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ADITYA THACKERAY GETS ARMY CHIEF BIPIN RAWAT NAMED BACK TO MARATHI ROOTS, IRISH INDIAN NAVY BANS SMARTPHONES, MAHA CABINET POST FIRST CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF PM RELISHES KONKANI CUISINE SOCIAL MEDIA ON BASES, SHIPS ditya Thackeray has been made a Cabinet minister along with other ndian Army chief General Bipin Rawat has been named India's first t was like an extended Christmas and an advance New Year celebration fter the recent arrest of seven navy personnel for allegedly leaking AMaha Vikas Aghadi heavyweights like former Chief Minister Ashok IChief of Defence Staff, said sources. An official announcement on the Ifor the 3,500-village folk of Varad in the coastal Konkan region, bound Asensitive information to an espionage racket with links to Pakistan, Chavan, ex-Leader of Opposition in Council Dhananjay same, however, remains awaited. General Rawat was on one side by the Arabian Sea and on the other by the Western Ghats. the Indian Navy has issued direction to ban the use of all smartphones Munde, ex-Speaker Dilip Walse-Patil, and NCP spokesper- named the CDS just a day before he was to retire For, visiting them on Sunday was none other and social networking platforms onboard ships and naval bases. son Nawab Malik. The Cabinet has three women: NCP's from service after completing a full three-year term than the Maharashtrian-origin Leo A. "All social networking platforms Aditi Tatkare (MoS) and Congress' Varsha Gaikwad and as the Chief of Army Staff. The Union Cabinet on Varadkar, the Prime Minister of Ireland, who including Facebook, Instagram, Yashomati Thakur, both Cabinet rank. For the first since December 24, approved the CDS post and its visited his father's village and spent a night in WhatsApp and other messengers from 2014, the ministry has four Muslims - Shiv Sena's Abdul charter and duties. The CDS will act as the the family's ancestral home. In June 2017, here on now will not be allowed at the Sattar Nabi (MoS), NCP's Malik and Hasan Mushrif, and Principal Military Adviser to the Defence Varadkar, 40, became the 14th Prime Minister naval bases and ships," said a senior Congress' Aslam Shaikh, all Cabinet rank. Minister on tri-services matters. or 'Taoiseach' of Ireland. Indian Navy officer. AP EAMCET Kerala tops Niti's SDG Index, from April 20 Modi launches Twitter campaign inister for Education MAdimulapu Suresh on AP, TS share third place Monday announced that on CAA, tweets Sadhguru's clip PNS n NEW DELHI Andhra Pradesh Common Entrance Tests will be con- PNS n NEW DELHI Kerala retained the top rank ducted a few days prior to TS- while Bihar was adjudged as CETs. Speaking after releasing In order to garner people's sup- the worst performer in Niti the schedule of various com- port on the Citizenship Aayog's SDG India Index 2019, mon entrance tests that will (Amendment) Act, Prime which evaluates progress of be conducted in AP, Suresh Minister Narendra Modi on States and Union Territories on informed that AP EAMCET Monday launched a Twitter social, economic and environ- will be conducted in the State campaign. mental parameters, as per a from April 20 to 24. JNTU-K He wrote on @narendramo- report released on Monday. will organise the examination. di_in: "#IndiaSupportsCAA According to 'SDG India APECT will be conducted on because CAA is about giving Centre to go ahead Index 2019', Uttar Pradesh, April 30, 2020. He said that citizenship to persecuted Odisha and Sikkim have the schedule was prepared for refugees & not about taking shown maximum improve- Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar the convenience of the stu- anyone's citizenship away. with CAA: Kishan ment, but states like Gujarat dents and without any clash Check out this hashtag in Your PNS n HYDERABAD have not shown any progress Bihar, Jharkhand and Speaking at the event, Niti with the national and other Voice section of Volunteer vis-a-vis 2018 rankings. Arunachal Pradesh are the Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv states' schedule. module on NaMo App for The Modi government will go "Kerala retained its rank as worst performing states in this Kumar said southern states content, graphics, videos & ahead with the implementation the top state with a score of 70. year's Index for Sustainable have done well in health. more. Share & show your sup- of Citizenship Amendment Chandigarh too maintained Development Goals (SDGs). "West Bengal (rank 14) has port for CAA." #IndiaSupportsCAA because CAA is Act (CAA) despite the ongoing its top spot among the UTs "The United Nations' SDG also done well in Niti Aayog's SBI cuts The post got 1.3K retweets about giving citizenship to persecuted protests against it, Union with a score of 70. target of 2030 can never be met SDG Index 2019, but given the and 2.7K likes while refugees & not about taking anyone's Minister of State for Home G. Himachal Pradesh took the without India... We are fully education level(in the state), interest rate #IndiaSupportsCAA trended Kishan Reddy said on Monday. second spot while Andhra committed to achieving UN's West Bengal should be in top on Twitter with 386K Tweets. citizenship away. Share & show your "No matter how many pro- Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and SDG target," Niti Aayog CEO 3 performing states," Kumar BJP leader Meenakashi support for CAA cessions and rallies are taken Telangana shared the third Amitabh Kant said at the added. on home loans Lekhi tweeted: "Don't let the out, CAA will be implement- spot, the report said. launch of the report. Continued on Page 3 tate Bank of India has power of reason cloud the ed at any cost as it is not against Sagain cut its lending rate mind or allow the thinking be Thakur @Anurag_Office Modi on Monday tweeted a any Indian citizen," he said. making it more attractive for hijacked by cruel fanatics. tweeted: "Myth buster. video clip of Sadhguru Jaggi The BJP leader slammed borrowers to avail loans from Proud to be an Indian and have Citizenship Amendment Act Vasudev and asked people to the Congress party for anti- Farmers challenge the bank. The quantum of cut a heart to support who contin- 2019. #IndiaSupportsCAA. hear his explanation on the CAA protests and alleged that is 25 basis points, from 8.05% ue to suffer in modern times Read this and clear your issue. Modi wrote on @naren- unable to face Prime Minister legality of GN Rao to 7.8%. This new rate will be barbarity of Ghazanis, doubts." dramodi: "Do hear this lucid Narendra Modi politically, it effective January 1, 2020. Bukshikans like iconoclasts. In the wake of ongoing explanation of aspects relating was dividing people in the committee in HC With this reduction, interest #IndiaSupportsCAA." protests against the Citizenship to CAA and more by name of religion by spreading rate for existing home loan The office Twitter handle of Amendment Act (CAA), SadhguruJV." lies about the legislation. PNS n VIJAYAWADA customers as well as MSME Union minister Anurag Prime Minister Narendra Continued on Page 3 Continued on Page 3 borrowers who have availed The Rajadhani Rytu loans linked to External Parirakshana Samiti on Benchmark Based Rate Monday moved the Andhra would come down by 25 bps. 2 AP doctors Pradesh High Court chal- New home buyers will now Another TDP MLA meets lenging the legality of the GN get loans at an interest rate Rao Committee and the pro- starting from 7.90% p.a. (pre- go missing posal to shift the state capi- viously at 8.15% p.a.). tal from Amaravati. Jagan, showers praise on CM in Delhi Sabarimala temple Counsel appearing on PNS n VIJAYAWADA behalf of the Samiti urged the PNS n NEW DELHI HC to hear the petitions Fog disrupts Amidst rumours of MLAs opens for Makaravilakku since the government appears from Visakhapatnam and Mystery shrouds the disap- to have decided to shift the air, rail traffic Prakasam districts quitting the pearance of two doctors from PNS n SABARIMALA The Makaravilakku capital location. TDP, comes news that Maddali Andhra Pradesh in Delhi on However, the advocate- Giri, who was elected from December 25. Amid heavy security, the hill will be held on general told the court that he in north India Guntur West Assembly seat, of The doctors who have shrine of Lord Ayyappa at January 15 and the was yet to receive information he thick blanket of fog resigning from the party and been reported missing were Sabarimala opened on shrine will be closed from the state government on Tresulting in poor visibili- getting ready to join the identified as Dr Himabindu, Monday evening for the the matter. ty in the winter-battered YSRCP. Maddali Giri on 29, and Dr Dilip Satya, 28. "Makaravilakku" festival. on January 21 Counsel appearing for the north India has affected the Monday visited the CM's camp According to a complaint The temple had closed on Samiti asked the court to operation of over 300 flights, office along with Minister lodged with the police by December 27 to mark the Mahesh Mohanaru oversaw enquire from the advocate- with around 260 delayed Vellampalli Srinivas. Himabindu's husband Dr culmination of the 41-day the various rituals. general when was Boston between 6 a.m. to 12 noon, After calling on the CM at Sridhar, all of them were mandala pilgrim season. The Makaravilakku will be Consulting Group (BCG) Delhi airport website said on his camp office here, Maddali TDP MLA Maddali Giri poses with Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy and products of the medical col- There was a heavy rush of held on January 15 and the appointed, who appointed it Monday. Besides, another 50 Giri showered praises on Minister Vellampalli Srinivas at the CM’s camp office on Monday. lege at Kurnool. Ayyappa devotees when the shrine will be closed on and what were the terms of flights scheduled for depar- Jaganmohan Reddy, describing Dr Dilip has been working shrine opened at 5 PM. January 21. Chanting 'swamiye reference. Counsel told the ture as well as arrival between him as the man of dedication told the CM that the condition the TDP and join the YSRCP as a paediatrician in Chief Priest A K Sudheer saranam Ayyappa', thousands HC that the government in a 12-6 p.m. have been delayed and perseverance. of roads in Guntur was pathet- after receiving the green signal Chandigarh. He attended a Namboothiri opened the tem- of devotees thronged the tem- GO issued on Sunday quot- as well. Private airlines IndiGo He also had special words of ic and sought release of Rs 25 from Jaganmohan Reddy. job interview at Puducherry ple doors and performed the ple after waiting for hours in ed the BCG report. and Vistara on Monday issued appreciation for the YSRCP crore for Guntur. He said that It may be recalled that on December 24 and stayed rituals inside the sanctum long queues. The advocate general a travel advisory for their pas- schemes. Talking to media the conditions prevailed in Vallabhaneni Vamsi at the residence of Dr Sridhar sanctorum as well as on the However, no special pujas assured the court that he sengers saying flights to and later, he said that he had called the state also figured during announced his decision to in Delhi on December 25 holy 18 steps after which the were held on Monday. would be submitting the par- from the national capital have on the CM on the problems the discussions. resign from the TDP after while on his way to pilgrims were allowed to have This year it was a peaceful ticulars as soon as he received been impacted due to bad prevalent in his Guntur West Maddali Giri is likely to calling on the CM. Chandigarh. darshan. pilgrimage season during the information from the govern- weather and poor visibility. Assembly constituency. He announce his decision to quit Continued on Page 3 Continued on Page 3 Head priest Kandaru first half. ment. TODAY ALMANAC Door delivery of sand 54,000 APSRTC staff to get Pawan questions Month & Paksham: Paush & Shukla Paksha from Jan 2 in Krishna dist government tag from Jan 1 need for 3 Capitals Panchangam PNS n VIJAYAWADA Tithi : Panchami: 04:01 pm PNS n VIJAYAWADA PNS n VIJAYAWADA On the attack on some media Nakshatram: Shatabhisha: 01:28 am persons during the agitation, Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan (Next Day) The State government has Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan on Monday slammed AP CM Time to Avoid: (Bad time to start decided to start door delivery Reddy's landmark decision the minister said it was YS Jaganmohan Reddy for his of sand from January 2 to cus- will translate into reality with unfortunate that journalists moves on setting up three any important work) tomers in Krishna district. the RTC coming into the fold capital cities for Andhra Rahukalam: 03:03 pm – 04:26 pm This facility would be extend- of the State government on themselves were not coming Pradesh, constitution of GN Yamagandam: 09:34 am – 10:56 am ed in all the districts by Wednesday. forward to condemn it Rao, Boston committees to Varjyam: NIL January 20. Following a direc- "The dream of 54,000 make recommendations to Pawan Kalyan Gulika: 12:18 pm - 01:41 pm tive by the Chief Minister, employees of APSRTC will The minister said stern that are likely to be plied dur- government on where to set Good Time: (to start any important work) APMDC would stock about 15 come true with the New Year action would be taken against ing the season. up capital cities. Pawan ques- taken at the party's meeting at lakh tonnes of sand every ushering in hope and joy," private bus operators who On the attack on some tioned the need for setting up Mangalagiri on Monday. Amritakalam: 05:28 pm – 07:15 pm month for the next four Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy Minister for Transport and charge extra during the media persons during the agi- these committees when CM At the meeting, Pawan Abhijit Muhurtham: 11:57 am –12:40 pm months and about 60 lakh I&PR Perni Venkataramaiah Sankranti festival. tation, the minister said it was Jagan, his ministers and other Kalyan is learnt to have taken tonnes would be stocked for day tonnes and so far, about said here on Monday. He said people can call unfortunate that journalists YSRCP leaders are making feedback over the agitation VIJAYAWADA the upcoming rainy season. 9,63,000 tonnes has been Congratulating RTC staff 8309887955 to complain themselves were not coming announcements on capital from the party's top leaders. WEATHER Addressing the media here stored. The AP Mineral on the occasion, he said that against private operators who forward to condemn it. "A cities even before the said Already, Jana Sena leaders, Forecast: Partly Cloudy on Monday, Panchayat Raj Development Corporation Jaganmohan Reddy had wit- charge exorbitant fares during number of crows gather if any committees submitted their including Nadendla Manohar Temp: 30/19 Minister Peddireddy (APMDC) would start door nessed the travails of the RTC the festival. With reference to harm is done to another crow, reports or recommendations. and Pawan Kalyan's elder Humidity: 67% Ramachandra Reddy said that delivery of sand," he said. staff during his state-wide criticism that even the RTC but it is surprising to see that Pawan will tour Amaravati brother Naga Babu met the Sunrise: 06.45 by January 20, door delivery of The Minister said that sand padayatra and had taken a was increasing the fares during the journalists are not coming on Tuesday, when he is expect- farmers' representatives. They Sunset: 05.52 sand would be available in is being extracted from de-silt- decision to ameliorate the lot the festival, he said there would forward to condemn the bru- ed to express solidarity with handed over a 20-page report Current Weather Conditions every district in the State. ing lands, de-casting lands of the employees, though many be no increase in the regular tal attack on their fellow the farmers agitating against to Pawan Kalyan on the situ- Updated December 30, 2019 5:00 PM "At present, consumption of and from 258 sand reaches. felt that it was not possible to buses, but it was being done scribes. three Capitals proposal. ation in Amaravati. sand in the State is 80,000 per Continued on Page 3 do so. only in the case of special buses Continued on Page 3 A decision to this effect was Continued on Page 3 VIJAYAWADA|TUESDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2019 vijayawada 02

