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ED arrests Agrigold promoters Cooperate with SEC, HC for money laundering tells govt on local body polls PNS n VIJAYAWADA SNV SUDHIR n VIJAYAWADA PERPETRATORS OPENED The Andhra Pradesh High OFFSHORE COS WITH HELP Court on Wednesday directed Enforcement Directorate (ED) the state government to extend has arrested three promoters of OF MOSSACK FONSENCA cooperation to the State the scam-tainted Andhra Vijayawada: Investigation Election Commission (SEC) People from UK being Pradesh-based Agrigold group. under PMLA also revealed that for holding elections to local rigorously traced; situa- ED arrested Agrigold group the accused started companies bodies. promoters Avva Venkata Rama abroad and diverted large Hearing a counter affidavit tion under control: Rao, Avva Venkata Seshu amounts of funds to off-shore filed by the State Election Satyendar Jain Narayana Rao, Avva Hema entities. Their names also figured Commission (SEC) on the Sundara Vara Prasad who are in the Paradise Leaks and they conduct of local body elec- the main accused in the PMLA had incorporated companies tions, the High Court stated investigation into the Rs 6,380 with the help of the infamous that the three top officials of crore Agri Gold Ponzi scam. MossackFonsenca in Cayman the AP government have to 5 The accused were produced Islands. meet and discuss about con- over the conduct of the local tion citing Coronavirus pan- before the ED PMLA Court, Various property-related ducting polls to local bodies. polls, demic situation in the state. Hyderabad, which has grant- documents, cash amount of Rs The Advocate General (AG) The High Court also direct- The state government is ed 14 days of judicial custody 22 lakh, digital devices, and of Andhra Pradesh urged the ed the Chief Secretary, state also planning to conduct the to all the three accused. other documents were recovered Court to consider all the issues officials involved in the con- Covid-19 vaccination pro- The probe by the ED found and seized. On the basis of the listed over the conduct of elec- duct of the elections to discuss gramme shortly and this might that the accused had set up Agrigold promoters who ran ponzi scheme diverted investigation carried out so far, tions in the state. He said that with the Election Commission. clash with the conduct of the companies abroad and divert- funds collected through deposits to Cayman accused Avva Venkata Rama not only the election date but The High Court reserved its elections, it stated. ed large amounts of funds to Rao, Avva Venkata Seshu also the month in which the judgment in petitions filed in SEC had earlier filed a peti- off-shore entities. Their Islands Narayana Rao, Avva Hema elections are to be held should connection with the conduct of tion in the High Court chal- names also figured in the Sundara Vara Prasad have been be discussed in the petition. elections to local bodies. lenging the interlocutory peti- infamous Paradise Leaks and arrested for their involvement in The High Court directed the The State Election tion filed by the state govern- they had incorporated com- Avva Venkata Rama Rao and scam based on multiple FIRs committing offense of Money AG to write a letter to the State Commission proposed to con- ment seeking to suspend the panies with the help of the other directors including the lodged in Andhra Pradesh, Laundering. The ED will be Election Commissioner with- duct the local body elections in proceedings issued by the SEC infamous Mossack Fonsenca residences of auditors at Telangana and Karnataka. seeking custody of the accused in three days citing the objec- February to which the state for conducting local body in Cayman Islands. Vijayawada and Hyderabad. The scam was perpetrated by for their custodial interrogation. tions of the state government government had raised objec- polls. Earlier, searches were con- ED has initiated an investiga- Avva Venkata Rama Rao Companies. ducted at the residences of tion into Agrigold’s Ponzi through Agri Gold Group of 2 Disha helps ensure Farmers’ agitation: Govt fixes fees for women safety Putting the cart MLA, ex-MLA take oaths in temple before the horse engg, pharma PNS n VIJAYAWADA courses in pvt to prove honesty, trade charges The initiatives of AP police to ensure women safety are colleges yielding good results as Disha 2 SUMIT ONKA mobile app is coming to their PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM n VISAKHAPATNAM rescue on several occasions. As many as 523 calls were Andhra Pradesh government, In a peculiar high-voltage DGP for transparency received regarding offences TODAY on Wednesday, fixed the political drama that unfolded against women through admission fees for the private at Sri Lakshmi Ganapathi tem- Disha app, while FIRs were ALMANAC un-aided professional institu- ple in Biccavole in East in policing registered in 107 cases. Month & Paksham: tions offering B.Tech, B.Arch, Godavari district on Addressing the annual press Marine Engineering and B. Wednesday, Anaparthi YSRCP C PRADEEP KUMAR were at the forefront in fight- conference 2020 here, the DGP Margashirsha & Shukla Paksha Pharma courses for the block MLA Sithi Suryanarayana n VISAKHAPATNAM ing against the pandemic said that as many as 11.8 lakh Panchangam period of 2020-21 to 2022-23. Reddy and former MLA and risking their lives to save the people downloaded the Disha Tithi : Dashami: 11:16 pm The fee is different for all TDP leader Anaparthi Andhra Pradesh DGP people. app in their mobile phones. Nakshatram: Ashwini: Full Night colleges and the amount is Nallamilli Ramakrishna Reddy MLA Suryanarayana Reddy along with his wife took oath. Goutam D Sawang has He said cognisable crimes About 97,525 SOS requests Time to Avoid: (Bad time to start ranging from Rs 35,000 to Rs visited the temple simultane- challenged his predecessor to Meanwhile, both the leaders lev- stressed the need for trans- decreased by 15 per cent and were received, including 671 any important work) 70,000. ously to take vow in the name prove his honesty by taking a elled allegations against each parency and accountability in crime against women actionable calls, and 135 FIRs The A.P. Higher Education of god to prove their honesty. vow in the name of god. other while taking oaths in the maintaining law and order in decreased by 7.5 per cent in were registered. In all, 377 Rahukalam: 01:38 pm – 03:00 pm Regulatory and Monitoring Anticipating a tense situa- Both the leaders along with temple in the presence of the the state. 2020 compared to 2019. The Zero-FIRs were registered (316 Yamagandam: 06:46 am – 08:09 am Commission (APHERMC), tion, the police imposed sec- their cadres reached Lakshmi police and a few people who were Addressing the Annual police are trying to imple- in 2020 and 61 in 2019). A Varjyam: 03:06 am – 04:54 am held three meetings in tion 144 in the area. The Ganapathi temple in Biccavole on allowed into the temple. press conference 2020, the ment the criminal justice Zero-FIR can be filed in any December this year and incumbent YSRCP MLA has Wednesday afternoon amidst The police enforced Section DGP explained the state system inefficient manner to police station irrespective of the Gulika: 09:31 am - 10:53 am determined the fee structure been accused of gross corrup- the presence of a battalion of 144 and Act 30 in Anaparthi and crime report for the year ensure rule of law and protec- jurisdiction of the place where Good Time: (to start any important work) for B.Tech., B.Arch. and tion by the TDP ex-MLA on police. Biccavole mandals, besides plac- 2020 to the media persons at tion to all people particular- the incident happened and Amritakalam: 11:29 pm – 01:17 am Marine Engineering courses the basis of some RTI informa- Suryanarayana Reddy along ing several leaders under house the DGP office on ly the women and vulnerable the FIR is later transferred to Abhijit Muhurtham: 11:53 am – 12:37 pm and B. Pharma for the block tion. Responding to the charges with wife took oath in the tem- arrest in both the mandals. Wednesday. sections in the society. the concerned police station. period 2020-21 to 2022-23 in made by Ramakrishna Reddy, ple and later Ramakrishna Reddy 2 He praised the police who 2 respect of Private Unaided 2 VIJAYAWADA Professional Institutions in WEATHER the State of Andhra Pradesh. The same fee shall contin- Forecast: Sunny ue for the students admitted A new dawn in higher education: 4-yr Bachelor degree now Temp: 30/17 during the block period of Humidity: 61% 2020-21 to 2022-23 till they PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM Sunrise: 06:43 am complete the course. Sunset: 05:48 pm In a bid to give wings to its skill What NEP says Current Weather Conditions 2 development plans and com- n The 4-year multi-disciplinary bachelor's degree in Updated December 23, 2020 5:00 PM plying with the new National an undergraduate programme will have multiple exit WHAT AP INCORPORATED Education Policy, 2020, Andhra options. Pradesh government, on n These will include professional and vocational n However, AP will give exit option after three-year VANTAGE POINT -NNARSIM Wednesday, restructured its areas and will be implemented as follows: duration only. higher education system. The n A certificate after completing 1 year of study n Students who complete a four (4) years Degree earlier three-year duration n A diploma after completing 2 years of study Programme with a rigorous research project in the Bachelor's degree programme n A Bachelor's degree after completion of a 3-year major area(s) of study will only be awarded an is made 4-years with exit programme Honours Degree. option. n A 4-year multidisciplinary Bachelor's degree (the As the four-year Honours preferred option) Programmes are introduced, Education with all functionaries the students who opt to exit after of Andhra Pradesh for intro- all three (3) year Honours of Higher Education and three years will be awarded a duction of four (4) year Programmes are withdrawn implementation of the orders in choice of whether they want a 1- Technical Education held on UG Degree (BA/B.Sc/B.Com) Honours Programmes with ten from 2020-21. all the University Colleges and its year, 2-year-, 3-year or a 4-year August 6, headed by the chief and students who complete four (10) months of mandatory Issuing a Government Order, affiliated colleges under their course. Depending on how long minister Jagan Mohan Reddy has (4) years Degree Programme internship, with an exit option at the Higher Education depart- jurisdiction from the academic a course they study, they will be unanimously decided to go for a will be awarded an Honours the end of the 3rd year. Students ment urged the Universities in year 2020-21. awarded a diploma or a degree. 4-years Honours programme Degree. After careful examina- who complete a four (4) years the State to adopt the orders According to the new National However, the AP government with an exit option after three 3- tion of the matter, the Degree Programme with a rig- issued by the Government with Education Policy, the 4-year UG has approved the exit option after years from the academic year Government hereby decided to orous research project in the the approval of their respec- courses of the Bachelor's degree third year only. 2020- 21. accord permission to the State- major area(s) of study will only tive Statutory Boards for its multidisciplinary will give a The review meeting on Higher The meeting also decided that funded Universities in the State be awarded an Honours Degree. VIJAYAWADA | THURSDAY | DECEMBER 24, 2020 vijayawada 02 Farmers’ agitation: Putting the cart before the horse he ongoing agitation by tional right to continue with enabling provisions providing ticipant of any agriculture are covered. It is also as per farmers in various parts their agitation as long as their First, is the Farmers Produce Trade wider opportunities to the produce from regulating stock the doctrine of federal Tof the country is a cause dissent against the controver- and Commerce (Promotion and farmers for trading their farm limits. supremacy which is well- of concern. It is most unfortu- sial agricultural laws does not produce at more remunerative The third Act is meant for established in India. In a nate, premature, misguided slip into violence." Has it been Facilitation) Act; second, the prices than the current prices. providing a national frame- Parliamentary democracy, the and against democratic norms. determined by the competent Essential Commodities The Farmers Produce Trade work on farming agreements power to make laws rests It is cause of concern and court that in terms of either and Commerce Promotion enabling farmers to engage with parliamentarians. Every unfortunate because contents or procedures, the (Amendment) Act; and, third is the and Facilitation Act intends to with agribusiness firms, political party may have a 'Annadata', leaving his fields, said laws fail the test of con- Farmers(Empowerment and provide farmers produce processors, wholesalers, particular view either on the has come out protesting on the stitutionality? If a similar agi- Protection) Agreement on Price remunerative prices through exporters or large retailers. entire legislation or parts streets; and premature, as it is tation is mounted by affected competitive alternative trading The Act also protects the thereof. During the discus- based on mere apprehensions. parties against some judicial Assurance and Farm Services Act channels. It has been envis- interests of farmers by a clear- sion in the House, members It could also be termed as mis- pronouncement or the present aged that promoting efficient cut provision (section8) that are free to express their views guided and undemocratic as agitation slips into violence, are harping for a law on min- In order to initiate a mean- transparent and barrier-free no farming agreement shall be on the subject. Once a Bill is most of the participants are who will be held responsible? imum support price (MSP). Is ingful dialogue, let us first inter-state and intra-state trade entered into for the purpose of passed by both the Houses vague about their actual griev- Let us focus our attention it going to be the panacea for understand what is written DR SHAILENDRA JOSHI, and commerce of farmers any transfer including sale, and after getting Presidential ances and demands, and agi- on the subject by overlooking all problems in the farm sec- there in three Acts enacted in IAS (RETD) produce will provide this facil- lease, and mortgage of the land accent, it becomes a law of the tating against the law of the not-so-healthy developments; tor? Armchair intellectuals September 2020 after a two- itative framework. Another or premises of the farmer. land that should be acceptable land. In this agitation, politi- and put some straight ques- supporting this agitation per- decade-long consultative Produce Trade and related aspect is electronic Although agriculture is a to all people even though they cal opportunism can also not tions to the detractors of the haps even don't understand process. As of now, the trade Commerce (Promotion and trading and commerce that state subject and all the sub- might have opposed the Bill. be ruled out. Many non-farm- new farm laws. If the existing the concept of MSP, how is it is restricted as the farmers are Facilitation) Act; second, the would further improve the sidiary matters under the Of course, one should agitate ers had been successful in framework is good enough, determined and implemented bound to sell their farm pro- Essential Commodities efficiency. The Essential agriculture belong to the state in case of difficulties encoun- joining the protesters with what is the cause of distress on different farm types of duce in the designated market (Amendment) Act; and, third Commodities (Amendment) list, Parliament is competent tered during the implementa- their own axe to grind, result- among the farming communi- produce. Those supporting yards. The inter-state as well is the Farmers(Empowerment Act comes out with an inno- to enact on the subject under tion phase of any of the legal ing into simmering tension. ty? What needs to be done to the new farm laws are also not intra- state trade is also and Protection) Agreement on vation by imposing stock lim- the entry 33 of the provisions. Adding fuel to the fire, ameliorate the condition of doing any great service to restricted of the most farm Price Assurance and Farm its based on a price rise trig- Concurrent List where pro- Let us hope and pray that media reports suggest that farmers? Lacking construc- their cause because of their produce. Services Act. All the three Acts ger. It also exempts the duction, supply, distribution, the better sense prevails and "the farmers have a constitu- tive suggestions, detractors unsubstantiated utterances. First, is the Farmers put together construct processor or value chain par- trade and commerce subjects farmers call off their agitation. Women empowerment takes COURTESY CALL wings in Andhra

PNS n VIJAYAWADA Corporations, 365 are women. are having low birth weight and charges are also credited into banks for soft loans. One of the Deputy Chief 31.4 percent of the children are the mother's bank account. In addition, Jagananna Jeeva From being a mere slogan and Ministers and Home Minister suffering from stunted growth. YSR Cheyutha and Aasara Kranti was launched to distrib- rhetoric, women empower- are women in YS Jaganmohan While YSR Sampoorna schemes are focused to ute over 2.49 lakh sheep and ment has become a stark real- Reddy cabinet. Poshana Plus is intended to empower women between 45- goats units and 4.69 lakh units ity in Andhra Pradesh with To address malnutrition and supply nutritious food exclu- 60 years belonging to the weak- cows and buffaloes in a phased Chief Minister YS Jagan anemia among pregnant and sively in 77 tribal areas cover- er sections and minorities manner with a cost of Rs 5400 Mohan Reddy implementing it lactating mothers and chil- ing 8,320 Anganwadi Centres, through entrepreneurship in Crore. in the true letter and spirit. dren aged between 6-72 the remaining urban and rural dairy, grocery, and other cho- Fulfilling the padyatra The Chief Minister has months, the State government areas will be covered under sen fields with an annual incen- promise, the Chief Minister has brought in YSR Cheyutha and has brought YSR Sampoorna YSR Sampoorna Poshana. tive of Rs 18,750 for a period credited Rs 6,792.21 crores YSR Asara for social and eco- Poshana Plus and YSR The two schemes cost Rs of four years. Women of Kapu, towards the first installment of nomic empowerment. Sampoorna Poshana schemes 1,100 per beneficiary every Ontari and Balija communities the total due of Rs 27,168.83 Depositing the financial incen- to provide supplementary month. The brilliance of of 45-60 age group are given Rs crores to banks of 87,74,674 tives of students into their nutrition through Anganwadi Amma Vodi scheme is that it 15,000 per annum under YSR women belonging to 8.7 lakh Chief Secretary designate Adityanath Das met Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy at camp office here on Wednesday. mothers' bank accounts and centres. not only addresses the school Kapu Nestham. SHGs under YSR Aasara Accompanied by DGP Gautam Sawang, Adityanath Das thanked the Chief Minister. Chief Secretary Nilam Sawhney will retire registering the house sites in About 30.16 lakh mothers dropout rate but also resolves In order to provide business scheme. YSR Zero interest on December 31 and Adityanath will take over as the new Chief Secretary. the name of woman of the and children are being benefit- the problem of child labour opportunities for the women, loans for the self-help groups household gives an insight to ed from the two schemes, and checking low literacy rate. for a sustainable income and a would boost business opportu- his commitment for women where the State has been The State provides Rs 6,000 safe investment, the State gov- nities. empowerment. spending Rs 1,863 Crore per crores benefitting 43 lakh ernment had signed MoUs Disha Bill was brought in for He has provided reservations annum. It was found that over mothers across the State. with giant companies like speedy trial in cases of crime to women in all nominated 52.9 percent of the pregnant Jagananna Vidyua Deevena AMUL, Proctor and Gamble, against women, where special ED arrests Agrigold posts and nominated works. Of women across the State were and Jagananna Vasathi ITC, Allana Group, Reliance, police stations, fast track courts the 728 posts of Chairpersons suffering from acute anemia, Deevena for full fees reim- among others. The women were also set up across the and Directors to the 56 BC while 31.9 percent of children bursement and hostel and mess groups also have the backing of State. promoters for money... MLA, ex-MLA take DGP for transparency... Govt fixes fees for Continued from Page 1 oaths in temple to engg, pharma... Avva Venkata Rama Rao had Modus operandi of the scheme Continued from Page 1 He said 1,11,112 cognisable Sawang said excise cases earlier worked in the Golden Vijayawada : According to They tried to project it prove honesty... crimes were reported in 2019 increased by 72 per cent, Continued from Page 1 Forest CIS Fraud scheme. ED, the modus operandi of He said preventing crime and the figure decreased to sand theft cases increased by Having learnt the tricks of the the scheme of the AgriGold as a real estate Continued from Page 1 against women is top priority 94,578 in the year 2020 due to 56 per cent, gaming offences The institutions whose affil- trade in that scheme, he Group Companies was that business, but in reality of the police department and transformation changes being rose by 33 per cent, gutka iations are not extended by the hatched a well planned con- they would lure the gullible Tension flared up as the police are working out on made in the policing and smuggling cases increased by affiliating Universities for the spiracy. people to join as depositors in it was an unregulated Suryanarayana Reddy it. increasing usage of modern 13 per cent. academic year 2020-21 are not Along with his seven broth- their schemes and encourage unlicensed collective accused Ramakrishna The DGP said the state police technology. He said the SEB teams are entitled to collect any fee. The ers and other associates, he them to pay the desired Reddy and his wife of not have faced many challenges in He said Nellore district active in the state in prevent- institution shall not charge either established more than 150 deposits either directly or investment scheme taking oath in proper man- 2020 due to Covid and the topped in cognisable cases ing smuggling and other directly or indirectly any other companies and started col- through the agents under the ner, after coming out of the police personnel rendered with 7, 959 cases and Tirupati offences. amount over and above the fee lecting deposits from gener- pretext of real estate deal. Farm Estates India Private temple. brave services on the roads to urban recorded the lowest Giving details of the technol- fixed by the government and if al public with a promise of These companies did not Limited was nothing but a "The ex-MLA made alle- protect the lives of the people. with 2,030 cases in 2020. ogy enhancement in the any other amount is charged providing developed mention either the actual Collective Investment Scheme gations in the temple instead He said nearly 20,000 police There is a drastic reduction in police department, Sawang under any other head like dona- plots/farm lands or with- market value of the land or its and ordered the company to of taking an oath. I don't personnel contracted to cognisable crime cases in said state police introduced tions, the same would amount drawal at a high rate of return location or its boundaries or stop taking further deposits care about the allegations Coronavirus, while 109 of Kadapa district as 10,483 AP Police Seva mobile appli- to charging of capitation fee and on maturity/pre-term. survey numbers or the per- and return the money to the made by the ex-MLA any- them succumbed to the dead- cases were registered in 2019 cation, Disha mobile applica- in that case the institution shall be Thousands of commission missions required to be depositors. more as he took oath whole- ly virus. and reduced to only 5,345 tion, 4S4U, Cyber Mithra for liable to be prosecuted under agents were engaged to lure obtained for the layouts from Instead of complying with heartedly in front of god," he Briefing the details of the cases in 2020. citizens, AOCOPS molice Section 9 of Andhra Pradesh people with various schemes the concerned authorities. the directions of the SEBI in said. policing and crime record, the He said the State application (E Hunt, FRS, Educational Institutions for hefty commission and They tried to project it as a letter and spirit, accused Avva Countering the allegation, DGP said white-collar Enforcement Bureau (SEB), Analytics, PIS, Count (Regulation of Admissions and managed to collect Rs 6,380 real estate business, but in Venkata Rama Rao opened Ramakrishna Reddy said offences decreased by 13 per which was formed to check Calendar) etc. He reiterated Prohibition of Capitation Fee) Act, crore from 32,02,628 such reality it was an unregulated new companies and started that he along with his wife cent, property offences the sand and liquor smug- that the state police are imple- 1983 (Act No. 5 of 1983) apart investor accounts. In the end, unlicensed collective invest- collecting deposits in the took oath in the presence of decreased by 12 per cent and gling in the state did an excel- menting people-friendly from imposing appropriate penal- the gullible investors neither ment scheme. The Agri Gold names of new companies on god in proper manner and bodily offences decreased by lent job by checking the policing and help desks are ty under the APHERMC Act, got plots nor could recover Group of Companies did not the pretext of real estate busi- he is ready to take oath two per cent in the state in offences particularly the arranged in all people stations 2019 and the APHERMC Rules, their deposits. The group obtain permission from RBI ness with the help of an army many more times if neces- 2020 compared to the year smuggling of sand, gutka and to receive the complaints 2019 as amended subsequently collected deposits illegally to collect such deposits. of commission agents, thus, sary. 2019. liquor in the state. from the women. from time to time. from across the country. SEBI has reported that the turning it into a ponzi Around 300 police per- business of the M/s AgriGold scheme. sonnel were deployed to prevent any untoward inci- dent in the wake of tension. Disha helps ensure women safety Maoists kill HYDERABAD BULLION RATES Continued from Page 1 experts to check not only the services on the roads to protect recorded the lowest with 2,030 nology enhancement in the GOLD another tribal crimes against women and child, the lives of the people. He said cases in 2020. There is a drastic police department, Sawang n ` 50, 800 (10 gm) Under Disha Act, charge- but also cyber-crimes against nearly 20,000 police personnel reduction in cognisable crime said state police introduced AP PNS VISAKHAPATNAM After murdering the trib- sheet was filed within seven days women. contracted to Coronavirus, cases in Kadapa district as Police Seva mobile applica- al Satya Rao, Maoists left a ` 470 in 89 rape cases and 256 sexu- Women and child-friendly while 109 of them succumbed 10,483 cases were registered in tion, Disha mobile applica- The barbarism act of the letter at the spot which said SILVER al offences and judgment had training was imparted to all to the deadly virus. 2019 and reduced to only 5,345 tion, 4S4U, Cyber Mithra for Maoists continues in Vizag people were acting as police ` 70, 500 (1kg) been pronounced in 97 cases. Disha patrolling staff to instil Briefing the details of the cases in 2020. citizens, AOCOPS molice Agency as another tribal was informers and depriving ` 3100 Among the 97 cases, accused confidence among women. policing and crime record, the He said the State Enforcement application (E Hunt, FRS, gunned down by the out- Adivasis of their rights. in three cases were sentenced for The Disha patrolling staff DGP said white-collar offences Bureau (SEB), which was Analytics, PIS, Count lawed outfit on Wednesday. According to locals, the life imprisonment (until death). will be in direct contact with decreased by 13 per cent, prop- formed to check the sand and Calendar) etc. The tribal was branded as Maoists slit the throat of CHICKEN While in ten cases, the Police Control Room (Dial 100 erty offences decreased by 12 per liquor smuggling in the state did He reiterated that the state police informers. Satya Rao after dragging him RATES `/KG accused were sentenced to life & 112) and other Disha cent and bodily offences an excellent job by checking the police are implementing peo- The incident took place in out of his home in the night. imprisonment, in other two patrolling mobiles within their decreased by two per cent in the offences particularly the smug- ple-friendly policing and help the outskirts of Vanakarai vil- Satya Rao was a small farmer. Dressed/With Skin `152 cases, the accused were sen- cluster at sub divisional level. state in 2020 compared to the gling of sand, gutka and liquor desks are arranged in all peo- lage under Injari Panchayat This was the second such Without Skin `173 tenced with 20 years imprison- ensure rule of law and protec- year 2019. in the state. ple stations to receive the com- of Pedabayalu Mandal of incident reported this Broiler at Farm `105 ment. In about seven cases, 10 tion to all people particularly the He said 1,11,112 cognisable Sawang said excise cases plaints from the women. Vizag Agency on Tuesday month. Maoists killed a trib- years imprisonment was sen- women and vulnerable sections crimes were reported in 2019 increased by 72 per cent, sand Sawang said: "People have lot night. The Pedabayalu al, G Krishna Rao suspecting tenced, besides imposing fines in the society. He said prevent- and the figure decreased to theft cases increased by 56 per of expectations from us and we Mandal has been witnessing him to be a police informer EGG in several o other cases. ing crime against women is top 94,578 in the year 2020 due to cent, gaming offences rose by are working hard to reach violence of Maoists at a reg- on December 14. The inci- He said that Disha patrolling priority of the police department transformation changes being 33 per cent, gutka smuggling their expectations of the peo- ular interval. dent occurred in Vakapalli RATES `/100 vehicles were also launched for and the police are working out made in the policing and cases increased by 13 per cent. ple by transformation and The deceased was identi- village of G Madugula VIJAYAWADA 511 the safety of the women in the on it. increasing usage of modern He said the SEB teams are introducing changes in the fied as Chikudu Satya Rao, a Mandal in the agency area, a HYDERABAD 516 state. As many as 900 two- The DGP said the state police technology. active in the state in prevent- police services. Additional native of Chintagaruvu vil- few hours after police wheelers were distributed to have faced many challenges in He said Nellore district ing smuggling and other DGP Ravi Sankar Ayyannar lage under Ginnelakota gunned down two Maoists VISAKHAPATNAM 500 prevent crime against women. 2020 due to Covid and the topped in cognisable cases with offences. and other officials were present Panchayat of Pedabayalu on the Andhra-Odisha RETAIL PRICE `5.11 All the staff has been trained by police personnel rendered brave 7, 959 cases and Tirupati urban Giving details of the tech- in the press conference. Mandal in the district. Border area. (IN HYDERABAD)

