Year : 04 Issue : 354 New Delhi Thursday, March 05, 2020 Rs. 1/- Pages - 8

E-mail - [email protected] / [email protected] Facebook - www.facebook.com/opensearch.co.in Website - www.opensearch.co.in Kejriwal meets PM, discusse... P3 FIRST COLUMN The opposition is demanding the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah PM Modi, Shah to skip Holi UK expresses concern events over Coronavirus fear over potential impact Parliament Highlights: Both Houses New Delhi, Agency. of CAA With the fear of Coronavirus spreading across the country, adjourned amid ruckus over Delhi riots Primeof the festival, Minister PM Narendra Modi in Modia tweet on said Wednesday that experts decided across to skip Holi events this year to avoid mass gatherings. Ahead

New Delhi, Agency. the world have advised reducing mass gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is also avoiding Holi Milan in wake Parliamentdisrupted for Highlights: the third Both day the on Lok Tuesday Sabha of Coronavirus. “Holi is a very important festival for we and the Rajya Sabha proceedings were Indians but in the wake of Coronavirus, I’ve decided not to participate in any Holi Milan celebration this year. I also London, Agency. as opposition members demanded an appeal to everyone to avoid public gatherings&take good reiterated its concern over the potential immediate discussion on the issue of care of yourself&your family,” he said. Urging everyone to The UK government has Delhi violence. During the proceedings stay safe, BJP President JP Nadda also decided to cancel in the Lok Sabha, the opposition trooped Holi celebrations. “the world is battling COVID-19 Novel impactevents inof Indiathe Citizenship closely. In responseAmendment to an Act into shouting slogans and some of (CAA) and said it is continuing to follow the them displayed placards, demanding resignation of Home Minister Amit urgent question on “Recent Violence in India” Shah. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was tabled by Pakistani-origin Opposition Labour notc present and the proceedings, which Party MP Khalid Mahmood in the House of wentLekhi. on Earlier for little in over the five day, minutes, Leader were of Commons on Tuesday, UK’s Minister of State in haired by BJP member Meenakshi the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Nigel Adams said the UK engages with India at Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi all levels, including on human rights, and also Azad and his deputy Anand Sharma referred to the country’s “proud history” of today gave suspension of business inclusive government and religious tolerance. noticeit was underready rulefor a267 discussion over the on Delhi the “The UK government also have concerns riots. The government on Tuesday said about the potential impact of the legislation (CAA),” said Adams, the Minister for Asia who communal violence in Delhi in both wasis because standing of ourin for close UK relationshipForeign Secretary with the Housesclear that on the March Opposition 11, the day will after not backHoli. Dominic Raab, who is on a visit to Turkey. It However, Azad on Tuesday had made it Talks between the two sides, sources government of India that we are able to discuss down from its demand for a discussion. Corona Virus. The countries and medical fraternity are difficult issues with them and make clear our jointly making efforts to contain its spread. Keeping concernsfollow events where closely we have and them,to raise including our concerns on said, are continuing to end the deadlock. thisof coronavirus in mind, this have year, been I will detected neither in celebrate India so Holifar, northe the rights of minorities. We will continue to On Tuesday, amid sloganeering by the organise Holi Milan. Stay Safe, Stay Healthy.” Six cases opposition members in Lok Sabha, when we have with them,” said the minister. Speaker Om Birla Tuesday said that Union Health Ministry said on Tuesday. The government While Mahmood, who had tabled the urgent the government is ready for discussion Tuesday announced that all international passengers to question for an FCO statement, described on Delhi violence after Holi. He India will now have to submit self-declaration forms on the government response as “facile”, another adjourned the proceedings after ruckus arrival. Currently, passengers arriving via flights from Pakistani-originconcerns to the Indian MP Nusrat authorities. Ghani called on prevailed in the House. During the BJP 12 countries Italy, Iran, China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Nepal, Indonesia, Vietnam the government to relay the UK Parliament’s ParliamentaryModi asked the party meeting MPs held to take earlier lead agency PTI reported Lok Sabha Chowdhury, Gaurav Gogoi & Manicka Coronavirus: 17 Indians this morning, Prime Minister Narendra andWednesday Malaysia said have efforts to undergoare on to compulsory check and screen screening 88 Speaker Om Birla who held an all- Tagore gave Adjournment Motion at 21 airports. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on party meeting earlier today to end the Notice in Lok Sabha, while CPI (M) abroad test positive, Iraq in ensuring peace and harmony in the tested positive for coronavirus. A taskforce headed by logjam in Parliament warned the MPs leader Elamaram Kareem has given a people who came in contact with the Delhi man who confirms first death country. “Vikas is our mantra; peace, that those who disrupt proceedings notice in Rajya Sabha. The opposition unity and harmony are prerequisites will be suspended for the remaining is demanding the resignation of Home for development,” PM said, news himpanic, has PTI been reported. formed to tackle the situation emerging opensearchsession. Congress MPs Adhir Ranjan Minister Amit Shah. from the coronavirus infection and there is no need to Centre clears 72 changes to Companies Report on democracy setbacks Act, decriminalises various offences New Delhi, Agency. singles out US, India New Delhi, Agency. New Delhi, Agency. Coronavirus outbreak Live Updates, Coronavirus in Addressing reporters after a cabinet cases in India stand at 28. Over 3,000 committee meeting, Finance and Among the world’s 25 most populous democracies in this year’s report, India’s democratic score dropped Indiapeople Latest have News:died of The coronavirus total confirmed Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the priority is to the furthest. A study by a government-funded NGO have been infected. Coronavirus outbreak “decriminalise” provisions in the Act. in the United States has sounded the alarm on deteriorating levels of liberty in democratic and worldwide, while some 90,000 people The Centre cleared as many as 72 changes to the Companies Act 2013 authoritarian countries alike, including extensive Wednesday, including decriminalising criticism of India, China and the US itself. The LIVE News Updates: In a press briefing Freedom in the World 2020 report assessed 195 and provide constructive leadership, it will be Wednesdaypatients infected morning, by the Union coronavirus Health in variousFinance offences.and Corporate Addressing Affairs reporters Minister India now stands at 28. This includes after a cabinet committee meeting, countries, rating 83 of them as “free”, 63 as “partly Minister said that the total number of free”, and 49 as “not free”. The Freedom House, 16 Italian tourists and their driver, impossible to reverse the global trends that threaten Nirmala Sitharaman said the priority The latest move by the government whichof countries boasts rated Eleanor free Roosevelthas declined as aby co-founder, 3% in the lasthas three in Kerala (who have recovered), freedom for all societies.” Among the world’s 25 is to “decriminalise” provisions in the comes after Prime Minister Narendra compileddecade. The the index index incorporates each year since factors 1973. such The as share the mostreport populous paid particular democracies attention in to this the year’srevocation report, of Act. As many as 23 offences would be Modi promised that his government is India’s democratic score dropped the furthest. The one in Hyderabad, one in Delhi and recategorised out of 66 compoundable working to decriminalise provision of offences under the new amended act. Companies Act to make it easier to do functioning of government, transparency, the rule of sixto 73.6 of his per relatives dollar earlierin Agra. in Meanwhile, the day the special status for the state of Jammu and Kashmir Besides, seven compoundable offences business in the country. In November, a law, pluralism, and freedom of expression and belief. the rupee slid as much as 0.4 per cent underin a nod the to leadership the discrepancies of Prime in Minister status for Narendra people would be omitted, Sitharaman said. She government-appointed high-level panel This year’s report finds a strong global decline in Modi. The index assesses Kashmir separately to India furthervarious sectionssaid that and the also government reduce penalties would proposed decriminalising more than half governments’ commitment to pluralism, a defining becoming the worst-performing Asian feature of liberal democracy. Ethnic, religious and currency,spread awareness. according There to Bloomberg. is no need “The remove provisions of imprisonment in of the existing compoundable offences under the companies law as well as lower other minority groups have borne the brunt of recent living there. It experienced one of the five largest government is taking all measures to single-year declines of the past decade anywhere in in case of various compoundable offences. monetary penalties for violations by state abuses in both democracies and authoritarian the world, and its status dropped from “partly free” Sitharaman added that those companies startups, amid efforts to further improve countries. India and the United States are the largest to panic but people can avoid mass to “not free” this year. The report also highlighted which have CSR obligation of less than the ease of doing business in the country. and perhaps the most influential democracies in gatherings,”across airports the in minister the country. said, addingPM Modi, the NCR issued in one state and the controversial Rs 50 lakh would not have to constitute Generally, compoundable offences are the world, and their drift from liberal democratic that universal screening will be put up citizenshipthe protests law that adopted ensued. at the national level, plus the a CSR committee. These initiatives, she those which can be settled by paying a ideals is sending exactly the wrong message,” said today said that he will not participate in aggressive tactics employed by the state to suppress said, are aimed at ease of doing business. certain amount of money. Mike Abramowitz, president of Freedom House. “If BJP chief JP Nadda, Amit Shah earlier Reserve Bank of India’smajor democratic order powers from fail to set April strong examples 2018. theSocial upcoming media Holi curbsMilan programmes. removed in J&K after 7 months Supreme Court removes ban on cryptocurrency trading in India: What happens next New Delhi, Agency. the virtual currencies have been disconnected that by banning trading and the VC exchanges,

The Supreme Court has struck down a ban on from their lifeline. “What is worse is that this has cryptocurrency trading in India, which was beenfunction done and (i) (ii) despite despite RBI the not fact finding that VCs anything are not Daman, Agency. in place after a Reserve Bank of India’s order wrong about the way in which these exchanges from April 2018. The Supreme Court has struck The J&K administration down a ban on trading of virtual currencies banned,” the court said. The judgment also refers on Wednesday removed restrictions (VC) in India, which was imposed by a Reserve to the differing position from the government of from social media usage across the Bank of India order in April 2018. The court India, and notes how the same inter-ministerial Union Territory almost seven months in its 180-page judgment said that the ban committee has come to two completely different after a communication clampdown proposed on trading of virtual currencies was conclusions in 2018 and 2019. In the 2018 onof the the erstwhile eve of the state Centre’s under August Article 5 not proportionate and that the RBI itself had not version of the Crypto-token Regulation Bill, the announcement370 and its bifurcation. to scrap theThe special directions status found any adverse impact or harm done by the inter-ministerial committee approved the sale activities of these VC exchanges. The top court and purchase of digital crypto asset at recognised allowed a batch of pleas challenging the 2018 exchanges. But this position completely changed came after a review of the situation by circular of the Reserve Bank of India, which Court verdict. The industry is looking forward recognisedin this part elsewhere of the order in this the order,proportionality the power of in 2019. The same committee called for a currencies, which includes cryptocurrencies. thewhitelisted J&K Home websites, department. stated The that order, internet prohibited banks and financial institutions from torisks work related closely to virtual with currencies the regulators and foster including the RBI to take a pre-emptive action, we are testing complete ban on “private cryptocurrencies,” thataccess was shall issued be available without theacross requisite the Union providing trading services with relation to virtual the Reserve Bank of India to mitigate all possible while also calling for the creation of a digital such measure, for the determination of which rupee as legal tender. This inherent confusion and operate independent of a central bank. Popular forms of cryptocurrencies such as growth of these game changing innovations,” RBI needs to show at least some semblance of in the stance of the government is noted in the Territory of J&K with speed restricted Bitcoin, Ethereum use blockchain technology Naveen Surya, Chairman, Fintech Convergence anywas damagenot proportionate. suffered by itsIt regulatedalso pointed entities.” out judgment. According to Naveen Surya, the RBI currencies in India. The Internet and Mobile to 2G and “these services shall not be Council of IAMAI told indianexpress.com. According to the judgment, the RBI’s circular circular had baffled the industry, and was seen Association of India (IAMAI) was the petitioner made available on pre-paid sim cards”. The RBI order had banned trading of all virtual What does Supreme Court judgment on virtual insisted that virtual currencies are not banned aswere a knee-jerkseveral responsible, reaction. “The skilled industry players always who in this case on behalf of all the virtual currency Additionally, for fixed-line internet, currencies say “We have allowed the writ the contradiction in the RBI’s stand where it wantedunderstood to workthe risks with and regulators, had reached and out there to connectivity shall continue to be made petitions,” a bench headed by Justice R F Nariman available “with mac-binding at unlimited said while pronouncing the verdict, noted PTI. In in India, but the circular had then gone on to speeds”. trading companies. We welcome the Supreme the judgment, the bench noted, “While we have ban all trading around them. The bench said SEBI, the government and RBI. But the sudden 2 | English Daily Open Search | NATIONAL | New Delhi | Thursday, March 05, 2020 KSRTC flash strike withdrawn Focusing on dynamic response that is below after 5 hours, thousands stranded in Thiruvananthapuram threshold of an all-out war: Army chief Kochi, Agency.

