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Vol. 12 No. 223 RNI NO. DELENG/2008/25465 New Delhi, Saturday, 2 January, 2021 [email protected] 9971359517 12 pages. 2/-

Simmi Kaur Babbar

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Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid vaccine set to become first to get approval in India New Delhi, January 1: An expert panel on COVID-19 of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is set to recom- mend granting emergency use authorisation for the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, being manufactured by Serum Institute of India, sources said on Friday.The Pune-based Serum ∑§⁄U ‚∑§ÃË– Institute of India (SII), the world’s largest vac- cine manufacturer, has tied up with AstraZeneca to manufacture Covishield. The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on Wednesday had approved the COVID-19 vaccine developed by scientists at Oxford University and produced by AstraZeneca for human use.The Subject Á∑§‚ÊŸÙ¥ ‚ ªgÊ⁄UË ∑§⁄UŸ flÊ‹Ê Expert Committee (SEC) on COVID-19 of the CDSCO, which had earlier sought additional safety and immunogenicity data from SII, delib- erated on its application seeking emergency use authorisation (EUA) for the shots on Wednesday, and met again on Friday to review ’ŇÊÊ Ÿ„Ë¥ ¡Ê∞ªÊ– the matter. After SII’s application, the SEC has started reviewing the EUA application by Bharat Biotech for its COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin but is yet to take a final decision on the Gurcharan Singh Babbar matter, sources said. “In terms of safety, Covishield was well tolerated with respect to solicited adverse events...majority of solicited President reactions were mild in severity and resolved without any sequelae. “Therefore, Covishield is All India Sikh Conference safe and can be used effectively for prevention of COVID-19 in the targeted population. 5, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, ITO, New Delhi Contact: 9971359517, 9312262300 2 New Delhi, Saturday, 2 January, 2021 BUSINESS THE SIKH TIMES

NEWS BOX Holiday Calendar 2021: Check out public holiday Tax tribunal drops remark list in India for the whole year against Mistry in Tata order New Delhi: The year 2020 is over now and MUMBAI: Two days after passing critical Mistry’s office, while making a note of the today is the first day of 2021.While 2020 was remarks against Cyrus Mistry, the Income rectification done by the ITAT on its own, saddled by the burden of COVID-19 Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has issued a said that “instead of seeking to blame the pandemic that restricted our travel plans, one corrigendum, stating “some inadvertent former Tata Sons chairman at every turn, hopes that this year is going to be a better one. errors” had crept into its order involving the the trustees of Tata Trusts must introspect Additionally, one just hopes that the new year Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and it has been why they have deviated from this path, 2021 is not eclipsed by the COVID- “rectified”.The modified order has removed leading to a greater scrutiny on their Pandemic and all of us can have happier days certain observations against Mistry about his operations by the various government ahead, that we can have our fair share of intent to supply documents related to Tata bodies”.His office also said that even in vacations and leaves to look forward to. Trusts and acknowledged that the 2013 (when Mistry was at the helm of Tata In the above context, the information regarding information sent by the former Tata Sons Sons), the Comptroller Auditor General of public holidays will really be handy on two chairman was in response to summons India (CAG) found irregularities of nearly occassions --when you want to take a quick issued by the commissioner (exemptions). Rs 1,000 crore in tax exemptions given to retreat (in case of long weekends) and when Mistry was named in the December 28 order, Tata Trusts. Mistry was removed from Tata you want to go on a planned leave. despite not being part of the proceedings Sons in October 2016.“The trustees must These holidays are as per the Ministry of involving Tata Trusts.On Thursday, Mistry’s introspect why in July 2018, the Public Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. office said that responding to summons was Accounts Committee, a parliamentary The holiday list is categorised on the basis of a requirement under the law and even the committee, expressed concern that public Gazetted Holidays (denoted by G) as well as Articles of Tata Sons envisage disclosure of charitable trusts were being used to run some very popular Restricted Holidays.This information, when required to do so by a businesses for profit and repeatedly must be noted that the above holiday calendar court of law. “One fact, which was violating rules. The CAG Report of 2019 is by no means an exhaustive list but it gives a inadvertently missed out, was that the records that the corpus funds of Trusts are glimpse into the most popular public information furnished by Mistry was in being utilised to control the business of holidays. response to a notice,” the ITAT clarified on group companies instead of applying funds Wednesday. The “mistakes stand rectified” for charitable purposes.”Mistry’s office and, to that extent, the December 28 order further said, Markets open New Year “stands modified”, the corrigendum, signed “While we all are extremely proud of the 2021 on high note, Nifty by president P P Bhatt and VP Pramod removed as its chairman, cannot be said to be reasonable degree of circumspection and good work that has been done by Tata Trusts Kumar, stated.The previous order had “influenced by call of a pure conscience and should not be placed on such a high pedestal in the past, the question today is whether the crosses 14,000 remarked that Mistry’s action of supplying high ground of morality…”On Wednesday, so as to relegate all other material facts and decisions to deviate from the highest documents to the department without any the ITT dropped this reference and accepted past assessment history of the case standards of governance imperils the largest New Delhi: Markets opened the New Year on a authorisation from Tata Sons, even though substituted it with “...the inputs from those into insignificance”. However, there is no public charitable trusts in India, and prevents positive note led by gains in IT, auto and they were obtained by him in the fiduciary engaged in a rivalry with an assessee (Sir change in the outcome of the appeal, which benefits from reaching its rightful select banking and financial stocks. capacity, almost immediately after being Dorabji Tata Trust) ought to have been upheld the tax exempt status of Sir Dorabji beneficiaries — the people of India.” The benchmark BSE Sensex rose by 181.26 considered by the department with a TataTrust, clarified the ITAT. points or 0.38 percent to 47,932.59 in early trade. The broad-based NSE Nifty breached Only a dozen large cos the 14,000 level by rising 48.55 points or 0.55 percent to 14,030.30 in opening trade. In a surprise move, Ford, Mahindra call off seek Covid loan recast Major gainers in the Sensex pack were M&M, TCS, SBI, HDFC, Ultrachem, ITC, Maruti, MUMBAI: Around a dozen large Infosys, HDFC Bank, Bajaj Finance, Kotak proposed auto joint venture borrowers have applied for the Bank and Dr Reddy, rising upto 2.30 percent. RBI’s loan restructuring scheme for those affected by Covid stress. On the other and, major losers were Sun NEW DELHI: In a sudden and surprising move Mahindra said, “The Company and Ford have The deadline for corporates and Pharma, ICICI Bank, NTPC, Powergrid, at the close of 2020, American auto maker Ford mutually and amicably determined that they HUL, Axis Bank, Asian Paint, Bajaj and homegrown Mahindra and Mahindra will not further pursue their Joint Venture individuals to make an application Finserve, Nestle, Tech Mahindra and Titan, decided to call off their automotive joint plan.” under the RBI’s resolution falling upto 0.61 percent. venture, blaming the decision on “global framework for Covid-related Mahindra also said that the outcome was driven stress ended on December 31. For FPIs have been a major driver of the rally in economic and business conditions caused, in by the “fundamental changes in global Indian stock markets. According to exchange part, by the global pandemic”.Ford insisted that economic and business conditions caused, in small businesses, there is a data, FPIs bought shares worth Rs 1,135.59 it will continue to maintain its solo operations in part, by the global pandemic” since the separate restructuring scheme that crore on a net basis on Thursday. India.There was no joint statement by the agreement was first announced. “These will be valid until March 2021. The indices finished the year 2020 with overall companies as both of them issued separate press changes influenced separate decisions by the The Future Group, Shapoorji gains of around 15 percent. Sensex gained releases regarding the surprising Company and Ford to reassess their respective Pallonji Group and SpiceJet are 15.7 percent while the Nifty jumped 14.9 announcement.The statement by Ford said that capital allocation priorities.” among those who will apply for percent in the year.Most Asian markets and the decision was driven by fundamental Ford said it is “actively evaluating its businesses loan restructuring. Besides these, the U.S. market is closed for the new year changes in global economic and business around the world, including in India, making there are a couple of thermal power holiday. Equities bounced back with a conditions. Issued from Ford’s headquarters at choices and allocating capital in ways that generating companies, a couple of vengeance following the plunge in March, Dearborn in Michigan, the statement said the toll road projects, and companies agreement the organizations entered into in advance Ford’s plan to achieve an 8% with the Nasdaq, S&P 500 and Dow posting companies have “mutually and amicably” in the textile sector. Bankers October 2019,” the Ford statement said. company adjusted EBIT margin and generate respective annual gains of 43.6%, 16.3% and arrived on the decision. estimate that the overall loans that As per the now-defunct plans, Mahindra was to consistently strong adjusted free cash flow.” 7.2%, a Reuters report said.Oil prices “Ford Motor Company and Mahindra & will come up for restructuring acquire Ford’s business in India, and the M&M said the decision “will not have any advanced on hopes of rebounding demand, Mahindra have mutually and amicably would be within Rs 2.5 lakh crore. American auto company would have held 49% impact” on the company’s product plan. “It is but U.S. and Brent crude prices ended 2020 determined they will not complete a previously Some bankers had expected that the in the new joint venture. The companies were to well positioned in its core true SUV DNA and down 20.5%, and 21.5%, respectively, announced automotive joint venture between scheme might be extended for produce new platforms, cars and SUVs -- product platforms with a strong focus on Reuters added. their respective companies. The decision including electric vehicles -- together. financial performance. In addition, the individual customers as many follows the passing of the December 31 borrowers do not know the impact In a late-night message to the Bombay Stock Company is accelerating its efforts to establish Covid shocked economy, “longstop,” or expiration, date of a definitive leadership in Electric SUVs.” of being classified as a non- Exchange (early January 1), Mahindra and performing asset (NPA). However, now vaccine, demand the RBI had made it clear in a meeting with bank chiefs last week push to guide bounce Donald Trump extends freeze on H-1B, other work that there would not be any extension and lenders should set back aside money from profits for visas until March 31; Indian techies to be worst hit possible defaults.“The situation An impending vaccination, resumption in Washington: US President Donald Trump national concern, and the considerations appears to be much better than economic activity and increased mobility has extended the freeze on the most present in the two previous proclamations have what was thought earlier this are expected to lead towards a path of sought-after H-1B visas along with other not been eliminated.The 2019 Novel year,” said Rajkiran Rai, chairman economic recovery in the aftermath of the types of foreign work visas by three Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to of the Indian Banks’ Association Covid-19 pandemic, but the fragility of months to protect American workers, significantly disrupt Americans' livelihoods. and MD & CEO of Union Bank. industrial recovery and pent-up demand saying while therapeutics and COVID-19 While the November overall unemployment He added that for his bank the have thrown up questions over the vaccines are recently available, their rate in the United States of 6.7 per cent reflects a earlier projection of 2-3% of loans sustainability of the signs of economic effect on the labour market and marked decline from its April high, there were coming up for restructuring stands. recovery. community health has not yet been fully still 9,834,000 fewer seasonally adjusted According to banks, large Data released on Thursday for output for realised. nonfarm jobs in November than in February of companies in some of the sectors eight core sectors showed contraction of 2.6 The decision will impact a large number of 2020, Trump said in his proclamation.The current number of new daily cases worldwide that were most severely affected per cent in November after posting a rise of Indian IT professionals and several by the crisis, like hospitality, had 0.7 per cent in the corresponding period American and Indian companies who reported by the World Health Organization were issued H-1B visas by the US (WHO), for example, is higher than the deleveraged and were not much of previous year, while fiscal deficit widened theoretical or technical expertise. The a concern despite their to 135.1 per cent in April-November, government for the fiscal year 2021 beginning comparable number present during June, and October 1.The freeze on various categories of technology companies depend on it to hire tens while therapeutics and vaccines are recently losses.Although the RBI has not reflecting a widening of the deficit more of thousands of employees each year from extended the standstill for lenders’ due to weak revenue receipts than higher work visas was ordered by Trump through two available for an increasing number of proclamations on April 22 and June 22 last year. countries like India and China. Americans, their effect on the labour market and action against borrowers, there government expenditure trend. With a They would now have to wait at least till the end of community health has not yet been fully continues to be a SC stay in month left to go for the Budget for 2020-21, Hours before the freeze was set to expire on December 31, Trump issued another March before approaching the US diplomatic realised, he said. operation that prevents lenders economists are of the view that higher proclamation on Thursday to extend it until missions to get stamping. It would also impact a Moreover, actions such as States' continued from classifying borrowers government expenditure would be crucial March 30.He said that the reasons for which he large number of Indian IT professionals who are imposition of restrictions on businesses still to propel the growth momentum. A re- affected by Covid as NPAs. This had issued such a restriction has not changed. seeking renewal of their H-1B visas. affect the number of workers that can be hired as means that even on January 1, allocation of government expenditure with The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that President Trump said that the effects of COVID- compared with February of 2020, Trump said, special focus on healthcare and banks will not classify those who allows US companies to employ foreign 19 on the US labour market and the health of adding that his latest proclamation may be are behind on repayments only in infrastructure along with a delinking of workers in specialty occupations that require American communities is a matter of ongoing extended if necessary. intricate focus on the fiscal deficit target are FY21 as defaulters. being seen as the key factors which would help the Indian economy to gain lost ground in the coming year. “The government should not get fixated with Covid inflated salaries in sales, legal, tech fiscal deficit and should look at how to revive the economy from the Budget point of view. While subsidies can’t be touched, I MUMBAI: Covid has shaped salary trends in tomorrow”. Dupuis said, after the initial AI-based compliance programs. So, it is this sector has also come up in the top five think the government needs to focus on a positive way for several sectors. These setback during the first half of the year, the advisable for fresh lawyers to obtain list of highest paying industries for junior capital expenditure and they need to be include internet & e-commerce, BFSI Indian job market is rebounding and education on technology and for techies to and mid -level professionals. BFSI sector aggressive on it and it will help revive (banking, financial services & insurance), showing positive signs of recovery across all obtain law degrees. It’s an age of has undoubtedly benefited from the investment and also create jobs. It will have transportation & logistics and energy & industries. This positivity is expected to seep multidisciplinary careers.”Among sectors, pandemic as anticipation of salary cuts and forward and backward linkages and at a utilities, as well as functions like legal & well into 2021 as well.With organisations those catering to mass demand and essential job losses have also increased the demand time when the economy is not growing, it is compliance and marketing. Additionally, having to navigate new compliance services such as transport and logistics and for savings and investment services,” said something that is within the realm of the these are expected to have a good run in 2021 challenges resulting from Covid, legal has energy and utilities have emerged among the Dupuis.Moreover, as companies across Budget that can be done,” Madan Sabnavis, as well.According to a study by Randstad emerged as a lucrative start for freshers. In top five largest pay masters for senior levels functions seek to reduce costs and improve chief economist, CARE Ratings said.Credit India, a leading firm in the HR services fact, legal & compliance offers competitive with an average CTC of Rs 28-30 lakh. efficiencies, independent contractors and disbursement to industry has not picked up industry, marketing has emerged as one of salaries (about Rs 5.3 lakh on an average), “Niche expertise in these sectors makes consulting firms play a critical role. yet, which is a cause of concern and does the top five highest-paying functions at the which is 22% higher than in 2019. Nishith professionals highly valuable,” said Dupuis. Professional services are the largest pay not bode well for industry when external senior level where the average salary is Desai Associates recently announced aIn addition, the impact of faster digital masters for mid-level managers, paying an about Rs 34 lakh.In the wake of Covid, reworked compensation structure for itsadoption pushed by Covid and the expanded average CTC of Rs 17.4 lakh, which is 17% demand remains weak, Arun Singh, global customer’s wants, needs, expectations and lawyers, which increases the annual more on an average than their counterparts in chief economist, Dun & Bradstreet said. scope and penetration of e-commerce as an purchasing decisions are constantly compensation for entry level lawyers toindustry also reflects in the top-paying other top paying industries.The ever Growth projections for next financial year are evolving and marketing has come to play an around Rs 17 lakh as compared to Rs 15 lakh industries. On the other hand, BFSI has increasing demand for subject matter ranging over 9 per cent, primarily due to important role. In particular, digital earlier. moved up the ladder and has emerged as one expertise is being reflected in the salaries low base effect from contraction in this marketing has received a fresh impetus with The firm’s founder Nishith Desai said, “Legal of the top paying sectors this year at the shelled out to strategy & consulting fiscal. In real terms, however, the growth all businesses — be it small, medium or large & compliance work has increased junior and mid levels, paying an average professionals. This has emerged as one of the story would be bleak. India Ratings in a — turning towards or planning to adopt exponentially worldwide and, given the fact salary of nearly Rs 5 lak and almost Rs 14 top paying functions at all levels of report said though the economy is projected virtual modes of operation and stepping that consequences of non-compliance has lakh, respectively.