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THURSDAY | DECEMBER 24, 2020 03 110 farmers martyred in Amaravati Rythu Bharosa, Nivar Cyclone relief on Dec 29 agitation, says Chandrababu Naidu PNS n VIJAYAWADA Minister for Agriculture PNS n VIJAYAWADA Kurasala Kannababu said that the third tranche of YSR Rythu TDP supremo N Chandrababu Lokesh pays tributes to Charan Bharosa and Nivar Cyclone Naidu on Wednesday slammed compensation would be the YSRCP government for Singh, demand help for farmers released on December 29. continuing its 'anti-farmer' Speaking to the media here policies without extending any PNS n VIJAYAWADA extended to farmers in subsidy on Wednesday, he said under support to the farmers when seeds, fertilizers or inputs. third phase of Rythu Bharosa they suffered losses due to TDP MLC Nara Lokesh on While the farmers were craving Rs 2,000 each would be dis- floods, cyclones and heavy Wednesday paid rich tributes to for help and silently wailing in bursed to about 50.47 lakh rains. the former Prime Minister late their farmlands, the YSRCP farmers. Naidu warned that the Jagan Charan Singh and recalled the Minister for Agriculture was Along with this, the state Mohan Reddy regime would departed leader's outstanding busy enjoying the recording will also credit Rs 646 crore eventually drown in the farm- services to the farmers during dance programmes. Stating that towards compensation for ers' tears if the government his long political career. the farmers were the backbone Nivar Cyclone crop loss. turned a blind eye to the plight Lokesh said that it has been a of the country, Lokesh said that It was identified that Under third phase of Rythu Bharosa of farmers. tradition to celebrate Charan the TDP would stand by the Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam, Due to myriad reasons and Singh's birthday as the National side of the tillers in all their ups Kadapa, East Godavari, West Rs 2,000 each would be disbursed to lack of assistance, farmer's are perity as they sacrifice their It would not be good for the Farmers' Day all over the and downs. He extended his Godavari, Visakhapatnam, and about 50.47 lakh farmers. The state resorting to extreme step and blood and sweat for producing government if the farmers country. This was in recognition heartfelt wishes for the farmers Chittoor districts suffered will also credit Rs 646 crore towards committing suicides ever since food for other people. No gov- were subjected to such agony to the landmark laws brought in on the occasion of the National maximum crop loss in the YSRCP came into power in the ernment will survive if it and anguish for no fault of by Charan Singh to protect the Farmers' Day celebrations to cyclone. Nearly 8.34 lakh farm- compensation for Nivar Cyclone crop state. ignores the problems of farm- theirs. farmers' interests and also to mark Charan Singh birthday. It ers would be compensated loss. AP stood third in farmers' ers," he said. Naidu said that the propos- safeguard the tenant farmers' may be recalled the TDP has with the input subsidies. suicides in the entire country Naidu deplored that the al to fix current metres for rights in getting agricultural been agitating against the The Minister said that this in such a short period of time. farmers in Amaravati area have agriculture pumpsets was only loans. Lokesh slammed the YSRCP regime's proposal to fix season started off with good measures, nearly 1.15 lakh The Minster challenged the The TDP chief extended been agitating in the streets aimed at driving the farmers ruling YSRCP for creating a current metres on the gricultural rains, where almost all the quintals of seed have been opposition leader wishes to the farmers on the without food and sleep for the into debt trap. The Jagan worse situation in the farm pumpsets. The TDP has been reservoirs, dams were filled up provided to the farmers at 80 Chandrababu Naidu to come occasion of National Farmers' past 372 days. Reddy regime was not both- sector that farmers' suicides arguing that free power was to the brim, but due to floods per cent subsidy. for a discussion on farmers and Day being celebrated all over About 110 farmers from ering about the future burden were being reported in the state farmers' right they had earned and cyclones, crops were dam- While the state government agriculture reforms taken up in the country. Amaravati martyred for the that would be placed on the every day. No help is being for themselves aged to a great extent. has been working as farmer both the governments, the "The TDP has always envis- cause of continuing Amaravati farmers if current metres were However, Chief Minister YS priority, the opposition TDP minister added. aged policies for farmers' pros- as the only capital city for AP. to be fixed, he lamented. Jagan Mohan Reddy had leaders are still playing cheap Minister Kannababu said released the input subsidies in politics over the crop insurance that the Chief Minister shall the same season of the crop and input subsidies, he said. take part in the distribution of loss in less than a month. The crop insurance for 2019, house site pattas in East Naidu decries lathicharge on devotees at Tirupati The input subsidies for June was released this year by cred- Godavari district and also to September was given in iting Rs 1,252 crore benefiting inaugurate a big layout in PNS n VIJAYAWADA the devotees at the Balaji Temple caused a lot of embarrassment action when the ruling party that every citizen and devotee October by disbursing Rs over 9 lakh farmers across the Komaragiri near Kakinada on in Tirumala. Naidu condemned and pain. Naidu asked why the cadres flew even drones in the had a right to have darshan at the 136.14 crore and the compen- state. The previous govern- December 25. He said that the Leader of the Opposition and the lathicharge resorted to by the authorities did not take action to sacred sky at the TTD temple. TTD temple. The YSRCP regime sation for crop loss in October ment had left unpaid arrears of distribution of house site pat- TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu police on the pilgrims who were prevent the unruly and noisy Chandrababu Naidu deplored that should set aside its arrogant and was paid in November by Rs 784 crore towards crop tas will take place as a fort- on Wednesday slammed the also not allowed to go to the YSRCP activists who held the prestige of the highly revered illogical publicity propaganda. All crediting Rs 132.63 crore, tak- loans, which was cleared by the nightly celebration and those YSRCP Government for temple atop Tirumala hills. The processions in violation of the Tirumala temple was being the required steps should be ing it to a total of 268.77 current government. He said eligible people who didn't 'miserably failing' to take devotees came from far off restrictions on the Seven Hills. tarnished and spoilt ever since taken immediately for a safe and crore, excluding the Nivar that the opposition leaders receive the parts can reapply necessary measures for ensuring places for the darshan but the The security officials should the YSRCP came to power in the smooth darshan to the devotees cyclone compensation. have no moral right to speak and will be provided with smooth and peaceful darshan for Government ill-treated them and answer why they did initiate any State. He told the Government at the Tirumala temple. As part of the cyclone relief on the farmer's issues. house patta in 90 days. YSRCP MLA Monitor performance of village, ward VMRDA plans subway slams TDP chief secretariat employees, CM to officials connecting museums PNS n VIJAYAWADA Rao and CM Ramesh have looted crores of rupees of the PNS n VIJAYAWADA the state. PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM YSRCP MLA Jogi Ramesh public money through banks, The Chief Minister was came down heavily on TDP he said. Chief Minister YS Jagan informed that the village/ward A subway connecting the Chief Nara Chandrababu The MLA said TDP has Mohan Reddy directed the secretariat system is being Kurusura and TU-142 muse- Naidu for maintaining silence become a gang of scamsters officials to monitor the perfor- lauded across the country and ums on the beach road in on the scams committed by looting thousands of crores of mance of the employees of there were enquiries from sev- Vizag comes under the active TDP leaders and challenged public money. Village and Ward secretariats eral states and Central govern- consideration of the Visakhapa him to write a letter to CBI The MLA said it was and ensure that the secretari- ment as well. tnam Metro Region Develo demanding probe into his Naidu who awarded ats work efficiently. Chief Secretary Nilam pment Authority (VMRDA) at NAD Junction. assets. Polavaram contract to the During a review meeting on Sawhney, , Chief Commissio now. VMRDA officials dis- Earlier, VMRDA had Speaking to the media here company of Rayapati Village/ Ward secretariats here ner of Land Administration cussed the construction of planned to construct a 2-km on Wednesday, The MLA Sambasiva Rao and now he is on Wednesday, the Chief Neerab Kumar Prasad, Special the subway from the Kurusura subway at the beach road in said TDP leaders are involved silent acting innocent over Minister said that the call cen- Chief Secretary of Water Submarine Museum on Beach Vizag. The subway would help in large scale corruption and the scam. tre number, 1902, must be Resources Adityanath Das, Road to the opposite TU-142 in reducing the traffic problem looted public money through The MLA challenged displayed at every Village/Ward Principal Secretary to the Chief aircraft museum as part of the and allocate proper parking for banks. TDP former MP Naidu to seek CBI probe secretariat so that people can Minister Praveen Prakash, weekend review. the tourists who visit the place. Rayapati Sambasiva Rao of into his assets if he is not cor- register their issues and griev- Principal Secretary of the VMRDA Commissioner P The walkers on the beach Transstroy (India) Ltd is rupt.The share of Naidu and ances. This arrangement would Village and Ward Secretariats Koteswara Rao discussed the road face problems as the indulged in bank fraud of Rs the amount received by TDP be useful to get feedback on the assistants in village/ ward sec- He said village level agricul- Ajay Jain, Health Principal project proposal with the engi- vehicles occupy most of the 7,926 crore and CBI has filed leaders in the bank fraud performance of the staff of the retariats should be given train- ture committees should also be Secretary Anil Kumar Singhal, neers and made several sug- area. During auspicious events charges against him, former should be revealed to people, Secretariats, he said. ing and tests should be con- set up and as they already exist Special Chief Secretary of gestions. Authorities were also conducted at the beach, the TDP MP Sujana Chowdary is he said. Naidu has been try- The Chief Minister directed ducted after the training. He at the mandal, district and Finance SS Rawat, General directed to make arrange- transport and traffic prob- indulged in 8,000 crore bank ing to mislead the people the officials to make arrange- added that they would com- state levels; there is flexibility Administration Secretary ments to start traffic from lems are at a high rate. With fraud, he said. through zoom conferences ments as the duties of sub-reg- plete the probation period only to coordinate with them. Shashi Bhushan Kumar, School NSTL to the airport, as well as the addition of TU-142 TDP leaders Vakati and create hindrance to the istrars are also to be carried out if they qualify the test which The officials said 3.95 lakh Education Principal Secretary from Gopalapatnam to Aircraft Museum, the tourism, Narayana Reddy, Bollineni development initiatives of within the Village Secretariat. will be conducted once in staff is working in 15,004 vil- Buditi Rajasekhar and other Marripalem, from December and footfall on the beach road Rama Rao, Ganta Srinivasa the state, he said. He said the engineering every three months. lage/ward secretariats across officials were present. 25 on the flyover constructed increased to a large scale. AP Police on Vasireddy 211 govt officials booked in high alert to Police nab prime accused in excise, sand cases : DGP face Corona Dharmavaram murder case wants 'Dirty PNS n VIJAYAWADA second wave PNS n VIJAYAWADA invited the victim to the mur- Hari" posters PNS n VIJAYAWADA After the victim der spot by on the pretext of The Spandana grievance The Dharmavaram police on reached the having a conversation. programme of AP police Andhra Pradesh DGP Wednesday nabbed the After the victim reached removed department was a big hit in the Gautam Sawang said that the accused in the brutal murder location, the the location, the accused mur- PNS n VIJAYAWADA year 2020 as 96,551 petitions police department was on of M Snehalatha, an 18-year- dered her by choking her. were received under the pro- high alert in the wake of the old outsourcing bank employ- accused murdered Within hours after recovering Andhra Pradesh State gramme. About 70,574 peti- second wave of Coronavirus ee. The accused has been iden- her by choking her the body, based on the inputs Women's Commission tions were disposed, FIRs reg- disease. Speaking to the tified as Guthi Rajesh. given by the family of the vic- Chairperson Vasireddy istered in 21,827 complaints media person on Wednesday, The parents of the victim after gathering the required tim, the Dharmavaram police Padma urged the DGP and only 4,150 petitions are he said that all precautionary lodged a missing complaint information from the family took the prime accused into Goutam D Sawang on pending. measures are being taken by with Dharmavaram Rural members. The body of the 18- custody and is presently inves- Wednesday to take action on AP DGP Gautam Sawang the department in the state. Police station on Tuesday year-old was recovered on tigating to determine if any the obscene posters across said that free reporting, free He advised the people to be night. The police immediate- Wednesday morning. other accomplices were the state. registration of FIRs, increased more vigilant in the wake of ly swung into action and According to the prelimi- involved in the execution of In a letter addressed to the transparency and accountabil- the second wave. launched a search operation nary investigation, Rajesh this barbaric crime. DGP, she stated that obscene ity and monitoring by the CM posters of the movie 'Dirty yielding good results in the Hari' displayed at Vundavalli Spandana system. He said that Centre, Guntur District and petitions were disposed swift- other public places across the ly within seven days. Cops prepare SOPs for handling online lending state were causing inconve- The road accident decreased 32 cases related to excise and sand were PNS n VIJAYAWADA at high interest rates and col- tices as prescribed the govern- nience to the women. 16 per cent and 15,512 cases registered in Kurnool district, followed by lecting money. The police Cops will book ment or the RBI and the pay- She said that the obscene were registered this year when The state police have pre- identified that nearly 30 cases against the ment loan giving apps operate poster of the movie was dis- compared to 18,462 last year. 25 in Prakasam, 23 in WG, 19 in Krishna, pared Standard Operating instant online apps/compa- without proper documents. played which offends The East Godavari, Prakasam 17 in Guntur urban, 11 each in Anantapur Procedure (SOP) for investi- nies are giving loans to the recovery agents of The victims of the micro- women's modesty and digni- and Kurnool topped in road and Chittoor, 10 in Vizag , 9 each in gating instant online loan customers without collecting the finance finance instant online apps/ ty, besides misleading the accidents and Guntur urban, frauds. The police depart- documents and proofs. These companies for unauthorised micro finance youth. Rajahmundry urban and Vijayawada city, Srikakulam and Nellore, ment has prepared procedures unauthorised micro-finance companies can lodge com- As we know that display of harassing, Tirupati urban secured last 8 in Vizag rural, seven in Rajahmundry, six to be followed to check harass- companies are following, plaint at the local police or reg- obscene movie posters at three places. ment by the online money threatening and harassing the continuous calling ister a complaint with the public places is in violation each in Vizianagaram and Guntur rural, The POCSO act cases regis- lenders. customers for the late repay- and blackmailing RBI under ombudsman of advertisement ethics, tered a 13 per cent increase five in EG and four in Kadapa district The State police have ment of loans. scheme. He said sending fake defacement of public prop- with 1,598 cases against 1,386 responded quickly to some AP DGP Gautam D Sawang the customers FIRs, letters, and creating erty and is a narrow catego- cases of last year. The West complaints received by them told the media during the threat to customers is an ry of pornography that vio- Godavari, Guntur rural and in the state against a few annual press conference on offence. The police can regis- lates contemporary commu- East Godavari were in the top year in the state in total 162 Visakhapatnam city, 9 each in micro-finance companies, Wednesday that the police calling and blackmailing the ter case under the section nity standards and ethics. three places and cases. About 32 cases related to Vijayawada city, Srikakulam which are harassing the cus- have received 20 complaints customers in case of delay in 463, section 464, section 466 It is requested to register a Visakhapatnam rural, Kadapa excise and sand were registered and Nellore, 8 in tomers for delay in payment of from the people and had start- repayment of loan installment and section 469 of the IPC. case against the Producers, and Tirupati urban were in the in Kurnool district, followed by Visakhapatnam rural, seven loans. These micro-finance ed a probe. taken by woman customers. Customers can approach the Director and Advertisement last three places in POCSO 25 in Prakasam, 23 in West in Rajahmundry, six each in companies were violating the He said the police will book The DGP said the police local police station to file a Agency of the film on cases. As many as 211 govern- Godavari, 19 in Krishna, 17 in Vizianagaram and Guntur Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cases against the recovery will book cases on micro- case against the micro finance charges of misleading the ment officials found involved Guntur urban, 11 each in rural, five in East Godavari and norms and been using fake agents of the finance compa- finance companies for not companies for sending fake youth with obscene posters in excise and sand cases this Anantapur and Chittoor, 10 in four in Kadapa district. applications to provide loans nies for harassing, continuous using proper payment prac- FIRs and letters. pasted in public places. THURSDAY | DECEMBER 24, 2020 nation 04 Farmers ‘spine' of country, but ignored: Raut

