but it was not meant to be able to sell their crops. The gov- Mumbai bench of the income tax owed its remarkable perfor- ernment purchased a record 39 Iappellate tribunal (ITAT) has mance this year. million tonnes of wheat at the retracted the critical remarks it made Notwithstanding the cold the sector remained the only Just before the outbreak of MSP. on Cyrus Mistry in its recent order weather and pandemic con- bright spot in the Indian econ- the pandemic in the country, Thanks to good southwest that restored the tax-exempt status cerns, the protest by thou- omy, which was battered by the the Union government in the monsoon and relaxed lock- of the three key Tata Trusts. sands of farmers, mainly from pandemic. Budget in February enhanced down norms that ensured In a major moral victory for the past Punjab and Haryana, started in At a time when almost all the allocation for agriculture and timely supply of farm inputs, chairman of Tata Group who was late November and is continu- industries were severely allied sector by 30 per cent to farmers sowed kharif crops unceremoniously sacked on October 24, 2016, the tribunal issued a ing even as the government the government and the unions news laws enacted in impacted, the agriculture and Rs 1,42,761 crore for this fiscal. like paddy on time and harvest- corrigendum on Wednesday to its December 28 order saying "the and around 40 farmer unions on Wednesday, both sides September and legal guarantee allied sectors grew 3.4 per cent Besides, several new pro- ed the crop. Like wheat, the critical remarks were due to a typo." The corrigendum issued by have so far held as many as six reached at a consensus regard- for MSP (Minimum Support in both first and second quar- grammes were announced. government has already pro- president of the tribunal P P Bhatt and vice-president Pramod Kumar, rounds of formal discussions to ing concerns about the pro- Price) procurement system -- ters of this fiscal while the As the government was busy cured record 45 million tonnes clarifies that the first order made certain "inadvertent references to break the deadlock. posed electricity amendment remained inconclusive. Now, economy contracted 23.9 per preparing for roll out of the of paddy so far in this kharif Mistry because of a few typo errors." Further, it says in observations Union Agriculture Minister bill and the ordinance on air both sides hope for a resolution cent and 7.5 per cent, respec- Budget decisions, including marketing season. on Mistry one fact that was inadvertently missed out was that the Narendra Singh Tomar, who is pollution that penalises farm- in the new year and the next tively, during the same period. Kisan Rail and Kisan UDAN, The government, which information furnished by Mistry was in response to a notice from the leading the negotiations with ers for stubble burning. round of talks is scheduled to The country had record the nationwide lockdown was was sitting on huge buffer assessing officer. It further says, "The above corrections will have no the unions, was hopeful of The government has be held on January 4. foodgrain production of 296.65 imposed for little over two stocks of foodgrains because of impact on the outcome of the appeal and the outcome of the appeal finding solutions before the promised to decriminalise The country's agriculture million tonnes in 2019-20 crop months from late March to bumper production and pro- remains the same." The Mistry family has welcomed the suo motu year end, but it was not meant stubble burning by farmers sector, which contributes year (July-June) and the output curb spreading of coronavirus curement in the last several retraction saying, the immediate correction of wild allegations in the to be. and also assured continuation around 15 per cent of the GDP could cross 300 million tonnes infections. years, provided free ration to ITAT order is a vindication of truth and justice. "We note that the Later, Tomar said he expects of power subsidies. and employs more than half of in the current 2020-21 on good The lockdown was imposed whopping 80 crore poor from income tax appellate tribunal has issued a corrigendum on its own, the new year to herald new But the talks on the con- the population, saw good, bad monsoon, which has led to at a time when the rabi crops April till November, a major to correct the wild personal allegations made against Mistry that solutions to end the crisis. tentious issues and two main and ugly moments in equal higher sowing of kharif and like wheat were ready for har- relief for people severely formed part of its December 28 order, in a proceeding where Mistry In the last meeting between demands -- repealing of three measure this year. Nevertheless, rabi crops. vesting. The government eased impacted by the pandemic. was not even a party," the Mistry family said. Follow us on @TheDailyPioneer facebook.com/ dailypioneer