“Internet & e-commerce experience. While the average salaries at the to grow 9.6 per cent in the next financial away from outdoor marketing.Randstad skyrocketed, it provides lucrative is among the top five industries paying the junior level (Rs 6.7 lakh) continues to hover year, it may grow just 1 per cent in real India MD and CEO Paul Dupuis believes opportunities for entry level lawyers. But most competitive salaries across all job around the same range as last year, there has terms to Rs 147.17 lakh crore, as against Rs that crisis brings opportunities “to re- more opportunities would be outside the law hierarchies. With the rapid growth and been a 14-20% increase in salaries of mid 145.66 lakh crore in 2019-20 (at 2011-12 imagine the world of work, pivot, showcase firms, at in-house legal departments and expansion of the BFSI sector towards a more (Rs 18.4 lakh) and senior (Rs 33.6 lakh) prices). agility and resilience towards new ways of technology companies that are developing digitalised and tech-driven infrastructure, professionals in strategy and consulting vis- working and plan for the day after a-vis the previous year. 3 New Delhi, Saturday, 2 January, 2021 STATE THE SIKH TIMES

NAME CHANGE PUBLIC NOTICE I, 4577543N HAV SOHAN SINGH General Public is hereby informed that my client Mr. Ashok Kumar S/O THAN SINGH R/O VPO- Agarwal S/o Mr. Gorishah Agarwal Shiv Sena hits out at BJP over DEVLAD, TEH-DHUMAKOT, and Mr. Sita Ram Agarwal S/o Mr. DIST-PAURI GARHWAL, Gouri Shah, both R/o of 34, Garh UTTARAKHAND-246277 have Road, Arya Nagar, Hapur, Uttar changed my minor son’s name Pradesh 245101,are theabsolute donations for Ram Temple construction from ANSUL RAWAT to ANSHUL owner of Old House No. 18-1/178, RAWAT for all future purposes. New House No. 34 Total Land area Mumbai: The Shiv Sena has criticised the BJP over the issue and not Lord Ram. But that doesn’t seem to be the case. measuring (78.99 sq. yds.,+ 72.39 sq. yds.) 151.38 sq. yds., without construction of the Ram Temple in its Saamana editorial on The problems for Lord Ram even after his “vanvas” contin- NAME CHANGE Khasra No., Situated at Mohalla Monday. The Saamana editorial has asked why public dona- ue,” the editorial said. I, SHUSHILA DEVI W/O NO- Aryanagar, District Hapur, tions are being sought for the construction of the temple.It 15217865Y NK SATYA U.P.through a Sale Deed Dated Delhi trafic alert: Several roads PRAKASH R/O VILL-NAGLA 08.04.2005, Doc No. 2783, in referred to the fact that more than four lakh swayamsewaks favour of Mr. Sita Ram Agarwal and TEJA, PO-RITHORI KATRA, would be visiting around twelve lakh households from the closed amid farmers' protest; a Sale Deed Dated 08.04.2005, day of Makar Sankranti for collecting donations from house- DISTT-AGRA, (U.P.)-283124, Doc No. 2780, in favour of Mr. police suggest alternate routes have changed my name from Ashok Kumar Agarwal. It is perti- holds for the construction. The Saamana editorial also raised SHUSHILA DEVI to SUSHILA nent to mention here that the seller questions regarding the appointment of this group and added New Delhi: In view of the ongoing farmers' protest in the DEVI for all future purpose and i.e. Mrs. Urmila Sharma D/o Mr. that if the swayamsewaks reach out as political campaigner national capital, several roads and borders are closed for traf- vide affidavit dated 01/01/2021 Pyare Lal Sharma W/o Mr. before Notary Public, Delhi. Ghananand Sharma of the said on behalf of some party, it will be disrespectful to those who fic movement in Delhi on Monday. Delhi Traffic Police has property is/was owner of the prop- laid down their lives for the cause of the temple.The editorial suggested alternate routes to avoid any inconvenience. The erty through a Will which was exe- said that the issue of collecting donations from the public is Delhi Traffic Police tweeted, "Singhu, Auchandi, Piau THE SIKH TIMES cuted by her father Mr. Pyare Lal. It is further declared that there is any complicated, adding that it seems like a political move. “Lord Maniyari, and Mangesh borders are closed. Please take alter- other legal heirs except Mrs. Urmila nate routes via Lampur, Safiabad Saboli & Singhu school toll Edited, Printed, Published of Late Mr. Pyare Lal. At present Ram was the king of Ayodhya and a war was fought for the Owned by Simmi Babbar tax borders. Traffic has been diverted from Mukarba & GTK both said clients are absolute construction of the temple. Many karsevaks sacrificed their N - 31, Dr. Mukherjee Nagar owner the property. Mr. Ashok lives for the cause. Will such a temple be constructed with road. Pl avoid Outer Ring Delhi-110009 Kumar Agarwal and Mr. Sita Ram donation money?” asked the Saamana editorial. In what Rd,GTK road & NH PUBLIC NOTICE Printed at Qaumi Patrika Printing Agarwalare going to take loan 44."Available Open Borders to It is for general information that I, Press, A-4/A-144, Tronica City against property, the same is seemed to be an attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), NITYA PRAKASH S/o BHAGWAN (Loni), Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) financed by M/s AU Small Finance the editorial went on to suggest that the Ram Temple was not Haryana are following Borders DASS, R/o H. No. D-62/2, Street Corporate Office: Bank Ltd., Branch Raj Nagar, being constructed for the political betterment of any particu- - Jharoda (Only Single No. 3, East Chander Nagar, 5, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Ghaziabad. If any personhaving Krishna Nagar, Delhi-110051, lar party. The editorial indicated that the BJP donation cam- Carriageway/Road), Daurala, Press Area, ITO, New Delhi objection against the said property declare that name of mine has Editor-in-Chief contact to undersigned or the said Kapashera, Badusarai, Rajokri been wrongly written as NITYA paign could be a political plan focused on the 2024 Lok Sabha Gurcharan Singh Babbar bank alongwith supporting docu- NH 8, Bijwasan/Bajghera, PRAKASH GUPTA in my share cer- ments within 7 days from the date elections.“This Sampark campaign is a political campaign for tificate Register Folio No. Mob : 9654077232, 9971359517 Palam Vihar and Dundahera Website : www.thesikhtimes.in of this publication. 2024 under the cover of Lord Ram. This political campaign in 109550020. The actual name of Ashwani Kumar Email : [email protected] the name of Lord Ram should stop. After the temple con- Borders," another tweet said. mine is NITYA PRAKASH respec- Advocate tively, which may be amended Tehsil Compound, Ghaziabad struction, it is development that should be the campaign The Tikri and the Dhansa accordingly. RNI No. DELENG/2008/25465 New Delhi, Saturday, 2 January, 2021 DELHI/NCR THE SIKH TIMES 4

NEWS BOX Trial run for FASTag to continue Went home in despair, back at Kherki toll Gurgaon: Though the the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has extended the date of 100% implementation of FASTag to find a way out by 45 days, giving a relief to the Kherki Daula toll management, c the three-hour trial run will Noida: The lockdown drove them home, and more difficult,” Shah said. same site. With their income, the couple was Chauhan (45) continue at Kherki Daula toll. lack of jobs at home has brought them back. Once home, he started looking for jobs like he hoping to save money to build a ‘pucca’ house Raju Chauhan has returned to his spot at Labour The extension of deadline, however, Abhijay Jha, Shubhra Pant & Bagish Jha speak does every time. His father worked with the back home in UP. Chowk, just like in the pre-lockdown days, but has come with a rider—issued by to two families that returned to NCR despite the Sahara group that went bankrupt and is now In February, Kumar met with an accident and the jobs have not. As a spot that has for years the National Highways Authority scarring experience of March & April when without a job. The family doesn’t have any exhausted all his savings in treatment. He was guaranteed masons like Chauhan one job or of India (NHAI)—that the toll jobs disappeared overnight. They didn’t really substantial land to farm on either. “Every time a planning to resume work when the lockdown another for the day, which is how Labour plaza will have to comply with the have a choice. Coming back was the only shot company removes us after six months, we come was announced. “We lost nearly Rs 35,000. The Chowk got its name, it’s unusual not to find an action plan requiring daily trail at a livelihoodLife hasn’t been easy for the past back and work as daily wagers,” Shah said contractor disappeared and we weren’t able to employer for hours, sometimes days. runs to attune the toll staff and the three years as Raj Kishore Shah was laid off while talking about himself and his friends. collect wages for the pre-lockdown work,” he “Before the pandemic, most of us would get hired commuters with a cashless e- every six months by an employer, only to be On a July morning, he got a call from Maruti. “As says. Kumar says they managed for two weeks for the day within an hour of waiting. But now, tolling system. hired again for six months when production production started, they needed men and since I without work and very little money, but then, it not only is the wait longer but also unsuccessful NHAI has directed the toll picked up. However, 2020 brought bigger had worked for them in 2017, they called me was a struggle. “Sometimes we would get food at times,” says Chauhan, who stays at a rented concessionaire—MCEPL—to problems, ones he hadn’t anticipated. back. I hadn’t imagined getting a job so soon but on other occasions we had to sleep on empty house with his wife and their children in continue with the daily trial runs Shah, who hails from Muzaffarbad in Bihar, has given the lockdown. But I got it,” Shah said. He stomachs,” he recalls. Ghaziabad’s Khoda.His wife Rambha Devi during which all the lanes have to been workin in Gurgaon since 2017. When the hired a private vehicle and returned to the city. The family started walking back home, and with knows from the look on Chauhan’s face that it be converted into FASTag and pandemic hit, he was with Bellsonica, an This time, he thought, the amount was worth it, some luck, got a few lifts from truckers. In three has been a disappointing day. “Aaj phir kaam cash payments have to be automotive company, in Gurgaon. With the given that he had found work for at least the days, they managed to reach. Kumar said they nahi mila?” (You did not get work today as suspended. The non-FASTag users lockdown, production slowed down and he was next six months. had returned thinking that they would never go well?),” she asks. Chauhan says he understands will be stopped and issued the tags asked to leave. “We were told that we will get But as his six months are almost over, Shah will back, but lack of opportunities in their village the frustration.For the past 11 years, after I on the spot before letting them three months’ salary. But we were paid only for again have to look for another job. He is hopeful forced them to reconsider the plan. “We had no moved here, I have been saving up a little every cross the toll gates.“The extension a month,” Shah said.He wanted to go back that with the auto sector doing well, he will not work, there was no option but to come back,” month for my daughter Puja’s wedding. She is of the deadline is only to diligently home, but could not as trains were not running. have to go back home soon. Kumar says.When they returned to the city in 17 now. But all that money is gone,” says comply with the action plan to “I had to ask my parents for money, food and The construction worker moved to Gurgaon with October, it was clear getting work was not easy. Rambha, a homemaker. During the lockdown, enforce a 100% FASTag toll other essentials,” said Shah. All this while, his his wife Rajkumari and two children in 2015 in Their income has dropped to a third. “We are they had gone back to their village, Tasir Bans payment system at the plaza. Trial parents and wife kept asking him to return. search of a job and better opportunities. earning just Rs 10,000 a month and managing in Gorakhpur. “I will not forget that experience runs are going to be a regular affair Finally, in June, he and his friends decided to Together, the couple used to earn about Rs somehow, hoping things will improve,” says in my life and neither will my wife and children. till February 15. We appeal to go. They booked a private vehicle and the 30,000 a month. Gradually, 15 of their relatives Rajkumari. They have decided against We made at least three attempts to get back to motorists to not take the extension owner charged them Rs 32,000 to go to their also shifted to the city. All of them stayed in a returning to Mahoba. Rajkumari said every our village and managed to hop on to a bus the of the deadline as a relaxation but a hometown in Bihar. “It was a very high price to small tin-shed room in a slum and worked at the time they hear about a spike in Covid cases, third time,” Chauhan says, recalling the final ultimatum to switch to the pay. But staying back would have been even they fear they will lose work again.Raju journey. new system and help make accessing toll plaza a seamless, cashless, contactless experience,” said a senior NHAI official. Hry twitchers cheer 1st sighting of rare owl Relief in sight, temp Toll operator—South Asian tollways Pvt Ltd—said, “We will keep just Gurgaon: Pallid scops owl, a rare rats.According to experts, the birds one cash lane on either side and species, has been sighted for the first migrate towards southern Egypt and likely to rise from Sat only if there’s traffic congestion time in Haryana. The owl was spotted Pakistan for winter and their Gurgaon: The city witnessed biting cold on and cops ask us to clear the traffic near a water body in Rewari’s population is stable, and thus the Thursday as the minimum temperature settled at we’ll consider increasing cash Manethi village on Thursday by an International Union for Conservation 4°C. The city has been reeling from severe cold lanes. But, during trial runs all cash enthusiast of Delhi Bird Society. of Nature has categorised the pallid payment will be suspended.” wave conditions for the past three days and it is “I spotted the bird near a water body in scops owl in its “Least Concern” list. likely to remain the same till Friday. However, Rewari. This is the first time that we The breeding time for the birds is India Meteorological Department (IMD) has Gang behind Kavi got a picture of the bird. They are rare between April and June. They lay predicted that the cold spell will subside after in the region. These new birding eggs in tree holes and also in Friday, and there will be light rain from January 2 Ngr robberies areas are becoming hotspots as we abandoned woodpecker holes. for a few days. are able to spot many rare birds,” said In Rewari, on December 13, a White- busted Rakesh Ahlawat, the birder from naped Tit, a rare species, was also Ghaziabad: Ghaziabad police Delhi Bird Society.According to the spotted breeding for the first time in busted an inter-state gang of birders, there has been no previous Delhi-NCR, according to the bird robbers and arrested four people on record of the sighting of this bird in black streaks on the back, which distinguish it experts. This species has been listed Wednesday. the state. “The owl has been spotted in from European scops owls. It is a small owl as ‘vulnerable’ under the International Union The gang leader Aaftab (35), a Rajasthan and Delhi but not in Haryana species usually spotted in open areas with for Conservation of Nature Red List. It is resident of Delhi who carried a earlier,” said Pankaj Gupta, another birder trees and bushes. The birds survive on insects endemic to India and is usually found across reward of Rs 25,000 on his head, from the society.The bird is commonly found such as moths, grasshoppers and beetles and Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Andhra was also arrested. Aaftab is one of in the Middle East and Central Asia. It has also like to hunt small animals like bats and Pradesh. the masterminds behind two incidents of robbery, which took place a few months ago in Kavi 15 UK returnees test negative for Covid Nagar. Over a dozen cases, Gurgaon lacks pedestrian infra & bus Dense fog engulfed the city in the early hours of including robbery and dacoity, Gurgaon: Results of the remaining 15 residents who have returned from the UK after December 8 Thursday morning, leading to reduced visibility. have been lodged in several police The visibility was only for 50 meters on Thursday, stations of Delhi, Haryana, turned out to be negative on Thursday when RT- services, says GMDA mobility plan PCR tests were carried out. Even then, as a but it improved after 9am. Later in the day, mild Ghaziabad, Noida against him. sunshine was witnessed. A maximum temperature The three other accused have been Gurgaon: Insufficient pedestrian Haryana Roadways and GMCBL have precautionary measure, the health department has started tracing their contacts. of 15.6°C was recorded at Delhi’s Ayanagar, identified as Raju alias Altmas infrastructure and inadequate mass limited coverage and are inadequate for a around four notches below the normal. The (38), a resident of Noida, Md transport systems are among major traffic city that is always on the move. As a result, The health department said that it has conducted RT-PCR tests on 369 people who arrived in the automatic weather station at Gurgaon did not Naeem (46), a native of Rajasthan problems that the city is facing, the more and more people are dependent on record the maximum temperature on Thursday. and Tahir (42), from Haryana. All GMDA’s comprehensive mobility plan has personal modes of transport. There are city from the UK from December 8 till December stated. inadequate bus terminals too, both inter-city 22 and so far 368 people are negative. According to the IMD’s weekly forecast, the three have criminal history and minimum temperature will hover around 4°C on were wanted in other states as well. According to the plan, although walking and intra-city,” the official added. One person who came positive in the RT-PCR test is in an isolation centre in Sector 22 and his Friday, while the maximum will rise to 18°C. The The gang was arrested from accounts for a large share of movement in The plan also mentions the need to augment city will get one or two spells of rain or Avantika area when they were the city, there are lack of footpaths and road road and railway connectivity between genome sequencing report is pending. As many crossing facilities, which make pedestrians Gurgaon and Delhi. Referring to the GMDA as 32 passengers are untraceable due to incorrect thundershowers.