PTI n MUMBAI

Terming farmers as the coun- Mamata speaks to farmers at try's "spine", Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday Singhu border, assures support said it is unfortunate that the central government is "ignor- PTI n NEW DELHI Border on Wednesday to ing" the plight of peasants. show solidarity with Talking to reporters here West Bengal CM Mamata them. "On Mamata on the occasion of the Banerjee on Wednesday Banerjee's direction, National Farmers' Day, Raut, spoke to the farmers a five-member without taking any names, camping at the national delegation alleged that attempts are capital's Singhu border comprising Derek being made to weaken culti- protesting the Central farm O'Brien, Satabdi Roy, vators to benefit some indus- laws and assured them of her Prasun Banerjee, Pratima Opposition parties trialists. Amid the ongoing support in their stir, the Mondal and Md Nadimul Haque protest by farmers at Delhi's Trinamool Congress said. on behalf of the All India TMC, is border points against the This was second time in a month meeting and interacting with Centre's three new farm laws, that the TMC supremo had a farmers from who are on a relay misleading farmers, Raut urged the Union gov- telephonic interaction with the hunger strike on the highway at ernment to shun ego and talk agitating farmers. Five TMC MPs the Singhu Border to show to the peasants. met the farmers at the Singhu solidarity. He said the National says Adityanath Farmers' Day being observed on Wednesday is a "black Maha: Jailed activists on hunger PTI n LUCKNOW People who don’t day" for cultivators. Farmers are the spine of our country, strike to back farmers' stir Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister like development but attempts are being made Yogi Adityanath on and happiness on to weaken them to benefit 13 farmers booked for blocking CM’s convoy PTI n MUMBAI Wednesday said the continu- the face of the some industrialists," the ation of farmers' protests Rajya Sabha member alleged. PTI n AMBALA committed by any member of any Various activists arrested in the despite the government's farmers are He claimed 12 farmers have unlawful assembly), 186 Elgar Parishad-Maoist links' case attempts to clear their appre- misleading them, died so far during the ongo- Haryana Police has registered a (obstructing public servant in are observing a day-long hensions on the new agri laws ing protest. "Keep your ego case against 13 farmers on discharge of public functions) hunger strike on Wednesday at says UP CM 353 (assault or criminal force to shows cultivators are being aside and talk to farmers. various charges including attempt Taloja jail in Maharashtra in advocate Nihalsingh Rathod. The deter public servant from "provoked and misled" by the This is a request with folded to murder and rioting after a support of farmers who are activists currently behind bars in discharge of his duty) and 506 Opposition. hands," he appealed to the group of peasants protesting Tuesday on the complaint of protesting against the Centre's the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links' (punishment for criminal "It is being said repeatedly the name of farmers become Centre. against the Centre's new farm some security personnel. Police new farm laws. The activists, in a case include Sudhir Dhawale, intimidation). Khattar was in said that the Minimum silent on their issues when Farmers are protesting on laws had allegedly blocked and on Wednesday said some joint statement on the occasion Surendra Gadling, Anand Ambala on Tuesday to address Support Price (MSP) will not they come to power. the outskirts of Delhi and hurled sticks at Chief Minister M farmers tried to charge towards of the National Farmers' Day, Teltumbde, Hany Babu, Sagar public meetings in support of the be abolished but farmers are "In former PM Chaudhary elsewhere, he noted. L Khattar's convoy. On Tuesday, a the convoy and blocked its said they are lodged in the jail in Gorkhe, Ramesh Gaichor, party's mayoral and ward still getting misled on this. It Charan Singh's area, Ramala "The government is not group of protesting farmers had movement for some time. Navi Mumbai and cannot Mahesh Raut, Arun Ferreira, candidates for the upcoming civic is being said again and again sugar mill was awaiting revival looking at farmers' interests. showed black flags to Khattar They said some farmers also participate physically in the Vernon Gonsalves, Father Stan bodies polls. The farmers had that the 'mandis' will not end. for the last 30 years. I thank It is unfortunate that the when his convoy was passing allegedly hurled sticks towards farmers' agitation. Hence, they Swamy, Gautam Navlakha and waved black flags at the chief The prime minister has said the Minister of Sugarcane, government is ignoring the through Ambala City. Some of the some vehicles in the motorcade. are observing a day-long Rona Wilson, Rathod said. The minister's convoy while it was mandis are being connected who arranged for the daily plight of farmers," the Shiv farmers had allegedly tried to Ambala City police registered a symbolic hunger strike in the activists in their message said crossing the Agrasen Chowk. with technology, but farmers crushing of 50,000 quintals of Sena's chief spokesman block Khattar's motorcade but case against 13 farmers under jail."The demands you (farmers) they had decided not to involve They also raised slogans against are being misled on this as sugarcane last year under the alleged.The Centre wanted to police managed to provide a safe various IPC sections including have raised are absolutely right Stan Swamy and Navlakha in the the government and said they well. What kind of politics is expansion of the mill," he implement the new agri laws passage to the chief minister after 307 (attempt to murder) 147 and just," they said in the protest, despite their insistence, would continue to protest till the this?" Adityanath said. said. for the benefit of some indus- some time. The case against the (rioting), 148 (rioting, armed with statement, conveyed through due to their health issues. Addressing a program Adityanath said the central trialists, he further charged. farmers was registered late deadly weapon), 149 (offence three farm laws are repealed. organised on the 118th birth and state governments are anniversary of former prime working with full commit- minister Chaudhary Charan ment for the interests of farm- Singh, the chief minister said, ers. "The government's com- "In order to bring prosperity to mitment is clearly visible on Pinarayi expresses solidarity with farmers, attacks Centre farmers, the government has every occasion. In UP, about made extensive reforms and 16.5 per cent of the country's brought the new farm laws. population lives, but due to the PTI n should be seen as the general interest of corporates above all. agitation," he said. An array of But those who did not like hard work of farmers, this state THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, interest of the nation..While The Centre should be ready to Left Democratic Front leaders progress and development of contributes 21 per cent to the inaugurating a Left front- accept the demands of farmers," including CPI (M) state secretary the country and happiness on total food production of the Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan on supported meeting at the the Chief Minister said. He A Vijayaraghavan, CPI leader the face of the farmers are mis- country," he said. Wednesday slammed the NDA Martyr'scolumn here to express pointed that if there was any Panyan Raveendran, JD (S) leading and provoking them." He said, "We already have government at the Centre alleging solidarity with the agitating scarcity of food articles in the leader Mathew T Thomas, Kerala Taking a dig at the four agricultural universities. that they were protecting the farmers, he also accused the country, it would affect all states, Congress (M) chief Jose K Mani, Opposition, he said, "These Recently, a central agricultur- interests of corporates and not union government of taking back including Kerala, and so the ministers E P Jayarajan, A K (opposition parties) will not al university was inaugurated farmers, and demanded to back tormenting steps against farmers' agitation should not be Saseendran, J Mercikutty Amma, allow things to be done in the by PM Narendra Modi in withdrawal of the three ryots and attempting to quell seen as confined to any particular V S Sunil Kumar and so on were interest of farmers. The gov- Jhansi. Presently, 89 Krishi contentious farm laws, against the protests by creating area alone. "Our state is still not present during the event. ernment is working in a ded- Vigyan Kendras are working which farmers are protesting near communal division in the society. self-sufficient in many areas. So, Khan's decision on Tuesday had icated way for the farmers and in the state with a resolve to Delhi. Averring that the ongoing Vijayan came down heavily on the if there is any shortage of food evoked a sharp response from the after Independence, no gov- double the income of farmers farmers' agitation was one of the controversial farm laws articles, the crisis would affect all government side with Agricultural a day after Kerala Governor Arif states including Kerala. As we are Minister V S Sunil Kumar calling ernment at the Centre, except with the help of new concepts fiercest and most iconic of such and pass a resolution criticised act of Governor Khan Mohammed Khan declined also part of this country, the it "undemocratic", while Congress the one led by the BJP, has and new techniques." Earlier protests ever witnessed in the against it. However, the Left denying approval for it. "The BJP approval for a special assembly farmers' issues will affect us also. leader Ramesh Chennithala said it brought so many schemes in in the day, the chief minister country, Vijayan said farmers veteran, in his brief speech, did government at the Centre is not session planned on Wednesday That's why we have decided to was unfortunate and against the interest of farmers." garlanded a statue of were the food-givers of the not refer to the suspended special upholding the interest of farmers. by the Left governmentto discuss support and be a part of the "democratic values". The chief minister alleged Chaudhary Charan Singh and country and so their demand assembly session or the widely They are giving importance to the that people who do politics in paid tribute to him. Naravane reviews situation MGP rules out Sena MLA’s son appears before ED PTI n MUMBAI December 10. arrested Amit Chandole, an in Ladakh amid standoff truck with BJP On November 24, the alleged associate of Pratap Shiv Sena MLA Pratap ED launched Sarnaik, and Tops Group PTI n NEW DELHI undertook a first-hand assess- 'Fire and Fury' Corps, briefed PTI n PANAJI "The MGP has decided to Sarnaik's son Vihang searches at ten Managing Director M ment of the situation along the the Army chief on various adopt the policy of 'ekla chalo Sarnaik appeared properties of Pr Shashidharan under the Army chief Gen MM Line of Actual Control(LAC) aspects of the situation in east- Maharashtrawadi Gomantak re'. But if time comes, we may before the ED here on atap Sarnaik, Prevention of Money Naravane on Wednesday vis- in Ladakh. Nearly 50,000 ern Ladakh. Party (MGP) president have a pre-poll alliance with Wednesday for ques- Tops Group Laundering Act. The case ited various high-altitude for- troops of the Indian Army are Sources said Gen Naravane Deepak Dhavalikar on other like-minded opposition tioning in an alleged and its pro- relates to a complaint lodged ward areas in eastern Ladakh deployed in a high state of reached Ladakh at 8:30 am on Wednesday ruled out a parties, but not with the BJP," money laundering moter Rahul by Ramesh Iyyer, a former and reviewed India's overall combat readiness in various a day-long visit with an aim to pre-poll alliance with the BJP the MGP chief said. case. This is the sec- Nanda and a employee of Tops Group. military preparedness as the mountainous locations in east- review the ground situation in for the 2022 Goa legislative The party has decided to ond time that the few others in Iyyer alleged that in 2014, tense border standoff with ern Ladakh in sub-zero tem- the region. "General MM Assembly elections. fight the upcoming Assembly MLA's son is appearing Mumbai and under a contract with the China in the region prolonged peratures. China has also Naravane #COAS visited for- Addressing a press confer- polls with its full might, he before the probe agency. neighbouring Mumbai Metropolitan Region for over seven months, the deployed an equal number of ward areas of #FireandFury ence, Dhavalikar said the said. Dhavalikar alleged that Vihang Sarnaik reached the Thane. After the Development Authority for Army and official sources said. troops, according to officials. Corps including Rechin La party is open to a pre-poll some leaders in the BJP and ED's office at Ballard Estate in searches, the ED officials had supply of 350 to 500 security The Army said Gen Lt Gen PGK Menon, the and undertook a first-hand alliance with other like-mind- others, who are opposed to the south Mumbai around 12 picked up Vihang Sarnaik from guards, the security firm pro- Naravane visited the forward commander of the Leh-based assessment of the situation ed opposition parties in the MGP, were trying to show that noon. Earlier, his father was his residence and questioned vided only 70 per cent of the areas including Rechin La and 14 Corps, popularly known as along the LAC. state. the party has split. questioned by the ED on him. The agency last month agreed number. New colleges in UP Several injured DDC polls: PAGD gets majority in 6 districts in BJP-TMC PTI n JAMMU PAGD has got a clear majority in six clash The PAGD has got a clear districts, followed by the BJP in five in can get affiliation online PTI n CONTAI (WB) majority in six districts, fol- the maiden DDC election in J&K but lowed by the BJP in five in the PTI n LUCKNOW, Several persons were injured maiden DDC election in the alliance of 7 mainstream parties in a clash between Trinamool Jammu and Kashmir but the has got an edge over the saffron party Uttar Pradesh government has Congress and BJP activists at alliance of seven mainstream in six other districts as it is just short made online provision for Ramnagar in West Bengal parties has got an edge over the new colleges to secure univer- Wednesday ahead of TMC's saffron party in six other dis- of one or two seats for the majority. sity affiliation and for existing rally in Contai, the strong- tricts as it is just short of one colleges to get no-objection- hold of Suvendu Adhikari or two seats for the majority. Kupwara (nine seats), Budgam the largest party in Ramban certificates for starting new who joined the saffron party Independent candidates (10), Pulwama (nine), and Kishtwar in Chenab valley courses. recently. hold sway in the rest of the two Anantnag, Kulgam (12) and region by winning six seats The online provision has Police said the clash broke districts – Srinagar and Poonch Ganderbal (11) and is just each besides securing same been implemented to bring offline processes. out when a procession by BJP – where they have won seven short of one seat from clear number of seats in Rajouri dis- more transparency, Deputy Sharma said the process of activists was passing near a seats each . An independent majority in Baramulla, Shopian trict in Pir Panchal range, all Chief Minister Dinesh obtaining the NOC for the TMC party office on candidate is also leading in and Bandipora districts, while falling in Jammu division. Sharma, who also holds the establishment of minority edu- Ramnagar Road in Purba another seat in Poonch district, The results of four con- Kashmir post abrogation of Srinagar district is open as the The Congress, which has Higher Education Department cational institution too has Medinipur district. where the counting for one of stituencies - one each in Article 370 and bifurcation of PAGD and the Apni Party won seats in all the districts portfolio, said on Wednesday. been simplified and made Several persons were the constituencies is still in Bandipora and Kupwara dis- the erstwhile state into two won three seats each and the where PAGD is short of the "For existing colleges to take online. injured in the clash, which progress. tricts of north Kashmir and union territories last year. BJP one besides seven bagged majority, can play a major role NOC to start new courses and "Now the application can be took place when one group The People's Alliance for Poonch and Rajouri districts in Out of the 276 seats for by the Independents. in the formation of the DDCs. for the new colleges to secure made online to the concerned attacked another and the Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), Jammu region - are still await- which results have been In Jammu division, the BJP The national party was initial- university affiliation, the university along with all the subsequent retaliation, police which among others includes ed. declared by the J&K Election has got the majority in Kathua ly a part of the PAGD but dis- process has been made online,” necessary documents and the said. Police brought the situ- regional heavyweights National The counting of votes for the Commission so far, besides and Samba (13 seats each), tanced itself from the alliance Sharma said in a statement. concerned university will issue ation under control and TMC Conference and PDP, swept the 280 DDC constituencies -- 14 PAGD and BJP, Independent Jammu and Udhampur (11 as the BJP targeted the oppo- “The affiliations will only be the NOC after that," he said. and BJP traded charges on maiden District Development each in 20 districts -- started on candidates have won 49; each) and Doda (eight), while sition party for being in league given online from the acade- Additional Chief Secretary, the clash. Council (DDC) polls by win- Tuesday morning after the Congress 26; Apni Party 12; it has an edge in Reasi district with the "Gupkar Gang". mic session 2021-22," he Higher Education BJP alleged that TMC ning 110 seats, while the BJP peaceful culmination of the PDF and National Panthers where it got seven seats against Although the Congress went added. Department, Monica Garg activists attacked its party emerged as the single largest eight-phase election from Party (NPP) two each; and BSP three by the PAGD, two Apni alone in the last seven phases, Sharma said till now the said a time table has been set workers without any provo- party by getting 74 seats and November 28 to December one. Party, one Congress and one it is widely believed that its NOC and related proposals for online disposal of NOC cation when they were mov- the maximum vote share in 19. This was the first democ- In the Kashmir Valley, the Independent. understanding with the PAGD were disposed of through and affiliation proposals. ing in a procession. Jammu and Kashmir. ratic exercise in Jammu and PAGD got full majority in The PAGD has emerged as remains intact. THURSDAY | DECEMBER 24, 2020 nation 05