Friday January 1, 2021 The countdown 2021

ith Wmany events in 2020 being begins! cancelled and The year 2020 has been full of surprises that no the entertainment industry asking their one, not a single soul, has ever asked for! First, the crew to work from bushfires raging across Australia killing billions of animals. Then, with war home, the winds of breathing over the shoulder between India and China and racial tensions over change felt like it’s going to police brutality reaching a boiling point to us still dealing with the worst be with us for a long time. s the clock is going to strike midnight on the eve of New ‘Build a life full of choices and pandemic in recent history is killing so many people every day. The Year’s today, wishes will begin pouring in! And while we saw not chances’, re-inventing himself only solace many of us had in the onset of the lockdown was Akids getting bored, parents busy with household chores, with this notion in the times of elders having no choice but stay at home, there was Gomathi the fact that we were co-isolating with our families. 2020 Priya, television actress from Hitler Gari Pellam, who was busy pandemic, Trinayani fame Chandu trying out the flip side of being an actress amid lockdown. Gowda navigated well enough through allowed us to introspect our relationships, values Learning how to cook efficiently, Gomathi became conscious the difficult times of 2020 and relaxing in and passion. As 2021 is here, we have nothing about eating right! Taking the hard way round, the pandemic the new norms of life that have taken awakened her spirits of valuing life even more and quit junk diet. to offer but a hope for a bright year. More Considering the virus to come as a boon for a reason, she at last place. “2020 was really tough on us given found ample time to spend with her family with the whole the pandemic situation but it taught me to ollywood memories, more adventure and television industry coming to a halt! “Given a choice, I wouldn't count on my blessings. I'm still want to change the occurrence of events in 2020. Instead, I was actress more travel stories! Here's looking out for a silver lining! T so busy chasing my dreams that it gave me a time to slow down Punarnavi Bhupalam and introspect about my health. What’s more needed to sustain Having everything shut, what some of our tinsel is looking forward to a than having the basic necessities of life? The idea of looking after one first-class thing low-key New Year’s eve! town stars expect of one another is all that mattered in 2020, to our social media this pandemic did fanatics, the novel coronavirus educated them that there is a life The 24-year-old beauty 2021: was to re-spark a beyond that as well. I'm looking forward to more successful hopes for self-care and projects and connecting well with my fan-base in 2021, hoping to joy amongst a more opportunities in the enjoy more in 2021,” adds the actress. Wondering what’s her New family bonding. Year resolution? They seem to be very different from others we coming year. Speaking about Spending time had a conversation with, which is, seeking to have a lavish lifestyle her experience with 2020, she with my and grinding hard for it. She is unbending about turning her says, “Until February or March, insights about it. family was everything was normal and then, 2020 certainly a happened! A lot of disturbing things took moment of shape all around the world. I realised that he year has been a mixed pot of emotions and respite for experiences. Some of us have realised the impor- being empathetic and taking care of myself is me amid Ttance of self-care, and that can be attributed to the very important. I learnt a lot of life skills such as huge amounts of time we’ve had to spend doing nothing. the busy cooking, baking, driving, and swimming and I Actress Salony Luthra, the beauty who was seen in schedules Bhanumathi & Ramakrishna, talks to us about what her even started reading more! I think the pandemic we have year’s been like. “I think the pandemic has taught us that changed our lives for both, good and bad. It’s life is really short and we should make as many small every day as been an eye-opener. If I could change something moments as we can, to count. I’d like everyone to focus an actor,” on that and not just on the hustle and grind,” she says. about the year, it'll be the violence that took shares he. “For 2021, I’d like to advise myself to be more disci- place. We need to understand that hate doesn’t plined and to take my health more seriously. I want to Apart from an take us anywhere.” On being asked about New eat right, stay fit. I’d like to spend as much time as I can, epidemic, not with the people I love because that’s what counts at the Year resolutions, the actress said “I don’t want to wanting to change end of the year.” While the world rings in the end of start my New Year with high expectations and goals this dismal year, Salony has a valid reason to cel- anything from the that I'll stop this or start that — I’ll rather take my time ebrate! “The universe has blessed me with the past year, Chandu is best gift ever with Bhanumathi & with things and remain consistent with them. I’m looking forward to his way Ramakrishna being listed as one of the top 10 hoping to gradually incorporate things that I’ve learnt movies of south India and my performance into Telugu cinema giving in 2020 into 2021.” That’s also the advice she gives being one of the top 15 performances of audiences the much-needed south India - it was amazing, so for New her future self - to remain consistent with her routine, entertainment they were Year’s I'll be taking it all in, chilling with workout and self-care. “For New Year's eve, I’ll spend family, have a few friends over for dinner,” forced to abstain from, it with my family and friends. It’ll be she adds. On the topic of any resolutions, during the lockdown. she wants to follow in 2021, she says, “I pretty mundane, I think,” The actor seems to gave up on the idea of resolutions because she laughs. I think we put too much stress on them, usher fast into 2021 they usually fall flat within a few weeks. with responsible and But this year, I would strongly want to safe partying norms. follow a resolution I made for myself to make every month special by somehow earning for the missed out days commemorating it.” Salony has two inter- Yon shooting, actor Ashwini from esting projects coming up in 2021 that Nagabhairavi made her way through 2021 and how! should be kept an eye out for! Wanting to help the deprived and needy further, the pandemic has sure brought her interest into assessing the way she was living her life all this while. Because at the end of the day what matters is where our happiness lies basically. Planning to party with a very closed knit of friends and family, the Nagabhairavi fame will be taking off more time from the shores and is willing to focus more onto cinematic aspects. Not more of a resolution taker person, he says he loves accepting challenges coming his way and will strive to fulfil them at any cost. “We have all been through this tough time together from our respective homes, spending quality time with family was relaxing. Pandemic made me realise how much I needed to be with my parents. I also learnt that helping one another is the key to a blissful life ahead. I also saw a lot of animals suffering due to this pandemic and we must all pledge to not let this happen again,” she concludes. 10

Hyderabad Friday January 1 2021 webbed Shahid Kapoor and Salman Khan signs the biggest deal amid COVID!