“Light rain is expected from planning a robbery at a house. January 2 to January 5, and the minimum Avnish Kumar, circle officer 2, told all the more vulnerable to road accidents. plan, TOI had reported earlier that more addresses or mobile numbers and they are under Even in places that have footpaths, the plan than two-thirds of the residents travelling temperature is expected to rise to 7-10°C during TOI that the accused used to rob a police radar. this period,” said an IMD official. house after taking the family has raised questions on the quality. “The out of the city are headed to Delhi, either for Gurgaon chief medical officer Virender Yadav, members hostage. walkability index within the study area is work or personal engagements. Despite the “We have got RT-PCR results of all the UK Amid the cold wave conditions, Gurgaon divisional estimated as low as 0.68,” says the plan, high traffic with Delhi, there are only two returnees that could trace and only one person commissioner Rajeev Ranjan on Thursday issued which was approved by the chief minister direct links, which cause congestion on the an advisory, asking people to stay indoors. “Ensure Work on Parthala was found positive. We are still waiting for his adequate clothing is worn. Cover your head and last month. national highway, the report had said. genome sequencing report from Delhi. Our Not just footpaths, there are no separate lanes A p a r t f r o m t h e s e i n f r a s t r u c t u r a l mouth with hats and mufflers to prevent heat loss flyover finally teams are monitoring all these people who are at and for protecting lungs. Eat healthy food and for non-motorised vehicles too. The shortcomings, there aren’t enough bypasses present under home isolation to ensure that if they begins absence of cycle tracks, the plan mentions, in the city to handle the huge volume of drink non-alcoholic beverages to avoid not only leads to unsafe traffic conditions in traffic, it says. What makes things worse is develop symptoms they are put in a different dehydration,” he stated. He also advised people to Noida: The construction of the the city but has also force people to shun the the lack of parking spaces. “Overall, there is isolation centre.”With 61 cases, the city on visit doctors if they show symptoms of Parthala flyover has commenced. habit of using bicycles as a mode of lack of understanding of the urban transport Thursday reported less than 100 cases for the 7th hypothermia and frostbite, which lead to The contractor appointed by the transport.The problem is aggravated by issues,” states the plan. day in a row, taking the tally to 56,791. The health uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, Noida Authority has started the inadequate mass transit facilities, the Told about the deficiencies, GMDA officials department said 97 patients recovered on the day, disorientation, loss of feeling and pale excavation and survey work at the mobility report says. A senior GMDA said they would work on the suggestions bringing the total number of recoveries to 55,509. appearances on fingers, toes and nose. busy crossing and is digging up the official pointed to the lack of bus services in provided in the mobility plan and aim at No one succumbed to the infection on Thursday. Meanwhile, the city’s air quality deteriorated on space at the rotary, which is situated the city. “The city bus services offered by addressing traffic issues at the earliest. So far, 343 people in the city have died of Covid. at the intersection of the Noida- Thursday to ‘very poor’ category. Greater Noida road and the Faridabad-Noida-Ghaziabad expressway.Officials said that the work started on the stretch last week and soil is being dug up at the No drop in Covid-19 tests, but Haryana sees fewer cases rotary, where the main platform to support the cable-stayed bridge has to be erected. However, the project Gurgaon: Every week in December, Haryana added conducted 44,63,557 tests and a total of 2,61,258 deadline will have to be revised, they said. Earlier, the Noida a lesser number of new Covid cases to its tally — people have been found positive so far. Authority had to struggle for six this, despite the testing pattern remaining stable. When asked about the reason for the fewer number of months to find a construction Last week, the state witnessed a 37% drop in the daily cases in Haryana, Dr Dhruv Chaudhary, the company willing to execute the number of cases from the previous week. In the nodal officer for Covid-19 in that state said: “At work at the estimated cost. The tenders for commencing the same period, 1% more people were tested for the present, the infection rate is less than before. The Parthala flyover construction work virus.According to the state data, last week, districts have been conducting steady sampling and were floated six times before the Haryana saw 3,263 new Covid cases, whereas, in testing, but the cases remain low. It is a good sign. In agency was selected. the week ending on December 20, it had added the winters, people are covering themselves well On December 18, the Authority 5,252 fresh cases. Even though the difference was and venturing out less, which could be why the selected Mangalam Buildcon around 2,000 cases, the number of people tested in infection is less.”The tests, however, have been Private Limited and awarded the work order to the company on the same period was nearly 3,125 more. Notably, largely concentrated in Gurgaon, while the other December 26 to start work. The six- the testing rate witnessed a rise in the second and districts are falling way short. lane project will be 700-metre-long third week of December as well.In the first week of The district has conducted 6,55,817 tests so far, while and enable signal free commuting December, the state added 25% fewer Covid cases Faridabad carried out 4,15,207, Sonipat 2,67,423, between Noida and Greater Noida than the last week of November. The same week, Hisar 2,66,865, Jhajjar 2,34,290, Panipat 1,56,442 via Parthala.The Authority had set aside a budget of Rs 80.92 crore Haryana tested 11% less than the preceding one. and Rewari 1,41,720. The caseloads in these places and the agency selected for the In the first week of December, Haryana was adding largely align with the testing figures — Gurgaon has project quoted Rs 80.53 crore. “The over 1,500 cases daily but the numbers dipped 56,473 cases, Faridabad, has 45,328, Sonipat background, expertise and towards the end of December. From December 7 to 14,457, Hisar 16,899, Jhajjar 5,789, Panipat 10,455 financial standing of the company December 20, the daily additions stayed below and Rewari 11,254.“We have been conducting more was found fit and it was given the tender,” said an 1,000, reaching even lower than 600.In the fourth than 4,000 tests every day, official.Meanwhile, the deadline week of December, 2,05,053 people were tested for but the numbers of positive cases came down in for completion of the project will Covid — higher than the first three weeks. Also, in December. Even in Delhi, the number of cases have to be revised. While the the last two weeks, the daily cases have dropped to dropped compared to November. However, we are original deadline was December 2021, officials said that the agency below 400 cases even as there has been a rise in expecting the cases to rise in the first week of will be given time up to June 2022 testing. January,” said Dr Virender Yadav, chief medical to finish work. According to health department data, Haryana has officer, Gurgaon. New Delhi, Saturday, 2 January, 2021 DELHI-NCR THE SIKH TIMES 5

NEWS BOX On January 1, devotees throng Maharashtra's IMD warns of 'insane' cold wave across north India, Shirdi Sai Baba temple, and other temples predicts rains, thunderstorm in these 6 states Shirdi: A long line of devotees were spotted at the Sai Baba temple in Shirdi at Maharashtra thunderstorm or hailstorm over Punjab, on New Year's eve and January 1, 2021. The weather department Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, north According to an estimate, nearly 40-50 Rajasthan, West Uttar Pradesh and thousand devotees have visited the shrine has predicted cold wave northwest Madhya Pradesh from since yesterday till today morning. Not just January 3 to 5, with maximum intensity the temple but the whole of Shirdi is being to severe cold wave on January 4," the IMD said in its daily flocked by devotees. It is estimated that at bulletin. least one lakh people will visit Baba by conditions over Scattered to fairly widespread rainfall will Friday evening or Saturday. be due to the influence of interaction Meanwhile, a devotee at the Mahalakshmi Himachal Pradesh, between Western Disturbance and temple in Kolhapur offered a donation of Rs lower-level easterlies from the Bay of 10 lakh. A devotee named Rajesh Kuman, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Bengal. A fresh western disturbance is who hails from Bengaluru, offered the money likely to affect western Himalayas and as donation to the temple.Notably, there is a Haryana, Chandigarh, adjoining plain from January 3 huge rush at Ganga Ghats and other big onwards. There will be no significant temples across the country on the first day of change in minimum temperatures over Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, most parts of Northwest and Central the new year. India during next 24 hours, but a rise by Rajasthan and West three to five degrees Celsius thereafter ‘I thought I would die, for subsequent two days. Madhya Pradesh. "At 3.3 degrees Celsius, Delhi recorded but I delivered a healthy the lowest minimum temperature of the next 24 hours on Friday. Live Weather of India, said, "There is insane season," said Mahesh Palawat from baby… Panic was NEW DELHI: As the country welcomed the New Year revellers have to be aware that there cold wave in North India. "Hisar in Haryana private weather forecasting agency, Skymet New Year with open arms, the India recorded minus 1.2 degrees Celsius Weather. The Safdarjung Observatory, unnecessary’ Meteorological Department (IMD) will be dense to very dense fog with visibility under 50 metres in some parts of minimum temperature on Thursday, coldest which provides representative data for the Mumbai Five days before her due date, predicted rainfall, with thunderstorm and temperature in the decade for December. In city, recorded a minimum of 3.3 degrees hailstorm, for northern India from January 3- northern India till January 1. A cold wave Sukanya Gawda, contracted the coronavirus. occurs in plains when the minimum 2018 minus 1 degrees Celsius was recorded Celsius. “I was convinced that the virus would kill 5, even as Delhi recorded its lowest 3.3 on December 26. All time lowest for Lodhi Road weather station registered a degrees Celsius on December 31. temperature is 10 degrees Celsius or below me… I had prepared my eldest daughter to or is 4.5 notches lesser than the season`s December is minus 1.5 degrees Celsius in minimum of 3.1 degrees Celsius. On look after the family if I did not return from The weather department has predicted cold normal for two consecutive days. Delhi was 1973." December 20, Delhi had logged a minimum hospital…,” she recalls. On May 12, the 32- wave to severe cold wave conditions over coldest at Lodhi Road area at 3.1, while In Delhi, dense fog reduced visibility to just 50 of 3.4 degrees Celsius. Palawat, however, year-old delivered a healthy boy, and named Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana was coldest in Hisar. metres, as the minimum temperature in the said that the temperature will increase by him ‘Jeevan’, the one who gave her new life. Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, city dipped to 3.3 degrees Celsius on January 2 and the cold wave will abate Rajasthan and West Madhya Pradesh during Apprising about the overall weather in All she now wants to do is sell her room at the Northern India, Navdeep Dahiya, founder of Thursday. "Rainfall accompanied with across northwest India. Mumbai chawl and return to her native village in Mandya, Karnataka with her husband Ravi and three children. “When I got Delhi gets first Covid, we were alone Mumbai, our family Beware! Government warns people not to share model vaccination was in the village. Such experiences make you realise that struggling in a big city for a centre in little more money is not worth it,” she says, Sriniwaspuri, police adding that she wants to educate her Aadhar Number, OTPs for this purpose - Details here daughters “and perhaps one could become a plan security cover doctor”. “I saw how hard nurses and doctors Uttar Pradesh The Uttar Pradesh Health New Delhi As part of work, how they held my hand while I was in Department has alert people against sharing The Uttar Pradesh Health arrangements for the arrival and labour…”Lack of information and over- Aadhar card numbers, one-time-passwords and storage of the Covid-19 crowded maternity wards at government bank details telephonically to fraudsters, saying Department has alert vaccine, a maternity home in hospitals made the pandemic tougher for that they are calling people on the pretext of Sriniwaspuri has been thousands of pregnant women like Sukanya getting them registered for vaccine to prevent people against sharing converted into the capital’s first who did not have the means to get private COVID-19.A Gorakhpur district health official model vaccination centre by the care. As Mumbai witnessed a surge in cases, was quoted as saying by PTI that Uttar Pradesh South Corporation. Police, government is yet to launch any plan to get Aadhar card numbers, meanwhile, have asked all and the stigma around the disease grew, the DCPs to draw up a security plan Gawdas decided not to disclose Sukanya’s general people inoculated against the deadly viral disease as the state government is planning one-time-passwords and for transportation of the vaccine Covid-positive status to residents of their from Indira Gandhi slum in the western suburb of Marol.In to inoculate frontline anti-Covid workers in the first phase. the emergency-use authorisation for Serum bank details International Airport to 621 March, also missed her seventh month Institute of India’s (SII) Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine stores, including Rajiv sonography in March due to the lockdown. Gorakhpur CMO Dr Srikant Tiwari told PTI that Gandhi Super Speciality the phone calls being made by tricksters on and Bharat Biotech’s COVID-19 vaccines. telephonically to In May, as per government norms all maternity Hospital — the biggest storage behalf of the state Health Department officials to On Wednesday, the subject expert committee facility — 11 district vaccine homes were asking for a Covid test of the the people to share Aadhar card numbers, OTP, (SEC) had met to review their EUA application fraudsters. stores and 609 peripheral mother before delivering the child. An bank details etc to register for anti-COVID and reviewed the documents and found the data vaccine stores. asymptomatic Gawda tested positive on May lacking and recommended some additional data vaccine is a fraud and people must remain on proposed to be conducted in all State Capitals in According to SDMC councillor 7. “The doctor in Rainbow Hospital said only alert against this practice. from Bharat Biotech. Raj Pal, the maternity home was Nair Hospital was delivering children of The Central government has asked all States and at least 3 session sites; some States will also converted in accordance with "There is no need of giving any detail to anyone in include districts that are situated in difficult Covid-positive women. I came back home the name of registration for vaccination as UTs to ensure effective preparedness for the guidelines issued by the Union COVID-19 vaccine rollout from Saturday terrain/have poor logistical support; Health Ministry.A visit to the and cried, I thought I will die. I had seen people could become victims of cyber-crimes," Maharashtra and Kerala are likely to schedule plenty of news on TV which said that no (January 2) across the country. centre showed that it has been Tiwari cautioned.Meanwhile, the expert panel of the dry run in major cities other than their divided into three parts — a medicine works on this virus and the family the national drugs regulator will meet on Friday The dry run will be conducted by all the State and UT governments on January 2.. The activity is Capital. waiting area, a vaccination could not even see dead people in hospital,” (January 1) to decide on issuing an approval on room and an observation room. she says.