INDIA CORNER People from UK being rigorously traced; Gujarat HC discharges NCP MLA Kandhal Jadeja in Arms Act case he Gujarat High Court has situation under control: Satyendar Jain discharged NCP MLA PNS n NEW DELHI new strain. They say it's more MAHA AUTHORISES TKandhal Jadeja in a criminal contagious and some scientists Maha task force case registered against him Delhi Health Minister conjecture the coronavirus COLLECTORS TO under the Arms Act in 1998. In Satyendar Jain on Wednesday strain in circulation in India CLAMP NIGHT head doubts virus an order issued on Monday, said people who have arrived may have already reached the Justice Vipul Pancholi allowed here from the UK are being rig- new mutative state". CURFEW the discharge plea of Jadeja, orously traced and tested for "The coronavirus mutates Mumbai: The Maharashtra vaccine potential after his lawyer argued there was no evidence against him and the any COVID-19-like symptoms. with time and the best shield government on Wednesday Mumbai: In the wake of a new statement made by the co-accused was not admissible before law. He asserted that the coron- from any strain is to wear widened the scope of the coronavirus strain detected in the Jadeja is an MLA from Kutiyana in Porbandar district. The case was avirus situation in the city is masks and observe safety night curfew, which was UK, Maharashtra COVID-19 task lodged against Jadeja in Porbandar after he was allegedly caught under control with the positiv- norms," he added. imposed in municipal limits force head Dr Sanjay Oak on with weapons in 1998. The HC had earlier stayed framing of charges ity rate plummeting to below He reiterated that the Delhi on Tuesday amid growing Wednesday said vaccines against him in a local court. Jadeja moved the HC in 2015 after the one per cent. government has made storage concerns over the emergence currently available in some lower court rejected his plea to discharge him in the case. Jadeja, Interacting with reporters, and logistics preparations and of a new coronavirus strain in countries may not be 100 per the only NCP MLA in Gujarat, has several criminal cases registered Jain said the suspension of trained staff too as it awaits the UK, authorising collectors to cent effective against the new against him, including of rioting armed with deadly weapons, flights to and from the United arrival of a COVID-19 vaccine. issue similar orders, subject variant. Talking to reporters here, voluntarily causing hurt, unlawful assembly, inpolice stations in Kingdom was a prompt move On Centre contemplating to approval of chief secretary. Oak also said mass gatherings Porbandar, Rajkot and Ahmedabad, as per his poll affidavit. by the Centre and will help in As a precautionary step amid were acting as COVID-19 super- containing the spread of the growing concerns over the spreaders and should be new coronavirus strain detect- K’taka imposes night curfew from Dec 23 till Jan 2 mutated COVID-19 variant, avoided. The vaccines which are Cold weather conditions ed in that country. the state government clamped in approval stage or have been Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief TAC for COVID-19 and senior prevent and contain the new a curfew from 11 PM to 6 AM approved in some countries were "We are alert and watchful at Minister B S Yediyurappa on officials. Addressing reporters, he COVID- 19 strain." Earlier in the persist in Haryana, Punjab our end. People who have in the limits of 27 municipal developed on the earlier strains Wednesday said the state said, "In view of the new strain day Sudhakar had held a detailed corporations, including of coronavirus, he said. "Even a old conditions prevailed arrived here from the UK in the government has decided of the COVID-19 virus and as per discussion with the TAC members last several days are being rig- Mumbai, from December 22 minor change in the mutated in Haryana and Punjab to impose night curfew from the advice of the Government consisting of senior health experts to January 5. COVID-19 strain could challenge Con Wednesday, with orously traced and tested for December 23 night till January 2 of India and Technical Advisory in the state. Neighboring slightest of COVID-like symp- "District collectorsare the efficacy of the vaccines places like Hisar, Adampur across the state aimed at Committee, it is decided to Maharashtra on Monday had authorised to impose a night which are recently developed," and Ludhiana reeling under toms," Jain said. containing the new COVID-19 impose night curfew from today declared a night curfew in "A team has been made and curfew in their jurisdiction Oak said. The outer layer of the intense chill. According to the strain. The Chief Minister made till January 2, 2021 between 10 municipal corporation areas as a subject to approval from the virus has spikes which look like a Meteorological Department house-to-house tracing is being the announcement following a pm and 6 am." "It will be precautionary step amid growing done... they (UK returnees) are state chief secretary," the corona, hence the virus is called officials here, the minimum meeting with Health Minister K applicable for the entire state.. I concerns over a new coronavirus state government said in an as coronavirus. temperature hovered below being advised self-isolation Sudhakar, members of the state request all public to cooperate to variant spreading in Britain. too," he added. order issued on Wednesday. normal limits. Hisar in Delhi has fought difficult to not vaccinate children TN allows Jallikattu, Haryana braved the chill recording a low of 2.7 degrees Celsius battles with COVID-19 and all against COVID-19 at this stage, while Adampur and Ludhiana in Punjab also reeled under biting cold efforts will be made to ensure Jain said, "The idea is to elim- says events must recording respective minimums of 2.5 degrees Celsius and 2.8 COVID-19: Total tests in India nearing 16.5 crore degrees Celsius. that the gains made in the inate the virus and the vulner- follow Covid norms management of the pandemic able sections are being pre- New Delhi: India's total tests 1,19,035. Twenty-three states and recoveries exceeding the daily are "not reversed" due to the ferred first." conducted for detection of UTs have better tests per million new cases have ensured a total Chennai:'Jallikattu,' the popular new situation in the UK, Jain "So, the healthcare workers, COVID-19 are nearing 16.5 crore, than the national average, the net reduction of the active bull taming sport in Tamil Nadu, Cold wave intensifies in Kashmir, had said on Tuesday. frontline workers, people above the Union Health ministry said on ministry said. caseload," the ministry underlined. could be held next month by "Delhi situation is under 50 years and those below 50 Wednesday highlighting that an Sixteen states and UTs have While 23,950 persons were found following the guidelines imposed dry weather to continue till X-mas control as of now with less than years with serious ailments are average of more than 10 lakh weekly positivity rate less than the positive in a span of 24 hours, in view of the COVID-19 1,000 cases being reported for the first ones who will get the tests conducted daily has ensured national average. India has registered 26,895 new pandemic, the government said old condition the third successive day... the vaccine," he said. that the cumulative positivity rate Fifteen states and UTs have recoveries during the same on Wednesday. intensified in Kashmir positivity rate has dropped to Sources on Tuesday had said is sustained at low levels. cumulative positivity rate less period. A net decline of 3,278 A maximum of 300 participants Cwith most parts of the less than one per cent which is that an institutional quarantine The share of COVID-19 active than the national average, the cases has been recorded in the would only be allowed for valley witnessing a dip in the lowest in the last eight facility was being set up at the cases in the total infections has ministry said. The ongoing trend total active cases in a span of 24 Jallikattu and 150 for 'Erudhu their minimum months. We will do every- LNJP Hospital for passengers further shrunk to 2.86 per cent of contraction of India's total hours, it said. Keeping in line Vidum Nigazhchi', another variety temperatures on Wednesday. The weather thing to keep this situation found positive at Delhi airport, with 26 states and UTs having active cases continues, the with its commitment to conduct of the sport. Spectators shall be less than 10,000 active cases, the ministry said adding the active more than one million tests every subjected to thermal scanning has remained dry and cold under control," he said. amid mounting concern over across Kashmir since it Asked about the new the new strain of the virus. ministry said. India's tests per caseload of the country stands at day, 10,98,164 samples were before entry into the open spaces million population (TPM) are 2,89,240 as on date. "The daily tested in a day. earmarked for the events and snowed on December 12, COVID-19 strain threat and The Civil Aviation Ministry with the night temperature the Delhi government's pre- on Monday had said all flights they must follow requisite social distancing and wear masks, the staying several degrees below the freezing point, a meteorological paredness to combat it, Jain from the UK to India and vice 31 in view of the emergence of Six passengers travelling for COVID-19 on arrival, a department official said. The weather department has forecast that said, "Only ICMR and scien- versa will remain suspended a mutated variant of the coro- on Air India's London- senior government official government said in an official release. the cold and dry weather would continue till Christmas Day. The tists can give us insight into this from Wednesday to December navirus there. Delhi flight tested positive had said on Tuesday. Valley continued to reel under sub-zero night temperatures on Wednesday as well, even though there was a slight improvement in the mercury at most places. Independents emerge as key ‘Ayodhya mosque Regular classes for SSLC, PUC Village head held over clash in player in Kashmir’s DDC polls against Waqf Act’ will resume Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar he head of Khandrawli PNS n NEW DELHI ly hailed from Bhimber Tehsil turnout recorded by various PNS n AYODHYA from January 1 village in neighbouring in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir constituencies. The indepen- PNS n BENGALURU TShamli district has Independent candidates have before his family migrated to dent candidates have won a All India Muslim Personal been arrested in emerged as big winners in border village Chakroi in R S total of 49 seats and one more Law Board (AIMPLB) mem- The Karnataka government connection with a clash in Jammu and Kashmir's maiden Pura sector, had won is leading in another seat in ber Zafaryab Jilani said on on Wednesday said regular which two men were shot District Development Council Suchetgarh assembly seat for Poonch district. Wednesday the mosque which classes for grade 10 and sec- dead and another was polls, with 49 of them having the first time in 2008 and Another major defeat for is planned to come up in ond year PUC in the state injured last week, police been declared elected so far repeated the performance for the BJP was Parihar losing to Ayodhya following last year's would resume from January said Wednesday. A case from 280 seats, putting them the party in 2014. his NC rival Asim Hashmi Supreme Court verdict is 1, as announced earlier. has been registered against ahead of parties like the Singh expressed grati- from Gundana segment and against the Waqf Act and "ille- The government's asser- village head Sompal, his Congress and the PDP. tude to his voters and said Congress opponent from gal" under the Shariat laws. posed mosque in Ayodhya tion came amid concerns two sons and his supporters, Station House Officer of the Kandhla Among the big Independent the vote for him was Marmat seat Mushtaq Athar Hussain, the secretary violates the Act. It violates the over the coronavirus pan- police station Rozan Tyagi said. wins is Taranjit Singh defeat- "against the farm laws Ahmad, both falling in Doda of a trust formed to build the Shariat law as the Waqf Act is demic even as a new variant ing BJP's two-time MLA and imposed by the BJP govern- district, as the day-long mosque in Ayodhya, however, based on the Shariat," said has been detected in the UK. former minister Sham Lal ment on the farmers of the counting witnessed a see-saw said everyone interprets the Jilani, who was also the con- The state government has Choudhary in Suchetgarh in country against their will". battle between him and his Shariat in their own way and venor of the Babri Masjid announced regular classes Jammu region by a slender "The BJP went for aggres- opponents. when the land has been allot- Action Committee. for Class 10, second pre-uni- margin of 11 votes. sive campaigning bringing Former MLA Shah ted under the directive of the Another executive mem- versity and Vidyagama pro- Itanagar Zoo reopens Though the BJP maintained union ministers, chief min- Mohammad Tantray, who had Supreme Court, it cannot be ber of AIMPLB SQR Ilyas said, gramme for government PNS n ITANAGAR noon around 20 people have its supremacy by emerging as isters and national leaders resigned from the PDP early illegal. "We have rejected the propos- school students from class six visited the zoo. the single largest party with 74 to divert the attention of this year, was defeated by The blueprint of the al to accept land for the to nine from January 1. The Biological Park Itanagar, The dos and donts say five seats and is leading in anoth- the voters from the real independent candidate Riyaaz mosque and a hospital to be mosque at any other place. We Vidyagama scheme is popularly known as Itanagar groups of up to 20 visitors each er seat, the defeat of its stal- issues facing the public," Choudhary, who polled 3,829 built on a five-acre land in lost the title suit and so we aimed at taking school edu- Zoo, reopened for public on would be allowed in a day and warts Choudhary and anoth- Singh, who finally prevailed votes against 2,898 by him in Ayodhya's Dhannipur village don't need a land for a cation to the door steps of Wednesday, after remaining all staff and visitors shall be er former minister Shakti Raj after a neck-to-neck fight Loran constituency of Poonch was unveiled on Saturday at mosque." students in rural areas who closed for nine months due to screened at the zoo entry gate Parihar, who lost from two with the BJP leader, said. district. Independent candi- the Indo-Islamic Cultural He alleged that the Sunni cannot afford to attend online the COVID-19 pandemic, an with a thermal scanner. constituencies in Doda district, Incidentally, this was the date Avtar Singh was the Foundation (IICF) office in Central Waqf Board was classes due to various reasons. official said. Masks are a must for every has come as a shock for it. smallest margin win by any luckiest among the contes- Lucknow. working under the pressure of Karnataka Primary and The zoo was closed for visitor inside the zoo from the Choudhary lost to Singh by candidate in Jammu region, tants as he won by just three The IICF has been formed the government. "The Secondary Education public visit on March 21 Zoo's time of entry to the exit, a razor-thin margin. Singh though an independent candi- votes. Avtar Singh polled by the Uttar Pradesh State Muslims have, however, reject- Minister S Suresh Kumar Curator Raya Flago said visi- Flago said. "The visitors polled 12,969 votes against date won by just three votes 246 votes against 243 by his Sunni Central Waqf Board to ed this land at Dhannipur said holding regular classes tors and staff of the biological allowed to enter the zoo Choudhary's 12958, according against his National NC rival Ali Mohammad construct the mosque and given in compensation. The was not a matter of prestige park would have to adhere to should not have cough, cold to the results declared by the Conference rival in the Bhat to become the winner other utilities on the plot. mosque being built by the for him but an obligation of the latest COVID- 19 proto- or fever. People with such J&K Election Commissioner in Kashmir Valley, where many from Dadsara constituency "According to the Waqf Act, trust constituted by the Sunni his department to ensure cols issued by the Ministry of symptoms shall not beallowed the early hours of Wednesday. winners succeeded by small in Pulwama district of mosques or land of mosques Central Waqf Board is just a that everyone gets educa- Home Affairs and the Central entry even if they hold a valid Choudhary, who original- margins due to the low voter south Kashmir. cannot be bartered. The pro- symbolic one." tion. Zoo Authority. He said till entry ticket," he said. PIL in SC seeks fair, SC keeps wheels turning; paved way for hanging in Nirbhaya case PNS n NEW DELHI armed forces. condolence meet for former tals. The year also saw the top top court judge AR “Due to unprecedented pan- peaceful Assembly Wide-ranging directions court face strong criticism on Lakshmanan, Justice Ramana demic, everybody in the world passed in the “world war” various counts even as it upheld said greatest strength of judi- is suffering, one way or the against COVID-19 to alleviate free speech and expression for ciary is the faith of people in it other. It is a world war against the plight of citizens and keep- the citizens. and judges must be “steadfast COVID-19. Therefore, there polls in West Bengal ing the wheels of judiciary As the country came to a in holding on to their princi- shall be government public PNS n NEW DELHI Commission, the state poll turning by delivering several standstill amid the coron- ples” and “fearless in their partnership to avoid world panel, the Director General of key verdicts, including the one avirus-induced lockdown, the decisions” to withstand all war against COVID-19,” the A PIL has been filed on Police and CBI as parties. which led to the hanging of apex court not only swiftly pressures and odds. apex court said. Wednesday in the Supreme "The petitioner is seeking four convicts in the sensation- evolved a system and switched In 2020, the top court faced The country's wait for justice Court seeking directions to the indulgence of this court as the al Nirbhaya gang rape and to video conferencing and e-fil- a barrage of criticism over in the 2012 Nirbhaya case was Centre, the West Bengal gov- continuous violation of fun- murder case, were the key ing instead of physical hearings allegations of not acting swift- over when the four convicts ernment and the Election damental rights, statutory imprints left by the Supreme but also showed the way to ly towards the plight of lakhs of were hanged on March 20 Commission to ensure "free, rights and human rights in Court in 2020. other courts across India to migrant workers, who started after the apex court, during an peaceful, safe and fair" assem- the state of West Bengal has All the odds notwithstand- ensure that citizens continue to returning to their native places unprecedented pre-dawn hear- bly polls scheduled next year reached its zenith and the ing, the apex court kept deliv- have uninterrupted access to izens, especially the media, by decide its validity. Similarly, it from big cities with their fam- ing at 2.30 AM, dismissed the in the state. state government and its ering verdicts having far-reach- justice. granting protection to scribes has sought response of the ilies trudging hundreds of plea filed by one of the convicts The plea has sought sever- police machinery is involved ing impact, including the While it held in the Shaheen like Vinod Dua, Arnab Centre on a batch of pleas miles due to the sudden nation- challenging rejection of his al reliefs including a direction in such violations. orders passed in matters relat- Bagh case that public spaces Goswami and Amish Devgan against the new farm laws. wide lockdown. second mercy petition by the to CBI to probe alleged "No steps to prevent such ed to anti-Citizenship cannot be occupied indefinite- and famously observed: The year also witnessed It took cognisance of sever- President. killings of political activists violation of fundamental, Amendment Act (CAA) ly and demonstrations have to “India'a freedom will rest safe unprecedented controversy al COVID-19 related issues, Contempt cases in the and adversaries of ruling All statutory and human rights is protest at Shaheen Bagh, to the be in designated places alone, as long as journalists can speak when Andhra Pradesh Chief including on migrant workers apex court hogged the lime- India Trinamool Congress being taken by the state gov- latest order on farmers' agita- it said that farmers' agitation to power without being chilled Minister YS Jagan Mohan in which it passed a slew of dir- light during the year but the Party in the state. ernment rather it is the state tion against new farm laws at should be allowed to continue by a threat of reprisal.” Reddy made allegations against ections to ensure that they matter which caught the The public interest litiga- government and its machin- Delhi's borders. “without impediment” as The apex court, which Justice N V Ramana, who is in reach home safely and are pro- attention was the conviction tion (PIL) h a s ery which is responsible for Besides, it took a giant leap protest is a fundamental right. refused to stay the operation of line to become the next Chief vided with food and shelter, of activist-lawyer Prashant made Union Ministry of such brutal violation of rights towards gender justice by The top court stood firmly CAA without hearing the Justice of India, in a letter to and also on providing treat- Bhushan for criminal con- Home Affairs, West Bengal in the State of West Bengal," granting permanent commis- with the cherished freedom of Centre, said that a five-judge incumbent CJI S A Bobde. ment as well as dignified han- tempt for his two tweets government, the Election the plea said. sion for women officers in the speech and expressions for cit- Constitution bench would Later, while speaking at a dling of dead bodies in hospi- against the judiciary. THURSDAY | DECEMBER 24, 2020 op nion 06 www.dailypioneer.com facebook.com/dailypioneer | @TheDailyPioneer | instagram.com/dailypioneer/ PAPER WITH PASSION People win in J&K Gupkar Alliance wins big, proving that traditional leaders Pakistan's darkest day still have popular appeal; BJP makes inroads into Valley es, democracy has won in Jammu and Kashmir. The massive win for the Farooq A number of Army heroes, besides the inimitable Gen Sam Manekshaw, helped YAbdullah-led Gupkar Alliance in the local body elections is vindication that traditional leaders are still secure Lt Gen AAK Niazi’s surrender in Dacca and liberate Bangladesh the people’s choice though the Narendra Modi Government had not spared any effort to demonise them as anti-nationals, separatists even, and as manipulators who smartly leverage the Indo- Pakistan dynamic. It even incarcerated them, know- ing fully well that they would stand in the way of the abrogation of Article 370. That they won a mammoth MAROOF RAZA victory in the District Development Council (DDC) alf a century ago, polls, winning over 100 seats despite the many limitations on campaigning coming Pakistan’s darkest day their way, proves that old leaders, though out of sight for a greater part of the shut- was the surrender of 93,000 Pakistanis in down, are not out of people’s mind. And for all the toxic tirade against them, local HDhaka on December 16, 1971. voters still trust them enough to be their fair representative despite the defanged sta- Nearly 81,000 prisoners of war tus of Kashmir. So Article 370 or not, there’s no dislodging whom the Kashmiris (POWs) were from the Pakistani armed forces (with some Bengali want to lead them. The seven-party alliance, which includes Abdullah’s National soldiers who had chosen to remain Conference (NC) and Mehbooba Mufti’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has defied with the Pakistan Army) apart from the script and won 45 seats in Jammu, pocketing the sensitive border districts of 12,000-odd civilians, including col- Poonch and Rajouri besides Kishtwar and Ramban. Clearly, this is as mainstream laborators. And though everyone associates the fall of Dacca (as as it can get with Abdullah proving that his appeal is still intact in Jammu. Perhaps Dhaka was then known) to then that’s because land ownership resonates among local residents irrespective of reli- Army chief General Sam (SHFJ) gion or region. The new land rules, which allow outsiders to buy non-agricultural Manekshaw, who had no doubt a larger than life presence in South land, have agitated Kashmiris, who see this as an attempt at demographic coloni- Block, a closer reading of one of the sation of the Muslim-majority area. But the Dogras of Hindu-dominated Jammu and few accounts of how it all happened Ladakhis are not too happy about their local culture and privileges being swept away — since official records in Calcutta were shredded at Gen Jagjit Singh under the same clause, particularly when the Northeastern States are allowed auton- Aurora’s orders — shows that cred- omy under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to protect tribal land. Much of this it must instead go to (then) Maj forces do what they are best at, the Pakistani army had fortified then things were moving so fast and then he’d ask him thrice. If tidal verdict has got to do with the Modi Government undoing the trust the earlier Gen JFR Jacob along with Maj Gen to fight a war and win it. Gen its garrison towns, some fierce that the focus shifted to Dacca as Niazi still didn’t respond, he Inder Gill, who was then the Manekshaw apparently battles were fought around them the time was limited, with the US couldn’t guarantee the safety of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government had developed with the NC as its ally and which Director of Military Operations promised her that given the while there was a simultaneous pushing the UN for a ceasefire. Pakistani families (as the Bengali the current regime continued with the PDP. Locking their leaders up has only united (there was no DGMO then), and time, he could help her “make drive to get to Dacca. A simple If that had happened, all the mil- rebels were waiting to lynch them and made them martyrs to a cause, much to the BJP’s detriment, one that it Lt Gen Sagat Singh, who was com- history and even geography”, as tactical lesson that is taught to itary gains would have been lit- them all). Moreover, he’d ask for manding IV Corps in Tezpur. Maj I recall him saying at the first every officer in the Army is never erally back to square one. The the resumption of bombings on could have avoided with mediatory posturing. Had the local parties contested sep- Gen JFR Jacob was the Chief of Infantry lecture at Vigyan to re-enforce a failure and, there- Indian Army, ably assisted by the Dacca. Then Jacob — unarmed arately, the Muslim votes would have been divided, which the BJP could have used Staff of India’s Eastern Army Bhawan in October 1994. Even fore, the areas of resistance were Indian Air Force, raced to Dacca. and thus a little worried — went to win more than the three seats it won in Kashmir. The force-feeding of its agenda Command and was thus involved as the armed forces began to pre- bypassed. The Pakistani military The IAF literally bombed the for a stroll and to smoke his pipe, in planning and meticulous imple- pare for what truly became a his- dictator, the often drunk General daylights out of the Pakistani Air giving Niazi time to ponder of mainstreaming Kashmir neither encouraged a political climate even after a year mentation of the operations in East toric victory, Indira took up the Yahya Khan, was however con- Force. Soon the skies were clear over the options. of the abrogation nor helped the national party hoist a credible local alternative. It Pakistan, which is detailed in his job of winning the world’s sup- fident that three factors would- of any Pakistani fighters: They lay Gen Jacob met Gen Niazi may have helped float the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP), drawing rejects autobiography, An Odyssey in War port for India’s humanitarian ini- n’t allow any worthwhile success wrecked on their airfields. And after 30 minutes and asked him and Peace. tiative. By August 1971, New to the Indian armed forces in then a heli-borne operation — thrice if he accepted the surren- from the PDP and NC but that has fared miserably in the polls. Millions of refugees flooded Delhi had signed the Indo- East Pakistan. First, his well- the first of its kind since der document (even though the The BJP, of course, has emerged the single largest party with 74 seats, mainly across eastern India in 1971 into the Soviet treaty of Peace, Friendship armed military machine in West Independence — put troops document’s draft was still unap- relying on the consolidated Hindu vote base in Jammu. But it has also debuted in the States surrounding East Pakistan and Cooperation with Moscow. Pakistan would be enough to across the vast Meghna river and proved by New Delhi!). But (now Bangladesh) after Pakistan’s Not only was it a significant threaten India’s strategic States of many other rivers that had until since Niazi refused to respond, Valley, winning three seats in Srinagar, Bandipore and Pulwama. Enough for it to claim ruthless military clampdown there, departure from the Nehruvian Punjab and J&K. Two, a Chinese then given Dacca a natural Maj Gen Jacob picked up the that its bold strategies in reintegrating Kashmir have rubbed off on the people a bit, which was ordered by Pakistan’s obsession with non-alignment, it military buildup along the defence. This was followed by the document and held it up to say: if not completely. The seats it has won are significant in terms of the inroads it seems dictator Yahya Khan following a was Russia’s support at the many Himalayas would tie down first ever airborne drop of Indian “I take it as accepted.” Tears rolled to have made on hostile ground. It, therefore, indicates a gradual acceptance of the pent-up demand for their rights sessions in the United Nations enough of the Indian Army. paratroopers. By December 15, down Gen Niazi’s cheek and he after election results gave Bengali that stalled resolutions at the ini- These two factors would be the Indian troops had surround- hung his head in shame. Other larger reality of Kashmir’s changed status. No wonder the BJP spokespersons crowed leader Sheikh Mujib a clear victo- tiative of Washington to help enough to deter India from any ed Dacca. Pakistanis glared at him in dis- “The lotus has bloomed” in the Valley. In Jammu, the BJP won 71 seats, scoring along ry. It led to all their Chief Ministers Pakistan when Indian troops serious military adventurism During this lull in the battle, belief. Gen Jacob got up and expected lines. Just as expected is the decimation of the Congress which has won insisting that India must do some- rolled down the plains of East in East Pakistan. And finally, he Maj Gen Jacob received a call asked Niazi to move for the sur- thing to avert this humanitarian cri- Pakistan. But Jacob dismisses this was banking on the US to inter- from Gen Manekshaw, who said: render, which was done at the 26 seats, hardly relevant when Independent candidates have picked up 49 seats and sis. Indira Gandhi summoned the story that Gen Manekshaw had vene militarily if India’s opera- “Jake, go and get a surrender.” He Dacca Race Course on a hastily are perfectly poised to be kingmakers. Srinagar is the touchstone as Independents then Army chief Gen Sam often told — and which I too tions became difficult for then proceeded to Dacca to arranged table and two chairs — have won seven out of 14 seats here. Assuming the Congress ultimately decides to Manekshaw for a meeting with her have heard the late Field Marshal Pakistan to contain. meet Lt Gen AAK Niazi, MC, as the crowds were shouting anti- ‘kitchen Cabinet’. She wanted the narrate in 1994 — about how he But more forces were need- the overall military commander Pakistan slogans — a tearful support the Gupkar alliance, the huge number of Independents is a catchment area General to go to war and liberate stood up to Indira’s demands to ed than Manekshaw was willing in East Pakistan. Jacob saluted Niazi removed his badges of rank for the BJP’s future political laboratory. The Modi regime should have been prepared enough territory in East Pakistan, go to war in March 1971. The to release to implement an effec- him, and asked him if he was and handed his pistol to Gen for the consequences and not pre-judged compliance by force but by gradual coop- so that the refugees could be sent war officially started on tive blitzkrieg towards Dacca. As willing to offer an uncondition- Aurora before being whisked back. However, Gen Manekshaw December 3 though military Gen Manekshaw believed that al surrender. A pompous Gen away by India’s senior officers. He tion. Of course, the BJP has got in seasoned politician Manoj Sinha as the Lt Governor, had apparently cautioned against operations along the borders of the Chinese could spoil the Niazi, enjoying an afternoon of needed to be kept alive to tell the who used his acumen as a negotiator to get the political process going. But restora- haste since many factors were East Pakistan had started in the party, he refused to release addi- beer and lunch — with all the sil- world that he wasn’t mutilated to tion of basic civil rights is still a long way off, patchy internet means the students and involved. They were then into the last week of November. tional troops from the Sino- ver laid out in their officers’ mess surrender, but did so — for the summer of 1971 and the harvest- Apparently, India — fearing Indian border until much later. — dismissed the proposition world to see — at the Dacca the new economy are left out of opportunities, unemployment is at an all-time high ed grain needed to be moved a UN ceasefire — was in a hurry However, as there were no intel- with a wave of his hand, saying: parade ground. This was and the local economy is going down with a `40,000 crore plus deficit. Without address- across the country. The trains and to establish a free Bangladeshi ligence intercepts to back “Who said I am surrendering? achieved when there were 26,400 ing these issues, there is no way that the BJP can claim the higher ground. Or else road transport could either ferry the Government in the port towns Manekshaw’s claim, Jacob man- You have come to discuss only a Pakistani soldiers in Dacca and grain or the troops to battle. And of Khulna and Chittagong. But aged to get troops from the ceasefire and withdrawal as pro- only 3,000 Indian soldiers near- it could risk Kashmir as being its costliest misadventure. then monsoons would follow, as the operations unfolded and Himalayan formations moved — posed by me.” He was apparent- by. Niazi later admitted that which could hamper the movement gathered momentum, Jacob without Manekshaw’s knowl- ly still hopeful that a ceasefire Jacob had “blackmailed me into of military units, especially in the went ahead with a plan to cap- edge — but with help from Maj ordered by the UN could save surrendering”. riverine terrain of Bangladesh. ture Dacca. This was done by Gen Gill. Apparently when him and his army a humiliation. (The writer is a strategic Indira, heeding the military’s doing what Pakistan’s Generals Manekshaw did learn of this, he But Gen Jacob was adamant and affairs analyst. The views The lost year advice, decided to let the armed hadn’t expected India to do. As gave Gill a dressing down but by told him that he had 30 minutes expressed are personal.) As the Delhi Govt has put nursery admissions on hold, parents are worried about the risk of losing a second year of education S O U N D BITE ith the Delhi Government putting nursery Our performance in the The PTI Government has to Four years sober today! Hopefully fans around the admissions on hold, will a cascading effect DDC elections in J&K is perform at much higher levels Earlier it was malt, pink world will find inspiration in encouraging. In the polls, in the remaining time of its champagne & packed city my story to commit to their Wof other States also shutting down pre-schools the BJP has got more five-year tenure. The Ministers bars. Now it is pink skies & craft no matter how hard the and admissions begin? That is the anxiety and fear votes than the NC, PDP must realise that the time for deserted country roads. What journey because everyone that many parents of younger children are currently and Congress combined. performance has arrived. an enriching journey it’s been! can achieve greatness. experiencing. ‘Work From Home’ is not a reality for Union Minister Pakistan Prime Minister Filmmaker and actor Barcelona FC player —Ravi Shankar Prasad —Imran Khan —Pooja Bhatt —Lionel Messi everybody, even some white-collar workers. Not every family either has family support or the assistance of domestic help to manage children, and that is just L E T T E R S T O TH E EDITOR among India’s elite. Those less fortunate finally find themselves having to traverse a growing chasm that Winds of change Playing politics is the digital divide. Sure, the access to cheap over- Sir — This refers to the news item Buyers feel the pinch of high LPG prices Sir — Kerala Governor Arif the-air data has ensured that many do not get left ‘Gupkar Alliance steals the show was shocked to read that the LPG cylinder price in Mohammad Khan has refused behind and further auctions of spectrum for higher-speed 5G services will definitely in Kashmir’ (December 23). The the country will be changed every week from next year. to give approval for a special celebrations that broke out in J&K, ICurrently, these prices are fixed on a monthly basis Assembly session to discuss help but without access to proper devices and with families too financially stressed particularly in the Kashmir Valley, but in view of the daily fluctuation in the price of petro- and pass a resolution against the to pay school fees, the risk of millions of children falling behind the curve looms large over results of the District leum products, oil companies are now planning to three contentious Central farm in India. In many rural schools, indeed in areas barely 25 kilometres outside Delhi, Development Council (DDC) change the cylinder price on a weekly basis. laws. The move was aimed only polls were a far cry from the past It may be noted that the prices of petrol and diesel at antagonising the Centre over schools are still shut and ‘School From Home’ is not an option available to those par- elections which were marked by are fixed every day due to which petroleum companies its farm policies. ents. West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee has already announced that allegations of rigging or criticism easily adjust any change in the global crude prices. The decision to convene the the Board examinations for Classes 10 and 12 will be held in June, unlike the usual that they reflected the minority However, since the price of LPG cylinder is fixed on a one-day session was taken by the opinion due to abysmal turnouts. monthly basis, these companies have to bear the loss LDF Government at a Cabinet schedule as per which these exams are held between February and March every year. For a change, hailing of the for the whole month. In the wake of this, the oil com- meeting presided over by Chief The thought of another lost year for these children and their parents is truly terrifying victories by even the BJP’s rivals panies have for long been considering ways to change Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. and one that the Central and State Governments must work overtime to redress. Because was not grudged by the Centre the prices effectively. Petrol and diesel prices are updat- As per the IOC's internal information, the cylinder The Kerala Government is which saw it as a reaffirmation of ed every day at 6 am, when the new rates come into rate was increased by `50 on December 2 and again by trying to misuse the power the problems will really come home to roost in two decades’ time when a whole gen- the voters and candidates in the effect. The prices of petrol and diesel almost double after the same amount on December 15. A cylinder now costs vested in it by the people despite eration of children with partial education and poor social skills will join the workforce. fairness of the eight-phase polls. adding excise duty, dealer commission and other taxes. more than `700 and it has become expensive to cook the fact that the farmers here are Sure, the best minds in the Government are working on how to deploy various vac- There was a time when However, no announcement has yet been made at home. The Government had pulled back cooking gas very happy with the benefits India’s defeat in a cricket match regarding this decision. Under the new regime, the price subsidy in September as a fall in oil prices and an increase they get from the Government. cines to 1.3 billion people in a reasonable amount of time as they start rolling off the against Pakistan would spark cel- of LPG cylinder has already been increased twice so far in cooking gas rates brought parity in the market. However, the session would line. Hopefully, by the end of 2021 a significant number of Indians would have been ebrations on the streets of in December. But in the absence of any announcement, Bhagwan Thadani now not be held as the Governor inoculated against the COVID-19 pandemic. Other minds in North Block are working on Kashmir. But the fact that the people did not get to know about it. Mumbai did not choose to accord his how to jumpstart economic growth that has been chewed away by the virus. But we DDC polls not only witnessed sanction to the proposal. good participation in the Valley Stranded in the UK fold increase in a fortnight. restrictions on travellers to and The State Government had should start putting our best and brightest minds towards resolving the education issue but also that the results were wel- Though the UK has rolled from the UK as the variant was last December convened a sim- because it will be the single biggest long-term impact of the Coronavirus, particularly comed by the People’s Alliance Sir — The United Kingdom out Pfizer’s vaccine to combat said to be “out of control”. ilar session, which passed a res- in a nation where a large proportion of our population is still poor. We are often told that for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) (UK) has identified a new, the pandemic, in the absence of The Christmas euphoria is olution demanding scrapping of constituents, Independents and potentially more contagious any assured results almost the on the wane as thousands of the controversial Citizenship India is a country full of youth and that our young population will drive the nation’s eco- other parties alike show that they Coronavirus variant linked to a entire country is likely to be hit people wanting to reach their (Amendment) Act. nomic growth. That can only happen if this young population is educated and capable all want grassroots democracy recent surge in the pandemic in by Tier 4 restrictions. The UK native places are stranded at air- MR Jayanthy of gainful economic contributions; else India can be deemed to be sitting on a time bomb for enjoying the benefits of that country. The cases are spi- Government has issued a “Do ports in the absence of flight Kerala development. ralling in the UK amid fears that not travel” advisory following operations. with its uneducated demographic milieu. And this is something that all political parties N Sadhasiva Reddy a mutated form of COVID-19 is the surge in the cases. Multiple Seetharam Basaani Send your feedback to: have to work on together because this has the potential to destroy our nation. Bengaluru lashing the country with a five- countries have now imposed Hanamkonda (Telangana) [email protected] THURSDAY | DECEMBER 24, 2020