New Delhi, Agency. Thousands of commuters in the state capital of India and Pakistan is crossed it would Thiruvananthapuram were stranded for over five hours also asserted that the rise of non-state the International Border (IB) between actors such as terrorists demands that Apart from strengthening its conventional victory in war is formulated in a nuanced escalate to a full-fledged war, the Army prowess, India is focusing on a dynamic manner. “The rise of non-state actors, such chief noted. “Balakot demonstrated that response along its western and northern as insurgents, terrorists, transnational if you play the escalatory game with skill, borders that is below the threshold of an all- criminal networks combined with greater military ascendancy can be established out war, Army chief Gen M M Naravane said focus on individual’s status consequently in short cycles of conflict that do not on Wednesday. India’s northern border is demands that victory needs to be necessarily lead to war,” he said. Naravane aligned with China and the western border formulated and achieved in a more nuanced said, “We have possibly entered the era of with Pakistan. Addressing a seminar on way,”destruction the Army but on chief the noted.ability Victoryto wrestle no ‘contested equality’, wherein technology one was skilful, escalation does not always land warfare here, the Army chief said the longer rests on the ability to inflict massive will make unequals, equal. Perhaps that is airstrikeslead to war. on Moreover,Balakot demonstrated he noted that that the if already happening the battle wining factor when employees of the Kerala state transport bus capacities in this regard both, along the popular support from one’s opponent, he in future combat may not be numerical corporation (KSRTC) launched a flash strike on Wednesday western and northern borders,” the Army said. Terming it a “technological irony, Gen equivalence but technological superiority.” morning protesting the arrest of a senior official by the Indian Army was looking to tap blockchain chief said. He also said kinetic and non- Naravane said the ISIS was far more adept “Brick and mortar military structures technologies, lasers and directed energy police. By afternoon, however, following discussions kinetic responses were being developed to in using social media for devastating effects and capacities, will perhaps matter less; between the police and the KSRTC unions, the strike was weapons for possible military use. On our address the threat. The Army chief pointed as compared to the 21st century armies of technological capacities in enabling part, that of the Indian Army, we have withdrawn and bus services resumed operations. The out that Chinese dominance in the South the US and the UK. Talking about a new domains like AI (artificial intelligence) row erupted when a senior transport officer of the KSRTC analysed carefully the changing character China Sea showed small incremental steps phenomenon of showing military prowess and cyber will decisively tip the military of war within the overall framework of stopped a private bus from operating on a route that they none of them serious enough to warrant below the threshold of an all-out conflict, he balance,” he said. “The Army is embracing were not mandated to run on. The official had reportedly conflict, as relevant to the Indian context,” any action or reaction cumulatively said, “The Houthi rebels attack on Riyadh low-hang technologies and inducting them Gen Naravane said, adding, “The ‘grey forcefully stopped a private bus that was operating achieved the aim without firing a single airportthese short, and intense oil facilities and escalatory in Saudi cycles Arabia of with speed into our units and formations. services to Attukal temple to take advantage of the festival zone’ and its varied nuances are receiving shot or inviting retaliatory action. The and closer home, the Balakot airstrike saw “Theconcerted military attention. leveraging Capacities of emerging,in space, our concerted attention.” “Apart from season when in fact it was only mandated to run between Chinese way of war, epitomised by thinkers disruptive domains is also receiving our Mannanthala and Kizhakkekotta. When the official was strengthening our conventional prowess, such as Sun Tzu, has given a new lease and military activity in full media glare, where we are also focusing on dynamic response arrested by the Fort police station, employees and trade life to the concept of “non-contact or grey sophisticatedyears, Indians were information told that if and narratives when cyber and electronic warfare, similarly, are unions of the KSRTC began assembling outside the police actions below the threshold of an all- zone warfare”, where one shed the binary played an equally important role.” For being given a boost. We are also looking at out war and are refining our plans and station and demanded his immediate release. But when the approach to conflict, Naravane said. He tapping blockchain technologies, police declined, the employees launched themselves into a Bombay HC refusesflash strike, suspending to stay bus services auction indefinitely. of In Punjab, Amarinder Singh announces 50% rare paintings belonging to Nirav Modi rebate in fares for women in state-run buses Mumbai, Agency. Wednesday refused to stay March Chandigarh, Agency. The Bombay High Court 5 auction of 15 rare paintings and other items owned by Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh Rohin Trust of which fugitive Tuesdayowned public announced transport 50 per buses. cent concessionThe decision in diamantaire Nirav Modi, his wife fare for women passengers in the government- and son Rohin are beneficiaries. A bench of acting Chief Justice comesconsidered close toon bethe one heels of of the Arvind several Kejriwal-led populist Bhushan P Dharmadhikari and government starting free bus rides for women, justiceto deposit N Rauction Borkar proceeds asked thein Enforcementa separate bank Directorate account (ED)and measures, which led the AAP to a resounding consecutive win in Delhi. Earlier, speaking not be appropriated for any other in the Vidhan Sabha, Amarinder said his directedpurpose thatuntil the further amount orders. should government was “totally committed to ending monopolistic practices and cartelisation in the transport sector, which the previous SAD-BJP The plea filed by Rohin sought a regimethe next hadtwo promotedyears for the to youth. its own Another benefit. 2,000 He direction to ED and auction house, declared 5,000 new mini bus route permits in Saffron Art, to not carry out the auction. The auction includes 15 rare of paintings and therefore approached route permits would be provided for regular paintings, including those painted by the High Court late. Additional Solicitor 52-seater stage carriage buses during the next MF Hussain and Amrita Sher-Gil. Nirav General Anil Singh for ED opposed the two years, he told the House. Amarinder assured Modi was declared a fugitive economic plea and submitted that a due process the House that any transport permits found offender under the Fugitive Economic was followed for attachment of paintings illegal would be cancelled, adding that show Offenders Act on December 5, 2019. and other items under Prevention of cause notices had already been issued for 142 two issues are addressed, the CM does not need Senior Counsel Amit Desai for petitioner Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and same permits, which were being examined as per law. Rohin Modi on Wednesday had submitted written in golden letters”. The MLA said if these liquor were making their way through. Aam was publicised. Singh also submitted The transport department was in the process opensearchthat paintings do not belong to Nirav that auctioning was required as the cost Aadmi Party MLA and Leader of Opposition of issuing 15-day show cause notices to the Modi but a trust. He also said that the to do any other work. Warring also questioned a Harpal Singh Cheema also raised the issue of of preserving paintings was excessive. remaining 212 permits as well, said Amarinder, ownerand auction. of the paintingOpinion did| Price not receivealone “Rs 600 crore loss” in excise duty and demanded liquor and sand mafia and said “mafia rule ED said that Rohin was not the sole promising “total transparency in issuance of any notice pertaining to attachment beneficiary of the trust and Nirav Modi permits, along with all possible steps to break that accountability be fixed for that, especially which had been prevalent in the SAD-BJP regime when liquor was costly in Punjab and still there continued during Amarinder Singh’s. rule too”. “If and his wife, Ami, were also beneficiaries the monopoly in the transport sector”. He also won’t determine a successful auction of was loss. He said mafia was at work and for government sells one bottle of liquor, mafia sells of the trust. Paintings were purchased assured to check “undue profiteering in the Nirav Modi’s seized goods Rohin Modi interest would be prejudiced was not excise duty paid for two trucks, eight trucks of ten bottles,” claimed Cheema. with the money misappropriated by transport business”, and said that a new mining submitted that he was a minor when Nirav and hence Rohin’s claim that his policy would be brought out soon to eliminate Mining contractors in Haryana owe state government paintings were attached and he was the mining mafia in the state. On the issue of unaware of the ED’s action of attachment maintainable. theaction state would transport be taken policy, as per the the chief directions minister of more than Rs 1,792-crore: Mool Chand Sharma saidthe court, the matter as and was when sub-judice the issue but was necessary settled. Chandigarh, Agency. ‘Adjournment for a month unjustified’: SC asks

dues”. The Congress MLA had In his reply, the minister also High Court to hear Delhi riots pleas on Friday Earlier, speaking during the debate on the sought information from the said, “Payment of government New Delhi, Agency. budgetary estimates for 2020-21, Gidderbaha MINING CONTRACTORS government on dues against dues by the mineral concession MLA Amarinder Singh Raja Warring trained in Haryana owe the state mining contractors with holders (mining contractors/ gunsbackfoot on hison theown issue government of transport while policy demanding and we government more than Rs details of penalty imposed on lessees)dead rent is and an ongoingother applicable process a “transport policy”. “Government goes on the 1792.77 crore, both as dues such defaulters. According with the contract money/ The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed for “the operational period to government figures, in the Delhi High Court to hear matters related have to face embarassment,” he said. He warned against operational mines” and the category of “dues for the dues being paid in monthly to the northeast Delhi violence on March that if the monopoly in the transport sector is “pre-commencement period operational period”, amount installments”. Sharma added, 6 while observing that the one-month not ended, the government will have to pay a against operational mines”. that is pending under “balance “In case of delay/ default in adjournment by the HC was “unjustified”. price (“khamiaja bhugtana paina”). He added The staggering figures came contract money/dead rent paymentinterest as of per government provisions dues, of Chief Justice of India SA Bobde, heading a thatthose the buses finance should minister decide should which announce routes they200 to light in a reply tabled in the for operational period” is Rs the same are recovered with bench that also comprised Justices B R Gavai new buses and to end monopoly, operators of House by Mines and Geology 818.34 crore, while interest Minor Mineral Concession, and Surya Kant, requested the Delhi High Minister Mool Chand Sharma levied for delay in payments Rule 56 (6) of the Haryana Courtof peaceful to deal resolution with the matterof the expeditiouslydispute. The CJI, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said wanted to ply buses on by paying government in response to a question asked is Rs 292.23 crore. Similarly, Minerals and Prevention of while asking it to explore the possibility the situation wasis not not proper. conducive. We will “We when have on kilometre scheme. Talking about sand mafia, by Congress MLA from Tosham, in category of “dues for pre- Stocking, Transportation of received 7000 videos. We said right now Warring said that it should be made available Kiran Choudhry. According commencement period against northeast Delhi riots have claimed the lives free(If sand of cost and to transport the people issues of the are State. not addressed, “Je rete te to government records, “26 operational mines”, amount Illegalcan be taken Mining in case Rules, of default 2012”. of 47 people so far and left over 200 injured. thecourt situation orders. is In conducive,” an injunction, Mehta there said. areWe transport da hal na keeta fer apni gal nahi ban ni mining contracts leases have that is pending under “balance Elaborating on the action that We think that adjournment (in Delhi HC) don’t think that violence can be curbed by been terminated on account of contract money/dead rent for of such a long period is unjustified. We we will not be able to make it),” Warring said, in non-payment of government pre-commencementinterest levied for delay period” in ofconcession payment, holder the fails minister to pay also do not want to assume jurisdiction specific people. But in a matter like this, an apparent reference to the 2020 Vidhan Sabha dues since 2015. Furthermore, is Rs. 389.53 crore, while the said, “In case the mineral whenwhich HChave is beenseized adjourned of the matter. to a later All other date there are not specified people,” CJI Bobde elections. Referring to Amarinder, Warring said 5 mining contracts/ leases connected matters in the same subject shotthere back. would Senior have Advocate been no Colin riots Gonsalves, had the that if sand was made available free of cost and are lying suspended on payments is Rs 292.67 crore. the outstanding dues who is representing the petitioners, said transport mafia is ended, “your name will be account of non-payment of may be advanced and taken up along with December 16 gangrape case: President rejects this matter,” CJI Bobde said. Replying to the “main persons mercy petition of convict Pawan Gupta Coronavirus threat: Tamil Nadu has Srinagar, Agency. action plan in place, here’s what it is President Ram Nath Kovind on Chennai, Agency. Wednesday dismissed mercy petition of Pawan Gupta, one of the convicts in the December 16, 2012, gangrape- murder case, two days after a Delhi court Amidst the fear of fresh cases of coronavirus deferred the hanging of the four death being reported, Tamil Nadu’s public health row convicts pending disposal of Gupta’s system and community health workers are mercy plea. The Delhi Home department currently monitoring over 1,000 patients in had recommended that the mercy plea of homecurrently quarantines. no suspected According patients with to Tamil coronavirus Nadu’s Pawan (25) be rejected. The convicts— Directorate of Public Health (DPH), there are Mukesh Kumar Singh (32), Gupta (25), sentence cannot be executed pending Vinay Kumar Sharma (26) and Akshay disposal of Pawan’s mercy petition before admitted to any state hospital. But it confirmed Kumar Singh (31) were to be hanged the President. “Despite stiff resistance there were 1,367 patients in home-based self togetherstayed by on the March court.On 3 at 6 am.Monday, This wasthe from the victim’s side, I am of the opinion quarantines for possible links to virus-affected the third time the death warrants were that any condemned convict must not regions and symptoms. Hundreds of public meet his Creator with a grievance in his health workers are monitoring these patients Supreme Court had rejected Pawan’s bosom that the courts of the country over the phone. The government has wns, also curative petition challenging the rejection have not acted fairly in granting him converted some hospital wards across the state, of his review petition against the death especially in Chennai and other major to an opportunity to exhaust his legal department, are deployed in a 24-hour service Dr K Kolandaisamy assured the situation in the sentence awarded to him. Gupta was into isolation wards. The DPH said isolation remedies,” ASJ Rana had said. The case at the Chennai International Airport considering state was not worrying. “We have deployed an the only one among the convicts who wards with a total of 235 beds are ready for use dates back to December 16, 2012, when the number of airlines operating from far eastern efficientadversaries public and health protocols system issued on the by ground the state and had not filed a curative petition. The acrossairports the to state. convert The as state isolation health wards department as part has of a 23-year-old woman was gangraped and countries. Not less than a dozen doctors and monitoring all potential cases besides following curative petitions filed by the other three also identified several buildings nearby major assaulted inside a moving bus in South nurses are deployed at other major airports too, were already dismissed. Deferring the Delhi by six persons, before being thrown including Trichy, Madurai and Coimbatore, to and Centre. There is no need for panic in Tamil hanging, Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) a standard contingency plan. At least 20 medical out on the road. She died on December screen passengers. State public health director Nadu,” he said. Dharmender Rana had stated the death 29, 2012 at a hospital in Singapore. workers, including doctors from the state health New Delhi | Thursday, March 05, 2020 | DELHI/NCR | | English Daily Open Search | 3 Kejriwal meets PM, discusses police action in NE Delhi riots New Delhi Correspondent. Delhi: Sisodia visits riot-hit areas,