“She kept saying leave me by the The centre has a lounge where roadside and let me die here,” says her Aadhaar-based registration will husband Ravi. On May 8, at 6 am, he took out be carried out. Following his autorickshaw and drove the entire family Govt school students bring alive dying screening, vaccine candidates to Nair Hospital in in his autorickshaw, 23 km will be sent to the waiting area. The vaccination room has been away. At one barricade, the policemen Punjabi culture, tie turbans with perfection readied with a first-aid kit. An stepped aside and let the family go Ravi told ambulance will be parked them his wife has Covid. Ludhiana Oh topi bhaavey sone di lai la… pagg parameters. From right technique to tie the di shape atey mooh de akaar naal milaan outside in case of da muqabla ni koi.. (Even if you wear a cap made turban, neatness in the pleats to overall look- (matching shape of the turban with face) and emergencies.Each centre will in gold, it is nowhere close to a turban)..’, writes they were judged on basis of several counts and samuccha parbhaav (overall impact and have a vaccination officer — Atishi files complaint Juhjar Singh Golian, in the Punjabi song ‘Pagg marked out of 100.And thanks to the pandemic appearance).As per the state level results who would either be a doctor, Da Muqabla’. that forced the education department to go online declared Thursday, Rajveer Singh from class-5, nurse or a pharmacist — to help against BJP MP In the times when tying dastaar (turban) – a with every aspect this year, it was for the first from Government elementary school, village with registration and time that it conducted dastarbandi competition Nandpur of Tarn Taran, got first rank securing 89 authentication of documents. New Delhi AAP MLA Atishi wrote to the headgear that holds great relevance in Sikhism and symbolizes honor, respect and dignity – is online too. Teachers of the students who won the out of 100 in class 1-5 category. Arrangements for cold storage Delhi Police chief S N Shrivastava Thursday slowly eroding even among Punjabis, somecontest at block and district level, had to click Gurpartap Singh of class 8, Government senior at the centre have also been alleging that BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri and government school students from Punjab, whilefive photos of their students in turban (from all secondary school, village Bhappal of Patiala got made.Pal said other centres his associates are trying to “intimidate” her reigniting that Punjabiyat, have shown the way – angles such as front, back, sides etc) and shoot a first rank in class 6-8 category with 86 out of 100 would also be developed along and demanded that an FIR be registered in their own style.On Thursday, the Punjab video (of student tying turban themselves) and marks.Anmolpreet Singh of class-11, from similar lines. “Earlier this year, against them. education department declared the results for the upload it on YouTube. Then all details of the Government senior secondary school of village we were busy setting up Covid Atishi alleged her family has been “made the student with YouTube video link and photos had isolation centres. It feels good State Level Dastarbandi Muqabla (Turban tying Dhupsari in Gurdaspur won first rank in class 9 that the new year will start with target” as she raised her voice against BJP’s competition) that was held for governmentto be submitted via Google Forms to the to 12 category securing 80 out of 100 a vaccine centre,” he said. “hooliganism”.In her letter, Atishi also told education department. school students as part of the events dedicated to marks.Also, in the category for children with According to Delhi Health Shrivastava that she has already met DCP the ongoing celebrations for the 400th birth Some points on the basis of which students were special needs (CWSN), Pardeep Singh from Minister Satyendar Jain: “The (Southeast) R P Meena and submitted a anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. And the judged include: Pagg da style (turban style), Government senior secondary school, village Delhi government is ready for complaint against Bidhuri and his associates students from as young as class 4 to those from larhaan di ginti (number of pleats), siir dhakkan Bhullerheri of Sangrur, won first rank securing the vaccine. All necessary for allegedly “assaulting AAP supporter Jitu class 11, won at the state level, with their turban atey larh lagaun vich safaai (efficiency in in CWSN category. arrangements. Saini and contractor Sudhir Bidhuri” on tying skills impressing the judges on several covering head and neatness in tying pleats), pagg December 27.“First, BJP leaders broke CCTV cameras of CM’s residence, followed by vandalising the house of Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and the Jal Board Office. In the last few days, it was noticed that Ramesh Talks with Centre on January 4 will take place in cordial Bidhuri’s son and nephew were repeatedly harassing AAP supporters. On Thursday, we filed a complaint against Ramesh Bidhuri, his son Himanshu Bidhuri and his nephew atmosphere, says farmer union leader Rakesh Tikait Maneesh Bidhuri. We have requested Delhi Police to file an FIR against these people immediately,” Atishi said. As the ongoing farmers' protest against union leaders have agreed to continue the Reacting to the claims, Bidhuri said “Atishi, three new farm laws entered 37th day on talks. Friday (January 1), popular farmer leader The Union Agriculture Minister had said, along with some MLAs, had recently Rakesh Tikait said that the next round of protested outside my house but were not able "the first issue was an ordinance related to talks between farmers union leaders and the Environment. Unions were to gather even 50 people. Now they are the Centre on January 4 will take place in apprehensive about farmers being playing the victim card because they have a cordial atmosphere.Tikait said that the included along with Parali (stubble been exposed – they have no support from farmers are hopeful that the Centre will burning) ones. Both sides agreed to people… all kinds of unsubstantiated give good price to their crops. Tikait, who farmers' exclusion. Today's talks were allegations are being raised nowadays.” belongs to Uttar Pradesh, added that held in a very good environment and it Delhi Police spokesperson Anil Mittal, on January 1 is a day to extend good wishes concluded on a positive note. Consensus Atishi’s claim that the commissioner was not to everyone. on two out of four issues was reached granting her an appointment, said, “The Tikait said that the direction of the ongoing between both sides." requests received from the two AAP MLAs farmers' protest will be decided after talks During the last round of talks between the (Atishi and Raghav Chadha) concern issues with Centre on January 4. He asserted two sides, the Centre had also offered to in specific areas in Delhi. They were advised that the farmers will not call off the set up a committee on better to meet the respective joint protest until the government decides to implementation of MSP procurement commissioners.”Mittal asserted that the law repeal the three new farm laws.It is to be system and also put on hold proposed and order situation in Delhi is “well under noted that the sixth round of talks laws on electricity charges and stubble control”. “Commissioner of Police is between the Central government and burning penal provisions, but union responsible for law and order of the whole of farmer unions on Wednesday (December leaders stuck to their main demand of the 30) ended on a positive note, according to repeal of three contentious farm laws as Delhi. He is at present engaged in law and Union Agriculture Minister Narendra order arrangements for farmers’ agitation their sixth round of negotiations Singh Tomar. Talking to reporters after continued for more than four hours. and New Year’s Eve. the meeting, Tomar said that farmers New Delhi, Saturday, 2 January, 2021 EDITORIAL THE SIKH TIMES 6 Seven reasons Lure of presidential system you may be Looking at what is happening in the US, it is surprising that the presidential system is being advocated in India. experiencing Serious efforts were made during Indira Gandhi’s prime ministership to switch over to the presidential system. And it could well have become a reality as not only did hair loss, and the Congress have a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament, but also had majority in nearly all state legislatures. Therefore, there would have been no what you can difficulty in getting the requisite constitutional amendment passed for change over to the presidential system, as was seen in the series of other major do about it amendments she brought about. I had written in my book, Indira Gandhi—An era of Constitutional Democracy, that there must not be another case in history anywhere in the world where such legislations were sponsored by the ruler and meekly passed by a mute, deaf and brute majority in Parliament (and state legislatures, in the case of constitutional amendments). India was lucky in having escaped this real possibility.Several of Indira Gandhi’s supporters and well-wishers such as BK Nehru, the then High Commissioner of India in London, Vasant Sathe and AR Antulay had floated the idea of switching over to a presidential form of government which would have perpetuated her rule. Though she did not explicitly approve the idea, she did not stop her supporters from propagating it and canvassing support for it, which she could have done. BK Nehru’s account of his talk with the three tall leaders of the Congress at the time—Jagjivan Ram, Swaran Singh and YB Chavan—makes for sickening reading. Their response un? aid and spending package Bill, approved by the in essence was that if the PM wanted these changes to be However, there are some who believe that presidential Congress and the Senate, and actions leading to total Sometimes, you may make a lot of effort to take system is more suited to India. Shashi Tharoor feels that government shutdowns have raised doubts about the care of your tresses, only to find them falling made, they would support them. As Nehru wrote in his memoirs, Nice Guys Finish Second, ‘What they were under the presidential system, ‘The Indian voter will be working of democracy. His gross misuse of power by away in clumps. While it is a heartbreaking granting pardon to scores of his party office-bearers, sight, it has become alarmingly common for really interested in was to find out whether the Emperor able to vote directly for the individual he or she wants to adults in their late 20s and early 30s. Dr Jyoti thought it was high noon or midnight.’ The response of be ruled by, and the President will truly be able to claim those convicted by courts and his close relatives raise Gupta, a consultant dermatologist in New Delhi, Zail Singh, the then Punjab CM, was that whatever to speak for a majority of Indians rather than a majority serious questions about the rule of law. Trump’s conduct says that as doctors, they have been noticing an ‘Bibiji’ wanted was alright with him. The response of of MPs.’ Thus, two Congress MPs have diagonally in office showed that the legislature had no control over early-age of onset of baldness, “as early as 16-18 Bansi Lal, the then Haryana CM, was: ‘If you ask me, opposite views.The preference for presidential system is his actions. One wonders who represents the US voters years of age”. Most of them start coming to just make our sister President for life and there’s no need primarily based on weaknesses and deficiencies of the — the legislature or the President. Looking at the mess dermatologists by the age of 25, when hair loss to do anything else.’The CPI thought Indira was seeking parliamentary system. But the Supreme Court has in the presidential election, and the tussle between the becomes more evident. the presidential system to give herself absolute power. declared parliamentary democracy a part of the basic legislature and President, it is time the US takes a fresh “Though some hair thinning and receding hairline structure of the Constitution which is unamendable. look at its Constitution. At least in respect of holding is expected with age, more millennials are Such fears surface when a powerful figure with an all- Therefore, the debate about the presidential system is national election, it can learn from India. In terms of seeking consultation and expressing concern India following and charisma emerges. With Modi’s academic. Also, in the present political configuration public accountability and transparency, the about hair loss,” she says. popularity, oratory and mass following, there are and complete polarisation, it is unlikely that such a parliamentary system is any day better and more suited Dr Gupta explains some possible reasons behind apprehensions again that India may opt for a presidential constitutional amendment will be passed.I have, in any to a country like India. hair loss, and what you can do to remedy the system. Kumar Ketkar, MP, has written: ‘Who knows, case, serious doubts whether India should even consider The debate in India about the presidential system arises situation. Read on. perhaps plans are afoot to change our parliamentary adoption of the presidential system. The example of the mainly because of the infirmities of the parliamentary * Stress: Stress puts the hair follicle out of growth democracy into an American presidential form. Already, US hardly inspires confidence. And Trump is not the system. I had brought them out at length in my book, cycle, causing premature hair loss. Everyone we have become an elected autocracy. If the presidential only reason for it. His two predecessors, Nixon and India’s Parliamentary Democracy on Trial. Parliament should engage in at least one kind of calming system is adopted, then we will lose even the pretence of George W. Bush, too, were in the same league. As for criticises all other agencies and institutions in the activity like mediation, yoga, etc., which can Trump, his conduct, particularly after the electoral country but has never critically looked at its own release stress. being a democracy.’ A Sreenivasa Reddy, writing in Khaleej Times, raises a question: What could be Modi’s defeat, has, for the first time in US history, raised doubts failings. It is time Parliament commissions a study of its * Nutritional deficiency: Due to the easy game plan? Will he go down the road of Xi Jinping, about peaceful transfer of power to the successor. After functioning by stakeholders and experts and acts on it availability of food from outside, there has been an agonising delay, his reluctant signing of the pandemic without loss of time. more intake of junk and non-nutritional food Vladimir Putin, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Kim Jong- items, creating a deficiency of many major nutrients like iron, vitamin D, B12, zinc, folic acid, and proteins. Adding them as supplements Economic recovery to the diet will definitely help reduce the fall. * Smoking: Nicotine and other drugs can reduce Ravaged by the Covid-19 pandemic and the 50-60 lakh jobs by June next year in blood flow to the skin and hair, leading to hair lockdown, Indian economy has made the formal sector by incentivising thinning. slow but steady recovery in recent establishments that do fresh hiring. * Intake of supplements: Many supplements like months, particularly during the festival This scheme is a step in the right whey protein, anabolic steroids taken for muscle season, on the strength of higher direction, but much more needs to be building can lead to more testosterone activity consumption spurred by the release of done to restore and generate and hair thinning. Hair treatments: Continuous pent-up demand. The Reserve Bank of employment. hair bleaching, straightening and use of hair India is hopeful that growth will enter the The uptick in the agriculture and extensions can cause damage to roots leading to positive zone in the ongoing quarter itself. manufacturing sectors has been cited hairline recession and hair loss. The green shoots have been endorsed by a as a major driving force for economic * Hormonal disturbances: Thyroid issues, PCOS UN report, which has forecast that the revival. But the prolonged unrest problems, diabetes, obesity can all cause country’s economy could prove to be the over the new farm laws threatens to thinning, and if you are diagnosed, you must ‘most resilient’ in South and South-West impede overall growth as agriculture begin the treatment process. Asia over the long term. The report has continued to be the backbone of * Genetics: If in your family, either maternal or observes that though FDI inflows to the the economy, even during the paternal side has a history of baldness, then it region decreased by 2 per cent (from $67 pandemic. The government should can present in you at an early age with more billion in 2018 to $66 billion in 2019), go all out to handhold the MSMEs advanced baldness. It is recommended to start India’s share ($51 billion) went up by 20 (Micro, Small & Medium prescription products like minoxidil, per cent in the corresponding period. Enterprises), which not only need a finasteride, PRP therapy to take care of genetic The good tidings, however, should not blind financial stimulus but also high hair loss. us to the ground reality. India’s demand to get back on their feet. The unemployment rate has again started key to sustaining recent gains is to “There are many nutritional, medical, non- rising after staying under 7 per cent for enough to help the economy return to pre- livelihoods during the lockdown. Under ensure that consumer and investor surgical, and surgical interventions to help in three months in a row. Merely boosting Covid levels. Job creation has to be the Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana, confidence is not dented as India emerges this issue,” says Dr Gupta. production and consumption may not be prioritised as millions of people lost their the government is aiming to create at least from the Covid-induced slowdown Eyeing monopoly, BJP juggernaut rolls on earlier. Similarly, in late 2019, the BJP The BJP is fighting for every bit of space lost Jharkhand to the JMM-led alliance; By 2016-17, according to audit reports filed the mighty national party needed a with the Election Commission of India, BJP in the Opposition sphere. It recently regional party, the JJP, to form the receipts were more than that of all the other government in Haryana and were kept national parties combined. In 2017, the BJP exerted itself and went full throttle to out by shifting coalitions in also promoted the controversial electoral Maharashtra, now led by the Shiv Sena, bonds