CAPSULE Vijayawada all set for ‘Inculcate new-age Vizag to host Global learning skills Autocross Championship among students' n The motor racing will be VIJAYAWADA: Inculcate new-age held at the parking lot of learning skills among students to Pavitra Sangamam in stay relevant in the job market, Healthcare Summit which around 10 to 12 said Sudhakar Lingamaneni, vice- n president, Citi Global Markets, PNS VISAKHAPATNAM Government of India in mak- curves would be Singapore. He was the guest at a ing quality healthcare afford- designed for the cars to Special Invited Talk organised by Visakhapatnam city will be able and accessible to all peo- tackle hosting a three-day ple of India. AAPI recommit- the Department of Business n Top racers like Gaurav Administration, PB Siddhartha International Conference of ting itself to strengthen its College of Arts & Science. American Association of efforts to work towards eradi- Gill, Dean Mascarenhas Addressing the students, he said Physicians of Indian Origin cating tuberculosis (TB) by will set the track ablaze (AAPI)-14th Global 2025 in India in partnership with the advent of new n The driver eligibility for technologies, the human Healthcare Summit from with the United States Agency interventions in various operations January 1. for International Development the INAC final was based have greatly reduced and some of AAPI is the largest ethnic (USAID) on performance in the the traditional HR skills also medical organisation in the Moreover, AAPI has part- four regional rounds - getting obsolete. He advised United States representing the nered with TATA Trusts to South Zone, West Zone, students to gain knowledge in voice of over 60,000 doctors of improve health care in rural North Zone and East niche areas using Artificial Indian Origin practising in India. Nearly, 75% of the poor PNS n VIJAYAWADA Motor Sports Clubs of India Zone Intelligence, Machine Learning, America. live in Indian villages and have and this event is an entry Deep Learning and Reinforced Speaking to the media here no access to basic medical Motorsport is all set to enter point for many budding dri- n Run is being held under Learning to be industry ready. He on Monday, AAPIs President care. There is high burden of Vijayawada as the final of the vers to kick start a career in the aegis of the narrated how machines have taken Dr Sudhakar Jonnalagadda n 500 international delegates n The Global Health Care cancer in India with 1.9 m new Indian National Autocross motorsports. The champi- Federation of Motor control of stock trading platforms said over the past 12 years, to participate Summits have promised cases per year and most cases Championship will be held at onship is based on a point sys- Sports Clubs of India and using algo-trading models. He AAPI physicians collaborated to be one with greatest present at late stages leading to Pavitra Sangamam on January tem". n The focus of the Global this event is an entry said the high frequency and high with several professional med- impact and significant multi-modal and multi-year 10 to 12 in which 64 cars are He said the cars will be Healthcare Summit is an point for many budding value trades executed for ical associations, academic contributions towards treatment. More than 50% participating, according to allowed to drive a distance of international institutional investors institutions, Government of Indian-centric approach with cancer patients visit the doctor Narla Vamsi of Champions 200 metres at a single stretch drivers to kick start a harnessing the power of need state of the art technologies India and have made signifi- special events such as for the first time, at or past the Yacht Club, which is organis- before they prepare to tackle a career in motorsports. and robust management practices. cant contributions towards global impact and India's international Indian third stage of cancer. ing the event. curve. "Two cars will compete The championship is He also explained the way addressing diabetes with the contribution in providing diaspora to bring the There is significant demand Speaking at the pre-event in each round with a speed based on a point system Singapore government leveraged launch of Sevak programme. cost effective medicines, most innovative, efficient, supply gap especially for indi- press conference, he said the limit of 80 kmph". the technology to create high value AAPI decided to organise its addressing global shortage cost effective healthcare gent and low to middle income motor racing will be held at the Vamsi said efforts were on to generating economic models. Global Health Care Summit in solutions to India patients due to limited infra 2 km of the parking area of spruce up galleries for 10,000 added. Vamsi said the cars will Rajesh C Jampala, Dean, Vizag in 2021. In all, 500 del- of healthcare professionals structure and high cost of care, Pavitra Sangamam in which spectators. "Galleries will be enter the city on the trailers explained the importance of egates from USA, Australia, leading to high waiting times around 10 to 12 curves would properly barricaded and it will and would go through various updating skills and knowledge on Britain and other countries The Global Health Care India and international and travel costs further adding be designed for the cars to be spruced up 30 feet away safety checks before they are continuous basis to stay relevant will participate in the confer- Summits have promised to be advancement of healthcare. to the overall cost of treatment tackle. "Top racers like Gaurav from the track. We are taking allowed to hit the track. in the fast changing business ence. one with greatest impact and AAPI, founded in 1982, is and lowering survival rates. By Gill, Dean Mascarenhas will all precautionary steps for the "It is a good opportunity for environment. The focus of the Global significant contributions spearheading legislative, edu- partnering with TATA Trusts, set the track ablaze". safe conduct of the event, which the motorsport enthusiasts to Health Summit is an Indian- towards harnessing the power cational, charitable and philan- AAPI physicians and "The driver eligibility for the will witness several nail-biting witness the race and it is held Superfast AC special centric approach with special of international Indian diaspo- thropic initiatives in Indian Oncologists help to provide INAC final was based on per- finishes", said senior rally dri- for the first time in Vijayawada. events such as global impact ra to bring the most innovative, and the United States. AAPI medical, surgical and radiation formance in the four regional ver Phalguna Urs, who is in After Amaravati F1H2O trains to clear and India's contribution in efficient, cost effective health- serves as an umbrella organi- oncologists to deliver quality rounds - South Zone, West charge of the track designing. Power Boat Racing festive rush providing cost effective medi- care solutions to India. sation for more than 150 local cancer care by spending three Zone, North Zone and East "Ambulances, fire tenders Championship in 2018, this is cines, addressing global short- This summit will focus the chapters. months in TATA cancer cen- Zone. Run is being held under and hospital backup are the biggest sporting event VIJAYAWADA: In order to clear age of healthcare professionals. present health situation in AAPI is working with the tres in India. the aegis of the Federation of arranged for the event," he being held in Vijayawada". extra rush of passengers during Sankranti festival season, 26 Superfast AC special trains will be run between Kakinada town and Lingampalli. Train No 02775 GO issued for ex gratia to kin of deceased weavers Kakinada town - Lingampalli SF Road works worth AC special train will depart PNS n AMARAVATI of weavers and promised to of the weavers by not imple- sionment and despair. The Kakinada town at 20:10 hrs on come to their rescue once he menting the promises it had weavers lost their means of January 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 20, The State government on came to power. made to them during the 2014 livelihood as the previous 22, 24, 27, 29 and 31, 2020 and Monday issued a GO granting The YSR Nethanna Nestham elections. The handloom clus- government had not sanc- Rs 2 cr taken up arrive in Lingampalli at 07:30 hrs ex gratia to the families of the scheme was launched by the ters and parks promised by tioned subsidy on raw silk the next day. In return direction, handloom weavers, who had Chief Minister to mark his Chandrababu Naidu had quoting rules and regula- Train No. 02776 Lingampalli - committed suicides due to birthday at Dharmavaram in remained unfulfilled dreams tions as a hindrance. Kakinada town SF AC special financial problems during the Anantapur district on for weavers. The Jaganmohan Reddy train will depart Lingampalli at in VMC limits previous TDP term in December 21. About 85,000 Similarly, the ex gratia government has issued a GO 19:55 hrs on January 2, 4, 7, 9, Dharmavaram of Anantapur eligible handloom weavers in promised by Chandrababu sanctioning ex gratia to the 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30 and district. the State will receive financial Naidu to the families of weavers, who had committed on February 1 and arrive in Chief Minister YS assistance of Rs 24,000 annu- weavers, who had committed suicide between 2014 and 2019 Kakinada at 07:15 hrs the next Jaganmohan Reddy during his ally under the scheme. Naidu government had suicide was not given, leaving by releasing an amount of Rs 3, day. padayatra had seen the plight Earlier, the Chandrababu brought in gloom in the lives the weavers in utter disillu- 51, 69,636. NTPC-Simhadri to instal Elaborate arrangements for Vaikunta Ekadasi

FGD tech to check pollution PNS n VIJAYAWADA benefit of devotees waiting for PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM Vaikunthadwara Darshan. The TTD additional executive offi- artists of HDPP, To comply with the new emis- cer AV Dharma Reddy said Annamacharya, Dasa Sahitya sion norms stipulated by the that the TTD had unleashed all Project and SV College of Ministry of Environment, out coordination of all depart- music and dance will perform Forest and Climate Change, the ments for devotees' darshan on Govindanamas, Vishnusahasra PNS n VIJAYAWADA to the people. Hence, the NTPC Simhadri is installing Vaikunta Ekadasi, which falls Parayanam and Sankeertans to roads works at Joginagar flue-gas desulpharisation Chief General Manager of NTPC on January 6. keep pilgrims engaged in Minister for Endowments main road, Brundavan (FGD) technology in its all Simhadri V Sudharshan Babu Addressing a review meeting Bhakti Sangeet, the Additional Velampalli Srinivas and Colony main road and units (4x500MW) with a finan- performing puja to kick start at Annamaiah Bhavan on EO added. Vijayawada Municipal Reliance Mart west road will cial outlay of Rs 871.50 crore. construction works in Visakhapatnam Monday, the additional execu- Earlier, the additional exec- Corporation (VMC) be developed. He told the The NTPC has entrusted on Monday tive officer said on December utive officer reviewed the Commissioner Prasanna officials concerned to com- the work of construction, erec- 31 and January 1, the TTD has department wise arrangements Venkatesh took part in the plete the road work at the ear- tion and commissioning of the expressed that the new FGD cancelled all Arjita Sevas and and directed Srivari temple, foundation laying programme liest and not to create incon- system to General Electric system, besides reducing SOx privileged darshans for senior TTD additional executive officer AV Dharma Reddy addresses a review meeting in vigilance and security, police to of CC road works at Division venience to people. Power India Limited. The (oxides of sulphur) levels in citizens, physically challenged, Tirumala on Monday make coordinated efforts to No 29 in the VMC limits on Later, the minister visited commissioning of the system the flue-gas, will also open parents with infants, besides ensure smooth darshan to all Monday. The road work was Bhavanipuram lorry stand and for all four units will be com- new business avenues like tokens for Sarva Darshan, commence at 2 am onwards on compartments, and mada devotees. taken up with the Corporation said that they would work out pleted by March 2022. gypsum sale, which is a by- Divya Darshan and Anga January 6, while for common street gallery sheds. Nearly He also directed officials to funds at an estimated cost of possibilities of relocating the Chief General Manager of product of the system. Pradakshina. pilgrims after 5 am. He said the three lakh water bottles are organise attractive flower and Rs 2 crore. bus stand to Iron Mart or NTPC Simhadri V GM (O&M) HC Verma, He said nearly 5,000 tickets ghat road would remain open kept ready for disbursement on electrical decorations and keep Speaking on the occasion, Gollapudi. Superintending Sudharshan Babu kick-started GM (Tech Services) Surinder were issued for special darshan the whole day on January 5 for Ekadasi day, he said. adequate stock of laddu the minister said that VMC engineer JV Ramakrishna, the construction works with Pal Singh Virk, GM online for Vaikunta Dwadasi Vaikunta Ekadasi. The TTD has plans to roll prasadam and also that the authorities have taken initia- executive engineer Rama Rao, the ceremonial inauguration of (Operation) Sri Krishna and on January 7, while all other An action plan is being laid out Namasankeertana Yagnam radio and broadcasting depart- tive to lay roads under West health officer Dr Iqbal the excavation for new chim- GM (maintenance) Shivam darshans, along with SSD and down for the distribution of from 11 am till midnight on ment to make proper constituency limits as the Hussain, deputy executive neys on December 30. Srivastava were present on DD tokens, stand cancelled. Anna Prasadam to devotees January 5 in the sheds of announcements on all arrange- condition of the roads is bad engineer Ravi Kumar and oth- On the occasion, the CGM the occasion. Vaikuntadwara darshan will waiting in VQC queue lines, Narayanagiri Gardens for the ments for devotees. and creating inconvenience ers were present.

VIJAYAWADA BULLION RATES MRI may predict intelligence level in kids: Study GOLD ` (10 gm) 39,210 n ` IANS MOSCOW analysis, amongst other things," or the so called fluid intelli- 170 said study researcher Ekaterina n Skoltech researchers focused n Importantly, they gence, which characterises the SILVER Researchers have used ensem- Kondratyev from Skolkovo on predicting the intelligence made predictions for biological abilities of the ner- ` 46,700(1kg) ble methods based on deep Institute of Science and level, or the so called fluid both the fluid vous system and has little to do ` 200 learning 3D analysis networks Technology (Skoltech) in intelligence, which intelligence level and with acquired knowledge or to answer the global Magnetic Russia. characterises the biological the target variable skills. Resonance Imaging (MRI) pre- "In this study, we applied abilities of the nervous system independent from age, Importantly, they made pre- CHICKEN vision challenge for children. ensembles of classifiers to 3D dictions for both the fluid and has little to do with gender, brain size or RATES `/KG Importantly, they made pre- of super precision neural net- intelligence level and the target dictions for both the fluid works: with this approach, one acquired knowledge or skills MRI scanner used variable independent from age, Dressed/With Skin `167 intelligence level and the target can classify an image as it is, gender, brain size or MRI scan- Without Skin `190 variable independent from age, without first reducing its ner used. Broiler at Farm `115 gender, brain size or MRI scan- dimension and, therefore, with- brain development. MRI image processing. The results of the study ner used. out losing valuable informa- NIH scientists launched an To do this, they built a net- helped find the correlation MRI is a common tech- tion," said Kondratyeva. international competition, work architecture enabling sev- between the child's fluid intel- EGG nique used to obtain images of The US National Institutes of making the enormous NIH eral mathematical models to be ligence and brain anatomy. `/ human internal organs and Health (NIH) database con- database available to a broad applied to the same data in Although the prediction accu- RATES 100 tissues. Scientists wondered tains a total of over 11,000 community for the first time order to increase the prediction racy is less than perfect, the HYDERABAD 460 whether the intelligence level structural and functional MRI ever. The participants were accuracy, and used a novel models produced during this VIJAYAWADA 468 can be predicted from an MRI images of children aged given a task of building a pre- ensemble method to analyse competition will help shed brain image. between 9 and 10. dictive model based on brain the MRI data. light on various aspects of cog- VISAKHAPATNAM 475 "Our team develops deep In 2013, NIH launched the images. As a part of the com- In their recent study, nitive, social, emotional and RETAIL PRICE `4.68 (IN VIJAYAWADA) learning methods for comput- first grand-scale study of its research, Adolescent Brain if and how teenagers' hobbies petition, the Skoltech team Skoltech researchers focused on physical development of ado- er vision tasks in MRI data kind in adolescent brain Cognitive Development, to see and habits affect their further applied neural networks for predicting the intelligence level, lescents.

