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Vol. No. V Issue No. 310 RNI-ASSENG/2014/58385 | GUWAHATI TUESDAY DECEMBER 15, 2020 | PAGES 8 PRICE RS. 7.00 High risk contacts of Ankita Raina wins ITF doubles title Meghalaya CM ... 03 in Dubai 07 Horse trading in BTC? NEWS Madrassa Education Board will Six BPF MCLA'S may IN BRIEF dissolve in 2022, Himanta Biswa says join UPPL-BJP Council Rapido, Ola, Uber general subjects in the Akait is the only syllabus that is dif- 138 senior Madrassas and 230 pre- on indefinite Strike schools.Assam education ferent between collegiate and senior Madrassas in Assam. All Guwahati, December 14 : minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Madrassa. Other than that the entire these 542 institutions had two sylla- A number of passengers, Sarma on Monday during a course of a Madrassa and a general bus, one is purely theological sub- including senior citizens press meet said that all school are the same. So basically ject on Islam, and the other is gen- were stranded across the Madrassa and High- there will be no difference and all high eral syllabus prescribed by higher city after Rapido, Ola, and Madrassas running under the Madrassas will be known as a high secondary education council," Min- Uber the two-wheeler taxi State Madrassa Education school for schools under SEBA. All ister Himanta Biswa Sarma further drivers called for a strike in Board, Assam will be trans- Madrassas will be secular," said the said.Assam Parliamentary Affairs Guwahati from December ferred under the Directorate of Education Minister.Arabic colleges Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary 14.The daily commuters Secondary Education Coun- will be converted to Higher Second- said that an act will be introduced using the two-wheeler bike Guwahati, December 14 : The cil and the names Madrassa will be ary Schools and all authorities of the for this and a bill will be tabled in the Guwahati, December 14 : the coming days. It will be services faced a problem Assam State Cabinet has taken a removed and renamed as high Arabic Council will be transferred to next assembly session, scheduled As Kokrajhar gets ready for interesting to see which 6 early on Monday morning. decision on Sunday that the State schools and colleges."The word Assam Higher Secondary Education from December 28."A secular edu- the oath-taking ceremony members from BPF are go- The riders of different bike Madrassa Board shall stand dis- high Madrassa will be removed Council (AHSEC), and general coun- cation system will be started in the of the newly-elected mem- ing to join UPPL and we services like Ola, Uber, solved from the declaration of the along with the theological course cil education will be started in those state," Patowary added.Earlier in bers of the Bodoland Terri- will come to know about Rapido are staging the pro- result of examination to be held in (Quraan course) from189 schools. institutions.On the other hand, Pre- October, state education and finance torial Council there are them only after the ceremo- test against the manage- 2021-22 and all their academic and All theological courses will be senior and Senior Madrassa will fol- minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said: chances that six newly nial event," said Dipen ment for taking a high rate administrative authority will be trans- stopped with effect from, 01.04.21. low the State Council of Educational "As per our government's policy we elected BPF MCLAs might Boro. UPPL President of commission despite ferred to the Directorate of Second- SEBA will conduct the last High- Research and Training (SCERT) had announced earlier in the state join the UPPL-BJP in the Pramod Boro who was in lowering the fares.The ary Education, Assam. Teachers who Madrassa exam in 2021. So, from curriculum."At present, there are 4 Assembly that there should be no council.All Bodo Students Guwahati after the party's drivers of the various teach theological courses in the 2022 there will be no High Madrassa Arabic colleges under the State religious education with Union (ABSU) President massive victory spoke to organisations have also Madrassas, will be trained to teach exam," added Dr. Sarma. "Fika and Madrassa Board, 14 title Madrassas, government's Contd...Page 6 Dipen Boro said the 6 mem- the media on Monday informed that there are no bers from the BPF are go- about the latest develop- physical offices of Rapido, Today oath taking ing to join UPPL very soon. ments. Boro has alleged Uber, and Ola in Guwahati. Sonowal interacts with indus- "According to an internal that Bodoland People's While Uber and Ola have ceremony at BTC source, we have come to Front chief Hagrama closed their offices around trialists through a webinar know that 6 members from Mohilary is trying to buy two months back, Rapido Hagrama still keeps hope the BPF will join UPPL in UPPL's Contd...Page 6 has also done the same Urges industrialists and entrepreneurs to Guwahati, December 14 : est party winning 17 seats, about a month ago, making accoring to reports ,the oath election officials said on contribute to industrial development of Assam Congress MCLA from it difficult for associates taking ceremony at BTC wiil Sunday. UPPL has won 12 Guwahatik, December 14: ing to make Assam a hot countries, Chief Minister and drivers to talk to the take place tomorrow at seats, the BJP nine, while the Chief Minister Sarbananda spot in the landscape of Sonowal said that the un- management directly. BTCL atlast join BJP Kokrajhar . Meanwhile BJP, Congress and the Gana Sonowal said that his gov- South East Asian coun- precedented importance merge into it. You will soon Indian ernment is un-relentingly tries. He also said that with given by Prime Minister come to know that more will Civilisation pursuing its mission to adequate emphasis on ag- Narendra Modi has been join BJP in coming days. I Guwahati, December 14 : make an Atmanirbhar riculture and its allied sec- the prime reason for the have been receiving calls The Assam government's Assam based on the bal- tors, Assam can capture transformation of Assam from Congress people want-

k anced synergy between markets of ASEAN and and other North Eastern secularism push has ing to join the BJP. There is k y regularised religious edu- technology, skill and hard BBN countries. The fact states. Interacting at a no surprise in it," said Dr. y m m c cation in the mainstream. labour. With the help of all that Assam is on the webinar of Young Leaders Sarma.Sajal Sinha said that c sections of the people of threshold of being a land- Forum today organised Guwahati, December 14 : The Madrassa Board has The Indian National Con- he took the decision to join been dissolved into the the state, the present State mark destination in the by the Indian Chambers of BJP after discussion with government has been try- bloc of ASEAN and BBN Commerce Contd...Page 6 gress managed to win just Board of Secondary Educa- one seat in the recently-held his supporters. Being a lone tion (SEBA) and Assam Bodoland Territorial Coun- MLCA won't help him do Higher Secondary Educa- in collaboration with its new Suraksha Party (GSP) much for his constituency ally, United People's Party bagged one seat each. Offi- cil (BTC) polls. The results tion Council (AHSEC). Gmail, YouTube and other Google ser- for the 40 BTC seats were and would be a waste of Meanwhile, the Sanksrit Liberation (UPPL), is all set cially, they fought the elec- mandate. "The results have to take control of the tion on their own but the two announced on 12 December Tols operating in Assam will and Congress won the shown that people have not also be dissolved. They will Bodoland Territorial Council are on course to strike a vices are back online after global outage voted for Congress. They (BTC) for the first time after a post-poll alliance for which Srirampur seat. Congress come under the purview of New Delhi, December 14 : MCLA, Sajal Sinha joined have voted for change. I Kumar Bhaskar Varma San- bitter battle with its ally- preparations are on in have been working for a turned-rival Bodoland Guwahati.BPF finished as the Google services abruptly the Bharatiya Janata Party skrit and Ancient Studies went down on Monday (BJP) on Monday, two days long time in this constitu- University. Further, a de- People's Front (BPF).The re- single largest party and ex- ency. I have won due to the sults of the 40-member BTC pects that by virtue of its al- evening, impacting hun- after his win.Addressing a gree and diploma course dreds of users. Among the press meet at Hotel Lily, support of all the communi- will be held for Indian His- poll have led to a hung liance with BJP, they two ties. If some are unhappy house with the ruling BPF should take control of the services that were disrupted Guwahati, Assam education tory and another on An- at the time of writing include with my decision they will emerging as the single larg- council. BJP Contd...Page 6 minister and senior BJP cient Culture. Gmail, Google Search, leader Dr. Himanta Biswa be happy after I will bring Four Pairs of Long Dry day on December 16, 17 YouTube, and Drive. The lat- Sarma announced the join- development within one Distance Trains est outage, which seems to ing of Sajal Sinha into BJP. year."Dr. Himanta Biswa be more intensive than the "It's natural for rivers to flow Sarma also stated that Sajal Guwahati, December 14 : and 19, 2020 declared at Nagaon last one, seemingly started into ocean. The BJP is a big Sinha has joined BJP with- Keeping in view the require- Nagaon, December 14: Due as other private sector of- around Contd...Page 6 ocean and smaller parties out any Contd...Page 6 ment of long-distance rail to ensuring Tiwa Autono- fices, schools, colleges, travellers, Northeast Fron- mous Council poll, Deputy bank, tea estates and other tier (NF) Railway has de- Commissioner Kabitha will remain closed. The other Agitating farmer leaders begin day-long fast, cided to introduce four Padmanavan, through a no- emergency services with be more pairs of long-distance tification today declared continued as like other days. weekly special trains from public holiday on December Similarly, due to the same, the to intensify protest against new agriculture laws the third week of Decem- 17, 2020 next at the areas of district administration has New Delhi, December 14 : leader Baldev Singh said, expected to join the ongo- ber. This was announced 10 Tiwa Autonomous Coun- declared 'Dry Day' on De- A day-long hunger strike by "Representatives of farmer ing agitation at Delhi border by Subhanan Chanda, cil constituencies in the dis- cember 16, 17 and 19 in the farmers protesting against unions have started their points.Farmer union leaders Chief Public Relations Of- trict. During that particular entire district. Hence all the the Centre's three farm laws hunger strike at Singhu claimed that demonstrations ficer of NF Railway. day, all government as well wine shops, warehouses was underway at Delhi bor- Border."The hunger strike were also being held in sev- will be reminded closed and der points on Monday even began at 8 am and will con- eral district headquarters in NDA committed to serve the selling as well as store as the agitation spread to tinue till 5 pm.As talks with response to a call for such of all kinds of wines in the different parts of the coun- the government remained agitation in all districts. people of northeast : PM district during these three try with peasant unions inconclusive, the farmer Delhi Chief Minister Arvind days are being prohibited, staging demonstrations at unions have intensified their Kejriwal on Monday ap- Guwahati, December 14 : curing a majority in the a press release issued by district headquarters.Farmer protest and more people are pealed Contd...Page 6 Prime Minister Narendra Assam BTC election, and DIPRO office said. Modi on Sunday said that wish them the very best the NDA is committed to in fulfilling people's aspi- serving the people of the rations. I thank the people Election challenge not over yet, says Donald Trump northeast region of India. for placing their faith in Greeting the leaders of the the NDA."The ruling BJP, Washington, December 14 : US President ward," Trump told Fox and Friends in an Bharatiya Janata Party which heads Assam's rul- Donald Trump on Sunday said that his interview when asked about the dismissal ing coalition in alliance fight to challenge the results of the No- of the lawsuit filed by Texas and 17 others with Bodoland People's vember 3 presidential polls is "not over," states seeking to overthrow the election Front (BPF) and Asom even as the formal certification of the elec- results in four battleground states of Penn- Gana Parishad (AGP), has tion results in favour of President-elect sylvania, Georgia, Michigan and emerged as the major win- Joe Biden is scheduled on Monday.Trump Wisconsin."How do states and politicians ner as the party has won said that even though the Supreme Court confirm an election where corruption and in nine seats this time. It rejected a case brought by Texas against irregularities are documented throughout? had managed just one several swing states over their elections, A Swing State hustle!" the president said seat in the last BTC polls he still has other challenges in play.Trump in another tweet.Trump, a Republican, lost and other allies on the in 2015.The BPF, which has repeatedly claimed that the last the November 3 presidential elections to success of the elections has been ruling the BTC month's US election was rigged.The Su- Joe Biden, who is now the president- to the Bodoland Territo- ever since 2005 after the preme Court on Friday rejected a bid from elect.During the interview, he rued that his rial Council (BTC) in tribal autonomous body Texas' attorney general and backed by team did not get enough time in challeng- Assam, Modi in a tweet was constituted in 2003 President Trump to block the ballots of ing the election results."They give us very said: "NDA is committed as a political solution to millions of voters in battleground states little time. But we caught them, as you to serving the people of Bodo agitation for a sepa- of Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and know, as fraudulent, dropping ballots, the Northeast.""I con- rate state, has won 17 Wisconsin that went in favour of doing so many things, nobody can even gratulate our ally UPPL seats this time while Biden."No, it's not over. We keep going. believe it," he said.He alleged that votes k k and BJP in Assam for se- United Contd...Page 6 y y And we're going to continue to go for- were cast in Contd...Page 6 m m c c 2 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020 SPECIAL An EU travel ban for Britons brings Covid-19 has turned back the clock on working women's lives home the sad reality of Brexit It's a bittersweet thing, No one expects a joyous new full well.Brexit, then, always meant Hernandez, who runs a group help- grants to the EU can never now re- watching your baby fall in year in 2021. Covid-19 will ensure curtailing the rights and freedoms ing British immigrants living on the turn home with their families be- love with someone else. But that. Yet news that a collision be- of Britons in Europe. The surprise is Costa del Sol. "Other people are ask- cause they are not rich enough to for working parents, that's tween the pandemic and Brexit may that some people are only just wak- ing whether it is worth it, or if they meet the government's new criteria the dream: finding a also see Britons barred from enter- ing up this. Perhaps no one both- should just sell up," she for bringing back "foreign" spouses. childminder or nursery ing the European Union for nones- ered to tell them.More "surprises" added.Worries about the validity of They may eventually be forced into worker your child is so sential travel from 1 January has await. Britons may yet have to buy health cards and the expense of choosing between caring for an eld- thrilled to see every now added to the misery.As things health insurance every time they health insurance add to the burden. erly parent or living with their own morning that you can slip now stand, EU rules that ask mem- travel, adding considerably to the Hernandez has just helped someone partner and children.Other UK citi- away almost unnoticed. ber states to ban citizens of high- expense of a family holiday. They install a 90-year-old relative from the zens in Europe are now desperately When the chemistry is right risk Covid countries from entering trying to gain the qualifications that you'd give anything to should be applied to UK citizens will allow them to continue exercis- sustain it, which is why when Big Ben stops chiming 11pm ing their professions, fretting about childcare providers going (marking midnight in Brussels). whether they can continue trading bust isn't quite the same as other from under working mothers. Many This might change by then, or not. or offering their services across bor- businesses going under. It's not just nurseries were already struggling, pre- But why the surprise?The idea that ders, or have already had UK bank nursery workers whose jobs go up in Covid, because government funding for ending "freedom of movement" accounts closed down.A wider in- smoke, painful as that is, but small the free places offered to parents of simply prevented a one-way traffic ability to see migration as anything children's sense of security and eligible preschoolers hasn't covered the of Polish plumbers and Romanian but a one-way process that threat- sometimes their parents' working lives real cost for years. They then suffered fruit pickers into Britain was always ens the British way of life ignores too. Each closure represents some deep losses during lockdown, when they absurd.From the very beginning, fundamental truths about Britons as family's precious house of cards had to close to all but vulnerable and Theresa May made "reciprocity" migrants.In fact, 5 million British collapsing. So why isn't there more fuss key workers' children.Even now, social the mantra of Brexit negotiations. people - or 8% of us - live elsewhere. over a survey showing one in six early distancing means some can't take as If Britain "cracks down" - to use a In percentage terms, Britain is the years providers say they may not last many toddlers as usual, while others term favoured by migrant-bashers world's 10th biggest exporter of emi- the year, thanks to Covid-19?The all- have seen parents pull children out after - on the travel freedoms of Euro- grants and the largest in the Euro- party parliamentary group on women and losing work. Farris tells me she fears pean citizens then British people pean