and subsequently got most of the make a mark in the municipal elections a former NDA ally that chose to dump donations through the scheme that keeps in Hyderabad and to a lesser extent in them. In the recent Bihar Assembly donors anonymous. Opaqueness over elections, the BJP had 19 per cent of the political funding can be said to even extend Kerala. The party is committed to One votes and managed to reduce the to the PM Cares scheme about which strength of its own partner, the JD(U), questions have been raised in recent times. Nation, One Poll, and is putting itself in led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. As parliamentary oversight has also been They formed the government but the steamrollered in 2020, few questions are positions where it can leverage regional result was a comedown from the 2019 really asked, except in some newspapers General Election when the NDA had 39 and on online platforms.Follow the money’ parties into doing its bidding. of the state’s 40 seats. (In Bihar, too, it is a catchy line from the 1976 Hollywood was a regional party, the RJD that had a film All the President’s Men that suggests AT the end of a year that brought many people and the larger vote share, gave a spirited fight, political corruption can be brought to light economy to its knees, the BJP reinforced its position and but was let down by the Congress by examining money transfers. The catch is intent of becoming a virtual monopoly in national performance). that, from the Congress to the BJP, Indian politics. This has happened in spite of the ongoing It must also be noted that the current BJP political parties have chosen to keep farmers’ agitation that has challenged both the regime of is fighting for every bit of space even in financial transactions opaque and away Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the biggest the Opposition sphere. It recently controversial IT cell chief Amit Malviya as co-incharge from public scrutiny. But what we can corporates in the land. For, an organic people’s protest is exerted itself and went full throttle to make a mark in the for West Bengal. On at least 16 occasions, Malviya has follow are the defections into the BJP. In 2020, the one matter, but the BJP faces no strong competition in the municipal elections in Hyderabad and to a lesser extent in been called out for spreading fake news through social Congress lost power in Madhya Pradesh when a section arena of national politics. Regional parties, however, still Kerala. The party is committed to the idea of One Nation, media by the fact-checking site Altnews. On December of the party defected to the BJP; in the preceding year, hold their ground and between April and May next year, One Poll, and even though the possibility of having such 2, Twitter itself flagged a tweet by Malviya on the members of the Congress and JD(S) had defected to the three state elections will take place that could reinforce a system is some distance away, the BJP is putting itself ongoing farmers’protest as ‘manipulated media’. But all BJPin Karnataka. this disconnect between the national and the regional. in positions where it can leverage regional parties into of this may actually be propelling his rise.One can Currently, some members of the TMC have joined the BJP, In West Bengal, the BJP will fight a tough battle against the doing its bidding. It is quite determined to spread its actually point to the four Ms that work for the BJP as it and this process of luring members from other parties is ruling Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, in Tamil Nadu, the reach to the unlikeliest places and can also play a round of tries to create a monopoly: It has the media, manpower an ongoing process in states such as Rajasthan, BJP will be seeking to mark its presence and be in smash and grab as it has done with Kashmir, where it now (the cadre of the RSS), Modi (a leader with no national Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. The offer to join the BJP is opposition to the DMK-led front, while in Assam, the claims to have made an entry. rival) and money. The last is perhaps the most crucial as now always on the table and when it cannot win an ruling BJP appears well placed against a floundering The model in place now operates at several levels. First, the BJP today is the richest party in the history of India, election, the party is always ready with a Plan B. Like a Congress.Meanwhile, it must be stated that in terms of much of broadcast media is more pliant than before in the not just in terms of how much money it has but also in the corporation seeking to become a monopoly, the BJP is actual vote share, the BJP has not, by any stretch, face of economic reverses and continues with the manner in which the coffers of other political parties can indeed marketing itself but is also ready to acquire assets matched the performance of the 2019 national result in drumbeat of projecting the leadership of the BJP day in be threatened through ED and income tax raids (note the of other brands that help it spread across the length and subsequent state elections. Take the fact that the BJP lost and out. Second, in the age of post-truth, the BJP knows silence these days from the two state parties of Uttar breadth of the country. The only thing spoiling the New the Delhi Assembly polls in February this year to AAP, the power of narratives even if they are based on false Pradesh, the BSP and SP). Money and the fear of losing it Year’s Eve party of the BJP are not political rivals, but the although it had swept each Lok Sabha seat months information. It is to that end that the party has chosen its is now an invisible force determining Indian politics. protesting farmers on the borders of the national capital. New Delhi, Saturday, 2 January, 2021 FILM THE SIKH TIMES 7

Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor to star in ‘Arjun Reddy’ DeepikaDeepika director Sandeep Reddy Padukone Vanga’s next, ‘Animal’ deletes all posts from Instagram and Twitter, enters New Year 2021 with clean slate It seems that Manushi Chillar was in rush, so much so that she missed out on removing the price tag from her top, and netizens could not Ranbir Kapoor will star as the lead in ‘Arjun Reddy’ help but point it out fame Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Animal’. At New Year’s midnight, the makers took to social media to ollywood actress Deepika Padukone is an avid social announce the upcoming film. media user. The actress keeps sharing her precious In the short clip released, Ranbir’s voice can be heard Bmemories with her fans through adorable posts. addressing his father while a foreboding However, she left her fans baffled after she deleted all her background music plays. The film seems to be an posts from Instagram and Twitter on Thursday. Her sudden intense drama with a multi-starrer cast. Besides action has left many speculating about the reason and there Ranbir, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol and Parineeti is a buzz that her account might have been hacked. Lately, Chopra will also feature in the film. many Bollywood celebrities have witnessed their social Taking to Instagram, Anil Kapoor shared the clip and media accounts getting hacked including Farah Khan and captioned it as, “Oh boy! The new year just gets Vikrant Massey. Another reason can be that the actress better with this whistle! Presenting, #Animal, can't wants to enter the New Year w®wv with a clean slate. Well, wait for our journey to begin.” only Deepika Padukone can clarify that! The movie has generated a lot of buzz online after it Other than sharing was announced , with Ranbir Kapoor and 'Animal' numerous pictures becoming one of the top trends on Twitter. and videos of herself On the personal front, Ranbir rang in New Year 2021 on social media. with his family- Neetu Kapoor, Riddhima Kapoor Deepika Padukone Sahni and her family- and girlfriend Alia Bhatt in and Ranveer actively Ranthambore. Earlier, speculations were rife that indulge in PDA over Alia and Ranbir will get engaged there, however, comments on their they turned out to be false. Deepika Padukone and posts. Ranveer Singh also celebrated New Year in Currently, Deepika Ranthambore. Padukone is enjoying The actor will also be seen in Ayan Mukerji’s her holidays with her ‘Brahmastra’, opposite Alia Bhatt. The star cast also husband Ranveer includes Amitabh Bachchan, Mouni Roy among Singh in others. Ranthambore. The duo rang into the New Year together and Taapsee Pannu even met Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Neetu Kapoor, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, and others. stares at the first On the professional front, Deepika Padukone is awaiting the release of the cricket drama 83, and is also working on sunrise of 2021, asks director Shakun Batra's untitled next film. The film also features Siddhant Chaturvedi and Ananya Panday. Also, the year to be good Deepika Padukone announced earlier last year that she will be collaborating with bahubalki superstar Prabhas for an upcoming project. The film is a multi-lingual mega- production by director Nag Ashwin. The yet-untitled film is slated to release in 2022. It will also star Amitabh Bachchan. Sharing his excitement and speaking about the project, Director Nag Ashwin had said, “I'm very excited to see Deepika play this character. It is something no mainstream lead has done before and will be quite a surprise for everyone. The pairing of Deepika and Prabhas will be one of the main highlights of the film and the story between them, I believe will be something audiences will carry in their hearts for years to come.” Vidya Balan reveals her birthday plans, says she will be celebrating it with just family idya Balan, who is celebrating her 42nd birthday today, revealed that she won’t be having any party Vthis year. The actress further added that she will just be spending time with her family. Spilling the beans on her birthday plans, Vidya told a news portal that this year she won’t be having any party on her special day as no one feels safe stepping out. The actress added that she would just be spending time with her aapsee Pannu shared a picture of herself staring family. at the first sunrise of 2021 from her bedroom Her birthday, which falls on January 1, is also the Twindow. The actress asks the year to be good. beginning of a new year. For the year ahead, Vidya hopes Taking to her Instagram handle, Taapsee shared a that the year is kinder and gentler. The actress added that picture of herself where she is seen dressed in a normally people say lull before the storm but she hopes floral white attire. She is seen staring at the first that 2021 is going to be the lull after the storm. It’s all sunrise of 2021 from her window. going to be sunshine and happiness again. She captioned her post, ‘Staring at the first sunrise of While the actor is looking forward to the New Year, she 2021 .... You better be good. P.S- lot of pressure on says there are important takeaways for her from the year 2021 ?? #HappyNewYear’ gone by.According to her, we are all trying to go back to Taapsee is quite active on social media where she is what used to be normal to us but we are still not there, the often seen sharing pictures and videos of herself and pandemic is still very much a reality. loved ones with her fans and they just cannot have Vidya also feels that there has been a change in priorities in enough of the gorgeous actress. our lives. The actress stated that we are capable of so Meanwhile, on the work front, Taapsee has some very much more than what we thought we were and that, interesting projects in her pipeline which include, according to her, is a huge realisation for a lot of people. ‘Rashmi Rocket’, Shabhash Mithu’, ‘Looop Lapeta’ And despite everything, Vidya feels that we’ve seen and ‘Haseen Dillruba’. human resilience, the spirit of human resilience rise and She was last seen in Anubhav Sinha’s ‘Thappad’. The shine. Meanwhile, on the work front, Vidya will next be movie received positive reviews from the audience seen in ‘Sherni’. and the critics alike. New Delhi, Saturday, 2 January, 2021 SPORTS THE SIKH TIMES 8 Best moments of Indian sports in 2020: From Sania Mirza's comeback to Team India winning Boxing Day Test 2020 was a strange year in which there were more Year with the much-anticipated 3rd Test in Sydney remains and it will be challenging for India downs than ups, for many. And most sports stars and finish the lengthy Australian tour in Brisbane stars, but let's hope for the best, can't weren't an exception. Curtailed seasons, cancelled following which a super-exciting home season will we?India is looking for medalists in a few key tournaments, strenuous bio-bubbles and uncertainty begin.The action will shift to Ahmedabad and events, including shooting, badminton, dominated the sporting fraternity, courtesy of the Chennai which will host England in a 4-Test series boxing, wrestling and hockey. There are quite novel coronavirus pandemic. As we step into a new under bio-secure environments. India will then begin a few medal probables and if early signs are decade, there is a lot to look forward to, especially their preparations for the T20 World Cup with a 5- anything to go by, India have an opportunity when it comes to Indian sports.Provided the Covid-19 match T20I series in Ahmedabad. All eyes will be on to go past their best-ever tally of 6 achieved at pandemic isunder control, we have a series of mega the rebuilt Motera Stadium, the largest in terms of the London Olympics. sporting events lined up. The biggest of them all is the capacity in the world.Will women's cricket get back Keep an eye for the men and women's hockey Tokyo Olympics, which will be held in Japan after on its feet?India women's cricket team is also teams. When it comes to shooting, we have being postponed from 2020. Then there's the T20 expected to kickstart international assignments in quite a few medal probables. Manu Bhaker World Cup, an exciting Indian Premier League March. There has been a lot of chatter, and rightfully (10m women's air pistol), Apurvi Chandela season, most likely at home, the World Test so, around the cancelled tours and lack of (10m women's air rifle), Anjum Moudgil Championship final, finish to the extended Indian opportunities for the senior women's team after the (10m women's air rifle), Abhishek Verma Super League season among other events. cancelled tour of Australia. We can only hope that the World Test Championship final at Lord's. India are (10m men's air pistol), Saurabh Chaudhary (10m Exciting cricket season aheadLet's begin with the Board of Control for Cricket in India gets down to well-placed to make to to the final. men's air pistol) are among the favourites. Let's not much-followed sport in India -- cricket. India finished business and makes sure India women get high- It can't get bigger than this for Indian Olympic athletes forget the possibility of impressing in team events as 2020 on a high by clinching a memorable victory in quality action before the World Cup in 2022. Keep in as the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics is expected to get well.All hopes in badminton will be on PV Sindhu, the Boxing Day Test against Australia in Melbourne. mind, India have not played international cricket underway. All roads will lead to Tokyo on July 23 as who will head into Tokyo Games as the reigning In the absence of some stars, including captain Virat since the 2020 Women's T20 World Cup. the organisers are hopeful of hosting the tournament world champion. The pressure of expectation will be Kohli, the visitors, ably led by Ajinkya Rahane Indian Premier League will follow the England series,despite doubts over the Covid-19 situation. on Sindhu but the young shuttler will be keen on stepped up and delivered and silenced quite a few following which India will visit England for a fullIndia is hoping or a rich haul. The Covid-19 pandemic changing the colour of her medal. Don't count out the naysayers.And with the series leveled at 1-1, India series in August. The T20 World Cup will be held inand the subsequent delay in events has caused a lot of likes of Saina Nehwal, Kidambi Srikanth and Sai will head into the New Year's Test with a lot of India in October-November and India are alsoflutters but the elite athletes have found ways to keep Praneeth even as they are yet to seal qualification optimism. So will the fans. India will begin the New expected to tour Sri Lanka. Don't forget the ICCthemselves in the reckoning. A lot of uncertainty still berths. Andy Murray pulls out of India vs Australia: A new Delray Beach Open: Want India vs Australia: R Ashwin has come prepared and we year but same dreams and a to minimise Covid-19 risk ahead of Australian Open have fallen into his trap, says Marnus Labuschagne fresh start, says KL Rahul as Capa Canaveral (Florida) Former world ZLabuschagne has scored number one Andy Murray has pulled out of 2021 ushers in the season-opening Delray Beach Open in 129 runs at an average of Melbourne India batsman KL Rahul, who is in Florida next week to reduce the risk of 32.25, the most by an Australia with the Test squad for the Border- contracting Covid-19 ahead of the Australian Gavaskar Trophy, shared a post with his fans on the Open in February. Australian batsman so far occasion of the New Year. Murray missed most of the 2020 season due to complications with his hip and struggled for ZThe third Test match In the post, he said that despite the new year, his form on his return after the Covid-19 hiatus. dreams were the same and he looked forward to a He had earlier accepted a wildcard for the between India and Australia fresh start for the year ahead.“New year, New feels, January 7-13 ATP 250 tournament, which is New chances, Same dreams, Fresh starts,” KL being looked upon as a build-up to the will begin on January 7 at Rahul said with a couple of photos with team- Australian Open, that has been pushed into the Sydney Cricket Ground mates Mayank Agarwal and Jasprit Bumrah. Feburary this year.“After much deliberation KL Rahul, who is part of the Test squad, is yet to play with my team I’ve decided not to travel to play ZThis is the venue where a game in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Team India in Delray Beach,” Murray, 33, said on went ahead with Wriddhiman Saha in the pink-ball Thursday.“Given the increase in COVID rates Labuschagne smashed a 215 Test in Adelaide, but after a poor show from the and the transatlantic flights involved, I want to against New Zealand exactly wicketkeeper-batsman, brought in Rishabh Pant for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. a year ago two matches so far and credited employed a heavy leg-side field and had India are yet to select their team for the third Test Ravichandran Ashwin in particular for managed to keep the Australian scoring to starting from January 7 in Sydney, but it looks troubling the hosts with his bowling. a minimum.