Vijay Sethupathi’s command a great return value in terms of digital and satellite viewing side by side music streaming on various platforms.” web series gets a title! Interestingly, the film was earlier supposed to be released theatrically by YRF globally on a commission hahid Kapoor basis, however, now it will be has signed his Zee Studios, who have been first web entrusted with the responsi- S series, to be bility. “It’s a blanket deal and directed by n October, Salman Sources say, “Salman has a beginning of partnership Raj Nidimoru Khan wrapped up sold the satellite, theatrical, for the two. Salman’s produc- and Krishna DK of i shooting for Radhe - digital and music rights of tion, Kaagaz featuring Pankaj Go Goa Gone fame. Your Most Wanted Radhe - Your Most Wanted Tripathi too is seeing a pre- The makers are yet to Bhai with a 15-day schedule Bhai to Zee Studios for Rs. miere on Zee’s streaming make a formal in Karjat and Mumbai. Since 230 crores which is the platform. He also has a announcement of the then, the actor with director biggest deal in Covid times. multi-film satellite deal with same. Prabhudheva and the pro- They have been discussing Zee Network and his last 3 The web series also duction team, have been the possibility of collabora- releases — Race 3, Bharat features Vijay working on the post-produc- tion all through the lock- and Dabangg 3 that saw the Sethupathi in an inte- tion of the film to get it ready down and the deal was finally world television premiere on gral role. An action for an Eid 2021 release. We cracked early in December. Zee Cinema,” the trade thriller, the project goes hear, the final edit of the film It’s a reasonable deal that has source added. Meanwhile, on floors next month! is about to be locked and not led to a table profit for Salman recently celebrated Until now, we knew that just that, Salman Khan has Salman and Zee too, doesn’t his 55th birthday and is cur- the series marks Shahid’s signed a massive deal for the have much risk involved rently enjoying the New Year debut in the online space film’s release. given that Salman’s films holidays at his Panvel Farm. and will be premiered on Amazon Prime as an origi- nal. But now, an insider has informed that the team The OTT project will be shot Shashank Khaitan’s Yoddha, has finalised a title for the across Mumbai and Goa start- opted out of the Dharma pro- Namit Das has some killer series as well. It is tentative- ing January and will be an eight ject and will now first flag off ly titled Gavar. The con- or ten part episodic series that the Raj and DK actioner. Like tracts have been signed and will be wrapped up around their trademark brand of cine- both Shahid and Vijay have March or April. Shahid, who ma, Gavar will also be a pop- moves in Aafat-E-Ishq on Zee5 blocked their dates for the was supposed to start this pro- corn action thriller series that web series. ject after finishing work on will be shot in two parts. EE5 Studios’ Aafat- E-Ishq went down as Namit Das’ first z big project post the lockdown! Mukesh Chabbra: Potential of online After dedicating his year to diverse roles, the powerhouse performer took his game up by many notches by signing platforms hasn't been explored the upcoming digital venture that shall see him in yet asting director overwhelming. I was really extent also, falling in love another distinct role. Mukesh Chabbra, worried and kept wondering with this online medium of Interestingly, the actor shared whose directorial before the release if people viewing content from the its first look and it is super c debut Dil Bechara would actually watch it if it comfort of our home or any- gripping to say the least. mysterious events and an whether this is love or friend- released on OTT was streamed online. But where and streaming it at The first look has the actor unexpected climax. ship. It’s an interesting look. this year, says the honestly speaking, I could any time we liked,” said the and actress Neha Sharma in a The ZEE5 Studios produc- He has something retro and potential of a digital plat- not be happier and blessed director. very retro getup and both are tion has a brilliant ensemble playful about him. I thank form is vast and it has not with the response I got on “The fact that these plat- in the middle of a dance gig. cast that also includes con- director Indrajeet Natto ji been explored enough yet. my directorial film,” said forms have so many options, Namit shared the first temporaries like Ila Arun, who had me in his mind for Dil Bechara features late Chhabra. we even went on to explore glimpse of the movie on his Deepak Dobriyal, Pravessh this part. It takes the makers actor Sushant Singh Rajput The film was eagerly shows and films that we social media and in the cap- Rana and Neha Sharma. to have complete faith in you alongside Sanjana Sanghi. awaited by Sushant’s fans wouldn’t usually watch. tion space he wrote, “Atmaram is one of the when they are casting or “Most of the films were after his mysterious death on Apart from that, it has “Atmaram has some killer strangest characters that I when they’re allotting parts released online, including June 14, and it released on opened numerous opportu- moves! Stay tuned have played in my career. I to actors. When people see a my directorial debut Dil July 24. nities for actors and film- #AafatEIshq is coming soon! don’t want to reveal much part like this they will also Bechara and a few shows and “The potential of an makers alike. menting with roles and content that he has been #ishqwillkill” about it but whatever has realise why the right casting films that I cast for as a cast- online platform is so vast Without the concept of a breaking the stereotype,” he watching online. His upcom- Namit informs that the ele- been disclosed so far includes is so important. It is one of ing director. The heartwarm- that we haven’t even box office hit, producers too added. ing projects as casting direc- ments that make Aafat-E-Ishq that he has killer moves. the most important factors of ing response I received even explored it enough yet. I feel are willing to take the risk of Chhabra says he has also tor in 2021 include biggies intriguing are that it is These moves are enough to filmmaking. My director though Dil Bechara was as an audience, it made us investing into seemingly new been able to identify and dis- such as 83, Brahmastra, and packed with a strong narra- get Neha interested in him really stood by me. A big released online, was just more accepting and to some content. Actors are experi- cover new talent through the Laal Singh Chaddha. tive, amusing characters, but now the question is salute to him,” says Namit. FUN