Union. Some 350,000 British work, jointly chaired by Labour's Jess women being trapped in a cruel pincer must pay a price too."It's a two-way people live in Spain. They are the Phillips and Tory rising star Laura Farris, movement: you lose your job, the local thing. We've always warned about third largest immigrant community, will shortly publish the findings of a nursery shuts, other childcare is hard to that," said Jane Golding, the Ber- after Moroccans and Romanians. detailed inquiry spelling find or too expensive, so lin-based co-chair of the British in The UK's head-in-the-ground atti- out the impact of the Gaby Hinsliff you end up staying at Europe group.This is now dawn- tude to emigrants, however, means pandemic on working women's lives. As home until the kids are in school. Only ing on those who make occasional it cannot be counted on to help or they make clear, this goes well beyond by then, you've fallen behind men who trips to the EU - meaning much of protect them.The truth is that Spain the manic days of lockdown, when many didn't have breaks in their careers. It's a the UK population.The new reality needs British tourists. Its economy mothers took on the lion's share of home phenomenon we thought we'd left behind is this: travel to France is not an is 12% dependent on tourism, and schooling and toddler wrangling while in the noughties, when Labour began a absolute right. Nor are trips to in provinces such as Alicante, much still attempting to do their actual jobs, and huge expansion of childcare places, yet Spain, Greece, most of Europe's will definitely pay United States in of that comes from Britain. A fifth of consequently lived in fear of getting fired. the pandemic risks turning back the best resorts, or anywhere else Brit- €7 per person for Giles Tremlett their Spanish its annual visitors hold UK (On which note, the report will call for clock.But it's not inevitable. The report ish people love to go in the EU. travel home. Insurance passports.Spain will bend over back- redundancies during the pandemic to be calls for a recovery fund to bail out Among many other things, that is authorisation under the European costs are €600 a month.For the 1.2 wards to let British visitors in and to recorded by protected characteristics - nurseries - something Farris and other what losing European citizenship Travel Authorisation and Informa- million UK citizens who live in the treat them well. It is worth remem- which should show if women, or workers MPs have been lobbying the chancellor means.Tourism must now take place tion System (ETIAS) as of late in European Union, the damage likely bering, though, that it can only of colour, or people with disabilities are about for months - plus new initiatives under different conditions. That 2022.Since Brexit has been wrapped to be caused by loss of citizenship bend as far as any EU-UK agree- being singled out unfairly.) The real examining what could replace the retail does not make them impossible, or and sold in grand terms, the minu- became obvious - and deeply worry- ment allows it to. Or Covid problem is what happened next: Farris, a and hospitality jobs young women are even difficult. But it does mean they tiae of real, everyday disruption - ing - four years ago.When some of restrictions.There is also a sting in former employment lawyer hardly given losing to Covid restrictions. But it also can be stopped at any moment. the part that impacts ordinary lives - us started to organise and lobby the tail. Before the EU introduced to wild exaggeration, warned in parliament wants the government to dig deeper into Covid is one of those moments. Ev- has been ignored.So-called swal- through British in Europe, it was tell- express extraditions, Spain's Medi- last week that "we are on the brink of a what's happening beneath the surface of erywhere, there is a pecking order lows, British owners of second ing that Michel Barnier's door was terranean coast was also known as bloodbath in terms of female female lives: to reinstate gender pay gap among those who enjoy freedoms, homes in Spain, France or elsewhere, immediately open. Entering the Brexit the Costa del Crime, since British employment", with the economic impact reports by companies, suspended during with citizens at the top. This is a prin- must now leave after three months ministry was far more difficult.We crooks loved to hole up there. As of Covid looking decidedly unequal. the pandemic, and publish detailed ciple the UK loves to apply, as the and not return for another three. were told that the British govern- of 1 January, when extradition be- Bars, restaurants and retail - all sectors assessments of how women and minority Windrush generation, or the 3 mil- "Some people still think they can just ment was determined to protect us. comes more complex, that part of dominated by younger women - are groups would be affected by any future lion EU citizens in Britain forced to pop across the border to Gibraltar and In fact, freedom of movement restric- British migration is quite likely to haemorrhaging jobs just as the brewing Covid measures, from lockdowns to fill out a settled status form, know come straight back," explained Anne tions mean many low-earning UK mi- pick up again. childcare crisis threatens to pull the rug economic stimulus packages. Teflon Modi does not have Humans are moving away from humanity, one Achilles heel, but two By - Atul Malikram, Founder, PR 24x7 The Narendra Modi-Amit Shah instance of an otherwise unyielding With changing times humans when a relative or are we not able to make this belief government projects invincibility. Its public government relenting was on the farmland have also changed, in many ways. friend of ours starts a towards our loved ones? image is that it doesn't trip or get spooked acquisition ordinance in 2015. This was With the changing times the world new business, how Think, about it… when you easily - not by CAA-NRC, JNU, Rohith after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is also moving on and adopting often do we think in have some time for self-analysis Vemula, or Kashmir protests.In the wider drummed up a campaign around farmers' modern social standards and taking his product or The Vocal for Local Campaign public opinion, Modi-Shah apparently don't security. He tagged the Modi government means, but moving away from their service, we research launched by the Prime Minister have an Achilles heel.But if you listen to as the 'suit-boot ki sarkar' and it hurt. In actual origin of being human be- it, judge it, and finally contains all the answers to these the protesting farmers from Punjab and his radio programme Mann ki Baat, while ings. From being a socially respon- ensure not being a questions. We must go ahead and Haryana, they speak as if they have already withdrawing the ordinance, Modi told the sible character humans have regular customer for promote this initiative and do some- achieved a never-before success. After all, "farmer brothers and sisters" that he is changed their personality to being it. Taking out nega- thing good for bringing back the they have managed to drag the Modi "open to all views and suggestions".In the hu-means, one who have become tives is easier than flavor of oneness and humanity government to the negotiating table, they past six years, PM Modi has gone through mean, self acknowledging and saying 'yes, you can amongst our people. When some- say. The government has a series of controversial people who live with the regressive do it'. One question one starts a new job, weaves thou- never bothered to reach Rama Lakshmi decisions not caring for behavior of 'Might is Right'. Learn- that is faced by today's generation. that keeps popping up my mind, all sands of dreams, the affection from out to leaders of any of the tremendous ing to live with this competitive On the other hand, if we talk about the times, I'd like to put out here, their loved ones doubles but with the previous protests. This is a government opposition - demonetisation, abrogation world and proving individual worth having faith, humans today are nei- Why we blindly believe in people the urge to work. This is the time that is impervious to public pressure.But of Article 370, CAA-NRC, Goods and Humans have inculcated the habit ther true nor trustworthy. Today if whom we have never met, whom when your oneness and compan- now, just the optics of six rounds of talks Services Tax (GST) and so on. Confident of being pickers and opportunists you go to seek individual opinions we do not even know well, who are ionship works to boost their cour- with farm leaders - first Rajnath Singh, then in his political hold and charisma, Modi to find mistake in others existence a person would rather believe an already living a life full of amenities age, and they find a way to touch Amit Shah - the Modi government is rarely blinks.If we were to do a roll call of and the work they do. Being mean unknown than their own family/ vis-à-vis people who live the same new heights. Even if you do not showing it is vulnerable to the protesting communities against the is not only a bad habit but a curse friends/relatives. This is surprising life as us or say that we have mil- need that product or service at that constituency of farmers, at least in the government, there are Muslims, Kashmiris, to making however living in the but true, that today's generation lions of reasons for not supporting very point in time, but it is always perception politics. This, in spite of the and students. But none of these groups society we exist today and the com- want to stay away from everyone, our loved ones. Actually if we go advisible to extend a hand of sup- fact that Modi has displayed absolute rattle Modi. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) petition with 'Survival of the fittest' however there is no restriction or out and measure reality these are port to other people to maintain conviction in the rationale of the farm laws has managed to win elections without is the soul motive. However, brutal problem of love and care but still mere excuses, yes! Just excuses. humanity and goodwill. It is a when he said that old laws of the past Muslim support, has a sizeable fan following but true this is that today's humans living on someone's guidelines is Why don't we for once question humble request, whenever a rela- century have become a "burden". And yet, among the youth and has enlisted Dalits in exist human beings don't. The gen- always difficult specially when a ourselves what are we doing? Why tive or friend posts about their busi- his government is engaging in talks, which its political project quite successfully.The eration today is factor of their indi- person has a stand for himself and don't we understand that we are ness, do not forget to like, share it hasn't with other protesters. By contrast, other time that the Modi government listened vidual soul, thinking of what's right/ is self-sufficient. Whenever a ce- pushing our own people back- and comment. Encourage them and he didn't flinch even once after the to popular protests was on the issue of wrong is their own choice with lim- lebrity promotes a product or ser- wards? How can we trust a stranger their efforts, be a part of their jour- draconian demonetisation. The only other dilution of SC/ST atrocities prevention law. ited thought process is the reality vice, people are eager to buy it. But more than our loved ones? Why ney and promote it together. RBL Bank and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance forge Bancassurance Partnership

Mumbai, December, 2020: RBL Bank protection and savings platform will empowers our customers to choose savings products will complement RBL RBL Bank is listed on both NSE and ment of self-service transactions, and ICICI Prudential LifeInsurance be available for purchase to custom- from a comprehensive suite of prod- Bank's offerings and enable their BSE (RBLBANK). provides a convenient route to make haveentered into a bancassurance ers of the Bank.ICICI Prudential Life ucts and plan for a financially secure customers to develop a robust fi- Further Details: www.rblbank.com digital payments for purchasing and partnership to offer an array of life in- Insurance's protection products pro- future. With our strong distribution nancial plan." About ICICI Prudential Life Insur- making renewal premium payments, surance products to the Bank's vide a strong foundation for a finan- reach and digital platforms, we will be About RBL Bank ance Company and facilitates a hassle-free claims customers.This alliancewill enable cial planand the diversified range of able to offer these products instantly RBL Bank is one of India's fastest ICICI Prudential Life Insurance is settlement process. over 8.7 million customers of RBL long-term savings products will help to all our customer segments across growing private sector banks with an promoted by ICICI Bank Limited and ICICI Prudential Life is the first Bank to access and seamlessly pur- the Bank'scustomers achieve their fi- India." N S Kannan, Managing Direc- expanding presence across the coun- Prudential Corporation Holdings Lim- private life insurance company to chase customer-centric protection and nancial goals,be it wealth creation, tor & CEO, ICICI Prudential Life In- try. The Bank offers specialized services ited. The Company began operations cross the ? 1 trillion mark for Assets long-term savings products of the retirement planningor higher educa- surance said, "We are delighted to under six business verticals namely: in fiscal 2001 and has consistently been under Management (AUM). On Sep- Company and provide financial secu- tion of children.Simultaneously, the partner with RBL Bank, and this mu- Corporate & Institutional Banking, amongst the top private sector life in- tember 30, 2020, the Company had rity to themselves and their families. partnership will also provide a finan- tually beneficial tie up will further Commercial Banking, Branch & Busi- surance companies in India on a Retail an AUM of ? 1,814.92 billion and a RBL Bank will distribute ICICI Pruden- cial safety net to thecustomer's family deepen our multi-channel distribution ness Banking, Retail Assets, Develop- Weighted Received Premium (RWRP) Total Sum Assured of ? 18.06 trillion. tial Life's products through its network by way of a life insurance cover. footprint in the country. Besides the ment Banking and Financial Inclusion, basis. The Company offers an array of ICICI Prudential Life is listed on both of 398 branches spread across 28 VishwavirAhuja, MD and CEO, RBL common philosophy of customer-cen- Treasury and Financial Markets Op- products in the Protection and Sav- the National Stock Exchange (NSE) statesbesides it'sinternet and mobile Bank said, "We are happy to partner tricity, both partners have been lever- erations. It currently services over 8.76 ings category which match the differ- Limited and the BSE Limited. ICICI banking touch-points, that distin- with ICICI Prudential Life and are con- aging technology to provide custom- million customers through a network ent life stage requirements of custom- Prudential Life has been ranked as guish the Bank's multi-channel distri- fident that this strategic alliance will ers a seamless digital fulfilment jour- of 398 branches, 1,219 business corre- ers, enabling them to provide a finan- one of the most valuable brands in India bution network. For ICICI Prudential accelerate value creation for both our ney and superior customer experience. spondent branches (of which 254 bank- cial safety net to their families as well seven times by BrandZ. Life, the partnership will deepen and organisations. As a bank, we are con- There is a growing awareness among ing outlets) and 402 ATMs spread as achieve their long-term financial For further press queries email us on further strengthen its multi-channel stantly focused on serving the evolv- consumers about protection and the across 28 Indian states and Union Ter- goals. The digital platform of the [email protected] distribution network. Through this tie- ing needs of our customers and en- need to financially secure self and fam- ritories. RBL Bank has a Corporate Company provides a paperless on- the date thereof. This release up, the entire bouquet of ICICI Pru- suring that they have a holistic ser- ily following the pandemic. We believe Agency license from IRDAI for distrib- boarding experience to customers, does not constitute an offer of dential Life's insurance plans on the vice experience. This collaboration our array of protection and long-term uting life/ general insurance products. empowers them to conduct an assort- securities. NORTHEAST TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020 3 Agriculture Department Complaint against Diyun cops for Conducts First Ever Kisan alleged custodial torture Mela in Shi-Yomi District ITANAGAR, December 14 : A hibition) Act, 2012, prescribe pun- and put them behind bars without dence to this daily.The complain- complaint has been lodged with ishment of two months. The Diyun following due process of ants also claimed that "Inspector the Changlang SP and the National OC ought to have released us on law."They have subjected us to Kalita, in connivance with SI Yein, Human Rights Commission bail, being the offence is bailable custodial torture by means of have not even registered the case against officers of the Diyun po- as per Schedule-II of CrPC," they third-degree while we were de- for which we were arrested," and lice station in Changlang district said, and claimed that they had no tained. They made us lie down on instead "after three nights and two for alleged illegal detention and knowledge about any gambling our stomach and beat us on our days, they took a sum of Rs 35,000 custodial torture of one Joydhan each from our guardians to set us Chakma and one Bimal Chakma.As free."As per a summons letter per the complaint, the Diyun po- dated 2 December, SI Yein had al- lice station officer-in-charge (OC), legedly directed seven more per- Inspector PK Kalita issued a po- sons to appear before him.The lice summons (u/s 160 CrPC, dated complainants, along with villagers 25 November, 2020) to the duo, met with the Changlang SP on 7 with a direction to appear before and 10 December and sought nec- him on 28 November, in connec- essary action against Inspector Shi-Yomi, Dec 14 : The department of Ag- of all the schemes being provided by the tion with a gambling case, which Kalita and SI Yein, as warranted riculture conducted first ever Kisan Mela1 department. He also distributed various the complainants said they had no under the law.They also appealed at