A week after the national capital came under the grip of says officers keeping eye on ground communal riots, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday, in what was their first meeting New Delhi, Correspondent. after the AAP’s return to power. Briefing reporters about the meetinglast Monday in the and Parliament Tuesday House, in Kejriwal said they discussed incident,” he said. Meanwhile, a Delhi the role of Delhi Police during the violence, which peaked Assembly panel launched a dedicated Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia WhatsApp number and an email address the city’s Northeast district, Tuesday visited Shiv Vihar and nearby for people to file complaints against hate claiming at least 47 lives. areas. The Delhi government has tasked 18 messages received on social media. The Kejriwalfull cooperation also emphasised over the nextthat sub-divisional magistrates to coordinate peace and harmony committee launched the PM has assured him of relief and rehabilitation efforts in riot- the number 8950000946 in this regard. affected areas. Officials working on the The email ID is [email protected]. five years in developing Delhi ground to ascertain the damage during the in, said Greater Kailash MLA Saurabh and working for the welfare riots have so far verified that 79 houses Bharadwaj, who is chairing the panel. of people. “We also discussed were destroyed completely in fires, 168 “PeopleWhatsApp, can Facebook share or their any other complaints social the situation in Delhi. I told sustained substantial damage, and 327 against any messages received via him the police proactively shops were burnt. Deputy Chief Minister quelled rumours, panic and averted another crisis Sunday Manish Sisodia Tuesday visited Shiv Vihar media platform which can potentially to coordinate relief and rehabilitation nightMonday by hittingand Tuesday the streets whatever in large took numbers place andover appealing those two to and nearby areas. The Delhi government cause communal disharmony. They can people to maintain calm. Had they shown similar alacrity last has tasked 18 sub-divisional magistrates even share screenshots,” he said. He said a legal team, IT team and an agency will nights in one district perhaps a lot of lives could have been efforts in riot-affected areas. “If houses vet the messages and pick those that saved,” the CM said. Kejriwal said the PM agreed with him that in the affected areas are locked, officials demand police action while informers both governments should ensure such incidents do not recur are trying to contact occupants through of hate messages whose complaints are incapital the city. of the “We country. agreed We on workingwill take togetherwhatever on steps preventing that need such to their neighbours so that their names and converted into FIRs will be rewarded Rs abe drastic taken in situation the future from to prevent happening such in riots. the There future. should Delhi never is the details can be included in the SDM reports. 10,000. “The committee has also decided Till Monday evening, we had reports of 79 Kailashtake stock Gehlot of andrelief Imran operations. Hussain, AAP also situation is grim but I also noticed that that a peace meeting will be organised houses that were completely destroyed, visited different riot-affected areas to residents displayed a lot of unity amongst with the six MLAs of the violence-hit 168 that were burnt substantially, 40 with be such riots in Delhi,” he said. Kejriwal also requested Modi themselves, irrespective of their religion, areasthose areas on March will also 5. Prominent join. The panel religious has minor damages, 327 burnt shops, and 41 that whoever was responsible for the riots, “irrespective of Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh also visited and came out in support of each other leaders and people from civil society of (identified) bodies as per police… 422 party, religion, or stature, should not be spared and strict action the Mustafabad shelter. Sisodia, who duringareas to these report difficult and prevent times. any Our untoward officers people were injured,” he added. Other should be taken against them, so the message that such actions also heads the revenue department are keeping a close watch on the affected also decided to invite the Delhi Police ministers, including Rajendra Pal Gautam, will not be tolerated goes out to the public”. heading the relief operations, said: “The chief,” he added. WhatsApp groups created to spread hate just Man who fired in front of cop in before surge in Delhi violence: Police probe Delhi held from UP’s Shamli district New Delhi Correspondent. Vijay Kumar, New Delhi were created between February The bulk of WhatsApp groups has learnt that several old Punjab initially after his video was 23videos, and not 24. Thelinked Indian to northeast Express Additional CP (Crime Branch) A K Singla said Pathan had fled to and shown on news channels. Delhi,passions. were As forwarded tensions asrose those in widely circulated on social media of current incidents to inflame Shahrukh Pathan (23), who fired northeast Delhi on February 23 multiple bullets last week at following a rally by BJP’s Kapil Northeast Delhi’s Maujpur while Mishra to oppose anti-CAA standing in front of a policeman, Tuesday. Pathan was produced protesters gathering at Jafrabad was arrested by Delhi Police from Metro station, members of both Uttar Pradesh’s Shamli district communities created several WhatsApp groups to circulate before a court and remanded to inflammatory texts, audio and four-day police custody. Additional accessories to ascertain the religion of vehicle owners. CPafter (Crime his video Branch) was widely A K Singla circulated said video messages and rally the crowds, a police probe “Those arrested said that before setting a car on fire, learnt that several old videos, not linked to northeast Pathan had fled to Punjab initially has found. The bulk of WhatsApp groups were created they would check if there was a name on the car or if between February 23 and 24. The Indian Express has there was an idol placed inside,” an officer said. These on social media and shown on groups were formed by members of both communities news channels. “He was hiding at a Delhi, were forwarded as those of current incidents to on February 24 and several messages were sent on inflame passions. For instance, one video showed men friend’s house in Shamli. Based on these groups. “In their messages, they asked everyone information received and extensive a 7.65 mm pistol and ammunition modelling. He used to make TikTok taking out guns from boxes of ghee for distribution. to come out of their homes to save their lives. Some about two years ago from one of videos. He owns a shop and a socks Police later found that the video was from a press discreet inquiries conducted in audio messages were also posted on the group where different parts of Delhi and UP, police his (factory) labourers. The good manufacturing factory in Ghonda,” conference held by Delhi Police when they had arrested people were heard discussing the damage in their quality semi-automatic pistol (that he said. “After the incident, he was gun-runners last year. The WhatsApp groups were also zeroed in on the area around Shamli area,” police sourcesopensearch said. Police also found that local and Kairana. On the intervening Pathan used during the violence) initiallywent to roamingPunjab. inThen Delhi. he Hehid leftin used to give real-time information on where to gather, leaders from the area had called musclemen from was bought from Munger in Bihar,” after his video went viral. He first and which shops and homes to target, it is learnt. “We night of Monday and Tuesday, police neighbouring Loni and Ghaziabad on the night of received information that Pathan he added. Singla said Pathan had are in the process of ascertaining their involvement February 24. “We have identified some of them and gone to the site alone and had five Bareilly before moving to a friend’s by checking phone locations when violence broke out. would be coming to the Shamli bus are trying to get more details after questioning local stand between 10 am and noon bullets, of which two fell down; he place in Shamli,” Singla said. Police We have got some specific information about local residents,” police sources said. When these musclemen fired the remaining three. “During said sohis farfather they was haven’t involved found in any a criminals and their alleged role in connection with to meet someone. A trap was laid reached northeast Delhi, they were split into groups of and he was arrested,” Singla said. questioning, Pathan told police previous criminal record. They the murder cases,” a senior police officer said. The 20-25 each. Two-three local men from the area were that he opened fire in a fit of rage ascertain if he is associated with any interrogation reports of a few men who have been Pathan was planning to escape from added to each group to help identify the community Shamli, but he was nabbed and later as stone-pelting was going on. We narcotics case, and they are trying to arrested revealed they had cases of snatching, robbery, ofall thosethirteen whose police homes stations or shops in the were district being to targeted, provide are also trying to trace his family pickpocketing registered against them. “Ten men brought to Delhi. We are trying police said. The Special Investigation Team has asked to recover the pistol used by him members, who are absconding. gang. The vehicle used by Pathan to were arrested from Dayalpur police station area on A college dropout, Pathan was flee Delhi has not been recovered February 24 on the charge of rioting. It was revealed during the violence. He was fond a list of criminals of the area. “We are checking their of buying pistols. He had procured interested in bodybuilding and yet, said Additional CP Singla. during questioning that they were standing at Sherpur roles after ascertaining mobile phone locations when Chowk when they heard that homes of people from violence broke out. We have so far lodged 436 FIRs in their community were attacked. They started pelting connection with the violence, 46 cases under the Arms ‘Embrace solutions in best interest of fellow citizens’: SC- stones, damaged vehicles and set several shops on Act. We have arrested 34 people and detained another fire,” police sources said. The men also looked at car Delhi: March to Jantar Mantar denied1427,” a senior police police nod, officer 185said.. detained appointed mediators to Shaheen Bagh protesters New Delhi Correspondent. New Delhi Correspondent.

Coordination Committee, an umbrella organisation of but rather expect “solutions lhi last week, the interlocutors various student and youth groups. As protesters began tothat emerge in this fromsecond their phase side.” we Incidentally, on February 28, a ‘peace march’ led by to gather at Ramlila Maidan at 10.30 am, they were Appreciating the protests which remained peaceful during “We communicated to them BJP leader Kapil Mishra was allowed to pass through detained and taken to various locations. The march was the communal violence in De Connaught Place and Janpath despite no police permission. then cancelled and the organisers decided to gather at told protestors all their demands had been conveyed expected them to discuss The slogan ‘desh ke gaddaron ko, goli maaron saalon Jantar Mantar. Permission for the march was rejected and to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court-appointed possible solutions amongst ko’ was also raised. Delhi Police Tuesday detained 185 communicated to the organiser. Despite this, there was interlocutors Sanjay Hegde and Sadhna Ramachandran themselves and then inform protesters, mostly students, from outside Ramlila Maidan. apprehension of people coming and marching… so, strong Tuesday visited the Shaheen Bagh protest site to initiate us. In this regard we urged They were supposed to march till Jantar Mantar to protest arrangements were made at Ramlila. Protesters were the second round of talks with protesters. Appreciating them to understand their role against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the detained swiftly and taken to Khatu Shyam Stadium, Hari the protests that remained peaceful during the communal as responsible citizens under the Indian constitution and recent communal riots in Northeast Delhi. Police said Nagar police station and Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Bawana,” violence in Delhi last week, the interlocutors told find solutions keeping in mind other fellow citizens,” the the protesters did not have the permission. Incidentally, said DCP (Central) Sanjay Bhatia. He said the detainees protesters all their demands had been conveyed to the statement read. We urged them to keep in mind the future on February 28, a ‘peace march’ led by BJP leader Kapil were booked under Section 65 of the Delhi Police Act Supreme Court. “With the oncoming festival of Holi, of children in Shaheen Bagh and all the other children Mishra was allowed to pass through Connaught Place and and later released. Former JNU students’ union (JNUSU) we requested them to embrace positive solutions for of our country, for whose better future, we citizens are Janpath despite no police permission. The slogan ‘desh ke president N Sai Balaji, who was leading the march, said the best interest of the country and the constitution,” collectivelyCourt in February. working,” it further read. Ramachandran gaddaron ko, goli maaron saalon ko’ was also raised. The they were informed about rejection of permission at the a statement from the interlocutors read. The duo also and Hegde were appointed as mediators by the Supreme call for Tuesday’s march was given by the Young India last minute on Monday. said that they will not “impose” any decision on them, Delhi Schools to identify students who lost books, uniforms One more body identified at RML Hospital; Father of New Delhi Correspondent. Instructions have been issued to heads of all 2 and daily wage labourer had left home for work New Delhi Correspondent. and list students who have lost their books, schools government and private to identify stationery or uniforms in the violence. Amid Bhure is survived by his sons, aged six and eight. “His examination season, schools in Northeast wife died six years ago after giving birth to their second Delhi have begun the process of restoring child. Since then, the children have been brought up by study material and uniforms to students, me and my daughter, Sharmila,” said Bhure’s mother. which were lost to the ravages of last week’s After waiting for a week for Bhure (25) to return home, violence . Students of Classes X and XII were his family found his body at the Ram Manohar Lohia in the midst of their CBSE board exams, while Hospital mortuary on Tuesday. “He was wearing a purple students of other classes were taking their shirt, had a mark on his left arm and a black thread internal exams when the violence broke around his neck. That is how we identified him,” said out. While board exams resumed Monday, and teachers know all their students well and not be in a position to do so, and that the his elder sister, Sharmila Mullick. Bhure used to work in internal examinations have been put on hold Mustafabad as a daily wage labourer. He lived with his till March 7. Anticipating that the pressure of family in Ghaziabad’s Loni. His mother said: “The last examinationdirections to schools season to is provide likely to essential add to study their have databases on them. They will contact department has asked damaged schools to time I saw him was on the morning of February 26. He ate breakfast and left for work. difficulties, the Directorate of Education issued them to find who all have been affected. NGOs submithave also their been requirements instructed for to repair hold work. special All He would always bid us goodbye before leaving. But that day, he did not. We had no idea are also working with the Delhi government to government and government-aided schools he would never return.” Bhure is survived by his sons, aged six and eight. “His wife died supplies to affected students so “they may give relief. We are collaborating with them to six years ago after giving birth to their second child. Since then, the children have been resume their studies properly and appear in identify such children,” said education director parent-teacher meetings on Wednesday and brought up by me and my daughter, Sharmila,” said Bhure’s mother. Sharmila added: “His exams with confidence”. Additionally, students Binay Bhushan. The schools have been asked Thursday so that “schools and parents come number had been unreachable since the 26th. We know that if he was alive, he would of the region may also sit for their exams out of to try to use resources like their existing stock, together to support each other to come out of have left us a message somehow… His children have no parents now. What will I tell uniform for this month, if required. Instructions libraries, stocks of neighbouring schools and this painful situation”. New exam schedules, them?” According to a police officer, Bhure’s body was found in the Bhagirathi nalah. havestudents been who issued have tolost heads their books, of all schoolsstationery — the School Management Committees to provide the steps ahead for students who have missed “We do not know how he got there. He had a number of wounds on his head. The post- government and private — to identify and list these material to the children. However, their board exams and restoring lost study mortem will be conducted tomorrow morning,” said the officer. Of the five bodies in the Bhushan said the department is in talks with material to students are among the issues that RML mortuary, only two that of Bhure and Aftab (21) have been identified. While four of or uniforms in the violence. “Heads of schools the SDM to assist those schools which may will be discussed in these meetings. the bodies were found in a drain in Gokulpuri, one of them was found in Karawal Nagar. 4 | English Daily Open Search | EDITORIAL | New Delhi | Thursday, March 05, 2020 Open Search Govt’s assurance on CAA-NRC-NPR ignores a basic moral EDITORIAL principle: Humanity, humaneness begin with empathy Advantage Gotabaya