www.dailypioneer.com analysis 07 FIRSTCOLUMN Quell over-the-top POINTCOUNTERPOINT WEST BENGAL HAS SLIPPED IN MANY DEVELOPMENT ACCORDING TO THE NCRB DATA, POLITICAL quarrels please INDICATORS AND BECOME NUMBER ONE IN KILLINGS, OTHER CRIMES AND RAPES HAVE CORRUPTION, EXTORTION AND POLITICAL VIOLENCE. DECREASED DURING THE TMC’S RULE. India must put in place a set of guidelines for —UNION HOME MINISTER —WEST BENGAL CHIEF MINISTER content creators to follow when it comes to the depiction of military insignia AMIT SHAH MAMATA BANERJEE The future of work AKSHAT AGARWAL The Work From Home culture and the gig economy that the socio-economic impact of the s 2020 draws to a close, it is quite clear that this was the year of over-the-top (OTT) entertainment platforms. The COVID- outbreak has necessitated, are here to stay. Even the Govt is facilitating this transition A19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns forced people to stay indoors and stream content on their phones, tablets and smart tele- visions (TVs). But, as is normal, such dizzying success was accom- panied by hurdles, too. One of the objections was over the depic- tion of military insignia and personnel on OTT shows. While the Armed Forces have often been depicted in Indian films and on TV shows, in recent times some of these portrayals have led to a backlash from a few quarters. This month, the Indian Air Force (IAF) object- ed to the trailor of a Netflix film. Though the movie itself is unrelat- ed to the security forces, the promotion material included a clip of veteran Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor, dressed in an IAF uniform, using a string of expletives. The IAF’s official Twitter handle point- BALWANT NIDHI ed out that the uniform was “inaccurately donned” and that “the MEHTA MEHTA language used is inappropriate.” Earlier in June, ALTBalaji was panned for an episode of its show ‘XXX’ where an Army officer’s wife is shown to be having an extra- he Work From Home (WFH) culture that marital affair, with her lover donning her husband’s uniform in a has become the new normal due to the Coronavirus pandemic and the gig econ- steamy scene. A YouTuber filed a police complaint and hashtags T omy that the socio-economic impact of the out- like #AltBalajiInsultsArmy did the rounds on social media, while break has necessitated, are here to stay. Even the several veterans expressed their objection to the show. Perhaps it Government is facilitating this transition in the was this popular sentiment that prompted the Ministry of Defence workplace. However, this is not the first time that to declare that web series and film content based on the Indian Armed the world is seeing a paradigm shift in work ethics Forces should be released only after a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and culture. The intensification of the industri- is obtained from the Government. It is understandable why the Armed al revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries Forces and some retired personnel would be incensed by such con- brought about profound changes. People start- tent. In their eyes, it damages the public perception of the institu- ed leaving their homes and toiling in an outside tion, which is something that most of them take great pride in. work environment. This transformation gave birth to a new movement of skilled workers and However, the bigger question this controversy has thrown up is this: was the beginning of the 9 AM to 5 PM work Should the precious time and energy of the Defence Ministry and schedule in the office. This meant working in an the Armed Forces, entrusted with the daunting task of protecting inflexible and regimented environment with tools the country, be spent on relatively minor issues like these? Instead, or equipment provided by an employer. isn’t it time that India put in place a set of guidelines for content Despite the advent of work opportunities out- THE INDIAN creators to follow when it comes to the depiction of military insignia? side the house, some people still continued to GOVERNMENT Such a move would be beneficial on three counts. First, con- work from their residences. The development of HAS ANNOUNCED tent creators would become more sensitive to the need to uphold public transportation brought further changes in SIMPLIFIED the honour and prestige of the military and calibrate their artistic the office culture as it enabled workers to trav- GUIDELINES FOR freedom accordingly. Often, mistakes in portrayal are not products el easily. Consequently, the 20th century work- OTHER SERVICE force turned into a commuting one, leading to of malice but simple ignorance of established protocol such as ranks, PROVIDERS LIKE a rise in employment opportunities in offices and BPOS, uniforms and so on. Second, the Army, the Navy and the IAF will factories engaged in manufacturing and the ser- not have to expend their energies on comparatively minor issues KNOWLEDGE vice economy. In this setting, companies large- PROCESS This can be seen as both, a return the insurance sectors. Since the begin- led to health issues for others. Face-to- when India’s international borders require their urgent attention. Finally, ly controlled the means of production, manufac- to the pre-industrial revolution work ning of the lockdown in March, almost face interaction vital to nurturing rela- it will insulate the military from the pressures of populist sentiment. turing, office equipment and other work staples OUTSOURCING routines and advancement towards 90 per cent of the 4.3 million tionships and facilitating collaboration, Worldwide, countries have put in place guidelines on how mil- which were expensive or not portable enough to AND ITES AMONG the future of work. According to the IT/BPO/ITES sector workforce moved has been absent, leading to reduced itary insignia can be depicted on screen. Clause 772F of the Title be utilised by individuals working from their OTHERS TO International Labour Organisation, to the WFH model in India. mental well-being. It is harder in 10 US Code, says that, “While portraying a member of the Army, homes. REDUCE THE around 68 per cent of the world’s total Advantages: Remote working and industries that require physical location Navy, Air Force, or the Marine Corps, an actor in a theatrical or motion The nature of office work further changed COMPLIANCE workforce, including 81 per cent the virtual way of life have benefited or presence for manufacturing activi- picture production may wear the uniform of that armed force if the in the early 20th century with the advent of the BURDEN FOR THE employers, are currently living in coun- employees, employers and all stake- ties. WFH is least suitable for drivers, portrayal does not tend to discredit that armed forces.” In Germany, telephone, telegraph and typewriter, which were INDUSTRY AND tries with recommended or required holders, allowing them to pause, think, construction workers, shop sales pro- considered as precursors to remote work. workplace closures. and balance their work, social, physi- fessionals and domestic helpers, as their displaying symbols of Nazi rule such as the swastika and the runic FACILITATE WFH Though by the early 1960s a majority of the work- AND ‘WORK FROM According to the job search site cal, mental and digital wellness. The occupations requires high human prox- insignia of the Schutzstaffel, a paramilitary organisation, is a crime force was a commuting one, the beginning of the Indeed, since the outbreak, searches for employers’ benefit is in the reduction imity. that comes with a three-year prison term. However, Section 86 of ANYWHERE'. THE ’70s saw several key changes that pushed remote GOVERNMENT remote work have increased by over 261 or elimination of real estate costs. The way forward: The Indian the German Criminal Code does allow these to be used to “pro- work to the forefront. Especially after the per cent. Similarly on LinkedIn, remote They can hire and use talent globally Government has announced simplified mote the arts or science, research or teaching, reporting about cur- Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting HAS REMOVED job posting nearly tripled since March, while mitigating immigration issues. guidelines for other service providers rent or historical events or similar purposes.” Countries’ (OPEC’s) oil embargo and the clean SEVERAL ranging from 1.5 times in Canada to 4.9 Firms reap productivity gains while like BPOs, Knowledge Process A feature common to both, the German and American guide- air Act in the US. In view of the high oil prices REPORTING AND times in Brazil. Another global research workers are enjoying geographical flex- Outsourcing and ITES among others to lines is their broad character. Neither of them list precise rules that and shortages, the rise of the information econ- REGULATORY report by Lenovo revealed that 72 per ibility which eliminates commutes, reduce the compliance burden for the content creators have to follow nor do they prescribe things they omy, environmental concerns and gridlock COMPLIANCES cent of the respondents globally agreed giving them a better work-life balance. industry and facilitate WFH and ‘Work can or cannot show on screen. As a result, these guidelines allow commutes, companies began their experiment to FOR SERVICE that they would WFH more than they In particular, flexible workspaces from Anywhere’. formalise remote work for employees. did before the health emergency hit. allow women to restore a work-life bal- The Government has removed creators to push the boundaries of artistic expression while, at the PROVIDERS SUCH In fact, The Washington Post published an AS DEPOSIT OF HFS Research reports that the global IT ance. A study published in the Lancet several reporting and regulatory com- same time, being sensitive to public sentiment. It is important to article and suggested that remote work could have industry showed a remarkable shift in found that WFH not only benefits pub- pliances for service providers such as balance between institutional pride and constitutional rights that allow BANK eased the gas crisis. The adoption of WFH GUARANTEES, the way it operated by enabling over 75 lic health but also helps with sustain- deposit of bank guarantees, require- free expression within the bounds of the Constitution. increased manifold in the late 20th and early 21st per cent of the workforce to WFH. It able travel. It helps cities lower their car- ment for a static Internet Protocol In India, the lack of similar guidelines or protocols means that century with the emergence of information and REQUIREMENT ranges from 62 per cent in the bon footprint and reduces traffic con- address, publication of the network dia- the Armed Forces and content creators have no common standard communication technologies such as personal FOR A STATIC Philippines, 72 per cent in the UK, 77 gestions that lead to air pollution. As gram and penal provisions. to evaluate content by, leading to unpredictability where creators computers, the internet, email, broadband con- INTERNET per cent in India to 93 per cent in a result, employees and employers are According to the Labour Secretary, cannot be certain where their creative freedom ends. This is by no nectivity, laptops, smartphones, cloud comput- PROTOCOL China. spared many of the hidden costs asso- the Ministry proposes to frame guide- means uniquely a product of the OTT era either. Back in 2006, the ing and videotelephony. Remote work is not new ADDRESS, Similarly, as per the Lenovo survey, ciated with going to the workplace. lines for workers employed in the ser- IAF had objected to certain scenes in the coming-of-age movie ‘Rang in India too. For about two decades it has been PUBLICATION OF 81 per cent of the respondents from Disadvantages: However, as in all vices sector, such as work flexibility and in trend in the information technology (IT) India agreed to shift to WFH after the things, there is a flip side of the coin too. an explicit WFH provision for compa- De Basanti’, despite the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) NETWORK industry in the country. DIAGRAM AND pandemic abates. An Associated WFH poses the unique challenges of nies. These steps are important for the clearing it for release. A prolonged deadlock ensued during which COVID-19 and WFH: Now, when the Chambers of Commerce and Industry social and professional isolation, tech- future of work, not only in the IT sec- both sides stuck to their demands and the film’s release was delayed. PENAL world is grappling with the COVID-19 outbreak, PROVISIONS of India (ASSOCHAM) report reveals nological issues, monitoring and eval- tor but for other service sectors, too. The impasse broke only after Pranab Mukherjee, the then Defence resilience is being displayed by many employers. that 74 per cent of regular workers uation of work, the quality of virtual This would help to promote a new work Minister, saw the film. ‘Rang De Basanti’ went on to become a major They are exploring new ways to ensure seamless would like to continue with some interactions, feedback from clients and culture and provide the much-needed hit, an iconic film for the Indian youth and the incident is long for- ways to continue their business even as the con- form of a WFH arrangement in a post- colleagues. The people working from boost to the emerging gig economy, gotten. However, the moral of that story is still relevant: The tagion shows no signs of abating. The pandem- Corona world. The survey results show home are vulnerable to longer working which has a huge potential to generate Government of India and the Armed Forces are meant to defend ic has compelled industrialists to think of inno- that around half of the remote work- hours, frequent interruptions, cyber new employment opportunities for the country and not to involve themselves in the business of con- vative work solutions in order to get the best out ers in the country are from the Business security challenges, lack of peer sup- the unemployed men and women in tent creation. Broad guidelines that balance artistic freedom and the of their employees while keeping them safe. Even Process Outsourcing (BPO) and the port, lack of motivation for team work India. though the crisis raises questions on the current Information Technology Enabled and in some cases even greater stress. (Balwant is Senior Faculty at the sentiments of the military will ensure just that. work practices, thanks to digital platforms, Services (ITES) sector followed by IT- Lack of a proper work space at home IHD and Nidhi is Director at The (The writer is an Associate at Koan Advisory, New Delhi. The employees from all over the world have smart- software, education, e-commerce, pub- too has created problems for some, Vision, New Delhi. The views expressed views expressed are personal.) ly managed their operations remotely. lishing, banking, financial services and while inappropriate working conditions are personal) Justice delayed is justice denied What prevents our courts from speeding up the litigation process and coming to a conclusion within months of a case being filed? FOREIGN EYE