“They have certainly come in unlikely that KL Rahul will be given a spot, Sydney Australia batsman Marnus with a plan with those straight fields and particularly with Rohit Sharma now fit for Labuschagne has been the highest-scorer “I have never faced Ashwin before until this series so I don’t have a comparison to other making sure that they are not leaving selection.ohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal for the hosts in the two Tests against India stumps and having a really heavy leg-side should open in Sydney, says GavaskarBatting great so far and hopes to continue his good run at series but you don’t have the stats that Ravi has without being a great bowler and also a field. It slows your scoring because you Sunil Gavaskar has backed Rohit Sharma to open the Sydney Cricket Ground in the third know those shots that you do get on your alongside Mayank Agarwal, who has struggled in Test starting on January 7.This is the venue great thinker. “He has come in prepared and, they are legs go for one, not four.“And they are the ongoing Test series, in the third Test vs where he smashed a 215 against New always keeping those catchers in the game. Australia in Sydney.Gavaskar believes Agarwal Zealand exactly a year ago and Australia being crafty with their field and what they are trying to do. We have fallen into their You have to be disciplined as they showed minimise the risks ahead of the Australian went on to win the match by 279 runs. This when I did glance on around the corner and was also the venue where he played his trap a few times,” Marnus Labuschagne Open.” said.India have employed a heavy leg-side got caught with that leg slip,” Dan Evans also pulls out first Test match in the country in 2019 and Labuschagne added. went on to top the scoring charts that year. field, says Labuschagne Players will have to pass a series of Covid tests The third Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Labuschagne, however, admits that scoring He also credited Team India for coming into during a 14-day quarantine in Melbourne the series with a plan and said that they Trophy between India and Australia will before the Grand Slam. runs against India has been difficult in the begin on January 7 in Sydney. British number one Dan Evans has also decided not to play Delray Beach, whee he was a beaten finalist in 2019.Murray, three-times Avoid handshakes, consider electronic team Grand Slam champion, underwent hip resurfacing surgery in January last year and has slipped to 122nd in the rankings after playing only seven matches this year. sheets during Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: BCCI MUMBAI: With the Covid-19 threat Unlike the IPL, the teams have been should be given another chance and should not be Michael Kindo was a still lurking around, the BCCI is not asked to avoid handshakes or any dealt with harshly because of his recent failures. willing to take a chance. On contacts after the match.“On- Mayank Agarwal has failed to live up to gentleman, a pillar of Wednesday, the Board sent an field media is not permitted to expectations, having scored only 31 runs in four exhaustive 30-page long list of Covid interview players post the match. innings of the Border Gavaskar series."Mayank strength: Ajitpal Singh protocol, including the Standard Video conferencing should be Agarwal has shown a very good temperament in Operating Procedures (TOI has a c o n s i d e r e d f o r p r e s s the last year-and-a-half. Look at the way he has batted against South Africa, these are difficult NEW DELHI: “Michael Kindo was never in copy) to all the teams for the Syed conferences,” say the SOPs. the team for himself, but always for the times and every batsman goes through a lean patch. Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, which will The guidelines suggest that I would not be harsh on him and I will give him team itself. It’s very difficult to find a team kick off the severely curtailed 2020- “electronic team sheets be player like him,” said India's former hockey another go," Sunil Gavaskar told India Today."Let 21 domestic season from January considered,” instead of paper Rohit and Mayank open in the third Test match. captain Ajitpal Singh as he fondly 10.“While Covid-19 has changed the sheets. They also advise that, This is what I would think. This is up to Mayank remembered his 1975 World Cup teammate way the BCCI’s domestic cricket “since no public will be allowed now, to try and curtail the backlift and maybe Michael Kindo, who passed away in matches will be conducted, the BCCI in the stadium, there will be more narrow that stance that he has and look to be better. Rourkela on Thursday. Kindo was 73. is implementing measures and vacant areas and hence the At one stage it looked like he would be the fastest systems across travel, Kindo, a full-back during his playing days, mentioned in a document titled as dugouts may be expanded and do Indian to get Test 1000 runs but he hasn't got was a member of the team that won India’s accommodation, training and matches to not have to remain within the traditional because he is playing against fabulous new ball ensure that cricket is played in a Covid- ‘Health and safety protocols for BCCI lone hockey World Cup gold in 1975. The domestic cricket season.’ area.” bowlers of Australia," Gavaskar added. doughty defender also won the 1972 19-safe environment,” the Board has Olympics bronze with the Indian team, besides a silver and a bronze in 1973 and 1971 World Cups. “He was a pillar of strength for the team in the New Zealand vs Pakistan: Matt Henry replaces injured 1975 World Cup. Kindo, Surjeet Singh and Aslam Sher Khan were the deep defenders. Kindo and Surjeet had different qualities. Surjeet was very strong, well built, a hard Neil Wagner in NZ squad for second Test against Pakistan hitter and very good taker of penalty corners. Kindo was a very good tackler. He / Christchurc New Zealand have The left-arm pacer, as usual, gave it his all always did the right job at the right time I thought Ajinkya was included Matt Henry in the squad but this time, taking pain killers. Wagner when he was in his position. We knew when calm, relaxed, for the second Test against finished with 2 wickets and bowled 28 Kindo was there, nobody would be able to Pakistan starting in Christchurch overs, the most among the 6 bowlers used beat him,” Ajitpal told TOI.As a captain, I composed and batted on Sunday, in place of the injured by Kane Williamson in the final innings of had a lot of faith in him. I knew he would do brilliantly: Sachin Neil Wagner. the Test. his job. We did not need to tell him what to Wagner was hurt while batting in New Zealand beat Pakistan by 101 runs in do,” he added.Ajitpal called Kindo a / the first Test, despite which he the last hour of play in the first Test at Sachin warned people bowled in both innings. He is Mount Maunganui and are up 1-0 in the thorough gentleman who played the game i against comparing expected to be sidelined for two-match series.The Boxing Day Test the right spirit.“He was a very clean player. approximately six weeks, New match had plenty of drama and Pakistan He never hit anyone, never indulged in ugly Ajinkya Rahane with Zealand coach Gary Stead showed character as they took the match to spats. He never hung onto the ball for long. revealed on Friday.Black Caps the final day before losing their last wicket He was a gentleman and a disciplined man. Virat Kohli coach Gary Stead said Matt Henry with just 4.3 overs to go. He never fought with anybody. He never /Tendulkar also brings Test experience and local New Zealand kept the pressure even as the indulged in back-biting or groupism that knowledge to the squad.“Matt has pitch flattened out as captain Kane you may see in some teams.I had the pointed out at the been in good form with the ball Williamson gave his bowlers 4 sessions to having recently taken 6-53 for opportunity to have been his room partner Wagner was hit by a Shaheen Afridi yorker on bowl Pakistan out with an early unsettled nature of New Zealand A against the Pakistan Shaheens Sunday but he overcame the injury to bowl in declaration.Fawad Alam completed a during the 1973 World Cup in Amsterdam. (A side) in December.“We’re still a couple of both the innings for New Zealand. remarkable comeback story with a 4th-innings We were together for two weeks. He was a Australia's batting days out from the Test, so need to take a look at Neil Wagner bowled with the broken toes on hundred. However, it was Neil Wagner's very interesting person and very jovial.” line-up the surface while also assessing our options for Tuesday and came back to bowl on Wednesday. courage that stole the show in the 1st Test of the best-possible team make-up,” Stead said. 2-match series. New Delhi, Saturday, 2 January, 2021 WORLD THE SIKH TIMES 9

NEWS BOX Brexit Hour Marks "Amazing Moment" Brexit Becomes Reality As UK Leaves For UK: Boris Johnson London: Prime Minister Boris European Union's Single Market Johnson said Thursday Britain will be "an open, generous, outward- London: Britain on Thursday finally severed its consumers, queues and disruption from to allow continued access for EU boats in looking, internationalist and free- turbulent half-century partnership with Europe, additional paperwork are expected. British waters.The key financial services trading" country once it quits all quitting the EU single market and customs 'A bit of a headache'At Eurotunnel in Calais, sector also faces an anxious wait to learn EU rules at 2300 GMT. union and going its own way four-and-a-half French officials began implementing the on what basis it can keep dealing with "This is an amazing moment for this years after its shock vote to leave the bloc. new formalities at midnight on the dot, Europe, after being largely omitted from country," he said in a New Year Brexit, which has dominated politics on both starting with a truck coming from Romania the trade agreement. message. "We have our freedom in sides of the Channel since 2016, became a carrying post and parcels.Driver Toma In a landmark deal sealed just hours before our hands and it is up to us to make reality as Big Ben struck 11:00 pm (2300 GMT) Moise, 62, said being the first subjected to 2300 GMT, the tiny British territory of the most of it."In the broadcast in London, just as most of mainland Europe the new rules was a "privilege", as Calais Gibraltar will become part of Europe's message, Johnson spelt out ushered in 2021.Prime Minister Boris Johnson - mayor Natacha Bouchart symbolically passport-free zone to keep movement fluid grounds for hope in the coronavirus - the figurehead of the "Leave" campaign -- waved him through to the cross-Channel on its border with Spain.'Keep the light crisis now that vaccines are coming described it as an "amazing moment" for the freight train.Matt Smith, managing director on'Northern Ireland's border with EU on stream, including one country and played up his upbeat narrative of a of HSF Logistics, which ships mainly fresh member state Ireland will be closely developed in Britain by Oxford "Global Britain" unshackled from rules set in meat and chilled goods between Britain and watched to ensure movement is University and Cambridge-based Brussels.He vowed that post-Brexit Britain, Europe, said he was sending around 15 unrestricted -- a key plank of a 1998 peace despite being battered by a surge in coronavirus truckloads to the EU on New Year's Evewas marked by elegiac farewells from pro-EU deal that ended 30 years of violence over AstraZeneca. cases, would be an "open, generous, outward- ahead of the changes.The government's newlawmakers, and warnings of disruption as British rule.And in pro-EU Scotland, where A "hard struggle" still lies ahead after looking, internationalist and free-trading" post-Brexit customs systems are largelyBritain dismantles the intricate network of ties Brexit has given a boost to calls for a new vote a new variant of the disease country. untested and Smith was doubtful how hisbuilt since it joined the EU's forerunner in 1973. on independence, Johnson faces a potential emerged in Britain, he said. "We have our freedom in our hands and it is up to business would fare with the new Anxious wait for financial servicesWhile the EU constitutional headache as 2021 "But as the sun rises tomorrow on us to make the most of it."Legally, Britain left paperwork."We're not too sure to be honest, it tariff- and quota-free trade deal averted dawns.Scotland's pro-EU First Minister Nicola 2021 we have the certainty of those the European Union on January 31 but has been seems to be a bit of a headache," he told AFP.potential business chaos in the immediate Sturgeon promised in a tweet: "Scotland will be vaccines: pioneered in a UK that is in a standstill transition period during fractious "There'll be delays along the line at some stage."future, the divorce will play out in many back soon, Europe. Keep the light on."But also free to do things differently, talks to secure a free-trade agreement with Lasting woundsBritain is the first member state to practical ways.Changes apply to everything opinion polls indicate that most Britons, on both and if necessary better, than our Brussels, which was finally clinched on leave the EU, which was set up to forge unity from pet passports, to how long Britons can visit sides of the referendum divide, want to move on friends in the EU," Johnson Christmas Eve.Now the transition is over, EU after the horrors of World War II.The 2016 their holiday homes on the continent and an end and are far more worried about the worsening said.Free to do trade deals around rules no longer apply. The immediate referendum opened up abiding wounds between to British involvement in a student exchange coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed the world. And free to turbocharge consequence is an end to the free movement of Leavers and Remainers, and ushered in years of programme.Potential disruption at ports is 73,500 lives.Johnson, who himself is among our ambition to be a science more than 500 million people between Britain political paralysis before Johnson took power stoking fears of food and medicine shortages, as nearly 2.5 million struck down by the virus, superpower," he said, noting and the 27 EU states.Customs border checks last year, vowing to chart a future for Britain well as delays to holidaymakers and business warned of tough times ahead because of a ambitions in biosciences, artificial return for the first time in decades, and despite built on scientific innovation and new travellers used to seamless travel in the EU. resurgence of Covid-19 infections but said a the free-trade deal allowing Britain continued partnerships across the seas.A parliamentary British fishermen are disgruntled at a compromise UK-developed vaccine offered grounds for intelligence, battery and wind hope. technology.Britain would work access to Europe's nearly 450 million debate on Wednesday to ratify the trade deal with partners around the world as it chairs the G7 club of nations and "I Will Work Hard": Kim the UN's COP 26 climate change Jong Un's New Year's Letter summit next year, the prime Iranian minister says Donald Trump minister said. To North Koreans He appealed also for unity at home among the UK's fractious nations trying to fabricate pretext to attack Iran Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un marked after strains laid bare by the Brexit the new year with a letter to the country's citizens saga. and a visit to the tomb of his father and Iranian Foreign region. grandfather, state media reported, but gave no In recent days there has been increased immediate sign he would give a speech as he has France Detects Minister concern and vigilance about what in past years.In the letter, Kim offered thanks to Iranian-backed forces might do in the the people for having trusted and supported the First Case Of Mohammad Javad lead up to the anniversary of a Jan. 3 U.S. ruling Party even in the "difficult" times, state drone strike in Iraq that killed top Iranian news agency KCNA reported on Friday. South African Zarif has accused general Qassem Soleimani, the official The North Korean leader has previously apologised said.Washington blames Iran-backed for failing to fulfil promises of economic Coronavirus US President militia for regular rocket attacks on U.S. improvement and for the hardships citizens have facilities in Iraq, including near the endured as a result of international sanctions and Donald Trump of embassy. No known Iran-backed groups strict measures aimed at preventing a coronavirus Variant have claimed responsibility. outbreak."In the new year, too, I will work hard to Paris: France has detected its first attempting to Iran is preparing to hold events marking the bring earlier the new era in which the ideals and case of the South African variant of fabricate a pretext anniversary of Soleimani's killing. desires of our people will come true," Kim wrote, coronavirus, the health ministry cohorts waste billions to fly B52s & send "Iran doesn't seek war but will OPENLY & according to KCNA. said on Thursday. to attack Iran. armadas to OUR region. Intelligence from Iraq DIRECTLY defend its people, security & vital North Korea has said it has no confirmed cases of The 501.V2 Variant was detected by indicate plot to FABRICATE pretext for war." interests," Zarif wrote.Hossein Dehghan, a coronavirus, though officials in South Korea and South African authorities in mid Dubai Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad The U.S. military flew two nuclear-capable B-52 military adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah the United States say that is unlikely. December. Javad Zarif on Thursday accused U.S. bombers to the Middle East in a message of Ali Khamenei, said on Twitter: "I saw on the Its economy has been strained by self-imposed Cases have since been found in President Donald Trump of attempting to deterrence to Iran on Wednesday, but the news that the Americans are on alert for fear of border lockdowns and other strident measures to Japan and Britain among fabricate a pretext to attack Iran, and said bombers have since left the region. the revenge (over Soleimani's killing) and prevent an outbreak.Crowds of partiers wearing others.The variant, believed to be Tehran would defend itself The Pentagon announced on Thursday that the have flown two B-52 bombers over the Persian more easily transmitted like forcefully.Separately, a military adviser to Nimitz aircraft carrier, which was off the coast Gulf"."All their military bases in the region are another version found in