Presidentand call for Gotabaya fresh elections Rajapaksa’s was expected. decision Ever to The standard defence of the CAA being dismiss parliament six months ahead of schedule trotted out by the BJP’s “outreach” programme is the claim that the rights since he swept the presidential polls in November, of no existing Indian citizens will be Gotabaya has consolidated his political position affected. The most recent instance of andallows is the now president seeking to to declare establish elections control ahead over this “reassuring” claim is the letter to parliament as well. Sri Lanka’s Constitution the “grandmothers” of Shaheen Bagh by Firozparticularly Bakht Ahmed,when seen (‘My in dear conjunction Shaheen of schedule only after parliament completes four- Bagh’, IE, February 21). This claim, and-a-half years of its tenure, which it just did. With Gotabaya’s popularity on the rise and the with the NPR due to start on April 1 Opposition in disarray, the Rajapaksas Gotabaya and the still-shadowy NRC, is almost and his brother and former president, Mahinda certainly false. Of course, it may also seem well-placed ahead of the elections. The be technically/legalistically true. After This very reassurance, even beyond its likely present ad hoc arrangement wherein Mahinda all, if all that was being proposed was a falsehood, exposes the moral emptiness of the ruling heads a minority government as prime minister faith-based denial of citizenship to some purview. Of course, whether or not they in a parliament dominated by the Opposition, refugees, people who are already “Indian dispensation. Because, plainly speaking, a concern has clearly run its course. Gotabaya would want citizens” would be exempt from its with the rights of others is fundamental to being a his party, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, to have arestore majority full inauthority parliament to the so thatpresidency. the necessary Under are “Indian citizens” would be subject to moral, morally engaged person. After all, even dogs constitutional amendments could be made to the determination of the NPR/NRC. And when the CAA helpfully removes some bark as dog-whistlers must know. Rats squeal. the previous president, Maithripala Sirisena, Sri If, on the other hand, of those deemed “non-citizens” from the category even of eligible refugees well, Lanka had amended its constitution to reduce we are to take the the concentration of power in the president’s the “non-existent” detention camps will office.the presidential This arrangement polls as the failed joint to Opposition deliver on prime minister at his accommodate them. To say further that human phenomena. One of the many speaking, that’s not even true. I have a even a child knows that a selective governance mainly because Sirisena, who won word that the NRC the CAA is only conferring rights on some bizarre things one heard about the constitutionally guaranteed right to my has not been so much refugees is beneath contempt because conduct of the Muzaffarnagar police was country, a right indeed, a responsibility candidate against Mahinda, and the prime the report that they had charged some to be concerned about my country, and as a gleam in the ones who are excluded. If, on the other minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, could not conferring, whether of sweets or parents under some juvenile protection about the fate of my country. That right work together. The Easter terror bombings by a government’s eye then citizenship, is implicitly a denial for the act because the parents had brought supersedes any alleged “mandate”, and local Islamist group that claimed over 250 lives what are we to make their children with them to attend a is rooted in the democratic Constitution exemplified the failure in administration as the of the home minister’s hand, we are to take the prime minister protest against the CAA even though, of my country. The Constitution is not two offices blamed each other for neglecting oft-repeated threat at his word that the NRC has not been clearly, their rights were unaffected. simply a document. Grammatically so much as a gleam in the government’s Indeed, the children might have been too speaking, it is the record of an act and security alerts. The bombings, the first major ghar-ghar mein ghus incident of terrorism since the days of the LTTE, eye then what are we to make of the young to even understand what rights a process, a heroic endeavour of self- werecivil war,a setback but they for theshifted Sri Lankan popular economy opinion that in ke maarenge? The home minister’s oft-repeated threat mean rather like the UP police, in fact. making through which, in the midst had not fully recovered from the long years of official defence of the ghar-ghar mein ghus ke maarenge? And of course, given that the UP police of a million difficulties, the Republic of is that the law is only concerned with CAA, the reassurance The official defence of the CAA, the werethis curious there, the story children about could the easilyconcern get India was created democratic, secular, reassurance given to Indian Muslims, hurt, right? At about the same time that favour of a strong unitarian government, and given to Indian Muslims, socialist, committed to principles that against a federal arrangement. The upcoming wereourselves spelt of out who in thewe Preamble.were, and It whatis to parliamentary elections will coincide with is that the law is the rights of others potential refugees of the UP police for children’s rights the Preamble that we turn to remind This very reassurance, even beyond thein the first elections. anniversary The Opposition of the Easter has announced bombings; only concerned with from neighbouring countries and that appeared, my daughter sent me a picture hopefully, it will not become a polarising issue the rights of others consequently their rights are unaffected. of a small anti-CAA demonstration in we set out to become, in that blood- a new kind of India then they will have potential refugees from Oxford: Some 40-odd people, standing stained moment, over 70 years ago. So an alliance, Samagi Jana Balawegaya, with Sajith its likely falsehood, exposes the moral onin the the winter cobbles air. outsideAnd there, the part Radcliffe of the if the Sangh Parivar wish, now, to create Premadasa, who lost the presidential polls in neighbouring. emptiness of the ruling dispensation. Camera, shaking their fists in protest November, as the prime ministerial candidate. Because, plainly speaking, a concern to begin at the beginning: Convene a While Premadasa is backed by a broad spectrum of with the rights of others is fundamental conscientious gaggle of protestors, was new Constituent Assembly, and let’s see groups, including some Tamil and Muslim parties, to being a moral, morally engaged my elder grandson, blowing away on his if we can agree on another viable India. he needs to win over his own party colleagues, person. After all, even dogs bark as trombone, a musical accompaniment Buttheir if shoulders,we should fail,who the have, responsibility patiently for instance, Wickremesinghe. The Tamil and dog-whistlers must know. Rats squeal. to the demonstrators’ slogans. And my forand thatassiduously, failure will worked rest squarelyto hollow on Muslim parties will first need to consolidate their Speaking barking, growling, squealing younger grandson, not yet five, looking strength in the north and the east before they can in defence of one’s self-interest is baffled,the intricacies standing of the beside CAA, hisbut mother.he still carve out space in a polity that is-Vijay increasingly Kumar something we share with the rest of the Alas, he wasn’t up to understanding out and undermine the Constitution. unconcerned about the minorities. animal world. Human, humane moral Writing in The Guardian, the novelist conduct begins where mere self-interest picked up a crucial cry Inquila’ Zindaba’! Amit Chaudhuri expressed with clarity Pieces of peace falls off. People must learn to become Of course he doesn’t understand what and eloquence what is at stake in the opensearchhuman d empathy, beyond the domain it means, but one day he will. And deceitful phrasing of the CAA, as well Anju Gupta of individual or collective narcissism. meanwhile, he will have learnt an as in its devious concert with the NPR And mature societies create institutions important moral lesson: It is a concern and the “as-yet-undiscussed” NRC: families,on the evidence schools of inthe which violent children adults for the rights of others unknown, “What’s being put to death here with learn what it means to be human. Or, Irrespective of the optics of the 18-month-long distant others a willing to undergo the omission of a single word is what it talks resulting in the “Agreement for Bringing some discomfort and, in Muzaffarnagar, meansanywhere to be in Indian:the world. part Every of a fraught Indian hasbut swarming our streets, fail to learn. some danger too that makes us human, great experiment that has no parallel Peace to Afghanistan” between the US and Learn elsewhere. Because, of course, Taliban signed on February 29 in Doha, it is just humane beings. So, honourable (and the extremes of both human altruism dishonourable) apologists, please desist contributed to creating India, and we another piece in the overall strategy of the US and human monstrosity are unknown in for Afghanistan. While rolling out the Afghan I speak not merely although my rights not just Muslim refugees are suddenly the natural, animal world. Both Mother are unaffected, but even because my being denied access to what we’ve policy in August 2017, it was emphasised by Teresa and the lynch-mobs are uniquely the current US dispensation that it was making rights are unaffected. And yet, strictly created.” So. amends to the Afghan strategy of the previous dispensation. However, in reality, it has been a continuation of the same hard-nosed line. View From The Right : Blaming demography The US and allies had got a rude shock when it dawned on them that between 2001 and 2008, the Taliban had used training and recuperation aided the Taliban and al Qaeda (AQ), while In the backdrop of Delhi riots, the English mouthpiece centres in Pakistan to regain domination over of the RSS, Organiser, has dedicated its latest issue to most parts of Afghanistan. Pakistan had actively anti-CAA protests. Alluding to a certain communal incident in pre-Independent India’s Kerala, where continuing to benefit from handsome Coalition it claimed Hindus were killed by Muslims, the Support Funds and a seat at the “high table”. All magazine’s editorial claimed the riots showed that failures were blamed on inadequate numbers Hindus were once again at the receiving end. It also of International Security Assistance Force said the anti-CAA protests were about changing India’s (ISAF)the Taliban, and backed Afghan by National a professional Security Pakistan Forces demography and not an assertion of democracy. (ANSF), which were ill-equipped to challenge “Perpetuating permanent insecurity among the Muslim ghettos hand-in-glove with secularists is Army. The Obama administration diagnosed that the business of Islamist leadership. For them the lack of governance, corruption and fragmented communal demographic advantage is more superior polity were other key factors. A comprehensive to democracy and national development. Anti-CAAism Afghanistan strategy review led to replicating its is just an expression of the same separatist insecurity “troop surge” strategy, which was believed to have based on religion and demography. Constable Ratan succeeded in Iraq, leading to total withdrawal of Lal and IB officer Ankit Sharma are victims of this US troops (December 2011). At the heart of the ghettoism,” the editorial said. It argued that protests troop surge was the Counterinsurgency (COIN) at Shaheen Bagh, which later spread to Northeast Delhi, were an attempt to turn India into Pakistan. doctrine of the US Field Manual. The military “The politics of ghettoism and vetoism had sown strategy in Afghanistan was split into COIN plus theof Pakistan seeds of as Pakistan well, who in 1920are perpetrators and the same of violencemindset CT (Counter Terrorism) objectives. The Taliban is now demanding granting of citizenship to Muslims movement was treated as an insurgency. The COIN efforts entailed protecting population against minorities there. The only difference is that centres and highways, building numbers and neither the political establishment nor Hindus are for reconstruction. It also included reconciliation has paraphrased a social media post of Major General not signing trade agreements without causing any rift capability of the ANSF to take on insurgents, ready to succumb to the politics of blackmail,” the Gagandeep Bakshi where he has purportedly hinted at in Indo-US relations Modi has written a new chapter with emphasis on good governance and support signed editorial by Prafulla Ketkar said. He has an ISI conspiracy. “Since, the Modi government came in Indo-US relation, based on equality and mutual questioned the intention of the protests asking why to power, the number of terrorist attack on civilians benefit and not on coercion and arm twisting,” it said. and reintegration of lower to mid-level willing there were riots only in Muslim majority areas. has reduced. This has upset the establishment in It argued that India had emerged as a tough Taliban. The UN designations of Taliban and “Remember, there are many Shaheen Baghs all Pakistan as their attempts to carry out terror strikes negotiator during the visit. “India has been successful AQ were separated to pave the way for “peace over Bharat. Amidst the rhetoric of democracy and have caught up with the law of diminishing returns. In in pushing the US to favour India’s action on talks” with Taliban commanders who were tired Constitution, Islamist, Supremacist and violent his Facebook post, he says that the ISI had engineered Kashmir, making strategic agreements with India of fighting. The US-led ISAF troop surge helped narratives are played there. …the desperation to the riots and the armed violence in Delhi… a deliberate etc, and not allowing them to meddle in our internal create time and space to build and strengthen vitiate the atmosphere, perfectly timed with the visit attempt to tarnish India’s image globally. Mentioning affairs. Narendra Modi government’s foreign policy the ANSF over three times and succeeded in ofand US when President it was Donald resisted Trump, by the to locals,internationalise it resulted the in that the violence was a pre-planned and a deliberate can be considered a great success in this regard. pushing the Taliban back to outlying areas. issue started with occupying Jaffrabad Metro Station one,run tohe separatists pointed that and it isMaoists a failure under of intelligence. the pretext Heof Trump has also repeatedly said that Prime Even today these territorial gains have not been called out the Leftist bureaucracy for giving a free Minister Modi is a good friend, but an equally ‘tough reversed, except in some areas. As the ANSF full scale rioting and massacre,” the editorial said. negotiator’,” the article said. It has also argued that gained strength and depth, the US led-ISAF Another article on anti-CAA protests and the recent free speech. He said that the ‘ISI operatives in Delhi due to India’s strong position in the world, American riots has claimed that videos show the riots were