' ;#(+ $ < $ < < 78 &793)*+ *&/*/1 4*2)05 &*23-$ + 2 2##%#50#85 (506(507#2,80552- #9,8575C#50( (57879,*06 8+%7 89 %056%- -%0,8-%+9- ,8%0("%-8 +%#82#-50"#8 22 7#2-0B5#50# ,8575%#%A (58-%(90 8A(5-% %(B1%A6%(% 7, 563=77$ 3>' ?% 5 % # ! : .!(1(3;#3(( ," - . / ! ! 056(578 " # $ %-. 056(578 ,8%0("%-8 he deadly coronavirus //0 Tinfects immature red blood on’t think twice before cells (RBCs), reducing oxygen irmly in saddle, political war % Dgoing for Covid-19 vac- in the blood and impairing the (!)*!*+!,-. Fhorse Punjab Chief Minister cines. The Delhi-based All immune response, say /0'1!)-(2 Capt Amarinder Singh will India Institute of Medical researchers. It adversely lead the Congress in the elec- Sciences (AIIMS) has found impacts the process of replace- ,!+(!()1/03!.+'2 toral battle earlier next year $ that none of the fully vacci- ment of oxygen carrying with firebrand Navjot Singh (!*-!(+!131 ! nated people died after getting mature red blood cells in many Sidhu, probably, as his second re-infected with coronavirus Covid-19 patients. /03!,+!(.32 in command. during April-May 2021. The study, published in Information trickling out %'' In other words, while the the journal Stem Cell Reports, 3.!)*!**, of the Chief Minister’s three- vaccine does not guarantee sheds light on why many hour-long meeting with the All (O*! * protection from re-infection, it Covid-19 patients, even those :.)!1.!.*./03+!3.(2 India Congress Committee + , offers hope that the human not in hospital, are suffering (AICC) panel indicates that along with some other senior - .+,-/ body can develop antibodies sample size may have allowed vaccine. Ten patients received from hypoxia — a potentially P(*!*'!.3./03*!1*)2 Capt Amarinder would remain leaders, including Congress + that can fight the virus for long. that aberration to creep in. Covishield, while 53 received dangerous condition in which the party and the Government’s general secretary (organisa- 0 $ This was revealed in the Viral load, the measure of Covaxin. there is decreased oxygenation (*!13!1),/03*!(('2 face in Punjab. tion) KC Venugopal. first genomic sequence study of the total number of viral par- SARS-CoV-2 lineages in the body’s tissues. The study Sidhu is likely to make a After appearing before the breakthrough infections in the ticles in a particular volume of could be assigned to a total of also shows why anti-inflam- (3!'.!+1(/0((!*.32 comeback in the Cabinet with three-member panel in the " country during the deadlier fluid, was high at the time of 36 (57.1 per cent) samples, 19 matory drug dexamethasone a “big responsibility” in the national Capital, Capt 0, ( and more infectious second diagnosis even in vaccinated (52.8 per cent) in patients who has been an effective treatment 3+!()!++'/0.(,2 party, along with other “tradi- Amarinder told the media that * 1 wave of the coronavirus pan- patients and they also report- completed both doses and 17 for those with the virus. tional Congressmen”. “Big the meeting was for internal demic. ed high temperature persisting (47.2 per cent) in patients who “Low blood-oxygen levels admitted to the ICU, those who changes” in the State Cabinet is discussions ahead of the State If one contracts Covid-19 for 5-7 days, similar to symp- completed only a single dose, have been a significant problem had moderate symptoms and also on the cards. Assembly elections. “These are after being fully vaccinated, it toms of unvaccinated the AIIMS study said. The in Covid-19 patients,” said were admitted to hospital, and Amarinder met the panel party discussions, Assembly is known as a breakthrough patients. B.1.617 variant, first detected in study lead Shokrollah Elahi, those who had a mild version headed by Leader of elections are due to be held in $ infection. “There will be a Out of the 63 breakthrough India, was divided into three associate professor in the of the disease and only spent a Opposition in the Rajya Sabha next six months,” he said. small percentage of fully vac- infections, 36 patients received lineages — B.1.617.1, B.1.617.2 Faculty of Medicine & few hours in hospital. Mallikarjun Kharge at the Indications are that the cinated people who still get two doses, while 27 received at and B.1.617.3 — as per the Dentistry. “Because of that, we The researchers found that AICC headquarters. AICC sec- meeting’s prime agenda was to # sick, are hospitalised, or die least one dose of the Covid-19 study. thought one potential mecha- as the disease progresess, more retary general in-charge for bridge the gulf between the $%& #- from Covid-19,” according to nism might be that Covid-19 immature RBCs flood into Punjab Harish Rawat and for- party leaders, Capt Amarinder .- / 2 the US health agency, Centers impacts red blood cells pro- blood circulation, making up as mer MP JP Aggarwal are the and Sidhu included, and ensure for Disease Control and duction.” much as 60 per cent of the cells other members of the panel. that the Congress put up a unit- Prevention (CDC). P In the study, Elahi and his in the blood. Generally, imma- The meeting that discussed ed face before going to the polls AIIMS Delhi’s first study team examined the blood of ture RBCs make up less than in detail performance of all leg- early in 2022. Every issue per- on breakthrough infections 128 patients with Covid-19. one per cent, or none at all, in islators and also the Ministers, taining to the party and the during the April-May period The patients included those a healthy individual’s was also joined by Priyanka State were discussed. confirmed that despite a very who were critically ill and blood. and Rahul Gandhi “virtually” Continued on Page 2 , 34 $ ' high viral load, none of the vac- cinated people died due to the New Delhi: The DCGI has New Delhi: India has overtak- disease. granted permission to the en the US in terms of number However, some would Serum Institute of India (SII) to of people who have received at ' argue that there have been manufacture the Sputnik least one dose of Covid-19 several well-known cases like Covid-19 vaccine in India for vaccine, the Government on that of Dr KK Agarwal who examination, test and analysis Friday said and noted that the died despite taking both the with certain conditions, official vaccination campaign will be vaccines dozes. The limited sources said on Friday. further intensified. () R *$ 056(578 056(578 representatives of CBSE schools. Thus, students can he Delhi Government on 056(578 he Centre on Friday expect to know the detailed cri- TFriday constituted a four- Tformed a committee of terion for the calculation of member expert committee to n one of the major decisions senior officers and academi- marks by June 14. look into deaths due to oxygen Iin the last few months, the cians to decide on the criteria “It was decided that CBSE shortage during the second Government on Friday gave the for the evaluation of CBSE will take steps to compile the wave of Covid-19 pandemic. nod for a mega Defence deal Class 12 Board exam results results of Class 12 students as Deputy Chief Minister Manish worth over 50,000 crore for after the Government can- per well-defined objective cri- Sisodia said 5 lakh compen- the construction of six sub- celled the examinations due to teria in a time-bound manner,” sation will be given to the marines in the country. A The DAC is the apex body to the Covid-19 pandemic. the CBSE notification family of the deceased if the global tender will shortly be approve the Defence Prime Minister Narendra read. panel finds the death hap- floated for this deal. deals. Modi had announced that the The report of the commit- pened due to lack of life-saving The decision will help the In another important deci- board has been directed to tee will be deliberated at the oxygen. Navy to bolster its submarine sion, the DAC also extended calculate results in “well- highest level before the criteria “Taking into account the fleet strength and thwart any the timelines for procuring defined objective criteria”. Modi is approved and then the same seriousness of the matter, the challenge from China, which urgent capital acquisitions also added that the Class 12 model is likely to be adopted by Government has formed a flexes its maritime muscle in under the delegated powers to results will be announced in “a ICSE and all State Education committee of four medical the Indian Ocean. the armed forces up to August time-bound manner”. Boards who have cancelled the experts. The panel will inspect, Beside approving this big 31, 2021, to enable them to The committee has been examinations and fix a criteria twice a week, claims of all ticket item, the Defence complete their emergency pro- mandated to submit the report to declare the results of Class 12 those families who lost their Acquisition Council (DAC) curements. within 10 days. The committee to enable the students to move loved ones due to oxygen chaired by Defence Minister As regards the much- comprises 13 members, includ- ahead with their score. scarcity and thereafter dis- Rajnath Singh also allowed awaited submarine deal, also ing officials of various Central The Supreme Court direct- burse 5 lakh procurement of air defence known as Project-75 I, officials and State education depart- ed the CBSE and CICSE to financial assistance to each guns and ammunition for the said here the submarines will ments, Kendriya Vidyalaya place on record objective cri- !" !$% & family,” Sisodia Army. The projected cost of be built under the strategic Sangathan, University Grants teria for assessment of marks in ' () said. this contract is 6,800 crore. partnership policy. Commission, NCERT and two two weeks. * $ !R " # $% % & ' ()R * & 056(578 + $+) that the plaint was defective 79,*06 and not maintainable. he newly christened Delta “No case made out for Tvariant or the B.1.617.2 ayawati expelled two 056(578 leave to institute suit (under strain, which originated in Mmore leaders from the Section 80) or to sue in repre- India, is behind the second party on Wednesday even as s various States move R sentative capacity. Plaint is surge of Covid in the country, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Atowards gradual opening of defective and not maintain- a study by the Indian SARS- in Uttar Pradesh is facing rapid lockdown, the Centre on Friday able,” the court held. Further, CoV-2 Consortium on erosion of its vote base among warned that the next Covid the court noted that Chawla Genomics (INSACOG) has Dalits and the wave will become as severe as 056(578 did not comply with the man- found. backwards. the second wave if people go date under Section 80 of the “B.1.617 variant & its lin- 1,19,000), which was 2.5 times State Legislature party back to their routine. elhi High Court on Friday Code of Civil Procedure, and eage B.1.617.2 were primarily the toll reported in the coun- leader Lalji Verma and former Even as the second wave of Dslapped a heavy fine of 20 also flouted several other man- responsible for surge in cases try in April (48,768). State party president Ramachal the Covid-19 pandemic has lakh on actress Juhi Chawla for dates under the Code. with high transmissibility of 50 INSACOG is a grouping of Rajbhar — both senior OBC started flattening in the coun- filing frivolous petition to stop Importantly, the court said per cent more than Alpha vari- ten National Laboratories leaders and Ministers in the try with every State registering the tightrope walk, the wave the 5G trials in India. that the plaint was not verified. ant (B.1.1.7),” said the study, established by the Union previous Mayawati a significant dip in the number will be small. Maybe there will Dismissing her petition, It noted that only a few para- indicating why India’s Covid Health Ministry. The study Government — were expelled of infections and fatalities, the be no waves at all,” he said. Justice JR Midha said that it the hearing on social media,” graphs were said to be “true to ordeal in May was the worst was launched to investigate for alleged anti-party activities. Centre issued a warning saying According to the Union appeared that the suit was filed the court said. their knowledge”. witnessed in any country for what caused the second “With these two senior the situation has not improved Health Ministry’s data, there to garner publicity, noting how Taking note of the disrup- During hearing, Chawla’s any month since the beginning surge. most leaders gone, where is the because the virus has changed has been a 68 per cent decline Chawla had circulated web tions caused to the hearing on lawyer could not answer on of the pandemic, both in terms The grouping is entrusted second-rung leadership in the its mind. “If we again start in daily cases from May 7, link of the hearing on social account of the link being made what basis they are presuming of the absolute number of cases to carry out genomic sequenc- BSP. We have only Satish doing what we were doing as a when the highest peak of the media, leading to her fans public by Chawla, the court on the chances of radiation and and fatalities. ing and analysis of circulating Chandra Mishra, who is just society in December, January, second wave was reported. entering virtually during the directed that contempt notice affecting India recorded nearly 90.3 Covid-19 viruses, and corre- the Yes Man of Mayawati,” the situation can again go into Around 377 districts are first day of hearing. be issued against the miscre- people. lakh Covid cases in May month lating epidemiological trends said a BSP law maker a difficult phase,” Niti Aayog reporting less than five per cent “Plaintiffs abused process ants. The Bench directed to the After the pronouncement, itself. The death toll from the with genomic variants. So far, The expulsion assumed (health) member VK Paul said. case positivity and only 257 dis- of law. Costs of 20 lakh is Delhi Police to take action Advocate Deepak Khosla, pandemic in May was grimmer the genome sequencing of significance because UP will go “More of that we do, high- tricts are reporting more than imposed on plaintiffs. It and submit a report before the appearing for Chawla and at nearly 1.2 lakh fatalities 29,000 samples has been done to polls within next seven er will be the wave; but if we 100 daily Covid-19 appears suit was for publicity. court. other plaintiffs, sought a stay on during the month (over in India. months. proceed slowly and continue cases. Juhi Chawla circulated link of Justice Midha also ruled the order. !"#"$ !