Shi-Yomi district at Old CPO Hall tools and implements to the farmers on the knowledge of.The complainants for a departmental inquiry against Mechuka on 13th December last. The occasion. In his key note address, Agri- said they appeared at the police the police officers for "the al- programme attended at large by more than culture Development Officer Shri Tojo Bam station on the date specified by leged custodial torture; for mak- 150 farmers from Tato, Monigiong and dwelt at length the importance of agricul- the OC. They were allegedly de- ing arrests without following due Mechuka was inaugurated by the Shi-Yomi ture in present day scenario and also in- tained at the Diyun police station process of law and for corrup- Deputy Commissioner Shri Mito Dirchi formed and highlighted the various scheme on their arrival and put behind bars that took place in their area and feet. Meanwhile, Inspector Kalita tion." While the Changlang SP amid fanfare. Addressing the mammoth being implemented by the agriculture de- for three nights and two days (28 they did not allow the use of their and SI Yein ordered the sentries to was not reachable as he has left gathering, Deputy Commissioner urged all partment. District Agriculture Officer Shri to 30 November) without inform- place for the purpose of gambling. do so to obviate any sign of injury for Vijoynagar, sources informed farmers to change their outlook and shift Bingum Padu, District Veterinary Officer Dr. ing them of the grounds for arrest, Asserting that the police misused or marks on our body. However, that both the officers in question from sustenance farming to commercial Jummo Ete, District Horticulture Officer "in blatant disregard of Section 50 their powers under Section 160 marks can be seen on our bot- have been transferred to organic agriculture so as to cater the rising Smty Dugnya Ete and Sub-Divisional Ag- CrPC," the complaint read."The CrPC, the duo claimed that the toms," the complainants said.To Changlang headquarters and a demands of growing population. He fur- riculture Officer Shri Nyage Loya also provisions of Section 3 of the Diyun OC, in connivance with SI support their claim, the complain- new officer has taken charge of the ther asked farmers to grab the opportunity spoke on the occasion. Arunachal Pradesh Gambling (Pro- RK Yein, detained the duo illegally ants provided photographic evi- Diyun police station. Nava Prayas Education Trust Literary meet of Garukhuti launch education schemes No carol procession in run-up Sahitya sabha held SIPAJHAR, Dec 14 : Keeping the objective for all round de- SIPAJHAR, Dec 14 : The Garukhuti branch of Assam velopment of the students, the Nava Prayas Education Trust to Christmas in Meghalaya Sahitya sabha in Darrang district has undertake a scheme has launched an education scheme in Darrang district. The to organize literary meet on monthly basis covering the trust has recently organized one day workshop for the stu- Shillong, December 14 : Although tory etiquette to be strictly followed. door services within the compound entire locality of the Garukhuti Sahitya sabha. A literary dents of class X on the Subject of General Mathematics and Meghalaya is known for its carol sing- This involves strict practice of cover- of the church may be held, but should meet was organized under the scheme at the residence of General Science belongs from Pachim Darrang Jatiya Bidyalaya, ing processions in the run-up to ing one's mouth and nose while not exceed one-third the capacity of Bhumidhar Nath, Vice president of Garukhuti Sahitya Barampur Jatiya Bidyalaya, Barampur Higher Secondary Christmas, the State will not have any coughing/sneezing with a tissue/hand- the venue, or a maximum of 200 per- sabha under the president ship of Hansadhar Nath, presi- School, Sarabari Higher Secondary School, Khairabari Higher such gaiety this time due to the ongo- sons, whichever is less," the SOP dent of Sahitya sabha. Addressing the meet as guest of Secondary School, Jhargaon High School and Nagaon Janata ing pandemic. The State health au- read. As per the SOP, traditional com- honor Sailendra kumar Rajbansi and Gautama Nanda High School. Rupam Deka ,Subject teacher of APJ Abdul thorities issued a standard operating munity feasting is also not Goswami, president and secretary of Darrang district com- Kalam Junior College, Muktapur, Deep Jyoti Baishya, and protocol (SOP) in this regard which recommended.The notification said mittee of Assam Sahitya sabha respectively, Heramba Ritu Raj Goswami, Associate Professor of Saraswati Coaching specified that "caroling may be done that night curfew will be lifted through- Kumar Nath, Advisor, publication committee of Darrang Institute were attended in the workshop as resource person. within the church premises/designated out the State on Christmas Eve on district Sahitya sabha and Chandra Kanta Nath, president The students participated in the workshop were highly ben- hall and in a localized manner as per December 24 and Christmas Day on of Sipajhar Sahitya sabha offered suggestions to make efited from it. It may be mentioned here that the trust has already the social distancing norms".The pro- December 25 and also on December success of the schemes of the Garukhuti Sahitya sabha. going to open a residential educational institution for the stu- tocol, signed by chief secretary MS 31 to enable persons to attend mid- Dhruba Jyoti Bora, Amrit Chandra Nath, Bipul Kumar Nath, dents of science and committee stream namely Novodaya Acad- Rao outlines various generic precau- night services, adding that the respec- kakali Saharia, Surya Kumar Nath, Dinkumoni Saharia, emy at Dipila following the guidelines of New National Educa- tionary measures to be adopted dur- tive Deputy Commissioners will issue Bikram Nath, Gunendra Kumar Nath, Dharma Kanta Nath, tion Policy 2020--2021, as inform by Dhiraj Kalita, Chief Coordi- ing Christmas and New Year celebra- orders for relaxation of curfew Jaltiram Nath, Mrinal Kumar Nath Hitesh Nath Bhumidhar nator and Kasturi Kalita, Chairman of the trust respectively. tions to prevent spread of COVID-19 accordingly."For all other Christmas Nath and Upendra Kumar Nath read out their literary ar- and has been prepared after due con- and New Year related events/gather- ticles in the meet. The Bihu dance performed by child News body of Biswanath sultative meetings with various ings, permission should be sought artist Geeti Murchana Nath enthralled the audience. The stakeholders."Persons above 65 years from the respective Deputy Commis- folk song was presented by Mousumi Devi and attractive APCU formed of age, persons with comorbidities, kerchief/flexed elbow and disposing sioners as per the existing guidelines dialogue of drama was delivered by Prafulla Nath in the Biswanath Chariali, Dec 14 : A new body of Biswanath pregnant women and children below off used tissues properly. Self-moni- issued by the Home (Political) Depart- meet. The programme of the meet was moderated by Hitesh district APCU (Assam Press Correspondent’ Union) was the age of 10 years are advised to stay toring of health by all and reporting ment," the SOP directed. Kumar Nath, secretary of Garukhuti Sahitya sabha. formed in a meeting held at Sahitya Sabha Bhawan here on at home. The generic preventive mea- any illness at the earliest to State or Sunday. In the beginning of the meeting, one minute silence sures include simple public health district helpline," it added."Greetings was observed in memory of Suresh Borthakur; a veteran jour- measures that are to be followed to through hugs and kisses is discour- High risk contacts of Meghalaya nalist of Biswanath Chariali. Hemanta Saikia; chief secretary of reduce risk of COVID. Individuals aged. Spitting should be strictly pro- APCU and a senior journalist graced the meeting as an ob- must maintain a minimum distance of hibited. Installation and use of CM Conrad Sangma traced server. Pranita Roy Bhuyan; president of Biswanath APCU 5 feet in public places as far as fea- Aarogya Setu App may be advised to Shillong, December 14 : An octogenarian man was in the chair while Tushar Hazarika; secretary of Biswanath sible. Use of face-masks is mandatory. all," the SOP laid down.The govern- died due to COVID-19 related complications in district APCU briefed the objectives. A new committee was Practice frequent hand washing with ment notification also underscored Meghalaya, taking the number of fatalities due formed with Sourav Hazarika as president, Anjan Saikia; ex- soap (for at least 40-60 seconds) even that Christmas/New Year including to the viral infection to 125, even 98 new COVID- ecutive president, Tushar Hazarika; secretary, Rupjyoti Saikia when hands are not visibly dirty or midnight services may be conducted 19 cases were detected while 50 more recover- as magazine secretary along with 21 executive members. use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers subject to compliance to the SOP in ies were recorded as on Saturday, health offi- Amitabh Baruah, Hemanta Saikia and Pranita RoyBhuyan were (for at least 20 seconds), whichever religious places."Staggered services cials said.Meanwhile, Director of Health Services selected as advisors for the new committee. feasible," the SOP outlined." Respira- are recommended at churches. Out- (MI), Dr. Aman War, said at least 28 persons who had come in contact with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma have been traced as high risk Sparkling32 Dental Clinic NCD president contact.Sangma has tested positive for COVID 19 and is under isolation. He has asked people inaugurated in Guwahati demise: Shops who have come in contact over the past week to be cautious and possibly get themselves Hills district and West Jaintia Hills and three in down shutters tested.The health of the Chief Minister's family Ri-Bhoi district.The total number of recovered DIMAPUR, December 14 : As a mark of respect members are also being monitored by the health persons in the state is 11,977 as on date."Of the to Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) president, K officialsOf the 98 new COVID-19 cases, War 2, 65057 persons tested for Covid-19 in the State Ghokheto Chophy, who passed away in New said 61 were reported from East Khasi Hills dis- till today, 2, 52314 were tested negative," War Delhi on December 11 after prolonged illness, trict, 25 in West Jaintia Hills district, six in Ri- said.Meanwhile, medical specialists warned the shops in Dimapur town remained partially closed Bhoi district, two each in East Garo Hills district public not to let their guards down as there is a for three hours on Saturday. Dimapur Chamber and West Garo Hills district, one each in North possibility of a second wave of COVID-19. Some of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) president Garo Hills district and South Garo Hills district, of the doctors said that the virus is most viru- Akashe K Zhimomi told Nagaland Post that while two cases have migrated.As on Saturday, lent during the cold seasons studies have shops were asked to remain closed for a period Meghalaya has 641 active cases with East Khasi shown.The medical specialists have cautioned of three hours starting from 1-4 p.m. He also in- Hills the most affected district with 394 active that during the festive season, people should Guwahati 13th December : Dental and Oral Speaking on the occasion Dr. Sonam Nagori formed that shops would remain close even on cases followed by 81 in West Jaintia Hills and take extra precaution and follow the standard Health is an Essential Part of our overall said the Clinic has all the Modern Day Sunday to show respect and solidarity.Naga 73 in West Garo Hills.The senior medical official SOPs of the health department and continue to Health and Well Being. As Wisely Said Equipment's and we are maintaining all Council Dimapur vice president GK Rengma told also informed that 50 more recoveries from the wear masks, use hand sanitizers and maintain "Mouth Is The Gateway To Our Body" So, safety Protocol as instructed by ICMR and Nagaland Post that the body of late Ghokheto viral disease were recorded today, which in- physical distancing."We must follow three Cs Oral Health Is very Important which Is be- Government for the safety of our Patients was flown from Delhi to Guwahati and arrived cluded 23 in East Khasi Hills district, 16 in West and avoid closed spaces and crowded spaces ing neglected by most of us. To bring aware- during these testing times of Covid 19 Pan- Dimapur by road at around 3 p.m. on Garo Hills district, four each in South West Garo and close contacts," War advised. ness and Treat Dental and Oral Health Prob- demic. Our Clinic will also provide Free Con- Saturday.Members of various civil society lems Dr. Sonam Nagori, renowned Dental sultations and Treatments at Lesser Cost organisations assembled at Dillai gate to receive Truck driver arrested for rape of Surgeon who has an experience of Over 8 for The Under Privileged People having BPL the body. After holding a brief prayer ceremony, Years in Dental Practice has set up "Spar- Card that our Motto of creating a better Oral the body was then taken to Naga Council kling32 Dental Clinic" (a unit of Chikitsa and Dental Health for One and all can be Dimapur office for a short programme. Funeral five-year-old girl in Manipur Health Centre) in the heart of the city opp. Fulfilled. Dr.Nagori further said good Oral service todayFuneral service for NCD president IMPHAL, December 14 : People of Sugnu in the police custody currently as police Mizoram House, G.S.Road (Near Hotel and Dental hygiene can prevent bad Breath, K Ghokheto Chophy will held at Don Bosco area of Manipur's Kakching district pro- were investigating the incident after regis- Grand Starline), Guwahati. The newly Tooth Decay and Gum Diseases and thereby Higher Secondary School Ground, Riverbelt tested on Saturday, demanding befitting tering a case under POCSO Act.Local re- opened clinic was inaugurated by renowned help you keep your teeth as you get older. colony here on December 13, 2020.The funeral punishment to an alleged rapist for sexually ports said that the truck driver came to re- social worker Ashok Nagori and Sudhir The Clinic also has visiting Orthodontist and service, being organised by Dimapur Sümi Bap- assaulting a five-year-old girl.Locals of pair his vehicle at the workshop of the fa- Choudhary, Immediate Past District Gover- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon to Cater the tist Church, would be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday. Sungu area, on December 4 last, caught a ther of the victim on December 4 last.While nor Lions Club 322G jointly on Sunday. Needs of the People. 29-year-old truck driver for sexually assault- waiting for the completion of the repair of ing a minor girl and handed him over to the his vehicle, the driver left the workshop with Itanagar Zoo gets guests under animal local police station.The alleged accused the minor girl on the pretext of buying identified sweets for her from a nearby shop.He alleg- as Oinam edly took the girl to a secluded place nearby exchange programme Nanao where he allegedly sexually assaulted the ITANAGAR, December 14 : The biological the zoo on Wednesday after obtaining per- enclosures safely.The animals will be quar- Meitei of girl.Some locals who rushed to the place park in Itanagar received two pairs of spot- mission from the Central Zoo Authority of antined for a month, Curator Flag informed. Tronglaobi on hearing the cry of the minor girl caught ted deer and two pairs of Sangai deer from India, sources informed. Zoo veterinarian The Sangai deer is an endemic and endan- Mamang the driver and detained at the office of a Assam State Zoological Garden in Guwahati, Dr SorangTadap and curator Raya Flago, gered subspecies of the brow-antlered Leikai in local youth club. The locals later handed under animal exchange programme, reports along with staffers received the animals deer found only in Manipur. It is also the Bishnupur him over to the police who arrived instantly The Sentinel. The animals were brought to and put them into the newly constructed state animal of Manipur. district was on being informed. 