Pius X Convent at Kottayam in perseverance of two individuals, “zero backlog” of cases in all courts services of a visionary who was the High Court immediately after the poll, Kerala, was found dead under mys- Joemon Puthenpurackal, a social in the State by 2010. It is hard to tell architect of Udyogmandal in Kerala the Madras High Court is yet to pro- terious circumstances in a well on the activist, and Raju, a petty thief who what the current situation in Gujarat that contributed a lot to the Green nounce the verdict, though the coun- convent premises on the morning of witnessed the entire drama live while courts is. But if instances like the Revolution. try witnessed two Lok Sabha elections March 27, 1992. The Kerala Police hiding in a tree in the convent. Abhaya murder case are any indica- Similarly, AIADMK candidate (2014 and 2019) since then. which probed the case initially, con- A lot could be written about tion, India is light years away from Manoj Pandian, a legal luminary However, it is not just cases relat- cluded that it was a clear case of sui- Abhaya’s murder but the issue before reaching a zero backlog. This has had who contested the Assembly election ed to elections that get delayed in the cide. To substantiate their findings, us should not be confined to this case a detrimental impact on the lives of from Cheranmahadevi constituency courts. What happened to the 2G police officials alleged that Abhaya alone. There is a dictum “justice many. in 2006, was defeated by P Veldurai Spectrum Scam which was broken by A STEP IN THE was from a family which was prone delayed is justice denied.” If we follow A prime example of this is the of the Indian National Congress. The Pioneer in 2007? The Coalgate RIGHT DIRECTION KUMAR CHELLAPPAN to mental distress and which had a this principle, Abhaya has been case of the late MKK Nair. The Pandian challenged the election in the scam? The National Herald case ini- history of suicides. Though it has been denied justice. Not only Abhaya, senior bureaucrat, who belonged to court and it took five years for the tiated by Subramanian Swamy or the The High Court was correct ith the Central Bureau of more than 28 years since Abhaya was there are thousands of people in India the first batch of Indian apex court to declare Veldurai’s elec- illegal telephone exchange case? Why Investigation (CBI) Special found dead, no journalist could sub- who have been denied justice. What Administrative Service (IAS) officers tion as illegal, null and void. The ver- are we plagued by this inordinate to halt a disturbing trend WCourt Judge K Sanal Kumar stantiate the claims of the Kerala prevents our courts from speeding up in the country, had his wonderful dict came on the day when the peo- delay in our courts? It is no wonder among clinicians in the UK pronouncing the verdict in the Sister Police. Apart from pronouncing the the litigation process and coming to career cut short by fake cases slapped ple of Tamil Nadu were on their way that kangaroo courts are flourishing to assume those as young Abhaya murder case in death as suicide, the local police as a conclusion within months of a case against him by a CBI officer in to elect the new Assembly! in Tamil Nadu and even people who as 10 were fit to make life- Thiruvananthapuram, sentencing well as the Crime Branch unit were being filed? Kerala. In the 2009 election, P have reached the age of superannua- altering decisions about Sephy and Thomas Kottoor to life competing with each other to destroy The first time I heard a speech by Eventually, the trial court found Chidambaram, the Congress candi- tion have enrolled as students in law imprisonment, an important chapter the evidence. A local photographer Narendra Modi was in January 2009 that all charges against Nair were date from the Sivaganga Lok Sabha colleges in and around Chennai. It is gender identity. Children are in this sensational murder case has who was hired by the police to take when he flew down to Chennai to trumped-up but the damage had constituency, was declared defeated a sad state of affairs that justice keeps not pawns to be deployed in been closed. However, this is just tem- the pictures of Abhaya’s body deliver a keynote address at the been done by then. Nair should have initially. But the counting was stopped on getting delayed and hence denied adult debates about identity. porary as the accused are likely to destroyed irrevocably most of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Modi, who retired as a Cabinet Secretary in 1977; for a few hours and then it was in the country. Hopefully, the new Keira Bell’s bravery has appeal against the verdict in the photographs which showed nail was the Chief Minister of Gujarat at instead, he was suspended from ser- announced by the Returning Officer year will bring a renewed effort to paved the way for a verdict Kerala High Court and then in the marks on her neck. that time, centred his speech more on vice in 1973. It took more than a that he had won the election, defeat- clear the backlog of court cases in Supreme Court. A murder which took place in the development initiatives his decade for the court to acquit him of ing his nearest rival Raja Kannappan India. that gives children the It was a drawn out case because 1992 has come to a conclusion after Government was taking. He had all charges. It cannot be said that he by 3,000 votes. Though Kannappan (The writer is a senior journalist. protection they deserve. Sister Abhaya, a novitiate in the Saint nearly three decades thanks to the said that his mission was to ensure a got justice. Plus, the country lost the challenged the result in the Madras The views expressed are personal) (Observer editorial) THURSDAY | DECEMBER 24, 2020 Money 08

MONEY MATTERS Economic recovery, demand revival IWAI wants more coal movement via waterways he Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) spark 2021 hopes for steel sector Twant more transportation of coal through waterways, an PNS n NEW DELHI official said on Wednesday. The Indian steel industry grappled National Waterway (NW-1) holds Recovering economy, sprouting with tough times in running their immense potential for coal demand and improving prices movement through inland raise hopes for the country's operations as well as witnessed a waterways but still coal battered steel sector as it steps sharp plunge in demand soon after the movement remains scanty, the official said. However, currently most into the new year after pan- of the fly ash of power plants in West Bengal are being exported to demic-induced disruptions pandemic and subsequent lockdowns Bangladesh through the protocol route. "I will be meeting the Coal turned 2020 into a "disaster" for disrupted overall economic activities Minister today to move a certain percentage of coal through the industry. waterways," IWAI chairperson Amita Prasad said while addressing As the sector experiences Indian Chamber of Commerce organised e-conference on multimodal signs of better times, the apex demand coming from steel- rebound in economic activity. transport. body of domestic steel makers, intensive sectors, the overall JSW Steel's priority is to ISA, expects good days ahead steel demand is expected to leverage the availability of addi- and surely no more outbreak reach 100 MT in 2021. tional capacities to meet the Cairn wins tax arbitration; like that of coronavirus infec- "Demand is clearly visible incremental demand that tions. and going forward is expected would arise due to economic The Indian steel industry to become stronger which rebound to create value to India ordered to pay $1.2 bn grappled with tough times in augurs well for the industry in stakeholders, he said. K's Cairn Energy Plc has won an running their operations as 2021," he said. State-owned SAIL's arbitration against the Indian well as witnessed a sharp JSW Steel Joint Managing D Chairman Anil Kumar Ugovernment levying Rs 10,247 plunge in demand for steel Seshagiri Rao said, 2020 is the Chaudhary said that from the crore in retrospective taxes, the soon after the coronavirus pan- worst year in the last 70 years third quarter of the ongoing fis- company said on Wednesday. The demic and subsequent lock- and that the unprecedented cal, the market has started three-member tribunal, which also downs disrupted overall eco- pandemic has had a devastat- improving and will continue to comprised of a judge appointed by the nomic activities. ing impact on the world eco- do better in the next fiscal year. Indian government, ruled that India's Adverse market conditions nomic growth. Even though The growth in the auto sec- claim of Rs 10,247 crore in past taxes forced steelmakers to cut down came into force in late March "We are expecting good days structure in the new year, the overall steel demand is tor, infrastructure and con- over a 2006-07 internal reorganisation of Cairn's India business was their operations by up to 50 per and the relaxations began in a ahead and no more outbreak of which will have a multiplier expected to fall in 2020, the struction, white goods and not a valid demand, sources said. The tribunal asked India to pay the cent in April. There was a phased manner only in June. any virus like corona in the effect on demand, Hazra said, industry is experiencing agri equipment will aid the steel funds withheld along with the interest to the Scottish oil explorer for shortage of manpower as many While terming 2020 as a future. Year 2020 was a disas- adding that the demand will improvement in realisation demand in India, he said. seizing dividend, tax refund, and sale of shares to partly recover the workers migrated to their "catastrophe" for the steel ter, we expect no more disas- show resilience to reach to and margins, he added. Things are improving in the dues. Confirming the award, Cairn in a statement said "the tribunal native places amid the lock- industry, Indian Steel ter. This will save us from fur- pre-COVID level in 2021. According to Rao, the com- domestic and the internation- established to rule on its claim against the Government of India has down as well as limitations on Association (ISA) Deputy ther disruption," he said. In 2019, the demand was pany's expansion plans and al prices are on the rise. found in Cairn's favour." the number of staff working at Secretary-General Arnab The outlook for the sector around 100.2 million tonne inorganic growth through Domestic prices are governed an office or site after gradual Hazra said there is a revival in is turning positive and the (MT) and that will fall to 81 acquisitions are expected to by the international prices unlocking. demand now which will con- industry expects the govern- MT in 2020, he noted. Helped come to fruition by the end of whether they are of steel or iron Nissan to hike prices of all The nationwide lockdown tinue to grow in 2021. ment will spend more on infra- by government spending and March 2021 coinciding with a ore, Chaudhary said. vehicles by up to 5 pc from Jan apanese automaker Honda brings DPIIT global Nissan on Wednesday Businesses with monthly turnover of Jsaid it will hike prices of its vehicles in India by down curtain summit during up to 5 per cent across models from next month on Greater Rs 50L to pay at least 1% GST liability startups on to offset increased costs. The revised prices will be Noida plant PNS n NEW DELHI result in GSTR 1 blockage as January 15-16 applicable across all well. PNS n NEW DELHI available models for PNS n NEW DELHI Businesses with monthly Abhishek Jain, Tax Partner, Nissan and Datsun, effective January 2021, Nissan Motor India said turnover of over Rs 50 lakh will EY said, “The government has The commerce and industry in a statement. The company sells a range of mass market vehicles Honda Cars India Ltd have to mandatorily pay at least now restricted filing of out- ministry will be organising a under the Datsun and Nissan brands, including Datsun Redi-Go, (HCIL) on Wednesday for- 1 per cent of their GST liabil- ward supply details in GSTR 1 global summit on startups on newly launched SUV Magnite and Kicks, with prices in the range of mally announced closure of ity in cash, the Finance return for businesses who have January 15 and 16 next year Rs 2.89 lakh to Rs 14.15 lakh. manufacturing operations at Ministry said as it moved to not paid tax for the past peri- with a view to promoting the its Greater Noida facility in curb evasion by fake invoicing. ods by filing GSTR 3B. growth of the sector, an offi- Uttar Pradesh. The Central Board of “The government's idea cial said. Piaggio India launches Aprilia The automaker said the Indirect Taxes and Customs here seems to be to curb input Startups from Asian coun- decision to cease produc- (CBIC) has introduced Rule tax credit passing by business- tries, domestic players and tion at the plant, which came 86B in Goods and Services Tax es which have otherwise not global entrepreneurs would SXR 160 at Rs 1.26 lakh up in 1997, has been taken as (GST) rules which restricts paid their GST liability,” Jain participate in the virtual sum- iaggio India on part of realignment of man- use of input tax credit (ITC) for added. mit, the official in the Wednesday launched its ufacturing operations with discharging GST liability to 99 AMRG & Associates Senior Department for Promotion of Ppremium scooter Aprilia the goal of improving busi- per cent. aging director or any partner more than Rs 50 lakh per Partner Rajat Mohan said, Industry and Internal Trade SXR 160 priced at Rs 1.26 ness efficiency. “... The registered person have paid more than Rs 1 lakh month. “These changes indicate that (DPIIT) said. lakh (ex-showroom Pune). With the closure of shall not use the amount avail- as income tax or the registered “With the government pro- government is grappling with Prime Minister Narendra The model can be booked for Greater Noida facility, HCIL able in electronic credit ledger person has received a refund viding reasonable exceptions to lower tax collections and high Modi is expected to address an initial amount of Rs 5,000 has also discontinued CR-V to discharge his liability amount of more than Rs 1 lakh this rule, the idea remains to tax evasions, burden of which the participants on January 16. across all dealerships in India and Civic models in the towards output tax in excess of in the preceding financial year prevent misutilisation of cred- will again be on honest taxpay- Global and domestic ven- and online on aprilia country. Both the models 99 per cent of tax liability, in on account of unutilised input it by businesses taking fake ers”. ture capital funds, regulato- india.com, the company said were being manufactured at cases where the value of taxable tax credit. credits,” Jain added. The CBIC has also notified ry authorities like SEBI in a statement. The premium scooter is powered by a single-cylinder, the plant. supply ... in a month exceeds Rs EY Tax Partner Abhishek Further, the CBIC has authentication of Aadhaar (Securities and Exchange Bo- 4-stroke engine that produces peak power of 11 PS at 7100 RPM. It "To maintain sustainabili- 50 lakh,” the CBIC said. Jain said the government has amended GST rules restricting number or physical verification ard of India), Reserve Bank of comes with a fuel tank capacity of seven litres. Commenting on the ty of operations by leverag- While calculating the put restrictions on seamless filing of outward supply details of business premises for the India, Central Board and launch, Piaggio India Chairman and Managing Director Diego Graffi ing production and supply turnover threshold, sales from input credit utilisation with in GSTR-1 for business that purposes of obtaining GST taxation agencies - CBDT said, "designed in Italy, for India, the Aprilia SXR 160 is an epitome chain efficiencies, the com- GST exempt goods and zero introduction of Rule 89B, have not paid tax for the past registration. (Central Board of Direct of great style, high performance and great comfort." The scooter will pany has decided to consol- rates supply would not be which blocks utilisation of ITC periods by filing GSTR 3B. “This amendment has like- Taxes) and CBIC (Central be available at all the dealerships of the company across India, he idate the manufacturing included. beyond 99 per cent of the out- So far, until now, non-filing ly been introduced to prevent Board of Indirect Taxes and said adding, "we believe that this scooter will set high standards in operations for vehicles and However, this restriction put liability, for businesses of GSTR 3B resulted in block- fraudulent registrations,” Jain Customs) would also partic- the Indian premium two-wheeler market and will be a testament of components at its Tapukara will not apply where the man- having taxable turnover of age of e-way bill but will now added. ipate in the summit. Piaggio's upcoming plans for India." plant in Rajasthan with immediate effect for all domestic sales and exports", HCIL said in a statement. Crude oil Tata drives in All head office functions, 2 people dead in ammonia leak India R&D centre and spare Gold declines Rs 252; futures decline LCV model to parts operations (including warehouse) for automobile, on low demand accident at IFFCO unit in UP cater to urban two wheeler and power prod- silver tumbles Rs 933 uct business would however PNS n NEW DELHI PNS n NEW DELHI short time," IFFCO said. continue to operate from PNS n NEW DELHI 25.53 per ounce. Navneet A technical enquiry com- transportation Greater Noida location, it Damani, vice-president (com- Crude oil futures fell by Rs 35 Two people have died in a mittee, headed by an executive PNS n NEW DELHI added. Gold prices on Wednesday modities research) of Motilal to Rs 3,449 per barrel on major ammonia gas leak acci- director rank officer, has been declined Rs 252 to Rs 49,506 Oswal Financial Services, said, Wednesday as participants cut dent at IFFCO's Phulpur fer- set up to find out the cause of Tata Motors on Wednesday per 10 gram in the national "Gold prices edged higher as their positions on low demand. tiliser unit in Prayagraj, Uttar the incident which took place said it has launched a light capital, according to HDFC grim US consumer and hous- On the Multi Commodity Pradesh, though the leakage on Tuesday night, it added. commercial vehicle designed Securities. ing data bolstered hopes for Exchange, crude oil for the was restricted and normalised "We deeply regret the sad specifically for urban trans- In the previous trade, the further stimulus to support an January delivery eased by Rs in a short time, the company and unfortunate accident hap- portation. The Ultra T.7 light precious metal had closed at economic recovery." 35, or 1 per cent, to Rs 3,449 said on Wednesday. pened yesterday night around vehicle comes with 1900 mm Rs 49,758 per 10 gram. He, however, added that a per barrel with a business vol- About 14 out of 16 employ- 10.30pm due to mechanical wide cabin to reduce the turn- Silver also dipped Rs 933 to new coronavirus strain in the ume of 1,555 lots. Globally, ees, including three contract failure at #IFFCO #Phulpur around time, Tata Motors said Rs 66,493 per kg, from Rs UK has caused several coun- West Texas Intermediate crude labourers who were rushed to Ammonia Urea unit in in a statement. The reduced 67,426 per kg in the previous tries around the world to shut oil was trading 0.68 per cent hospital for treatment, are sta- plant operating staff bravely #Prayagraj. Our employees at turnaround time ensures high- trade. In the international their borders to Britain, and lower at USD 46.70 per barrel, ble now, the fertilizer cooper- fought with the emergency the site fought bravely to han- er earning potential for the market, gold was quoting with drug makers are scrambling to while Brent crude was quoting ative major said in a statement. situation and restricted the dle the situation," IFFCO CEO truck owners and brings more gains at USD 1,868 per ounce test their COVID-19 vaccines 0.60 per cent lower at USD "Our emergency response leakage to small area within the and Managing Director U S efficiencies in the logistics and silver was flat at USD against it. 49.78 per barrel in New York. group, fire and safety team and plant and normalized it in a Awasthi tweeted. sector for profitability, it added. Sharma: Paytm to hire staff Higher delinquencies in credit card, loans in retail lending from small towns PNS n MUMBAI financial conditions, relief pro- quency perspective. 2019), as against 8.9 per cent in PNS n NEW DELHI "We are doubling down on grams supported by lenders, From a lending institution May this year and 16.7 per cent that... can now work from wh- Retail credit has experienced an and shifts in payment priorities perspective, retail loans extend- in February, it said. Paytm has doubled down on erever they are — Chandigarh, increase in serious delinquen- of consumers play out. ed by non-bank finance com- The deceleration in balances its efforts to hire staff from Jalandhar, Orissa... Our plan cies, with loans against proper- It can be noted that the panies (NBFCs), which typical- growth is more pronounced for smaller towns and allow them (is) that we will recruit in small ty and credit cards being the Reserve Bank had announced ly take riskier loan bets, report- private banks and NBFCs, it to continue working from cities and not ask them to join most affected segments, a a moratorium on loan repay- ed a 0.49 per cent increase in said. Demand for retail credit those locations instead of (offices) in the big cities," he report by a credit information ments for six months ending delinquencies in August as has been growing lately and in moving to its offices in larger added. Sharma said while the bureau said on Wednesday. August 2020, under which a compared with the year-ago November, retail credit cities amid the pandemic, its company has not zeroed down As of August-end, the loans loan account cannot be termed period, while the same demand (as measured by founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma on a specific model but about overdue for over 90 days in the as a non-performing asset improved 0.28 per cent for inquiry volumes) was back to said on Wednesday. 20-25 per cent of its staff cou- credit card segment were 0.51 (NPA) for non-payment. state-run lenders and 0.10 per almost 93 per cent of the lev- Speaking at the ClearTax e- ld continue to work remotely per cent up from the year-ago The central bank had later cent for their private sector els observed in November Invoicing Leadership in the future. The pandemic period at 2.32 per cent, while introduced a loan restructuring counterparts. 2019, it said. Conclave, Sharma said that and the lockdown that fol- the same for the loans against scheme across all categories for It said the shape of recovery PSU banks saw the biggest initially, the plan was to get the lowed had forced companies property was 0.34 per cent up borrowers impacted by the in retail-credit markets will be rebound in inquiries in the new recruits to join the larg- across sectors to allow employ- at 3.96 per cent, Transunion pandemic. However, bankers very much influenced by the unlock phase, as they were er offices whenever the situa- ees to work from home. IT and Cibil said. have been saying that there has ability to contain the spread of early in recommencing opera- tion would have eased. IT-enabled services companies "Credit cards delinquency priority, with consumers quencies had already been on not been a high amount of the pandemic along with con- tions than their peers, while "We figured out that we are now looking at bringing in rates reflected the wider eco- choosing to pay other credit the rise prior to COVID-19. requests for loan recasts. sumer and lender resiliency. private banks have witnessed a could now recruit from cities a hybrid model to allow a per- nomic slowdown, salary cuts accounts first," the bureau said. It, however, said that the The bureau said in the case Retail advances growth for positive growth in inquiry vol- where we were previously not centage of staff to continue and job losses caused by the For LAP, a product gener- delinquency picture is "compli- of auto loans and personal the system slowed to 2.5 per umes for the first time in going and people don't have to working remotely without pandemic. Further, credit cards ally used by small businesses as cated" and will take time to loan segments, there has been cent in August (compared with November 2020 since move to the big cities. going to offices. often have a lower payment working capital finance, delin- emerge as the lagged effect of an improvement from a delin- the year-ago period of August February, it said. 9