From page 1 Rahul and Priyanka, who its mind to appoint Sidhu as both in the Government and joined the meeting virtually, Punjab party chief. Capt Amarinder is believed also in the State party unit, were briefed about the main However, the Chief to have brought along with him gained momentum during the points emerged from the Minister has categorically a complete dossier, including all past five days, when the party deliberations with Punjab opposed the move underlin- documents and evidence, about leaders, including the Chief leaders held over the period of ing that running the every MLA’s performance, their Minister’s bête noire, raised past four days. Among the Government would be diffi- standing in their segments, their voices against the current issues discussed included gov- cult for him with Sidhu in and also their wrongdoings leadership. ernance, revamping Punjab charge of the party in Punjab. and business interests. That was Pradesh Congress Committee Available information sug- not all! The Chief Minister also Arriving at around 11 am (PPCC), Sidhu’s role, ways to gests that the former cricketer brought along with him all at the Congress’ war room in enhance party’s prospects for is set to make a comeback in records regarding all other New Delhi, Capt Amarinder 2022 polls, among others. the State Cabinet, and may party leaders at places where was said to have defended his Sources informed The also get his choice of portfo- there was no Congress MLA. Government against the criti- Pioneer that the party high lio. Besides, he may also be The development assumes cism and allegations by the command, before the start of given a “big responsibility” in significance as the clamour for party leaders, led by Sidhu, these meeting with the three- the State party unit. change in State leadership, Bajwa, among others. member panel, had made up
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#$ # private hospitals, of which they tres. with all the vaccine doses avail- Nodal Officer Vikas Garg,” should be conducted into this that the State Government has O&# # P have administered only 600 till The orders issued by the able with them. said the Health Minister Balbir REGISTER CRIMINAL multi-crore scam.” failed in its duty to the people date. state’s COVID vaccination in- Notably, all the opposition Sidhu. CASE AGAINST BALBIR of Punjab by looking to profit “We have discussed the charge Vikas Garg stated that parties have been lashing out at “The Health Department SIDHU IN MULTI-CRORE AAP POSES 5 QUES- by selling the doses. ,8%0("%-8 issue with the Chief Minister the State Government’s deci- the State Government for sell- only tests the quality of vaccine VACCINE SCAM: SAD TIONS ON VACCINE SCAM regarding providing vaccines to sion “to provide one-time lim- ing Covaxin doses at over and and then administers to the Criticizing Congress DIFFERENTIAL VAC- acing allegations of profi- the private hospitals, and after ited vaccine doses to 18-44 above the prices they were public,” he said adding that he Demanding registration of Government in Punjab for sell- CINE PRICING, VACCINE Fteering by selling COVID- taking note of the situation, the years age-group population procured from the Centre and had already ordered an inquiry a criminal case against Punjab ing government quota vac- EXPORT, NOT PLACING 19 vaccines to private hospitals Chief Minister has asked to through private hospitals has making profits at the time the into the matter after the reports Health Minister Balbir Singh cines to private hospitals, TIMELY ORDERS LEFT amidst its shortage in govern- recall the decision. All the not been taken in the right spir- state was facing vaccine short- and responsibility should be Sidhu, the SAD president AAP’s Punjab affairs co-in- BILLION PEOPLE TO FEND ment hospitals, the Punjab doses that have been supplied it and is hereby withdrawn”. age and dealing with COVID’s fixed. Sukhbir Singh Badal on Friday charge Raghav Chadha on FOR THEMSELVES: Government on Friday did a to the private hospitals will also “Further, it has been decid- severe second wave. Sidhu assured that as said that he should be dis- Friday posed five questions to JAKHAR volte-face. The Government be back and their funds will ed that the private hospitals On Friday, the decision Punjab Government is com- missed immediately for selling the Chief Minister Capt Punjab Congress president not only withdrew its order also be returned to them,” said should return forthwith all the hit the national headlines after mitted to provide all treat- 80,000 out of the one lakh vac- Amarinder Singh and the Sunil Jakhar, holding the has regarding sale of vaccines to the state Health and Family vaccine doses available with the Union Information and ment services to COVID cine doses received from the Congress national president Prime Minister Narendra private institutions, but also Welfare Minister Balbir Singh them,” said the order. Broadcasting Minister Prakash patients without any discrim- Centre at a hefty profit to pri- related to the alleged vaccine Modi-led Central Government recalled the unused stock. Sidhu. That was not all! As per the Javadekar alleged that Punjab ination at the government hos- vate hospitals and also allowing scam. Chadha alleged that Capt liable for criminal misman- At the same time, the State He said that it was decid- order, the doses which the pri- profiteered on Covaxin shots pitals, vaccination will also be the latter to charge a further Amarinder Singh was follow- agement of COVID pandemic, Government has also ordered ed that a total 80,000 doses will vate hospitals have utilized as by getting them for Rs 400 a administered free of cost to all premium on the doses from the ing the footsteps of his boss said that the Centre totally left a probe into the same in an be given to the private hospi- of date, “should also be dose from the Centre and sell- beneficiaries. common man. Prime Minister Narendra Modi people on their own and failed apparent attempt to “fix the tals, but only 42,000 were pro- returned back, once they get ing it to 20 private hospitals at “Punjab Government had Terming the “self profi- and looting money from the to do its responsibility in this responsibility”. vided, of which they have used direct supplies from the man- Rs 1,060 a dose. already declared in Budget teering” as well as allowing pri- people of Punjab in times of gravest hour and failing to The decision was taken by only 600. ufacturers. The amount In dock over the allega- 2021-22 that vaccination to be vate institutions to profit at the trouble, by making ‘disaster’ an provide medicines, vaccines the Chief Minister Capt “We are taking back all the deposited by the private hos- tions, the State Government provided free of cost to every cost of human lives as an inhu- ‘opportunity’. and other necessary supplies to Amarinder Singh after taking vaccines, and also those that pitals in the Vaccine Fund tried to divert the allegations eligible beneficiary and the man act, Sukhbir said: “Balbir citizens. Congress party has serious note of the controver- they have administered…They shall be refunded to them”. onto the bureaucrats while State would bear all expenses Sidhu cannot get away with this GOVT FAILED IN submitted a memorandum to sy building around the move to have to return all the vac- The Minister said that ordering a probe. for the welfare of the general criminal act by feigning igno- DUTY BY LOOKING TO the President of India on Friday sell 80,000 vaccine doses to the cines,” said the Minister, adding instruction has been issued to “The Health Department public,” he said. The Minister rance about the entire issue. It PROFIT: BAJWA to give voice to the demand of government hospitals. that all these vaccines will be all Civil Surgeons that no fresh does not deal with vaccine said that the private hospitals is his department officers who Congress MP Partap Singh each and every citizen of the The Government main- administered “free of cost” to allotment to be made to any procurement or distribu- will now get direct supplies of have sanctioned this act. Sidhu Bajwa has written to the Chief country for urgent availability tained that 42,000 doses of age group of 18 to 44 years at private hospitals and the private tion…It is under the Chief vaccination from the manu- should be dismissed immedi- Minister Capt Amarinder of vaccines to safeguard Covaxin were “provided” to the Government vaccination cen- hospitals should return forth- Secretary or COVID Vaccine facturers. ately and a judicial probe Singh on the incident pointing lives. 0 1* - 9 ( P 8 /* 2%3 + ) ,- .& ,8%0("%-8 cent. Over 92 lakh samples ,8%0("%-8 due to which the ration depots have been tested in Haryana will be unable to distribute ,8%0("%-8 company," Vij said while talk- 3 people succumbed to till date. ue to unavailability of ration to the beneficiaries. Due ing to the mediapersons. ,8%0("%-8 Chaudhary on Friday. 7COVID-19 in Haryana as Dmustard oil and salt with to the comparatively higher aryana Health Minister The state is currently fac- The Government had 895 fresh infections surfaced 27 DEATHS, 787 CASES government's agencies, price of mustard in the market, HAnil on Friday said that ing a shortage of Amphotericin fortnight after the Punjab announced to provide Rs 1500 in the last 24 hours. The IN HIMACHAL Haryana Government on farmers have sold their mustard only one company has partic- B as cases of black fungus are AGovernment announced per month as social security death toll on Friday stands at Himachal on Friday Friday decided to discontinue crop at the rate of about Rs ipated in the global tender increasing in the to extend a helping hand to all pension, along with free edu- 8605 while the total case tally reported 27 COVID related its distribution to over 11 lakh 6,500 to Rs 7000 per quintal in floated by the government to state. those children orphaned dur- cation up to graduation, for all reached 760914 in the state. fatalities and 787 fresh cases. below poverty line families in the market itself. Thus, mustard procure 15000 doses of Till June 3, 92 people had ing the COVID pandemic, those children orphaned in 2456 people recovered According to the health bul- the state till further notice. oil was not available with Amphotericin B, a drug used in succumbed to black fungus Punjab Government has con- the COVID pandemic, as well from the virus in the last 24 letin, the death toll has The State Government will HAFED due to its unavailabil- the treatment of mucormyco- infection in Haryana as 1025 ducted a thorough survey and as families that have lost their hours and the total recoveries reached 3244 while the now give the subsidy of Rs 250 ity, the spokesman said. sis, commonly known as black cases were detected. While 784 prepared a list of 23 such chil- breadwinning member from now stands at 741255, accord- COVID-19 caseload stands on mustard oil directly in the Keeping in view the cur- fungus. were undergoing treatment for dren. July 1, 2021 onwards. ing to the health bulletin. In at 193924. bank accounts of AAY and BPL rent situation, it is decided "Although according to the black fungus in various hospi- “The department has The affected persons would the last 24 hours, a maximum The number of recoveries families in Haryana. that the subsidy (to the tune of rules, if only one company tals of the state 138 have recov- found a total 23 children of the also be eligible for grant of Rs of eight deaths each were rose to 180870 with 2030 “This decision will benefit Rs 250 per 2 litre) on mustard takes part, then the tender is ered till June 3, according to the state, who have lost both their 51,000 under Ashirwaad reported in Hisar and Sirsa. patients recuperating from a total of 11,40,748 AAY and oil to be given to the benefi- floated again. But in view of the data of state's Health parents to the COVID-19 pan- Scheme and would be entitled Highest 70 fresh cases were the disease in the last 24 BPL families who will get mus- ciaries will be directly deposit- current situation, we have given Department. A maximum of 30 demic between the period of to free ration under the State reported in Fatehabad dis- hours. There were 9798 active tard oil subsidy (to the tune of ed in the bank accounts of AAY some relaxations in the rules. deaths due to black fungus are March 31, 2020, to May 31, Smart Ration Card Scheme trict. The state's active cases cases in Himachal. Shimla Rs 250 per family) directly in and BPL families. This process Order is being placed to pro- reported in Hisar followed by 2021,” said the state Social and coverage under the Sarbat were recorded at 11054, the recorded a highest of 147 their bank accounts,” said an will continue till mustard is cure 15000 doses of 19 in Gurugram and 14 in Security, Women and Child Sehat Bima bulletin stated. The fatality fresh cases followed by 140 in official spokesman. available with HAFED. The Amphotericin B from that Rohtak. Development Minister Aruna Yojana. rate in Haryana stands at 1.13 Kangra and 138 in Mandi. Till He said that HAFED has government is making contin- percent while the recovery date, over 19.86 lakh samples been unable to provide mus- uous efforts to ensure the avail- rate was recorded at 97.42 per- have been tested in the state. tard oil in the month of June, ability of mustard, he said. ) +)- )
,8%0("%-8 Chaduni said that thou- protest against them will be against them. However, Babli, sands of farmers will gather at held during government's who is MLA from Tohana has mid the ongoing standoff Tohana city police station on functions only from now denied the charges and instead Abetween farmers and Saturday for voluntary court onwards. Earlier, the farmers accused the protesting farm- Haryana Government over arrest. This voluntary court union had announced to hold ers of launching a murderous Tohana incident, the Sanyukt arrest will continue till our a protest to boycott BJP-JJP attempt on him during their Kisan Morcha on Friday demands are met, he said. MLAs across the state over the protest. announced to intensify its The farmer leader said issue of three central farm Babli had a day before met protest till an FIR is registered that all those farmers who laws. Deputy Chief Minister against JJP MLA Devender have been arrested by Tohana After reports of rift with- Dushyant Chautala and Singh Babli or he apologizes to police for protesting against in the leaders of farmers' apprized him about the inci- the farming community. the MLA should be released. unions, the Sanyukh Kisan dent. Led by Bharatiya Kisan Today also, one farmer was Morcha maintained that there Notably, Chief Minister Union leaders Rakesh Tikait, arrested, he said. is no rift and farmers will con- Manohar Lal Khattar had on Gurnam Singh Chaduni Appealing to the protest- tinue their protest against the Thursday directed the Deputy among others, thousands of ing farmers, to ensure that agi- government. Commissioners to take action farmers will gather at Tohana tation continues in a peaceful The farmers' associations against those taking law into city police station on Saturday manner, Chaduni said that it have demanded that “Babli their own hands. for voluntary court arrest. has also been decided to hold should apologise” and “the Reacting to the ongoing “A general body meeting peaceful protest outside all police should also withdraw farmers' protest against Babli, of Sanyukt Kisan Morcha was police stations across Haryana the case lodged against some Khattar had said that the gov- held here and a series of deci- on June 7 from 12 noon to 4 farmers in connection with ernment has never objected to sions have been taken to pm. Tuesday’s incident.” anyone holding peaceful intensify our protest against The Sanyukt Kisan A group of farmers had movement, but if somebody the State Government,” said Morcha has also decided that protested against JJP MLA intentionally disturbs law and Gurnam Singh Chaduni, BJP-JJP MLAs in Haryana Devender Singh Babli in order in the name of any Haryana BKU leader while will not be stopped during Tohana and have accused him movement, then certainly this talking to the mediapersons. their personal visits and of using abusive language will be tolerated. %DD , 34 DE ,8%0("%-8
oronavirus pandemic’s Cdownward trend continued in Chandigarh on Friday as 88 fresh cases were recorded, the lowest in the past 80 days. However, there was no respite in the number of fatalities in the city as three more people lost their lives to the contagion. The city has been continuous- ly registering a decline in Covid-19 infections since May 9 when the highest single-day spike of 895 cases was regis- tered. With three women suc- cumbing to coronavirus during the past 24 hours, the death toll rose to 765 and with 88 cases, the tally rose to 60,487. As 215 more patients were cured, there are now 1005 active cases, the union territory's health bulletin showed. The total number of samples tested in the last 24 hours was 2602 while the over- all number of tests conducted was 518,931. With 4896 more people vaccinated, the total count reached 371,421. !"#"$ # 4. - " (4 ! !$% 'E'E 8 056(578 # 056(578 3D rime Minister Narendra asuals are passé in the CBI. PModi on Friday appreciat- CThe agency has issued + ed the Indian scientists for guidelines directing all its making India self-reliant on offices across the country to FF Covid-19 vaccines, testing kits, ensure that all the personnel, necessary equipment and new including women staffers, wear 056(578 medicines while he described "formal" attire in office. pandemic as the "biggest chal- The agency’s directive dis- ith Assembly sessions vis a vis Ordinances. same day as their introduction. lenge of this century." allows women from wearing Wgetting impacted by the In 2020, the State States like Karnataka and Addressing a meeting of an institutional arrangement to casual attire like jeans, T-shirts, Covid-19 pandemic, States Assemblies also sat for fewer Rajasthan passed a majority of the Council of Scientific and keep the Science, Society and sports shoes and chappals. said, “No jeans, T-shirts, sports al approach to work in an used the Ordinance route more days compared to their average their Bills two or more days Industrial Research (CSIR) Industry on the same page. Likewise, the men will not be shoes, chappals and casual office setting. for making laws in 2020. And sittings in 2016-19, as per data after their introduction in the Society through video confer- "This institution of ours has allowed with informal dress or attire are allowed in the office.” This is probably the first most of the laws that were of 19 state legislatures analysed legislature. In both states, 37% ence, the Prime Minister com- given so many talents and sci- without a shave so as to avoid “All the HsoB (Heads of such instance in which the enacted were “without detailed by PRS Legislative. of Bills had a gap of at least five plimented the scientists for entists to the country like an unkempt appearance. Branches) may please ensure agency has issued an express scrutiny”. The report shows that days between their introduc- the scale and speed at which Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar who Women employees will that guidelines are strictly directive for wearing formal Data from 19 States show states had passed 29 laws relat- tion and passing,” the report the vaccines , testing kits, new gave leadership to this institu- only be allowed to wear suits, adhered,” reads the order issued attire by the personnel, both that on an average they pro- ed to agriculture and these laws said. effective medicines and other tion", he said. sarees, formal shirts and on Thursday. men and women. mulgated 14 Ordinances over encompass a range of subject The 19 states met for an equipment were made within a CSIR's role, Prime Minister trousers in office premises. The copy has been marked Associate Professor of the last year with Kerala alone matters, including agriculture average of 18 days in the year year, to save humanity from the said is important as "today’s The latest move comes just to the Director of CBI, Psychology at Gargi College, coming out with 81 marketing and agricultural as the meetings were affected pandemic. goals of the country and over a week after 1985-batch Additional Directors, Director Delhi University, Dr Poonam Ordinances. As for Bills, the land laws. due to COVID-19. In contrast, He praised scientists for dreams of Today's India wants Maharashtra cadre IPS officer of Prosecution, all Heads of Phogat said, “Formal attire at states passed an average of 22 State legislatures passed between 2016 and 2019, these developing made-in-India vac- to be self-reliant and empow- Subodh Kumar Jaiswal took Branch and all Heads of Zones. formal places is the universal Bills (excluding Appropriation most Bills without detailed 19 states met for an average of cine against Covid and boost- ered in every sector, from charge as the CBI Director on Unlike police forces in the norm, especially when the Bills) with Karnataka topping scrutiny as 59 percent of the 29 days a year. In 2020, ing other measures to fight the biotechnology to battery tech- May 26. State, the CBI is not a uni- employees are physically the list with 61 Bills, the high- Bills were passed on the same Karnataka (31 days) met for pandemic within a year of its nologies, from Agriculture to Through an order titled formed organization despite reporting to office. Though, est in the country, followed by day that they were introduced the highest number of days, outbreak. Astronomy, from Disaster “proper office attire” issued by being categorized as a Central nowadays, jeans are considered Andhra Pradesh with 41 legis- in the legislature. “A further followed by Rajasthan (29 Modi remarked that the Management to Defense the administration wing, the Police Organisation. The formal at most places, they lations. The lowest was by 14% were passed within a day days), and Himachal Pradesh Corona pandemic has emerged Technology, from Vaccines to CBI has noted, “Of late, it has agency is a premier anti-cor- should not be torn or haggard.” Delhi, which passed one Bill. of being introduced. Only 9% (25 days). Kerala dropped as the biggest challenge of this Virtual Reality." been observed that several offi- ruption investigation agency at Women employees will West Bengal and Kerala each of the Bills were passed more from an average of 53 days in century. But , he said, whenever He praised the CSIR for cials/staff are not attired prop- the federal level which also have “opinion” on the dress passed two and three Bills, than five days after introduc- the previous four years to there was a "big humanitarian starting to take suggestions erly in office. All employees are undertakes investigation of code, but it’s a universal norm respectively. tion (some of these were meeting for just 20 days in crisis" in the past, science has from people following his henceforth required to adhere special crimes following direc- to wear formal clothes and Nearly half of the 81 referred to a committee for fur- 2020. Note that Parliament prepared the way for a better advice. Modi appreciated the to the guidelines regarding tive from the Supreme Court there is no problem with any Ordinances promulgated by ther examination),” it said. met for 33 days in 2020,” the future. CSIR for its role in the Aroma office attire.” and High Court besides refer- kind of formal attire. “Here CBI Kerala were the ones that were “States that passed all Bills report said. He said the scientists in mission launched in 2016 and For male employees, the ence from the State govern- is not talking about women re-promulgated, i.e., the same on the same day as their intro- The report said that Kerala India are working with speed said today thousands of farm- agency has prescribed collared ments. being decently covered but it is Ordinance was issued again duction include Bihar (13), has constituted 14 subject com- and at par with other countries. ers of the country are changing shirts, trousers/formal pants Officials said the decision about not being casual in after an intervening session, Jharkhand (8), Madhya mittees for examining Bills Prime Minister said that bring- their fortunes through flori- and formal shoes. Male has been taken as a formal appearance. Also, the same according to the report of PRS Pradesh (5), and Punjab (26). while in some states like Goa, ing science and technology at culture. He also lauded CSIR employees are also required to dress imparts a sense of disci- goes with men who are Legislative, an NGO. Karnataka Some states like Haryana (34 Karnataka, and Maharashtra, par with developed countries is for helping in cultivation of come to the office with “prop- pline and alertness as against required to be clean shaven and (24), Uttar Pradesh (23), out of 35 Bills) and Uttar select committees (adhoc com- better for the industry and the asafoetida within the country er shaving.” informal attire which only turn up well kept for office Maharashtra (21) and Andhra Pradesh (32 out of 37 Bills) mittees) were constituted for market. for which India was dependent For women employees, it leaves the impression of a casu- work,” Dr Phogat added. Pradesh (16) followed Kerala passed most of their Bills on the scrutinising important Bills. Modi said CSIR works as on imports. " " -. ,-+2 ! ) /0 ! - # 056(578 % & he CRPF has recalled all its 056(578 056(578 Tdoctors and paramedical staff on sanctioned long leave ndia has overtaken the US in terms of ven as the Government on Friday to augment requirements of Ithe number of people who have Esaid that it has been working with their services at various hospi- received at least a single dose of the vac- Bharat Biotech and World Health tals of the paramilitary for cine, the Union Health Ministry said on Organisations to share data to get treatment of Covid-hit patients. Friday even as it noted that almost 68 approval for its vaccine Covaxin, the “There is a remarkable per cent decline has been noted in Hyderabad-based pharma major and upsurge of Covid-19 positive Covid-19 cases since the highest report- Ocugen expanded their partnership to cases in the second wave of the ed peak of cases on May 7. co-develop, supply and commercialise im order for emergency use in pandemic in the country and There has been a decrease in active the Covid-19 vaccine in Canada. Canada.” the Covid Care Centres and cases by more than 21 lakh since the In the meantime, the DCGI has The company is also working Composite Hospitals of CRPF peak of active cases on May 10, it said, granted permission to the Serum with the WHO to get Covaxin listed are facing great difficulties to adding that 377 districts are reporting Institute of India (SII), which is cur- in the WHO-Emergency Use List provide treatment to Covid the scarcity of Medical Officers Care Centres, Composite less than 5 per cent case positivity rate. rently manufacturing Covishield to (EUL). The company has said it patients due to scarcity of ade- and paramedical staff in the Hospitals and Unit Hospitals in "We have to buy time to ensure high manufacture the Sputnik Covid-19 expects the EUL between July and quate strength of Medical Force may somehow be handling the Covid-19 pan- coverage of vaccination against Covid- vaccine in India for examination, test September. It had submitted a dossier Officers and paramedical staff,” resolved if they are recalled demic,” it added. 19 is achieved," it said. and analysis with certain conditions. with the WHO. Some more details reads a recent order. from long leave,” said the order The paramilitary has a About 43 percent of the 60 years Bharat Biotech said more than 30 have been sought, which is likely to be It further said there is a issued by the Medical large number of hospitals with plus population has been vaccinated, million doses have been supplied in submitted soon. “huge” vacancy of paramedical Directorate of the CRPF. an authorized pool of about while 37 per cent people above 45 years India and other countries. “EUAs The country is looking forward to staff (almost 42 per cent. Now onwards, medical 740 doctors, including spe- have been inoculated so far, the (emergency use authorisation) are World Health Organization (WHO)'s Besides this, medical officers officers and paramedical staff cialists and over 3,000 para- Government said. approved in 13 countries and in the approval for Bharat Biotech's Covaxin, and paramedical staff have may not be sent on leave except medical and nursing staff. The cumulative number of Covid- process in more than 60 countries,” it the Government noted on Friday. It also been detailed outside the in extreme emergencies during Till last week, a total of 19 vaccine doses administered in the said in a statement here. Occugen further said that 'the milestone will be Force for deployment at Covid the Covid crisis situation. 23,588 CRPF personnel con- country exceeded 22.75 Crore 1,18,299 have received their second dose already had the rights to commer- achieved soon' and 'the process of data Care Centres at DRDO Covid “As approved by the com- tracted the viral disease of (22,75,67,873) as per the 7 pm provi- since the start of Phase-3 of the vacci- cialise Covaxin in the US. It will retain sharing is going on.' hospitals in Ahmedabad and petent authority, medical offi- which 21,649 patients recov- sional report on Friday. nation drive. 45 per cent of the profits from sales of Dr. VK Paul, Member (Health) Delhi Cantonment as also cers and paramedical staff who ered from the pandemic and According to the data, around Bihar, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Covaxin in the US and Canada. Niti Aayog, during a press briefing Sardar Patel Covid Care Centre have proceeded on long leave 121 personnel succumbed to 16,23,602 beneficiaries of the age group Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Shankar Musunuri, chairman, chief regarding the coronavirus situation in at Chattarpur in the national in routine manner may be coronavirus infection. As many 18-44 years received their first dose and Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, executive and co-founder of Ocugen, India, said, We have been working capital. recalled from leave, except as 1,818 patients continued to 31,217 beneficiaries of the same age Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have said: “As we work towards the sub- with Bharat Biotech and WHO, data “Some of the Medical those who are in leave due to suffer from the coronavirus group received their second dose of administered more than 10 lakh bene- mission of the emergency use appli- sharing is on, we are keen that this Officers and paramedical staff extreme emergency for a short infection during the period. All Covid vaccine. Cumulatively, 2,58,45,901 ficiaries of the age group 18-44 years for cation in the US, we will simultane- milestone is achieved soon. We are in the force are on long leave as period so that their services can these figures are highest among persons across 37 States/UTs have the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine, said ously seek authorisation under inter- pursuing it. a routine manner. Therefore, be utilized in various Covid the paramilitary forces. received their first dose and a total the Ministry. 5 ! 0 +&, 056(578
enior BJP leader and 056(578 SUnion Minister Prakash Javadekar on Friday sought to he Supreme Court on advise Congress leader Rahul TFriday dismissed a plea Gandhi that he should first challenging the Delhi High look after States ruled by his Court order granting anticipa- party like Punjab before ser- tory bail to a Mumbai-based monising others on journalist in a rape case lodged the Covid-19 against him by a 22-year-old management. woman. "Rahul Gandhi should “We find no reason to first look after his (Congress- interfere. The special leave ruled) States rather than giv- The Union Minister The BJP leader's remarks petition is dismissed,” said a Ramakrishnan, appearing for ing lectures to others. Punjab accused the Punjab come amidst internal politi- vacation Bench of Justices the petitioner, argued in the Government has been pro- Government of ignoring the cal rift in the Punjab Navin Sinha and Ajay Rastogi apex court that the accused had vided more than 1.40 lakh people for petty Congress and an ongoing tug while rejecting the plea filed by earlier absconded for 50 days doses of Covaxin at 400 and politics. of war for the state leadership the complainant. and he also evaded the non- they have given it to 20 pri- "Punjab is affected by between Chief Minister The High Court had on bailable warrant. vate hospitals at 1,000", said corona. The vaccination drive Captain Amarinder Singh and May 13 granted anticipatory “The question is of normal Javadekar. is not being managed prop- the dissident Congress leader bail to journalist Varun human conduct and behaviour. He said the Government erly. Their internal fight has Navjot Singh Sidhu Hiremath in the case. If a man and woman are in a of India has given 22 crore been going on for the last six A day before, former The complainant has room, the man makes a request Covid vaccine doses to all months. The entire Punjab Congrees President had alleged that she was raped by and the woman complies with states for free and it is the government and Congress alleged that the Modi-gov- the accused at a five-star hotel it, do we need to say anything state governments that had Party has been in Delhi for ernment is hiding in Chanakyapuri on February more?,” the bench observed demanded decentralisation the last 3-4 days. Who will actual COVID-19 20. during the hearing, and added, of Covid vaccines. look after Punjab? Even for deaths. Hiremath had approached “Whatever we are saying is lim- "Now when it has been COVID vaccination, the state "Government of India is the high court after his antici- ited to the purpose of cancel- done, the States are demand- government wants to earn a hiding actual Covid deaths," patory bail plea was dismissed lation of anticipatory bail only ing centralising the vaccine profit. What kind of public he tweeted and demanded by a trial court here on March and we are not going into the supply", said the senior BJP administration is this?", free COVID-19 vaccination 6 4 4 4 78 $29(0 12. larger question of consent at leader. wondered Javadekar. in the country. - - ,-6( (" Senior advocate Nitya this stage”. # ( !"#"$ %! &'
# # *7*%#% “She is like my mother mer Minister who left the party Saturday to decide on the Ghar the leadership to put an embar- sources the Roy camp is unhap- and has seen me from my weeks before the polls, was also Wapsi plea of the defecting go on such homecoming for py with the BJP leadership ith a number of childhood … so where is the considering a return. leaders, sources said adding the defectors for at least six that preferred Suvendu WTrinamool Congress harm if I come to enquire In fact the TMC is likely to however that senior leaders months. Adhikari — who switched sides turncoats making a beeline for after her health … politics is hold a high-level meeting on like Sougato Roy have advised Coming back to Roy, just before the elections— over a Ghar Wapsi— post the TMC’s one thing and decorum is though the BJP vice president the former Railway Minister for fantastic victory in the another,” Banerjee said after said a fortnight ago that he the State Opposition Leader’s Assembly elections — a fresh meeting Roy in the hospital. 23% 4 would continue to remain an post. tug of war seems to have start- The timing of junior ardent soldier of the BJP an FB “Our dada is being con- ed over senior BJP leaders like Banerjee’s visit and the Prime 31 5 post by his son and former stantly sidelined by a section of Mukul Roy who was among the Minister’s call are crucial at a TMC MLA Subhrangshu Roy the party which is not pleasant earliest migrants to the saffron time when at least half-a-dozen Kolkata: Soon after roaring Sudip Bandopadhyay has spo- — who too later joined the saf- for a person of his seniority,” a outfit. migrants who left Trinamool to back to power for the third time ken to Speaker Om Birla seek- fron outfit — has raised eye- follower of the leader said According to sources join the BJP ahead of the polls in a row the Trinamool ing disqualification of MPs Sisir brows in the opposition outfit. refusing to dwell however on Prime Minister Narendra Modi have conceded their “blunder” Congress has set out to deal Adhikari and Sunil Mondal While BJP leaders attacked the whether he would take a deci- on Thursday called up the for- sought a public apology from rather strongly with the defec- who deserted the party days Trinamool Government for sion in near future. mer Railway Minister to the Chief Minister and asked tors, sources have said. before the Assembly elections. post poll-violence he wrote Meanwhile in an apparent enquire after the health of his for a reinstatement. In a two-pronged strategy He has sought their disqualifi- “Self-criticism is more neces- bid to placate Roy the State BJP wife who is recuperating in a Among these leaders are while ‘files’ are being prepared cation under anti-defection sary than criticising a leadership is considering his Kolkata hospital. This, hours former Assembly Deputy for some corrupt “weather birds laws. Adhikari a former Union Government elected by people.” name as the Chairman of the after Chief Minister Mamata Speaker Sonali Guha, foot- who made money and then left Minister and a powerful East While the other leaders Assembly’s Public Accounts Banerjee’s nephew and baller-turned-TMC MLA at their convenience,” the Mindapore satrap is the father seeking Ghar Wapsi may have Committee. “We have quite a Diamond Harbour MP Dipendu Biswas, Sarala “opportunist MPs” who left the of Bengal Opposition Leader their individual political com- few names but two names are Abhishek Banerjee met the Murmu and Amal Acharya. party legal steps are being taken, Suvendu Adhikari who too pulsions for Roy it is slightly doing the rounds: these are of BJP vice president personally to The buzz is that even heavy sources said. According to defected to the BJP months different some of his followers Mukul Roy and Ashok Lahiri,” ,! ! - : express his concern. duties like Rajib Banerjee, a for- insiders TMC Lok Sabha Leader before the State polls. in the BJP say. According to a source said. ; - & ' () ! # $
Q *,8 free vaccine to all those above plant with 150 tonne capacity to credibility for want of additional yard. The budget speech is full 18 years of age. T ramp up oxygen production in resource mobilization mea- of criticism of the Central *7*%#% Bandyopadhyay the for- for failing to report to the N Balagopal, the new hough there are no major the State. He said that there has sures. The debt trap is getting Government even while the mer Chief Secretary who Department of Personnel and KFinance Minister of Kerala investment plans to set up been a dip of 3.8 per cent in the tightened over Kerala. The State re-packages re-names and he Centre has said that it retired on May 31 before being Training (DoPT) as directed by presented his first budget on industrial complexes which Gross Domestic Production of Finance Minister’s hopes are on market the programmes Twould soon consider the made the Chief Advisor to the Central Government. Friday in which he has left the alone would address the unem- the State during 2019-2020 and KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure announced by the Centre. The reply letter of former Bengal Chief Minister had sent a The development took people unscathed without bur- ployment problem faced by the State has been left with no Investment Fund Board ) which LDF Government is good in Chief Secretary Alapan –four-page reply to the Centre place after Chief Minister dening them with new taxes of the State, Balagopal declared a income. itself is a controversial institu- coming out with attractive Bandyopadhyay on whom New explaining his conduct. Mamata Banerjee skipped the any kind. While blaming the fund of 2,000 crore to make Hari Kartha, economist- tion. The CAG has pulled up labels for its projects. In 2019- Delhi had slapped a show- Sources in the Centre ear- review meeting chaired by the Central Government led by additional working capital avail- turned-political commentator KIIFB for its unconstitutional 2020 people were charmed cause notice for dereliction of lier said that “West Bengal for- Prime Minister May 28. Narendra Modi for all the ills able for the MSME units in the who has been studying the style of fiscal management,” with New Kerala duty under Disaster mer Chief Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay who had faced by the State during the State and 1,000 crore for annual budgets of the State for pointed out Kartha. Reconstruction Programme Management Act for allegedly Bandyopadhyay had to brief accompanied the Chief last five years, Balagopal waxed Kudumbasree Units in the State. more than three decades More scathing was the and the scheme has not taken skipping a meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Secretary too left the meeting eloquent on Chief Minister The Finance Minister said described the budget presented assessment by Prof B off till date. This budget is silent Prime Minister Narendra Modi and follow up. But when the along with the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for the sterling he would come back to the by Balagopal as illusory and Vijayakumar, economist and about the entire project. The to deliberate on the post- Prime Minister arrived at the who later said that the reason leadership provided by the lat- House with scemes to mobilise unrealistic. “This revised bud- author. “The finance minister State Government has forgot- cyclone situation at Kalaikunda briefing he was not present. behind her skipping the meet- ter which the Finance Minister additional resources after the get is nithing other than a rit- is silent about how he is going ten its own announcement,” late last month. And after being contacted by ing was the presence at the claims saved the State and its pandemic subsides. “I will sure- ual. Balagopal has announced to generate 40 lakh jobs as said Prof Vijayakumar. According to sources a the Prime Minister`s entourage venue of the State Opposition people. ly announce ways and means to a Covid package of 20,000 promised in the election man- Leader of the Opposition V two-pronged reply had reached he came for the meeting room Leader Suvendu Adhikari. The uniqueness of the bud- mop up additional revenue crore in addition to what pre- ifesto of the CPI(M)-led LDF. D Satheeshan, Prof the Centre — first one from and left without attending the “This was against the brief get 2021-2022 that envisages a with new taxes and how to cut decessor Issac has done. But There is no hint of any indus- Vikayakumar and Kartha were Bandyopadhyay himself and review meeting.” as no MLA can be present in revenue deficit of 16,910.12 administrative costs,” said the where does the money come trialization drive in the budget unanimous in congratulating the second one from present Subsequently a show-cause the meeting between Prime crore is a Covid package of minister. from? He was lavish in speech. Cochin, once the the Finance Minister for Bengal Chief Secretary HK notice was served to Minister and Chief Minister,” 20,000 crore with which the Kerala Government would announcing schemes despite industrial hub of Kerala has restricting the budget speech Dwivedi. Bandyopadhyay last Monday she said. Finance Minister hopes to offer set up a major liquid oxygen several fiscal crisis. They lack become an industrial grave- for just one hour. $<-$3/ 4