led have taken advantage of the focus on VVIP security support to Pakistan has become history. “America mission became a NATO led-Resolute Support by Muslims. It goes on to suggest that it could be an mission. The CT effort yielded rich dividends to stage well-timed riots in the capital to make a should not forget that India is an emerging power… ISI conspiracy: “All these protests, violence and riots mockery of the republic.” The article concluded with whose strength is also very important for global for the US and allies, in the Af-Pak region and seem to be clearly orchestrated by vested interests. even beyond. However, from the build-up of ISIS the statement that no protests should be allowed and strategic balance. It should respect the sentiments The on-going violence in Delhi is a culmination of 2 police must deal with them with an iron hand. In an of India while abandoning its petty economic in 2014, to the loss of its Caliphate in 2019 and months long ‘protest’. It comes against the backdrop articlethe two analysing countries thefailed gains to ink of USany President trade deal, Donald India interests. America supportive stance towards recently to the killing of General Solemani, the of Trump’s visit to India. Could it be the ISI? Could Trump’s India visit, Organiser said that even though Pakistan has now become a history, for which too, CT challenges of the US and allies in the Af-Pak it be the breaking India forces functioning within Modi deserves a big credit. In such a situation, the region and periphery have become graver than the country? Or is it an outcome of the both shaking had asserted its position in the world and told the US increasing proximity of America with India is not only ever. Good progress was made in building up hands?” Claiming this was not the first time that that it could not be taken lightly. “Strongly rejecting a success of India’s foreign policy, it is also a good the ANSF. “those against India” were working hard to show the unfair trade and economic demands of the US and sign for peace and harmony in this region,” it said. India in bad light on international stage, the article New Delhi | Thursday, March 05, 2020 | INTERNATIONAL | | English Daily Open Search | 5 FIRST COLUMN Democrats decide that Joe Biden, as risky as he ever was, is the safest bet US strikes Taliban in New York, Agency. baggage. Any safety in that choice is relative. first hit since peace deal “John Kerry, Al Gore and Hillary Clinton,” Lifted by a hasty unity among center-left said Rebecca Kirszner Katz, a veteran Democrats disinclined toward political progressive strategist. “All safe choices.” revolution, Joe Biden has propelled himself in Voters wary of Sanders are probably right the span of three days from electoral failure that supporting Biden is the tidiest way to to would-be juggernaut. The scene, on its keep the democratic socialist from the top face, might not have been surprising a year of the ticket. They may yet be right that ago: Joe Biden appraised among Democrats Biden would pose the strongest challenge to as a decent man and affable sidekick to the Trump. The former vice president is widely Kabul, Agency. admired in the party for moving gracefully primary victories and having fun talking through tragedy and serving alongside US military spokesman Col. Sonny Leggett party’sabout it. most “They popular don’t call figure it Super racking Tuesday up Barack Obama. Certainly Trump would said the “defensive” attack was to counter for nothing!” he told supporters in Los appear to have his preferences: Last year, a Taliban assault on Afghan government Angeles, shouting through a list of states he he was impeached after trying to enlist a forces in Nahr-e Saraj in the southern foreign power’s help to damage Biden. In Warren. The dominant showing made clear old man proudly set in his ways, acquired Helmand province. The US says it has we-did-its. But a week ago, the result would recent weeks, the president has tweeted that the primary has effectively narrowed new powers of persuasion or management hadhave wonbeen amid something a medley close of to fist-pumps unthinkable. and mischievous praise of Sanders, seeming to a two-man race with Sanders, as Michael forces in Afghanistan, after signing an Lifted by a hasty unity among center-left eager to elevate him as a prospective victory of his three presidential campaigns. In ambitious peace deal with the militant Democrats disinclined toward political opponent. But what if Trump is wrong? conducted its first airstrike against Taliban fact, Biden has blundered this chance before group days before in the Mideastern state revolution, Biden has propelled himself in the in the 72 hours since the first primary state investment. For all Biden’s stumbles in Iowa, the establishment front-runner; the last, of Qatar. US military spokesman Col. Sonny span of three days from electoral failure to Bloomberg’s first brush with national voters to endorse Biden, after long resisting, in New Hampshire, at debates, at his own best hope for moderates fumbling his initial Leggett said in a tweet Wednesday that it would-be juggernaut. He has demonstrated yielded meager returns on a colossal financial is wrong, too? Recent election history, events perhaps all voters needed was to hear 2020 advantages in a hail of disappointing What if every elected official hustling durable strength with African Americans and especially Trump’s, has been unkind to him give a victory speech. That happened fundraising, feeble campaign organisation in 11 days. He said the “defensive” attack emerged as the if-everyone-says-so vessel for conventional wisdom. Only a couple of Saturday, in South Carolina, where Biden and staggering underperformance. When it was to counter a Taliban assault on Afghan tactical voters who think little of Sen. Bernie weeks ago, some Biden allies were talking was the first US attack against the militants seemed to temporarily erase every latent mattered most, though, the judgment came government forces in Nahr-e Saraj in the Sanders and fear that his nomination would quietly about how he could, at least, end his concern that had accumulated for nearly a swiftly from Sanders-averse Democrats. The southern Helmand province. Leggett added mean four more years of President Donald campaign with dignity: Hang on narrowly year about his bid. Yet any suggestion that consequence after a yearlong winnowing that Taliban forces had conducted 43 attacks Trump. Biden’s performance included in South Carolina, hopefully, and bow out, Biden is now a risk-free option would appear on Afghan troops on Tuesday in Helmand. decisive early wins across the South, victory statesmanlike, if Super Tuesday went to contradict the available evidence. He is nonwhite candidates and up-and-coming Leggett called on the Taliban to stop the in delegate-rich Texas and triumphs in some sideways as many expected. That Biden’s no safer with a microphone, no likelier to political talents is that Democrats are very attacks and uphold their commitments places where he did not even campaign as from a field that once included many women, fortunes have changed says more about the complete a thought without exaggeration or likely to nominate one of two septuagenarian based on the agreement signed on February Super Tuesday approached, like Minnesota context of this primary than the content of bewildering detour. He has not, as a 77-year- white men with conspicuous political 29 between their leaders and US peace and Massachusetts, home to Sen. Elizabeth his campaign. envoy Zalmay Khalilzad in Doha, Qatar, which lays out a conditions-based path to the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan. President Donald Trump Tornadoes kill at least 25 in Tennessee on Joe Biden revives campaign, phone to a Taliban leader, making him the confirmed Tuesday that he spoke on the winning nine states, but Bernie spoken directly with the militant group responsible for the deaths of thousands of Super Tuesday, crews search for missing first US president believed to have ever Sanders takes California Afghanistan. US troops in nearly 19 years of fighting in Lahore, Agency. Yet Biden’s sweep of states across the South and the Midwest Trump administration to showed he had the makings of a formidable coalition that could propel him through the primaries. The Democratic cut number of employees at presidential race emerged from Super Tuesday with two Chinese media outlets in US clear front-runners as Joe Biden won Texas, Virginia, North Carolina and at least six other states, largely through support

Washington, Agency. China last month revoked the visas of three Wall Street New Delhi, Agency. to the fatalities, at least 30 people primary candidates, extended voting Journal reporters in Beijing after the were injured. Some 48 buildings were by an hour at polls there and ruled newspaper declined to apologize for a Governor William Leeopensearch told an destroyed in Nashville, with many column with a headline calling China the afternoon news conference the death more damaged, Fire Department p.m. Crushed vehicles, piles of debris toll was expected to rise as search- “Real Sick Man of Asia”. Another reporter Director Chief William Swann said. thatand broken five sites power remain lines littered open until streets 10 with the paper had to leave last year after and-rescue crews combed through Tens of thousands of people were blocked by rescue vehicles. Residents collapsed buildings and rubble for China declined to renew his visa. The United left without power. “Severe weather carried away belongings from ravaged from African Americans and moderates, while Sen. Bernie States on Monday said it was slashing the missing people. A string of tornadoes and tornados have impacted several homes. Greg Poulson, 61, who lives in tore through Nashville, Tennessee, Sanders harnessed the backing of liberals and young voters number of Chinese nationals permitted to counties in Tennessee. Counties with a Nashville homeless encampment to claim the biggest prize of the campaign, California, and and surrounding counties early on the greatest impacts include Davidson, with about 85 other people, said Tuesday, killing at least 25 people, several other primaries. The returns across the country on the state-owned media outlets to retaliate Wilson, and Putnam Counties,” the wind gusts lifted him off the ground biggest night of voting suggested that the Democratic contest workagainst at Beijing’s the U.S. offices “long-standing of major intimidationChinese leaving others missing and reducing Tennessee Emergency Management as he ran underneath a bridge. “I had neighborhoods to rubble as voters was increasingly focused on two candidates who are standard- and harassment of journalists.” Citing Agency said on its website. The storm a tree fall on my tent,” Poulson said. bearers for competing wings of the party, Biden in the political a “deepening crackdown” on all forms across the state cast ballots in the struck as many were sleeping in “The storm dropped right on top of Super Tuesday presidential primary. center and Sanders on the left. Their two other major rivals, of independent reporting inside China, Nashville, home to 691,000 people us. We were ground zero.” Charlotte Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Michael Bloomberg, were on track Governor William Lee told an and one of the fastest-growing cities Cooper, a French teacher at Nashville on free speech were worse than they were a afternoon news conference the death in the United States. Prayers for all Classical Charter School, said she felt toll was expected to rise as search- administrationdecade ago, comparing officials themsaid Beijing’s to those attacksof the of those affected by the devastating lucky a twister had skipped over her and in some of them he won by unexpectedly wide margins. In Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War. and-rescue crews combed through to finish well behind them and faced an uncertain path forward. tornadoes in Tennessee. We will house, which still suffered cracked Biden’sa surprising victories upset, came Biden chiefly even captured in the South Warren’s and home the Midwest, state of Effective March 13, Washington will cap the collapsed buildings and rubble for continue to monitor the developments. windows and a downed fence. “It’s missing people some 15 hours after Massachusetts, where he did not appear in person, and where number of U.S.-based employees of Xinhua The Federal Government is with you like a war zone,” she said. Apart from Sanders had campaigned aggressively in recent days. It was a News Agency, China Global Television the storms hit around 1 a.m. CST. Its the public buildings set to be used a tragic day in our state, a sad day. remarkable show of force for Biden, the former vice president. Network, China Radio International and time,” President Donald Trump said on In just three days he resurrected a campaign that had been on China Daily Distribution Corp at 100 from allTwitter. of the The way White during House this said difficultTrump and courts were closed. The twister the governor said. “I spent the day 160 currently. Beijing’s U.N. ambassador would visit the devastated areas on forknocked polling, down schools, power districtlines, and offices one states. But he bounced back with a landslide win in South said the move was not “appropriate”. China Theretouring areand 25visiting confirmed with victims fatalities,” and Friday. Pictures and video posted on utility pole dangled horizontally in the theCarolina verge on of Saturday, collapse and after on heTuesday, lost the in firstaddition three to nominatingvictories in last month revoked the visas of three Wall walking through neighborhoods and Twitter showed lightning illuminating street in the Donelson area, home to the devastation is heartbreaking. It’s Texas, Virginia, North Carolina and Massachusetts, he prevailed Street Journal reporters in Beijing after the dark sky as the twisters roared country music’s most famous concert in Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Minnesota. the newspaper declined to apologize for a incredible. Prayers are greatly needed.” through the country music capital, and stage, the Grand Ole Opry. Nashville Lee declined to estimate how many Sanders rebounded late in the evening in delegate-rich Western column with a headline calling China the daybreak revealed dozens of leveled Electric, the city’s public utility, said states: He was quickly declared the winner in Colorado and “Real Sick Man of Asia”. Another reporter people remained unaccounted for in the houses and businesses. Tennessee is http://bit.ly/38dQBMo there were state. Nineteen of the 25 fatalities were Utah after polls closed there, and he also claimed the largest with the paper had to leave last year after one 14 U.S. states holding presidential more than 47,000 customers without delegate lode of the primary race, California, The Associated China declined to renew his visa. For years, from Putnam County, east of Nashville. nominating elections on Super Tuesday power, with damage to substations The National Weather Service said Press reported. Sanders also easily carried his home state of the government of the People’s Republic and despite the destruction, polling and multiple power poles and lines. Vermont.Yet Biden’s sweep of states across the South and the of China has imposed increasingly harsh eight tornadoes were believed to have sites were mostly open for voting, John C. Tune Airport, about 8 miles touched down in Missouri, Tennessee Midwest showed he had the makings of a formidable coalition surveillance, harassment, and intimidation (13 km) from downtown Nashville, that could propel him through the primaries. “We were told, against American and other foreign and Kentucky, but that number could moved. A Davidson County Superior change following further analysis. It well, when you got to Super Tuesday, it’d be over,” a triumphant journalists operating in China, officialsCourt judge, said, rulingalthough on somean emergency had to be several hangars were destroyed, the was not yet clear how many landed Biden, 77, said at a celebration in Los Angeles. “Well, it may be request by four of the top Democratic “sustainedairport said on significant its website. damage” and a direct hit on Nashville. In addition over for the other guy!” Indian-American appointed key member of US COVID-19 task force North Carolina as he vies with Washington, Agency. Bernie Sanders on Super Tuesday In a tweet on Monday, US Vice President New Delhi, Agency. Mike Pence announced the appointment of Super Tuesday 2020: It was a Seema Verma, Administrator for the Centers remarkable show of strength for Joe for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and Biden, the former vice president, Robert Wilkie, Secretary for the Department who was reeling after losing the of Veterans Affairs, to the task force. Leading Indian-American health policy consultant rebounded with a landslide win Seema Verma has been appointed as one of the firstin South three Carolina nominating on Saturday. states butJoe key members of the White House Coronavirus Biden secured an early advantage on Task Force constituted by US President a huge night of Democratic