ARCHIE CALVIN AND HOBBES

GARFIELD REALITY CHECK SPEED BUMP CROSSWORD

NANCY

SUDOKU Yesterday’s solution

GINGER MEGGS

Rules l Each row and column can contain each number (1 to 9) exactly once. l The sum of all numbers in any row or column must equal 45. 11

Hyderabad Friday January 1, 2021 tollywood No 2021 Sam to begin 2021 resolutions with a bang In Goa with her husband right now, for Rashmika Samantha Akkineni has ashmika Mandanna, who is Doling out some advice to followers, green-lit two in Goa with her friends to she asked them to dream big and work ring in the New Year, partici- out including on holidays. new Telugu R pated in an insta video chat Rashmika, who was in the news with her followers, marking recently for landing her maiden Hindi the completion of four years venture Mission Majnu, starring projects. in the film industry as an actress. When Siddharth Malhotra, is also said to have a follower wanted to know what her signed Vikas Bahl’s slice of life comedy Of the two, 2021 resolution is, she laughed and said, Deadly, headlined by Amitabh “Like any of my resolutions in 2020 Bachchan. In Telugu, she is said to be worked. Well, I’m not keeping any reso- the frontrunner to be cast opposite Jr one is lutions.” NTR in his next with Trivikram. Gunasekhar's mythological romance Shakuntalam, which, according to a source, will be her most challenging role yet, reports NAGARAJ GOUD