# 9 % deaths in the State had peaked ery, the total number of people to 1,320 — which comprised discharged from the hospitals he Covid-19 infections 398 deaths that occurred in the since the second week of March Tdropped to 14,152 in previous 48 hours, 196 that last year increased from Maharashtra on Friday, even as took place during the previous 54,86,206 to 55,07,058. The the daily deaths soared to an all week and 726 old unaccount- recovery rate in the state rose time high of 1,377— a tally that ed deaths. Otherwise, the daily from 94.73 per cent to 94.86 included the 1,088 previous deaths in the state have been per cent. The total “active unaccounted deaths. ranging between 500 to 1000 cases” in the state dropped A day after Maharashtra during the recent weeks. 2,04,974 to 1,96,894. The fatal- logged 15,229 infections and With 1,377 deaths report- ity rate in the state rose from 643 deaths, the daily infections ed in Maharashtra on Friday, 1.68 per cent to 1.70 per cent. came down to 14,152. the total number of deaths in Mumbai logged 968 infec- However, the daily deaths the state climbed from 97,394 tions, while it logged 15 deaths. more than doubled to touch to 98,771. Similarly, with 14,152 As a consequence, the Covid- 1,377. The daily deaths com- new infections, the total num- 19 toll in the metropolis prised 289 current ones and ber of cases climbed from increased from 14,907 to 1088 previous unaccounted 57,91,413 to 58,05,565. 14,922, while the infected cases fatalities which were added to As 20,852 patients were went up by 968 to trigger a " !") the state’s progressive tally. discharged from the hospitals jump in the infections from ! - ' () Earlier on May 23, the across the state after full recov- 7,08,026 to 7,08,994. - !$% () ( 4 # 9 % tals charging exorbitant rates shall be no difference in the State Government has fixed 9+ for Mucormycosis and sus- quality of treatment being graded per day rates of 4,000, n a major relief to pected Mucormycosis meted out to patients treated 3,000 and 2,400 for A, B and 79,*06 IMucormycosis (Black patients, the Maharashtra against the same rates pre- C-class cities respectively for Fungus) and suspected Government made it manda- scribed under its notification isolation, 7500, 5,500 and ttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Mucormycosis patients under- tory for hospitals, nursing and also the insured patients. 4,500 respectively as per day Uannounced to set up women special camps in every going treatment at private hos- homes and clinics to increase “Items/services which are not ICU Isolation charges without district to ensure maximum participation of women pitals in the State, the their bed capacity as per the part of GIPSA-PPN or TPA ventilator for A, B and C-class in the Covid-19 vaccination. In order to motivate Maharashtra Government on norms prescribed under the package rates, shol not be citiesy and 9,000, 6,700 and women to get their vaccine doses, Yogi instructed the Friday imposed a limit on Maharashtra Nursing Home charged more than 10 per cent 5,400 per day respectively as officials to start women special vaccination camps in treatment and surgery costs to Amendment Act 2006 to mark on net procurement ICU Isolation with ventilator all the 75 districts of the State, an official said here on be recovered from all those accommodate maximum num- cost incurred,” the notification charges for A, B and C-class Friday. patients not patients not cov- ber of patients and not to said. cities respectively. Like the guardian special booths, at least two spe- ered by any health insurance or charge rates more than what Chief Minister Uddhav The State Government also cial booths — one for the 18+ category and anoth- bilateral agreements between has been prescribed by it Thackeray on Friday approved made it mandatory for private er for the 45+ group — will be set up in each dis- the hospital and corporate through its notification dated a proposal by the Health healthcare providers to dis- trict.mThese camps will operate in District Women groups and all those who have June 3, 2021. Ministry fixing the charges to play prominently the rateds Hospitals or District Joint Hospitals. Such camps will exhausted their health insur- The State Government also be levied by all private hospi- applicable for Mucormycosis also be set up in the Tehsil Headquarters or Block 4 !O0> !$% - ance covers. made it clear to the private tals, till July 31. and suspected Mucormycosis Headquarters level. ? ' () Cracking the whip hospi- healthcare providers that “there Under the notification, the patients. . N8 ,(1 + O # # *7*%#% ing them to appear for home + ' online test. They have also engal may too walk in the advised the Government to *,8 office itself, they too told me Bfootsteps of the Centre and assess the students by their that they would drop into my some other States that have performance in the practical P Abdullakutty, the house,”Abdullakutty said in his cancelled the Classes X and XII exams for the Science stream AMuslim face of Kerala BJP social media page. Board exams. According to and Project assignments for who is also the national Vice- He said the sound and sources a six-member expert the Humanities and Commerce President of the party denied light show organized by the committee which was appoint- streams. media reports that his house in District Tourism Promotion ed by Chief Minister Mamata However some other peo- Kannur was raided by the Council was enmeshed in cor- Jaipur: Rajasthan Chief Banerjee to decide on the fate of ple have wondered whether Vigilance and Anti-Corruption ruption and called for a thor- Minister Ashok Gehlot said on the Board exams have opined online test would be a feasible officials on Friday. ough probe into the whole Friday that the State that it is not advisable to hold idea as not all the students have “It is true that officers of affair. “My involvement in the Government is working the exams and putting at risk the smart phones or laptops par- the department of Vigilance Show was limited to that of a towards strengthening the well-being of 21 lakh students ticularly in the wake of the dis- and Anti-Corruption had law maker and I do not have health services infrastructure at and their guardians. aster that cyclone Yaas left in called me on Friday. But it was any role in it,” said the BJP the Panchayat level in the face Incidentally the experts North and South 24 Parganaas at my instance that they came leader. of the dreadful second wave of committee had been set up and East Midnapore districts. to my house for recording a The entire media including corona infection and the fear of soon after the Chief Minister As for the Class X Board statement in connection with the 24X7 news channels had the a third wave. announced that exams would exams the Committee has said the Light and Sound Show aired reports that the BJP The cooperation of indeed be held in the months of that as they had not appeared held at Kannur in 2014 during leader’s house was raided by the Bhamashahs and industrial- July and August. for any pre-board exams marks my tenure as a member of the Vigilance officials in connec- ists is important in giving According to sources the could be allotted to them on the Legislative Assembly. Though tion with corruption charges shape to the resolve to provide Committee is in favour of either basis of their Class IX exams as I had expressed my willingness only to retrack the same by better health services to the giving some home assignments also the internal assessment to record the statement in their evening. people of the State. to the Class XII students or ask- marks. & ' () !"#"$ )
$ < ;#(+ $ < < ( )*' %+ (,, -. 0 0 ) '$ + 4 ) ) !" #$ *+,- ) 4 6 % # # ( + 0 , 6.6- # ( 6.6: # # 6.-4 A = # he Nehruvian ethos, ?B> 4B>. # ) $ * which had a vice-like grip over India’s polity >45 B6? ( and the minds of most # T Indians, was a combination of -BC + ( socialism and secularism. The ( # Nehruvian socialism was sym- bolic of anti-colonialism as well ( as political justification for gov- ( ernance to be sympathetic to + 6... communists. This helped Indira :.. Gandhi to survive as the PM between her splitting the Congress in 1969 and her re-elec- + ( tion in 1972. Secularism meant being nice to minorities and @ ( ( making sure that Muslims voted for the Congress. India’s military suffered deliberate neglect. In 1947 itself, # */2+ (-4 ( Nehru curtly told General % ( ( Lockhart (the interim Army commander) that the police were ( adequate to protect the country. The mindset carried on till the Sonia/Manmohan decade (2004- + 14); not a single weapon system Sabha seats, leaders within succeeded in what has been a Myrdal had categorised States % S + was acquired, although India his own party might try to coa- long-term boon for the econ- into soft and strong; India was had inherited a depleted military. lesce with the Opposition omy, already very useful. The a soft State; Modi’s gover- D + " ( Corruption was a prerequisite for members. A coalition would- GST has killed a big perquisite nance has set it on the path of D E O those sympathising with the n’t want Modi. Two such lead- for the denizens of Nehru’s becoming a strong one. # F 1 party. Indira had stamped her ers were hopefully hovering. paradise. Pakistan has learnt several +D + approval on corruption, stating: When the results gave Article 370 was deeply lessons; Kashmir is quiet. “Which country in the world is Modi more than 300 seats, all divisive to Indians, more China’s behaviour has changed * ) free from corruption?” patrons of the Nehruvian par- potentially than seemed until after Galwan. Imagine a Prime D , # ( ) The prime ministership was adise were broken-hearted. now. It carried within the Minister turning up within 7 ( ) @ D the monopoly of the Congress, or Not finding anything to criti- (505#%#0 potential of secession, not four days at Ladakh to visit our :? ) $ ex- Congressmen or pro- cise, they grabbed any mud to 6%%N 790(5-O only of Kashmir but also injured soldiers in hospital Congressmen like Vajpayee, a fling at him. Demonetisation elsewhere. It was perpetuat- and addressed our troops. ) mindset sustained from 1947 to was “a blunder” because it 5,%95# ed to keep aflame the Hindu What a difference that gesture S +D + " D / 2014, 77 long years. The destroyed the “informal” sec- (5#-A5(#85 Muslim divide. The country made. No other leader in D / Nehruvian ethos had sufficient tor, by which they meant the N02-%7O5,#- was surprised to find no India has done anything of the D time to take deep roots. The best black money sector. Even great reaction to this bold like before. political talent went into that scholars on TV debates repeat- A68,8#85A step. Pakistan made some Another way of explain- party. Those not in the Congress edly said the informal sector 5%0##85 7%,* noise but then kept quiet; ing this is that India was a half too learnt their politics — even was “very valuable” to the 05A5,#-$ lately its Foreign Minister sovereign State, whereby it some BJP leaders — from the Indian economy. Their stand too stated on the floor of the was not effective and its writ Congress. This was the paradise came from estimates that 40 5B50,87%- National Assembly that did not run up to all its fron- of Nehruvianism in which many per cent of the economy was 0#B(5 %#5 Article 370 is India’s domes- tiers. This was so even politicians, journalists and hang- black. Next, the historic intro- -5+5%#5(7A%( tic matter. domestically in some ways. ers-on flourished. duction of the Goods and Corruption has been sig- Whenever a central Minister Imagine the consternation of Services Tax — one country #8502-%7 nificantly reduced at higher was alleged to be corrupt, the the Nehruvian world when a one sales tax — was abused. It 5,#-6%NB5-A levels. Among the Ministers, Prime Minister would wrig- man like Narendra Modi led the would earlier take a truck B%79% 75O# there have been no complaints. gle out of his responsibility Opposition. Out of contempt and seven days to deliver, but now Modi has himself set a sterling terming the accused to be a hatred, one Congressman called takes only three. The GST has 0(%05,0A$ example. And there has been coalition partner, not the him a chaiwala and then neech made it dangerous to evade #85-#%0(,%5 little coercion. PM’s party. Narendra Modi (lowly). A few recognised him to even income tax. Modi’s adver- Black money has not dis- has taken India on the road be a tornado that could blow saries called the tax “badly 2-5#%#5 appeared, but is much reduced. to strength and full sovereign- away their paradise. They were administered”, conveniently #8%#NE+5-,50# With taxes low enough, pay- ty. Those who thrived in the proved right, as Modi’s first term forgetting that it was original- 2#855,0A ment in white is gradually erstwhile paradise do not itself showed. But when 2019 ly their idea, possibly proposed becoming the habit. India is know what has hit them. approached, his enemies saw a in the hope that all States 6% 7%,* becoming digital, as is the need (The writer is a well-known glimmer of hope. If Modi were wouldn’t accept it. But (late) in the modern world. Decades columnist and an author. The to obtain only about 200 Lok Finance Minister Arun Jaitley ago, Swedish scholar Gunnar views expressed are personal.) .., .+ ../ -.+, SOUNDBITE 0 : ; - " () #, Sir —The West Bengal defeat in the Assembly elections notwithstanding, Home !" !" # % Minister Amit Shah has chosen to hide in Lutyens’ world, though it might also be seen $ $ 2) * R ) as a face-saving exercise at the peak of the 6 pandemic. And when the second wave’s ) ) ) 4 curve is going down, Shah has surfaced ? F7 78< K *#-- again to take credit, saying that India ) * " ( under the leadership of Prime Minister % + ,+! S Narendra Modi successfully fought the bat- $ % " # -. S ) # tle against COVID-19 and managed to bring % " / , $ the number of cases down. ! The Home Minister conveniently for- F3 O O % S ( got that people died for the lack of medical , + - 34I' $ # ,+! oxygen, hospital beds, and even the dead # ! $ 1 " weren’t given proper dignity in death; they # ! 7< E @ 78< K K ! " 2 ) couldn’t be cremated properly. The Government conveniently chose to handle * 3 -456 7 ) ( ! L 6 the first lockdown in 2020, not it passed the $ # % responsibility on to the respective States. $ . P Q ( Now, the number of cases has fallen because $ the patients are turning well because of dili- %(/ ) -6: + $ * ; < #'> gence from the hospital staff and their will -J%6 , 2 $ + to survive, certainly not because of the $# 2 $ 3 % # Centre that kept quiet when the darkest of " hours was upon us. $7 @85< % ( If the Home Minister is now claiming $- KA" credit for the decline in the number of cases, # he should also spell out who was responsi- $ 2 . % # % ( ble for the rising number of COVID %343.%/ , A ?9C < / , patients? % Bidyut Kumar Chatterjee | Faridabad on this epidemic, there must be a time to initiated negotiations with the agitating look back fully to understand how such a farmers’ unions in order to try and pacify + Q disease emerged and spread its devastation them and accommodate their demands, $ = Sir — This refers to the editorial “Stay so quickly across the country, and how all unfortunately, compromise has proved elu- # $ = ( Together” (June 4). This pandemic is one those involved reacted to the crisis. The sive till now as the farmers would accept $ 3 of the most dangerous challenges that lessons learned will be essential to effective- nothing less than total repeal of the laws. ly address similar challenges, as they may For the ruling BJP, succumbing to the # India has faced. It is above all a human cri- 9 (1@ =8 sis with severe health and socio-economic arise in the future. But now is not that time. pressure of the protesters and rolling back K % # ! ! % ;!!%< consequences. Now is the time for unity, for the national the laws would mean that any significant = 6> = ?- 6.6. # India, with thousands of its medical community to work together in solidarity step towards positive agricultural reforms 6 >> ,+! staff, is on the frontlines, supporting mem- to stop this virus and its shattering conse- in the country might become politically dif- quences. ficult. But, at the same time, if the reforms */2+ (-4 ber States and their societies, especially the most vulnerable among them, with guid- Bhagwan Thadani | Mumbai are not possible now, they would never be B* $6 # + + ) ance, training, equipment and concrete life- possible in future. But, with no option avail- 7 1 +( ) saving services as they combat the virus. able, the Centre must shed its ego. $8 ; < $ = * = , They must be supported, as it is absolutely Sir —The nation has been witnessing Ranganathan Sivakumar | Chennai $ critical to the India's efforts to win the war farmers’ protests against the three con- 6.-4 = @ * " against COVID-19. tentious farm laws passed by the Centre in + 5<%<$78< 7=978< Once we have finally turned the page September last year. Though the Centre has 88<785=5 <>?% 6@5% K 7 !"#"$ 2
$ < ;#(+ $ < < FIRSTCOLUMN , 4 ) -/*).0 *-.!).%1 / 2( )%%)* % .! )*%' *,* !"("% *,* # 1 ) 4 4 ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )
e need to start buildingour COVID %&'!/+0-/,1 capable world. The pervasive fear of a third wave exists as the second wave G Wwanes. We have been here before; a merenine months have passed since the last # 'unlock' that ushered in the calamitous second wave. ( Isthere a way to resume normalcy without unleash- ing the horror of a third wave? ( It is now apparent that the coronavirus is here 3 ) (H > 6.6-( to stay. There is no miracle drug in thepipeline. G G Vaccination programs will take some time toface -4B: + up to the twin challenges of a rapidly mutating virus and a large, susceptiblepopulation. Humanity, meanwhile, will have to get by. ( Humankind has shown a remarkable tenden- cy to survive despite adversity. Having neverbeen # the strongest, the fastest, or the most immune, mankind has managed to win bysimply being the most adaptable. There is no innate resistance to the hardships of nature,just rapid adjustments through social, behavioural, and scientific engineering. This is readily seen in our response to past epi- 5#-%0( demics. The bubonic plague, which causedthree +9 7, deadly pandemics, was controlled through improve- #-%0+-# occupational - is required to make increasedcost of travel. International lately. They can bediscouraged but ments in housing, sanitation, andhygiene. The dis- our society capable offunctioning travel will be limited till vaccination not abolished. Limited entry and ease was eliminated by rat-proofing homes, filling 8%B5# 5 with the threat of the Covid infection. rates increase. social distancing will beinstrumen- up holes in housesand adopting better food stor- -5#%-#5( Universal face masking, social Office work will change forever, tal in improving safety on these occa- age techniques. Drainage andsanitation were %7 5#0% distancing, and regular hand wash- as work from home becomes more sions. Wisdom to avoid such events improved. City-wide quarantines were strictly ing have alreadybecome the norm. and more acceptable. Intelligent inplaces with active spread, and to ( 7#5( enforced. Recordsof vinegar used as sanitizer However, to err is human, and so, automation and bots that targetre- postpone in the setting of subsequent range back to the 17th century. these precautions are forgotten duction in mechanical effort will be waves, will haveto be exercised by our ( ( ,%+%,#A$ A similar adaptation was seen in our response %0(%#-A whenmeeting our loved ones. To put to use in reducing non-vital religious gurus and enforced by our ( to HIV. Practices that are now seen asroutine were ensure Covid - safety, meeting habits human contact.Work from home, regulatory authorities.Promoting brought about through drastic behaviour change to %*0" 952 need to change. Largeparties held in however, will bring to the fore new Covid-appropriate behaviour by + (( curb the spread of theinfection. Universal testing 2%,5857( closed rooms should give way to societal challenges. Employers will- spiritual guides and local political of blood products in blood banks was started. Single- %0(8%0( smaller gatherings under the have to become more sensitive to the leaders maygo a long way in making I useneedles and syringes were brought into use. starlight.Gatherings at the garden pressures people face at home. This religious centers Covid-safe. ( Universal precautions were introduced inhospitals %0#%#0 gazebo are back, family picnics are will necessitate more flexibility in Rural-urban migration is a real- to protect healthcare workers. Safe sex practices were %A+-#5,# in, and we bid a sad farewellto kit- terms of timings and productivity ity and an economic necessity. The + G encouraged. Despite thepervading stigma, testing ties at the club. measures. pandemic hasdeepened social in all expectant mothers was introduced to prevent ,9#5-$ In large societies and apartment Stereotyped gender roles will also inequalities and worsened living mother-tochildtransmission. Awareness campaigns -%76%A%0( buildings, elevators, staircases, and be challenged as both husband and conditions for the economically , + that explained how to break the chain oftransmis- %-705677 parking lots areinfection hubs. This wife pitch in fordomestic chores, weakersections. State-led interven- sion were instrumental in slowing the spread of needs to be reinforced with large childcare, and the family's financial tions providing safe and decongest- @ ( 8%B5#(5B57+ # ( HIV/AIDS. Four decades after signs reminding people to wear- stability. ed housing facilities forrural labor in the discovery of this virus, we are in the process +8#,%#5( masks in these potentially infectious Education pedagogy is set to cities and slums will be vital in reviv- of developing effective drugs to controland maybe #5,80 95 sites. With time, these areas can be undergo a paradigm shift. Online ing developmental activities. ;+$** +$3E)< I one day 'cure' HIV. Meanwhile, society has learned made betterventilated to reduce viral teaching and digitallibraries will Elections are the backbone of our " ( how to exist with thedisease. 2-%- load. Similar caution needs to be invite more flexibility in higher edu- democracy. They cannot and should ( Combating the COVID-19 pandemic will %0%"550# exercised in commercialcomplexes cation - students can pick their not be dispensedwith. However, ( ; ( < require equal grit and commitment to behaviour- and malls. Regulated entry of cus- owncourses, teachers, and timings. they can be re-invented using the lat- change. This is already apparent in healthcare set- tomers and 'sanitation gaps'every few Field experience and laboratory- est technology. Allotting time slots- E tings, where all patients are being testedfor Covid- hours may reduce overcrowding. based learning will occuron campus, for EVM voting and increasing the 19 at admission. Healthcare workers are wearing Our shopping habits will have while assignments can be evaluated number of polling centers can be masks and level 2 PPE innon-COVID wards as well. tochange. The local 'kirane wale online. Learning management sys- done immediately. In the future, peo- UV air purifiers and HEPA filters are being bhaiya' is set to have a meteoric rise temsand webcams will pave the way ple can vote through their Aadhaar # ( installed, andventilation in wards is being improved. in importance ascommuting for online examinations. Blended linked devices after identityverifica- Even in non-Covid wards, attempts are beingmade becomes limited due to infection online and offlinelearning will pro- tion at polling booths. Counting of ( to keep beds at safe distances from each other, with risks.Tele-marketing has shown the vide an avenue for the much-need- votes can be done electronically the assumption that any ofthese 'test-negative' Monika is a 1989 batch way for tele-banking, tele-consulting, ed revamp of our education system. with remotesupervision through patients may turn out to be Covid positive any day. IAS officer in UP. and tele-OPDs. Traditional amusements likerac- CCTV cameras. At the same time, % ( Droplet and Prerna is a Resident, Metro and public transport have ing, skipping, Kho- Kho, and 'pithu political parties need to commit tothe aerosol precautions are being reinforced time (Medicine), involved to be restarted, albeit in a limited garam' will be revived with strict safety of their voters and use differ- ( and again, and online awareness coursesare being in COVID manage- capacity. Mandatorymasking, use of attention torespiratory hygiene (reg- ent means of conversing with voters. + ( %/ administered. ment at AIIMS, Delhi. face shields, and hand sanitization ular hand washing, sneezing in the Social mediacampaigning is already Similar changes are required in the communi- The views expressed may protect commuters. Railways elbow and covering your facewhile in vogue. Political rallies need to be ty because, after all, Covid patients do notjust exist are personal. and airlines will have todevelop coughing). re-envisioned with deeperengage- ) in hospitals. They come from the community. A sophisticated techniques for air man- Religious festivals and fairs have ment in smaller groups while dis- # ) ! E * * 6..5 strong response on all fronts -domestic, social, and agement, which will result in an been a subject of much controversy couraging super-spreader events. ( POINTCOUNTERPOINT # G # G : " # !" " : ( ! P 6 / 2 : "6 !E J (K L : L P # 7 ' 4 ! - & '
ith the emergence of taught in online mode and rest become digital literate, to orga- student with knowledge and working on online tools, they edge through digitized course new technologies 60 per cent Offline, is a wel- nize webinars, to get accus- skills compared to either modes can collaborate and communi- contents. Wevery year, our per- come step as this will be more tomed with digital learning of face-to-face or online learn- cate amongst themselves in a In a nutshell, blended ception of the world around us effective in increasing learning platforms and to realize the ing. Teachers and students much better way. Students learning will help learners to has changed. Digital technolog- skills of students and providing power of digital devices for remain more engaged with become more responsible and learn at their own pace and ical interventions have trans- them greater access to quality imparting online education. each other; students get more attentive in online learning, as also inculcate the spirit of col- formed traditional face-to-face " ) + % ("-31 education. Online learning ensures greater opportunity to interact with the they have to meet the deadlines laboration enabling partici- classroom teaching and learn- Learning is a dynamic participation of teachers and teachers to get deeper knowl- for timely completion of vari- pants to work together and ing ambience. The growth of process that changes with time, students in the overall process edge. ous assignments online. This engage in discussion. The urge ICT infrastructure, tools and keeping pace with technologi- of learning. In blended mode teachers generates confidence and for learning will drive the par- devices like reliable internet cal developments. India has Blended learning involves a get more time for personal autonomy in the students. ticipant towards scientific connectivity, mobile phones, been the center of learning for combination of classroom interaction with students as The policy document on accomplishment of their syl- laptops have made possible many thousands of years and in teaching and online learning. It online delivery of learning education, NEP-2020, has also labus and enable them to cre- online delivery of high-quality ancient India in 'gurukul' for- is now possible to craft student- dent-centered and where the materials saves face-to-face stressed the need for the exten- ate new knowledge. As such learning material anywhere, mat, oral teaching and memo- centric quality teaching mate- teacher becomes the facilitator classroom teaching hours, sive use of technology in teach- blended learning is a journey anytime, at any location, in any rizing texts followed by medi- rials involving modern multi- rather than knowledge provider. which can be utilized for learn- ing to enhance learning in stu- towards 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' language. Online education tation were foundations of media tools. Electronic lec- With blended learning a er-centric activities, better inter- dents, to achieve the target of through a collaborative offers the potential of unre- teaching-and-learning process. tures, unlike face-to-face teach- teacher can accurately assess the action and mentoring. The mix 100 per cent literacy and approach between learners stricted access to quality educa- With the passage of time ing, can be perpetually accessed knowledge a student has gained of teaching approaches helps address societal challenges. The and teachers. Such learning tion. schools, colleges and present- by learners and that helps in and can provide him e-materi- more students to grasp subjects policy envisages developing also enables students to pro- The concept note rolled out day universities were estab- better understanding and mem- als to explain concepts more easily. This will reduce stress on digital infrastructure and to mote ownership of learning. A by the University Grants The author is the Vice lished where education is pro- orization of concepts. With efficiently. Attractive e-lessons slow learners who may find empower teachers to create cost-effective learning process Commission on May 20, 2021 Chancellor of Central vided conventionally in chalk- skilful use of ICT, content- can create greater interest in face-to-face classroom teaching quality e-learning materials. in a time bound manner is the to introduce blended mode of University of Gujarat, talk face-to-face interaction rich, interactive lessons can be learners. Blended learning more challenging. Fast learners Importantly, blended learning need of the hour and blended Gandhinagar. The views teaching and learning in univer- expressed are personal. mode. developed that excite learners mode opens the possibility of a will get more satisfaction due to will help to pursue the objec- learning stands out as the flag sities and colleges, where up to The Covid-19 pandemic and transform the learning greater teacher-student interac- content-rich e-materials. tives of NEP-2020 in interna- bearer of Digital India initia- 40 per cent of any course can be has given us the opportunity to environment, making it stu- tion, better empowering the When students get used to tionalising indigenous knowl- tive in higher education. !"#"$ $ 4
# 9 Washington: China vehe- and non-discriminatory busi- Trump, triggering similar alleges contribute to surveil- includes China’’s big state- Malaysia, as well as Taiwan. dozens of Chinese companies mently objected on Friday to ness and investment environ- actions from Beijing, mostly lance of religious and ethnic owned telecoms companies Semiconductor unless they have special per- US President Joe Biden’s expan- ment". remain in place. China’s chief minorities or to repression and and China National Offshore Manufacturing International mission from the Government. sion of a list of Chinese com- "China will take necessary economic envoy, Vice Premier “serious human rights abuses”. Oil Corp. Corp or SMIC, plays a leading Chinese smartphone panies whose shares are off- measures to resolutely safe- Liu He, and US Treasury Investors already holding Separately, the Commerce role in the ruling party’s effort maker Xiaomi Corp, which limits to American investors guard the legitimate rights and Secretary Janet Yellen held shares in the 59 companies list- Department has put CNOOC, to reduce reliance on US and overtook Apple Inc as the because of their purported interests of Chinese enterpris- their first meeting by video ed have one year to divest the country’s third-largest other foreign technology by world’’s No. 3 smartphone Minneapolis: Crowds van- links to the Chinese military es," he said at a regular brief- Wednesday, but the two sides from them. Many but not all of national oil company, on an creating Chinese suppliers of maker by sales in the third dalised buildings and stole and surveillance. ing in Beijing. He did not elab- gave no indication when nego- the companies on the expand- economic blacklist for what it processor chips and other com- quarter of 2020, was removed from businesses in The White House issued orate. tiations on ending their tariff ed list already were on a described as “reckless and bel- ponents. from the earlier investment Minneapolis’ Uptown neigh- the update late Thursday to an The executive order takes war might resume. Defense Department blacklist ligerent actions” in the disput- The companies added to blacklist after it sued the US bourhood after officials said a order signed last year by Biden’s effect August 2. It is the latest The revised order from that limits access to American ed waters of the South China the list include manufacturers government, demanding to be man wanted for illegally pos- predecessor, Donald Trump, indication that Biden has not Biden says it is to “ensure that technology and investment. Sea. That’’s a reference to of satellite equipment, inte- removed and denying it has any sessing a gun was fatally shot by that added to antagonisms over softened Washington’’s stance US investments are not sup- The original list included 31 CNOOC’’s involvement in off- grated circuits, optical compo- links with China’s People’s authorities who were part of a trade and technology. on alleged security risks from porting Chinese companies companies. shore drilling in disputed nents, and satellite communi- Liberation Army. task force trying to arrest him Chinese Foreign Ministry companies US officials say are that undermine the security or It includes telecoms equip- waters of the South China Sea, cations equipment and soft- Xiaomi is a Beijing-based that included U.S. Marshals. spokesperson Wang Wenbin linked to the Chinese “military values of the United States and ment maker Huawei where Beijing has overlapping ware. Apart from the invest- company known for its value- Following the Thursday urged Washington to with- and industrial complex". our allies". Technologies, which faces var- territorial claims with other ment ban, US firms are pro- for-money smartphones and afternoon shooting, a small draw the order and “provide Tariffs on Chinese exports The updated list includes ious US sanctions, and two of countries including Vietnam, hibited from exporting or smart devices. crowd gathered in the neigh- Chinese enterprises with a fair that were imposed under companies that Washington its financial affiliates. It also the Philippines, Brunei and transferring technology to AP bourhood where the man was shot, shouting expletives at police. Later in the night, people -(- '4 9*N O + +0+8 vandalised “numerous” build- ings and looted some, O + 3 $ 3 & Minneapolis police spokesman O4 P John Elder said in a email to , Bangkok: Representatives of delegation’’s purpose was to reporters early Friday. Hong Kong: Hundreds of peo- ular Causeway Bay shopping the Association of Southeast seek Myanmar’’s approval of an A dumpster was burned 6 ple gathered near a Hong Kong district and warned people not Asian Nations met with ASEAN special envoy for the and windows were smashed. 9 park on Friday despite a ban on to participate in unauthorized Myanmar’’s junta leader on crisis, who is yet to be named. Arrest totals weren’t expected Beijing: China, Afghanistan They called for an orderly an annual candlelight vigil assemblies, which carry a Friday, six weeks after an emer- He said the choice of the envoy to be available until later Friday. and Pakistan have underlined withdrawal of foreign troops London: A “people’s tribunal” remembering China’’s deadly penalty of up to five years in gency regional summit on the involved both sides, making Little is known about that after the withdrawal of the from Afghanistan to prevent set up to assess whether China’s crackdown in Beijing’’s jail. country’’s crisis following a progress slow. He spoke on Thursday’s shooting. The U.S. US troops from Afghanistan, the deterioration of the security alleged rights abuses against the Tiananmen Square, and the Despite the ban and a military coup drew promises of condition of anonymity Marshals Service said a task the country should pursue a situation there and the return Uyghur people constitute geno- arrest earlier in the day of an heavy police presence, hun- progress toward a solution but because he was not authorised force was trying to arrest the “moderate Muslim policy” of terrorist forces. cide opened in London on organizer of previous vigils. dreds of people still turned up produced no tangible results. to speak to the media on the man on a state warrant for amid Beijing’s growing concern State-run Xinhua news Friday, with witness alleging Hong Kong police banned Friday night to walk along the State broadcaster MRTV issue. being a felon in possession of over the return of the Taliban agency in a report said the that inmates at detention the vigil for a second straight perimeter of the park. At 8 showed Senior General Min Friday’’s meeting received a firearm. The man, who was and the Islamic State and its three countries stressed that the camps for Uyghurs were rou- year, citing coronavirus social p.m., many turned on the flash- Aung Hlaing meeting with a cool response from members in a parked car, didn’’t comply likely impact on its volatile solution to the Afghan issue tinely humiliated, tortured and distancing restrictions, lights on their smartphones Brunei Second Foreign of Myanmar’’s opposition with law enforcement and Xinjiang province. should fully reflect the princi- abused. although there have been no while others lit candles in Minister Erywan Yusof and shadow government. The “produced a handgun resulting Chinese Foreign Minister ple of “Afghan-led and Afghan- Chairperson Geoffrey Nice local cases in the semi- remembrance of those who ASEAN Secretary-General Lim National Unity Government in task force members firing Wang Yi, Afghan Foreign owned", support Afghanistan said more than three dozen autonomous Chinese city for lost their lives when China’’s Jock Hoi, but provided only a said at a rare online news con- upon the subject,” the U.S. Minister Mohammad Haneef in becoming an “independent, witnesses would make “grave” more than six weeks. military put down student-led broad outline of their discus- ference that ASEAN should Marshals said in a statement. Atmar and their Pakistani sovereign and neutral allegations against Chinese Police closed off large parts pro-democracy protests at sions. meet with them as well, not just Task force members attempted counterpart Shah Mahmood country, pursue a moderate authorities during four days of of Victoria Park — the venue of Tiananmen Square on June 4, Earlier this week, an the military. life-saving measures, but he Qureshi held their fourth Muslim policy, firmly fight hearings. past vigils — in the city’’s pop- 1989. AP Indonesian diplomat said the AP died at the scene, they said. AP China-sponsored trilateral against terrorism, and maintain The tribunal does not have meeting via video conference friendly ties with other coun- UK Government backing and