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Printed and published by B Krishna Prasad for and on behalf of CMYK Printech Ltd., Phone: 040-23322341, Hyderabad Office: F-502, Diamond Block, Lumbini Rockdale, Somajiguda, Hyderabad - 500 082. Telangana. Printed at Sree Seshasai Enterprises, Plot No.19, IDA Balanagar , Hyderbad-500037, Medchal -Malkajgiri District, Telangana. Chief Editor: Chandan Mitra. Resident Editor: B Krishna Prasad, AIR SURCHARGE of Rs 2.00. VIJAYAWADA|TUESDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2019 vijayawada 03 Decade belongs to Narendra Modi, the harbinger of change

he last decade has seen high road to development and People have been tremendously be able to boldly ideological direction to Programmes like Ayushman history in the country's make it stand among the comi- speak about TRULY the country. That is Bhava, Insolvency and political realm rewritten. ty of nations. influenced by Narendra Modi's words, his their country, why his every action Bankruptcy Code, Rural elec- TTill 2014, rule of anarchic, Modi was born in a poor their culture SPEAKING became novel. trification, Ujwal Yojana, dynastic and political succes- family, sold tea at a railway sta- fluent and spell-binding speeches and their reli- Crucial decisions Swachh Bharat, digital trans- sors, casteism, religionism and tion, initiated into spiritualism reflecting sincerity and patriotism, raising gion phasing out taken by him to replace fer of subsidies eliminating mafia continued in the coun- in the Himalayas, worked at the situation where the existing systems with new middlemen, construction of try. Those occupying the posi- the lower-rung in the RSS, ‘Modi Modi' slogans wherever he is seen only one religion got ones and new culture and to national highways, express- tion of PM could not be an grew from position to position priority because of the enhance the image of the ways and metro network on a exception to the dynastic rule. in the BJP and served as CM appeasement politics. country affected changes in the war-footing, GST structure, Scams worth several lakhs of of Gujarat for 15 years. As he new era in Indian politics A new development began The BJP in its new form, country's socioeconomic fab- victories in the realm of space crores surfaced and ministers appeared on the political hori- goes to Modi. to unfold in country's political cutting across casteism and ric. science are some of the exam- expanded their corrupt king- zon of the country, hopes of Jana Sangh, which took spectrum since then. religionism, emerged as the In fact Niti-Aayog replacing ples of Modi's success. dom at will, cross-border ter- bright future kindled among birth in 1950 under the lead- In May of 2014, Modi took one that can fulfil the people's the Planning Commission Modi put Pakistan on the rorism raised its ugly head the people. ership of selfless Deendayal oath as PM on the precincts of Y SATYA KUMAR aspirations. emerged as the organisation defence with surgical strikes deteriorating the law and order Living like an ordinary per- Upadhyay and Naanaji the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the BJP national secretary Crores of Indians began to that lays down stronger finan- and took steps to get the world situation in the country. son, having no political heirs, Deshmukh, over a period of august presence of leaders regard Modi as the leader cial policies for the good of the to isolate Pakistan regarding it Among the comity of dedicating his life to serve the time transformed into the cur- from various countries could who could restore the coun- Centre and states. as a terrorist country. nations, India was isolated motherland, his family mem- rent BJP and as a result of sev- be described as a red letter day. which became hand-in-glove try's past glory. It strengthened the country's In the second half of the last and was regarded as a country bers leading a normal life, eral agitations spearheaded by BJP coming to power with with Congress getting wiped Youth see in Modi the most federal structure, eliminated decade, Modi got ministers with no identity. people found in Modi a leader it for decades before the Modi- full majority led to various out. The Left parties were also modern man. All first-time the need for CMs knocking at and systems to work with After 2014, there is a com- with distinct personality. led BJP was catapulted into development initiatives taking accused of distorting the coun- voters regard him as a demi- the Center's doors for funds. accountability and discipline. plete contrast. People were tremendously power fulfilling the dreams of place in the country. One of try's history. God. Everyone in the country Another example is External He strengthened the admin- People found their choicest influenced by Modi's words, the people. them is restricting the The regional parties which begin to hope that Modern Affairs Ministry making istrative systems so that the leader, whose arrival they had his fluent and spell-binding A government free from Congress, which wielded played their part in the coali- India could be built under India's presence felt across the middlemen find it difficult to been awaiting, in Narendra speeches reflecting sincerity dynastic rule, coalition of vest- authority promoting dynastic tion government at the Centre Modi's leadership. globe. Every country yearns to enter the corridors of power, Modi. They regarded Modi as and patriotism. People raised ed interests, middlemen that rule, to a mere 44 seats, which were caught on the back foot. Modi is not merely a person, have good relations with India. unlike the previous Congress a leader who can eradicate cor- slogans 'Modi Modi' wherev- looted the banking system was unheard of earlier. There was a complete turn- but represents a political World nations recognised regime. In one word, Modi ruption, which is widespread, er he is seen. came to power, turning a new The second important around of the situation where organisation that has been Indian culture and country's introduced good work culture and take the country on the The credit of introducing a leaf in the country's history. development was Left parties, a majority of the people could striving for decades to give a spiritual excellence. in the country. CAPSULE Vizag police gear up to It's for AP government to CM reviews land identification for decide on capital: GVL house sites make NY fete incident-free PNS n AMARAVATI the last day of the winter ses- AMARAVATI: Chief Minister YS sion of the Assembly, Chief n Jaganmohan Reddy on Monday PNS VISAKHAPATNAM n City police made special In a shot in the arm for the Minister Jaganmohan Reddy reviewed the identification of arrangements to tighten Jaganmohan Reddy govern- had hinted that the State would land for distribution of house Revellers make grand plans to the noose on drunken ment, BJP National have three Capitals at sites to the poor on the Ugadi welcome the New Year by Spokesperson GVL Narasimha Amaravati (Legislative), organising or attending the par- drivers, rash drivers and Rao has said that it is for the Visakhapatnam (Executive) Day. He asked the officials to also mid-night parties on expedite the process by touring ties and want to enjoy the night State government to decide on and Kurnool (Judicial). the districts and conducting with gusto. But, police person- December 31 night on the location of the capital. Subsequently, it was review meetings on the targets. nel impose curbs to ensure the city's outskirts and Speaking to mediapersons assumed that the Chief He asked officials if they were incident-free celebrations. also in parts of here on Monday, he made it Miniser would formally taking steps to ensure that the As usual this year also, rev- Visakhapatnam Agency clear that the Centre would not announce his decision during identified land was ready for ellers in city are making plans n intervene in the State govern- the Cabinet meeting on distribution as house-sites. He to celebrate and welcome the Over 60 special teams ment's decision to shifting of December 27, but it was not to also asked them if the plots had New Year, but the city police would be deployed to the capital from Amaravati. Narasimha Rao's views be. Instead, he announced that been marked. He directed have made special arrange- keep an eye on the tipsy However, the Centre would come at a time when BJP a High Power Committee officials to constitute special ments to tighten the noose on and rash drivers and the oblige the State government if leaders were making contra- would be constituted to study teams, if required, to see to it drunken drivers, rash drivers possible rave parties it sought any suggestion in this dictory statements on the 3- the GN Rao Committee report that the house-sites were and also mid-night parties on with advanced breath regard. capital concept put forth by the and the BCG report to be distributed to the poor on the December 31 night on the analysers and body worn "What I have said about our State government. The issue tabled on January 3. Later, the Ugadi day itself. city's outskirts and also in Minumuluru near Paderu in be the situation will remain cameras and also to party's stand on the issue is has rocked the Amaravati government announced that it parts of Visakhapatnam Visakhapatnam Agency for the same on Monday night final. If other leaders of the region with the farmers taking would take a final decision Agency. party", said K Viswanath, an M (December 31 night) as ensure that crimes and party express different views, to streets for the past two after the High Power Centre creating rift Over 60 special teams would Tech student of Andhra Lammasingi is the one of the accidents are minimum they are their personal views," weeks. Committee submitted its among people: Sharif be deployed to keep an eye on University best places for the revellers," during the NY fete he said. It may be recalled that on report within 21 days. the tipsy and rash drivers and As there was no CCTV sur- said V Suresh Kumar, a native n "We decided to welcome VIJAYAWADA: Legislative the possible rave parties with veillance at the tourists' places of Lammasingi. Council Chairman Ahmed Sharif advanced breath analysers and such as Lammasingi, Tajangi "We will deploy some teams the NY with a camp fire alleged that the BJP party and DJ event. It is 54,000 APSRTC government at the Centre is body worn cameras and also to and Dallapalle in the district, to strategic places to prevent ensure that crimes and acci- where the temperature and the possible rave parties and not possible to host the 2 AP doctors go missing... trying to hamper the rights of bonfire party in Vizag as staff poised for the Muslims in the country by dents are the minimum during police vigil is also low, some semi-nude parties in Vizag the New Year celebrations. software professionals, employ- Agency," said Vizag Rural the policy may clap Continued from Page1 phones went dead. creating differences among the govt tag... people through CAA, NRC and "We decided to welcome the ees with private firms and stu- Police A Babuje. Our teams down. So, we are going Suspecting something fishy, NPR, which need to be stopped. New Year with a camp fire dents from Vizag are heading will also regulate the traffic on to Minumuluru in Dr Himabindu went out Dr Sridhar lodged a complaint Continued from Page1 Sharif was addressing a party and DJ event. It is not for the New Year bash. the Lammasingi ghat roads on Visakhapatnam Agency around 11.30 am on Sunday with the police and urged the gathering at the TDP Minority possible to host the bonfire "The roads in and around December 31 night to nab the for the party", said K along with Dr Dilip stating Delhi Police Commissioner and The journalist unions are not Cell round table organised at party in Vizag city as the pol- Lammasingi was packed with motorists, who indulge in ille- Viswanath, an M Tech that she was going to attend AP Bhavan Resident showing interest in coming to MBVK Bhavan here on Monday. icy may clap down. So, we (our vehicles on Sunday as several gal bike racings and others", he mass in their local church. Commissioners to help trace the the aid of the journalists sub- friend circle) are going to tourists visited and it seems to added. student of AU After sometime, their mobile missing doctors. jected to the attack. The vil- lagers do not react so cruelly even when a leopard or an ele- phant strays into their habitat," VIZAB METRO PROJECT Pawan questions need for 3 Capitals he said. Venkatramaiah said when wrong report is published Continued from Page1 The income-expenditure pic- against the government and Govt to appoint new consultant to prepare revised DPR ture of the State is not encour- when the state gives a rejoinder, PNS n VIJAYAWADA years. much cost reduction. Moreover, Accordingly, the government approval in 2015. The report is said to men- aging, the report said. It said, it too has to be published. "If The government also decid- the scope of the project has has decided to appoint a new As per the original plan it tion the revenue deficit in the "How is development possible not, there is a provision to file The State government on ed to cancel the single bid changed substantially in view of consultant for preparing a was supposed to be completed State. It sought to know how when there is a revenue deficit a defamation case. While the Monday decided to appoint a received from Essel Infra and the new requirements suggest- revised DPR, he said. The by 2018. But, the previous TDP the government, which is con- of Rs 22,112 crore? Even the media had created a furore over new consultant for preparing a Consortium for developing the ed by Chief Minister YS Visakhapatnam Metro Rail pro- government dilly-dallied on templating setting up of three banks are not coming forward the government move, it was revised detailed project report 42.55-km project in public- Jaganmohan Reddy," Municipal ject was mooted in 2014 in the project for more than two Capitals, will fill the revenue to issue loans." Pawan Kalyan is unfortunate that it was not for the Visakhapatnam Metro private partnership mode at a Administration and Urban accordance with the AP years by which time the Centre gap. It said the shifting of the gathering information from his reacting to an attack on a Rail project that has been hang- cost of Rs 8,300 crore. Development Secretary J Reorganisation Act and the came out with the Metro Rail Secretariat and its staff would party leaders on the public woman journalist," the minis- ing in balance for the past five "The bidder did not offer Syamala Rao said. Centre gave in principle Policy, 2017. entail a lot of expenditure. opinion over the Capital issue. ter said. Door delivery of sand Modi launches Twitter campaign ‘CM will render justice to Amaravati farmers' PNS n AMARAVATI Opposition leader N suggested that decentralisation Chandrababu Naidu had of governance be done," he from Jan 2 in Krishna dist on CAA, tweets Sadhguru's clip Minister for Panchayat Raj cheated the farmers for his added. Peddireddy Ramachandra selfish ends. All the three After the High Power Continued from Page1 Reddy exuded confidence that regions in the State would reg- Committee's report was sub- Chief Minister YS ister progress after decentral- mitted to the government, a "He provides historical Centre to go ahead with CAA Jaganmohan Reddy will ren- isation of governance. "We decision would be taken on context, brilliantly highlights Continued from Page1 propaganda over CAA to malign der justice to the agitating are facing problems only due the capital issue, Peddireddy our culture of brotherhood. the government, Prime Minister Amaravati farmers. to centralisation of develop- said and alleged that Naidu He also calls out the misinfor- He said the opposition party Narendra Modi and Union Speaking to reporters here ment in Hyderabad. This is the was acting only for the devel- mation by vested interest was behind those resorting to Home Minister Amit Shah. He on Monday, he said reason why the experts have opment of one region. groups.violence and creating law and alleged that these forces were #IndiaSupportsCAA." order problems. Addressing a provoking people and creating The post got 8.2K retweets meeting organized by BJP in fear among Muslims by spread- and 18.6K likes as hundreds support of CAA here on ing lies that they will be sent to Another TDP of Twitterati tweeted their Monday, he also warned that Pakistan and Bangladesh. He Kerala tops Niti's support for CAA. Modi government will not be a claimed that even some places of MLA meets Continued from Page1 transparency in sand supply in One supporter in reply to mute spectator to public prop- worship were being used for this the State without harming the @narendramodi and erty being vandalized. propaganda. The Central min- Jagan... SDG Index, AP, TS As many as 13 sand stock environment. The government @SadhguruJV wrote: "The Defending Uttar Pradesh ister claimed that CAA is not Continued from Page1 points are facing online issues would call NGT to show that the things he is speaking are cor- police, he said the job of the aimed at snatching citizenship of due to repeat orders from some new sand policy does not harm rect. #IndiaSupportsCAA." police was to maintain law and any Indian but to give citizenship Though he did not join the buyers and this door delivery the environment, the minister One user claimed that order and they had nothing to to minorities persecuted in ruling YSRCP, he had asked the share third place system would overcome such said. Mahatma Gandhi had said do with politics. He also praised Islamic countries' Pakistan, Speaker of the Assembly to issues. He also said that of the 444 on September 26, 1947 in a Yogi government for its handling Bangladesh and Afghanistan. regard him as a special mem- Continued from Page1 the same on 11 goals. "Only "From September 5, the date check posts in the State, about public rally that Hindus and of the situation and for making He said after the Partition ber. In 2019 Assembly polls, three states were placed in the of implementation of the new 55 check posts in three to four Sikhs living in Pakistan could vandals pay for the damaged both Indian and Pakistan had YSRCP won 151 seats while According to the report, category of Front Runners (with sand policy till now, about districts were not needed. The migrate to India if they did public property. agreed to look after their respec- TDP managed to secure only India's composite score a score in the range 65-99, 4,37,000 tonnes of sand has been construction of the remaining not wish to remain in that He claimed that 250 police- tive minorities without any dis- 23. The TDP has lost improved from 57 in 2018 to 60 including both) in 2018 - supplied in the State," he said, 381 check posts has been com- country. men in Uttar Pradesh were crimination, but Islamabad went Vallabhaneni Vamsi. The lone in 2019 with major success in Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, and adding that the scarcity was due pleted and others are about to be "No need to worry about injured in the violence and 58 of back on the agreement and per- MLA of Pawan Kalyan's Jana water and sanitation, power and Tamil Nadu. to failure of previous TDP gov- completed by January 9. those who shout slogan of them received gunshot injuries. secuted the minorities by force- Sena - Rapaka Vara Prasad - is industry. "In 2019, five more states ernment in planning and man- "As per the Chief Minister's #PakistanZindabad and ruin- He questioned silence of ful conversions. "The population also speaking in support of the However, nutrition and gen- joined this league - Andhra aging the stock. Sand mafia order, the check posts would be ing the Constitution of India, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, of minorities in Pakistan has YSRCP. At a time when the der continue to be problem Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, was prevalent in TDP term opened by January 9," selling the ethos and culture Telangana Chief Minister K. come down to three per cent issue of change of state capital areas for India, requiring more Sikkim and Goa, taking the which is why the National Green Ramachandra Reddy said. of India, dividing India on the Chandrashekhar Rao and other from 30 per cent earlier," he said. from Amaravati is rocking the focussed approach from the total tally to eight," it noted. Tribunal (NGT) had fined the He said that "A command basis of religion...." opposition leaders on stone pelt- Reddy said members of state, having triggered protests government. With regard to poverty TDP government Rs 100 crore, control room under APMDC A tweet read: "It seems ing and arson during the minorities from these countries from farmers of villages in the The report said while three reduction, states which have he said. Unlike the previous gov- would keep track on sand sup- they are not protesting protests. He said some so-called migrated to India 30-40 years Amaravati capital region, a out of five states in the top spots done well include Tamil Nadu, ernment, the present adminis- ply vehicles and the control against the law, they are wag- intellectuals, some parties and ago and were living in miserable TDP MLA of the area calling perform equal to or better than Tripura, Andhra Pradesh, tration under Chief Minister YS room could be accessed from ing an all-out war to destabi- organizations were doing a false conditions. on the CM has assumed polit- the country average on 12 Meghalaya, Mizoram and Jaganmohan Reddy is keen on the CM camp office as well." lize the country!" ical significance. goals, the other two states do Sikkim. VIJAYAWADA| TUESDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2019 04

AMARAVATI CONUNDRUM MARKS 2019

he Jaganmohan and mass leader who served as Reddy-led YSR Co- the Chief Minister in undivided LONG CHERISHED DREAM Tngress Party storm- Andhra Pradesh. ing to power in Andhra Promising to set a trend for n By defeating Naidu, a n Promising to set a Pradesh with a landslide the entire country in providing win, its sweeping moves, best governance, Jagan took an leader with 40 years in trend for the entire some of them controver- unprecedented step by naming politics, Jagan fulfilled country in providing sial and the uncertainty five deputy chief ministers, rep- his long cherished best governance, Jagan over the future of state ca- resenting mostly from backward pital Amaravati dominat- sections of the society. dream of becoming the took an unprecedented ed the events during 2019. Undeterred by the state's Chief Minister. An eight step by naming five The crushing defeat of financial woes, Jagan anno- the Telugu Desam Party unced a slew of sops for the wel- year long wait ended for deputy chief ministers, headed by N Chandrababu fare of the poor and weaker sec- the young leader as representing mostly Naidu in the simultaneous tions to fulfil his poll promises. many voted for him as from backward sections elections to the state Taking a bold step, he started Assembly and the Lok Sabha imposing prohibition in phases. they saw in him YSR of the society changed the political scene in Beginning with the closure of Jagan with Mother Vijayamma, (behind) wife Bharathi the state as it completed a five over 40,000 illegal liquor outlets, year journey after bifurcation. the government took over the the previous government but drive against illegal construc- the three capitals idea is aimed Christian pilgrims visiting Riding on a huge anti-incum- retail liquor business and cut targeted Naidu. It dismantled tions. Naidu was also served a at ensuring decentralized devel- Jerusalem and for announcing a bency wave, the YSRCP bagged down the number of shops and 'Praja Vedika' a meeting hall notice to vacate the house alleg- opment, the TDP accused it of monthly honorarium to pastors. 151 seats in the 175-member bars to discourage consumption abutting Naidu's house in ing that he was living in a political vendetta. The main The sale of bus tickets In Tirupati Assembly and won 22 out of the of liquor. He promised that in Amaravati. This government house built illegally on the opposition believes that Jagan is with advertisements of Haj and 25 Lok Sabha seats, decimating the the final phase, liquor will be structure was built when Naidu banks of the Krishna river. doing this just because Am- Jerusalem yatra was also seen as a opposition. The TDP could win confined to five-star hotels. was the chief minister and Jagan The TDP accused Jagan of ac- aravati is Naidu's brainchild. conspiracy to encourage prose- just 23 Assembly and three Lok The sporadic post-poll clash- declared that this is the begin- ting with vengeance. It also te- Jagan scrapped the sand pol- lytisation in Hinduism's holy place. Sabha seats while actor Pawan es between YSRCP and TDP ning of rmed him ‘he demolition man’. icy of the previous government Jagan also decided to review Kalyan's Jana Sena failed to continued in parts of the state the The change of guard had the and this coupled with floods led Power Purchase Agreements make any impact, winning for 4-5 months. The main oppo- biggest impact on Amaravati, the to severe sand shortage, para- signed with renewable power just one seat. Pawan sition accused the government brainchild of Naidu. All the lyzing the construction industry producers during the TDP rule. Kalyan himself faced of targeting TDP leaders construction work in the capi- especially in and around His argument was that the state humiliation in both the and cadres by tal, envisaged as a world class Amaravati. Suicide by more than would have to bear the high cost Assembly constituencies booking false city by Naidu, came to a halt 20 construction workers due to of wind and solar power for 25 he contested from. cases against with Jagan deciding to lack of work for several weeks years. Despite repeated requests By defeating Naidu, a them. review them. His allega- provided a chance to the deplet- from the power developers and leader with 40 years in The tion that Naidu and those ed opposition to bounce back by the union government, Jagan politics, Jagan fulfilled his YSRCP close to him resorted to launching public protests. did not yield to pressure. long cherished dream of government insider trading in In another revolutionary The new government also becoming the Chief Minister. not only Amaravati by buying move, Jagan decided to intro- took an unprecedented step by An eight year long wait ended reversed land at cheap rates duce English as the medium of reserving 75 per cent jobs in all for the young leader as many several before announcing instruction in all government- industries for the locals. The voted for him as they saw in him decisions the state capital and run schools, replacing Telugu move drew criticism with the YS Rajasekhara Reddy, his father taken by conflicting state- and Urdu. The Opposition apprehension in some quarters ments issued by slammed him with some lead- that this could hamper the flow his ministers ers, especially from the BJP, see- of investments into the state. JAGAN ORDERED A REVIEW OF ALL MAJOR PROJECTS, raised a question ing it as a part of his plan to pro- The year also saw the Special WHERE THERE ARE ALLEGATIONS OF IRREGULARITIES IN mark on the mote Christianity. CBI Court in Hyderabad dismi- future of the Jagan, himself a Christian, came ssing Jagan's petition for exemp- GIVING TENDERS DURING THE TDP RULE. HE CANCELLED A capital city. under attack from the BJP for tion from personal appearance FEW TENDERS AND WENT FOR A PROCESS CALLED While the increasing subsidy for Haj and also before the court during the Jagan gov- for hearings of the ‘REVERSE TENDERING' TO SAVE PUBLIC MONEY ernment alleged illegal claims assets case.