er only Telugu consent to a couple of costume drama release last year, anticipated projects-with Shakuntalam, which is Jaanu, might have one of them being Thank the screen adaptation of been a bummer at You, headlined by her Kalidasa’s play H the ticket counters hubby. While we were Abhijñanasakuntala (The despite her role the first one to break the Sign of Shakuntala). A receiving tons of acco- news (Dec 22) that Avika whimsical tale of love lades; Samantha Gor was finalised as one from the Adi Parva of Akkineni is starting the leading lady, we now can the Mahabharata, the New Year afresh. confirm that Samantha project is a production According to a source, will be seen as the prin- venture of Gunasekhar’s the actress, who is cipal leading lady of the daughter Neelima, with right now in film. Sam and Chay’s is a music by Mani Sharma. Goa with her sought-after jodi, having “Sam is the perfect com- husband Naga delivered successful films bination of softness and Chaitanya like Ee Maya Chesave, quiet strength, required welcoming Manam and Majili in the to pull off the part. She 2021, has past. Plus, the actress enjoyed the narration of given shares a great working Gunasekhar and could her relationship with Vikram visualise the opulence Kumar, as she featured in that the latter was trying his films like Manam and to achieve. She told the 24. “So, besides her director to be meticulous impactful role in Thank with the pre-production You, husband and as she doesn’t want the Vikram factor meant that project to go beyond six she boards the project months on sets. The whose new schedule director agreed and the commences in prep is in full-swing. Hyderabad on January 4,’ Sam believes it’s a role of the source informs us a lifetime and she will exclusively. Sam has also start prepping for it after given her nod to be a her return from Goa,” part of Gunasekhar’s the source ends. Good that Rajini has not Aha entered politics: Mohan Babu enior actor Mohan Babu believes expressed happiness that Rajini has not that Tamil superstar Rajinikanth’s stepped on it. He also hoped that apologises decision of not taking plunge into Rajini’s fans would welcome the deci- S active politics on health grounds is a sion of Rajini. “Like Rajini, you are good good one. “While his decision might humans. So with a large heart I hope have hurt his fans, as his friend and you understand my friend’s decision,” he as someone who is well aware of his stated. for irking health status, I feel it is good that In a three page letter posted on his Rajinikanth didn’t enter politics. I’ve Twitter handle on Tuesday, Rajinikanth told him many times that politics announced his decision to back out of doesn’t suit him. We both are politics citing his health condition. He straightforward, don’t believe in even described it as a sign from God to Chiru fans harming others or buy seats with not pursue it further. He said it is not vaccine may not be effective and if his money. Politics is a space where you possible to bring out an uprising health gets affected his fellow political don’t know whom to trust and whom amongst the people campaigning via passengers might face various problems. s a part of promoting Allu Arjun’s not to. The people who label you as a social media after floating a party. “I “Hence with much regret I am saying interaction with Samantha for good guy will have a change of opinion have to address public meetings, meet that I am not in a position to start a her show Sam Jam, streamer after you enter politics,” Mohan Babu lakhs of people,” he said. political party and enter politics. Only I A Aha used the sobriquet ‘Mega said in a statement on Thursday. The actor noted that as he is taking know the pain when I announce this”’ Star’ for Allu Arjun. This did- He equated politics to mud and immunosuppressants, anti-coronavirus he sighed. n’t go well with the fans of megastar Chiranjeevi who were quick to express their displeasure on social media pages, saying that there is only one megastar and that is Chiru. Some were of the opinion Ayurveda and good luck kept me safe: Sirish that if someone was to take the title from Chiru, it should be his llu Sirish was part everyday with 100 odd people. come from them. Till a safe son Ram Charan. Some even of the mega gang I wear a mask, use sanitizers vaccine arrives, apart from had a field day on the social who attended the & take precautions. But it’s masks also use traditional media space, creating funny Christmas party practically impossible not to remedies to remain healthy. memes on the stylish star. A thrown by Ram come in contact with any Ayush Kwath, Mrityunjaya Team Aha was quick to Charan at his resi- Covid carrier. What kept me rasa, Chyawanprasha and oth- react and rectified the error dence in Hyderabad last week. safe I believe is Ayurveda and ers are not outdated stuff our by removing the mega star title After Charan and Varun Tej some good luck (sic),” he grandparents used but time- from the promo before it snow- tested positive for the novel wrote on Twitter. less gifts from santan dharma balled into a bigger issue. Dousing the fire com- coronavirus on Tuesday, Sirish In subsequent posts, he and Ayurveda to the world. Be pletely, aha posted a statement on Thursday, apol- too got himself tested not advised his followers to use safe, stay healthy. Love you all ogizing for the ‘unintended error’. “We have come once, but twice to be on the traditional remedies to stay (sic),” the young actor wrote. this far because you have loved us and we know safer side. Pointing out that healthy besides donning Sirish is presently shooting you won't stop just because of an unintended error he was negative on both the masks. “Man shared his space for Vijetha director Rakesh from our end! This is an apology for everyone instances, he credited with snakes, bats & rodents Sashi’s untitled film. Details who has been hurt. There is only one Megastar Ayurveda and good luck for till a hundred years ago. Our about the project are heavily and we all know it!” read the statement from keeping him safe. “I have ancestors have already discov- guarded at this juncture. streamer. attended a wedding, trav- ered cures to keep us protect- eled outdoor & shooting ed against diseases that can sport 12 HYDERABAD | FRIDAY | JANUARY 1, 2021