on Thursday. tries, especially neighbouring has no powers to sanction or 9* 90 Last month, Wang had countries”. punish China. & & held talks over telephone with They also stressed the need But organisers hope the + < 0# " the foreign ministers from to reject the “double standards” process of publicly laying out 6 Pakistan and Afghanistan. of anti-terrorism, to forbid any evidence will compel interna- Jerusalem: The UN agency for Palestinian refugees A joint statement issued terrorist organisations or indi- tional action to tackle 3' 3> says it has recalled its Gaza director after he faced after the trilateral talks said, viduals from using their terri- alleged abuses against the threats over remarks in which he appeared to praise # 5 “The three sides underlined the tories to engage in criminal Uyghurs, a largely Muslim eth- London: The UK’s medicines regulator on Israel’s “huge sophistication” in carrying out preci- importance of a peaceful reso- activities against other coun- nic group. Friday approved the Pfizer/BioNTech coro- sion strikes during last month’s Gaza war. UNRWA, San Diego: The Biden admin- kept in place by President Joe lution to the conflict in tries. Nice, a British barrister navirus vaccine for 12 to 15 year olds, say- which provides essential health, education, and istration has quietly tasked six Biden during the coronavirus Afghanistan and called on all They also urged strength- who led the prosecution of ex- ing it is “safe and effective” in this age group other services in the territory, said late on Thursday humanitarian groups with rec- pandemic. parties in Afghanistan for an ened efforts to combat the Serbian President Slobodan and the benefits outweigh any risks. that it was “seriously concerned” about the threats, ommending which migrants Several members of the early declaration of a compre- separatist East Turkistan Milosevic and has worked with Until now, Covid-19 vaccines being including a “very large protest” outside its Gaza head- should be allowed to stay in the consortium spoke to The hensive ceasefire and an end to Islamic Movement (ETIM) and the International Criminal administered in the UK have been quarters on Monday. US instead of being rapidly Associated Press about the cri- the senseless violence, in order other terrorist forces, so as to Court, said the forum would approved for adults aged 16 and over. It said Gaza director Matthias Schmale and his deputy expelled from the country teria and provided details of the to create the conditions need- safeguard regional security and create “a permanent body of The Medicines and Healthcare prod- have been recalled to UNRWA’s headquarters in east under federal pandemic-relat- system that have not been pre- ed for negotiation between the stability, the Xinhua report evidence and a record, if found, ucts Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said the Jerusalem for “consultations.” ed powers that block people viously reported. Islamic Republic of said. of crimes perpetrated”. decision followed a “rigorous review” of The agency cited media reports that “Palestinian fac- from seeking asylum. The government is aiming Afghanistan and the Taliban”. PTI AP safety and effectiveness in the lower age tions” had declared Schmale and his deputy persona The groups will determine to admit to the country up to groups and its conclusion is that the ben- non grata in Gaza but said it received no formal noti- who is most vulnerable in 250 asylum-seekers a day who efits of the vaccine far outweigh any risks. fication to that effect. Mexico, and their criteria has are referred by the groups and PTI AP not been made public. is agreeing to that system only It comes as large numbers until July 31. By then, the con- of people are crossing the sortium hopes the Biden southern border and as the administration will have lifted government faces intensifying the public health rules, though pressure to lift the public health the government has not com- powers instituted by former mitted to that. President Donald Trump and AP !"#"$ 7
9 * 3 $ /0 :; )) /0 <=:> - 0 - 9 % The rise in the reserves, for ," the week ended May 28, was he country’s foreign mainly on account of an Texchange reserves surged increase in foreign currency :5 by USD 5.271 billion to touch assets (FCAs), a major com- 8 a record high of USD 598.165 ponent of the overall reserves. billion in the week ended May FCAs swelled by USD 5.01 New Delhi:The hospitality 28, RBI data showed on Friday. billion to USD 553.529 billion 056(578 It also allowed banks to and tourism sector on Friday In the previous week in the reporting week, weekly borrow as much as 15,000 welcomed the decision of the 056(578 ended May 21, 2021, the data by the Reserve Bank of xperts on Friday said the crore for lending to Covid-19- RBI to open a separate liq- reserves had increased by India (RBI) showed. EReserve Bank of India’s hit sectors such as the hotels uidity window of 15,000 ndia Inc on Friday said it is USD 2.865 billion to USD Expressed in dollar terms, (RBI) decision to keep the and tourism industry. Further, crore for contact-intensive Ilooking forward to a repo 592.894 billion. the foreign currency assets %0090,5 for economic growth by 100 interest rate unchanged, along an additional 16,000 crore sectors like hotels and restau- rate cut in future as cost of While announcing the sec- include the effect of apprecia- basis points to a 9.5 per cent with announcement of addi- funding has been earmarked rants, tourism and aviation funds has to come down in ond bi-monthly monetary pol- tion or depreciation of non-US 5%9-5# real GDP growth in the current tional measures including on for SIDBI for lending to micro, ancillary services, hit hard by coming times, and expects icy review earlier on Friday, units like the euro, pound and 9++-#5,0A fiscal year ending March 31, the liquidity front, is expect- small and medium enterpris- the pandemic.”This is the first continuation of accommoda- RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das yen held in the foreign 2022, while the inflation fore- ed to revive economic growth. es. significant sign indicating that tive policy stance by the said the country’s forex exchange reserves. cast was bumped up by 10 bps The RBI left the repo rate Veena Sivaramakrishnan, the Govt has taken note of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). reserves may have crossed USD Gold reserves rose by USD 9 % to 5.1 per cent. unchanged at 4 per cent and partner at Shardul Amarchand severe effect that the pan- The RBI decided to leave 600 billion currently. 265 million to USD 38.106 bil- The six-member mone- reiterated its commitment to Mangaldas & Co, said extend- demic has had on the hospi- the benchmark interest rate “Based on our current lion. he Reserve Bank of India tary policy committee (MPC) keep its monetary policy ing 15,000 crore coverage to tality industry and the huge unchanged at 4 per cent but expectations, we believe that The special drawing rights T(RBI) on Friday left key headed by Governor accommodative, to help the contact-intensive sector on a economic impact it will have maintained an accommoda- our (forex) reserves have (SDRs) with the International interest rates unchanged at Shaktikanta Das voted unani- economy recover from the medium-term basis for 3 years on the sector as well as the tive stance, as the economy already exceeded USD 600 bil- Monetary Fund (IMF) record lows and announced mously for keeping repo rate - world’s worst outbreak of was the need of the hour and nation,” FHRAI Vice President faces the brunt of the second lion. increased by USD 2 million to new measures to support the RBI’s key lending rate - Covid-19. seems to have been addressed. Gurbaxish Singh Kohli said. Covid-19 wave. That is something which USD 1.515 billion. economy after the nascent unchanged at 4 per cent, and gives us a great amount of con- The country’s reserve posi- recovery was pummelled by the reverse repo rate - the bor- support from all sides is to nurture the recovery after it “as long as necessary to revive 19 on the economy,” signaling fidence to deal with the chal- tion with the IMF declined by the devastating second wave of rowing rate - at 3.35 per cent. required to gain the momen- has taken root,” Das said. and sustain growth on a there is still room to cut rates lenges arising out of global USD 5 million to USD 5.016 Covid-19 infections. “The MPC was of the view tum of growth that was evident It decided to retain an durable basis and continue to further.0 spillovers, should they happen billion in the reporting week, as It brought down its forecast that at this juncture policy in the second half of 2021, and accommodative policy stance mitigate the impact of COVID- at a future date,” Das said. per the data. 7 , 8 - of the Nation’. tracks. have been electrified. Diesel load of lights, fans and air con- The Zone is also exploring At present Indian Railways Like other zonal railways locomotives are being phased ditioning, pantry etc. in the the use of other renewable L -7 is one of the largest mass trans- NR has been adopting and out, replacing them with less coaches of premier trains like energy source. portation systems in the world, evolving to provide a greener, polluting electric ones. Recently Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express Solar panels have been 9 % to 2.53 per cent. ferrying 23 million people and cleaner and sustainable trans- 138 new electric locomotives are fed from the power cars installed at station and office During the week, the an average 2.2 crore tons of portation system. Inhouse were inducted into the zonal holding Diesel sets which gen- buildings. NR is also experi- quity indices treaded lower Sensex rallied 677.17 points or goods each day. Although developed effective energy fleet, raising the overall hold- eratepower supply of 750 V. this menting with installing solar Eon Friday, weighed by 1.31 per cent, while the Nifty movement of this magnitude management methods have ing to 759. is then transmitted to the panels on coaches. Prototypes banking, energy and FMCG soared 234.60 points or 1.51 requires enormous amounts been undertakenfor energy Existing assets are being coaches through feeder cables of such coaches have been stocks, after the RBI left inter- per cent. of energy the railways is still the conservation and to provide redesigned and put to effi- where it is stepped down for developed in Delhi. The ener- est rates unchanged but slashed most environmentally con- clean and hygienic travelling cient uses. Prominent in these use in the appliances. gy tapped from the sun is able the GDP growth estimate for duciveof all the petroleum experience to the passengers. series is conversion of existing In HOG scheme, power is to take care of the lighting and this fiscal following the second D dependent motorized meth- Railways is a journey of Diesel locomotives to Electric fed from the pantograph of the fans in the coaches. Alternate wave of Covid-19. ods. transformation and modern- ones using inhouse developed electric locomotive to the train fuels like biodiesel blends are Lacklustre global cues and I'$44 4 -7 , The passenger-mile emis- ization. From animal drawn methodologies instead of just to cater for the hotel load. This also being tried by the zone. a weak rupee also soured risk sions values of the trains are the carriages on rails to elephantine junking them. environment friendly system Waste management, recy- appetite, traders said. 9 he Britishers started the lowest.When compared with steam engines followed by sleek A 1974 built, out of service does not generate toxic emis- cling of waste water and rain The 30-share BSE Sensex TRailways in India for their road the railways cause less diesel engines, energy efficient Diesel locomotive named sions, no noise pollution and water collection are some of the ended 132.38 points or 0.25 per 9 % own use. Laying commercial- noise and air pollution, infra- electric engines and the more ‘Azad’, was modified into dual minimizes energy loss.80 train other major areas NR is focus- cent lower at 52,100.05, a day ly viable lines and constructing structure deterioration, con- recent state-of-the-art aerody- capability traction at Ludhiana. rakes have been converted to ing on. Waste collection and after closing at its lifetime he rupee lost 8 paise to stations enroute. Post-inde- gestionsand accidents.The namic trainsets it has adapted This can now run on both bat- this system in NR. recycling units have been estab- peak. Tclose at 72.99 against the pendence as India pro- national transporter is set to well to changing technologies. tery as well as electric traction All trains are being pro- lished at major railway stations On similar lines, the broad- US dollar after a range-bound gressed,more and more railway become a net zero carbon Getting better in terms of and is being utilized for shunt- gressively retrofitted with and production units. The er NSE Nifty slipped 20.10 session on Friday as cautious lines were laid to provide easy emitter by 2030. This would speed, convenience, comfort ing of train rakes. Technology Biotoilets and Bio vacuum toi- Railway premises, hospitals points or 0.13 per cent to fin- forex market participants and convenient access to each mean eliminating emissions and environment sustainabili- for energy regeneration lets phasing out the tradition- and station areas have been ish at 15,670.25. seemed weighing RBI policy part of the country. The railway of 7.5 million tons of CO2 each ty. through brakes is being incor- al train toilets where the human provided with energy efficient Nestle India was the top measures aimed at mitigating stations become the hub of year, about the same as two coal In present times Railway is porated in electric locos. waste was directly discharged LED lighting. laggard in the Sensex pack, the Covid-19 impact on the activity as towns and cities power plants (UNEP). edging towards Mission 100% Electric energy worth 26 crore on the tracks. These modern Large scale plantations on declining 1.97 per cent, fol- economy. The RBI left key came up around them. More The Indian Railways works electrification, by adopting wasregenerated from such toilets developed in collabora- railway land and embankments lowed by SBI, HDFC Bank, interest rates unchanged at and more passenger and freight through 18 zones. Northern cleaner, greener electric ener- brakes in the last financial tion with DRDO have a com- along the tracks has also been ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Titan, record lows and announced trains started plying providing Railway being the largest gy and minimizing the use of year. posting tank attached to the undertaken. This has increased HUL and Reliance Industries. new measures to support the transportation and logistics amongst them. Running over fossil fuel. NR has undertaken The Railways are also com- under carriage loaded with the green cover of the zone as On the other hand, Bajaj economy after the nascent solutions. Through its role in hills to flat plains it services- electrification of routes and mitted to proliferation of ‘Head microorganisms which well as helped in sequestering Finserv, ONGC, L&T, Bajaj recovery was pummelled by almost all facets of India’s sizable population inseven induction of electric locomo- on Generation’ system in ‘End enhance the breakdown of of CO2 and other harmful Finance and HDFC were the devastating second wave growth, Railways has earned northern states of India tives in a big way. At present on Generation’ trains. In EOG human excreta leaving water gases generated during train among the gainers, climbing up of Covid-19 infections. the respect of being the ‘Lifeline through 7302Route Km railway 78% of rail tracks over the zone system, the hotel load or the and non-toxic gases waste. operations. 3,8 ! - ! * >$3 2A'' H 7 + ) ( ; - , 7)( 9 % icy review. 056(578 tors at the distributor level 056(578 Presenting the second bi- currently ranges up to 198 per he Reserve Bank of India monthly monetary policy he Government has capped cent, it added. @ /A$* inance Minister Nirmala Ton Friday said it expects review. Tthe trade margin on oxygen “By invoking extraordi- FSitharaman will hold a retail inflation to be at 5.1 per RBI Governor concentrators at 70 per cent in nary powers under Para 19 of 7)( .(;. 7 meeting with heads of public cent in the current financial Shaktikanta Das announced order to keep in check the price the DPCO, 2013 in larger pub- - and private sector insurers on year supported by the progress that the key repo rate - the of the much in demand critical lic interest, NPPA has capped @) Saturday for faster settlement of of monsoon and effective sup- short-term lending rates to life saving component amid the the trade margin up to 70 per claims under the Pradhan ply-side interventions by the banks - will be kept unchanged second wave of the coron- cent on price to distributor @4 " - Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Government. at 4 per cent. avirus pandemic. (PTD) level on oxygen con- ; C0,D 0, Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan financial inclusion initiatives to The projection is well The favourable base effects The trade margin has centrators,” the release said. ) Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana empower the people, it said in within the Monetary Policy that brought about moderation been capped at 70 per cent on Union Minister of @7)( (PMSBY) during the pandem- another tweet. Committee’s target to keep the in headline inflation by 1.2 per- price to distributor level on Chemicals and Fertilisers 1A-AAA - ic. Discussions are also likely Under the Pradhan Mantri rate of inflation at 4 per cent centage points in April, may oxygen concentrators. Sadananda Gowda in a tweet @7)( to be held on simplifying the Jan Dhan Yojana, the banking with an upper or lower toler- persist through the first half of In an official release, the said the trade margin has been @) procedures and documenta- network has been expanded ance level of 2 per cent. the year, conditioned by the Chemicals and Fertilisers capped in consumer interest to 1/ 7)( & @ tions needed to settle claims and over 42 crore bank However, the apex bank “progress of the monsoon and Ministry said the decision has ensure its continued availabil- under the schemes in a seam- accounts have been opened. remained equally cautious effective supply-side interven- been taken in view of the ity at affordable price during " # H# less and time-bound manner, “This expanded banking about the upside risks due to tions by the Government”, Das extraordinary circumstances the pandemic. !: the finance ministry said in a network has been leveraged by rising global commodity prices. said. arising due to the pandemic #$<$?< % , -! % " series of tweets. the PMJJBY & PMSBY to pro- Moreover, the persistence Taking into consideration which has resulted in volatili- + (8 1 As on May 5, total cumu- vide life and accident insurance of the second wave of the pan- the measures taken so far as ty in Maximum Retail Prices 3$33 ,- + " lative enrolment stood at 23.37 cover of 2 lakh each at nom- demic and the consequent well as the upside risks, Das (MRP) of oxygen concentra- , 7.+65-"-(/ ,+9 crore under PMSBY and 10.33 inal annual premiums of 330 restrictions on activity on a vir- said the CPI (Consumer Price tors. + " $# crore under PMJJBY. and 12, respectively, to the tually pan-India basis puts Index) inflation is projected at The Government has thus ($- 8 O Since 2014, the Modi marginalised and the poor,” it upside risks to inflation, RBI 5.1 per cent during 2021-22. decided to step in to regulate 8 5 % (+- " Government has taken various said. observed in its monetary pol- the price of oxygen concentra- -! tors, the release issued on +65-"-($# D>E7< Friday noted. $ * As per information col- #(8 FE ? ' lected by the government, mar- +65-"-(O gin on the oxygen concentra- 'EE O 3E 1$ +65-"-( ,B( 34 056(578 tain an accommodative stance daily cases are now on a declin- FE ,- $ as it prioritizes recovery and ing trend (down to under half Thiruvananthapuram:The ith restrictions expected financial stability, but is unlike- of its peak at 400,000 cases in Kerala tourism industry, which Wto be eased even more ly to go significantly beyond early May), most states have brought in more than 45,000 H " (*!(-* gradually than previously mobilizing additional liquidi- extended localized lockdowns crore and contributed around # # assumed, there is an increasing ty to support cash-strapped by a few weeks. 12% to the State GDP in 2019, '= 'I= 3>$NI risk that the hit to consumption enterprises. The RBI, however, cut its is reeling under heavy losses $ and employment will be more Moody’s Analytics said the growth forecast to 9.5% for the during the Covid pandemic I >FD 3>$E' prolonged, Moodys Analytics RBI is therefore likely to main- financial year 2021-22 in light and was in for more shock $, 3D IFD said. tain the policy rate at 4% until of the strong resurgence, which when the state budget made a NN >F3$M, (# '= 'I= On the production side August, but follow up its sup- resulted in most states impos- fresh allocation of a mere 30 3>$NI 3% 'E'3 F3 'E'3 M too, labour shortages and port with another round of ing lockdowns. crore. $# # sourcing constraints are imped- quantitative easing if required New cases are on a declin- Kerala’s new Finance Minister $8 iments which will not only and possibly an extension of its ing trend, but with restric- K.N. Balagopal, while present- 'E34 'E weaken domestic supply, but current loan restructuring pro- tions likely to be eased only ing the revised budget for $ also exacerbate costs and fuel gram to contain a sharp decline gradually, the sharp slowdown 2021-22 on Friday, has made F3 'E'3 inflation pressures in the short in asset quality. in domestic demand is set to two allocations - 50 crore for '$=' '$FD term, it added. The near-term outlook for weaken revival beyond the marketing, and 30 crore for $# 'E'E '3NF$' Under these circumstances, the Indian economy is still June quarter, Moodys’ rejuvenation of the industry 3$DF 'E34 'E$ the RBI will continue to main- mired in uncertainty. Although Analytics said. which is in doldrums. IANS !"#"$ 3 O&P( * & * + ! ( & , ( -P L / 0&& (122 2&2