primary Donald Trump to combat the deadly disease voting on Tuesday with victories that has claimed six lives in the country and in Alabama, Virginia and North infected over 90 others. Trump on January Carolina, demonstrating his strength 30 created the coronavirus task force to lead among African-American voters and to ensure the health, safety & well-being of therapeutics for the COVID-19. Responding his administration’s response to the deadly dealing a blow to Michael Bloomberg the American people,” he tweeted. “Today, we to her appointment, Verma, 49, said that in virus that emerged in China and has wrecked and Sen. Bernie Sanders in two made good progress in combatting the spread the efforts to address the potential spread of havoc across the globe. The task force is led by states where they had aggressively of the Coronavirus and added key members, @ the coronavirus, it is the time for healthcare Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex competed. It was a remarkable show of strength for Biden, the former vice Azar, and is coordinated through the National SeemaCMS and @SecWilkie, to the Task Force,” facilities to redouble their efforts on keeping he said. All the six deaths in the US are from the the patients safe from infections of any kind. Security Council. In a tweet on Monday, US rebounded with a landslide win in South Carolina on Saturday. But as voters in Vice President Mike Pence announced the Washington state with 43 domestic cases and “Thank you @POTUS Trump, @VP Pence, & @ president,14 states and who one was territory reeling went after to losing the polls the on first Tuesday, three nominatingBiden’s initial states success but appointment of Seema Verma, Administrator 48 cases of the individuals who returned to SecAzar for the opportunity to serve America’s patients & represent the @CMSGov perspective, for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid delegates in the Democratic race were at stake. Sanders easily carried his home with Pence reviewed the situation at the White which focuses on enforcing essential health Services (CMS), and Robert Wilkie, Secretary state of Vermont and was locked with Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and safety standards in America’s healthcare offered only the first indication of the outcome on a day when about a third of the for the Department of Veterans Affairs, to the the US, officials said on Monday. Trump along in a competitive race in her home state. Sanders was also expected to perform and those leaders from the pharma corporate facilities and protecting patients,” she tweeted task force. “The White House Coronavirus strongly in California, the most important prize of the night, where polls had sector who are working on either vaccine or on Monday. Task Force has been working every single day House on Monday with top health officials shown him with a solid lead over Biden. 6 | English Daily Open Search | SPORTS | New Delhi | Thursday, March 05, 2020 WT20 World Cup: India seek first-ever final spot, face England in semis New Delhi, Agency. scored 161 runs in four innings, which has seen her rise to top spot in the ICC women’s T20 rankings. With a The last time, the two teams met in a T20 World Cup, batting average of 40.25, the 16-year-old is on the third spot among leading run-getters in the tournament, that, India lost in 2009, 2012, 2014 and 2016 editions followed by England’s Natalie Sciver (202) and Heather Englandall in group won bystages. eight wicketsFirm title in the contenders semifinals. after Before a Knight (193). One-down Jemimah Rodrigues is also in sensational unbeaten run in the group stages, India will good touch and has made useful contributions though have to ensure a solid all-round performance to get the she has not scored big so far, with 34 being her highest. The middle-order has also stepped up whenever women’s T20 World Cup here on Thursday. India have needed with Veda Krishnamurthy, Shikha Pandey and betterbeen the of bestformidable side so Englandfar and they in the would semifinals be seeking of the their ICC Radha Yadav making their presence felt in different matches. The two most experienced players in skipper with a win over England on Thursday. In the earlier Harmanpreet Kaur and opener Smriti Mandhana have, maiden final appearance in the showpiece’s history however, not been living up to the expectations and the this time, they have emerged as serious title contenders sevenafter a editions, string of Indiasuperlative have never performances. reached the They final began but department, leg-spinner Poonam Yadav is on top of the with a win over defending champions Australia and semifinalstournament could chart be with their nine big wickets comeback. from In four the matches. bowling since then have gathered strength with every match, She has been ably supported by Shikha Pandey (7 from beating Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka to top group A with eight points from four matches. The Indians are in red-hot form, but history favours England 4wins matches). and one For loss, England, batting who has have been qualified their strength. for the semifinalsNatalie has after plundered finishing 202 second runs in with group an B averagewith three of the two sides in this tournament. The last time, the two asteams they met have in won a T20 all World the five Cup, matches England played won betweenby eight you will see that our team is working as a unit and we tables on the Englishwomen this time. The Indians will are not reliant on just one or two players,” India captain 67.33,department including also, three England fifties, have and the Indianslikes of willleft-arm have India lost in 2009, 2012, 2014 and 2016 editions all in the tri-series in Australia ahead of this World Cup. On tospinner find a Sophie way to Ecclestone stop her in (8 her wickets) tracks. and In the pacer bowling Anya wickets in the semifinals in West Indies. Before that, in 2018. Seven players in this Indian team played in alsoform, take most confidence of the Indians from are the in win top againstform with England teenage in Shrubsole (7 wickets) who are at second and third spot we realised we have to work as a unit, and right now Harmanpreet Kaur said, referring to the semifinals loss sensation Shafali Verma being the leading batter, having in the tournament chart. group stages. “After losing the last semifinal, as a team that semifinal and they would be looking to turn the FIRST COLUMN ICC Women’s T20 Rankings: Shafali BCCI austerity drive: IPL champions’ Jaydev Unadkat’s sensational Verma rises to top from 20th position 7/56 propels Saurashtra into New Delhi, Agency. prize money halved to Rs10 crore Shafali Verma on Wednesday rose to the top spot in the ICC Ranji Trophy final women’s T20 International rankings, riding on her stellar New Delhi, Agency. run at the ongoing World Cup. Shafali Verma, India’s teenage In a circular sent to all IPL franchises, sensation who has been riding on her spectacular performance at of a whopping Rs 20 crore, the IPL the ongoing T20 World Cup, rose thechampion BCCI team has notifiedwill now receive that instead Rs 10 to the top spot in the ICC women’s crore. The glitzy events gets underway T20 International rankings on on March 29. The BCCI has decided to Wednesday. The 16-year-old halve the prize money for this year’s replaced New Zealand’s Suzie Bates IPL champions and the runners-up as at the top, who had been the top part of its cost-cutting measures for New Delhi, Agency. Jaydev Unadkat’s batter since October 2018. Shafali the upcoming edition. In a circular seventh 5-wicket haul took Saurashtra scored 161 runs in four innings to become the only Indian sent to all IPL franchises, the BCCI has batter other than Mithali Raj to reach the top of ICC women’s Unadkat’s sensational seven-wicket T20I batting rankings. Shafali will now take on England as the Rs 20 crore, the IPL champion team intohaul thehelped finals Saurashtra of the Ranji beat Trophy. Gujarat Jaydev by top-ranked batter, facing top-ranked bowler Sophie Ecclestone notifiedwill now that receive instead Rs of10 a crore. whopping The 92 runs on Wednesday to become the on Thursday. Smriti Mandhana, however, has slipped to the glitzy events gets underway on March sixth position in the latest list. Among the Indian bowlers, Poonam Yadav is up four places to eighth after a good run been reworked as a part of the cost- second finalist of Ranji Trophy 2019-20 in World Cup. Deepti Sharma has advanced nine places to 29.cutting “The measures. financial The rewards champions have season. Unadkat, who finished with match seventh, making it to the top 10 in the all-rounders’ list for the will get Rs 10 crore instead of Rs 20 figuresafter Parthiv of 142/10, Patel andled from Devang the Gandhi front as crore. The runners-up will get Rs 6.25 Saurashtraadded a 158-run stalled stand a fightback in a chase from of Gujarat 327 remain at the top of the T20I team rankings with 290 points crore from earlier Rs 12.5 crore,” a firstand Englandtime after in also second moving position up to with 53rd 278. among New batters. Zealand Australia captain Hence the decision on prize money that mid-level BCCI employees won’t has 65 wickets in his bag which includes Sophie Devine is now the sole number one all-rounder after taken,” a senior BCCI source said. be allowed to avail business class However, state associations hosting in the semi-final. The southpaw now coming into the tournament as a joint number one along with will now get Rs 4.3 crore each. “The BCCI notification, in possession of IPL games will get Rs 1 crore with countries (Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, season. This is the second most wickets in franchises are all in good health. PTI, read. The two losing qualifiers franchises and BCCI contributing Rs sevena Ranji five-wicket season and hauls the most in this by domestic a pacer in clash between India and England. They also have multiple ways like flights like earlier for flying to Asian 50 lakh each. It has also been learnt eight hours. a Ranji season. He is also the third pacer Australia all-rounder Ellyse Perry. A day before the semifinal sponsorships to bolster their income. after L Balaji (2002-03) and A Choudhary opensearch UAE) where the flight time is less than (2018-19) to return with seven 5-fers in a Ranji season. Unadkat is now just behind In Germany’s Bundesliga, power struggles Ashutosh Aman (68) in all time list of most wickets in a Ranji season. Sri Lanka vs West Indies 1st T20I Live Cricket Score play out on banners at stadiums Updates: Andre Russell under spotlight on return Mumbai, Agency. South Africa vs Australia 2nd The fans are represented by umbrella organizations, like Fan ODI Live Cricket Streaming: New Delhi, Agency. Projects and Unsere Kurve, that help them to voice on any and all Sri Lanka vs West Indies 1st T20 Live issues that they feel threaten the culture they have worked to foster. When and where to watch? Score, SL vs WI T20 Live Cricket Score Streaming Online: The two-match Arena should be. All around it, in the stadium’s Kurve, the terraces New Delhi, Agency. South Africa that are ordinarily home to vs Australia (SA vs AUS) 2nd ODI series will be played at the Pallekele There is a single black flag where the heart of the Commerzbank International Cricket Stadium. Sri Lanka Eintracht Frankfurt’s most Live Cricket Score Streaming Online, ardent and raucous fans are Dream11 Team Prediction: Ashton vs West Indies 1st T20 Live Score, SL vs Agar might replace Mitchell Marsh WI T20I Live Cricket Score Online: After completing a clean sweep over visitors dozen rows high, looms after his T20I hattrick to support the behind the goal posts in the pace battery. South Africa, amped up on West Indies in the 50-over format, Sri empty. The flag, a couple Lanka would aim to kick-off the T20Is middle of the space. Just a in a similar fashion. The two-match Australia in the second encounter of the word Montag scored out by momentumthree-match and ODI confidence, series on Wednesday, will take on series will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. West blacka red flag,circle inscribed and a slash. with Theone campaign has been running Heinrich Klaasen’s unbeaten 123 Indies would hope for a great show from their star all-rounder Andre Russell, who for nearly three years. It has been taken up not only by Eintracht’s afterproved winning to be the the match-winner first one by 74 on runs. ultras, but by their counterparts at clubs across Germany. The fans Sunday, as for the visitors, only Steve has been recalled to the national team for T20 World Cup 2020 preparations. do not believe Bundesliga games should be held on Monday nights Smith could put forth some resistance a sign, they say, of broadcasting schedules being given priority with a gutsy 94-ball 76. With Australia For the hosts, it is experienced candidate Thisara Perera, who is returning to the over match-going fans and so they have done all they can to show in the must-win scenario and Proteas their displeasure. The protests have taken various forms, and it is a having a decent record in Bloemfontein, national side after the T20I series against the stage is set. South Africa is not likely India. West Indies were impressive against India in the Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Brandon King, Nicholas T20I series previous year. The Kieron Pollard-led side will Pooran, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Lendl Simmons, when it signs its next round of television agreements there will be to make any changes with Janneman no more Monday night games. The protests, though, have continued. Malan hoping to better his golden duck. like to form a winning combination in the two-T20I series. Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr, Kesrick Williams Sri message that has been heard. In 2018, the Bundesliga confirmed that Also, Oshane Thomas, who had an accident earlier this year Lanka: Lasith Malinga (c), Avishka Fernando, Kusal Perera, “There is no trust in the governing bodies,” said Michael Gabriel, the On the other hand, Australia might head of Germany’s Fan Project Coordination Center. The battle had bring Ashton Agar into the fold in returns to the Caribbean side. It will be interesting to see Shehan Jayasuriya, Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Mendis, whether he warms the benches or gets game time straight Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya De Silva, Thisara Perera, been won, but for the fans, that is not the end of it. The banner left place of Mitchell Marsh, to support the by Frankfurt’s absent ultras reminded the authorities exactly where pace battery of Mitchell Starc and Josh away ahead of Kesrick Williams. West Indies: Kieron Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, Pollard (c), Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Isuru Udana, Nuwan Pradeep, Lahiru Kumara the power lies in German soccer. While Eintracht and Union Berlin Hazlewood. played through the fans’ protest. ICC declines request for semifinal reserve day in Women’s T20 World Cup CSK has helped me improve in everything, New Delhi, Agency. says MS Dhoni ahead of IPL 2020 India take on England while hosts Australia New Delhi, Agency. in Sydney on Thursday but the forecast of MS Dhoni, the second-most successful willrain playthroughout South Africathe afternoon in the two threatens semifinals to captain of IPL credits the franchise for making him a better player and helping Cricket Council (ICC) has turned down Cricket jeopardiseAustralia’s request both fixtures.to have a reser The ve International day for the hima hero’s tackle welcome some as difficult he walked situations out for Cup here on Thursday. India take on England both on and off the field. MS Dhoni got ‘Thala’ whenever he comes out to bat. semifinalswhile hosts of Australiathe ongoing will Women’s play South T20 WorldAfrica Super Kings (CSK) on Monday ahead “‘Thala’ basically means brother, so for of this year’s Indian Premier League his first net session for the Chennai me it’s more the abstract of the fans, the forecast of rain throughout the afternoon (IPL). In an interview, Dhoni, who is the the love and affection towards me is the in the two semifinals here on Thursday but second-most successful captain of IPL Australia chief Kevin Roberts on Wednesday with CSK, credited the franchise with I am in Chennai or down South they threatensrevealed thatto jeopardise the apex both body fixtures. declined Cricket the making him a better player and helping reflectionnever call me of that,”by my hename, said. they “Whenever address request under tournament rules. “We’ve each. “We’re really hopeful and planning for an Australian hat I might love that,” he added. asked the question (on a reserve day),” Cricket me as ‘Thala’ and the moment someone different scenarios tomorrow night but the However, an ICC spokesperson defended the calls me ‘Thala’ they are showing their Australia chief Kevin Roberts was quoted as me improve in everything, whether it important thing is getting our team ready to decision, according to media reports, stating him tackle some difficult situations love and respect but at the same time saying on the radio station ‘SEN’. “It’s not part was being a human being or being a play a 10 over match, a 12 over match, an 18 that adding a reserve day would extend the both on and off the field. CSK has helped he is a CSK fan.” India’s former batting of the playing conditions and we respect that. over match or whatever it happens to be if it’s duration of T20 World Cup which is supposed cricketer, handling situations that are We’re optimistic based on the drainage at the coach Sanjay Bangar has pointed out not a full 20-over contest,” Roberts said. “It to be “short and sharp”. “The ICC T20 World the positives in Dhoni’s decision to SCG combined with a weather forecast that is Cups are short sharp events where reserve how to be humble once you are doing not perfect but not terrible either,” he added. well,” Dhoni was quoted as saying on you might improve things in the future but tough both in and out of the field and loss to New Zealand in the 2019 According to the rules laid out by the ICC for a Star Sports show. The 38-year-old is givesgoing you into cause a tournament to reflect and with think a given about set how of any other reserve days would have extended World Cup. Bangar believes it can help the tournament, there must be at least a 20 grateful for the love and respect he gets take a break after India’s semi-final playing conditions and rules, I don’t think it’s daysthe length are factored of the inevent, for the which final. isn’t Allowing feasible,” for the wicketkeeper-batsman reinvent overs match with both sides playing 10 overs from CSK fans as they chant the title time to tinker with (the rules) as much as with he said. himself. New Delhi | Thursday, March 05, 2020 | BUSINESS | | English Daily Open Search | 7 FIRST COLUMN Govt approves 72 RBI may use unconventional tools to combat coronavirus impact: Report New Delhi, Agency. amendments to Companies Act The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is considering using unconventional policy to decriminalise offences: FM tools to spur lending, three government