Britain, Iran's supreme leader warned Trump "not to of Somalia, would be heading back to it's covered by our missiles. I advise the White homeport. Previously operating in the Middle was discovered in France in a man turn the New Year into mourning for House evictee (Trump) not to turn the New East, some U.S. officials said the move could Year into mourning for Americans," said who had returned from South Americans".Zarif said in a tweet: "Instead of be seen an attempt to reduce tensions in the Dehghan, a former defence minister. Africa to his home in the Haut- fighting Covid in US, @realDonaldTrump & Rhin region which borders Switzerland.South Africa is the country hit hardest by coronavirus on the African continent, with over China Plays Down Top Official's Visit one million infections so far and 26,000 people dead. WHO Grants To Nepal Amid Political Crisis Beijing: China on Thursday played down the Wang Wenbin skirted any references to the power with former premier Pushpa Kamal "Emergency significance of the visit of a top official of the present political crisis in Nepal and China's Dahal "Prachanda".Acting on Oli's face masks rang in the new year at a concert and ruling Communist Party of China to Nepal to efforts to bring about a rapprochement recommendation, President Bidya Devi fireworks show in the main square in the North Validation" To unite the warring factions of the Nepal between Nepal's feuding leaders.Wang said Bhandari dissolved the House the same day Korean capital Pyongyang on Thursday night, Communist Party, saying the Chinese the Chinese delegation met the leaders of both and announced fresh elections on April 30 and state media showed.As the clock struck midnight, Pfizer Covid delegation's talks focused on enhancing inter- the ruling party and the opposition in Nepal May 10, sparking protests from a large section Kim as well as other senior leaders visited the party interactions.The high-level Chinese and exchanged views on conducting inter- of the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) led by Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where the bodies of Vaccine delegation led by Vice Minister of the party interactions and mutual learning, Prachanda, also a co-chair of the ruling party. his father and grandfather - the previous rulers of Geneva: The World Health International Department of the Communist advancing practical Belt and Road Initiative The Chinese delegation held talks with President North Korea - lie preserved under glass. Organization on Thursday granted Party of China (CPC) Guo Yezhou visited (BRI) cooperation and other issues of mutual Bhandari, Prime Minister Oli, NCP chairs Kim was also accompanied by delegates to the emergency validation to the Nepal this week and held separate talks with concern."The Nepalese side congratulated the "Prachanda" and Madhav Nepal, former prime Eighth Party Congress, a rare political gathering Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, paving top leaders of the warring factions of the ruling CPC on the upcoming 100th anniversary of its minister Jhana Nath Khanal and leader of the due to be held some time in early January, KCNA the way for countries worldwide to party to patch up differences between founding and expressed willingness to deepen Janata Samajbadi Party Baburam reported.Together the leaders and the delegates "hardened their firm pledge to glorify the 8th quickly approve its import and them.The Chinese delegation returned home traditional friendship," Wang said.Nepal Bhattarai.During his meetings with Oli and distribution. Congress of the Party as the watershed in the on Wednesday after concluding its four-day plunged into a political crisis after Prime Prachanda, the Chinese leader is learnt to have development of the Party and the revolution," Britain launched its inoculation visit to Kathmandu while the political crisis Minister K P Sharma Oli, known for his pro- told them to make efforts for reunification as KCNA said.Kim is expected to use the congress to drive with the US-German vaccine continued in Nepal.Asked to disclose the Beijing leanings, in a surprise move, the split in the largest communist party of announce a new five-year economic plan, make on December 8, with the United outcome of Guo's visit at a media briefing in recommended dissolving the 275-member Nepal will weaken communist movement in leadership changes, and make other political States, Canada and EU countries Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman House on December 20, amidst a tussle for South Asia. statements. following suit. WHO said the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine was the first to receive its "emergency validation" since the novel coronavirus first broke out in China a year ago."This is a very US Blocks $63 Million In Funds Of Global positive step towards ensuring global access to COVID-19 vaccines," said Mariangela Simao, a top WHO official tasked with ensuring access to medicines. Terrorist Groups In 2019: Report "But I want to emphasise the need for an even greater global effort to The report released by Washington: The US blocked USD year, the report said. based Liberation Tigers of achieve enough vaccine supply to 63 million in funds of designated For the Tehrik-e Taliban Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which meet the needs of priority the US Department of terrorist groups, including Pakistan, the US blocked has remained the same for populations everywhere," she said Pakistan-based outfits, in 2019 as USD 5,067 in 2019 as against two years -- 2018 and in a statement. part of its crackdown on foreign a paltry USD 318 in 2019.The report indicated a terrorist organisations, according significant drop in Taliban WHO said its emergency use listing Treasury on Thursday 2018.The Department of to an annual report by the treasury Treasury's Office of Foreign funds being blocked by the opens the way for regulators in department.The report released by US from USD 296,805 in different countries to approve the states the US blocked Assets Control (OFAC) is the the US Department of Treasury on leading US Government 2018 to USD 59,065 in import and distribution of the Thursday states the US blocked 2019According to the report, vaccine.It said it also enables USD 342,000 in funds of agency responsible for USD 342,000 in funds of the implementing sanctions the combination of sanctions UNICEF, which plays a key Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), USD programmes targeting logistical role in distributing anti- the Lashkar-e-Taiba against the assets of 1,725 of the Jaish-e Mohammed international terrorist international terrorists and Covid vaccines, and the Pan- (JeM) and USD 45,798 of the organisations, with the highest terrorist organisations with those American Health Organization to organisations and terrorism- (LeT), USD 1,725 of the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen-al-Islami. supporting countries.The federal being USD 3.9 million of the al- targeting terrorism-supporting procure the vaccine for countries Qaeda group. While the total governments constitute a wide- that need it. All the three groups are Pakistan- body implements these sanctions Jaish-e Mohammed (JeM) based terror outfits. Harkat-ul- as part of its general mission to blocked funds in 2018 was USD 46 ranging assault on international WHO convened its own experts and Mujahideen-al-Islami is a Islamic administer and enforce economic million, that of the al-Qaeda was terrorism and its supporters and those from around the world to and USD 45,798 of the jihad group operating primarily in and trade sanctions based on US USD 6.4 million that year.The list financiers. review the data on the Kashmir.Another Pakistan-based foreign policy and nationalincludes the Haqqani network The US also blocked USD 200.19 Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine's Harkat-ul-Mujahideen-al- Kashmir centric terrorist outfit security goals.According to the (USD 26,546). It is a significant million in funds of countries "safety, efficacy and quality," Hizbul Mujahideen has USD 4,321 report, in 2019 the US blocked increase from USD 3,626 in 2018. designated as sponsors of terrorism weighing the benefits against the Islami. blocked by the US in 2019 as USD 63 million in funds of nearly The US continues to block USD -- Iran, Sudan, Syria and North risks. against USD 2,287 the previous 7 0 d e s i g n a t e d t e r r o r i s t580,811 in funds of the Sri Lanka- Korea. New Delhi, Saturday, 2 January, 2021 HOME GARDEN THE SIKH TIMES 10 5 ways to remove wine stains from ClothesClothes

the salt. Vacuum it well. Use soda Another method is to use soda. Continue pouring the soda over the stained area until the color fades away. Once the stain is removed, let the fabric dry. Use paper towels to clean up any excess club soda. Vinegar One can also use white vinegar. Cover the stain with white vinegar. It neutralizes purple and red pigments. Immediately after applying the vinegar, rub in liquid detergent, then wash it in hot water. This should remove the stain. While Toothpaste Party season or not, there's always studies Well, toothpaste can have also help in more than one suggested way. Apply a little a good reason around the corner that a glass of amount of wine is good for toothpaste health, hot bubble before washing to indulge in that inducing and bath without a glass of your clothes, wine, feels incomplete. And toothpaste seductive glass of sparkling wine. while indulging in it takes to another h i g works wonders h, removing wine stains makes us all time low. So, on wine stains. here are some easy tricks that you can try as soon as that wine spills on you.. Lemon Cover it up with salt Juice Especially useful for rugs or carpets. Whenever wine The classic spills over, blot as much of it as you can with a paper towel. grandma remedy. Then cover the entire stain with salt until you can't see the red Try applying lemon How to make wine stain anymore. As and when the salt dries up, it will soak all juice before washing. Getting a good night's your bedroom sleep is vital to your Make your relocation body. Did you know exciting by exploring that your bedroom Did you just relocate from your hometown to a faraway land? Are you plays a major role in looking forward to save yourself from paying that hefty amount to a broker? Here is an option! You are just a click away. Yes, the biggest making you fall platform in form of social media would help you. Be it any city, there are specific pages for you on social media to find out Sleep-Sleep- asleep? And if you the availability of flats, flat mates, furniture, gadgets, automobiles on rent. Interestingly, there are also a few pages where you can find a pet of have trouble getting your choice. Since you are really new to a place, you would want to explore the city as well as its culture; few pages would offer you to just adequate sleep you check out a few events that might include the local exhibitions and concerts. should try to take a Finding a place to stay When you step into a new city, the first thing that you would require is a friendlyfriendly look at how to make place to crash in for those hours after your work. One just needs to put in his/her requirement that includes the rent budget or whether s/he prefers a furnished or non-furnished place to stay in. There you go, you would things right. start getting n number of leads. Being just a fresher or a starter, you would want to share your place with some likeminded person to divide your expense and save some amount in your pocket. You are at a perfect place, you can find your flat mates from here. You can perfectly communicate and get in touch with new people around you who are looking for the same things that you are looking for. Getting few gadgets After a while, you just feel that you are in a need of washing machine or a refrigerator. There you go! You also have few pages that would be offering you some of the essential electronic gadgets as well as furniture at a subsidized rate that you would want to have. If you are lucky enough, you might get a good second hand things at a cheaper rate. While working for a couple of days or months in a new city, you would want to travel the exciting places that are in and around. Instead of wasting your time waiting for a bus, you would just want to rent an automobile and roam around freely. There are also pages that would help you find such vehicles. Get the pet of your choice Don't know what to do in a spare time? Looking for some companion? Just find a pet of your choice online. Like you came to a new city, there might be someone in the same city relocating somewhere else and they would want to give the responsibility of their pet to someone as responsible as you. Loneliness would disappear in a fraction of seconds and a life would get a new life with a new owner. Knowing the local events Every place has a different texture of life and culture. Being a part of that are best for the bedroom since they help you relax as place, you would want to mingle with that air. There might be a few local So right from paint colour to bedding to the room opposed to bright colours, like red. Also choose a matte The humming of a fan too works well, or you can try an concerts and exhibitions that you can be part of. Apart from the temperature, here is a sleep-boosting decorating finish instead of high gloss, which reflects light. app like Rain, Rain Sleep Sounds that you can set on a monotonous things that you would be coming across every single day, plan. Ensure comfortable bedding timer. this experience of yours would definitely be refreshing. Part time jobs Avoid all lights Melatonin, also known as the Use cotton sheets which are the most breathable, Maintain ideal temperature And yes, one last thing, are you looking for part time jobs in your field to vampire hormone is called so because it comes out instead of synthetic ones. A thin pillow is best for those Its been proven that people sleep better when it's cool so only in darkness. It's the key that starts the engine maintain the ideal room temperature between 18C and add on to your pockets? There are a few pages that would provide you who sleep on their back or stomach while a thicker pillow few leads for such requirements. Just type a few letters of your field and for sleep, so it's best to avoid bright lights after about is best for side sleepers since it keeps your head and 21C. 8 p.m. and throughout the night. Block street lights Use scents to relax Lavender, ylang-ylang and vanilla you would get a list of it. spine aligned. Like we say, world is a global village; everything is connected and every as well as alarm clocks which emit light. Make it sound proof Drown out all noises like street can all help you feel more relaxed?—?and you need to be relaxed before you can sleep. So use these aromas part is linked. Staying at a new place or relocating would only be a Use neutral shades of paint nights or a snoring partner with artificial noises, like the rejuvenating experience. Muted, neutral colours like light blue, lilac, soft pink sound of falling rain which has lower, steadier frequency. in diffusers or as spray them on your pillow. New Delhi, Saturday, 2 January, 2021 HOME GARDEN-1 THE SIKH TIMES 11

Apart from gorging on sinful delicacies and spending quality time with friends and family, one of the best things about the festive season is Ways to revamp your going decor shopping to give your home a these in mind while makeover. It gives you a valid excuse to splurge on revamping your home, without feeling guilty. Depending on your budget, here's how you can Living buying rustic give your living space a fun facelift. Decals, accent walls and more KeepKeep Brighten up your room with an accent wall — a wall whose colour/design differs from that of the other walls in the room. Paint your favourite wall in a brighter shade and others in lighter tones to maintain the balance. If painting is not paint, you can still add some magic to your wall by going for decals; these are a more convenient Space and less expensive option. Another way to Furniture spruce up your old walls is by going for colourful hangings, mirrors and paintings. area, opt for light-weight wooden Change those linens, cushions and rugs arm-rests. To add comfort, you can Simply using a set of new add a few cushions. To jazz up the bedsheets and curtains can look, you can also paint the chairs in completely transform a quirky colours, but if you want to room. For your bedding, go maintain the old-world charm, then, for festive colours like keep it the way it is. fuchsia, turquoise, orange For your bedroom and royal blue. Throw in a pair of bright-coloured Choose a teak wood bed, instead of cushions or those which If you are the one who swears by the rot iron. For the country-side charm, have intricate embroidery rugged and country-side look, having you can also have a piece of log or mirror work on them. rustic furnishings in your house will add placed in the room, near the bed to For your curtains, opt for to the charm. Not only will this sort of make your room look interesting. fabrics like tissue. Prints decor look interesting and unique, it is Also make sure that the log remains like floral, geometric also a great way to make your home look unpolished so that it retains its shapes and abstract art are great options. different from the others. Here are a original look. Curtains in colours like ivory and gold, adorned couple of ideas that you can consider, For your balcony with applique in red, maroon, lilac and blue will while doing up your home with rustic make your room look lively. If you have a big A few wooden chairs in the balcony furniture. space in the centre of the room, decorate with a looks great. You can accentuate the fancy rug. look by having a cane swing chair garden set up to make the ambiance For your living room look interesting. Instead of having a sofa in your living placed in the balcony to complete the look. You can also have a faux How to prevent and remove sweat stains

Sweat stains are a reality for most of us. The yellowish tinge around your armpits are a result of the stain. Not only are they ugly, but they are time consuming too when you set about to remove them. Best is to prevent them from happening and if they still are a bother try these tricks. * Try to wear an undershit which will absorb the sweat and keep your outer clothes beautiful. * If you use a roll-on deodrant, allow it to dry completley before you wear your clothes. * You can also opt for deos with less of aluminium content. * Try to remove the stain when it is still fresh, since removing a dried stain is a tedious task. * While removing the stain at home, use cold or warm water and avoid hot water since it sets the stain more.