RISE OF The year that Andhra economy TELANGANA would like to forget SUMIT ONKA ments. DIALECT n VISAKHAPATNAM AT THE START OF THE EYAR, THE BUSINESS Moreover, the state govern- After bifurcation, filmmakers gave priority to the COMMUNITY ADOPTED A WAIT AND WATCH ment held up all the projects language and places like Warangal, Bansuwada, While the rest of the country with a budget of over Rs 5 reeled due to the economy slo- APPROACH IN VIEW OF ELECTIONS AND crore. Sand scarcity also Armoor and more are now being preferred for their wing down, the problem was SOME EXIT POLLS PREDICTING A CLOSE stopped the construction sec- natural beauty, reports V SATEESH REDDY far more acutely felt in Andhra tor in its tracks. Pradesh, thanks to the elections FIGHT BETWEEN THE TDP AND YSRCP IT Minister M Goutham and the new government in the Reddy maintains that the big ahesh Babu spoke in movies are accepted by Andhra State holding up the projects projects would take off and the Telangana dialect in his DURING THE 1980S people.” sanctioned by its predecessor cash to the bank accounts of promised big ticket projects industries are keen in it. M2011-hit Dookudu. In AND 1990S, TELAN- Chakrapani said that many in the name of reviewing them the farmers and women direct- like Adani Data Centre worth According to him, the the movie he essayed the roles of Andhra filmmakers are also to bring transparency. ly, were some of the doles Rs 70,000 crore in Vizag and TDP Government had allo- an MLA and police officer and GANA DIALECT WAS trying to make movies in Earlier, the state had one of announced by the state gov- electronics manufacturing cated 136 acres of land near used both Telangana and neutral Telangana dialect. “Telangana India’s fastest growing econ- ernment just before the elec- hub in Tirupati by Reliance Tirupati to the Reliance Telugu dialects, based on the LIMITED TO VILLAINS has many great stories and omies. GDP expanded by an tions. The government did not Industries with a promise of group without verifying the characters. This movie set the AND IN SOME FILMS, they are yet to be present- average of more than 13 per show much interest in business investing Rs 15,000 crore did plans properly as most of the cash registers at the box office ed on screen. Now I’m cent annually between 2011 activities. not take shape. There was land parcels were caught up ringing and inspired many to use CHARACTERS IN working with Shekar and 2016, and by 11.2 per cent Meanwhile, the business also buzz that the two indus- in legal tangle. Hence, the the dialect in their movies. Actor COMIC ROLES. FIL- Kammula’s next in 2017, and total GDP now community adopted a wait try giants may shelve the state government had written Srihari used Telangana lingo in movie with Naga stands at about $125bn. The and watch approach in view of projects after the new gov- to the group that alternative various movies like Dhee, King MMAKERS ALWAYS Chaitanya and Sai state attracted FDI inflows elections and some exit polls ernment sought their detailed lands would be allocated and Brindavanam. Actress MAINTAINED A NEUT- Pallavi. We are totalling $18.47bn between predicting a close fight between investment plan to avail the elsewhere for the project in Aksha also did so in Kandireega. presently April 2000 and March 2019, the TDP and YSRCP. promised lands and invest- the same area. “Many of the Some movies made during the RAL VIJAYAWADA- shooting at according to India's The TDP-led government issues we owe to the legacy of separate Telangana movement GUNTUR DIALECT Pipri village Department for Promotion of did not release incentives to the previous government. like Jai Bolo Telangana, near Industry and Internal Trade. industry units amounting to Rs We assumed charge only Komaram Bheem and more Armoor However, in the first quarter 4,000 crore. n With months ago and we are sort- have the dialect as the platform. was set in Telangana and the town of of 2019, the TDP-led state In the second half ing things out one by one," With introducing many actors accent Varun Tej pulled off has Nizamabad government, which was con- of the year, after a no clear he said. and directors who belong to opened doors for many actors to district. I got offers centrating on drawing invest- new government at industrial On Adani Data project, Ga- Telangana, dialect has been given not hesitate using such dialect. to act in 15 movies ments since the time it came to the helm, except policy in place utham Reddy said: “We have top priority. Tharun Bhascker The latest buzz is that Naga after Mallesham.” power in 2014, switched its Kia Motors, the asked the group to come up Dhaassyam's Pelli Choopulu op- Chaitanya may used the same Mamidi Harikrishna, focus to social welfare projects, even after the new with a clear investment plan so ened the gates for more Telang- dialect in his next with Shekhar director, Department of doling out freebees as the elec- government was that land parcels could be allo- ana movies. It went on to beco- Kammula. Language and Culture, tions neared. formed, business cated in a phased manner. me a super hit at the box office. Senior actor Ananda Government of Telangana, The schemes, The group is very interested to Shekar Kammula’s Fida which Chakrapani, who recently was recently selected as with plans to activities have taken a set up its data centre in Vizag.” was shot at beautiful locations in essayed the role of a father in national poet from Telugu for credit backseat. Citing the reason behind the Nizamabad district proved Mallesham, says, "After Maa the Symposium of Poets 2020 thoroughly going into the pro- the region has some scenic locales Bhoomi, I acted in Mallesham, organised by All India n Earlier, the state had one of posed projects, he said the that look stunning on screen. a gap of almost 30 years. The Radio. The poem titled allocation of lands to industries No one can forget the Sai view of filmmakers has changed Panduga (festival) will be India’s fastest growing blindly without verifying their Pallavi’s dialogues like 'Badcow after state formation. Many translated into 22 Indian economies. GDP expanded credentials had resulted in balisindara bokkalirugutay' for a youngsters who come from Languages and broad- by an average of more land crunch. Consequently, long time. With the movie, Sai Telangana region are including cast on AIR. Mamidi the state government is left Pallavi became a familiar face to many cultures, traditions and Harikrishna says, than 13 per cent with not enough land bank to Telugu audience. slang of the region in movies and “Cinema is all annually between allocate to genuine players. Puri Jagannadh’s recent hit are getting great response. about entertain- 2011 and Former president of AP iSmart Shankar is all about Mallesham is a pure Telangana ment and cinema Chambers of Commerce and Hyderabad slang. Also, not to movie according to slang, char- people wants 2016. Industry Federation, G. forget the praises heaped for acters and background. It is new things in Sambasiva Rao said the year Gaddalakonda Ganesh which good sign that our Telangana movies.” was not an encouraging one for the industry in AP. VIJAYAWADA|TUESDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2019 nation 05 SHORT READS Ajit Pawar sworn in Dy CM as 5 inter-state Caste discrimination still smugglers arrested with 67 bovines Uddhav expands Maha Cabinet n JAMMU: Five inter-state PNS MUMBAI smugglers were arrested and a cause for concern: V-P 67 bovines were seized in two Maharashtra Chief Minister separate incidents here, Uddhav Thackeray on Monday n officials said on Monday. Based PNS VARKALA (KER) Sree Narayana expanded his council of min- on a tip off, police teams isters by inducting 26 Cabinet intercepted four trucks at Vice President Venkaiah Naidu Guru was a great and 10 ministers of state, Jhajjar Kotli and Nagrota areas, on Monday said though the saint and including NCP leader Ajit and seized 67 bovines which country has made significant revolutionary Pawar who was sworn in as were being smuggled to strides of progress on the eco- deputy chief minister. Kashmir Valley on Sunday nomic and technological front, humanist who had The expansion took place night, they said. Those arrested increasing cases of discrimina- boldly rejected the more than a month after the were identified as Mudissar tion based on caste, communi- caste system and Thackeray-led Maharashtra Ahmed, Sahir and Hamid, ty and gender are still a cause Vikas Aghadi (MVA) govern- residents of Kashmir, Javed, a for great concern. all other divisive ment took charge of the state. resident of Jammu, and Nazeer, Ending caste discrimination tendencies The 36 ministers sworn in a native of Uttar Pradesh, the was the need of the hour, he on Monday include 10 Cabinet officials said, adding that a case added. and four ministers of state of under relevant sections was The caste system in the ety. It must be an intellectual the NCP, eight Cabinet and former chief minister Prithviraj registered. country is a "vicious cycle" and revolution, a compassionate four MoS of Shiv Sena, eight Ajit Pawar was Chavan did not find place in the India of the future must be revolution, a humanitarian Cabinet and two MoS of the sworn in as Deputy Thackeray's ministry. "caste-less and class-less", he revolution," he said. Congress. CM, while former Governor Bhagat Singh AAP leader said here inaugurating the 87th Hailing Guru's life and With this, NCP leads with Koshyari administered the Guggan Singh Sivagiri Pilgrimage Meet at significant strides of progress "The nation we aim to build teachings, Naidu said coming 12 Cabinet ministers and four Maharashtra CM oath of office and secrecy to Sivagiri Mutt, located over 45 on the economic and techno- must have a place for everyone to Sivagiri Mutt has been a MoS, the Shiv Sena has 10 Ca- Ashok Chavan and the newly inducted ministers joins BJP km away from the state capi- logical front, I fear that there to reach their full potential and deeply spiritual experience for binet ministers and four MoS Yuva Sena chief in the Vidhan Bhavan (state NEW DELHI: AAP leader tal. are pockets in the nation where lead fulfilling lives by provid- him. while the Congress has 10 Ca- legislature) premises. Guggan Singh, who was the He urged religious heads of social evils persist," he said. ing equal opportunities to one "Sree Narayana Guru was a binet ministers and two MoS. Aaditya Thackeray The Shiv Sena kept its senior party's North West Delhi churches, mosques and tem- "We live in times of turbu- and all," he said. great saint, social reformer, The state now has 43 min- were among those leaders Ramdas Kadam and candidate in the Lok Sabha ples to work towards eradicat- lence. Increasing cases of dis- Though the Constitution philosopher and revolutionary isters, including the CM. who were sworn in Diwakar Raote, who were min- polls, returned to the BJP on ing discrimination on the basis crimination based on caste, has already criminalised the humanist. His life and teach- Ajit Pawar was sworn in as isters in the previous Devendra Monday. Singh joined the BJP of caste. community and gender are a abhorrent and inhuman prac- ings have crossed the borders deputy chief minister, while Fadnavis-led government, out in the presence of Union Naidu said Sree Narayana cause for great concern. It is tice of untouchability and the of our country and have tou- former Maharashtra chief min- Earlier, Pawar took oath as of the new council of ministers. Minister Prakash Javadekar and Guru, founder of the Mutt, was time for us to retrospect and government can make laws in ched lives and inspired people ister and senior Congress deputy CM on November 23 Instead, it included allies Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari, a great saint and revolutionary take pragmatic steps," the Vice this regard, the implementation all across the world," he said. leader Ashok Chavan and Yuva after he rebelled against the Shankarrao Gadakh (of ahead of the assembly polls in humanist who had boldly President said. of these laws in "letter and spir- The Vice President noted Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray NCP and joined hands with Krantikari Shetkari Paksha) the national capital. Javadekar rejected the caste system and Stating that the country it" depends a great deal on the that Guru's teachings are of sig- were among the Cabinet min- the BJP. However, he resigned as Cabinet minister, and is also the BJP's assembly all other divisive tendencies should be a safe space for mind-set of the society. nificant contemporary rele- isters who took oath. on November 26, leading to Rajendra Patil Yedravkar election in-charge in Delhi. that turn people against each diversity and dissent to thrive "The movement to dispel the vance, especially in the context Pawar was sworn in to the collapse of the three-day De- (Independent) and Bachhu Singh had quit the BJP and had other. in, he said the notion of the caste system must come with- of our efforts to promote social post for the second time in just vendra Fadnavis government. Kadu (Prahar Janshakti Party) joined the AAP in July 2017. "Though India has made 'other' should be dispelled. in the heart and mind of soci- justice. over a month. Senior Congress leader and as ministers of state. The Dalit leader was defeated by BJP's Hans Raj Hans by over 5.9 lakh votes in the Lok Sabha elections for the IIT-K Prof. to reserved seat. Previously, he Novel ‘invisible ink' may ‘No to CAA, NRC’ rangoli at was elected as MLA from Bawana in 2013 on a BJP be forcibly ticket. help detect fake currency retired DMK chief Stalin's residence PNS n GREATER NOIDA PNS n KANPUR (UP) CBI takes over PNS n CHENNAI probe in death case Scientists at Shiv Nadar A senior professor in the In- University here have developed dian Institute of Technology, Expressing solidarity with of IIT-M student a low-cost security ink that Kanpur (IIT-K), facing cha- 'ra-ngoli protesters' against NEW DELHI: The CBI has taken may help detect counterfeit rges of sexual harassment of the Citizenship Amendment over the investigation in the currency, and could be a foreign student, will now be Act, the entrance of DMK ch- case involving the death of employed in official docu- given compulsory retirement. ief M K Stalin's house here sp- Indian Institute of Technology- ments and medical diagnosis. A decision to this effect orted a traditional rangoli sa- Madras (IIT-M) student Fathima The new ink, described in was taken at a meeting of the ying no to the contentious law. Latheef, officials said on the peer-reviewed Journal of board of governors over the Alongside the rangoli Monday. The Special Crime Physical Chemistry C, offers weekend. This will be the first known as 'kolam' in Tamil, a Branch of the agency's Chennai improved security features time in the history of IIT-K word was drawn which said unit re-registered the FIR of the compared to existing inks that that such a decision has been "vendam (don't need/no) local police on December 27 are multi-component and, taken. CAA-NRC." and took over the investigation therefore, more expensive, the According to sources, the A similar kolam greeted in the matter. Hailing from researchers said. incident took place in visitors at the residence of late Kollam in Kerala, Latheef was a These materials can be used It takes only 45 minutes to develop low- September this year when the M Karunanidhi here. first-year student of the in other applications, such as cost security ink that may help detect foreign student submitted a Women who drew rangoli humanities stream (five-year security signs, emergency counterfeit currency, and could be complaint that the professor against the CAA, meanwhile, integrated MA programme) in route signs, traffic signage, in in the civil engineering called on Stalin at the party Cong to observe ‘hunger strike' IIT-Madras. Her body was addition to medical diagnosis, employed in official documents and department had been sexual- headquarters here to thank found hanging from a fan in and background-independent medical diagnosis ly harassing her. him for supporting them. on NY in protest against CAA her hostel room on November bio emitting probes, they said. The IIT administration In a tweet, the DMK chief 9, officials said. The case was "Our white security ink is initially tried to suppress the mocked at the ruling NEW DELHI: The Congress' on Tuesday. "There is anger earlier being probed by the made from cheaper, organic ground,” Ray said. white background to provide issue and did not take any AIADMK saying it was Delhi unit on Monday said it will among the people over the CAA. Kotturpuram police of Chennai compounds that can be used in To prepare an ink, these additional security, they said. action for a week. The victim "servile" to the Centre and observe a 12-hour "hunger The entire country is reeling and later transferred to the daylight as they show white compounds can be mixed with “We can think about addi- then forwarded her com- acted against even those drew strike" on New Year in protest under slowdown and CCB. The investigation was commercially available cheap- tional security in the bank against the Citizenship unemployment. People in emission with afterglow feature plaint to the women's cell and rangoli since it did not want (Amendment) Act (CAA), unauthorised colonies have been transferred to the Central covering visible range of the er transparent polymers in note, official documents, also to her Embassy. the Union government to be Bureau of Investigation (CBI) economic slowdown and deceived. There's no reason to spectrum (400-700 nanome- organic solvent or other glue- defence security, etc,” Ray After the intervention of "offended" even by "flour" unemployment. The "hunger celebrate the New Year," said when her parents Abdul Latheef tres) under UV light exposure,” like materials, according to the noted. the Embassy, the IIT official used for drawing kolam. and Sajitha, along with a strike" will be observed at Delhi Congress' campaign Debdas Ray, a professor at Shiv researchers. After writing the characters, set up a probe. Other foreign The young men and Connaught Place starting 6 pm committee chairman Kirti Azad. delegation of Kerala MPs, met Nadar University, told PTI. It takes only 45 minutes to the document can be stored in students, faculty members women involved in the ran- Prime Minister Narendra Modi "These single component develop this ink which costs daylight as the written charac- and employees were ques- goli protest visited Stalin. and Union Home Minister Amit security inks give better stabil- around Rs. 1000 per gram, the ters will be invisible due to tioned and CCTV footage Shah here on December 5 and ity, colour reproducibility and researchers said. their transparent colour. was also screened. sought justice for their daughter. Fathima's family had simple device fabrication over Any characters of interest, In order to view the charac- After a three-month long Hindu priests found her suicide notes on her the multi-component security such as symbols, pictures, ters by naked eye, the docu- inquiry held at various levels, Union Minister: All states inks that are costly, toxic and shapes, bar code, etc. can be ment needs to be simply the reports indicted the mobile phone. protest against work under different back- written on the document i.e. a exposed to UV-light. accused professor. have to implement CAA CAA, NRC PNS n KOCHI To queries on the decision PNS n KOLKATA of the certain non-BJP ruled J&K HC opens jobs Ancient Kerala church opens Amid protest by many non- state governments, including Hindu priests on Monday BJP ruled states against the that of Kerala and of West assembled in the heart of Citizenship (Amendment) Act Bengal, not to implement the Kolkata to protest against the doors to Muslims for prayers (CAA), the Centre on Monday Act, the Minister said, "If any CAA and the NRC. for