4 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020 EDITORIAL THE ASSAM RISING With Nagari Pracharini Sabha's ruin, VOL. NO. V, ISSUE NO. 310 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020 Hindi is losing a major centre and its best think-tank The pandemic ired in several controversies, death.Padmakar Pandey took charge of decision. Pandey went in for an appeal, lished in Jansatta, drawing attention to India's oldest and once the the prestigious body after his father's but the court dismissed it. In its 17 May the decay in the Sabha. The signatories Mmost prestigious body for the death, and soon dissent came out in the 2016 order, a Division Bench of the included Krishna Sobti, Vasudha promotion of Hindi language, script and open. While Sudhakar was at least op- Allahabad HC noted that "there has been Dalmia, Rupert Snell, Sudhir Chandra, and tourism literature, the Nagari Pracharini Sabha, erating from Varanasi, Padmakar, who a serious dispute as to who are the right- Francesca Orsini and Mariola Offredi. As Europe's journey with the COVID-19 pandemic enters needs some urgent measures for its re- taught at a Delhi University college, ran ful claimant of the Committee of They wrote that the general council had its next phase, many have embarked on their summer adven- vival. The Sabha, registered as a Soci- the Sabha from India's capital and be- Management".The High Court ordered not met in several years and the names tures to Greece, Italy or Spain, riding the wave of optimism ety under the law, is bitterly divided be- came its general secretary in 2004. The that the prescribed authority (the Sub of several deceased members continued offered by EU recommendations on opening borders. Even tween two factions that make respective next election that was due in 2007, was Divisional Magistrate) should resolve the to be in its list. The "Sabha's interna- though the majority of the countries in Europe are past their claims over the institution and term each held in 2008 and Padmakar became the dispute and ensure that elections were tional guesthouse that was inaugurated COVID-19 peaks for now, there have been spikes and fears of other illegal.The case is pending in court general secretary again.It provoked re- held in accordance with the by-laws of by Vice-President Shankar Dayal Sharma a second wave. People find themselves checking government for over five years, because the bellion among the ranks and a parallel the society.Interestingly, while the court is given on rent for weddings," they travel advisories with trepidation, almost on a daily basis, to Allahabad High Court has questioned Committee of Management was set up battle was on about which committee had wrote, and raised objections to the "fam- see whether their plans will follow through.This uncertainty their claims and disputed the elections under an executive council member, the rights over the Sabha, the Pandey ily rule" over the Sabha. They urged the and related travelers' anxiety will be the hallmark of travel and they held to the institute's top Shobh Nath Yadav. The Yadav faction faction gave a major part of a building on central government to "immediately in- tourism in the age of COVID-19. Given the varied recovery body.Incidentally, the Sabha is located began staking claim on the Sabha, and the Sabha's campus on a ten-year lease tervene, set up an enquiry commission trajectories for countries across the world, reopening and re- in Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra seized control of some parts of its to a medical company, Nordic Formula- and revamp the Sabha's entire vival strategies will have to be tailored to the specific Modi's constituency, and has among the premises.Both the factions finally locked tions Pvt Ltd, in February 2016 for Rs structure".The government of India has context.According to the World Travel & Tourism Council largest collections of rare Hindi manu- horns when they approached Varanasi's 21,015 monthly rent (a copy of which is the authority to take over any institu- (WTTC), the travel and tourism sector accounted for 10.3% of scripts and historical works. And yet, Assistant Registrar of Societies in 2015, with me). The lease is extendable by an- tion, and declare it an Institute of Na- global GDP and 330 million jobs in 2019. The sector has seen as several writers point out, its rich li- with competing claims that they had held other ten years.The case is still pending tional Importance. When the central high growth in the last decade, which can be largely attributed brary and publication department have the elections on 2 February 2015 and 8 with the SDM, but Padmakar Pandey, as government took over the Kalakshetra to factors such as rising disposable incomes, the emergence been decaying for the last two decades, Foundation in the 1990s, a plan was of low-cost carriers, ease of travel through internet-based ser- and the Sabha is facing extinction.In mooted to enact a similar law for Nagari vices and the relaxation of visa regulations.In South Asia, fact, as early as in the 1990s, the Union Pracharini Sabha.The situation has wors- WTTC estimates that the sector contributed $234 billion, or government had considered taking over ened since then. Rare manuscripts are 6.6% of the region's GDP in 2019. Within the region, the pan- the Sabha and declaring it an Institute decaying and the Sabha has barely pub- demic could not have come at a worse time for Nepal's tourism of National Importance. A decade later, lished anything in the last several years, industry, which has almost entirely shut down since the out- a number of renowned academics wrote and, caught between contentious claims break. The government had declared 2020 as the Visit Nepal an open letter to then Union HRD minis- about elections by both the sides, it Year, announcing a national campaign with an annual target of ter Arjun Singh, seeking an immediate doesn't have a legitimate executive au- achieving 2 million tourist arrivals. With the country's borders intervention into the Sabha's affairs. thority either. Ideally, all its archives and closed to adventure-seeking mountaineering crowds, the di- Neither of these materialised.Formed in literary resources should have been rect actors along in the tourism value chain (tour operators, 1893 by three of Hindi's brightest minds online by now, but this is a rare institu- trekking agencies, mountain guides and Sherpas) have lost and subsequently nurtured by India's tion without a website in the digital era. their only source of income.Similarly, the Republic of Maldives eminent personalities such as M.K. Few people of the younger generation is uniquely vulnerable to external shocks, and tourism consti- Gandhi and M.M. Malaviya, the Nagari now know about it, as the Sabha slides tutes a third of the small island state's national revenue. Neeza Pracharini Sabha has played a signifi- towards oblivion.It was due to such in- Imad, Minister of State for Economic Development of cant role in developing a standard gram- March thestitutions that Hindi had become a promi- Maldives, says "COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on mar for modern Hindi, gathering rare 2015 re- ASHUTOSH BHARDWAJ Sabha's nent language during the freedom move- our economy, particularly in relation to SMEs that account for manuscripts, publishing Hindi's first dic- spectively. Both sought to get their 'win- representative, continues to be on vari- ment. I recently wrote about the decline most of the tourism related employment." As a result of the tionaries, encyclopaedias and journals, ner' candidates and the new committee ous bodies created by Union ministries of the language in the intellectual sphere ongoing crisis, the International Monetary Fund has projected and even contributed to the freedom registered under the Society Act.Adding for Hindi."The 2015 election is in the in the last few decades and how the that the country's economy will contract by 8.1% in 2020.Af- movement. The modern Hindi that we to the chaos, while the matter was pend- court, but we are still authorised to un- Hindi heartland was the first to register ter four months of lockdown, the Maldives welcomed tourists use today greatly owes to a range of ing before the Assistant Registrar, as dertake various activities of the Sabha," the fall of secularism.These twin devel- back to its resorts and hotels, after publishing a comprehen- outstanding writers, critics and histori- many as 161 general council members Brijesh Pandey, the Sabha's Varanasi opments, aided by the Hindi media that sive sector reopening strategy aimed towards building trust ans who had been associated with the went against both the factions and filed Office Superintendent, told me in de- has increasingly fostered communal and credibility among potential tourists. Minister Imad sig- Sabha before Independence. These writ- a signed affidavit challenging the valid- fence of the Pandey faction.The Pandey tendencies and stripped the language nals a strong welcome message to the international tourist ers introduced an academic rigour and a ity of the elections.In its December 2015 faction held yet another election to the of its dignity, must be seen in the con- community: "We welcome back tourists as resorts opened on creative vitality to the language and order, the Assistant Registrar of Societ- Sabha's general council in 2016, to be text of the decline of great institutions the 15th of July 2020. Tourists can be assured that the Govern- made it an important cultural signpost ies, Manoj Kumar Singh, questioned the again contested by the Yadavs. "When like the Pracharini Sabha that once stood ment has put into place strict safety and hygiene standards to during the freedom movement.However, claims made by both Pandey and Yadav, the hearing is on before the SDM, the as a bulwark against divisive forces and ensure the safe reopening of the country to tourists from it has been with a single family over the highlighted "various irregularities in the elections have no meaning," Shobh Nath contributed greatly to the building of a around the world when travel restrictions begin to last six decades. In 1969, Sudhakar election process", and referred the case Yadav's son Pintu Yadav, who claimed modern Hindi society.The Sabha per- ease."Globally, in an effort to establish a harmonized approach Pandey was elected as the Sabha's gen- to the Varanasi Sub Divisional Magistrate. himself to a member of the general coun- formed another role. Practitioners of a towards setting guidelines around the reopening of the sec- eral secretary and held the post till his According to the Sabha's by-laws, it must cil, told me.Brijesh, however, termed the language often need institutional sup- tor, WTTC launched the "Safe Travels" stamp, which has been death in 2003. Considered close to Indira hold elections to its executive council Yadav faction "bogus and fake".At port for their academic and creative ven- designed to allow potential travelers to recognize establish- Gandhi, Pandey won the Chandauli Lok every three years and elect its general present, both the factions have some tures. The Sabha was among the fore- ments around the world which have adopted standardized Sabha election on a Congress ticket in secretary. The general council has sev- control over some parts of buildings, and most such institutions in the first half health and hygiene protocols. Backed by the United Nations 1971 and remained an MP till 1977. After eral hundred members. But it's the EC that it seems that they are happy with status of the 20th century and its decline has World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the stamp may be used the Congress came to power again in ultimately takes calls. In other words, as quo. Several of the executive council and had a severe impact on the Hindi across the travel and tourism value chain to certify hotels, 1980, he was sent to Rajya Sabha.Such long as the issue related to the election general council members in the Pandey sphere.The Sabha's ruin is being felt in restaurants, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, restaurants, has been the control of this family that was not resolved, the prestigious insti- faction are their relatives.When Arjun multiple zones. The Hindi language is outdoor shopping, transportation and airports. Since its launch the Sabha's Delhi office that was earlier tution became an infructuous Singh was the Union HRD minister, a losing a major centre and a rich chapter on 27 May, the WTTC established protocols have been called Nagari Pracharini Sabha, New body.Pandey went to the Allahabad High range of renowned Indian and interna- of its heritage, and the Hindi commu- adopted by destination countries and cities around the world Delhi, was renamed as Pandit Sudhakar Court against Singh's decision, but the tional academics and writers had writ- nity is losing what was once its great- such as Turkey, Egypt, Portugal, Seville and Cancun.Based Pandey Nagari Bhavan after his court upheld the Assistant Registrar's ten him an open letter, which was pub- est think-tank. on current trends and survey studies of consumer preferences and behavioural patterns, projections on resumption of travel indicate that recovery will be proximity-based, gradually mov- ing from domestic to regional and lastly intercontinental. As Has Modi finally met his match in India's farmers? he scene is almost festive. sands of famers and workers have The contagion was not just a public dated economic unit governed by a part of the institutional response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Kanwar Grewal, a popular Punjabi camped for weeks at the borders of Delhi health disaster but also a reminder that strong centralised state - a step that un- World Economic Forum regularly convenes a multistakeholder singer, is on the stage perform- during a harsh winter and the risk of China, as the "factory of the world", dermines India's federal state structure. community of prominent experts, policymakers and businesses T ing in front of a spellbound audience. contagion. They show no sign of turn- dominates global manufacturing and Articulated in the language of empower- from the region as the Regional Action Group for South Asia, The show is routine for someone like ing back.The determination of protest- thereby critical supply chains. As the ment and progress, it positions the In- which met virtually most recently in July to discuss the impact him, but the setting is unusual. The ers has put India's ruling party in a tight backlash against China has grown, so dian nation as a single market, with eco- of the pandemic on the travel and tourism industry and the makeshift stage is a table, a set of bor- spot. It was clearly not expecting a na- has the possibility of re-channelling nomic resources and activity under the measures that need to be adopted to support recovery rowed speakers and a microphone, all tionwide strike during the pandemic. manufacturing to other nations. As the auspices of the state.This vision requires efforts.Public sector representatives and businesses from the hurriedly assembled on a roadside kerb. The "world's strictest lockdown" and US has spoken of the prospect of India to be made market-ready, a site of region agreed that domestic tourism will lead the way in this He performs without special stage ef- the public fear of contagion have been decoupling from China, a new vacancy production in which all national territory recovery journey. This puts countries with a large domestic fects or background music; the song is readily leveraged to as the world's "next and inhabitants are available as factors of market, such as India, at an advantage since they will be able a resounding call to protect the rights limit democratic ex- Ravinder Kaur factory" seems to production. Seen from this vantage point, to create more favourable fiscal conditions for stimulating of farmers and protest against the new pression of dissent. With various restric- have opened up, a vacancy India is ea- the new market reforms are the logical steps growth in the sector while actively promoting local and re- farm laws - a genre different from his fa- tions in place, the Modi government has ger to fill.This crisis-as-opportunity ap- designed to upgrade India's global ranking gional tourismAs a first step towards recovery, the possibility miliar oeuvre of Sufi songs.This scene viewed the pandemic as a rare opportu- proach is accelerating the speed of mar- on the "ease of business" index. Hence the of establishing travel bubbles or corridors - which would al- is neither exceptional nor limited to one nity to muscle through a number of ket reforms that big capital has long de- new farm laws - on pricing, sale of agricul- low countries in the region to put in place protocols for open- artist. It has become commonplace in the "tough" market reforms. The guiding manded. First there was the highly tural produce, and storage - which remove ing up channels for air travel on a reciprocal basis - was also past months, especially in the Indian principle has been that the crisis is a publicised Make in India programme. safeguards that have protected the agri- discussed among members of the Forum's Regional Action states of Punjab and Haryana, as mas- "time for bold decisions and bold invest- Earlier this year, it was repackaged as cultural sector from the vagaries of the Group for South Asia. Establishing these safe zones bilater- sive protests mount against the deregu- ment … to prepare a globally competi- the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant In- free market.The laws seek to dismantle ally or among a group of countries with similar recovery tra- lation of the agricultural sector. The vast tive domestic supply chain".he rationale dia): a competitive and resilient manufac- the complex mandi system (local market) jectories would build focused capacities to safely manage the assembly of protesters during a relent- is that the pandemic offers a moment in turing hub in the global economy. Its most - the state-regulated marketplaces com- flow of tourists and allow testing of the framework for reopen- less pandemic might seem reckless. But which global investments could poten- recent iteration is One Nation, One Mar- prising farmers, workers and intermediar- ing on a larger scale at a later stage. it is more a sign of desperation that thou- tially be diverted from China to India. ket, which envisages India as a consoli- ies from the local economy. Mistakes in maternity care are still being made, 12 years after I lost my son he Ockenden report looking requests for a caesarean section, learn from earlier mistakes were between 8% and 12% below the issues identified echoed those found Kate Stanton Davies and Pippa at failures in maternity care at was persuaded to attempt a vaginal missed.The report outlines evidence England average. The review in the Kirkup investigation, pub- Griffiths, who both died just after TShrewsbury and Telford birth. A number of complications led of clinical care and decision-making concludes that low rates were lished more than five years ago into their births at the trust in 2009 and hospitals (SaTH) published this to the baby's death a few days later that did not demonstrate the "perceived as the essence of good the systemic failures that led to my 2016, the truth would remain week makes for truly harrowing as the result of a lack of oxygen to appropriate level of competence; a maternity care in the unit".Beyond son's death.Dr Bill Kirkup's report untold.This week, I watch as reading. The report looks at the first the brain during birth.In another lack of joint decision-making and clinical procedures, there was a lack describes poor multi-professional government ministers and healthcare 250 cases of potentially avoidable example, staff had not explained to a informed consent concerning place of kindness and compassion from teamwork, a culture of keeping leaders make strong statements, harm to mothers and babies woman the risks of birth in a of birth; and examples where some members of the maternity team. intervention rates low, an "over- promising that the findings will be a reviewed as part of a wider investi- midwifery-led unit, or provided oxytocin (a drug used to induce Women and their families' concerns zealous" approach to promoting "watershed" moment for maternity gation of maternity services at the information about the need for a labour) was used injudiciously and about their care were "dismissed or "normal" childbirth, failures in risk services. But these are the very trust going back two decades and transfer if complications arose. failures in CTG (the measurement of not listened to at all". Serious assessment, serious deficiencies in same promises made more than half beyond.As the father of a baby boy During her labour, she suffered a fetal heart rate incidents, clinical competence and repeated a decade ago and recommendations who died avoidably due to serious catastrophic haemorrhage requiring and contrac- James Titcombe including failures to properly investigate and remain unimplemented. To