he other way to ensure that your balcony or seating space near your living room window looks glamorous Create a cosy T and party-ready is by lending a personal touch to your How to remove wallpaper Create a cosy balcony. So, whether it is incorporating colourful cushions or quirky furniture pieces to this space, there is so much you can do to make this place a haven for yourself as you sit down to enjoy your cuppa coffee. without much difficulty Apart from having plants of various types and sizes, you can also have vases with fresh flowers in them. To make the balcony come alive in the evening, you can place some twinkly lights for extra lighting. Apart from chairs and a coffee table as the centrepiece of BalconyBalcony your balcony, you can also throw in some cushions and mattresses to make the area cosy. If you are someone who does not like too much furniture in your for yourself balcony, opt for a comfortable rocking chair or a swing to make your space look different and vibrant. You can also select a particular colour shade to lend a theme to your balcony or seating space near your window. Have some plants with flowers in it, to make the space look more green.

Wallpapers look good and are easy to put up on the walls too. However, removing them sounds difficult unless it is a removable wallpaper. The wallpaper is attached to the wall with a wheat-based non-toxic adhesive. The entire process of removing it is delicate and difficult. If you are stuck with a wall paper that is not removable, then try these techniques. * Use proper solvents which are easily available in the market today. These are chemical based and you need to spray them and then gently peel away the wallpaper. * Try using warm water on the wallpaper which is the cheapest form of removing it. * Use a steamer to appy steam on the wallpaper. * Use a electrically powered wallpaper removal tool. * Before using any of the above tools perforate the wallpaper with a sharp instrument. * Remember when you spray water on the wallpaper you are also risking damaging the wall 12 New Delhi, Saturday, 2 January, 2021 NATIONAL THE SIKH TIMES

NEWS BOX Upset with sons' behaviour, MP farmer Pollution Control Body Asks Delhi, NCR gives half his property to his pet dog To Take Steps To Curb Air Pollution New Delhi A50-year-old farmer from Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district has bequeathed half his property to his dog in his The CPCB said it has been reviewing air quality and meteorological scenario in Delhi-NCR on a continuous basis. will and a half to his wife. Om Narayan Verma willed half of his property to his dog as New Delhi: The Central Pollution Control he was upset with his sons' behaviour. Board (CPCB) on Thursday asked pollution As per his will, notarized two days ago, Om control boards of Delhi and NCR to take Narayan owns four acres of land which will immediate and effective steps to curb air be divided equally between his wife and his pollution.The CPCB said it has been dog.Om Narayan Verma has written in his reviewing air quality and meteorological will that his wife and his dog have "served me scenario in Delhi-NCR on a continuous basis.As per the forecast received from so they are most dear to me". Indian Meteorological Department, ventilation conditions are likely to slow down in Delhi causing poor dispersion of pollutants due to which air quality index (AQI) is predicted to be in the ''very poor'' category for the coming days, it said.The CPCB deployed 50 teams for field inspections in the Delhi-NCR (with a special emphasis on hotspots) on October 15 this year to assess the ground-level scenario and ensure enforcement of mitigation measures for control of air pollution in the region. "These teams have been visiting pollution hotspots and other areas in the Delhi-NCR "After my death, my wife Champa Verma and region and reporting violations of various my dog will inherit my property and land. guidelines/norms by posting these on the Also, the person serving the dog will inherit SAMEER App."DPCC, SPCBs of NCR the property I have set aside for it," Om states and various central and state agencies Narayan said in his will.After the dog's death, have been requested to take effective steps the one who has looked after the animal will immediately which will help in controlling get its share of the property, according to the pollution. The CPCB urges public to provide New Year's celebrations, the CPCB had Rajasthan -- to ensure the ban on sale and use closed all the time till January 2, 2021. Chhindwara farmer's will. feedback on polluting activities through issued an order on December 23, directing firecrackers as per National Green Tribunal "Ensure that frequency of mechanised SAMEER App," the top pollution watchdog the Delhi Pollution Control Committee order was implemented.It had also directed cleaning of roads and water sprinkling is said.In view of the deteriorating air quality (DPCC) and SPCBs in NCR states -- Delhi and neighbouring states to ensure hot increased particularly on the road stretches Delhi freezing at 1.1 and the likely increase in activities during namely, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and mix plants and stone crushers shall remain degree Celsius on New with high dust generation potential. Year's Day, lowest in 15 Weeks After years Major General Gautam Chauhan becomes first to head Court's Concern, New Delhi Asevere cold wave swept Delhi on UP Government New Year's Day as the mercury plummeted Indian Army's human rights cell Kerala Assembly Transfers Hathras to 1.1 degrees Celsius, the lowest in 15 years. The minimum of 1.1 degrees celsius was District Magistrate recorded by the Safdarjung Observatory. New Delhi The Indian Army has Traffic movement was also affected as "very appointed a Major General rank Major General Gautam Chauhan Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh dense" fog on New Year's Day lowered officer to head its newly created took charge as the first government on Thursday visibility to "zero" metres. human rights cell to give high priority transferred 16 IAS officers, On January 8, 2006, Delhi had recorded a including Hathras District to the observance of human rights Additional Director General Magistrate Praveen Kumar minimum of 0.2 degree Celsius. Last year, convention and values, officials the lowest minimum temperature that Delhi Human Rights in the Indian Army Laxkar, under whose recorded was 2.4 degrees Celsius, the India said.Major General Gautam Chauhan jurisdiction the case of the 19- Meteorological Department (IMD) said. took charge as the first Additional on Thursday and will work under year-old Dalit woman who was Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the IMD's Director General Human Rights in the the India Army Vice Chief raped and murdered, was being regional forecasting centre, said "very Indian Army on Thursday and will handled.Mr Laxkar will be the dense" fog (visibility is between 0 and 50 work under the India Army Vice Chief Lieutenant General SK Saini. new district magistrate of metres) lowered visibility to "zero" metres at Lieutenant General SK Saini.The Mirzapur. Safdarjung and Palam at 6 am. human rights cell will be the nodal It will be the nodal body to examine any human UP Jal Nigam Additional MD In case of "dense" fog, visibility is between 51 point to examine any human rights Ramesh Ranjan will take his stringent mechanism to look into human rights rights violation reports.The Indian Police place in Hathras, an official and 200 metres, "moderate" 201 and 500 violation reports. To enhance transparency and violations.Major General Chauhan, who has Service officer part of the cell will not only metres, and "shallow" 501 and 1,000 metres. ensure investigative expertise is available to spokesperson said.Mr Laxkar been appointed as the first Additional Director assist in investigations and legalities but will had come into focus after the On Thursday, Delhi had recorded a minimum the section, an Indian Police Service officer of General was serving as Brigadier Operations also facilitate coordination with other Dalit woman was raped by four of 3.3 degrees Celsius; 15.2 degrees Celsius SSP/SP rank will be taken on deputation, as per organisations and the Home Ministry if upper-caste men in Hathras on on December 18.Kuldeep Srivastava has Logistics at Headquarters of the Integrated the mandate. Defence Staff (HQ IDS).An infantry officer required.With the Army serving in sensitive September 14. She died on told PTI that respite from severe wave The approval for the human rights cell was given conflict areas charges of human rights September 29 at Delhi's condition in Delhi will be seen from January from Gorkha Rifles, Major General Chauhan by the Ministry of Defence in August 2019 but has headed a brigade in North East. He has also violations come up but don’t get the attention Safdarjung Hospital during 2 to January 6 under the influence of an treatment. it needed more procedural formalities till it served in the Directorate of the Military always.Indian army has always maintained "intense" western disturbance that will affect could start functioning fully headed by a Major The woman was cremated in the northwest India. The minimum temperature Operations (MO).The post of Additional that its human rights record impeccable but General rank officer directly under the Vice such a body will help in looking into the middle of the night near her is predicted to rise to 8 degrees Celsius by Directorate General Human rights is part of home on September 30. Her January 4-5. Chief of Army Staff. several reforms announced by the Army. charges in a professional manner and will also The office will look at putting in place a more family alleged they were forced function as an internal watchdog, sources said. by the local police to hurriedly Mumbai welcomes 2021 conduct her last rites.The Lucknow Bench of the abiding by all Covid Significant number of Indians working at Allahabad High Court had expressed concern in restrictions, roads November over the Uttar Chinese embassy in New Delhi shunted out Pradesh government not taking cleared by 11 pm any action against the District Magistrate for the fairness of Mumbai Mumbai has seen one of the most A significant number of Sources in the Chinese embassy have told India Today TV that the the investigation. difficult times due to coronavirus and Indians working at the practice is normal according to the Besides Mr Laxkar, Gonda when it came to welcoming the new year, District Magistrate Nitin Bansal Chinese Embassy in New work assignments. most of the Mumbaikers followed all the "It is normal practice for a has been sent to Pratapgarh and guidelines issued by the government and Delhi have been asked to diplomatic mission to make Additional CEO of Noida, Shruti, has been made the DM Mumbai Police. After 11 pm all the leave but sources said it's necessary personnel arrangements important places like Marine Drive, according to work assignment," of Balrampur, replacing a normal practice. sources said while asserting that Krishna Karunesh, who has Girgaon Chowpatty, Bandra Bandstand, the embassy has always been posted as the vice- Juhu beach were completely empty, even maintained good relations with its chairman of the Ghaziabad the roads of Mumbai. New Delhi Asignificant number of Indians working at the Chinese Indian employees.An officer said, Development Authority, the India Today TV visited all the important Embassy in New Delhi have been "The Embassy has maintained a spokesman said.Prominent places but everywhere people left for asked to leave. While there are no good working relationship with among others who have been details about the number of Indian Indian employees and cared for transferred are Fatehpur DM their homes by 11 pm. A night curfew is them. We appreciate their valuable imposed in Mumbai till January 5, along nationals who have been Sanjiv Singh, who has been dismissed from work, India Today efforts and contributions to the shifted to Chandauli in the same with section 144 restricting the gathering TV has learned that not all have Embassy work.""I don't think capacity, the spokesperson of more than four people at public places. been shunted out. there's any need to hype up this added. Mumbai is known for its nightlife, parties issue," he said. go on till 6 am in the morning. This year, Key Meet On COVID-19 Vaccine Approval, Day Before Pan-India Dry Run University and pharma major has already produced around 50 At an event on Thursday, AstraZeneca and Bharat Biotech million doses of the Oxford- which has partnered the Indian AstraZeneca shot and plans to Drugs Controller General Council of Medical Research scale it up to 100 million by (ICMR) for its 'Covaxin' had made M a r c h n e x t y e a r , M r however, parties are completely banned. Dr VG Somani said, presentations before the panel on Poonawalla had said on Apart from parties at hotels and pubs, Wednesday. Pfizer had sought more Monday. parties inside buildings or society "Probably we will have a time to present their data. Earlier in this week, the UK compounds were completely banned. Once the vaccines are cleared by the a p p r o v e d t h e O x f o r d Use of breath analysers was prohibited due happy New Year with expert panel, the applications will U n i v e r s i t y - A s t r aZeneca to the pandemic, however, if the police something in hand. That is move to the Drugs Controller vaccine for human use, the suspected drunk driving, the person was General of India (DCGI) for final second coronavirus vaccine to sent to the hospital for a blood test. If a what I can hint at". approval. The government wants to be cleared for rollout in Britain person was found positive he would be start administering the shots starting after the Pfizer-BioNTech arrested and people traveling along with this month.Today's meeting comes a jabs.Like the Pfizer-BioNTech the person will also be booked.Most of New Delhi: Applications for the emergency day before a dry run for vaccinations jabs, Covishield is similar in use approval for the coronavirus vaccines in all states. At an event onpeople in the next six to eight months and the requiring two doses but is easier the places where public places were Thursday, Drugs Controller General Dr VG affordable Oxford vaccine is its biggest to deliver as it does not need extremely low empty this year. Places like Marine filed by the Serum Institute of India, Bharat Biotech and Pfizer are being taken up once Somani said, "Probably we will have ahope.Though the Indian government has not temperatures for storage. It is also cheap and Drive, Girgaon Chowpatty, Bandra happy New Year with something in hand.yet signed a purchase agreement with Serum easy to mass-produce.Bharat Biotech's Bandstand, Juhu beach where people again for consideration by a government- appointed panel of experts today. That is what I can hint at".India, which has Institute, the company says it will focus on vaccine candidate, Covaxin, showed it was come in large number to celebrate, burst the world's second-highest number ofits home market first, and then exports, safe and triggered immune responses in an crackers were also not crowded. In fact, Serum Institute which is making the vaccine COVID-19 infections in the world after the mainly to South Asian countries and ongoing early-stage trial and is currently part not a single person spotted after 11pm. 'Covishield' developed by Oxford United States, plans to inoculate 30 crore Africa.The world's largest vaccine maker of a late-stage trial.