candidates from said the states have to imple- government says it won't Nearly hundred priests PNS n KOCHI came when a "secular march" ment the legislation as it has implement it, then it is not as under the banner of 'Paschim organised by the Kerala chap- been passed by Parliament. per theConstitution, be it the Banga Sanatan Brahmin all over India Opening a new chapter in the ter of All India Professional "Under the Constitution, West Bengal government, Trust' gathered around the history of communal harmo- Congress (AIPC) reached near they (states) have to imple- Kerala, Rajasthan or Madhya Mahatma Gandhi statue on PNS n JAMMU ny in Kerala, an ancient church the church on Saturday, known ment it (CAA)", Union Pradesh government. It is a Mayo Road raising anti-CAA in nearby Kothamangalam as Cheriya Palli. Parliamentary Affairs Act passed by Parliament. and anti-NRC demanding In a first step of its kind, open- opened its gates to hundreds of AIPC leader Mathew Kuz- Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal The states have to follow. It is that peace prevail in the state ing the state employment in Muslims, who were participat- halnadan said to avoid the de- said here. in national interest." which had witnessed inci- the Union Territories of J&K ing in an anti-CAA protest, to Namaz," Sayyid Munavvar Ali lay in offering evening prayers His statement comes a day Meghwal’s statement also dents of violence during and Ladakh for candidates offer prayers. Shihab Thangal, an influential for hundreds of people from after a meeting of various po- assumes significance in view protests against CAA. from across the country after "I could experience the real spiritual leader of Kerala Muslim community, the ch- litical parties and socio-reli- of a special session of the State General secretary of the nullification of Article 370, the spirit of India when authorities Muslims, who led the namaz, urch authorities were conta- gious outfits convened by Ke- Assembly being convened on trust Sridhar Mishra said, "It Jammu and Kashmir High of an ancient church in told PTI. cted and requested them to pe- rala CM Pinarayi VIjayan Tuesday and it is likely to mo- is a matter of great concern Court has invited applications Kothamangalam provided us The call for Maghrib Namaz rmit the Muslims to offer na- decided to hold joint protests ot a resolution to express the that efforts are underway to from eligible candidates from space to offer Maghrib (prayers offered after sunset) maz in the church premises. against the controversial Act. state's concern over CAA. divide the country”. all over India to fill 33 vacan- Following scrapping cies with it. of Article 370, there The 33 vacant posts of non- had been demands gazetted officials include those of senior scale stenographer, for a domicile No one forced to attend Sunburn: Minister on deaths junior scale stenographer, certificate or some steno typist, compositor, elec- legal restrictions on PNS n PANAJI outside the festival venue. They music enthusiasts who like to trician and driver. On Friday, two were taken to a hospital where go there, they do it out of their The advertisement to fill the the purchase of Even as opposition parties hit tourists from doctors declared them dead, own wish," the minister said. vacancies was issued by the land by outsiders out at the Goa government Andhra Pradesh police said. He said the state government J&K High Court's Registrar over the death of three tourists The postmortem was con- has always been promoting General Sanjay Dhar on appointments in government after collapsing at the Sunburn collapsed after ducted and the opinion on the local culture and music December 26 with the last date jobs. Electronic Dance Music feeling uneasy cause of death was reserved as through different events. for submission of applications "The application forms shall (EDM) Festival, state Culture while standing the viscera was sent for further "When we speak of local cul- being January 31, 2020. be received by the concerned Minister Govind Gawade on forensic examination, they said. ture, we also include western Following nullification of principal district judges of Monday said no one forced outside the festival On Sunday night, another culture, which is taught in the Article 370 on August 5, the UTs of J&K and Ladakh people to attend the event. venue. They were tourist from Bengaluru com- government-run institutions there had been demands from within whose jurisdiction the The Congress alleged that declared brought plained of easiness at the venue like the Kala Academy," various quarters, especially in applicant resides against the drugs were "openly sold" at the and later died, minutes after Gawade said. the Jammu region and Union proper receipts duly stamped. venue and demanded that per- dead at a hospital being rushed to a hospital, State Tourism Minister Territory of Ladakh, carved "The applicants who do not mission for the EDM festival be they said. Manohar Ajgaonkar could not out of the erstwhile state of belong to the UTs of J&K and revoked and an inquiry be is forced to go there." Gawade said the govern- be contacted for his comments. J&K after its bifurcation into Ladakh shall submit their conducted. three days after collapsing at event in the state, Gawade The three-day Sunburn fes- ment was not responsible for Goa Pradesh Youth two UTs, for a domicile certifi- application to the Registrar The Goa Forward Party the festival venue at Vagator said, "The government is not tival concluded on Sunday. such a massive crowd at the fes- Congress Committee presi- cate or some legal restrictions General, J&K High Court, (GFP) sought a CBI probe in beach in North Goa district. forcing the youth to go and On Friday, two tourists from tival. dent Varad Mardolkar alleged on the purchase of land by Jammu," the advertisement the deaths. Asked about criticism of the attend the Sunburn festival. Andhra Pradesh collapsed after "We are not distributing any that drugs were "openly sold" outsiders as well as their read. Three tourists died in the last government for allowing the They go on their own. No one feeling uneasy while standing passes to anyone. It is the at the event. VIJAYAWADA | TUESDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2019 op nion 06 www.dailypioneer.com facebook.com/dailypioneer | @TheDailyPioneer | instagram.com/dailypioneer/ PAPER WITH PASSION Sporting success As the 2010s come to a close, we should celebrate a great decade for Indian sport and look forward to the 2020s Why we need data he 2010s began with a bang for Indian sport Preparation of a NPR and decennial census is a legitimate activity of the Union Government Twith its success at the 2011 Cricket World Cup, and the data thrown up by these exercises form the basis for policy-making whose finals were held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The 2012 Summer Olympics held in London also saw India’s best-ever haul with six medals, albeit we finished without a Gold. Things have been a bit disappointing since then. While the Indian men’s crick- et team tops the world rankings in Test series, it has faltered at the semi-final stages of the subsequent One-Day International World Cups and has also failed to win a second T20 World Cup to follow up from the 2007 win. However, the seismic impact of the 2007 win was felt in the creation of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which in the past decade has cemented its position as the lead- ing franchise-based T20 tournament in the world. The Indian women’s team has A SURYA PRAKASH also enjoyed great success over the past decade with their appearance in the he false propaganda unleashed by finals of the International Cricket Council’s women’s World Cup. But while this some political parties against the decade has cemented the adage that “India is cricket and cricket is India”, it has Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, has now got extended to the man- also seen the emergence of new professional leagues that have enjoyed suc- dated programme to prepare the cess as well as the rise of new champions in other sports. The premier Kabaddi NationalT Population Register (NPR) and the League is a genuine success story, particularly in a traditionally Indian sport. conduct of the decennial census, which are On the flip side though, India’s failure to win both kabaddi Gold medals, partic- scheduled for 2020 and 2021. Several oppo- nents of the current establishment in New ularly in the men’s competition at the 2018 Asian Games, can be attributed in Delhi have been spreading disinformation part to the arrogance of newly-rich professional players. On the other hand, the about the NPR and the decennial census, both emergence of champions like PV Sindhu has been a singularly impressive achieve- of which are tools essential for governance. The purpose of the CAA is to provide cit- ment. Her standing as World Champion must go down as India’s greatest sport- izenship to persecuted religious minorities in ing success in the past decade. Alongside Sindhu stands boxer Mary Kom, who Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, who despite age and motherhood, is still a champion though she ended the decade crossed the borders and came into India before December 31, 2014. This has nothing on a sour note. Dipa Karmakar’s heroic feat at the Rio Olympics, too, is note- to do with any Indian citizen, whatever be his worthy as was Sushil Kumar’s World Championship in 2010, which gave a fil- or her religion. Nor does it open the flood- lip to wrestling that has been taken forward by the Phogat sisters. gates for migrants because of the deadline fixed in the Act. The NPR and the decenni- However, not everything was a success. The response to the Indian Super al census are meant to get demographic infor- League in football and the Hockey India League was tepid at the very least and mation and also inputs on the social and eco- miserable at worst. India’s reputation in certain sports, particularly weightlift- nomic status of the population in different regions of the country. Neither of these exer- ing, has been tarnished, thanks to constant reports of serious doping. That said, cises is aimed at disenfranchising anybody. drugs are an active problem throughout the world of sports. There have been The NPR exercise was formulated and trict and taluk levels as well. It Union Government and many Articles 29 and 30 of the serious issues with the Government’s ambition to clean up Indian sports feder- introduced by the Congress-led United was, therefore, shocking to see State Governments have formu- Constitution will make it clear Progressive Alliance (UPA) in 2010, to col- someone like Arundhati Roy lated policies and welfare that the intention of the found- ations from its political patronage. Much still needs to be done on this front if lect demographic and biometric information exhort citizens to provide fake schemes especially to ameliorate ing fathers was to accord the India is to achieve its potential in the world of sports — football being a partic- about individuals. Here, enumerators go names and addresses to the enu- the conditions of the religious same kind of protection to both ular case in point. India enjoyed some success in the previous decade. After door-to-door and gather particulars about merators so as to render the AS STATED BY THE and linguistic minorities. These religious and linguistic minorities “usual residents” — individuals residing at a entire exercise infructuous. GOVERNMENT, THE schemes relate to education, and the State would be the unit climbing inside the top 100 rankings in the sport, it has seemingly frittered away given place for the preceding six months. It Media reports indicate that she employment, skilling and finan- to determine who is a minority. some of those gains in the last 24 months. Can India finally make a mark in is, therefore, strange to find that the Congress, even suggested that the people CENSUS IS THE cial assistance for self employ- A Kannadiga in Hindi- football? The 2020s will show the way. It is likely that an Indian-born player may the very initiator of this idea, is now oppos- provide “7, Race Course Road” — BIGGEST SOURCE ment. The scope and range of majority Haryana (as this writer make it big for a major team in Europe, which could finally crack the market. At ing it and is doing so with such vehemence the address of the Prime Minister these schemes depend on demo- is) gets as much protection as say, that it all looks like a theatrical act. at one time — as their residen- OF PRIMARY DATA graphics and a decadal head Mohammed Iqbal, in Hindu- the same time, special mention should be given to the “Khelo India” programme The census in India is primarily a head tial address. AT THE VILLAGE, count is an absolute must. The majority Haryana as per these and the games that have been ushered under the Narendra Modi administration. count and has been rightly described as the Even more preposterous was census data is used not just by the Constitutional provisions. A focus on sports under capable Ministers has meant that India is looking for- largest administrative and statistical exercise her suggestion that the Narendra TOWN AND WARD Union Government but by Therefore, if pseudo-secular- in the world. Three million individuals will Modi Government, which got a Governments and institutions ists oppose population data col- ward to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a glimmer of hope previously unheard be deployed to collect the data and for the first massive mandate from the peo- LEVEL, PROVIDING down below at the State, district lection and census, which is a of. So much so that a double-digit haul is on the cards with Indian shooters, time, the enumerators will be using a mobile ple in May 2019 to govern till MICRO-LEVEL DATA and taluk levels. legitimate Government activity in pugilists, wrestlers, badminton players and possible track and field athletes such app and other modern applications to collect 2024, not be allowed to contin- Pseudo-secularists seem to all nations across the world, the and collate data from the field. ue in office. ON VARIOUS believe that the Muslims are the presumption will be that they are as javelin ace Neeraj Chopra, all being in the race for medals. Expectations are The decennial census is being conduct- Her attempt to paralyse the PARAMETERS, only minority in India. Nothing afraid of the numbers that will that others will join Abhinav Bindra in the list of individual Indian Gold medal- ed in India since 1892 without a break and working of the Union INCLUDING can be farther from the truth. The crop up. The steep rise in the lists. As for cricket, India has a packed year coming up. Will India finish the year this is an important exercise from a nation- Government in regard to collec- Hindus in India constitute just Muslim population in India over al point of view because it tells us about the tion of population data and to HOUSING, around 80 per cent of the popu- the decades and the huge differ- as reigning ICC Test match champions? Can it make it count in the T20 World demographic changes that have taken place curtail the tenure of a duly- lation, which means in actual ence between the decadal growth Cup to be held in Australia early next year? And where will the IPL and franchise at the national and local level in the preced- elected Government constitutes EDUCATION, numbers, they would be about rates of Muslims vis-a-vis the cricket go in the coming months? Can other sports replicate the success of kabad- ing 10 years. Both these surveys provide pol- subversion of the Constitution. ECONOMIC one billion of the 1.33 billion Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, icy-makers critical data that enables them to Tolerance of such subversive population. But the Hindus con- Jains and Parsis, will nail the lie di? There are many questions that will be asked of Indian sports in the coming formulate national programmes, especially activities is inimical to national ACTIVITY, LITERACY, stitute a minority in six of the 28 that Muslims are persecuted in decade but we hope that whatever happens, it will only climb to heights never with regard to basic amenities to the less- unity and integrity and we should MIGRATION, States in the country and in a few India. previously achieved. advantaged sections of society. not allow a small minority of dis- Union Territories, as do the Indian citizens, who are As stated by the Government, the census senters to disrupt governance and FERTILITY, Christians (except in some States adherents of Islam, must, there- is the biggest source of primary data at the vil- democratic traditions in this in the North-east), the Sikhs fore, guard against the false nar- lage, town and ward level, providing micro- manner. LANGUAGE, (except in Punjab), the Buddhists, rative of this minuscule minor- level data on various parameters, which Further, the propaganda that RELIGION, the Jains and the Parsis. The ity of pseudo-secularists and No more welcome includes housing, education, economic activ- the enumeration undertaken for Muslim population in India has should not allow themselves to ity, literacy, migration, fertility, language, reli- the NPR must be resisted because SCHEDULED risen from 35 million at the be persuaded to oppose the Following internet shutdowns, the tourism sector is the gion, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. it is against the Muslim minori- CASTES AND time of Independence to around NPR or the census. India will Preparation of a NPR and decennial cen- ty in India, is totally baseless. It 175 million at this point in time. become ungovernable if such latest victim of the Government’s high-handedness sus is a legitimate activity of the Union appears as if some people are SCHEDULED TRIBES Further, we have the linguis- tendencies emerge. he Government may be consistently play- Government and the data thrown up by these afraid of the truth. tic minorities, who are at par with (The writer is an author spe- exercises form the basis for policy-making not Data is critical for a number religious minorities as per our cialising in democracy studies. ing down the countrywide protests over just at the federal level but at the State, dis- of reasons. For example, the Constitution. A reading of Views expressed are personal.) Tthe Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) as a conspiracy of intellectuals to jeopardise its S O U N D BITE legitimate existence. But with the protests In my opinion, Citizenship I am thrilled with the kind of The US has shown its sup- In 2015, people believed showing no signs of abating — they have now Amendment Act is too little work that’s coming my way. port for terrorism by him (Kejriwal) to be a great carrying out air strikes on turned into a people’s movement over exclu- compassion, coming too But I feel envious of the revolutionary, as Fidel late. This Bill is only young girls, who are getting forces in Iraq that have dealt Castro or Che Guevara. sionary and discriminatory policies that breed focussed on religious a chance to play varied parts blows against the Islamic But now they are fed up hatred and disunity — the clampdown on free- persecution. so early on in their careers. State group. with (his) lies. dom of expression has been severe. So harsh Spiritual leader Actor Iranian official Union Minister that internet and mobile network shutdowns —Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev —Neena Gupta —Abbas Mousavi —Prakash Javadekar have indefinitely become the order of the day. This has elicited strong admoni- tions and travel advisories against India, impacting our tourism business severe- ly. For example, tour operators in Agra, the home of Taj Mahal, have unofficial- L E T T E R S T O TH E EDITOR ly reported a loss of about 50 per cent revenue during the holiday season. Nowhere