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+9:,.+9 PERKS OF BEING IN THE SUNFLOWER
+ 3//@ %$+ + +A/0$! 0$+?3+ play with. The contradictions of such a Have the characters you essayed helped character make it exciting for viewers as you evolve as an actor and a person in real ) ) ) well as the one who is performing as such life? , 4 a character.” That was a very well articu- Yes, of course! There’s so much one lated thought, one must say. could learn about acting through the ) 6 experience one attains in this industry. The Amid this flood of good and realistic more you push yourself as an actor and ctor Mukul Chadda gave up on his How did you prepare for the character? content, what do thrillers have to offer? enact roles that are different from the parts lucrative job as a banker in the Actors have their ways to go about Do you think they still appeal to the audi- you’ve played in the past, you expand your AUnited States of America to pursue preparing for characters, and it might dif- ence? range. With such experiences, one grows his dream of becoming an actor. Ever since fer from one role to the other. One of the I think there is space for all kinds of not just in terms of skill but also with the moving back to India, his career graph in things that comes to mind for, Dr Ahuja’s genres. There are so many kinds of stories confidence gained with each new project. showbiz has been spiralling upward jour- portrayal, was how I was in constant touch out there. The medium of storytelling has It also helps sharpen processes because each ney. After starring in the Indian version with the writers to develop a particular changed over the centuries but its essence role you prepare for, you end up doing of the American show, The Office, he will aspect that caught my eye during a read- hasn’t. There are people who love thrillers slightly different things each time. While be seen in the forthcoming web series, ing with the entire cast before we started and let’s face it, who would not love a good some of the processes that work for you can Sunflower. Additionally, he is shooting with shooting. I wondered whether we should story where you are guessing what happens be used more often than not, there are oth- Vidya Balan for Sherni. We caught him in take that trait a little further and put next right up to the end? I think a well- ers which you are supposed to unlearn. I between a break for a quick telephonic immense emphasis on it. I am afraid I can- made show or a story well told is always often make notes for myself while I am interview. Excerpt: not share any spoilers right now (chuck- going to work with the audience, irrespec- preparing for a role and at times I revisit les, before continuing) but they were tive of the genre. If this question is in con- the notes I had prepared for a previous role What drew you to be a part of very receptive and welcomed my input by text to Sunflower being a thriller, I don’t for some fresh perspective. Sunflower? incorporating those suggestions. Apart think it can be pinned down to any one But has it helped me as a person in real Right from the word go, I was from that, there are some details you add particular genre. Sure, there is a lot of sus- life? Hmm... (we hear him thoughtfully intrigued by the character of Dr Ahuja, the as an actor that you feel will work for this pense but there is a good amount of com- scratching his stubble) This is a much role I had to portray in the show, as it was character. Some work on the back story edy as well that is mixed in with other ele- harder question, one that I haven’t heard very different from the characters I have always helps, as does some time and effort ments in the background. often but whenever I have, it always beats played in the past. Some of the scenes I was on the body language et al. Again, these me because I think it is very difficult to instructed to enact during the audition had might be very subtle and nobody may We heard you would also be starring analyse one’s own self as I don’t think we me hooked and by the time I got to read catch on, but as an actor, it gives you the alongside Vidya Balan in Sherni. Can you are very good judges of ourselves. We the entire script, I think I was complete- confidence to believe that what you are provide some inside scoops on your char- might be really accomplished at judging ly invested in the project. I found myself doing sounds and looks as authentic as acter in the eponymous drama? others but to possess a certain level of self- chuckling and laughing while I flipped possible. Okay, now this is something I can awareness and examine yourself is some- through the pages. As far as scripts go, help you with. (laughs unabashedly) I what, if not extremely, difficult. However, there are good parts and bad parts but this There’s a surge of grey roles now. play a character called Pawan who seems what I can tell you is that being an actor, one was very good and it kept getting bet- People don’t like to put the characters in like an ordinary guy with the standard playing different parts does help one to ter. So, once I read the script, it was a no- a box. Do you think yours in Sunflower corporate job on the surface. However, develop a sense of empathy towards dif- brainer. I was very keen to do this project is one such too? Amit Masurkar (the director) had certain ferent kinds of people. When you portray for the script as well as the role of Dr Absolutely, Dr Ahuja’s character is def- ideas about how he wanted the charac- a certain role you are that person for a cer- Ahuja. initely grey by any definition of grey and ter to be played. The character isn’t tain period. So, the way they think, the sit- that certainly is one of the exciting parts entirely as he would seem. There are lay- uations they are in, you have to deal with What was your experience of working about playing this character. Your question ers to him, his personality and his rela- them, because that is the essence of an with Vikas Bahl? is very well-phrased. As your question itself tionship with Vidya. actor — to slip into the shoes of that char- Vikas is an extremely experienced mentions, people don’t like characters to acter. I can’t help but be empathetic after director who is very calm on set. During be put into a box since, in reality, none of How was your experience of working doing that for a long time. tricky moments and difficult scenes, his us are people who can be put into a box. cannot define a character with just a cou- become like that? And in case something with Vidya Balan? Did you have any expertise was evident. The way he handles Nobody’s character is monochromatic. It’s ple of sentences. like that happened to me, would I turn out notions in place that she proved wrong? You left the corporate life to embrace situations on the set and actors, he puts his not like you are either good or bad. We all Also, as an actor, I think it’s wonder- to be just like this character? It is a very It was a wonderful experience, with- the joys of performing arts. Have you ever experience to good use. Both directors, he have shades to ourselves. I mean real life ful to try and sometimes understand thought-provoking process for viewers, out any doubt. When you are working experienced any lows which made you and Rahul Sengupta, never seemed to be is grey. We all have different sides to our- when you talk about grey or dark charac- ruminating over such characters and the with her on a scene, it feels like you are wish you would not have changed paths? flustered or stressed and I think that is very selves and different sides get activated at ters. Why does this person do what they circumstances surrounding them. I think working with just another actor who is I definitely have had many low phas- helpful in an environment where you are different junctures. So, that is reality and do? Or what makes them do what they do? that is part of the attraction of playing such trying to improve the scene. You tend to es during this journey as an actor, but I have trying to be creative and create. I am sure it’s wonderful that more and more shows Is that something that can happen to any roles. Recently, fellow actor Pankaj Tripathi forget that she is a big star, such is her to say that I have never regretted my deci- there was some pressure or the other, but and films are now bringing out the multi- of us? And that is what fascinates me. said in an interview, “We would like our commitment and sense of professional- sion, and this reinforces the belief that it it didn’t trickle down to affect us, the actors. dimensional aspect of characters. There is When you see a character who is seeming- characters to be very simple in real life but ism. She has an easy-going personality off was the right one. So, I am actually living We had a good time putting this show so much more to it than what meets the ly on the darker side of grey, you can’t help very complicated on-screen because it the set and she has really infectious my dream right now. together in that fun atmosphere. eye. It should go without saying that you but wonder what makes a normal person gives you so much meat and so much to laughter. (The series releases on ZEE5 on June 11.)
story of sheer grit and deter- gender sensitisation at many Amination, Indian trans school and colleges and it’s all *R$ beauty Naaz Joshi’s journey to + B thanks to my crowns. I compete being crowned winner at sever- in various pageants every year, al beauty pageants was not dreaming that maybe one day I without a fair share of struggle. will be recognised as a celebri- Today, Joshi is a pioneering O ty and then I shall have the voice transgender international beau- O to demand respect for every- ty queen, a trans rights activist, one.” and a supermodel from the 0%%Q18 International brands like trans community. But the 37- Revlon and L’Oreal have not year-old says her life had “no + shied away from naming family support, no friends, no LGBTQ+ figures as their ambas- relatives”. Born Aizya Joshi in sadors, but Indian beauty brands Delhi’s Malviya Nagar, she have not attempted it thus far. shares her life story and views What is Naaz’s take? on issues that affect the “Perhaps they don’t see LGBTQIA+ community. Indian transwomen as worth it. “All the pageants that I have Most of us live under the pover- participated in, I have had to ty line and don’t have money to arrange resources for the fees, buy a M.A.C. or Sephora prod- my costumes and flight tickets. ucts. The recorded population All the international contests I of transgender women in India have participated in have been is just 4.5 lakhs. However, in with women. Gyms didn’t allow reality, it’s much more than B0#%-B%#%B% 2030. Railways are guided by a holistic direct bearing on the environment, such me membership since my pres- that. So for such a small buyer vision of being an environmentally as energy conservation measures, use of ence would ‘make other clients list, they don’t want Indian he World Environment Day pivots friendly, efficient, cost-effective, punc- renewable energy, greenhouse gas emis- uncomfortable.’ So to work on transwomen to be the face of Ton a vision to ‘Reimagine. Recreate. tual and modern carrier of passengers as sion reduction, water conservation, my body, I saw YouTube videos their brands. I am India’s first Restore.’ for our planet. Amidst a glob- well as freight to serve the growing needs waste management, material conserva- of Shilpa Shetty and learnt the and only international trans al rallying cry for everyone — from glob- of a new India. IR is looking to help the tion, recycling et al. There are 19 rail- art of yoga. I underwent phys- beauty queen who holds not one al governments to corporations and cit- environment with steps ranging from way stations and 27 IR buildings, apart ical and verbal abuse at the but seven titles. But my own izens —to do their part in healing our massive electrification, water and paper from 39 workshops, seven production hands of my very own family. I trans community is unaware of ailing planet, the leadership role of conservation to devising ways to save units, eight loco sheds and one store’s escaped an acid attack attempt- it,” she expresses. Indian Railways deserves analysis, com- animals from being injured on railway depot which have also achieved green ed by strangers a few years ago. Finally, Joshi’s message this ment and appreciation. tracks. certification. Additionally, over 600 While travelling by metro, I have Pride Month? “This Pride The launch of ‘UN Decade on Railway electrification, which has railway stations have been certified for seen many people turn away ishment of just two years, while transwomen isn’t possible. I Month my message to everyone Ecosystem Restoration’ states succinct- resulted in reduced pollution levels, implementation of the Environment from me with unpleasant for cisgender (person whose thank the Miss World Diversity would be to stay strong. If no ly — “This is our moment. We cannot increased nearly ten times since 2014. Management System. expressions on their faces,” says sense of personal identity and platform for showing their faith one supports you then you have turn back time. But we can grow trees, Capturing the economic as well as eco- A lasting colonial image of the Joshi. gender corresponds with their in me. I went on to be a respon- to be your own biggest support- green our cities, rewild our gardens, logical benefits of electric traction in an industrial revolution era was the steam Joshi recently won the inter- birth sex) women it’s seven sible queen where I didn’t sit er. It’s your struggle and you change our diets and clean up rivers and accelerated manner, IR plans on elec- locomotive, ‘belching smoke and awed national title of Empress Earth years. It’s painful to be born with the crown at home; I can’t expect magical things to coasts. We are the generation that can trifying Broad Gauge (BG) routes by by natives’. Indian Railways have assim- 2021-22 in a virtual contest transgender in our country. engaged in grass-root work not happen if you don’t believe in make peace with nature. Let’s get active, December 2023 to achieve 100 per cent ilated this heritage while consigning during the pandemic. Despite The government is not bothered just for transwomen but for your own magic. Be yourself as not anxious. Let’s be bold, not timid. electrification of BG routes. Head-on- ancient locomotives to museums and such accolades coming her way, with a marginalised communi- women and underprivileged loudly as possible. Express your- #GenerationRestoration” generation systems, bio-toilets and building the network anew post-inde- she is still bothered by how her ty as they don’t consider us as children too,” Joshi recounts. self firmly. You are beautiful and The hashtag is sure to stir up a flur- LED lights recreate the train itself into pendence. The British-era railways split relatives still refuse to meet her. their vote bank,” she rues. She feels, “Indian beauty stay beautiful, your happiness ry of responses that choke up social a travel mode that’s kinder to the envi- into Indian, Bangladesh, Sri Lankan and Sharing her views on the As a beauty queen, how far pageants are still looking for a shouldn’t depend on anyone media in this single-day celebration. In ronment while maintaining passenger Pakistan rail networks over time and IR strictly enforced gender binary does she think beauty contests film actress in their winners but yourself. Do what you love. the background are the on-ground sys- comfort. has evolved at a much faster pace, set- in India, Joshi says that any go in setting the scales right? while internationally it’s more I also request people to be kind temic initiatives by Indian Railways A railway isn’t just tracks and ting a greener tone through time. The identities which differ from the Are they a step in the right about community service, it’s and not hate someone simply on which speak volumes with their silent yet trains, they say, and a station is where scenic landscape of mountain railways, conventional gender roles are direction? “In India, there is about your internal beauty. They account of their gender or ori- unrelenting rollout of reforms over “the train meets the city”. IR has made Konkan and other coasts, ports and ridiculed and discriminated only one beauty pageant for see your love for humanity. entation. We too have a heart time. Indian Railways (IR) is working to this meeting point much greener late- container services together transform against. “India lacks gender transwomen and in the world, International beauty pageants and it hurts real bad at times,” become the largest Green Railways in the ly, with green certification to prove it. the palette to verdant shades, in an sensitivity. Trans Bill 2019 spoke there are just four. I have been for women are doing a great job, Naaz signed off on a sombre world and is marching towards becom- Green certification mainly covers approach that matches global environ- about how sexual harassment of extremely lucky to gain entry in but it all depends on their win- note. ing a “net zero carbon emitter” before assessment of parameters having a mental objectives. transwomen is subject to pun- pageants where the entry of ners. Today I go and speak on L 7 !"#"$ 0&& (122 2&2