Injured Umesh out of series; Warner will play in Sydney Shardul to replace him PTI n NEW DELHI Indies ended abruptly due to injury even before he could PTI n MELBOURNE acer Umesh Yadav was on bowl an over. He has been PThursday ruled out of the shaping up well and might struggling Australia are remainder of the series against replace Umesh in the playing prepared to risk playing ‘Pucovski has good track record Australia due to the calf injury XI.” The final call will be taken Aseasoned opener David he sustained during the by the head coach Ravi Shastri, Warner in the third Test against Melbourne match and the stand-in skipper Ajinkya India even if he is not 100% fit, Indian team management is Rahane and bowling coach assistant coach Andrew after returning from concussion’ likely to prefer Shardul Thakur Bharath Arun after reaching McDonald said on Thursday. over left-arm pace sensation T Sydney. Shardul has so far In the absence of Warner, PTI n MELBOURNE “We do know with the Natarajan for the third Test. played 62 first class games and who was recovering from a groin history that Will has had, and According to sources, has 206 wickets to show for his muscle tear, Australia’s batting ill Puckovski’s history of with my time with him at senior pacer Yadav, who missed efforts. Another aspect that failed miserably in the first two Wbouncing back strongly Victoria. He had a pretty good the third Test due to a calf India would like to address matches. from concussion-induced track record of performing muscle tear, is heading home ahead of the Third Test is a long “That’s a real, clear option. breaks gives Australia assistant when he has returned,” for rehabilitation. tail that has affected the team. He may not be 100 per cent fit — coach Andrew McDonald McDonald was quoted as say- The third Test begins in Shardul has six first class who is coming off an injury? You confidence that the young ing by Australian Associated Sydney from January 7. half centuries and during his never know until you get out opener will not have trouble in Press (AAP). “Umesh will have to go for stint with the national team in there,” McDonald said. scoring runs if drafted into “I think the selectors will an extensive rehab. He has left white ball games, he has proved “Look, if he’s 90-95% fit and playing XI. put a bit of trust put into the for India,” a BCCI source to be a decent batsman. the conversation is that he's fit Pucovski, who was player around whether he’s privy to develop- “Obviously the next few enough to be able to go out there primed to make debut in year-old's ninth concussion, mentally ready. And clearly it ments in training sessions will be impor- and perform his duties for the Adelaide, was ruled out of the not all from cricket. He has will be up to the coach once Australia told tant and that’s why the final call team, then I’m sure that’ll be a first two Tests after being hit now been included in the he lays eyes on him to see PTI on is likely to be taken in Sydney,” conversation the coach has with on the head in the first warm- squad for the remainder of the where he’s at in terms of being Thursday. “While the source said. the player. up game. That was the 22- series. skill ready. people are excited As far as Yadav “Most times Justin (Langer) about the brilliant is concerned, is pretty open with the players in back. have a little bit of depth out there.” Rajasthan Royals and there's progress shown he is expected terms of giving them accountabil- “I’m sure that he’s excited to One of the biggest setbacks nothing to suggest that there’s a by T to head off ity around that.” come back into the group as well. for the Aussies so far has been a link there. Natarajan, we to Warner has been named in There’s nothing worse than being rare slump in form for batting “I’m sure ideally you would mustn't forget National the squad along with Victorian injured when you are at the top mainstay Steve Smith, who has so prefer to be with your family he has played Cricket young gun Will Pucovski for the of your game as David has been far scored only 10 runs in four around Christmas time and only one first Academy in Bengaluru third Test as Australia look to over a period of time.” innings in the series. Justin addressed that. Some play- class match for extensive rehab pro- bounce back from the eight- Pucovski, too, is set for a “I wouldn’t be too quick to ers and staff members unfortu- for Tamil gramme. The 33-year- wicket loss in the Boxing Day potential debut after the young- be judging Steve Smith not look- nately are going to be disconnect- Nadu. And old had hobbled off the Test here. ster suffered a concussion in the ing good in the middle. He ed from family during Christmas Shardul has been a field after suffering the McDonald said Warner is first warm-up match against the looks pretty solid and hitting the time, less than ideal there’s no seasoned domestic injury during the optimistic about making a come- Indians earlier this month. ball well at the nets,” McDonald doubt. red ball pacer for third day of the back in Sydney. “He will be put through said. “Yeah, it’s a challenge to Mumbai,” the source Boxing “He’s (Warner) very opti- tests whatever it needs to be put Asked if life in a bio-bubble rebound. The world’s best play- added. Day mistic that he should be ready to through to make himself avail- was affecting Smith, he said: “No, ers usually rebound. He’s (Smith) “Shardul was real- Test. go, which is a great news for us. able for selection to potentially none whatsoever. Obviously we in a really good space to be hon- ly unfortunate that his We are really excited to have him Australia’s David Warner trains during practice session file photo open the batting. So it’s good to worked closely at UAE with the est, come Sydney Test.” Test debut against West Rahane, Ashwin climb in rankings India Eves Oz