Thursday December 24, 2020 Iconic barbs on Churches decked up, this social media: time, with masks and sanitisers

hristmas is that one Festivals this of the two main festi- Cvals that Christians in year have India look forward, all Who said what through the year, to cele- been a no- brate. This year, however, the pandemic has damp- SHIKHA DUGGAL ened the festive spirit across show. Right the globe. With several countries like United h, the celebrity feuds — as from Ugadi, Kingdom and others much as we may hate to imposing lockdowns fol- Aadmit we all love some Easter and lowing the new strain good celebrity conflict now and wreaking havoc, India is then, maybe even more than a still looking for ways to ring good celebrity love story, there Eid to Ganesh in the festival without has been no shortage of them in enforcing any curbs. Hence, 2020. Be it the Twitter fights or Chaturthi, churches have taken it upon full-out brawls between famous themselves to celebrate faces, there have been plenty of Dussehra and Christmas while following notorious celebrity fights this all the necessary precau- year that have had our biggest tions in the face of the pan- stars butting heads. The Pioneer Kangana v/s Swara Diwali - they demic. bers with masks and sani- while entering the church has rounded up some of the most Churches, during tisers and reminding them but even when the mass is famous celebrity feuds of this Bollywood actor Sushant Singh have all been Christmas, see a larger con- to maintain distance. If any- on,” informs a member of year, from iconic rivalries Rajput’s untimely demise sent shock- gregation than usual. Not one forgets their masks, the church. They’ll also be between Bollywood legends to waves across the nation. His suicide quiet. It's now just members from the we’re also going to give putting out a tent outside intense fall-outs and more. sparked the debate of nepotism again church but curious tourists them one. A five-seater the church, to accommo- with controversy queen Kangana too. The CSI Medak bench will have only two or date more people consider- Ranaut inciting netizens to start blam- Christmas Cathedral church is one three sitting on them, ing the social distancing ing star kids for making SSR feel left- such church that many see depending on whether norm will allow only a hun- out in the industry. When actresses time and with as a pilgrim centre. So how they’re a family.” The CSI dred few inside. Their choir Taapsee Pannu and Swara Bhasker is this largest diocese in Centenary Wesley Church too, this year, will have only denied ever feeling left out because places of Asia prepping for in Karimnagar went a step two people leading the they weren’t star kids, Ranaut went on Christmas? “We’re ensuring ahead and asked its mem- church into worship. This, to shame them and call them “B-grade all members and visitors bers above 60 years of age to minimise contraction of actresses”. Soon, Taapsee and Swara worship slowly wear a mask, sanitise regu- and below 9 years to refrain the virus during practices took to their respective Twitter han- larly, and maintain social Rt. Reverand Dr. A.C Solomon Raj from attending the service and on the day of dles and reacted to Kangana’s remarks! opening up, distance. People will also on Christmas and encour- Christmas. This feud is intensifying with each have to go through a tunnel Solomon, General aged to watch it live on With churches vowing passing day and we wonder what will churches that sprays disinfectant on Secretary, Telangana United YouTub e, instead. “Pews are and hoping to take all the happen next. them, just to be safe. We Christians and Pastors being disinfected, sanitisers necessary precaution while have specific people to Association, and member of and masks are being celebrating the birth of across the city ensure all of these are fol- the church informs, “Right checked and given too, in Jesus Christ, here’s The lowed and there’s peace and from the entrance to the case people forget them. Pioneer wishing its readers Kangana v/s Diljit and the state precaution,” shares Bishop benches, we have people We’re also looking to ensure a Merry and safe What’s the showbiz world without in Medak, Rev. Dr A.C. checking and helping mem- people don masks not only Christmas! any controversy? Looks like the war of are prepping Solomon. Another church, words between Kangana Ranaut and one of the biggest in the Diljit Dosanjh won’t see an end any- twin cities, the CSI Wesley time soon. Both of them have con- for the big day Church, Ramkote, too is stantly been taking digs at one another ensuring all participants on owing to their differences of opinion to celebrate Christmas follow the guide- regarding the ongoing farmers’ lines laid down by the gov- protests. Recently, the Thalaivi actress the festival, ernment. The pews are all questioned the Punjabi singer and being disinfected, we have actress Priyanka Chopra’s stance on three separate units where the issue once again through a video while temperature checks, masks, on social media. Well, Diljit was quick Karan Johar v/s Madhur sanitisers and social dis- enough to respond to this and took Bhandarkar mindfully tancing will all be moni- the help of an audio clip for the same. tored. We trust our congre- Not just that, he also mimicked her While professional rivalries in trying to keep gation too, who’re law-abid- voice. Interestingly, amid all the con- Bollywood is not a new phenomenon, ing Christians, will be troversies that kept Bollywood in the Madhur Bhandarkar did not shy away responsible citizens,” hopes headlines in 2020, this got the nation from taking personal jibes at Karan COVID Prabodh Dasari, Treasurer brimming with an opinion. Johar in public domain. 2020 became at the church. more eventful watching these two film- at bay, finds Baptist Church, makers lock horns with each other Narayanguda, looks all publicly! In November, Madhur The Pioneer's pretty in the twinkling, daz- Bhandarkar called out producer Karan zling lights this month. Johar and CEO of Dharma Productions With just hours left for the Apoorva Mehta for the title of their RACHEL festival, the church is fol- upcoming Netflix show — Fabulous lowing all basic guidelines Lives of Bollywood Wives. He revealed DAMMALA to check the spread of the that he is currently working on a pro- notorious virus. Raj ject titled Bollywood Wives and alleged that he had denied giving the title to Karan and Apoorva, after which they tweaked it. Karan Johar had later apol- ogised to Madhur Bhandarkar over the Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives With everyone having to stay title row. indoors for most part of 2020, Sonu Nigam v/s Bhushan How Telugu and Tamil Twitter was where all the Kumar The Sonu Nigam-Bhushan Kumar noise shifted to. Several stars feud made headlines ever since the singer shared a viral video where he turned to Twitter to keep threatened to expose the head hon- films trended in 2020 cho of T-series. After the demise of audiences informed and help Sushant Singh Rajput, the singer 020 has been an unparal- had claimed that he won’t be sur- leled experience for MOST MENTIONED SOUTH INDIAN ACTORS OF 2020 enhance awareness about the prised if more people die by suicide 2everyone, putting a in the near future. Sonu added that pause on many things. Male Female pandemic. Others kept fans on the music mafia is bigger than the Anushka v/s Sunil However, even the pandemic 1. Mahesh Babu 1. Keerthy Suresh film mafia. Then, T-Series chairman couldn’t hold back the excite- 2. Pawan Kalyan 2. Kajal Aggarwal and MD, Divya Khosla hit back at Actor Anushka Sharma slammed ment of movie enthusiasts Twitter posted on all things Sonu Nigam saying ‘T-Series ne former Indian cricketer Sunil across India’s Southern states. 3. Vijay 3. Samantha Akkineni aapko industry mein break diya’. Gavaskar for his distasteful remarks Tamil and Telugu entertain- 4. NTR Jr. 4. Rashmika Mandanna work - announcing movies, Bollywood stands divided on this about her, while commenting on hus- ment fandoms own a particu- 5. Suriya 5. Pooja Hegde front. While some believe band Virat Kohli’s performance in larly massive space on sharing behind-the-scenes favouritism exists, others believe Indian Premier League 13. Anushka, Twitter, which only keeps that everything works purely on who has faced negativity and trolling growing by the year. This Most Retweeted Tweet trailers across the year man- updates, and more. Here’s a merit. in the past as well, for Kohli’s perfor- year too, Twitter brought fans from a Telugu star: aged to garner love from fans mance, said she was tired of being closer to their favourite stars Mahesh Babu’s birthday with the movie topping con- dragged into cricket. by giving them a space to wish to Pawan Kalyan versation charts look at the most popular connect, have a conversation, Mahesh Babu’s tweet wish- in 2020. conversations on Twitter from Ranvir v/s Anurag and navigate the year togeth- ing his fellow actor Pawan ÆVakeel er. Kalyan on the latter’s birth- Saab - Actor Ranvir Shorey engaged in a public war of words with filmmaker From spreading awareness day, was the most Retweeted Marking the the world of Tamil and Telugu Anurag Kashyap recently. Ranvir and Anurag entered into a heated debate on about the pandemic and Tweet by a Telugu star on comeback of Twitter after Ranvir suggested that a filmmaker, previously known as a crusader entertaining their audiences, Twitter. Picking up on nostal- Telugu actor entertainment for independent cinema, had turned into a flunky of the high-and-mighty. It’s to sharing movie release gia being one of the big top- Pawan Kalyan, the Kangana Ranaut’s statements that are making Bollywood actors and filmmakers plans, 2020 enabled South ics of conversation this year, movie is a remake of the seem to be dividing in Hindi film industry. Indian cinema to engage a lot the Tweet revisits an old pic- Hindi movie, Pink. more with their admirers. ture and showcases how stars ÆValimai - took to Twitter and shared while praising the perfor- Fans, too, left no stone and fans continued to take Ajith fans took the motion poster of the mances of lead actors. unturned in showing their every opportunity to come to Twitter to much-anticipated movie love for their favourites. together in celebration. share their on Mahesh Babu’s birthday Special mention: Most Retweeted Tweet Most Tweeted about happiness which received immense love from a Tamil star: South Indian movies about the and admiration from fans. ÆRRR -Starring actors NTR Vijay’s selfie with fans. upcoming film ÆSooraraiPottru - Starring Jr., Ram Charan ÆMaster - Expected in and developments actors Suriya and Aparna Bala- and Alia Bhatt, Actor Vijay Joseph enjoys a 2020, but delayed related to the movie through- murali #SooraraiPottru was the period massive following on Twitter, because of the out the year. one of 2020’s action drama as he does in the cinema pandemic, ÆSarkaru- biggest and written and world. His selfie with his Vijay’s movie VaariPaata- most talked directed by SS fans, taken at Neyveli, was #Master is one Director about releases. Rajamouli led the most retweeted tweet of of the most Parasuram Tamil fans discussions on the year, and thus the most anticipated Tamil Petla and declared the Twitter as people Tweeted retweeted among the Tamil releases of 2021. music com- movie a master- about various updates related to stars on Twitter. The release of songs and poser Thaman piece on Twitter the movie. 10

Thursday December 24, 2020 what’s brewing? Shaan calls himself an 80s Chef Kunal Kapoor Bandra Boy, announces first English concert ollywood singing sen- Adams ‘Reckless’ album has challenge .. I’m going to shares tips to fulfil your sation Shaan says that been my Top 5 cassettes.. give it my best and hope my Bhe just needs to surren- and since then from time to audience enjoys my take on der to his natural sensibilities time his Love Ballads have Bryan Adams’s classic Rock to create music. The popular never failed to set the mood Hits,” Shaan said. singer, who calls himself an for me. As a singer I always Sharing that it’s his “first “80s Bandra boy”, will soon thought I would be pretty ever concert in English” the eating resolution in 2021 have his first English con- straightforward to pull off playback singer with a gold- cert, which entails paying a Bryan Adams covers and en voice said that he is tribute to his music inspira- knowing how popular his “excited and yet nervous as tion Bryan Adams. songs are in India, I thought hell”. 021 is just a few suit your metabo- “Music has been a con- it would be a ‘no brainer’... ‘a “Besides Bryan Adams my days away and we lism. Fasting can stant companion for me perfect fit’ but when I got favourite artists have been 2want to set the cause irritability and throughout my life. Since I’m down to the details, I Stevie Wonder, Freddie path right by turning mood swings in peo- not a trained musician, I fol- realised how difficult it is to Mercury, Sting, George into a healthier leaf. A ple and drains you of low my musical instincts. My bring out the romance and Michael, MJ and Whitney lot of people across the nutrients your personal taste is constantly intensity that he does so nat- Houston. GNR, Scorpions, the world are making body requires evolving as I’m always open urally through his incredibly and also Duran Duran new year resolutions Eat an early to new trends. But my com- appealing rasp. But, since and A-Ha. Like I said, I’m that will help them fort zone has always been there was no looking an 80’s Bandra Boy,” said lead a wholesome life. dinner: 80s pop/rock music,” Shaan back once I accepted the Shaan. Celebrity Chef told IANSlife in an interview. Kunal Kapoor says Try winding up Shaan will give his own every year, we make a your dinner early and spin to the works of resolution to lead a ensure you have a Canadian musician Bryan healthier life by eating minimum of 2 hours Adams in an upcoming healthy and nutrient before you hit the bed online concert by Paytm rich food that con- Kapoor says: Insider’s Jim Beam Originals. tains fresh produce. One of the most recognisable He suggests a few “The fruits and veg- voices in the Indian scene ways that can aid you etables available in will be reimagining the in fulfilling your fit- supermarkets and works of one of the most ness goal for the year: local sabzi mandis are recognisable voices in the Meal Planning: often laden with pesti- world when Shaan gives Eat a cides and germs. It is Bryan Adams’ discography a Make a weekly meal snack every- imperative to make it shot. Adams, a multi-plat- plan and write down day: While a routine to wash inum singer, composer, gui- the ingredients that planning your them thoroughly with tarist and record producer, is you would require. meals, always ensure sweets, it may not a lot more than gener- a natural action veg- renowned for his love bal- Ensure you do all the that you plan for breakfast, necessarily help you. al. It’s okay to indulge etable and fruit clean- lads, receiving a Grammy for grocery shopping over lunch, snacks and dinner. We generally For example, if you in your favourite dish- er like Nimwash his 1991 hit ‘(Everything I the weekend and keep tend to get hungry during the evening haven’t eaten a es, just remember to before eating or cook- Do) I Do It For You’. His your fridge well and grab the closest snack-it could be Gulab Jamun in a do so in moderation ing natural produce.” songs frequently feature in stocked potato chips or even ice-cream. Instead, while and suddenly Don't starve or the rock anthem compila- Prepping meals: when you plan a snack for the day, you come across it, you skip meals: tions of the past three ensure that you are consciously making might just end up decades and until the lock- If you are making a a choice to eat something healthy. A eating Each body type is down brought things to a dish in the morning snack could be a lip-smacking bhel different and starv- standstill, Adams was a fre- that requires vegeta- with tomatoes and onions or a ing or fast- quently touring legend. bles, you could chop simple, easy to make Focus on ing may Talking about taking on them the previous sys- salad not the legacy, Shaan night and store it in tem Fitness: says,”Choosing Bryan Adams the refrigerator. This and will screen songs to reimagine was a no- will help you in aid digestion while you Don’t con- brainer for me because I spending less time Drink water are eating. centrate on losing have grown up listening to a prepping for your through the day: Concentrate on the weight, as weight gain lot of his albums, particular- meal the next day Ensure that you are food and savour the or loss can be caused by a lot of fac- ly Reckless. I’ve also watched Have a Morning hydrated through the taste of each morsel. tors. If the focus is shifted from him perform so many times, Ritual: day. Dehydration can Mindful eating weight loss to remaining fit, we won’t especially when he came cause fatigue and enables you with a subject ourselves to unreasonable down to Mumbai. I will be Once you wake up make you even hun- better understanding body standards. This will also ensure performing a day after in the morning, don't grier of your appetite Christmas, and I feel it’s the grab that cup of coffee the consumption of a nutritious, perfect time to sing along to Mindful eating: Moderation is balanced diet rather than the or tea, instead drink a key: some of his hits. So many of glass of warm water, Keep your phone latest diet fad which may not his songs I know at the back which will flush out on silent mode and If you force your- suit your body! of my mind, therefore the the toxins from your don’t look at any self off fried food and process of choosing what to perform is very exciting!” “Through my teens, Bryan

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Rules l Each row and column can contain each number (1 to 9) exactly once. l The sum of all numbers in any row or column must equal 45. sport 11 THURSDAY | DECEMBER 24, 2020 Big challenge to keep Pujara quiet: Lyon