the coronavirus outbreak will derail officialsany revival told of Reuters,economic amid growth. fears RBI that is planning to infuse fresh cash liquidity into the system through a second round of long-term repo operations (LTRO), three sources aware of the matter told Reuters. They asked not to be named as discussions were still private. Globally, central banks are taking steps to provide

which have sunk as the coronavirus liquidityspread over to more stabilize than financial 80 countries. markets, The Federal Reserve slashed U.S. interest rates by half a percentage point on Tuesday in an emergency move. Central banks in Australia and Malaysia also New Delhi, Agency. cut rates and on Monday the Bank of Japan took steps to provide liquidity to The government on Wednesday cleared more amendments to the companies law, including decriminalising various offences. India might inject as much as 1 trillion As many as 72 changes to the Companies stabilize financial markets there. One ofrupees the officials ($13.62 said billion) the Reservein a new Bank round of Act 2013 have been approved by the of LTROs that begin as early as April. be passed on to consumers, helping to carrying out 1 trillion rupees of LTRO at this stage,” said a senior source with Funds are being offered at the repo operations announced on Feb. 6. It has a state-run lender. The central bank said Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said rate of 5.15% as part of the operations, and RBI did not immediately reply to so far completed three of four expected on Tuesday it was monitoring global Cabinet.the priority Briefing is to “decriminalise” reporters, Corporate provisions far cheaper than existing market rates boostemails demand.seeking comment. India’s finance “LTROs ministry is one tranches. The last is on March 9. “LTRO and domestic developments closely and in the Act. Sitharaman, who is also the for three-year funds. That helps banks of the tools on the table and it clearly is more impactful in lowering costs for stood ready to act to maintain market Finance Minister, said the Cabinet has secure cheaper funding, which can then has been very well-received,” another banks and thus can be said to be a more approved 72 changes to the Act. As many powerful tool than an outright rate cut stability. as 23 offences would be recategorised out confidence and preserve financial of 66 compoundable offences under the official said. Currently, the bank is Act. Besides, seven compoundable offences would be omitted, she said. Sitharaman Foreign visits of PM Modi in last five said the government would remove MARKET WRAP: Sensex slips 214 pts, Nifty provisions of imprisonment in various years cost Rs 446.52 crore: MEA sections and also reduce penalties in case New Delhi, Agency. of various compoundable offences. She also ends at 11,251; pharma, IT advance said that companies having CSR obligation An expenditure of Rs 446.52 crore has been incurred on the of less than Rs 50 lakh would not have New Delhi, Agency. to constitute a CSR committee. These years, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Wednesday. Equity market once again came under heavy selling initiatives, Sitharaman said, are aimed at foreignResponding visits to of a Prime question Minister Narendra Modi in the last five pressure on Wednesday after Union Health Minister Harsh ease of doing business. In November, a in Lok Sabha, Minister of government-appointed high level panel State for External Affairs have risen to 28. “So far India has reported 28 positive proposed decriminalising more than half V Muraleedharan said Vardhancoronavirus said cases, the numberthis includes of confirmed 16 Italians,” cases the minister in India of the existing compoundable offences the expenditure includes said. READ MORE Reacting to this, benchmark indices under the companies law as well as lower tumbled around 2 per cent during the day; however, monetary penalties for violations by According to the data they witnessed sharp recovery towards the end of the startups, amid efforts to further improve costgiven ofby charteredhim, a cost flights. of Rs session, but still ended in the negative territory. The S&P the ease of doing business in the country. 121.85 crore was incurred BSE Sensex settled at 38,409, down 214 points or 0.55 Generally, compoundable offences are in 2015-16 while an per cent. Of 30 stocks, 13 advanced while 17 declined. those which can be settled by paying expenditure of Rs 78.52 NSE’s Nifty50 ended above 11,200 level at 11,251, down crore was incurred in 52 points or 0.46 per cent. 28 out of 50 stocks ended in 2016-17. In 2017-18, a the red and rest 22 in the green. Fear guage India VIX Moody’s downgrades BoB’s cost of Rs 99.90 crore closed at 24.23, down over 1 per cent. Market breadth was incurred while in remained in favour of sellers as out of 2,534 companies baseline credit assessment 2018-19, an expenditure traded on the BSE, 1,706 declined and 696 gained while of Rs 100.02 crore was 132 remained unchanged. Broader market took deeper on asset quality issues incurred, according to cuts. The S&P BSE MidCap index cracked 338 points or New Delhi, Agency. Global rating agency the data given by him. over 2 per cent to 14,425 while S&P BSE SmallCap ended MSCI’sto South broadest Korea index where of Asia-Pacificthe government shares announcedoutside Japan a Moody’s has downgraded Bank of Baroda In 2019-20, a cost of Rs 46.23 crore has been incurred on at 13,427, down 346.5 points or 2.5 per cent. Sectorally, rose 0.2 per cent, though most of the gains were confined (BoB)’s baseline credit assessment the prime minister’s foreign visits, it said. ,Foreign relations pharma stocks gained the most, followed by IT counters. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 fell 1.7 per cent. Stocks in Hong (BCA) from “ba2” to “ba3” on weakening of India,India,Modi administration,Members of the Lok However, bank, metals and media stocks slid. Asian shares big stimulus package. Japan’s Nikkei closed flat, while asset quality and further risks from the Sabha,Gujarati people,Remunerative Approach for Agriculture deteriorating operating environment and Allied sector Rejuvenation,PM Narendra Modi,Prime held stunning gains, as an emergency rate cut from the US KongBrent andrising China 90 tradedcents to either $52.79 side per of barrelflat. In andcommodities, US crude in India. The agency said deterioration Minister,Ministry of External Affairs,Minister of State for struggledFederal Reserve to find seemed their footing to stoke on rather Wednesday than soothe and bonds fears oilup prices1.9 per firmed cent at on $48.06 expectations a barrel. of Gold production rose 0.2 cuts, per withcent in asset quality poses risks to BoB’s External Affairs V Muraleedharanopensearchover the coronavirus’ widening global economic fallout. to $1642.21 an ounce. the public sector lender’s domestic and profitabilityforeign bank and long-term capital. and Moody’s short-term affirmed deposit ratings of Baa3, stable/P-3. It Lego classics build growth for Danish foreign currency senior unsecured NRIs can now acquire up to 100% alsorating affirmed of Baa3, Bank stable. of BarodaTwo public (London)’s sector banks – Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank merged with Bank of Baroda from April equity in Air India, says govt toymaker in shrinking market 01, 2019. Funding and liquidity remain number of stores in China last year to 140. key credit strengths of the public sector New Delhi Agency. COPENHAGENAgency. bank. Similar to other PSU lenders, It sees that number rising to 220 this year. Non-resident Indians (NRIs) can acquire up to 100 per cent equity in Air India, Christiansen told Reuters he would aim for Lego defy a shrinking toy market with a rise government ownership, Moody’s said. Union minister Prakash Javadekar announced on Wednesday. “FDI Policy amended single-digit revenue growth again in 2020, to permit foreign Investments in M/S Air India Ltd by NRIs who are Indian nationals, inModel sales fire last stations year, as and the garbage plastic trucks brick helpedmaker to allow for further investments into IT, new BoB’sThe Government funding franchise of India benefits (Baa2 negative) from outpaced rivals with the latest versions of owned 71.6 per cent of the bank as of up to 100 per cent under automatic route. Earlier only 49% was available for sale to NRIs in Air India. Now they can purchase 100%,” he said after the Cabinet meeting. its classic kits, as well as new stores and a in 2019 rose just 2.8 per cent to 8.3 billion December 31, 2019, and plays a key role revamped website. After a decade of double- in its management. The government has The decision comes at a time when the government is looking to sell 100 per cent storescrowns, and partly production due to higher innovation. expenses, Net whichprofit stake sale in the national carrier. Allowing 100 per cent investment by Non-Resident digit sales growth skidded to a halt in 2017, increased 8.2 per cent. Despite strong sales family-owned Lego has returned to form all public sector banks, including Bank of Indians (NRIs) in the carrier would also not be in violation of SOEC norms. NRI from popular licensed Lego products such as investments would be treated as domestic investments. Under the Substantial since chief executive Niels Christiansen took Harry Potter and Marvel’s Avengers, the top- madeBaroda, significant over the lastcapital few infusions years. Moody’s into said asset quality in BoB’s micro, small Ownership and Effective Control (SOEC) framework, which is followed in the airline selling products were from ranges such as for market share in the global toy industry Lego City, Lego Classic and Lego Technic that and medium enterprises and agriculture thewith helm the thatlikes year. of BarbieThe company, maker whichMattel fights and portfolio, which has deteriorated, will substantially owned by that country’s government or its nationals. Currently, NRIs have been around for decades. “Of course, can acquire only 49 per cent in Air India. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Hasbro, said on Wednesday (Mar 4) sales those are older themes, but as you know, continue to weaken further. Lower industry globally, a carrier that flies overseas from a particular country should be rose 6 per cent last year to 38.5 billion economic growth in India is negative for airline is also 49 per cent through the government approval route. As per the existing we replace 60 per cent of our products each norms, 100 per cent FDI is permitted in scheduled domestic carriers, subject to Danish crowns (US$5.7 billion), up from 3 year,” Christiansen said. “We actually consider these sectors and will drive continued per cent growth in 2018. “It was a strong year weakness in these segments. Further, certain conditions, including that it would not be applicable for overseas airlines. these themes ‘evergreen’, which constantly In the case of scheduled airlines, 49 per cent FDI is permitted through automatic where we outperformed the toy industry,” need to be relevant,” he said, adding they gave the current level of non-performing Christiansen said in a statement. In February, loan (NPL)-formation rates in the SME approval route and any such investment beyond that level requires government “play experiences like the one you would get segment may be understated, because nod. On January 27, the government came out witha Preliminary Information outside your door.” But Lego, an abbreviation there is regulatory forbearance on NPL Memorandum (PIM) for Air India disinvestment. It has proposed selling 100 per of “leg godt” meaning “play well” in Danish, cent stake in Air India along with budget airline Air India Express and the national Mattelnet revenue reported rise flat3 per annual cent. netLego sales, estimates while is also banking on technology to stay up to recognition in this segment, Moody’s said. Hasbro,the global the toy firm market behind contracted My Little 3Pony, per centsaw Another risk factor is BoB’s exposure carrier’s 50 per cent stake in AISATS, an equal joint venture with Singapore Airlines. date with new generations. It saw 27 per Under the latest disinvestment plan, the successful bidder would have to take over last year. But it grew sales in all its major markets, including “strong” double-digit (NBFIs), which amounts to 16 per cent of only debt worth Rs 23,286.5 crore while the liabilities would be decided depending website, and launched Hidden Side last year, its loan book. on current assets at the time of closing of the transaction. centwhich more combines traffic onregular its recently building transformed sets with to non-banking financial institutions 570 stores worldwide, more than doubled its augmented reality. growth in China, it said. The firm, which has Companies in India to give average 7.8% salary hike in FY21: Deloitte Merger of 10 public sector banks into 4 to come into effect from Apr 1: FM New Delhi Agency. on the basis of past-year performance and 34 per cent companies focus on differentiating NEW DELHI, Agency. The lower salary increment, as compared to pay based on potential. “As the bell curve Finance Minister Nirmala the preceding year, is in line with the higher for companies has become sharper (with margin pressure on companies, economic Sitharaman on Wednesday only 7 per cent employees achieving the said the exercise of headwinds, and the need to gradually slow highest rating), the differentiation in pay white-collar pay growth in India to become consolidation of 10 public is almost 1.7 times the pay increase for sector banks (PSBs) into more globally competitive, Deloitte India said. average performers,” the survey said. The Companies in India are likely to give an average four is on course and the survey also found that at an all-India level, merger will come into salary increment of 7.8 percent to employees voluntary attrition slightly reduced in the for 2020-21. This projected salary increment effect from April 1, 2020. The Union Cabinet, she is 40 basis points lower than the actual salary surveyed are projecting a salary increment involuntary attrition (layoffs, restructuring, increment of 8.2 per cent that employees said, has given a go-ahead of less than 8 per cent for 2020-21 and only etc)current has financialincreased yearto 20 to per about cent 15 of perthe cent,total received in 2019-20,” the survey report, titled for the merger proposal 8 per cent companies are expecting to offer attrition. Involuntary attrition increased the and the government has been in regular touch with these banks. There will be ‘Workforce and Increment Trends Survey’, pay increases greater than 10 per cent. More most in the automobile, insurance, and NBFC said. Anandorup Ghose, partner at Deloitte no regulatory issues, she said. “The banks’ merger is on course and decisions than 30 per cent of the respondent companies, have already been taken by the respective bank boards,” she told reporters here. India, said, “There has been a lot of debate the report said, differentiate increments by the increasing impact of automation on the on pay increases over the past few years and The mergers are aimed at creating global sized banks in India. In the biggest