PTI n DUBAI equalling fifth position. scores of 71 and 60 have helped Matthew Wade's scores of him advance 27 places to a tour postponed ndia captain Virat Kohli held 30 and 40 as opener helped him career-best 47th position. Ion to his second position reach 50th among batsmen Left-arm fast bowler PTI n MELBOURNE while stand-in skipper Ajinkya from 55th, while Cameron Shaheen Afridi has moved Rahane broke into the top 10 Green gained 36 slots to reach from 35th to 33rd after grab- he Indian women’s team’s wait to resume after gaining five places in the 115th position. bing four wickets in the first Tinternational cricket since the coronavirus- latest ICC men's Test batting New Zealand captain Kane innings. induced break continued with its scheduled ranking released on Thursday. Williamson, meanwhile, ended In Centurion, a knock of tour of Australia getting postponed to next sea- Rahane climbed to the the year at the top position after 199 by Faf du Plessis saw him son, Cricket Australia said on Thursday. sixth spot after scoring 112 and he dethroned Australia's Steve not only win the player of the The Indian team, which last played the T20 27 not out to inspire India's Smith, who slipped to the third match award but also gain 14 World Cup final in March, was scheduled to Rohit attends 1st eight-wicket series-levelling spot after managing scores of 0 places to reach 21st position, play three ODIs on January 22 in Canberra, win in the second Test against and 8 in the two innings at one behind team-mate Dean January 25 in Melbourne and January 28 in Australia in Melbourne. It is just MCG. Elgar, who too gained four Hobart. practice session one below his career-best rank- Williamson, who had spots after a knock of 95. However, the governing body added the ing of fifth attained in October briefly occupied the top spot Lungi Ngidi gained four tour will now be a part of the build-up to the PTI n MELBOURNE squad took a brief two- last year. towards the end of 2015, was places and is 56th among 2022 World Cup, which has been pushed to day break after India’s Off-spinner Ravichandran rewarded for his player of the bowlers. March-April due to the pandemic, and will oining the Indian team fine win in the second Ashwin, too, was rewarded for match effort in the first Test For Sri Lanka, Dinesh include three T20Is. Jafter completing his Test at MCG. his five-wicket haul at the MCG against Pakistan in Tauranga, Chandimal's knocks of 85 and “We are very hopeful of delivering an mandatory 14-day quar- The 33-year-old as he gained two places to the which New Zealand won by 25 have lifted him three places expanded schedule between the Australian and antine, star batsman Rohit Mumbaikar, who had seventh spot, while pacer Jasprit 101 runs. to 38th while Dhananjaya de Indian women’s teams for next season, which Sharma on Thursday missed the limited-overs Bumrah rose to the ninth posi- Williamson gained 13 rat- Silva (up nine places to 34th) would be an outstanding result for fans in both went through his first series as well as the first tion. ing points for his effort of 129 and Kusal Perera (up four countries,” CA interim chief executive officer practice session in two Tests against Ravindra Jadeja, who and 21 to go 11 points clear of places to 60th) have also made Nick Hockley said in a statement. Australia under the Australia due to a ham- scored a crucial 57 and cap- Kohli, who is on paternity notable gains among batsmen. “We had initially hoped to play India this watchful eyes of batting string injury that he sus- tured three wickets in the sec- leave, and 13 ahead of Smith. Left-arm fast bowler summer, however the impact of the global pan- coach Vikram Rathour. tained during the IPL, ond Test, remained at number Ross Taylor (up three Vishwa Fernando has gained demic made it necessary to postpone until next The prolific opener is was seen taking catching three but reduced the gap with places to 14th) is another New two slots to reach 45th position season.” expected to play the third practice in the pho- Jason Holder to seven points in Zealand batsman to move up, after his three-wicket haul. India had lost to Australia by 85 runs in Test in Sydney from tographs. the allrounder's ranking. while 26-year-old fast bowler In the ICC Test team rank- their last international outing at the Melbourne Kyle Jamieson reached the top ings, New Zealand are in line to January 7. Three throwdown He, however, gained 11 Ajinkya Rahane waves to the crowd as he leaves the field AP Cricket Ground. “The engine is just experts — Raghavindraa, and four positions to reach a 30 after just five Tests, follow- wrest the top spot from “It will be wonderful to once again host the getting started and here is Nuwan Seneviratne and career best-equalling 36th and batsmen and bowlers, respec- Cheteshwar Pujara's lack of ing his hauls of three for 35 and Australia, who remain fraction- Indian women's team, who were centre stage a quick glimpse of what Dayananda Garani — 14th positions in batting and tively. form saw him lose two spots to two for 35 in Tauranga. ally ahead since the Test team for that unforgettable ICC T20 World Cup final lies ahead. #TeamIndia were also there to assist bowling respectively. Gill scored 45 and 35 not slip to the 10th place. For Pakistan, Fawad Alam's rankings are updated only at the at the MCG in March, and to do so with an #AUSvIND,” BCCI tweet- Rohit. Prior to meeting MCG debutants Shubman out opening the innings, while Australia left-arm fast valiant second-innings century end of each series. expanded schedule from what was originally ed with two pictures of his teammates, Rohit had Gill and Mohammad Siraj Siraj finished with five wickets bowler Mitchell Starc's four has lifted him 80 places to Even a draw in the second planned,” Hockley said. the batsman. While he spent two weeks in quar- made notable entries in 76th in the match. wickets in the match helped 102nd position while wicket- Test against Pakistan could see Dates and venues of the postponed tour will trained, the rest of the antine in Sydney. and 77th positions in the list for India's batting mainstay him reach a career best- keeper Mohammad Rizwan's New Zealand take the top spot. be confirmed in due course, CA said.