0+,- 9:,+9;9. -1 9+ 9<.= 3 ' . . )- + HOME TRUTHS Sikta Sengupta, Director at if the telecommunications Edifice Consultants, tells us, industry’s plans for 5G come to an you imagine a world “While our actions should pri- fruition, no person, no animal, horeographer and educa- without humans? Well, oritise safeguarding our envi- no bird, no insect and no Ctor Ashley Lobo hopes CI certainly can, espe- ronment on every occasion plant on Earth will be able to the citizens of Earth will use cially after experiencing the and at all times, World avoid exposure, 24 hours a day, the World Environment Day pandemic-induced lockdown, Environment Day allows us to 365 days a year, to levels of RF to address climate change which showed us a glimpse of amplify our efforts and radiation that are 10x to 100x and create a collective move- humanity zipping themselves thoughts to ensure that the times greater than what exists ment of thought and action to into hibernation, trying to message reaches one and all; today. These 5G plans threat- restore the planet to health. weather the storm that killed once again. The current pan- en to provoke serious, irre- Today, during the observance many and sickened several demic has taught us that we versible effects on humans and of World Environment Day, more. An unplanned grand either live together or perish permanent damage to all of the among the innumerable incident changed our planet for together. The world has been planet’s ecosystems. events that would be held good in terms of restoring our forced to realise that guarding Actor, producer, environ- globally, Ashley would be ecosystem, albeit temporarily. individual interests will not ment ambassador and UN joining four international The sad truth is: As people bring results; the efforts must Secretary General’s SDG advo- choreographers for the world across the globe stayed home be collective. The same princi- cate Dia Mirza feels that it is premiere of his piece, Y Zero, to stop the spread of the ple applies to safeguarding our time to be cognisant of the link that he created for Company Coronavirus, the Earth became planet and its restoration. The between unsustainable devel- | E as part of their latest edi- cleaner and wilder. This sim- preservation of this planet has opment and the pandemic. tion of NEXT: WARMER ply hints at — once the humans to be a collaborative effort And to do all we can to protect performances at the Fabian get out of the picture, the out- with all hands on deck.” and restore the environment. Barnes Theater, the Dance look starts to get a lot better. Producer and entrepre- “Unless we adhere to sustain- Institute of Washington. The lockdown gave us an neur Deepshikha Deshmukh able development and stop Other choreographers extraordinary insight into just often channels the green wis- environmental degradation at include Emese Nagy how much of a mess we dom of mother Earth to find every level, climate change will (Hungary), Robert Rubama humans are making of our solutions for sustainable living impact each one of us. It and Rayven Leak (USA) majestic planet. and believes that we cannot already is. Somehow, environ- along with Maddie Hanson Well, on the occasion of achieve wellness if we are mak- mental activism is not taken (Canada). The purpose of the World Environment Day, we ing the planet unwell. She ini- seriously enough even though piece is to make the audience talk to experts and under- own importance and only by it has led to climate change. future. I think this time has tiated her beauty brand, Love we are living through a pan- ‘experience’ the earth like a stand what the celebration of keeping its health can we main- This is more capitalocentric taught us to be more critical; Organically, in 2016 and makes demic caused by the inability living organism that has been side. It all boils down to us this day means in the current tain our health. A wholesome than anthropocentric (regard- we must be more appropriate sure that every creation in her of humans to respect nature’s broken, torn and battered. and what we can do for glob- times. And what it should approach to protect the ecosys- ing humankind as the central in what we build and not just cruelty-free products is devoid laws. Climate issues also seem Climate change has been al well-being. When I did this mean if we want to survive. tem, other than the mechani- or most important element of build for the sake of it. It also of parabens, silicons and harsh overwhelming to many even a part of Company | E’s piece, I looked at the earth as For environmental activist cal following of environmental existence). How to build a less makes us realise how little we chemicals. She also uses though everyone can start choreographic mission since a living entity in its own right. Jai Dhar Gupta, CEO of norms on papers is the need of carbon-emitting community really need to coexist happily. biodegradable and sustainable somewhere. Just do something their first ‘WARMER’ concert Would we, without care, do to Nirvana Being, celebrating the the hour. The economic loss is a thought to be shared seri- Design is about reduction and packaging as much as possible. for the earth today. Plant a in 2008 and Ashley’s piece, Y a human being what we do to day is yet another reminder to due to this pandemic is enor- ously among us,” says optimisation; we need to be Her production house, Pooja sapling, start segregating your Zero elucidates his belief in the earth? We so casually turn the tide, to switch paths. mous. We are paying this loss Vasudevan, who is also a prac- more appropriate in what we Entertainment, made sure to waste, cut out single use plas- the interconnectedness of hack the earth into pieces, He says, “We’ve clearly upset against the ecosystem destruc- tising lawyer at the Green build and start removing all the distribute metal bottles on the tic from your life, use natural life. drain it of all its life force, stab the carbon cycle of the planet, tion that humanity collective- Tribunal. unnecessary embellishments sets of Coolie No.1. She also fre- cleaning products and He says, “All of us are it, disfigure it and suffocate it and this day is yet another ly did. Each virus is a norm in Akshat Bhatt, principal that result in waste and clutter. quently uses her social media biodegradable hygiene prod- interlinked but we have cre- with plastic bags. Is that reminder to reduce our its ecosystem whereas a threat architect at Architecture We need to champion the to speak about the importance ucts. Do what you can because ated disharmony by treating human? If doing this to a reliance on fossil fuels (oil, outside its ecosystem. Just like Discipline, believes in a sus- cause of the built environ- of wildlife conservation, sus- it is better than looking away the universe a certain way. human being is wrong, how wood, coal), and reduce our we keep a safe distance to avoid tainable future. He hopes that ment, and we must do so in an tainable farming practices and from the problem,” she says. Still, it has its way of restor- can we do this to the earth overall waste, emissions and accidents in traffic rules, we this pandemic will spark a appropriate manner. This is afforestation. Let’s use this crisis to do ing balance and communi- which is an intrinsic part of carbon footprint. It’s clear that need to keep a safe distance push towards a lifestyle of going to be the century of recu- Recently, actress Juhi things differently and under- cates its discomfort by man- us and vice-versa? How can we’ve tipped the scales enough from wildlife habitats whose minimal resource consump- peration. So, let’s not destroy Chawla filed a suit against the stand the power and change ifesting pandemics, climate the earth sustain us when we that nature is fighting back.” nature is unknown to us. tion and sustainable living. He space, forests, and consume implementation of 5G in India. that one person can bring change spirals and showing treat it with such cruelty?” Harish Vasudevan, a green Climate change is not an aca- says, “Celebrations like more water. Treating our own She said that while she is not about. Don’t let another pan- signs of global warming. All The core idea behind the activist and an expert in envi- demic issue anymore. Red ‘Environment Day’ should waste and generating our own against technology and uses it demic enlighten you about the of this is nothing but symp- choreography was to evoke a ronmental law, feels that ‘One alerts have become a new nor- remind us of the need to energy and reducing consump- as well, it’s important to address importance of a greener world. tomatic of environmental personal response from the Planet, One Health’ is an mal in coastal districts of the reduce and change our patterns tion are the miracles we need the problems it causes to the Remember: A planet doesn’t imbalance playing itself out. audience and Ashley is con- approach we need to take. country. Carbon emission has of consumption as it is the first to save our planet.” environment. Her argument need you to flourish, rather you If we are balanced within, we fident that the piece will “Ecosystem on earth has its created so much damage that step towards a sustainable Another architect, Shaon revolved around the belief that need it for your survival. will not see imbalance out- achieve that.
ctor Bhumi Pednekar runs Aa social media advocacy , ) ) platform Climate Warrior that * aims to educate people about climate change. During the sec- ond wave of the COVID-19 cri- ment over the past two years. " However, it is not feasible for aggravated by the excessive sis in India, she also launched an No matter, if no one is influ- the common man to get use of single-use plastics as a initiative COVID Warrior that enced by me. I will do what I mages of clear skies and much work done without result of the pandemic. has saved many lives across can to the best of my ability. Iwaterways, dwindling road proper control and required Although the use of plastics India. Bhumi is an ardent cli- traffic and wildlife unfet- facilities. It is for the same in this situation was required mate advocate who has made it What are your goals this tered by human activity — reason that the government to meet the increasing her life’s mission to save the year? What will make you the improving condition of should take adequate mea- demand for masks, it is planet through awareness pro- happy as a climate warrior 10 our environment was the sures to preserve and protect important to shift towards grammes among the people of years from now? only silver lining amid a sea these already established sustainable products such India. My goal as a climate warrior of despair and anguish green spaces, and use their as bio-based plastics and be this year is to genuinely see peo- induced by the pandemic. resources, time, and staff to conscious of our plastic We are in the middle of a cli- ple indulge in planet-conscious Despite these positive monitor them effectively. usage to reduce the stress on mate crisis today. What do you behaviour. For me, 2021 will be changes, the environment While we cope with yet our ecosystems. have to say about this? all about hammering home the will continue to suffer once another lockdown, this time The post-Covid world I feel that today we are need to develop better habits, industries and travel ramp might be prudent to rumi- presents us with an opportu- actually at the edge and if we right from less consumption of up. This World Environment nate over how we can protect nity to focus on economic don’t start bringing about single-use plastics to make sure Day, recognise the urgent the ecosystems that sustain growth while easing the pres- immediate change, things are believe that is our responsibil- that individually we all reduce need to restore and revive our us. The climate crisis needs sure on ecosystems and envi- about to get very bad. In the last ity to leave behind a cleaner our carbon footprint. What will damaged ecosystems to avert to be tackled with innovative ronment by investing in two years, we have seen forest planet for our future generations honestly make me happy 10 the possibility of yet anoth- and sustainable solutions so restoration. This will help us fires, cyclones and natural as we got it from our ancestors. years from today is to see the er pandemic or similar dis- that we don’t have the fear of in converting degraded land calamities of many kinds wreck- I would never want my children achievement of goals set by the aster. impending disasters looming into healthy and resilient ing havoc to life on Earth. I to be brought up in a world that climate-conscious community. I An ecosystem is formed and destruction of nature poignant reminder of how over us. We need to be aware landscapes. think this is only the beginning. is full of pollution and does not also hope that the amount of by the interactions of a vari- seem to obscure my vision of ecological degradation can of our ecological footprint The United Nations has I feel that it is important for have clean and healthy sources compassion that we show to dif- ety of individual organisms a healthy and green future. In lead to a state of emergency. and take active measures to established 2021-2030 as the people to understand that the of water and food. The way ferent species increases mani- with each other and with such a situation, ecosystem To combat these emerging reduce it to ensure a green- ‘Decade of Ecosystem planet does not need us, we deforestation is happening, the fold. It would be a dream come their physical environment. restoration will be a strenu- global conditions and protect er and healthier future. Restoration.’ Rehabilitation need the planet. Mother Earth way we are fishing and hunting true if 10 years from now the As a result, ecosystem ous task to achieve which all the lives of future genera- It is also important to of our ecosystems can be will thrive without us, we have I feel as humans we should just belief that humans are at the top restoration is required not the more emphasises its cru- tions, we need to protect and consider that excessive pres- achieved only when we stop seen signs of this in the past year change our consumption habits, of the food chain is replaced by only to improve or maintain ciality. restore our habitats and bio- sure on our natural resources looking for scapegoats and when mass lockdowns indi- else we are headed towards the rightful belief that we are as biological diversity but also to Ecological restoration is diversity. is primarily because of the understand our responsibil- rectly resulted in pollution lev- some irreversible damage to dependent on other species as prevent land degradation. one of the most important Setting up urban green population imbalance in our ity to do our bit for the envi- els going down. Animals our way of life on this planet. they are dependent on our var- Considering the importance and necessary endeavours spaces such as parks, gardens, country. The most important ronment. Let’s remember seemed to be happy with us ious activities, or lack thereof. I of ecosystems, restoration of our time. Indigenous cul- riversides or lakesides, sports step on the journey of ecosys- that the smallest actions can cooped up indoors. It pains me Artistes like you have the want to be able to see us happi- efforts have now found place tures are intimately connect- fields, woods is also an effec- tem restoration is under- create the biggest impact on to see how short-sighted people power to bring about positive ly coexisting with all the other in nature-based solutions to ed to the land. The erosion of tive solution to mitigate the standing how we can reduce the environment. Carrying a are — littering, using plastic changes. Is that why you are so species we share this beautiful tackle the global challenges of ecosystems not only results in effects of pollution and our impact on the environ- water bottle from home, fol- irresponsibly and now, with the vocal about this glaring issue? planet with. It would be nice to climate change, natural dis- the loss of culture but also reduce the urban heat island ment. Changes in our work- lowing ‘Reduce, Reuse & pandemic, we are now dumping Absolutely. I feel that when see some balance between asters, and food and water erodes the knowledge that is effect which refers to the heat place, home, and lifestyle Recycle’, switching to sustain- medical waste out in the open you are in a place of power and development and conserving security. In addition to this, deep-rooted and has evolved trapped in built-up areas. play a key role in determin- able products and materials without any second thoughts for hold some influence, you must our nature. I hope that we live it is also important to make over a thousand years. These green spaces will also ing our ecological footprint. or even discouraging people the health-related and environ- be the change. As an artist, and in a world that doesn’t abuse all sustainable efforts in develop- Ecological restoration is vital filter rain, reduce water pol- With studies predicting from littering the streets — mental repercussions. These as a person, my motive is to the natural resources that our ing resilient landscape that to the health of many ecosys- lution, protect drinking a two-fold increase in the these few actions might seem things hurt me tremendously cause positive change. Climate beautiful planet gives us. We live can adapt to changing con- tems and the livelihoods of water, and decrease the rate number of plastic debris by miniscule but have the because honestly, this is not just Warrior was a step towards in a bountiful world that gives ditions. communities across the of water-borne illnesses. 2030, plastics have become a power to transform our envi- for our generation as much as it restoring the balance between us a lot more than what we Assuming the post- globe. As citizens of a progres- severe threat to natural ronment if followed reli- is for the future generations. nature and man and I believe we need, I hope we all come to Covid scenario, the visuals of It is intrinsically linked to sive nation, each one of us is ecosystems and human giously. What sort of a planet are we have done a considerable appreciate this in the next pollution, huge public gath- the restoration of human responsible for the mainte- health. However, these pre- (The writer is the CEO of leaving behind for them? I amount of work for the environ- decade. erings, contaminated water, health. The pandemic is a nance of such places. dictions are only going to be Grow-Trees.com) & ! !"#"$
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056(578 final.” The final at Ageas Bowl will oth India and New Zealand see Virat Kohli and Kane Bare evenly matched sides Williamson battle for their first with good quality batsmen and ICC trophy as the senior team bowlers at their disposal and captain and Lee said the two there’s very little to separate different styles of captaincy them when they will come up will make the final more inter- against each other at the inau- esting. gural World Test “They are different. Kane is Championship final in a lot more conservative without Southampton from June 18 being boring. He has got a great but one of the quickest fast cricket brain. I admire his level bowlers of his time Brett Lee of calmness. He is a conserva- believes Kiwis might have an tive captain, but attacks when advantage as they are more he needs to. And he attacks accustomed to conditions when he feels it is right. Because favourable for swing bowling. he is patient, and it works for “Well, it is a tough one (to him and his team. predict the winner), you would “At the other side, Kohli is have to see which bowlers can more of an aggressive captain. produce on this surface.” There is no right or wrong “When you speak about the answer to any of these because I Indian Test line-up that will be have played under captains who on show; they have got some are conservative and captains amazing talent as do the Kiwis. who are too aggressive. But this So, I think it is pretty evenly is going to be a great opportuni- matched there.” ty to see which one comes out on “I am thinking though with top because they are different. At the experience of New Zealand the end of the day, they are two because they have bowled in amazing cricket brains. And that conditions which are similar is what I respect. So yeah, it is back home, it may be conducive going to be exciting to see who to fast bowling, to swing bowl- comes out on top!,” he said. ing. There will be a bit of Speaking about the something, it may be con- Hampshire Bowl as a venue for ducive to fast bowling, to swing the final, Lee said the pitch at the bowling. So that is where I neutral venue won’t be super-fast think that the Kiwis might but will have enough for the have an advantage purely from bowlers. “I think that it will be that fact.” a venue that will offer a lot from “Now from a batting point a pitching perspective, it is not of view, both sides have got a super-fast wicket. I think there batsmen that can play against will be enough there for the swing bowling. But I think it bowlers. But I just hope it is a comes down to bowling. I nice playing surface, I think think whichever team bowls that that is what they will pro- best will win the Test match vide,” he added. )
056(578 lessly and immediately became an integral part of the homas Tuchel was reward- Chelsea family. Returning us Ted with a new long term to the top four in the Premier contract with Chelsea on League was crucial, and we Friday within a week after he could not be happier with our guides the London club to the success in the Champions Champions League title. League which crowned a The German who was remarkable season at Chelsea.” sacked by Paris Saint- Germain midseason last year replaced club legend Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge in January and within five months of his appointment, he led The Blues to its second European club football’s biggest prize. He was appointed by the Premier League club for an initial 18-month deal but now has signed a two-year exten- sion that will keep him incharge till 2024. “I cannot imagine a better occasion for a contract renew- al. I am grateful for the expe- rience and very happy to stay part of the Chelsea family. There is far more to come and we are looking forward to our next steps with ambition and much anticipation,” Tuchel said. In the 2020-21 season, Tuchel has won 19 of his 30 games in charge and secured top-four place besides finish- ing as runners-up in the FA Cup final. Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: “When Thomas joined us in January there was still so much to play for domestically and in Europe. He slotted in seam-