Environment’s cause Press any matter in relation to a has the clampdown been as draconian as it has been in Uttar Pradesh with over Government must shun authoritarian ways political question or on a service 19 people killed and more than 1,100 arrests. The visitors’ count for December subject or containing any service has been the most dismal. A paltry 4.5 lakh tourists arrived at Agra’s Taj Mahal Sir — Air passengers have their he Modi Government has shown itself to be arro- information.” The Army must over the new year weekend, which is down from seven lakh the same month, ticket details verified by security gant, arbitrary and adamant with its decision to preserve its identity. personnel at the departure gates of Tupdate the National Population Register (NPR) in Sujit De last year. Tourists from the US, the UK, China, France and Japan are understand- the airport. Upon producing valid the teeth of sustained protests against Citizenship Kolkata ably cautious after reports emerged of foreign students being deported for extend- identification proof and an e-tick- Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of ing moral support to protesters. Internet cafes, a favourite among young trav- et, passengers can proceed to the Citizens (NRC). The tearing hurry with which the Cheap tactics check-in counters. Being allowed Government is pushing ahead with its agenda concern- ellers to keep folks connected to them back home, are running dry. to produce e-tickets on electronic ing citizenship casts suspicion on its motives. Nobody As the tourists have been dissuaded from travelling to India — in part because devices such as smartphones and is so naive to believe that NPR is not a precursor to Sir — It is unfortunate that the the message from New Delhi has been that it will not buckle down and, instead, tablets has helped save paper. NRC. The fact that NPR will serve as the database for Uttar Pradesh police allegedly Otherwise, tonnes of paper get NRC is plain to see. The reason for gathering data on manhandled Congress leader has sharpened its attack on anti-CAA protesters and tightened the noose of police wasted when people take printouts date and place of birth of parents and last place of res- Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who action — their numbers fell well before November, when the crucial Ayodhya of tickets. However, owing to a lack idence from respondents in the proposed house-to- CAA to treat Muslim refugees at par with refugees of other was on her way to pay a visit to verdict was to be announced by the Supreme Court. The month, which saw a of awareness, many passengers still house enumeration is not far to seek or beyond com- religious persuasions. Sad to say, the Government retired IPS officer SR Darapuri rely on printouts instead of just prehension. The UPA-era NPR, with its emphasis on remains unmoved by the distress of a 14-month-old at his residence. As the police footfall of 6.7 lakh tourists last year, saw only 5.4 lakh tourists this year. Agra producing soft copies. “residency” and the present modified version of NPR breastfed child separated from his parents jailed for tak- tried to stop her vehicle from alone attracts over 6.5 million tourists every year, generating nearly $14 million To prevent unnecessary paper with its emphasis on “citizenship”, cannot be brack- ing part in the anti-CAA protests. The parents of the child moving further, Priyanka hood- annually from entrance fees. Similar is the story elsewhere. Overall, the hospi- usage, airline carriers should pro- eted together. Needless to say “additions of three or exemplify true patriotism. “Civil disobedience with a winked the police by riding pil- ` vide incentives to passengers who four columns” can make all the difference. smile” on Gandhian lines appears to be the only option lion on a two-wheeler and tality sector has been hit. Assam has already faced a loss of 400 crore. Mysuru use soft copies of tickets instead of Fears over the enumeration exercises are not now left for the people to bring the Government to its reached her destination. While saw a 20 per cent dip in tourism. Revenues for many hotels, tour operators and paper-based ones. Organisations unfounded. NRC or NPR, in conjunction with CAA, will senses and persuade it to abandon its policy of divide the police’s act is condemnable, guides have plunged with many tourists, both domestic and foreign, either can- such as the Center for Asia Pacific lead to a humanitarian catastrophe of enormous propor- and rule and pull the country back from the brink. the traffic police issued the Aviation, the International Civil tions. If the Government is to convince people of its bona G David Milton owner of the two-wheeler a celling their trips or cutting them short. This is understandable. Protests are now Aviation Organisation, the fide intentions and bridge the trust deficit, it has to amend Maruthancode challan of `6,000 because the dragging on into the second month and have shown little signs of abating even Airports Council International two were riding without a hel- as the Government has issued “clarifications.” There are plenty of signs of mat- and the International Air met. This appears to be a Transport Association should Identity at stake security experts as “overtly polit- sary safeguard against military revenge action by the police and ters turning more violent as both police and marchers up the ante. The larger extensively promote the use of ical.” Though such kind of coups. The Indian Army has is definitely in cheap taste. question, however, is whether the tourism sector will be able to absorb the dam- paperless tickets for domestic remarks are common in Pakistan, always followed Article 21 of the Tharcius S Fernando age once normalcy returns. For an industry, which the Government pegged as travel. This will go a long way in Sir — Army chief Bipin Rawat’s it is almost unheard of in our Army Act, which says no person Chennai protecting the environment. recent comments on anti-CAA country. subject to the Act “shall publish a growth driver even in a slowing economy, this is a bad sign. In this business, Varun Dambal protesters have rightly been seen The political nature of the in any form whatever or commu- Send your feedback to: perception matters and the atithi is certainly not feeling welcome anymore. Bengaluru by many military veterans and armed forces is indeed a neces- nicate directly or indirectly to the [email protected] VIJAYAWADA | TUESDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2019

www.dailypioneer.com analysis 07 FIRSTCOLUMN Handle sensitive POINTCOUNTERPOINT THOSE DAMAGING PROPERTY HAVE BEEN CAPTURED THIS IS PERHAPS THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY THAT issues carefully IN VIDEO AND CCTV FOOTAGE. WE WILL TAKE A CHIEF MINISTER HAS STATED THIS. FOLLOW THE REVENGE FROM THEM BY SEIZING THEIR PROPERTY. DHARMA SYMBOLISED BY YOUR SAFFRON ROBES. The judiciary and the executive cannot be at —UTTAR PRADESH CHIEF MINISTER —CONGRESS GENERAL SECRETARY, EASTERN UP loggerheads in a welfare State as it would make citizens jittery and lose faith in the system YOGI ADITYANATH PRIYANKA GANDHI VADRA A defining year ABHAY RAJ MISHRA In 2019, a reformist Government was brought back to power and that, too, with a he kind of storm which the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019 has kicked up is, perhaps, unprecedented as it deals with huge majority. This shows how electoral preferences are maturing in the country Tthe subject of future citizenship and not the current. The mat- ter is now resting the opinion of the Supreme Court (SC) for its con- stitutional validity, which will hear 59 petitions filed in opposition of the law on January 22, 2020. It would be interesting to note whether the views of the judiciary and the executive would converge on an issue as sensitive as this one. In the case of Ayodhya, the apex court’s verdict has established well that law cannot be detached from the interests of the people it serves. There was a raging debate whether the Ayodhya verdict was based on credible and admissible evidence or was it influenced by the faith and belief of the majority? Irrespective, the verdict was peacefully accepted by all the factions, not neces- sarily for its veracity but for bringing to end a painful impasse. What KARAN BHASIN is clearly visible and undebatable is that it brought peace finally. There would be peace if two conditions are fulfilled. One, the inter- ince the early 1990s, there has been a sense of optimism with regards to India’s econom- ests of the larger sections of the people must be put above all else. ic progress. The process of liberalisation dur- To punish a few guilty, we cannot make the masses suffer along with S ing 1991 brought with it a sense of hope regard- them. Second, there cannot be a chasm between the views of the ing a dramatic turnaround in the country’s eco- executive and the judiciary, which would otherwise make citizens jit- nomic fortunes. While the nation’s growth did tery and lose faith in the system altogether. Imagine being brought accelerate from the 1980s onwards, however, it up by two warring parents. wasn’t comparable to other emerging economies, This ethos of acting in public interest and going along with the including China. views of the executive must now be extended to end pain in other The first decade of the 21st century was areas as well. Take livelihoods as an example, where the case of Goans believed to be India’s time as it had a Government has been hanging for far too long. Goa was the only State where that was looking at the next generation of eco- nomic reforms. These transformations happened mining rights were granted to its citizens by the Portuguese Government and the country witnessed the first serious pri- in perpetuity, but were eventually revoked by the Indian Government. vatisation of several public sector enterprises Ever since the apex court abruptly cancelled 88 mining leases in the (PSEs) along with a drastic reduction in small State on February 7, 2018, life has come to a grinding, tragic halt savings rates. India’s macroeconomic situation for mining dependents in the State. This is now no longer just an eco- was stable and gradually growth started to nomic crisis — which is severely debilitating in its own right — but increase along with its investment rates. This A LOT OF a grave human crisis as well. Such is the situation that the Goa growth continued till 2007, after which it start- ECONOMIC Government has requested a review of the ban by the SC, which is ed to lose steam due to lack of economic reforms PROGRESS WAS also pending. Jobs and livelihoods disappearing overnight as a result and then the 2008 crisis hit the country along MADE IN 2019 of judicial intervention is painful, particularly at a time when India is with the rest of the world. AND SOME OF IT While many thought the impact of the 2008 going through the worst employment crisis in the last 40 years. crisis wasn’t as much on India as elsewhere, the COULD BE rates at one of the highest levels in the will further augment productivity. huge majority. This shows how electoral According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), the coun- reasons behind this were the policy instruments BECAUSE OF THE world. There’s also talk of a GST overhaul preferences are maturing in India. try’s employment reached the lowest rate in 2017-2018. which were deployed to address the risks that SLOWDOWN. Clearly, India’s got a problem on the which may happen during the next cou- The outcome of the election made Earlier, in 2012, the SC cancelled 122 spectrum licences in emerged. These instruments, combined with a HOWEVER, 2019 monetary side, which needs to be rec- ple of years. This, when combined with it possible to take three significant eco- response to a PIL filed by a host of activists and to answer the ques- lack of reforms and an entitlement-based regime WILL MARK A tified if it is aiming to grow at seven per land, labour and agricultural reforms, nomic decisions. First was the merger tion whether the Government had a right to distribute natural resources brought a fresh macroeconomic challenge in the STRUCTURAL cent or more. Some progress has been will be critical to unlocking India’s pro- of 10 PSBs into four. This is likely to in a manner that was not “fair and transparent.” This affected 5.3 second decade of the 21st century. BREAK FOR INDIA made on this by the RBI, however, it ductive potential. Demographics, too, consolidate the sector and improve its crore telephone connections. It was alleged that the exchequer lost Two decades have elapsed and India is yet AS WE ENTER continues to be conservative and the favour India as it has the world’s largest efficiency over a period. It also opens `1.76 lakh crore in revenue and a few private telecom players were to justify the sense of optimism that prevailed at INTO A DECADE longer it takes for it to recognise the workforce which will act as a check in up interesting possibilities for future the beneficiaries. This case was highlighted as among the top 10 the start of the century. But to be fair, the sec- WHICH WILL extent of the problem, the more pro- wage costs, thereby giving it a compet- privatisation of some of these big four ond decade wasn’t that bad considering that longed the bottom of the U. itive edge over other emerging market banks as there’s no need for having four abuses of power by magazine. The verdict shook the country, Time India’s growth in 2014, 2015 and 2016 was fair- CERTAINLY Irrespective of these short-term economies for the next two decades. All big PSBs, especially at a time when the changed the contours of a developing telecom industry, made new ly decent even when one ignores the fact that it BELONG TO THE challenges, the outlook for economic of this is essential to experience the kind nation has already pumped in `3 tril- telecom operators wrap up their business and gave the reins of the witnessed two successive droughts in 2014 and COUNTRY’S growth for the country in the medium- of transformation that several of the lion into them without any positive out- sector into the hands of a few business groups. 2015. The country’s macroeconomic situation has ENTREPRENEURS term is completely positive as some of country’s peers experienced during come so far. In a reversal in 2017, a special court in New Delhi acquitted all improved significantly since 2014 and the AND ITS the current supply-side issues will get the 1980s and 1990s. The second was to do with the cor- the accused in the 2G spectrum case citing that the CBI could not Government has undertaken several reforms that ECONOMIC resolved and India will witness a Of course, fresh reforms will be porate tax cut, which was promised in find any evidence against the accused in seven years. As per the will have long-term growth implications such as AMBITIONS growth of 5.0-5.4 per cent in the third required — but they are already on the the previous tenure. Indeed, many judgment, “Some people created a scam by artfully arranging a few the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the quarter (Q3) of the current Financial agenda of the Government as the consider it just a tax cut, however, it is selected facts and exaggerating things beyond recognition to astro- Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and the Year (FY) followed by a 6.2-6.6 per cent labour codes are coming into effect. a deep structural reform that will have nomical levels.” The matter now rests with the Delhi High Court on Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act growth in the fourth quarter (Q4) of the Many of these reforms will be aided by long-term positive implications for basis of appeals filed by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate. (RERA). current FY. India will end the decade the fact that there’s a mandate of 303, financial stability and financing of Despite these reforms, growth slowed with a modest growth rate; however, the which enables the Government to take investments. More importantly, it illus- The key question is as to why the case could not have been tried towards the end of 2018 and throughout the first country will begin it with a seven per decisions that would be extremely dif- trates a shift in thinking of taxmen, who without cancelling the licences? The court should have allowed busi- half of 2019. This has led people to question cent or higher growth rate in the FY ficult to push for in a divided now recognise that tax revenues can ness to continue, while the case would have carried on. By invok- whether the third decade will be any different 2020-21. Parliament. increase at lower rates due to improve- ing closure of business, the court caused collateral damage to the from the previous two decades. However, there The question is whether this rate Global conditions, too, seem to be ments in tax compliance. industry, the economy and most importantly to the livelihoods of peo- are compelling reasons that point at how this will be sustained throughout the decade conducive for India as Boris Johnson’s The third decision was of privati- ple employed by the companies that had to close shop. time, it will be different. For starters, the current or not. There is a reasonable belief that election in the United Kingdom (UK) sation of several firms, including BPCL. Studies have established that India’s Maoist movement is deeply slowdown is not because of any inherent struc- India will sustain a seven per cent will end uncertainty regarding Brexit. This is a bold move as it signals a rooted in socio-economic conditions prevalent in parts of India with tural factors but is a direct outcome of the finan- growth this decade and it may even He has expressed his willingness to staunch commitment to the phrase that large tribal populations. It has mostly affected areas where there is cial sector stress which spread over from banks attain an eight per cent or high growth enter into a trade agreement with “the Government has no business to be a conflict between the State and the populace on the economic deriva- to Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). rate towards the end of the decade as India and the nation should be closing in business.” The reasons behind the build-up of this stress are it witnesses a steady revival of invest- trade deals with the UK, Europe and the This move has signalled to the tion of forest produce and mining such as in Chhattisgarh and more to do with reckless lending during the first ments as a percentage of the Gross US to further integrate itself into glob- world that India is finally opening Jharkhand and agriculture in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. decade of the century as the attempt to fix it start- Domestic Product (GDP). This al trade. greater space for private players in its Such aggressive posturing by citizens has huge direct and indirect ed only post the introduction of the Insolvency improvement will be a direct product Global economic growth is also economy, which has hit all the right costs. The purpose of the law is to create a conducive environment and Bankruptcy Act. of some of the painful reforms that were likely to recover in 2020, which means notes. Indeed, a lot of economic for the citizens of the State. However, sometimes, like in the Goa min- As the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) latest undertaken in the past, which will that external factors will be conducive progress was made in 2019 and some ing ban and the spectrum case, the law and its interpretation has Financial Stability Report suggests, the Public unleash the nation’s productive poten- for India’s growth, provided it can of it could be because of the slowdown. spelled doom for citizens and businesses. This cannot become a prece- Sector Banks’ (PSBs) Non-Performing Assets tial. The recent corporate