avoid this failures in his care at the transfer to a consultant unit, where tions) monitoring and preventable deaths of babies, were learn from serious incidents of groundhog day, the government must Morecambe Bay trust in 2008, the she died.It's impossible to overstate interpretation.The report also not thoroughly investigated and avoidable harm and death.The develop better systems of oversight report paints a grim picture of the devastating impact of these describes a culture in which caesar- there were repeated missed opportu- similarities do not end there. Just as it and implementation of inquiries, with systemic issues that are sadly only tragedies on the families affected. ean sections were discouraged and nities for learning and change to took a long and arduous battle by input from harmed patients and too familiar.Without doubt, the most They experienced a life-changing women "appeared to have little or no prevent future harm. In some cases, bereaved families to uncover the families who are most vested in seeing difficult part of the report is reading trauma, which would only be freedom to express a preference for women were blamed for their loss, truth about events at Morecambe change happen. No family should the stories of personal suffering compounded by a continuing caesarean section or exercise any further intensifying their grief.As I Bay trust, the Ockenden report only have to live through these painful caused by clinical and cultural struggle to discover the truth. In choice on their mode of delivery". It flipped the pages of the Ockenden came about because of the extraordi- memories again. No child should lose failings. These include a woman light of the report's findings they turns out that from 2006 to 2018, report, I was struck with a dreadful nary struggle of bereaved families. their life when answers to clinical and admitted in labour who, despite now know that opportunities to caesarean rates at SaTH were sense of deja vu. So many of the Without the efforts of the parents of cultural failings are at hand. NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020 5 CM Amarinder Singh calls Kejriwal's announcement to fast 'theatrics' Chandigarh, December 14 : Punjab ing anything constructive Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on to help the protesting farm- Sunday described his Delhi counter- ers, who are sitting outside part Arvind Kejriwal's announcement your city for the past 17 days of observing a fast on Monday as to seek justice, you and "theatrics".Kejriwal has said he will your party are busy playing observe a daylong fast on Monday in politics," the Congress response to a call given by the farm- leader said.Kejriwal has ers protesting against three new farm proved time and again that laws.Singh said the Kejriwal govern- he is no friend of the farm- ment had "backstabbed" the farmers ers, he added.Not only did by "shamelessly" notifying one of the the Punjab government farm laws on November 23."And now, support the farmers over the they are indulging in theatrics by an- last three months of their agi- nouncing that they would be sitting tation, it even passed on a fast in support of the farmers' amendment bills in the Assembly to his guns at Mann for "shooting off his hunger strike on Monday," he said in nullify the farm laws, the chief minister mouth" without bothering to verify the a statement issued here."Do you have pointed out, challenging Kejriwal to cite facts of the power purchase situation in no shame? At a time when our farmers even one example of any welfare mea- Punjab, the chief minister said he is a co- are braving the winter cold on the sure initiated by his government for median and nobody ever takes him roads outside your city and many of farmers.Singh rubbished the allegations seriously.In a statement, Mann has al- them are dying fighting for their rights, of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP leged that "while the farmers of this coun- all you can think of is how to make the Bhagwant Mann that his government try are protesting against the black farm most of the opportunity to promote has signed a power purchase deal with laws, the central government and corpo- Black-necked cranes are pictured at a nature reserve in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa, southwest China your political interests."Instead of do- the Adani group.He said the Punjab rate houses, the Amarinder Singh gov- government has neither signed any ernment is busy cracking electricity pur- agreement with the Adani Power nor is chase deals with the Adani group. By Why Iran executed journalist Ruhollah Zam it aware of the private players bidding doing this, Amarinder Singh has Tehran, December 14 : Iranian dis- July 2017, his father said he did not At one point, Telegram even shut French intelligence, Al Jazeera re- for power purchase in the state.Training backstabbed the farmers of Punjab." sident and journalist Ruhollah Zam support his son's journalism and the down his channel after the Iranian ported. Authorities alleged that the was executed early on Saturday morn- messaging he was sending through government complained that the jour- journalist was in close contact with Rift Within Farmers' Group Over ing for his role in sparking nationwide Telegram.What was Zam's role in the nalist was teaching his followers how agents from the US' National Security Decision To Open Highway To Delhi anti-government protests in 2017, anti-government protests of to make petrol bombs - an allegation Agency (NSA) and a number of other Iran's state television reported. Zam's 2017?Zam's website and Telegram that Zam denied.However, a little while foreign intelligence services."This in- New Delhi, December 14 : The complete with recitations of holy texts. execution comes four days after the feed played a central role in the anti- later the channel was launched yet dividual committed criminal and cor- Bharatiya Kisan Union (Bhanu) fac- The group's national general secretary Iranian Supreme Court upheld his government protests that broke out again under a new name. But Zam al- rupt acts against the security and live- tion -- one of the key organisations Chimhendra Singh Chauroli and na- death sentence, despite facing wide- across Iran in 2017 in response to a ready had a target on his back for chal- lihoods of the Iranian people through leading the farmers' protest -- saw dis- tional spokesperson Satish spread condemnation.Earlier this year, flailing economy, soaring inflation and lenging Iran's Shia theocracy.In Oc- running the antagonist AmadNews cord today over the opening of the Chaudhary resigned to protest the a court sentenced Zam to death after an overall lack of opportunity for thou- tober 2019, Iran's Revolutionary Telegram channel and espionage com- highway at the Chilla border. The high- decision to open the road. They ac- he was found guilty of "corruption sands of the country's citizens. Guards Corps announced that they munication with elements linked with way from Noida to Delhi was the only cused the chief of the organization of on earth" - a charge that is often in- Around 5,000 people were detained had arrested Zam. But the details of foreign services that are against the one left open as the farmers' protest being a traitor to the farmer voked for cases that involve espio- and as many as 25 killed in the dem- his arrest are unclear, as he had been Iranian people's security," an article in escalated and the Delhi-Jaipur border community.The BKU (Bhanu) faction nage or an attempt to overthrow the onstrations that year.The 2017 pro- granted political asylum in France, and Mizan, the official news website of was blocked to stop farmers coming has been at the forefront of the farm- Iranian government. Who is Ruhollah tests grew to become the biggest po- was living there ever since he was im- Iran's judiciary, read.The crime of into Delhi from Rajasthan.The decision ers' agitation. The group had earlier Zam?Ruhollah Zam was an Iranian ac- litical challenge faced by Iranian Presi- prisoned in Iran following a disputed "spreading corruption on Earth" or to open the highway -- blocked for 14 challenged the Centre's three conten- tivist and journalist who was best dent Hassan Rouhani and even Su- presidential election in 2009.Months "Mofsed fel-Arz" is a vague charge days -- was taken by Thakur Bhanu tious farm laws in the Supreme Court known for running an online opposi- preme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after he was arrested under mysteri- often wielded by the Islamic state Pratap Singh, the president of the or- and was among the delegation that tion news website, called AmadNews, since the pro-democracy Green ous circumstances, Zam was found against those who oppose it. Under ganization, after he met defence minis- recently met Union minister Rajnath as well as a thriving channel on mes- Movement protests that spread guilty of "corruption on Earth" and the Iranian penal code, the punishment ter Rajnath Singh yesterday.But the UP Singh to discuss the issue.The farm- saging app Telegram, where he had through the country in 2009. ?? Fol- sentenced to death in July, this year. for crimes involving violating national unit chief of the BKU (Bhanu) Yogesh ers who have been escalating their garnered over a million followers.He low Express Explained on Earlier this week, the country's Su- security or spreading lies is a maximum Pratap, who was holding a sit-in pro- protests since Thursday, said they is the son of a reformist Shiite cleric, TelegramInformation about the tim- preme Court upheld the death of 10 years in prison. But according test on the road for the last 12 days, would block the Delhi Jaipur High- named Mohammad Ali Zam, who used ings and locations of the protests as sentence.Zam had been accused of to Article 286 of the country's penal disagreed. He not only opposed open- way. Earlier today, the Haryana Po- to serve in a government policy posi- well as inflammatory content about destroying property, interfering with code, a person who spreads lies or ing the way, but said he would sit there lice blocked the highway at Rewari tion in the 1980s, according to AP. In Iran's leadership was constantly Iran's economic system, conspiring violates national security at a "large on a fast unto death.The spot was to stop farmers' groups which were a letter published by local media in shared on Zam's Telegram news feed. with the US and spying on behalf of scale" may face execution. speedily converted into a protest site, marching towards Delhi. Hyderabad PhD scholar Need continued talks, long-term solutions- held for manufacturing drugs at secret lab what experts say on farmers protest Hyderabad, December 14 : The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has nabbed a PhD scholar for manufac- the conflict to end, especially in view of on 'middlemen' in rural trade is a thin camou- turing and supplying Meow Meow drug (also known as the fact that the protest has united flage for subordinating Indian agriculture to Mephedrone, 4 Methylmethcathinone or 4- Punjab."The government has to realise that corporate/commercial giants who see agri- methylephedrone) at a secret lab in Hyderabad.Acting on unlike other movements including the culture as but another industry and MSP as a tip-off, the DRI intercepted the manufacturer and the Khalistan movement, when not every an insufferable impediment in their crusade receiver during an exchange, and seized 3.156 kg of Punjabi or even every Sikh was involved for profits," said Gupta."Even if therefore the Mephedrone worth 63.12 lakh from their possession. A emotionally, in this movement there is al- new farm laws are repealed in toto they will raid was also conducted at the manufacturer's house, and most a complete emotional involvement of have to be substantially rewritten for the agi- the officials recovered Rs 12.40 lakh and 112 grams of the people of Punjab. It has united Punjab tators to be pacified. If the agitators remain Mephedrone samples from there.Apart from the aforesaid like nothing else has ever done. The sus- united, non-violent and apolitical, the agita- pension of the implementation of the laws tion will expand and grow sharper in the com- drug, raw materials procured for further manufacture of will be seen as a victory for the farmers ing days," added Gupta.Satish Verma, pro- Mephedrone of around 219.5 kg - which is sufficient to manu- and the imbroglio can end pleasantly," he fessor, RBI chair, Centre for Research in Ru- facture another 15-20 kg Mephedrone - were seized from the said.Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab unit chief ral and Industrial Development, Chandigarh, clandestine lab in the outskirts of Hyderabad.The manufac- of the Aam Aadmi Party said the move- said since the farmers have applied reason- turer is a PhD in Chemistry and worked in the pharma sector ment had become so big that it was lead- able pressure on the the Modi government, earlier. He has manufactured and sold more than 100 kg ing the farm leaders and not being led by they should work towards a more long-term Mephedrone in the past one year. Investigation revealed the farmer leaders anymore."In such a situ- solution."Diversification should be a part of that a Mumbai-based network is behind the manufacturing ation farmer leaders have to listen to the the agenda of talks with the Centre. Farmers of Mephedrone in this case. Two persons, including the protesters. If the protesters believe that a should demand a one-time package to pro- mastermind, were arrested on Friday.Mephedrone is a middle ground, short of a repeal of the Acts mote diversification since the government banned psychotropic substance under the provisions of Chandigarh, December 14 : As the in- come a prestige issue now," said is acceptable then that is how it will be. wants them to move away from the wheat the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 definite sit-in by the agitating farmers on Dhankar."If they (farmer unions) are fol- But right now there seems to be no chance paddy cycle," he said."More important than (NDPS Act). It is a synthetic stimulant drug generally abused the borders of the national capital entered lowing Mahatma Gandhi's footsteps, they of that. The protesters want a clear yes or the amendments in the three Acts is to get for recreation and popular among the urban college-going its 18th day Sunday, there seems to be no should know not only when to continue no. Farmer leaders should constantly en- assurances from the government that they crowd. It is colloquially known as DRONE, Meow Meow, resolution in sight.While the farmers have with an agitation but also withdraw it grace- gage with the protesters and keep their ears will be procuring oilseeds, pulses, horticul- and is known for its effects similar to that of MDMA, Am- dug in their heels seeking revocation of fully when its purpose is met," he said.So to the ground," said Mann, adding that ture crops and vegetables on MSP," Verma phetamines and Cocaine. the three central farm laws that were far, the government has claimed that the repeal of even one of the laws could be a said, adding that a solution to this issue could brought in earlier this year, the Narendra three laws will remove middlemen and al- solution.Leading senior advocate of the also emerge from the Supreme RE-SHORT TENDER NOTICE Modi government is agreeing to only low farmers to diversify and get better ac- Punjab and Haryana High Court, Anupam Court.Harjeshwar Pal Singh, assistant history amending them.Experts and those involved cess to countrywide markets for their Gupta said the agitating farmers are insist- professor, SGGS College, Chandigarh said the NO. 04 OF 2020 - 21. in the talks say engagement is the only way produce.The farmers, however, fear that the ing on legally guaranteed MSP and gov- current situation was a "classical power Sealed tenders affixing court fee stamp of Rs.8.25 (Rupees forward. The government will have to do laws will force the mandi system to be done ernment procurement as they seek protec- struggle"."The government is on the Eight & paisa Twenty Five) only eventually to be drawn up in APWD K-2 form are invited by the undersigned from the regis- more than just promise amendments to ap- away with and they will then be left at the tion from the "tyranny of the market"."It is backfoot and has retreated significantly with tered contractors/ firms FOR Hiring of vehicle ( Viz Scorpio / pease the agitators and the protesters, too, mercy of corporate giants. They are also this tyranny which the new farm laws im- offers of amendments but is now digging its Bolero) of Sivasagar District and will be received by the under- would have to climb down from their stand apprehensive that the minimum support pose upon the farmers, in the name of free- heels in trying a counterattack with press signed up to 2.00 P.M. of 18-12-2020. Received tender will be of nothing less than a repeal of the three price (MSP) and the procurement system dom. The Prime Minister's repeated assault conferences and chaupals. opened on the same date and in presence of the intending tenderers or their authorized agents who would like to be present. Acts, say experts.Som Prakash, a Union would be lost to the laws.Noting that the If the receiving date & hours falls on any Govt, holiday on any minister of state from Hoshiarpur who has farm reforms in question have been in con- unavoidable circumstance the same will be received and opened been closely involved in organising talks sideration for decades, H.S. Shergill, agri- on next working day at same time & hours. between senior ministers and the farmer culture economist and professor at the In- The vehicle will be particularly used in the field activities of Jal Jeevan Mission in the jurisdiction of entire Sivasagar Dis- leaders, said he is hopeful a solution will stitute of Development Studies, trict. In specific cases the vehicle will have to run in other emerge as long as both sides are open to Chandigarh said the solution should be places within the state. The service of the vehicle will be for 24 engagement."Even wars between nations face-saving for both sides."The Govern- hours. The entrusted party will be liable to arrange another have ultimately been settled through agree- ment of India can announce suspension of vehicle if there is any mechanical failure of the allotted vehicle within 24 hours. Rate should be quoted per day basis up to 300 ments. And here it is not a war. I am of the the implementation of the laws till the con- KM and for KM beyond 300 KM running in a day. Daily allow- BJP and have remained MLA twice and am cerns of the farmers are adequately re- ance for the Driver should be quoted separately. Repairing charges now an MP from Punjab. These are my solved. Further negotiations can continue will have to be borne by the owner. The vehicle must be prop- erly insured and with taxi permit. The driver must posses up to people, not strangers," he told ThePrint. among union ministers and farmer leaders. date driving license. All document related to the vehicle must be "But for both sides it would be good if the The Acts can then be redrafted or amended submitted along with the tender. Tax, if applicable must be men- matter is resolved earlier than later." or even repealed," he said."These reforms tion clearly. Fuel will be borne by the Deptt. No. T.A. & halting Haryana BJP chief O.P. Dhankar highlighted are not new. They were in the pipeline since charges will be borne by the department for the Driver. The undersigned reserves the right to reject any or all ten- that the government has already agreed to 1990. I think the government rushing der papers without assigning any reason thereof. make changes in the three laws in line with through them during Covid was avoidable. Earnest money :- Rs.5000.00 ( Rupees Five thou- farmers' demands."After those changes are Regarding MSP and procurement when the sand) only in the form of F.D. pledged in the name of brought in, states will be independent to government has given assurance it is a Member secy. DWSM, Sivasagar must be enclosed along with the tender. implement the three laws as they want, in major achievement for the farmers," Shergill Sd/-Member Secretary, DWSM, the spirit they want. For protesting farmers said.he professor also stressed that a sus- Cum Executive Engineer (PHE), this is victory enough. It should not be- pension of the laws will pave the way for People wearing face masks walk on a street in Toronto, Canada, Janasanyog/C/8044/20 Sivasagar Division, SIVASAGAR. 