AP n WELLINGTON Liverpool drop points at St Mary’s ast bowler Neil Wagner played Falmost all of New Zealand’s first Wagner to miss 2nd Test AP n NEWCASTLE cricket test against Pakistan with two broken toes but will not play the second Rizwan was full of admiration for oalkeeper Karl Darlow test and is facing a six-week recovery. Wagner's effort of continuing to bowl Gpulled off a string of saves to Wagner was struck by Pakistan in the first test despite his injury. help Newcastle hold Liverpool to paceman Shaheen Afridi while batting “I can’t explain Neil Wagner,” a 0-0 draw as the defending on the second day of the first test at Bay Rizwan said. champion’s vaunted attacking Oval in Mount Maunganui, sustaining "Eleven overs in a row on an trio came up empty. two fractures to toes on his right foot. injured toe, he’s a different guy. His Mohamed Salah missed two In spite of the injury, Wagner aggressions were beautiful. He’s a big good chances when he had just bowled 21 overs in Pakistan's first bowler.” Darlow to beat, and strike-part- innings and 28 in the second, leaving New Zealand captain Kane ner Roberto Firmino saw two the field for painkilling injections before Williamson, who was man of the match headers saved at St. James' Park returning to bowl again. in the first test, praised Wagner’s on Wednesday. In the second innings he bowled a courage and dedication. Three days after struggling marathon spell of 11 overs, securing two “People talk about the size of his West Bromwich Albion earned a vital wickets as New Zealand complet- heart but to have a couple of broken toes point at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp’s ed a win by 101 runs on Wednesday. … he was in a lot of pain,” Williamson team was frustrated once again, On Thursday, Wagner was ruled said. although Darlow needed some out of the second test at Christchurch “We were trying to use him when help in the form of a late goal-line beginning Sunday and likely will have the injection was taking effect. It was clearance from Fabian Schar to to rest for six week before is injury is full kind of unique for all of us, but in par- deny Sadio Mane and maintain mended. Pakistan captain Mohammad New Zealand's injured bowler Neil Wagner, left, is consoled by teammate Tom Latham AP ticular Neil.” the stalemate. Liverpool has now won only two of eight league away games this season but still tops the table, three points ahead of Manchester United. Hamilton knighted in year-end royal honours Liverpool could have taken Hamilton, who secured different drive than what I’ve because he lives in low-tax honours, veteran comic the lead 11 minutes before the AP n LONDON his seventh F1 title last month had in me in the past, to get Monaco. actress Sheila Hancock was break when Salah beat the offside to equal Michael to the end of those races first His tax affairs made news made a dame, the female trap to control the ball in front of ewis Hamilton is now a Schumacher’s record, has so that I could utilize that in 2017 when the Paradise equivalent of a knight, in the advancing Darlow, who got Jurgen Klopp, right speaks to Alisson after the end of the EPL football match AP L“Sir” as well as a seven- said his recent success platform” against racism. Papers leak showed he avoid- recognition of her six-decade his hand on the Egyptian's shot time Formula One champion. was partly inspired by Supporters have suggest- ed paying more than USD 4 career.Acclaimed makeup to steer it wide of the post. keeper Alisson Becker then had could tap into an empty net. Hamilton received a the Black Lives Matter ed Hamilton would have million in taxes on a private artist Pat McGrath, dubbed The goalkeeper then pro- to pull off a diving save of his own Darlow then clawed away knighthood Wednesday as movement. The 35- been knighted jet registered in the Isle of the “most influential makeup duced a fine reaction save in stop- 11 minutes from time when another Firmino header near part of Queen Elizabeth II’s year-old race car dri- sooner if not for Man, a tax haven. artist in the world” by Vogue, page time to repel Firmino’s Ciaran Clark met Matt Ritchie’s the end to preserve his clean New Year’s honours list, which ver took the knee on his tax status. Motorsport U.K. Chairm also received a damehood. header from point-blank range. free kick with a downward head- sheet. It was the only Premier also recognized British per- the grid and wore Hamilton’s an David Richards said There was a knighthood Salah had another chance to er. Liverpool nearly scored League game played Wednesday formers, politicians, public anti-racism slogans knighthood Hamilton’s tax status had been for cinematographer Roger break the deadlock in the 67th moments later when Darlow after Fulham recorded a number servants and people outside during the season. was awarded “totally misunderstood" and Deakins, a 15-time Academy when he was played in by pushed the ball away onto Mane’s of coronavirus cases and its the limelight who worked to Hamilton told the in the “over- that the racing champion was Award nominee who has won Firmino but directed his effort leg and Schar had to hack the ball match at Tottenham had to be defeat the coronavirus and its BBC last week seas” section of among the 5,000 highest tax- Oscars for "Blade Runner past the upright. Liverpool goal- off his line before the forward postponed. devastating impacts. that “it was a the honours list payers in the U.K. In other 2049" and “1917.”