tax cut would address some of its domestic con- However, 2019 will mark a structural dent and must be addressed immediately. Situations like these need (NPAs) may increase by September 2020 and this result in steady improvements in cor- straints. The year 2019 goes down in break for India as we enter into a decade more complex solutions, just like the CAA. It is simplistic to penalise poses fresh concerns regarding the ability of the porate sector balance sheets, which will Indian economic history for many which will certainly belong to the lakhs of people for the actions of the few with the stroke of a pen, PSBs to take prudent lending decisions. The result in fresh investments from 2022 reasons. For starters, it marks the first country’s entrepreneurs and its eco- recent spike in NPAs could also be because of the onwards. At the same time, implemen- time in the history of India where a nomic ambitions. and it is certainly not done. high cost of capital compared to the moderation tation of the Direct Tax Code (DTC) reformist Government was brought (The writer is a New Delhi-based (The writer is president, not-for-profit organisation PRAHAR) in inflation, which has artificially kept the real will simplify taxation procedures, which back into power and that, too, with a policy researcher) 2020 must be about implementation There should be a 20 per cent increase in funding for health by States, the Centre and Urban Local Bodies. Inter-departmental FOREIGN EYE coordination is also needed for stronger implementation linkage between health, water and sanitation and nutrition-related initiatives to shift “health” into the concurrent In the last quarter, poor air qual- true that preventing such attacks stronger and effective surveillance funding for health by States, the list. ity returned to affect the health of the requires more than just a legislative system across all Indian States to Centre as well as by Urban Local A few States, namely Rajasthan, people in many districts of north approach. Improving the quality of tackle emerging disease threats. Bodies. Inter-departmental coordi- Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, India and all policymakers did was health services, preventing com- What to expect in 2020: In the nation is also needed for stronger deliberated about enacting the right to question the proven evidence on mercialisation of health services last two years, India has seen a lot implementation linkage between TOO MUCH to health legislation. During the year, the impact of air pollution on peo- and changing health-seeking behav- of focus on policy formulation, leg- health, water and sanitation and PATRONAGE public health experts argued that the ple. Hence, it is clear that there are iour to get early care is the need of islation and other broader health nutrition-related initiatives. Ayushman Bharat Yojana, many issues that need to be the hour. A realistic expectation issues. However, in 2020, policymak- Taxation on “demerit goods” If Boris Johnson wants to announced in 2018, had put health addressed in this crucial sector. from health services needs to be ers would do well to rapidly scale- such as tobacco products should be break up the elites, he CHANDRAKANT LAHARIYA higher on the political agenda and Legislative approach in health developed and the “market-based up and allocate more resources for further increased to global recom- should reform the honours nearly six States started a variant of works: The Motor Vehicle belief” that every health condition the health and wellness centres, a mendation of tax being 70 per cent system. The 2004 select Mohalla Clinics (neighbourhood (Amendment) Act, which has hiked is treatable, needs to be addressed. vital component of the Ayushman of the product price. egislations or related delibera- clinics) to increase the provision of the penalties for traffic violations, In health services, the outcomes are Bharat programme. Beverages sweetened with sugar, committee report contains a tions were arguably the high- free primary health care services. has the potential to improve health, completely unpredictable and even States must also give additional including fruit juices, must be taxed blueprint on honours which Llight for India’s health sector in There were a few negative devel- as nearly one in every 10 pre- the best of the treatment and priority to adopting community as demerit goods at higher rates. should be revived. Its ideas 2019. The Prohibition of Electronic opments as well. Violent attacks on ventable deaths occurred due to road advanced care may not save a per- clinics for urban settings. The coun- And last but not the least, healthy include simplification, Cigarettes Act, 2019; the National doctors, health care providers and accidents. After the Mental son, while another person with a try also needs to follow a focussed behaviour should be encouraged at clearer criteria, scrapping Medical Commission (NMC) Act facilities were reported from differ- Healthcare Act of 2017, mental similar health condition may quick- approach to integrate preventive all levels, especially in schools and and the Motor Vehicle ent parts of the country, followed by health services in India received a ly recover with basic health interven- and promotive health interventions colleges, with ban on sale of “junk knighthoods and (Amendment) Act were passed by protests and strikes by the medical boost at the implementation level as tions. with overall wellness initiatives and food” near schools and colleges. damehoods, no automatic the Parliament. The Surrogacy fraternity. the Insurance Regulatory and Kerala averted Nipah virus linkage with AYUSH. In short, for the health sector, awards and an end to the (Regulation) Bill is being considered In the summer of 2019, Development Authority directed outbreaks: Learning from the expe- The Government must shift 2020 should be a year of implement- word “empire” in honours. by the select committee of the Rajya encephalitis deaths were reported companies to include mental health rience of 2018, the Kerala focus from making isolated health ing policies, improving provision of Such a system would not Sabha and a draft Bill to protect doc- from Muzaffarpur in Bihar. The care services in their insurance Government acted swiftly when a facilities functional to a group of a broad range of health services as tors and health care providers from experts were once again divided on package as one in every seven peo- new case of Nipah was reported in amenities in entire planning units, per the needs of the people, State preclude a knighthood for assault is also under consideration. the cause of this and consequently, ple have one or other mental health 2019. With effective surveillance, i.e. blocks in rural areas and entire Governments taking the lead in Iain Duncan Smith. But he The health sub-committee of the the children of the nation are still care needs. early identification, effective con- corporation planning units, func- health provision to make a healthy would have to take his Fifteenth Finance Commission waiting for scientific and long-term Though the Bill to protect doc- tainment/isolation and case manage- tional. India. chances with the rest. made recommendations to enact the solutions to prevent such tragedies tors and health care workers could ment, an epidemic was averted. There should be at least a 20 per (The writer is a Delhi-based The Guardian right to health in India by 2022 and from recurring. not develop a consensus, it is also This highlights the need for a cent annual increase in Government senior public health specialist.) ( editorial) VIJAYAWADA|TUESDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2019 money 08 CAPSULE Gold to shine in 2020; may Government may provide tax incentives for startups in Budget touch Rs 45K per 10 gram PNS n NEW DELHI The government is expected PNS n MUMBAI per 10 gram. to provide tax incentives to Prasad launches All India Gem & Jewellery start-ups in the forthcoming Always a pricey possession, Domestic Council (GJC) budget to support the growth portal to enable gold is set to remain more Chairman Anantha of budding entrepreneurs, blocking, tracing of pricey in the New Year too as Padmanaban said that from sources said. continuing geopolitical tremors, consumer perspective, 2019 was The Department for missing phones economic woes and rupee a mixed year as the first half was Promotion of Industry and NEW DELHI: Communications volatility are expected to push very good in terms of demand. Internal Trade (DPIIT) has Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad the yellow metal even to Rs However, since July as the suggested several measures to on Monday launched a web 45,000 for 10 gram. gold prices moved up, the the finance ministry for start- portal that will facilitate Thanks to various govern- demand dwindled as jewellery ups in the budget. blocking and tracing of stolen ment policies and soaring stock became a very costly affair after The recommendations or lost mobile phones in Delhi. market, gold witnessed period- the added burden of customs include extension of tax less tax on ESOPs. preneurs. The initiative was launched in ic as well as steep price fluctu- duty and Goods and Services incentives to incubators sup- "It should attract as little tax There are 19 components September this year in ations in 2019, with bias towards Tax (GST), he noted. ported under Atal as possible. ESOPs are one of under the Startup India action Mumbai on a pilot basis. The the higher side in the second From US-China trade turmoil to He also pointed out that Innovation Mission; reduc- the best options for startups at plan spanning across areas roll-out of the portal in Delhi half of this year. conflicts in the Middle East, untimely rains that damaged tion in GST (Goods and their early stages," Saluja said. such as simplification and will facilitate requests for Data from the World Gold crops further attributed to the Services Tax) rates on AIF Further fees charged by hand holding, funding support blocking of stolen or lost Council shows that 14 central geopolitical issues are galore for the negative sentiment as around 70 (alternate investment fund) fund manager of AIF domi- and incentives, and industry- mobile phones by customers, banks, including the RBI, have global markets which might also per cent of the demand in India management fees; and tax ciled in India is liable to 18 per academia partnership and and sharing of traceable data reportedly added more than one await cues from the US presidential is from rural areas. benefits on ESOPs, they said. cent GST as it qualifies as a tax- incubation. with police authorities, a tonne to their reserve. polls towards end of 2020 India Bullion and Jewellers Start-ups need talented able supply. So far the department has statement said. "As we look to 2020, we Association (IBJA) National workforce and ESOPs are one Sources said that reduction recognised 26,619 startups. Of believe investors will face President Prithviraj Kothari of the best options to attract in GST rates will help India to these, maximum were in the IT increasing geopolitical concerns, (USD 1,795-1,800) in case there one of the main buyers of gold opined that gold price trend is skilled people as giving just become an investment hub. services space which was fol- while many pre-existing ones are new developments on the in 2019, increasing its reserves rising and the market would high cash payout add to the Startup India initiative of the lowed by healthcare and life- will be pushed back rather than global front that could dent risk by over 60 tonne. soon reach newer high ideally in burden on cash-starved enter- government aims at fostering sciences, and education. being resolved. appetite, Thiagarajan said. China and Russia have been the next 2-3 years. prises, industry players said. entrepreneurship and pro- Finance Minister Nirmala "In addition, the low level of World Gold Council the biggest buyers of gold till "Also, the global economic Tiger Global-backed tea cafe moting innovation by creating Sitharaman is likely to present interest rates worldwide will Managing Director (India) now. Besides, countries like slowdown, liquidity crisis in chain Chaayos founder Nitin an ecosystem that is conducive the Budget for 2020-21 fiscal keep stock prices high and val- Somasundaram P R said local India, Turkey, Poland and India and depreciation of the Saluja said that there should be to growth of budding entre- on February 1, 2020. uations at extreme levels, on the currency prices in almost all Kazakhstan have also joined the rupee against the US dollar Dr Reddy's verge of peaking out. Therefore, markets, including rupee, bandwagon in purchasing the which has now reached Rs 71, launches generic we believe there are reasons for breached previous life time yellow metal. and is likely to reach Rs 72 soon, higher levels of safe-haven assets highs, leading to muted con- In the first half of this year, will support the gold market. I hypotensive like gold," Commtrendz sumer demand across markets. gold was relatively more attrac- am positive that in 2020, the injection in US Research Director Gnanasekar "Indian demand also lost sig- tive for consumers as the price gold prices will be in the range Thiagarajan told PTI. nificant momentum in Q3, and ruled at around Rs 31,500- of Rs 38,000 on the downside NEW DELHI: Drug firm Dr From US-China trade tur- though Q4 saw a revival with its 32,000 for every 10 gram. and Rs 42,000 on the upside," he Reddy's Laboratories on moil to conflicts in the Middle traditional wedding and festival However, in July demand added. Monday said it has launched East, geopolitical issues are season, overall demand for the began to become weak as prices Motilal Oswal Financial in the US Sodium galore for the global markets full year is expected to be at the started to climb. Depreciation of Services VP (Commodity Nitroprusside injection used which might also await cues lower end of 700-750 tonne. Rupee along with the govern- Research) Navneet Damani said for immediate reduction of from the US presidential polls ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) ment increasing customs duty that in the short term, strong Govt to create blood pressure in hypertensive towards end of 2020. demand in the US and Europe, by 2.5 percentage points during support for gold is placed in the crises. The company has The potential medium-term and central bank buying across Budget to 12.5 per cent from 10 range of Rs 37,100-36,900 lev- 1 lakh tons of launched generic Sodium target lies at Rs 41,000-41,500 nations, however, continue to be per cent made it even more cost- els on MCX. On the higher side Nitroprusside injection, 50 per 10 gram at MCX (USD strong," he noted. ly in the domestic market. gold price is likely to move high- mg/2 ml (25 mg/ml) single- 1,640-1,650). Further, the level According to him, the In 2019, gold peaked at USD er towards Rs 39,900 levels fol- onion buffer dose vial after getting approval could rise to Rs 44,500-45,000 Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was 1,557 an ounce and Rs 39,900 lowed by Rs 41,500, he added. from the United States Food stock in 2020 and Drug Administration Housing sales still pain PNS n NEW DELHI (USFDA), Dr Reddy's Labs said in a filing to the BSE. The To prevent the repeat of this product is a generic version of Icra revises outlook for RE point in realty sector year's onion crisis, the Centre Hospira Inc's Nitropress has decided to create a buffer injection, 50 mg/2ml, it added. PNS n NEW DELHI court. "The year 2019 witnessed stock of 1 lakh tonnes of the As per IQVIA Health data, sector to negative amid delays no significant momentum for key kitchen staple in 2020, a Nitropress brand and generics Residential property as an the realty sector in India, eco- senior government official had US sales of around USD 8 PNS n NEW DELHI investment has always been the nomic slowdown to challenges said on Monday. million MAT for the twelve GoMechanic poor cousin of commercial real such as liquidity crunch, delayed The government had cre- months to October 2019, Dr Ratings agency Icra on Monday estate, and 2019 couldn't have delivery of insolvent projects and ated a buffer stock of 56,000 Reddy's said. raises Rs 105 cr revised its outlook for India's been a better testimony to this un-regularised cases in National tonnes for the current year renewable energy sector from statement, as housing sales were Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) but it was not sufficient to stable to negative amid delays plagued by demand slowdown deterred the growth of the sec- contain the prices which are in latest round in payments from discoms and amid surplus inventory and tor," CREDAI (National) still ruling above Rs 100 per execution of projects. office space leasing hit a record President Satish Magar told kg in most cities across the of funding The sector is facing head- high. PTI. country. As a result, the gov- PNS n NEW DELHI winds because of the long While sale of residential prop- The apex realtor body's ernment was compelled to delays in making payments by erties increased only marginal- Chairman Jaxay Shah listed liq- import through state-run Start-up technology-enabled the state distribution utilities, ly despite plethora of steps taken uidity as a major challenge cur- MMTC. car service provider delays in projects bid out over by the government through the rently faced by the sector. He, "The issue was discussed in Sensex, Nifty end GoMechanic on Monday said the past two years, difficulties year, office space leasing rose 40 however, hopes for revival next detail in the recent meeting of on a mixed note it has raised Rs 105 crore in in acquiring land for projects, 9.0 GW similar to FY2019. cent to 10.6 GW in 9 months per cent to touch an all-time year aided by steps taken by the the group of ministers MUMBAI: Market benchmarks Series B funding in a round securing transmission con- "The headwinds related to CY2019 from 16.7 GW in the high of 46.5 million sq ft -- a government like tax sops, a (GoM), headed by Home Sensex and Nifty closed mixed led by Chiratae Ventures and nectivity and financing in a payment delays, uncertainty corresponding period of pre- trend that drew investors to lap sharp cut in GST rates on Minister Amit Shah. It was after a see-saw trade on Sequoia Capital. timely manner, the ratings over resolution of tariff issue for vious year. Moreover, many of up India's first Real Estate under-construction flats and a decided that higher buffer Monday amid lack of domestic Orios Venture Partners was agency said. projects in Andhra Pradesh, as bids called by central nodal Investment Trust at an issue size Rs 25,000 crore fund to salvage stock of about 1 lakh tonne as well as global cues. After the other investor which par- Icra revises year-end outlook well as execution and financing agencies remained under-sub- of nearly Rs 5,000 crore. stalled residential projects. will be created for next year," swinging over 260 points ticipated in the 3rd round of from stable to negative for related challenges for under- scribed," said Sabyasachi Real estate developers in the According to property bro- the official told PTI. during the day, the 30-share institutional funding, renewable energy sector, it construction projects have Majumdar, Group Head & housing segment struggled to kerage firm Anarock, housing Cooperative Nafed, which BSE Sensex ended 17.14 GoMechanic said in a state- said. impacted investor sentiments Senior Vice President - stay afloat due to poor sales and sales rose by a mere 5 per cent had maintained the buffer points, or 0.04 per cent, lower ment. The investment will be Looking at the challenges, in the sector. Corporate ratings, Icra. acute cash crunch, and home- to 2,61,370 units in 2019 stock of onion on behalf of at 41,558. The broader NSE used