6 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020 REGION Contd. From Page 1 Horse trading in BTC? Six BPF Gmail, YouTube and other Google TD vaccination campaign members to form the council."Many leaders from BPF are communicating with us 5 pm IST today. Downdetector, the website that tracks web outages, reported over and are in touch with me. I won't disclose the names now but will tell you in the 40,000 outage cases from around the world nearly 10 minutes after the outage launched in Barpeta district evening. They want to come to join us in the council. They (BPF) are trying to give began. YouTube and Gmail seem to have been worst hit globally, causing an money but this will not work with us as we already have arrived at an understand- uproar on Twitter about how Google services have left them high and dry espe- "Get rid child of disease by giving vaccination " ing and various issues are being discussed. We are thinking of bringing an effec- cially on the first day of the week.Latest update: Google is saying that its services - DC Munindra Sharma tive governance with the help of all the communities for their development. The are back online. Here is what it says on the Gmail service status page: "The problem governance system has been badly damaged in the past 17 years, so it is now our with Gmail should be resolved for the vast majority of affected users. We will responsibility to form a good governance system," said Boro. The Bharatiya continue to work towards restoring service for the remaining affected users, but no Janata Party (BJP) has now allied with United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) and further updates will be provided on the Google Workspace Status Dashboard. the Gana Suraksha Party (GSP), forming the ruling alliance in the Bodoland Territo- Please rest assured that system reliability is a top priority at Google, and we are rial Council (BTC). The poll results were declared on Sunday.Former president of making continuous improvements to make our systems better." The same message All Bodo Students' Union Promod Boro, who now leads UPPL, will become the is repeated for all other services that were down.Update: Some users are reporting next Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the BTC. Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal that Gmail is working again and they can log into it. It seems emails are also coming. said, "I hope that under new CEM Promod Boro's leadership, the BTC will work for However, Gmail is also showing a warning when users are logging back in. It says. the development of all communities through cooperation."BTC is a self-govern- "Gmail is temporarily unable to access your Contacts. You may experience issues ing and autonomous body that comes under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitu- while this persists."YouTube, which was another service to have been affected by tion. There have been a total of two Bodo accords earlier. It was the second one the outage, is back now. We were able to use YouTube properly on both mobile that led to the BTC's formation in 2003. Additionally, in the 2015 BTC elections, the and Wi-Fi networks at the time of writing."Gmail service has already been restored BPF won 20 seats to come to power. Then, the BJP secured only one seat.The for some users, and we expect a resolution for all users in the near future. Please election for the 40-member BTC was held on Monday and Thursday (December 7 note this time frame is an estimate and may change," says Google on its Gmail and 10). Additionally this year, the UPPL won 12 seats, followed by BJP with nine status page.Downdetector is now showing a steep drop in the number of outages. seats, GSP and Congress with one seat each, and BJP's ally in the state govern- Contrary to over 50,000 outages, the last point on the graph, at 6:19 PM, shows a ment, BPF, won 17 seats. This time, however, the BJP did not ally with the BPF as little over 900 flags for the outage that Google services suffered today.Story as it has previously campaigned against them and went on to ally with UPPL.While reported earlier when Google services were down:Google has confirmed on its ser- there are three ministers from the BPF in Sonowal's Cabinet, all three were absent vice status page that all its services are suffering an outage. About Gmail, for example, during the Cabinet meeting held last Sunday.After the results were declared, the it says: "We're aware of a problem with Gmail affecting a majority of users. The BPF supremo and former BTC CEM, Hagrama Mohilary posted, "With the love affected users are unable to access Gmail. We will provide an update by 12/14/20, 5:42 Barpeta, December 14 : TD vaccination campaign against tetanus-diphtheria and support of the people of BTC, our party has got the single largest majority PM detailing when we expect to resolve the problem. Please note that this resolution is launched in Barpeta district along with other parts of the state from today. with 17 seats out of 40. Since we are in alliance with the BJP in central as well as the time is an estimate and may change."The same message has been repeated for all District Deputy Commissioner Munindra Sharma today officially inaugurated state, our party is hopeful that the BJP will support us in forming the government. other services, against which now there is a red dot. Previously, Google's status page the campaign at the Immunization Center around the office of the Joint Direc- Our party is committed to work for the growth and prosperity of our region."After showed a green dot for all services, which was nearly 15 minutes after the outage tor of Health. on the occasion, he said that this antidote can save all our the new alliance in the BTC was announced on Sunday, BJP stalwarts including began. For some people, Google Search seems to be working fine while some users children from terrible diseases like tetanus and diphtheria . In his inaugural Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Minister of Health, are reporting even Search is not working for them.Google, after a long delay, updated address presided over by Dr. Tirthanath Sharma, Joint Director, Department of Education, and Family welfare of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma, congratulated its status page for Google services to show that all of its services are impacted by the Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Pramathesh Sharma, Additional Chief Health UPPL and called the party an ally.Though BPF did win the majority seats in the outage. These services include Google Search, Google Play Store, Google Drive, Officer, said that there are approximately 95,000 adolescents between the ages election (17), BJP decided to dump its alliance after the results were declared. Gmail, YouTube, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Sheets, Google of 10 and 16 years in the district. The meeting was attended by District Informa- These results also signal the entry of BJP in BTR, from one seat last time to nine Groups, Google Hangouts, Google Keep, and Google Tasks, among others. The tion and Public Relations Officer Bikash Sharma, District Chief Health Officer Dr. now. The 2020 BTC elections also come after the Centre, in January, signed a YouTube team has separately addressed the issue because its users seem to have AH Ahmed, District Immunization Officer Dr. Rajiv Barbara and World Health landmark peace and development accord with Bodo groups. This was also fol- been affected the most. On Twitter, YouTube said: "We are aware that many of you Organization Monitoring Officer Dr. Pranjal Tamuli and many other people. lowed by the laying down of arms of over 1,600 cadres of the militant outfit Na- are having issues accessing YouTube right now our team is aware and looking into tional Democratic Front of Bodoland. it. We'll update you here as soon as we have more news."The sudden outage of Two new corona cases detected; Google services caused people to rush to different solutions, including switching Madrassa Education Board to different browsers to check if the situation gets alleviated by a little. Some users tally rises to 3,342'in Hailakandi funding." He added, "However, we have nothing to say about privately-run have said on Twitter they tried using YouTube and Gmail on Microsoft Edge, Hailakandi, Dec.14: Two fresh COVID-19 positive cases have been reported madrassas and Sanskrit tols (schools)."There are 614 government-aided recognised Firefox, and Safari browsers to make these websites work but in vain. Google from South Assam's Hailakandi district on Monday taking the total tally to madrassas in AssamState-run madrassas and Sanksrit tols to be shut down from Search is, however, working all well on any browser.The outage has not only 3,342. Health authorities here disclosed that all the two positive cases have November: Himanta Biswa SarmaThere are 614 government-aided and recognised affected web services but caused the apps and smart devices to become tempo- been detected under RAT. Altogether 500 swab samples were taken on Mon- madrassas and about 900 private madrassas in Assam. The state spends Rs 260 rarily inaccessible. Users are reporting that smart Nest speakers are also failing to day out of which 72 are under RT-PCR and 428 under RAT. Altogether 1,939 crore annually for it.On the other hand, there're nearly 1,000 recognised Sanskrit connect to Google servers. This would mean that Gmail, YouTube, and Drive apps cases have been found positive under RAT with over 50 per cent without tols, of which about 100 are government-aided.There are 610 state-run madrassas on your Android smartphone, tablet, iPhone, iPad, and Nest speakers will not work travel history. 3,311 persons on being cured have been discharged from in Assam and the state government has spent Rs 260 crore annually for it. as long as the outage pertains. Some users have also reported that some games, hospitals.The number of active cases are eight with four afflicted persons including Pokemon Go, has also stopped working. under home isolation, two each admitted at SK Roy Civil Hospital and Silchar Congress MCLA from BTC Medical College and Hospital. Nine COVID-19 positive patients have breathed condition and was like a brother to him from Congress days."Sajal Sinha is like a Today oath taking their last at Silchar Medical College and Hospital. 14 deaths at SMC&H have brother to me. He has joined BJP after thinking about the people of his constitu- state leadership does not want to continue the alliance but the BPF leadership been declared as 'non-COVID' by the State level Death Audit Board. Of the ency that needs development. From today, he will work for the BJP in Srirampur," maintains that unless the BJP's national leadership says so, the alliance is assumed 31,349 RT-PCR samples taken, 28,823 have tested negative. Swab results of said Dr. Sarma.The oath-taking ceremony of the council will take place on Tues- to be continuing.But state BJP president Ranjeet Dass, while expressing his grati- 171 persons are awaited. Altogether 1,25,168 swab samples were taken out of day, in Kokrajhar.Guwahati: The alliance of Congress and AIUDF failed in the first tude for 5.4 lakh BJP workers and the voters in BTC area for his party's impressive which 31,349 are under RT-PCR and 93,819 under RAT. test ahead of the Assam assembly elections, with a near whitewash. The alliance result given the fact that in 2015 BJP had won just one seat, has announced that not partners fielded 20 candidates each in Assam's Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) BPF but UPPL will be its partner."BTC people wanted a change. We are meeting with "Hiccups" in Integration Of Forces, elections but only Congress could win one seat.After a complete defeat in BTC, UPPL leader Pramod Boro here after sometime where chief minister Sarbananda Congress Mariani MLA Rupjyoti Kurmi told that his party has proved to be a "big Sonowal and Himanta Biswa Sarma will also be present," Dass said.The BTC polls loser" in the BTC polls and the state leadership should learn a lesson from this Getting There: General Bipin Rawat defeat."Because of our tie-up with AIUDF, they could not win a single seat and left us were more of a test for BJP's popularity before the coming assembly elections in April. Kolkata, Dec 14 : There have been hiccups in the integration of the Army, in a bad position. We are a big loser and shouldn't have formed an alliance with AIUDF. Dass added, "This BTC election was the semi-final to the assembly election, which Navy and the Air Force, but the creases are being ironed out, Chief of Defence This factor was well utilized by BJP - polarisation of non-Bodo votes and diversion of is just 115 days away."While BPF contested in 37 of the 40 seats, challengers BJP Staff General Bipin Rawat said today. The exercise of integration, the biggest Muslim votes was their strategy. The Congress state leadership should take a lesson fielded its candidates in 26 seats, GSP in 35, Congress in 13 and AIUDF in seven. reform in the armed forces in decades, was started this year to bring down from BTC polls," said Kurmi.Kurmi also added, "We are really ashamed of our perfor- Only UPPL contested in all 40 seats.The BTC polls were deferred on March 20 by the expenses, rationalise manpower and ensure that the armed forces fight as a mance at the BTC Election and we accept our defeat. I have always opposed the Assam State Election Commission due to the Covid-19 pandemic. cohesive unit.To integrate the services, "We have to have understanding of alliance between Congress and AIUDF and in the future, too, I am definitely not going each other's services," General Rawat said at a programme in in Kolkata."Now, to support this alliance".The legislator said that the Congress-AIUDF alliance would Sonowal interacts with be rejected in Upper Assam. On the other hand, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee as integration is taking place and we are gradually moving forward in that and Industry, Chief Minister Sonowal said that he being a son of a farmer, direction, I think that we have been able to overcome some of the issues that (APCC) president, Ripun Bora commented that he is positive of winning one seat in the blessed by the teachings of his parents, his academic and spiritual teachers BTC Election."It's a positive sign for our party. We haven't contested elections in were at stake," he added. General Rawat took over as the Chief of Defence Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) from last 20 years but still managed to win one seat and people of all sections of the state, he is in a position to serve the state as Staff in January this year, with the mammoth task of integrating the forces and so I will take it as a good and positive sign for us," said Ripun Bora. the Chief Minister. Stating that from the challenges of life, many lessons can be improve coordination between them. He was also to head the proposed De- learnt, Sonowal said that one should not fight shy of problems in life. The goal of life partment of Military Affairs.Together, it was a "a momentous and comprehen- Agitating farmer leaders begin should be to enrich the life with the lessons learnt from experiences and taste successes sive reform that will help our country face the ever-changing challenges of to people to fast wherever they are in support of protesting farmers, and as- in life. Stating that pursuing the life in search of wealth is not a bad proposition, modern warfare," Prime Minister Narendra Modi had tweeted.Launching a serted that farmers will win in the end.Kejriwal is observing day-long fast in Sonowal observed that in the journey of life one should try to become honest. Encour- guided missile stealth frigate in Kolkata for the Navy today, General Rawat support of the farmers' protest on Monday.The chief minister also urged his aged by the Prime Minister, Sonowal said that he himself is putting in 12 to 14 hours of said integration is needed in case of a conflict anywhere -- on land, air or sea. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) volunteers and supporters as well as the people of the hard labour every day. He at the same time urged upon everybody to put in hard labour Only operating in synergised manner will help the forces optimise the country's country to join the farmers' agitation. "Fasting is sacred. Wherever you are, fast and maintain a healthy mind, soul and body. Replying to a question, Sonowal said that conventional capabilities, he said."All services will retain the niche capabili- for our farmer brothers. Pray to God for the success of their struggle. In the end, since the time of his involvement with AASU and NESO, he has been trying very hard ties," the Chief of Defence Services said. "Every service has to understand that farmers will definitely win," Kejriwal tweeted. Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister for a pollution free, migration free state. Therefore, immediately after coming to power in we have to complement each other. And we cannot operate in single silos," he Manish Sisodia said he is observing the fast at the party office with other party 2016, his government took a pledge to make Assam free from pollution, insurgency, members. "The 'annadata' farmer of the country is on hunger strike demanding the added.The Chief of Defence Staff was looking at proposals suggesting the migration and corruption. He also said that his government has drawn a broad roadmap creation of several theatres of commands, the exact number of which was not withdrawal of the three laws of the central government for the sake of saving his to expedite the growth of the state. Chief Minister Sonowal thanked ICC and Young daily bread.In support of the demand of farmers, today I am also on a fast with all my decided.There is to be a Western Theatre Command, and at least one Northern colleagues in the Aam Aadmi Party office," Sisodia tweeted.Apart from Sisodia, Leaders Forum for organising the programme. He at the same time urged upon the ICC Theatre Command. An Eastern Theatre Command that would likely cover the AAP ministers and MLAs, including Gopal Rai, Satyendar Jain, Atishi and Raghav to keep working in tandem to motivate the young industrialists and entrepreneurs to border areas along the China frontier and a Peninsula Command. Chadha, also observed fast at the party office here in support of farmers.A large script socio-economic and industrial development in the state. group of farmers on Sunday blocked the key Delhi-Jaipur national highway when it Tetanus Plus Vaccination was stopped by police on Haryana-Rajasthan border.As part of the nationwide Election challenge not over yet protest, dharnas will be staged at all district headquarters across the country on the name of dead people and that tens of thousands of ballots were illegally Campaign kicks off in Hailakandi Monday.In view of the nationwide protest, the Delhi Police has enhanced security at submitted.State officials and media have said that those allegations are un- Hailakandi, Dec.14: Tetanus Plus Vaccination Campaign (TPVC) kicked off in city border points.Multi-layered cemented barriers, additional police force and barbed substantiated and there has been no evidence of mas level election wires formed the first layer of security at the protest site at the Singhu border.The Hailakandi district here on Monday. Deputy Commissioner, Megh Nidhi Dahal, second layer of barricades deployed by the Delhi Police is being guarded by a team fraud.Responding to a question, Trump refused to comment on the inaugura- ceremonially launched the 20-day vaccination campaign at a function held at of the Rapid Action Force along with paramilitary forces.Then crossing through the tion of Biden.Trump has so far refused to concede the elections, even as he the SK Roy Civil Hospital premises in the morning in the presence of district toll plaza, as one reaches the main barricades, heavy police presence is witnessed.The has directed officials to follow the transition process.When asked about and health officials, health functionaries, children and their parents. Speaking traffic police has issued advisory to commuters to take alternative routes in view of the Monday's Electoral College vote, which is when the country officially elects on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner, Dahal said unlike in the past when farmers' protests."Singhu, Auchandi, Piau Maniyari, Sabholi & Mangesh borders are the president, Trump recognised that he is under a time crunch.Meanwhile, people died due to minor diseases like tetanus and diphtheria, 'vaccination closed. Please take alternate routes via Lampur, Safiabad & Singhu school toll tax Trump has lost his latest legal challenge seeking to overturn Georgia's election now begins when a child is born to attaining adulthood through routine borders. Traffic has been diverted from Mukarba & GTK road."Gazipur border is results, with the state Supreme Court's rejection late Saturday of a case from immunisation'. Appreciation the efforts of the health functionaries for render- closed for traffic coming from Gaziabad to Delhi due to farmers protests.People are Trump's campaign and Georgia Republican Party Chairman David Shafer.The ing a very difficult task to keep the vaccination cold chain intact by maintain- advised to take alternate route for coming to Delhi via Anand Vihar, DND, Chilla, suit - similar to other Trump team legal challenges, which made baseless alle- ing proper temperature, Dahal urged the parents to get their children immunised Apsara & Bhopra borders," Delhi traffic police said in a series of tweets.Thousands gations of widespread fraud in Georgia's presidential election - was initially of farmers, mostly from Punjab and Haryana, are currently staying put at Delhi's against tetanus and diphtheria to safeguard them against the diseases. borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh in protest against the Farmers' Produce filed Dec.4, then rejected by the Fulton County Superior Court because the "Though there might be fever and other symptoms following immunisation, Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, the Farmers (Empower- paperwork was improperly completed and it lacked the appropriate filing there's nothing to fear or panic as this is quite normal as the immune system ment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020 fees.The case was subsequently appealed directly to the state Supreme Court, takes some time to respond', he quipped. Terming the tetanus plus vaccina- and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.They have expressed appre- asking justices to consider the case before Monday's meeting of the Electoral tion as clinically tested internationally and safe with no side effects, Dahal hension that these laws would pave the way for the dismantling of the minimum College.In a brief order, justices wrote that "petitioners have not shown that this urged the people to contact the nearest health centre in case of any problem support price system, leaving them at the "mercy" of big corporations.The govern- is one of those extremely rare cases that would invoke our original jurisdiction."It's following immunisation of their children. Dahal called for greater community ment has maintained that the new laws will bring farmers better opportunities and the latest legal setback in the president's efforts to overturn the election results.On participation by extending all help and support to the health teams for making usher in new technologies in agriculture. Friday the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a lawsuit backed by Trump seeking to the vaccination campaign a success and making the new generation free from overturn Democrat Joe Biden's election victory, a move that ended a desperate diseases. Additional Deputy Commissioner, Health, Narendra Kumar Shah, NDA committed to serve people attempt to get legal issues rejected by state and federal judges before the nation's Joint Director, Health Services, Dr. Ashutosh Barman, Additional Chief Medi- People's Party Liberal (UPPL) bagged 12 seats.The opposition Congress and highest court.Even as lawsuits filed by Trump and his allies have been rejected cal and Health Officer, Rehana Begum and District Immunisation Officer, KYS Gana Suraksha Parishad (GSP) managed to get one seat each.The BJP after the around the country, the president has continued to make repeated baseless Rangmei also spoke on the occasion. Later Deputy Commissioner, Dahal gave outcome of the BTC polls, dumping the BPF announced to support its new ally claims of widespread fraud.In Georgia, he has rained criticism on Secretary of away certificates to immunised children. An awareness rally on TPVC was UPPL and GSP to take power in the BTC as the results of the elections to the 40- State Brad Raffensperger and Gov.Brian Kemp, both fellow Republicans. brought out on Sunday morning from the premises of SK Roy Civil Hospital. member autonomous body threw up a fractured mandate even as the saffron affensperger has been steadfast in his defense of the integrity of the election in The rally consisting of health officials and functionaries traversed through party made big gains.Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President J.P. the state, and Kemp has said he has no power to intervene in elections.Results Nadda also congratulated Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Finance and the main thoroughfares of Hailakandi town. 33,351 children in the age group of Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Sarma and Assam party chief Ranjit Kumar certified by Raffensperger last month showed that Biden led by a margin of 10 and 16 plus will be covered in the district under the vaccination drive. The Das for the party's success in the BTC polls, which were held in two phases on 12,670 votes, or 0.25% of the roughly 5 million ballots cast.An audit involving a 20-day campaign taken up on a mission mode will have a total of 924 sessions, December 7 and 10 and result declared on Saturday and Sunday. hand count of the paper ballots also showed Biden won. including 111 fixed sessions. SPORTS PLUS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020 7 Ankita Raina wins ITF Rugby players' claim for brain injury doubles title in Dubai has 'less than 50/50' chance, say experts London, December 14 : The and the NCAA had all settled legally. Then there's the culture. helped with the players' welfare expected multimillion pound cases related to CTE and brain For a long time after rugby turned and paid their medical bills would lawsuit from rugby players who injuries. "Now, not all players professional many players would have a mutual benefit for all sides have suffered permanent brain were happy," he said. "But for all not have wanted to leave the because the legal hurdles, and damage has less than a 50/50 sides a halfway house scheme pitch and may have gone against the cost, of sustaining a case of chance of succeeding and a might be the way to their doctor's advice perhaps negligence against a sports body settlement is the most likely go."Anderson, who is also the when they felt a bit groggy."The are high. "These are players that outcome, two world-leading director of Sports Law Studies at Irish sports barrister Tim have been damaged and there is sports law experts have told.Last the University of Melbourne, O'Connor, who has a special no question that they're going to week the former World Cup said the first thing the players interest in rugby and the law, told need help," added O'Connor. winner Steve Thompson was one would have to establish is that the Guardian he agreed with "And so finding a proper way of of eight players, along with team- looking after these players, mate Michael Lipman and Wales perhaps in a less adversarial way flanker Alix Popham, to reveal than fighting it in court, might be they have early-onset dementia. no bad thing at all."Meanwhile A letter of a claim is expected to Anderson cautioned against be delivered to the game's claims that rugby was facing authorities in the coming lawsuits on a similar scale to the days.However Prof Jack Ander- NFL, which is paying out $1bn son, who serves as a mediator over 65 years to players who New Delhi, December 14 : Top Indian ten- with Bibiane Schoofs and ending runners- and arbitrator at the Court of have suffered head trauma. "If nis player Ankita Raina won her third up in Jodhpur with compatriot Snehal Arbitration for Sport, said that you look at the NFL particularly, doubles title of the pandemic-hit 2020 sea- Mane.The 27-year-old said returning to the while he had enormous sympathy one of the key aspects of the son, clinching the Al Habtoor challenge with circuit after a long break too was with the players' plight, they original claim was that they didn't Ekaterine Gorgodze here.The unseeded relieving."It's really good that I am able to would face "substantive legal warn the players about the risks," Indo-Georgian pair won 6-4 3-6 10-6 against travel again. I was doing a bit of training, issues" if their case went to he said. "In fact, they concealed Aliona Bolsova Zadoinov from Spain and both physical and mental at home and it was court. These issues, he said, them. Also when you're dealing Slovakian Kaja Juvan in the final of the USD different coming back to tour. Europe had "related to breach of duty and with payouts, remember the NFL 100,000 hard court event on Saturday.Ankita already opened up and their players already causation; to statute of limita- they were owed a duty of care, Anderson's analysis. Another payout was roughly about said success on the singles circuit is unpar- had two months of match sharpness behind tions and access to medical which might not be straightfor- factor, he said, would be whether $1billion and but their turnover is alleled but a deep run in doubles draw is not them."Most of the matches were on clay at records; and even to applicable ward. He cited a case in 2000 the response of World Rugby and $10-12 billion a year. World without significance."The doubles has al- that time and I had never played so many defences". Prof Anderson added: where Australian players who English and Welsh unions to the Rugby is not on the same level at ways helped me in singles. Playing well in back-to-back clay court matches. It was a "At the same time, having very had suffered injuries due to risk of head injuries was reason- all."A spokesperson for World doubles has always been followed by good good learning curve."During the last three popular former players up the collapsing scrums were unable to able given the state of knowledge Rugby said: "While it would be run in singles in my career. You get to prac- months, Ankita also got exposure of play- steps of court, giving direct prove that the then International at the time."But a complicating inappropriate to comment on tice with good players, get to play and can ing on the US circuit."I have mostly played evidence about their current Rugby Board owed them a duty factor is that some federations will possible legal proceedings, work out a few things in matches," Ankita on hard courts and this time I got to play a medical status, is probably of care to update the safety laws have been far better than others in everyone in World Rugby has told It was the fourth doubles final of the lot in the US. Thankfully I had my coach something that is in the best around scrums, and thus contrib- this regard," he said. "There will utmost respect for the wellbeing season for Ankita but the biggest trophy of Hemant Bendre's friend Shirish Deshpande interest of the authorities to uted to their injuries. "The law of also be a big debate about where of all our players, including the calender since her earlier two titles were to help me out. He has been there for long avoid too. That is why a settle- negligence is about foresight not the responsibility lies in all this former players."Player welfare is at the USD 25,000 level. In February this as a coach."It was good to have someone ment makes sense for all hindsight," he said, adding that between the doctors, clubs, our top priority and, along with year, Ankita had made three finals, winning watching your matches and giving feed- sides."Anderson also pointed he thought the players were countries and World Rugby. But our unions, we are unwavering in back-to-back titles in Nonthaburi (Thailand) back," she added. out that in the US, the NFL, NHL "odds against" to win."Another also remember that in the early our commitment to evidence- issue might be showing how they years of professional rugby, the based injury prevention strate- got injured, who was responsible, culture was often about players gies, in particular in the priority Max Verstappen wins F1 season finale and then linking that in a beasting themselves. There is area of concussion education, causational way to what they are going to be an element of management and prevention, and suffering now," he added. "It voluntary assumption of risk our approach is based on the becomes very hard for the players among the players too."Both latest available research, evi- in flawless drive at Abu Dhabi GP to prove that scientifically and experts said that a settlement that dence and knowledge." Paris, December 14 : Max Verstappen won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, closing the Formula One season with a consum- Che Adams has Southampton flying mate display at Yas Marina. The Red Bull driver took the flag from pole having domi- high but Sheffield United slump again nated throughout with a flawless run in what was a less then thrilling finale. London, December 14 : Five show how much we have learned sive errors. The 38-year-old Jagielka Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas finished second months ago, it was at St Mary's during their time away. We have became the eldest outfield player to and Lewis Hamilton in third could do noth- where the curtain came down on the made some big developments. Ev- start a top-flight game since Paul ing to challenge the Dutchman on a track most spectacular of seasons for ery part of our game has improved - Scholes seven years ago.The former where passing is very difficult and even Sheffield United but, after succumb- with and without the ball. We are Southampton forward Billy Sharp, following closely is problematic.Alexander ing to a seventh successive defeat, famous for our pressing I think be- who was given a warm ovation on Albon was in fourth for Red Bull, with it may also prove the ignominious cause it is always nasty to play being substituted, started alongside McLaren's Lando Norris taking a superb spot where they sustained irrepa- [against] but we have added more Oli McBurnie, who was withdrawn fifth in front of teammate Carlos rable damage in their fight for top- calm and composure in every moments into the second half with Sainz.Verstappen led from pole with the flight survival.Chris Wilder will not situation."Hasenhüttl strayed on to a shoulder injury. But, aside from two Mercedes, so dominant all season, throw in the towel any time soon - the pitch to celebrate when Nathan Sander Berge slicing wide from the unable to challenge the Dutchman, who and Prince Abdullah, the club's Redmond caressed a shot into the edge of the six-yard box before put in a clinical run to earn a well-deserved been in isolation