PTI n MELBOURNE

ustralia’s “in-depth” planning Warner, Abbott to to subdue Cheteshwar Pujara Aworked out well in the open- miss MCG Test ing Test but spinner Nathan Lyon says it would be a massive challenge to Melbourne: Star opener David keep the “world-class” batsman quiet Warner and pacer Sean Abbott through the remainder of the series. were on Wednesday ruled out of Lyon said the home team has a the second Test against India, couple of more surprises lined up for beginning at MCG from Saturday, the Pujara, who is considered crucial because of a mix of injuries and in the Indian batting line-up for his Covid-19 protocols. doggedness. The second Test begins Both Warner and Abbott were on Saturday in Melbourne. outside the team’s bio-secure hub Jasprit Bumrah prepares to bowl as India head coach Ravi Shastri watches him during “I can’t reveal secrets, to be hon- to get treatment for their respec- India’s net session at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday BCCI/Twitter est with you. But, obviously Pujara is tive groin and calf injuries. a world-class batter and he is going “While neither player has been to be a big challenge for us for the rest in a specific ‘hotspot’ on Sydney’s of the series,” 33-year-old Lyon said northern beaches as outlined by India begin preps for at a virtual press-conference on NSW Health, Cricket Australia’s Wednesday. biosecurity protocols do not allow “We spoke about him (Pujara) in them to rejoin the squad in time Boxing Day Test depth before the series started, it was for the Boxing Day test,” CA said good to see a couple of plans come off in a statement. “The pair travelled PTI n MELBOURNE mate Cheteshwar Pujara. He in Adelaide, but we have got a cou- from Sydney to Melbourne to again returned for a second stint ple more things. continue their rehabilitation given etermined to leave behind later, an indication that he could “So, hopefully if he does get in, we the changing public health situa- Dthe embarrassing defeat in be included in the playing XI for can put into ploy...It is always fun chal- tion in Sydney at the time.” the series-opener, the Indian the Boxing Day Test. lenging yourself against the best Warner still hasn’t recovered team, under stand-in skipper With skipper Virat Kohli players in the world and Pujara is def- fully from the groin injury, sus- Ajinkya Rahane, switched its returning home for the birth of initely one of those guys,” added the tained during the ODI series, focus to red-ball cricket on his first child, Rahane will now senior spinner but refused to elabo- while Abbott has recovered from Wednesday with Shubman Gill have to take the onus of inspir- rate on his plans. a calf strain but he is unlikely to and others grinding it out during ing the team to script a turn- Lyon had dismissed a well-set Australia's Matthew Wade, bottom, dives in attempt to catch out India's Cheteshwar Pujara off Nathan Lyon’s delivery during 1st Test AP break into a playing XI that beat a net session ahead of Boxing around. Pujara for 43 in the first innings of the India last week. PTI Day Test. The practice session begun Adelaide Test, which Australia won by Gill, who was not considered with head coach Ravi Shastri giv- eight wickets. of the quick bowlers that we have got for the opening Test despite ing a pep talk to the team mem- Lyon also said India have got Can’t compare myself to Ashwin: Lyon here in Australian side, I think it’s one scoring 43 and 65 in the pink-ball bers, who stood in a circle at the enough players to fill in the “big hole” of their tactics to come after me which warm-up match, looked in good MCG. left by talismanic skipper Virat Kohli, PTI n MELBOURNE has taken 391 wickets from 97 Tests. is totally fine,” he said. nick as he along with Mayank “We are in Melbourne and who has returned to India for the Asked if he would have any “I am pretty used to having guys Agarwal honed his skills at the now as the red-ball Tests start, it birth of his first child. ce Australian spinner Nathan preferable choice for his 400th Test come after me...So it’s all fun part of nets, indicating that the duo is time to regroup. #TeamIndia,” “...Ajinkya Rahane and ALyon says he and India’s R wicket, Lyon said that it doesn’t mat- playing cricket and especially being could be the opening combina- BCCI wrote on its Twitter han- (Cheteshwar) Pujara, just to name a Ashwin are similar yet different type ter to him. a spin bowler,” he added. tion for the second Test. dle. couple. But you still got the likes of of bowlers, so comparisons should “Doesn’t worry me, if it’s India recorded their lowest Test The 21-year-old Gill also Shastri also had a chat with (KL) Rahul and (Mayank) Agarwal, not be made between the two. (Mayank) Agarwal or (Jasprit) score of 36/9 in Adelaide but Lyon is opens for Punjab in the Ranji Rishabh Pant, who came out to who have been exceptional as well, so Lyon spoke highly of Ashwin, Bumrah, or whoever, batter of bowler, confident that the visitors would Trophy and could be favoured bat at the nets ahead of there is (are) enough guys in that who he says stands out with his vari- doesn’t worry me whatsoever, just it come out all guns blazing in the sec- over struggling Prithvi Shaw, Wriddhiman Saha. squad to fill Virat’s shoes,” he said. ations. would be nice feather in the cap to get ond Test. who returned with scores of 0 With Mohammed Shami “It is going to be a big challenge “Ashwin is a world-class bowler, there,” he said. “I don’t think it will be that dif- and 4 in the two innings at ruled out of the remainder of the for us again and we will start our to be honest. I have watched him a Lyon also dubbed the current ficult. You look at the quality of play- Adelaide. series with a fractured forearm, preparation really well and make sure lot especially when I had gone to tour Australian attack as the best in the ers in the Indian side and they have KL Rahul, who received the Mohammad Siraj and Navdeep we are prepared to take on India again India and the subcontinent to try and world and said it is a privilege to be got some absolutely world class play- backing from the legendary Sunil Saini were seen bowling to on (the) Boxing Day, it is going to be learn of him. But he is a very cagey part of it. ers throughout the whole squad. Gavaskar for the opening slot, Rahane alongside Shardul another big challenge for us,” added bowler, he has got all the variations,” “I have said many times before in “It is one of the days where noth- too had a long stint at the nets. Thakur as the trio look to stake Lyon, who has 391 Test wickets to his Lyon said on Saturday. so hats off to Ashwin,” said the 33- my eyes, this is the best bowling attack ing went right for them and every- Also back at the nets was claim for the third pacer’s slot. credit. “He’s very cagey with the way he year-old off-spinner. in the world. We are all, best mates thing went right for us...We are spin all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, Batting coach Vikram Lyon also feels that Indian bats- changes his pace, so he is a very tal- Ashwin has been India’s premier and there is no day goes by when expecting them to come out firing and who had missed the first Test due Rathour, meanwhile, had a word men will try and attack him once ented bowler. We are similar in a way off-spinner, who has taken 370 wick- there is not a banter being thrown not have any scars from the other day. to concussion. with young Shaw, who is under again, a strategy that he is both but we are very different as well, so ets from 72 Tests. around in the WhatsApp group,” he “...We can’t go out there expect- Jadeja went for an hour-long tremendous pressure to retain his familiar and comfortable with. I can’t really compare myself to him. Lyon himself is close to touching said about the chemistry among the ing we’re going to bowl them out for spell at the nets during which he place in the XI after his below par “...When you look at the quality I think his records speak for his own, the milestone of 400 Test wickets. He teammates. 50 again.” bowled to his Saurashtra team- show in Adelaide. SINGLES Sydney offers to host 2 Tests India can still KARTHIK TO LEAD TN IN MUSHTAQ ALI Rahane is bowler’s captain: Ishant PTI n Chennai: Out-of-favour India player Dinesh Karthik will SYDNEY script turnaround, PTI n lead Tamil Nadu in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 NEW DELHI Rahane has led India to vic- tournament, to be held in Kolkata from January 10. All- n a bid to save its New Year tories both the times he had warns Lehmann rounder Vijay Shankar has been named Karthik's deputy. fixture between India and tand-in skipper Ajinkya captained the side in absence of I PTI n However, the team will be without the services of R Australia, the Sydney Cricket SRahane is a “bowler’s cap- Kohli against Australia and MELBOURNE Ashwin, Washington Sundar and T Natarajan, who are Ground Trust has offered to tain” whose calm demeanour Afghanistan. on national duty. Medium-pacer Aswin Crist returns to host the Brisbane Test too, if the and clear communication with “You can see what kind of ormer Australia coach Darren Lehmann the state side after a gap of three years due to injuries Queensland Government refuse “We can run two Tests if players should help him lead the person he is in his captaincy. He Ffeels India have some quality players in while Sandeep Warrier, who has shifted from Kerala, is to grant exemptions to the necessary, no problems at all,” team well in remainder of the is very calm and composed. I their ranks to still effect a turnaround in the also a part of the team. teams returning from New Sydney Cricket and Sports Test series against Australia, says can’t say he does not have a ongoing four-match series Down Under, South Wales. Ground Trust chairman Tony India fast bowler Ishant Sharma. sense of humor. He jokes despite a drubbing in the opener in Adelaide. TRIPPIER BANNED FOR 10 WEEKS Cricket Australia (CA) was Shepherd told The Age. With regular skipper Virat around with us,” Ishant said. “It will be hard now for them, but they’ve London: England and Atletico Madrid defender Kieran put on high alert earlier this Under the circumstances, Kohli returning home for the “Jinx (Rahane) spreads calm actually got some quality players if they can Trippier was banned from football for 10 weeks and fined month after an outbreak of the Melbourne, which will be host- birth of his first child, Rahane energy in a pressure situation. get on a roll,” Lehmann told SA Sportsday. 70,000 pounds on Wednesday for breaching betting Covid-19 virus in the northern ing the Boxing Day fixture will lead India in the remaining There won’t be any tension, he’d The 50-year-old former Australia bats- rules in a punishment from The English Football beaches in Sydney, which is from December 26, has three Tests of the Border- communicate with the bowlers man opined that India have a potent bowl- Association that applies worldwide. The misconduct scheduled to host the third Test emerged as the frontrunner to Gavaskar Trophy. very well.” ing attack and if their batsmen cope with the denied by Trippier happened in July 2019 — the month from January 7. host the third Test as well. Ishant, who missed the Talking about Kohli, the 32- bounce well, then the tourists could stage a he left Spurs for Atletico. The ban takes effect Even though the situation However, CA has asserted Australia tour due to a side year-old pacer said: “If there’s a comeback in the series. immediately and comes with Atletico top of the La Liga. in northern beaches has that the SCG remains its pre- strain injury, said Rahane has around on the field, he’d ask me partnership growing and it’s a “They can certainly cause some trouble improved, there are concerns ferred venue for the third Test. ability to nicely play the leader- ‘What kind of field you want? flat phase when fielders are with the ball, it’s just whether the batsmen ICA NOMINATES PRAGYAN OJHA TO IPL GC that Queensland may close its “We’ve made it very clear to ship role. When you want to bowl? If you just going through their can cope with the bounce. The MCG pitch New Delhi: The Indian Cricketers Association (ICA) on border with New South Wales, Cricket Australia we’re flexible “He’s very quiet and confi- want to go on (bowling)? motions, one player’s energy will suit them a bit better because it’s a bit flat- Wednesday nominated former India spinner Pragyan which will mean players and and would be very, very disap- dent and I must say he’s a “He’s a bowler’s captain. level can change the scenario,” ter.” Ojha as its representative to the IPL governing council, a broadcasting crews will not be pointed to lose the Sydney Test. bowler’s captain,” Ishant told He’s not someone who’d say ‘do he said. “So we’ll see if their batsmen can bounce day before the BCCI's Annual General Meeting. The BCCI able to travel from Sydney to And that’s with the support of ESPNcricinfo. this or do that ... He is very clear “The kind of energy Virat back and make some runs, especially in the will hold its 89th AGM in Ahmedabad on Thursday. The Brisbane between the third and the NSW Government,” “Whenever we have played about what he wants from his brings to the table ... Not every- first innings. That’s going to be the key for association was earlier represented by former India fourth Tests. Shepherd said. together and Virat has not been team.” one can match that.” them,” Lehnmann said. player Surinder Khanna, as according to the BCCI constitution, the ICA is required to send a member to the IPL governing council every year. SHADAB OUT OF 1ST TEST DUE TO THIGH INJURY Juve suffer first Tauranga: Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan was on Messi breaks Pele’s record Wednesday ruled out of the opening Test against New Zealand due to a thigh injury, which he sustained during Leo surpasses Brazilian’s feat of most goals for single club the third T20I in Napier. Left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar, league defeat who was preparing with the Pakistan Shaheens for AFP n VALLADOLID meaning he has scored a goal curling wide in the seventh Sunday's T20 match against the Northern Knights, was every 1.16 games. minute and forcing a superb save AFP n TURIN named as his replacement in the squad for the first Test, beginning at Mount Maunganui on Saturday. ionel Messi overtook Pele’s The Brazilian scored 643 from Jordi Masip in the 20th Lrecord of goals for a single goals in 757 matches with Santos, minute. Barca took the lead sec- en-man Juventus crashed to UNION BERLIN, HOFFENHEIM OUT OF DFB POKAL club on Tuesday as Barcelona where he played between 1956 onds later when Messi clipped Ttheir first Serie A defeat of Berlin: Liverpool loanee Loris Karius endured a strolled to a 3-0 La Liga win at and 1974, or one every 1.17 over a beautiful cross which the season 3-0 at home against miserable competitive debut for Union Berlin on Tuesday Real Valladolid, while Atletico matches.Barca started on the France defender Clement Fiorentina on Tuesday in a as his side crashed out of the German Cup in the second Madrid kept hold of their place front foot at the Jose Zorrilla Lenglet headed home. nightmare final game before round following a surprise 3-2 home defeat to second- at the top of the table. Stadium, with Messi flashing a Martin Braithwaite gave the Man City inflict more Christmas. tier Paderborn. Fellow Bundesliga side Hoffenheim were The Argentina forward away side a deserved second 14 The defeat came hours also on the receiving end of an upset, as they lost on struck his 644th goal for Barca, minutes later, Messi slipping after the champions learned penalties to second division outfit Greuther Fuerth. one more than Brazil legend Pele through Sergio Dest who rolled misery on Arsenal they must play the match scored for Santos, in the 65th over a perfect low cross for the against Napoli which was can- MOMOTA BACK FROM CAR CRASH WITH A WIN minute of a routine win for Danish international to tap LONDON: Manchester City increased the pres- celled on October 4 after Tokyo: Japan's badminton world number one Kento Ronald Koeman’s side, who are home. sure on Mikel Arteta as the League Cup hold- Napoli decided not to travel to Momota shrugged off nerves to make a winning return fifth in La Liga after the win and Messi, who has looked out of ers powered into the semi-finals with a 4-1 Turin because of coronavirus to competition in Tokyo on Wednesday, nearly a year eight points behind leaders sorts this season after trying to demolition of troubled Arsenal on Tuesday. cases. after suffering serious injuries in a car crash. Momota Atletico. leave the club in the summer, got City ensured it will be a miserable Christmas On Tuesday, Napoli won than for us. beat Koshiro Moriguchi 21-12, 21-14 in the first round of “When I started playing the landmark goal his excellent for beleaguered Arsenal boss Arteta by con- their appeal to the Italian The champions got off to a the All-Japan championships, marking his return from football I never thought I would performance deserved with a demning his side to a fourth defeat in their Olympic Committee (CONI) terrible start in their Allianz the accident that left him fearing his career might be over break any records. And even less simple finish after bursting last six games in all competitions. Gabriel Jesus after being handed a 3-0 defeat Stadium with Fiorentina’s after fracturing an eye socket. the one I achieved today,” Messi through to collect Pedri’s delicate took just three minutes to put City ahead at and a one-point deduction. Franck Ribery setting up posted on Instagram shortly backheeled assist. The easy win the Emirates Stadium and although Alexandre As a result Juventus, who Dusan Vlahovic for the open- MOUSSA DEMBÉLÉ BREAKS ARM IN TRAINING after the game. puts Barca two points behind Lacazette equalized, it was another night of had started the day with 27 er after just three minutes. Lyon: Lyon striker Moussa Dembélé, off to a slow start “I can only thank all Sociedad and fourth-placed torture for Arteta. Arsenal’s reserve keeper, points, finished it with 24. Juventus played most of the with just one goal this season, broke his arm during a those who helped me over the Villarreal, who draw 1-1 at Alex Runarsson, made a horrendous mistake Juventus are fourth, tied on match a man down after Juan training session, coach Rudi Garcia said. Dembélé won't years, my teammates, my home with Athletic Bilbao. when he allowed Riyad Mahrez’s free-kick to points with Napoli and Roma, Cuadrado was sent off on 17 be available when second-place Lyon hosts Nantes on family, my friends and all squirm into the net. Phil Foden and Aymeric and seven points behind lead- minutes for a reckless sliding Wednesday. “We'll see what the course of action is with those who support me every ATLETI STAY TOP Laporte piled on the pain for Arsenal with fur- ers AC Milan, who play Lazio tackle on Gaetano Castrovilli. him, but for now he is unavailable,” Garcia said, without day.” Earlier second-half ther goals to seal the rout. Languishing 15th on Wednesday night. The referee’s yellow card turned giving a timetable for Dembélé's return. Messi had equalled Pele goals from Mario in the Premier League after losing five of their “It’s not a problem for us to to red after a VAR viewing. on Saturday in a 2-2 draw Hermoso and Marcos last seven games — their worst start to a sea- play the Napoli game, but it Fiorentina doubled the lead KOHLI IMPROVES TO 7TH IN T20I RANKINGS with Valencia. The two Llorente earned Atletico son since 1974-75 — Arsenal are in crisis. seems unfair on the other after 76 minutes with the ball Dubai: KL Rahul retained his third position, while India men scored at almost an a huge win away at a Amid talk of dressing room unrest, Arteta, teams who travelled, and per- bouncing off Juventus defend- skipper Virat Kohli improved a rung to the seventh spot equal rate for their clubs. Sociedad team that started the who worked as Pep Guardiola’s City assistant haps lost points, with absences er Alex Sandro and into the in the ICC men's T20I batsman rankings. In fact, Rahul It was the 33-year-old fixture three points off the lead before joining Arsenal 12 months ago, will be due to Covid,” said Juventus goal. Martine Caceres turned in and Kohli are the only two Indians to feature in the top- Argentine’s 749th com- but are now six back in third after in danger of the sack if Arsenal’s wretched run coach Andrea Pirlo. a Cristiano Biraghi cross from 10 list of players in all three categories. Agencies petitive match for Barca, their third straight league defeat. continues into the new year. AFP “I’m more sorry for them close range five minutes later. 12

Vijayawada Thursday December 24, 2020 tollywood Rashmika's B'wood Rajini’s Annaatthe shoot suspended as crew test debut with an positive for COVID-19 espionage thriller The

lose on the heels chose Mission Majnu as terror units and rogue superstar of shooting for a her Bollywood debut as nations. CHindi music video she connected with its Their work often goes has tested with rapper Badshah for story. “I am super excit- unnoticed and Mission YRF and Saga Music ed to start my journey Majnu is an attempt to negative. earlier this month, in Hindi cinema and to bring their sacrifices Rashmika Mandanna reach out to newer audi- and efforts to the fore- According has now stepped foot in ences. I am grateful to front,” Screwvala said in Bollywood as an actress the makers for offering a statement. to sources, with producer Ronnie me Mission Majnu Written by Parveez Screwvala’s next venture which is written beauti- Shaikh, Aseem Arrora he left Hyd Mission Majnu, starring fully,” she said. and Sumit Batheja, the Siddharth Malhotra. Set in the 1970s, the thriller also marks the Screwvala is jointly pro- film, to go on floors in directorial debut of ad to Chennai ducing it with Amar February, follows the filmmaker Shantanu Butala and Garima story of India’s most Bagchi. after the Mehta. courageous mission in Malhotra will be seen Although Rashmika the heart of Pakistan as a RAW agent, who shoot was was offered Hindi pro- that forever changed the leads the mission. “I am jects in the last one relationship between the eager to revisit suspended year-prominent of two nations, the official a mission that forever which was Hindi synopsis read. changed the on remake of Telugu hit “There are thousands relationship between Jersey-her busy schedule of heroes who work India and Pakistan. Wednesday in south meant she had behind the scenes to I am looking forward to to overlook Bollywood safeguard the interest of sharing this special film to ensure calling. She said she our country from other with everyone,” he said. safety

he filming of super- tion house Sun Pictures sources, left Hyderabad star Rajinikanth- took to Twitter and to Chennai on The reception to SBSB will Tstarrer Tamil flick released a statement, say- Wednesday. The fresh Annaatthe, which was ing only four members schedule, which was progressing in were tested positive. The planned till the middle of Hyderabad’s Ramoji Film statement read, “During next month, was to wit- inspire and infuse confidence City since last week, had routine testing at ness the entire shoot to be suspended on #Annaathe shoot 4 crew coming to an end. In a Wednesday after four members have tested pos- recent interaction with in the industry: Chiru members of the crew test- itive for Covid19. the media, Rajini revealed ed positive for novel Superstar @rajinikanth that only 40 percent of coronavirus. The super- and other crew members the film was left to be Stating that the film’s release is an star was tested negative. have tested negative. To shot. A rural actioner, the important event for the entire With multiple reports on ensure utmost safety film, directed by Siruthai industry, Chiru posted, “There Wednesday indicating #Annaatthe shooting has Siva, co-stars Nayanthara, is no doubt that the reception that eight members were been postponed (sic).” Keerthy Suresh, Meena to the film will inspire and tested positive, produc- Rajini, according to and Kushboo. infuse confidence in the industry. At the same time I appeal to audiences to responsibly sport masks and maintain social distance while enjoy- ing the film.” In the fun-filled enter- tainer, Sai plays Virat, a student who is averse to the idea of being in a relationship, leading him to form a club called SBSB (Solo egastar Chiranjeevi on Brathuke So Better). Wednesday extended his best Nabha Natesh, on the Mwishes to Sai Tej-starrer Solo other hand, plays a Brathuke So Better, which debuts in spunky young girl cinema halls tomorrow. As it is the Amrutha who challenges Sai’s first big film to release after theatres steely resolve to stay single. A were shuttered in March due to Thaman musical, the film marks the COVID-19 imposed lockdown, the directorial debut of Subbu, while excitement surrounding it is palpable. BVSN Prasad produced it. A parenting web series F3 rolls on from Vamshi Paidipally he principal shoot on Wednesday. Venkatesh made as a full-length of Anil Ravipudi’s and Tamannaah joined comic entertainer, pro- TF3, headlined by the sets on day itself, duction house Sri Venkatesh, Varun Tej, while Varun will join Venkateswara Creations is The series has been Tamannaah and Mehreen, the shoot in January-end targeting a May theatrical envisaged for eight kicked off in Hyderabad or in February. Being bow. episodes and scripting of five episodes has been completed. Khiladi While Vamshi has will be an action extravaganza: Makers cracked the story idea, he fight Arivu supervision Loser director masters duo — will be the Tof Anbu- biggest attraction. Arivu, who was A joint produc- Abhilash Reddy and raved for their tion venture work in Yash-star- between K his writers Shravan and rer KGF, has been Satyanarayana and signed on for Ravi Jayantilal Gada, Bharadwaj are Teja-starrer Khiladi, an action- Khiladi, directed thriller, sees Ravi developing it, finds by Ramesh Varma. Teja in dual roles, They join Telugu while Meenakshi NAGARAJ GOUD fight masters Chaudhary and Ram-Laxman for Dimple Hayathi an episode in the are the leading hile the status of Bharadwaj — to develop Vamshi will share it with film, which ladies. his next feature it further. The young Allu Aravind. according to the Khiladi is Wremains shroud- writer's trio is more than “He will think about makers will be an Anbu-Arivu’s lat- ed in mystery, filmmaker halfway through with the the casting after Aravind action extravagan- est high-profile Vamshi Paidipally, how- writing as the show is gives his stamp of za. project in Telugu. ever, is working on a web being conceived for eight approval to the script. Right now, the After making their series for Telugu streamer episodes. They are in The series will narrate the film’s shooting is Telugu debut with aha. According to a constant touch with struggle a father goes going on in a spe- Aswathama, source, Vamshi’s digital Vamshi who is guiding through to bring up his cial jail set erected starring Naga debut is a parenting them. The senior director child, and is interspersed in Hyderabad, Shaurya, earlier drama. “A father himself, is extremely happy with with a lot of emotional with Ravi Teja this year, they Vamshi had been travel- the way the episodes have moments. Vamshi is con- taking part in the have been tapped ling with the story idea shaped up so far. He will fident that it will be one shoot. The makers by Meher Ramesh since a long time. He has act as the showrunner,” of the top shows to have say the jail for Vedalam tasked the principal team points out the source. emerged from aha as episodes — partic- remake, starring of acclaimed web series The source adds that the emotional arc of the ularly the action megastar Loser — director once all the episodes are show is exceptionally under Anbu- Chiranjeevi. Abhilash Reddy and writ- on his table and once he strong,” concludes the ers Shravan and goes through them, source.