levels of management. The projected salary sectors.workforce The with survey companies findings alsoshowing corroborated reduced there is a need for greater responsibility in this consolidation exercise in the banking space, the government in August 2019 had increments for 2020-21 are expected to be the hiring levels, it added. The audience for the announced four major mergers of public sector banks, bringing down their total process of salary budgeting as compensation lowest in industries such as infrastructure and survey was HR professionals. About 300 cost ratios are increasingly becoming a sore number to 12 from 27 in 2017, a move aimed at making state-owned lenders organisations spread across 7 sectors and over global sized banks. United Bank of India and Oriental Bank of Commerce will be point in boardrooms across the country.” (NBFCs) and telecom, the report said. “To 20 sub-sectors participated in the survey. The Ghose also said the talent market priorities are merged with Punjab National Bank; Syndicate Bank will be merged with Canara realmanage estate, overall non-banking cost budgets, financial organisations companies survey provides insights and market trends on Bank; Allahabad Bank will be amalgamated with Indian Bank; and Andhra Bank focus on differentiation. Performance and salary increments, performance management and companies’ pay budgeting process and and Corporation Bank will be consolidated with Union Bank of India. Last year, potential differentiation remains the central trends, and information on emerging realities Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank were merged with Bank of Baroda. Prior to this, the different from what they were five years ago, theme according to the survey. Ninety per in the area of workforce composition and pay that almost 50 per cent of the companies cent companies differentiate pay increases design, Deloitte India said. data needs to reflect that. The survey found with the State Bank of India. government had merged five associate banks of SBI and Bharatiya Mahila Bank 8 | English Daily Open Search | ENTERTAINMENT | New Delhi | Tuesday, March 05, 2020 FIRST COLUMN Asur first impression: This Operation MBBS first impression: A thriller holds promise different take on medical college life Mumbai, Agency. background and Sakshi comes from a joint family. In the over 30 minutes episode, Operation MBBS showcases the story of while there are relatable moments which reminds you of your college life; at times, (Ayush Mehra), Sakshi (Anshul Chauhan) you lose interest in the series. If you are a threeand Huma first-year (Sarah MBBS Hashmi). students, The Nishant Dice medical student, don’t look for details here. Media web series is far better than other They call cadaver a dead body. The second Indian medical TV shows and web series. episode ‘Diagnosis’ digs deeper into their Remember Dr Juhi, Dr Omi, Dr Simran What is interesting about life which is now burdened with academic Chennai, Agency. and Dr Rahul who walked into our lives Asur is that it is dipping its hands into a lot pressure. The screenplay gets crisper, and of things - a dissolving marriage, love, crime, the feel-good story of three friends leaves drama Sanjivani: A Medical Boon went mythology and psychology. Voot Select’s latest you with a smile. A senior student who has on air? Yeah, the TV show had teenagers web series Asur is a crime-thriller (with a in 2002 when the first Indian medical been failing exams for three years brings glued to the TV set every evening. At that generous dose of Indian mythology) which comic relief. Talking of acting, the three time, did you wish to see these doctors as stars Arshad Warsi, Barun Sobti, Anupriya lead actors, Mehra, Chauhan and Hashmi, students in medical school, grappling with Goenka, Riddhi Dogra and Sharib Hashmi do justice to their role of college-goers practicals and regular attendance while as they add a pinch of mischief, ambition trying to have a hang of college life? Dice episode of the show, it is safe to say that the and anxiety in their performance. Actors Media’s latest web series Operation MBBS among others. Having watched the first Neeraj Khetrapal, Ritika Murthy, Geetanjali is your wish granted. Operation MBBS Kulkarni and others look compelling as seems a bit scattered and slow. However, what teachers. The Dice Media web series is far adjective ‘intriguing’ certainly befits Asur. At MBBS students, Nishant (Ayush Mehra), works in its favour are credible performances better than other Indian medical TV shows nearly fifty minutes long, Asur sometimes Sakshi (Anshul Chauhan) and Huma and the mystery. The editing could have been showcases the story of three first-year and web series which either become (Sarah Hashmi). They come from diverse snappier perhaps and the screenplay more overly dramatic after a few episodes or is backgrounds and have their own reasons aligned. Barun Sobti’s character teaches reduced to a mere romantic drama where Forensic Science at FBI headquarters. He has Nishant is a playful and fun-loving guy who family and live life on his terms. Huma a hospital or medical college is just a name ‘Infection’ introduces us to the three main a wife (Anupriya Goenka) and a daughter. But has joined the college to stay away from has a struggle story with a middle-class mentioned in passing. characters and their early days in college. the man is not happy. His true calling is to be for pursuing MBBS. The first episode titled outRegina in the field. Cassandra Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar trailer: Arjun-Parineeti Alia, Katrina, Anushka come to play a dual role are on the run in Dibakar Banerjee’s film in Soorpanagai? New Delhi, Agency. together for special song for Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra starrer Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar Angrezi Medium been directed by Dibakar Banerjee. Mumbai, Agency. releasesThe trailer on Marchof the 20. much-delayed The film has Presented by Jio Studios and Prem Vijan, Angrezi Medium, a Maddock Films production, is slated for a March 13 release. Actors Pinky Faraar is out. The movie stars DibakarArjun Kapoor, Banerjee Parineeti film Sandeep Chopra, Aur Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav and Jaideep Ahlawat among others. Unlike many other trailers which reveal the

you intrigued. We meet Parineeti’s entireSandeep plot Kaur of the who film, is this on one the leaves run, but from what and why, is left to our imagination. Arjun’s Pinky Yadav is on the run with her, but there’s She will stand out for her qualities more to his backstory than we are Banerjeeand intentions. film. She I have will neverhave her played quirk. a Thechanges film in deals society, with and the how psychology they are told. Parineeti had earlier spoken character like this, and I am extremely ofgoing people through who their are influenced ups and downs by the about her character in Sandeep Aur excited that Dibakar is presenting me because of the changes. It’s a unique, in an avatar that no one has ever seen interesting story. When it unfolds ambitious girl from the corporate me in,” the actor told Filmfare. Arjun in front of you, you’ll love it.” Arjun Kapoor had earlier told indianexpress. Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra have Pinkyworld. Faraar.She is based“I am playingin Delhi, a andfiercely she Los Angeles, Agency. Reports is extremely clear of what she wants com, “There is a dilemma that our previously shared screen space in suggest that Regina Cassandra plays from life. She is the perfect example country is facing nowadays – Bharat Ishaqzaade and Namaste England. an archaeologist in Soorpanagai. The of how you would describe a girl who v/s India. These are two types mystery-drama also stars Akshara has a single-point-focus about her of thought processes which have scheduled to release in August 2018, Gowda and Jayaprakash in key career. She is the heroine of a Dibakar emerged over the last 8-10 years. Sandeepbut after many Aur Pinky delays. Faraar was first roles. Vijay Sethupathi on Tuesday opensearch Cassandra’s next which is a Tamil- unveiledTelugu bilingual. the first Directed look poster by Caarthickof Regina Sidharth Malhotra to star in Telugu, and Soorpanagai in Tamil. The Raju,poster this features film is Regina titled Nene in a traditional Na in red sari, and we assume she plays an Hindi remake of Thadam ancient queen considering how the New Delhi, Agency. Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma, among others have joined hands for a special track for Irrfan Khan-Radhika Madan in Valmiki Ramayana – Shurpanakha, Sidharth Malhotra, who will once again be seen in a starrer Angrezi Medium. Irrfan, the protagonist of Angrezi Medium, filmwho isis namedthe sister after of Ravana.the iconic Reports character double role, said he was looking forward to working on who was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumour in 2018, is suggest that Regina Cassandra plays an undergoing treatment and won’t be available for promotions. remake of Tamil hit Thadam, the makers announced The three top actors, along with Janhvi Kapoor, Kiara Advani, and we think Regina’s character likely has theWednesday. film. Actor The Sidharth yet-to-be-titled Malhotra willaction star thrillerin the Hindi will Ananya Panday, rallied around Radhika in the music video “Kudi archaeologist in the film. Going by this, hit the theatres on November 20. To be directed by Nu Nachan De”, which celebrates women. The song, sung by Vishal debutant Vardhan Ketkar, the movie is jointly produced Dadlani, was launched on Wednesday. Homi Adajania, director of flashbackSoorpanagai portions will be that high remind on action us ofand by Bhushan Kumar and Murad Khetani. Sidharth, Shurpanakha.fantasy elements. A source Caarthick also Rajuconfirms told who will once again be seen in a double role, said he actors. “The ‘Angrezi Medium’ journey has been unlike anything Times of India, “Regina’s personality theI’ve film,experienced. said he wasIt’s been overwhelmed made with with so much the gesture love and by positivity all these trouble! Excited to be a part of this ultimate entertaining ‘Thadam’ and post reading the hindi script, it was an and this video takes the spirit ahead. It’s a glimpse of what love and the mythological character. When she wasthriller, looking in association forward to workingwith @itsbhushankumar, on the film. “Double @ instant yes from my side. “It was an unanimous choice positivity looks like. These are beautiful people who gave us time indigs the out film some is quite information similar to during that of MuradKhetani and #VardhanKetkar. See you at the to get Sidharth on board as a lead and he will surprise movies on 20th November, 2020,” the “Marjaavaan” star similarities to this character that we’ve one of the best directors in the industry and he is apt withshould little stand notice, by eachselflessly other. pitched Irrfan in and and Homi I love are them two for of this,” my Homimost an excavation, she finds that she has he will be seen in a dual role after A Gentleman (2017) theto lead audiences this project,” in this the film. producer Vardhan said. has Murad worked said with he saidfavourite in a statement people, so here.when Katrina he called said me everyone there was in no the question film industry of me takes place in the 1920s, where Regina’s wroteand his on upcoming Twitter. Thisrelease is Sidharth’s Shershaah, third based film on in the which life not stepping in. I feel that when we can be there for someone, we showncharacter in thehails first from look. a zamindar This portion family.” of Kargil hero Captain Vikram Batra. Starring Arun which is based on real incidents. “So much so that I should. That’s how it should be in our industry,” she said. “Irrfan sir Vijay in the lead, 2019’s Thadam is a murder mystery. watchedapproached Thadam the Tamil when makers it released and immediately and loved the bought film, has given all of us so much and we want to see him back soon and Jayaprakash in key roles. Bankrolled Things get interesting when the murder accused is in the best health possible,” Janhvi said. Alia said when she listened Theby Raj film Shekar also has Varma Akshara under Gowda Apple andTree Studios, Soorpanagai, a mystery-drama, Tanya Hope, Smruthi Venkat, and Vidya Pradeep. thehim, rightshe instantly for the agreed Hindi remaketo come of on the board. film. Sidharth“I share how meaningful it is. It’s a really cool song,” Alia said. “When Homi has music by Sam CS of Vikram Vedha- foundBhushan, to havewho isa lookalike.collaborating The with Tamil Murad film alsofor a starred fourth Malhotraa wonderful was relationshipmy first choice with and ‘Bhushanji’, when I approached after the tosent “Kudi me theNu…”, song, the itsong was made on loop her andwant it tostill fly is. and This dance. song “… is That’sgoing fame and cinematography by PK Varma. time, said working with the co-producer is always a fun success of ‘Kabir Singh’, this is our fourth collaboration to make everyone super happy,” Anushka added. Producer Dinesh The makers are planning to release experience. “We both share the same love and passion with T-Series including ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’, Sandeep Vijan said such gestures make the world a better place. Presented Soorpanagai by April or May 2020. Vanga’s next and now ‘Thadam’,” he added. The Hindi by Jio Studios and Prem Vijan, Angrezi Medium, a Maddock Films been successful. When Murad bhai mentioned about remake of Thadam will be shot in Delhi from May. production, is slated for a March 13 release. for films and hence our collaborations have always What drew me to Pixar and animation is the desire to tell stories: Arjun Rihan New Delhi, Agency. we do it on the computer. What we try to making, in general, has gone real-time actually like a real toy.” That is pretty capture is the intent of the storytelling with richer virtual environments. exciting. I see a trend towards richer Arjun Rihan has worked on Pixar’s but also look for opportunities where When I started there were much more the camera can introduce a little magic. limitations about how much hair, how ideas that I am working on. What drew with director Pete Docter was a career many characters and stuff we could andme to authentic Pixar and stories. animation Definitely. is the desireI have upcominggoal for him. film Arjun Soul. HeRihan says currently working Doordarshan and Mickey Mouse. I have in the same scene. But now things to tell stories, and there is always a works as a camera & staging artiste at Itremember was sitting telling on the my floor mother, and watching “I think are faster and better. So we are able to desire to connect to my roots. I want Pixar Animation Studios. During Pixar there is a guy wearing a mask, and he do a much better job. In terms of Pixar to make something that I can show Brand Immersion day, Rihan talked to is acting as Mickey Mouse.” I did not itself, the overall atmosphere feels to my daughter and make her learn indianexpress.com about his job and know that there was someone who was more dynamic, and I think the nature about our roots. I think what is cool the experience of working with Soul actually designing frame after frame, of the projects we have done has also about Pixar is that ultimately we are director Pete Docter among more. I which is amazing. From a very early changed that. When I started, I never work in layout. It is also called camera age, I wanted to be on the other side of thought I would work on something and staging sometimes. You can think the story to understand how everything like Sanjay’s Super Team or Coco. So I nottogether about with one filmmaker.our special We discipline. are like of us as virtual cameramen. All our happens. That was kind of the guiding think that’s great. I think Pixar always aWe group are generally of filmmakers just encouraged who come to movies are made in computers, but we light. And at that time animation wasn’t tries to reinvent itself and remain look at it from our point of view, and if have this camera that we have designed something you could study. But I think relevant. I think now we are at a point there is something that we feel like we that lives in the computer. How the the question of how can I create what where things are so real that even can contribute, there is like an open is seen on the screen is something audiences sometimes are like, “Oh, I forum to send in feedback. Ultimately places the camera, sets the focus and didn’t know that was a synthetic forest one person is not going to know the cinematographertells the actors to stand for a at traditional a point or walk film today. It has changed a lot. Just movie- or that Buzz (from Toy Story) is not experiences of every person. to some point, our job is the same, but that motivates and influences me even

Owner, Printer, Publisher & Editor Vijay Kumar Printed at Aditya Graphics, Pratap Bhawan, 5 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, I.T.O. New Delhi-110002 and Published at 1536/108, Ganesh Pura Road Tri. Nagar, New Delhi-110035 RNI No. DELENG/2016/67075 (Phone : 011-27380260 Moble :9210092542 ) E-mail : [email protected] , Websit : www.opensearch.co.in