in Bahrain until last the early running.The safety car was de- owner, unequivocally backed his far corner of victory.Red Bull have second place in the Thursday and said he had been bedrid- ployed on lap 10 when Sergio Pérez's car manager on the morning of the game Aaron constructors' championship sealed and in den and lost weight in what had been a ground to a halt trackside, during which - but, after pulling his players off Ramsdale's net to the tight and financially vital battle for draining experience.The season has none- the three frontrunners opted to pit and the canvas last weekend, an electric cap a comfortable third, McLaren took the honours. Racing theless belonged to the British driver. He take the hard rubber. Forty-four laps re- Southampton wiped the floor with victory seven Point were in fourth and Renault in fifth. secured his seventh title to match Michael mained, enabling them to finish with a a pale United, who have a solitary minutes from For Ferrari, a very trying year with a slow, Schumacher with a remarkable 11 wins from one-stop and Hamilton questioned the point to their name. No team have time, after Che difficult to handle car, the season's end 17 races. No other driver has come close to strategy which left him and Bottas in situ taken fewer than four points from Adams, the will be a welcome relief as the Scuderia him this year. Bottas, in identical machin- behind Verstappen. Verstappen nailed the their opening 12 Premier League fix- former United were in sixth place, their worst season since ery it should be noted, has only two wins. restart at the resumption on lap 14 and tures and avoided striker, gave finishing 10th in the championship in Hamilton has been simply indomitable with promptly reopened his lead once more, relegation.Southampton treated Southampton 1980.This is Verstappen's 10th career win a fearsome display of superiority over both with neither Mercedes able to match his their 2,000 returning fans to a mini- liftoff before and his second this season, an enormous qualifying (10 poles to Bottas's five) and in pace, apparently down on power in Abu masterclass in what they do so well Stuart Armstrong deservedly Adams struck, it was one-way traf- boost with which he and the team can end race pace.For Mercedes they end 2020 with Dhabi. He was once more six seconds clear under Ralph Hasenhüttl, harrying doubled the advantage.Before the fic. Things do not get any easier, the season. Verstappen has endured a try- the remarkable record of having sealed of Hamilton by the halfway stage, with the the visitors into mistakes, forcing game Wilder bristled when the line either, with Manchester United up ing year, suffering five DNFs but has taken seven consecutive drivers' and construc- British driver not entirely happy with his them into uncomfortable pockets of questioning turned to Adams, next. Southampton, meanwhile, 11 podiums and also won at the 70th An- tors' championship doubles, with 13 wins. car's performance. But Verstappen was se- and then picking them off at will. who left Bramall Lane for Birming- have another chance to impress niversary GP at Silverstone. Beating The team were determined to show their rene, logging lap after lap in complete con- United could not live with ham four years ago, so it was per- when they travel to the Emirates Mercedes in a straight fight will be a huge appreciation of the hard work that had trol. It was the drive the Dutchman is more Southampton's intensity and in the haps inevitable the striker would Stadium on Wednesday to take on fillip for the team going into the gone into it and this weekend were run- than capable of delivering given his chance end they were fortunate to avoid a propel Southampton to victory, Arsenal.Southampton's opener winter.Bottas did enough to secure sec- ning a special livery with the names of all with a competitive car but the race was pe- hiding, with Danny Ings and James opening the scoring from close was symptomatic of the kind of af- ond place in the championship over 2000 staff from their HQ at Brackley and destrian stuff on a decidedly uninspiring Ward-Prowse going close to add- range before Armstrong joined him, ternoon in store for Wilder; it was Verstappen, returning another Mercedes engine works at Brixworth, inscribed on circuit.That should not detract from ing to Southampton's tally. with the help of kind deflections off a tragicomedy from a United per- one-two at the top of the table, albeit one their car.Verstappen held his lead through Verstappen's exhibition of flawless control Hasenhüttl and his players lined up John Egan and Phil Jagielka. -Wilder spective. Ward-Prowse fizzed in a that was expected given their dominance. turn one, with Bottas and Hamilton in his from pole. He held his place throughout before the Kingsland Stand, joining made four changes but again was free-kick, which was initially That Verstappen pushed him to the wire wake and in clean air out front immedi- and unchallenged, ground out the final arms to bask in a seventh victory in left to bemoan a catalogue of defen- cleared by Jagielka. is to his credit.For Hamilton, third place ately showed his pace. He opened a two- laps to take the flag 15 seconds up on 10 games. He then doffed his cap was disappointing but he was happy just second gap on Bottas and five on Bottas and 18 clear of Hamilton.Daniel before bowing to supporters, back Mushtaq Ali T20 from Jan 10-31, to be back in the car to bring the season Hamilton within five laps, in a flawless Ricciardo and Esteban Ocon were in at St Mary's for the first time since to a close having admitted after qualify- early display. With overtaking very tricky seventh and ninth for Renault, with March."I was definitely emotional decision on other events after ing that he had yet to return to full fitness at Yas Marina, neither Mercedes was in- AlphaTauri's Pierre Gasly in eighth and with a few tears in my eyes," after contracting the coronavirus. He had clined to pressure the Dutchman during Racing Point's Lance Stroll in 10th. Hasenhüttl said. "We wanted to group stage: BCCI to states NEW DELHI, December 14 : The BCCI will start its much- delayed domestic season with the Syed Mushtaq Ali Tro- Anthony Joshua KOs Kubrat Pulev, eyes bout against Tyson phy from January 10 to 31 in six different states where biosecure hubs will be created.The participating teams will be expected to report to their respective hubs on January Fury to 'unify' all four world heavyweight boxing titles 2.It is learnt that BCCI secretary Jay Shah has e-mailed all round at London's Wembley ons Fury in 2021."I'm up for defeat against Joshua. In succession put Pulev back on the state units that Mushtaq Ali will kick-start the domes- Arena on Saturday, heavy- anything. Who wants to see 2014, Pulev lost against the canvas and this time he tic itinerary although there is no clarity as to when the weight champion Anthony Anthony Joshua box Tyson Wladimir Klitschko.Pulev was did not get back up in time as Ranji Trophy will start. The schedule has been thrown Joshua is now eyeing a clash Fury in 2021?" Joshua asked given a count by the referee Joshua took his career record haywire owing to the COVID-19 pandemic."After having with Tyson Fury in a bid to the crowd."I started this game twice in round three after he to 24-1.Fury, meanwhile, gone through your responses and in accordance with the unify all four world heavy- in 2013 and I've been chasing was left flailing on the ropes confirmed he wants to fight feedback received, I am pleased to inform you that BCCI is weight boxing titles.39-year- the belts ever by an explosive burst of the fellow British fighter planning to start the domestic season 2020-21 with the old Pulev tasted defeat in since."Whoever has got the punches from Joshua.The shortly after Joshua's win."I scheduling of the T20 tournament for the Syed Mushtaq front of 1,000 fans who belt, I would love to compete IBF, WBA and WBO world want the fight, I want the Ali Trophy," Shah wrote to state units."By Saturday, Janu- attended the event with with them. If that is Tyson champion then surprisingly fight next," said Fury, who ary 2, 2021, teams will have to assemble in their respective limitations due to the novel Fury then let it be Tyson took his foot off the accelera- has not been in the ring since hub. From Sunday, January 10, 2021, the tournament will Mumbai, December 14 : After coronavirus.Now, Joshua has Fury."In his career spanning tor to allow Pulev to hang in beating Deontay Wilder in start and the final will be played on January 31, 2021."Shah, knocking out Bulgaria's opened all the possibilities for 30 matches so far, Pulev had the fight.But in round nine February. "I'll knock him out however, said that a decision on Ranji Trophy and the Kubrat Pelev in the ninth- a clash against WBC champi- lost just once prior to his three uppercuts in quick inside three rounds." Vijay Hazare Trophy will be taken once the group stage of the Mushtaq Ali gets over. k k y y m

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020 m c STOPPAGE 8 c Australia vs India: Mitchell Starc To Rejoin The inspiring story of Australia Squad Ahead of 1st Test vs India India's OG 'Dangal' girl New Delhi, December 14 : India.Geeta wasn't going to the most of it to ensure a New Delhi, December 14 series after an unspecified opening Test vs IndiaStarc his family," said coach Jus- Abbott, Joe Burns, Pat Geeta Phogat, the first In- be satisfied with just a Com- podium finish.At the Com- : Mitchell Starc, the most family illness.Agence France- set to rejoin the Australian tin Langer. "We look forward Cummins, Cameron Green, dian woman to win the Com- monwealth gold medal. She monwealth Wrestling prolific wicket-taker in the PresseUpdated: December team following compassion- to welcoming him back into Marcus Harris, Josh monwealth Games wres- worked extremely hard to se- Championships of 2013, short history of pink-ball 13, 2020 10:41 AM ISTRead ate leaveStarc missed the fi- the squad on Monday.""It's Hazlewood, Travis Head, tling and the first Indian cure a podium finish at the held in Johannesburg, Test cricket, missed the fi- Time: 2 minMitchell Starc is nal two games of the T20I obviously great news for us Marnus Labuschagne, woman wrestler to qualify Summer Olympics 2012. Un- South Africa, Geeta won a nal two games of the T20I back in contention for the series vs India Australia fast to have Starcy come in to- Nathan Lyon, Michael for the Olympics will cel- fortunately, she couldn't win sparkling silver medal. She bowler Mitchell Starc is back morrow," Josh Hazlewood Neser, James Pattinson, ebrate her 32nd Birthday on the repechage round. Even won a bronze medal in the in contention for the open- said. "He's a huge part of our Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, December 15.She is the el- though she lost, she made freestyle wrestling 58 kg ing day-night Test against team and a huge part of our Mitchell Starc, Mitchell dest of the famed Phogat India this week after on Sun- attack. "Everyone knows his Swepson, Matthew Wade, sisters, the first Indian day opting to rejoin the team numbers with the pink ball David WarnerIndia Test woman to win the Common- following compassionate are pretty special so we wel- squad: Virat Kohli (c) (first wealth Games wrestling and leave. Starc, the most prolific come him with open arms."If Test only), Ajinkya Rahane the first Indian woman wicket-taker in the short his- we've learned anything from (vice-captain), Rohit wrestler to qualify for the tory of pink-ball Test cricket this series it's that nothing Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Olympics. This is none with 42, missed the final two goes to plan."We're always Prithvi Shaw, KL Rahul, other than India's very own games of the Twenty20 In- struggling with the sched- Cheteshwar Pujara, Dangal Girl- Geeta Phogat! ternational (T20I) series af- ules and travel and different Hanuma Vihari, Shubman When she was born, her ter an unspecified family ill- things. Should Starc not feel Gill, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), mother was disappointed ness. But he will rejoin the ready to line up alongside Rishabh Pant (wk), Jasprit because she was a girl. To- team in Adelaide on Mon- Josh Hazlewood and Pat Bumrah, Mohammed day, her parents couldn't be day, giving him just two full Cummins in Adelaide, James Shami, Umesh Yadav, prouder. Her father has time days to prepare. "We feel for Pattinson and Michael Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep and again said that his Mitch at this difficult time Neser are in the squad and Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, daughters are no less than and we're happy he has on standby.Australia Test Ravichandran Ashwin, any son. The road till this taken time out to spend with squad: Tim Paine (c), Sean Mohammed Siraj acceptance and change of perception wasn't easy for Geeta or her family. The Phogat family is a ray of ICC announces qualification process hope in a state where girls are killed even before they are born. The achievements of the Phogat sisters have for Women's T20 World Cup 2023 brought a revolution in history. Geeta is the first In- category at the Asian Wres- New Delhi, December 14 ued growth of bilateral ping their regional event Colvin said: "We are de- of the next Women's T20 Haryana. Geeta has spear- dian grappler to qualify for tling Championship 2015. : International Cricket women's T20I cricket.Eight table.Across the qualifica- lighted to be welcoming the World Cup qualifying headed this revolution with the Olympics. The World However, she couldn't get Council (ICC) on Saturday teams Bhutan, Botswana, tion pathway there will be an return of cricket for ICC pathway is a great place determination. Today we Wrestling Championships of a podium finish in the World announced the schedule Cameroon, France, Malawi, astonishing 115 Women's women's events. This is an to start. There is lots to take a look at her exciting 2012 were held in Canada. Championships held the for the Women's T20 Myanmar, Philippines and T20Is played in the ICC exciting time for women's look forward to in the journey.Geeta Phogat had a Geeta lost to Saori Yoshida same year.She made a World Cup qualifying Turkey are all competing in truly golden start to her of Japan in the second comeback of sorts by pathway on the road to an ICC women's event for the wrestling career. She won round. However, she won clinching the gold at the South Africa 2023.The 10- first time, a nod to the growth the gold in freestyle wres- both the bouts in the Commonwealth Wrestling team World Cup which has within women's cricket tling at the Commonwealth repechage round to come Championship of 2017.In now been rescheduled to around the globe in emerg- Wrestling Championship of home with the bronze medal. the last couple of years, February 9-26, 2023 will see ing markets. Argentina and 2009. She became the first Geeta won another bronze Geeta has been slightly hosts South Africa and the Brazil will return to ICC Indian woman to bring at the Asian Wrestling distracted. She lost her fo- seven top teams on the women's competition for the home the Commonwealth Championships of 2012. She cus because of the block- ICC women's T20I team first time since 2012.The five Games wrestling gold in lost to Kanako Murata from buster movie and then an rankings as of November regions will host a regional 2010. She achieved this Japan in the first round it- injury. She was not se- 30, 2021 -- from the teams qualifying event with the top amazing feat in the freestyle self. Fortunately, she got an- lected for the Asian that competed in the Aus- team from each region join- 55 kg. It also made her the other opportunity in the Games 2018 due to disci- tralia 2020 event -- qualify ing the bottom two ranked celebrated golden girl of repechage round. She made plinary issues. k automatically for the 2023 teams in the women's T20I k y edition.The remaining two rankings as of November 30, y m m c spots will be determined 2021 -- from the teams that c through a qualification competed in the Australia process which is sched- 2020 event -- into the eight- uled to start at the regional team ICC Women's T20 events. Alongside more regu- cricket with the ICC cricket scheduled with 115 level in August 2021 and World Cup Qualifier 2022. lar women's international Women's T20 World Cup women's T20 includes 37 teams. This is The final position will be cricket it also provides teams 2020 raising the bar for Internationals due to be an increase of ten teams filled by the highest-ranked with the opportunity to move women's sporting events. played over seven months from the Women's T20 team in the regional qualifi- up the ICC women's T20I "Sustaining and then build- and five teams competing World Cup 2020 qualifica- ers on the November cut-off team rankings.ICC Women's ing on the momentum from in their first-ever ICC tion, reflecting the contin- date, who missed out on top- Cricket Manager, Holly February is key and the start Women's Qualifier." Mohammed Siraj's selfless act melts sturdy Australians Mumbai, December 14 : Bumrah off his own bowling side of his head.Siraj, not his bat and rushed to check sportsmanship. Australians are known for but the ball flew through his worrying about being on Green. Bumrah also did "Absolutely brilliant from their fierce brand of cricket fingers and hit on the right runout, immediately dropped the same following his team- Mohammed Siraj ... did not but India fast bowler mate. "Indian cricketer Mohd care about the run and Mohammed Siraj's heart- Siraj has been praised for his straightaway dropped his warming gesture of rushing sportsmanship in helping bat and checked on Green. in to rival Cameron Green young all-rounder Cameron Top spirit by him," wrote a after he copped a blow on Green after he suffered a blow Twitter user. The BCCI also the head has earned plau- to the head during the match," shared a picture in which dits from fans and the Aus- tweeted 9News Australia. Green can be seen on his tralian media alike.Green at- Siraj's gesture has also taken knees after the blow on his tempted a catch off a the internet by storm with head and Siraj checking on straight drive from Jasprit netizens lauding him for his the Australian. k k Printed and Published by Raj Kumar Das on behalf of Sankar Gohain, Printed at Pee Gee India Ltd, MIE, Kalapahar, Guwahati, Assam-781016 and Published at GMC Market, Chandmari, Guwahati-781003, Assam, Tel.: 0361-2669995 (Ph), 2669996 (Fax) +91 9435545852 (M), y y Email- [email protected] (All disputes subject to jurisdiction of Guwahati Courts only) • Chief Editor- P. K. Dutta m m c c