to support expansion Icra said it expects no growth This is reflected from the The capacity addition in buyers continued their battle to across seven major cities com- the government, will contin- Nifty, however, closed 10.05 into 10 more cities by the end in capacity addition in FY2020 slowdown in tendering of wind FY20 will be primarily driven get their dream homes, dragging pared to 2,48,310 units in the ue to do so next year. It will points, or 0.08 per cent, of 2020 in its EV thrust, and will remain at about 8.5- and solar PV projects by 37 per by the solar power segment. many builders to insolvency previous year. source the rabi (winter) onion higher at 12,255.85. ICICI brand promotion and in crop -- which has higher Bank was the top loser in the streamlining spare parts pro- shelf life -- between March Sensex pack, shedding 0.99 curement, it added. and July directly from farm- per cent, followed by SBI, Commenting on the fund ers, the official added. TCS, HUL, Asian Paints and raised, GoMechanic Co- Reliance, BP pay $36 mn for exit of Niko in KG-D6 block This year, onion prices fell Axis Bank. On the other hand, Founder Kushal Karwa said, sharply due to 26 per cent fall Nestle India, Hero MotoCorp, "The money raised will allow PNS n NEW DELHI ing to force it out of the block over per cent from the previous 60 per in kharif and late kharif Mahindra and Mahindra, us to continue our aggressive default in payment. cent and that of BP to 33.33 per cent (summer) production due to Bharti Airtel and Tata Steel geographical expansion Reliance Industries and UK's BP plc "An amendment to the produc- from 30 per cent. late monsoon and later were among the gainers besides investment in inno- paid USD 36 million to get their tion sharing contract for the D6 "Niko NECO had entered into a untimely rains in key grow- Analysts attributed this vation to keep us ahead of the defaulting Canadian partner Niko Block in India has been executed, settlement agreement with Reliance ing states especially lacklustre trading pattern to curve." GoMechanic Co- Resources to exit from the eastern reflecting the assignment of the 10 and BPEAL under which it agreed Maharasthra and Karnataka. absence of any major trigger Founder Amit Bhasin said the offshore KG-D6 block. In a state- per cent interest previously held by to withdraw from D6 PSC and set- To check rising prices, the points in the market. Globally, current fundraise will rein- ment, Niko said it has exited from the company's indirect subsidiary, tle its arbitration case filed under the government took several bourses in Shanghai and Hong vigorate the company's thrust the KG-DWN-98/3 block and its 10 Niko (NECO) Ltd to the remaining rules of the London Court of measures to boost the domes- Kong ended higher, while in providing scalable tech- per cent stake has been taken over interest holders in the block, Reliance International Arbitration in tic availability including ban those in Tokyo and Seoul nology first solutions for the by Reliance and BP. Industries Ltd and BP Exploration December 2017 in exchange for a on exports, stock limits on settled in the red. Stock USD 11 billion unorganised The firm was paid USD 36 mil- (Alpha) Ltd," the statement said. settlement amount of USD 36 mil- traders besides sale of onion exchanges in Europe started automotive repairs and main- lion to settle an arbitration it had ini- Subsequent to this, Reliance's lion, subject to adjustment prior to at subsidised rates from its on a negative note. tenance market. tiated against Reliance and BP try- stake in KG-D6 has gone up to 66.67 closing," it said. buffer stock and imports. Oil regulator seeks to rationalise gas pipeline tariff BSNL clears Rs 1,700-cr PNS n NEW DELHI The present tariffs tional practices adopted on identify a model best suited for natural gas pipeline tariff the Indian scenario," it said, in dues to vendors; pays Oil regulator PNGRB is seek- policy provides for design/ determination in USA, adding the tariff structure ing to rationalise natural gas lower transportation Australia, Japan, Russia, UK, needs to provide reasonable pipeline tariff structure so as to and EU nations, and suggest returns to entities building November salaries: CMD increase usage of environment- charges in the area the best-suited tariff mecha- pipelines and promote the friendly fuel by aligning nism in Indian perspective," the development of the gas infra- PNS n NEW DELHI added. charges paid for transporting closer to the source of regulator said. structure, while at the same "Employee salaries for the fuel with the best global gas and this In the tender inviting bids, it time developing a pan-India State-owned Bharat Sanchar November too have been practices. progressively increases said the consultant will also gas market. Nigam Ltd (BSNL) has cleared released," he said adding that The Petroleum and Natural review current regulations and The public consultation will Rs 1,700 crore of ven- monthly wage cost Gas Regulatory Board that leads to a scenario draft of new proposed regula- be done on the tariff structure dors dues, its CMD stood at about Rs (PNGRB) is seeking bids for where the users in tions. proposed by the consultant, fol- P K Purwar said 800 crore. the appointment of consul- The move by PNGRB fol- lowing which IT-based tools on Monday. In October this tants for the job, saying the gov- hinterland pay extra lows the government in will be developed for imple- The corporation year, the govern- ernment has envisaged usher- than those on the coast October seeking a concept mentation of the regulations, it has also made ment approved a ing into a gas-based economy paper on rationalization of added. salary payment to Rs 69,000 crore by increasing the share of the natural gas pipeline tariff struc- This exercise is in parallel to its employees for revival package for fuel in primary energy mix of import of Liquefied Natural pipelines, with each having a pay extra than those on the ture and framing new tariff reg- the mandate PNGRB has given November, Purwar BSNL and MTNL the country from current level Gas (LNG), completion of different tariff. The present coast. ulations. The consultant will to global consultancy ICF for added. that includes merg- of about 6 per cent to 15 per national gas pipeline grid tariffs policy provides for lower "PNGRB proposes to hire a have to review international carrying out an assessment of "Payments worth ing the two loss-mak- cent by 2030. (NGG) and speedier roll out of transportation charges in the consultancy firm to provide practices and identify the chal- India's natural gas demand and Rs 1,700 crore have been ing firms, monetising their This is to be done by increas- city gas distribution networks, area closer to the source of gas assistance in analyzing differ- lenges present tariff regime in the infrastructure needed to released to our vendors and assets and giving VRS to ing the availability of natural it said. and this progressively increas- ent options for rationalization India poses to the growth of unleash the country's massive contractors of BSNL," he said. employees so that the com- gas by enhancing domestic gas Presently, the country has a es that leads to a scenario of natural gas pipeline tariff pipeline infrastructure. pent-up requirement, its Overall, the outstanding to bined entity turns profitable in production, encouraging the network of 16,981-km of where the users in hinterland structure, reviewing interna- "A matrix will be created to Chairman Dinesh K Sarraf said. creditors is Rs 10,000 crore, he two years. 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Tuesday December 31, 2019 Amroth Tukaram broke the chains of financial TOP 8 impediments to pursue his dream of scaling all CRITICALLY the highest peaks in the world. ANUSHKA ENDING 2019 PRADEEP speaks to the 21-year-old ACCLAIMED mountaineer about his journey so far on a high note T'wood films Mountaineer Malavath Poorna has recently of the decade Undauntedly scaling scaled Mt Vinson Massif and has become the ith some record-breaking and criti- youngest tribal woman in the world to scale six cally acclaimed films, this decade’s Telugu cinema gained an interna- tallest peaks in six continents, and is just one tional audience and has become a NEW HEIGHTS W pan-India phenomenon. As 2019 more mountain (Mt Denali, North America's draws to a close, SIDDHESH SUMAN takes you through the list of some boy from humble and, the highest in the world, problem until I found sponsors critically acclaimed films of the decade. beginnings dared Mt. Everest (8,848m). in private agencies.” “Fortunately, tallest mountain) away from completing the extremely harsh cli- “Each summit I scale, I do it the number of people who began p seven-summit goal Mahanati (2018) A mates to find his des- for a cause,” says Tukaram, in an to come forward with financial Written and directed by tiny in the dangerous exclusive with The Pioneer. “Be it aid steadily grew with each peak Nag Ashwin, the film is a slopes and crevices of promoting the use of helmets I scaled. Now I have sponsors t was a sense of deprived of their full TSWREIS, Dr R.S. biopic on the life of one of mountainous terrains. through the Mt. Kilimanjaro like Tridandi Sri Srimannarayana accomplish- potential, across the world. Praveen Kumar and her the most popular yester- Amroth Tukaram, 21, whose expedition, or spreading aware- Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar ment beyond Poorna is very close to coach Sekhar Babu year Indian actresses, father is a farmer in ness about the dangers of drugs Swamiji, RamachandruTejavath, words for achieving her goal of scal- Bachinepally of Transcend Savitri. The film received a Thakkalapally thanda in Ranga through the Mt. Elbrus expedi- a retired IAS officer and organi- I Malavath ing the tallest peaks in all Adventures, Hyderabad, National Award for Best Reddy district, has scaled six tion, each trip has some form of sations like the NGO, Vikasa Poorna when seven continents. She is for their unwavering sup- Feature Film in Telugu, peaks in various parts of the social aspect attached to it. I Tarangini, backing me on my she conquered Mt. Vinson currently preparing to port and encouragement. while lead actress Keerthy world, and is on his way to con- come from a poor family and upcoming expeditions,” he adds. Massif, the Antarctica’s scale Mt. Denali (North Dr Praveen said, Suresh received a National quer more. had to overcome many chal- Apart from the rigorous train- highest mountain peak America’s highest moun- “Poorna’s expeditions will Film Award for Best “So far, I have scaled moun- lenges to be here. Hence each ing and planning that he has to (4,987m). The 18-year-old tain peak), the dream of remain engraved in golden Actress. tains in three continents. I will adventure I take part in is not undergo before each ascent, Poorna has become the every mountaineer in the letters in the annals of the begin my expedition to climb just for the excitement and the Tukaram is also aware of the world’s first and youngest world. world’s mountaineering p Baahubali 1&2 Mt. Aconcagua on January 5 in thrills but also for change.” risks and dangers that lie in his woman from her tribal “I wouldn’t have history. Today, Poorna has (2015/17) 2020. This peak is in South Speaking about his journey so path. “The journey to the top community to set foot on achieved this feat, if not become an accomplished Directed by S.S America which will make it the far, Tukaram says, “It was the teaches several life lessons. Any six tallest mountain peaks for the support from world-class mountaineer Rajamouli and written by fourth continent on my wishlist. NCC (National Cadet Corps) amount of grit and determina- across six continents. Telangana Chief Minister and the pride of Telangana K. V. Vijayendra Prasad, I aspire to become the youngest that sparked the passion of tion is futile in front of nature. I Poorna’s parents work as K. Chandrasekhar Rao,” and India. I thank the CM this film created a huge mountaineer to scale the highest mountaineering in me. But, I faced many challenges while agricultural labourers in a says Poorna. She also and the Welfare Minister buzz around the world peaks in all seven continents. I come from a background where climbing Mt. Everest. During the remote Pakala tribal ham- thanked Secretary, Koppula Eshwar for help- especially after the believe that with the support financial stability is more or less climb, I faced near-death situa- let of Nizamabad district ing children from margin- cliffhanger at the end of from family and my sponsors, I a dream and hence sponsors are tions several times, especially in Telangana. alised sections under the the first part - ‘Why did should be able to achieve my important to pursue such a goal. when I ran out of oxygen in my So far, Poorna scaled KG-PG Mission.” katappa kill Bahubali’. The dream by 2021,” says Tukaram, I knocked the doors of several tank, and when I ran out of the Mt. Everest (Asia, 2014), POORNA IS VERY The path-breaking cur- film also received a stand- whose had previously scaled Mt. benefactors only to get rejected. water to drink. I even saw one of Mt. Kilimanjaro (Africa, CLOSE TO ricular and extra-curricu- ing ovation at its screening Norbu (5,226m), Mt. Rudugaria I even approached the state gov- my friends die right before my 2016), Mt. Elbrus (Europe, lar activities, initiated by at Royal Albert Hall in (5,818m), Mt. Stok Kangri ernment which initially agreed eyes. That is the harsh reality of 2017), Mt. Aconcagua ACHIEVING HER Dr Praveen to release London. (6,152m), Mt. Kilimanjaro to fund me but later abruptly mountaineering. For me, it is (South America, 2019) Mt. teaching from the confines (5,895m), Mt. Elbrus (5,642m) rejected my plea. I faced this always a do-or-die situation. I Cartsnez (Oceania region, GOAL OF SCALING of classrooms, played a p Pelli Choopulu (2016) can’t return to face my family 2019) and Mt. Vinson THE TALLEST crucial role in freeing the Written and directed by So far, I have scaled and my sponsors If I can’t suc- Massif (Antarctica, 2019). PEAKS IN ALL potential in children from Tharun Bhascker mountains in three ceed. But it’s through their bless- Poorna’s phenomenal marginalised sections of Dhaassyam, the film is an ing that I am able to succeed and journey, from climbing 7 CONTINENTS. society. — PNS urban rom-com starring continents. I will return home safely,” he says. small hills in her village to Vijay Deverakonda and begin my expedition to climb Mt “Even after I climbed the Mt the tops of world’s tallest Ritu Varma. It has Aconcagua on January 5 in Everest I can’t afford to under- peaks, began with the con- received three national value the effort needed for my quest of Mt Everest in awards. Made on a very 2020. This peak is in South next expedition. That will only 2014. She never looked low budget, the film set a America which will make it the be my downfall. I believe it is back since then. She broke benchmark with its box fourth continent on my wishlist important to never underesti- all stereotypes and proved office collections. mate any challenge, and always that even girls from mar- AMROTH TUKARAM be prepared for the worst case ginalised communities can p Arjun Reddy (2017) MOUNTAINEER scenario,” he says. conquer peaks. The con- Written and directed by quests by Poorna left an Sandeep Vanga, the film is indelible impression on a romantic drama starring millions of children, par- Vijay Deverakonda and ticularly girls, who are Shalini Pandey. The story is about a young dysfunc- tional alcoholic surgeon who goes into self-destruc- tive mode after the love of his life leaves him and marries someone else. The film became one of the most popular romantic films and was remade in several other languages despite many controversies. p Mallesham (2019) Written and directed by Raj Rachakonda, the film stars Priyadarshi. It is about a self-trained inven- tor who strives to develop a new method to reduce gruelling work in the weaving process and revo- lutionalise the whole industry. p Eega (2012) Directed by SS Rajamouli and written by K. V. Vijayendra Prasad, this film brought Theatre attracting more youngsters Tollywood into the fore- front of world cinema ANUSHKA PRADEEP as well for the more experi- Akhil Bhaneshwar who was because of its visual n HYDERABAD mental and creatively an active member of the effects. The visual effects inclined age-group, young- THE NICHE THAT Nishumbita theatre group. were something that was Theatre in Hyderabad is sters. There has been a sig- “With the rise of several new not just in Tollywood, booming today and several nificant increase in the THEATRE HAS BEGUN new groups in Hyderabad, but also to other major factors are being attributed number of youngsters par- TO CARVE FOR youngsters now have access cinema industries across to this upward trend. ticipating in theatre over the to theatre and cultural arts India. It also won two Given the amount of past few years. ITSELF IS especially at a time when National awards for best effort put in by several the- “Several factors influ- WELCOMING FOR they understand the impor- Telugu feature and best atre groups such as Sama- enced the theatre culture in tance of theatre as an art VFX. haara, Udaan, Nishumbita, the city. One of those was PROFESSIONALS AND form. And more and more Sutradhar and several others the inflow of people from BEGINNERS ALIKE theatre workshops are also p Vedam (2010) the state of theatre and per- other states of the country being conducted across the Written and directed by forming arts in the city a where the theatre culture is in Hyderabad, including city, thus giving the audi- Krish, the film stars Allu few years ago, Hyderabad already prevalent, into Samahaara,” she added. ence clarity about theatre as Arjun, Anushka Shetty, has undergone a huge para- Hyderabad. These people Asked about how colleges an art form and making it Manoj Bajpayee and digm shift. were key to contributing to and schools contribute more relatable to young- Manchu Manoj. The story Towards the end of 2019, the then budding theatre in towards the increasing par- sters,” says Akhil who was revolves around five peo- two annual largescale the- Hyderabad. Also, when we ticipation of youngsters in an alumnus of the National ple’s struggle with life that atre festivals, the Natotsav started the theatre festival in theatre, Saurabh Gharipu- School of Drama, Bangalore. gets entangled entangled and the Qadir Ali Baig the city, theatre groups got a rikar says, “It is safe to say “Often times people who after a terrorist attack in a Theatre Festival were platform here in Hyderabad that the relatively recent practice drama and theatre hospital. The film grabbed received enthusiastically. to showcase their perfor- addition of theatre into in their lives find it easier to two Nandi awards for best The Natotsav, an annual fes- mances while they could school and college curricu- cope with their daily stress picture and special jury tival presented by also network with other the- lums has played a decent as they get a boost of confi- award. Nishumbita (Ballet & atre groups,” says Anjali role in nurturing the interest dence while being able to Theatre), included an exten- Parvati Koda, founder of of students towards theatre witness an overall develop- p Awe! (2018) sive two-day workshop with Samahaara theatre group. as an art form.” Gharip- ment in their capabilities. As Written and directed by Mahesh Dattani this year. “Another factor that is urikar is the founder of refreshing as it is to see the Prashant Varma the film The niche that theatre has also drawing youngsters ‘Udaan Academy of Arts youth coming forward to stars Eesha Rebba, Kajal now begun to carve for itself towards the theatre scene is and Education’. participate in theatre, it Aggarwal, Nani, Nithya has become more welcom- that the new-age actors like In order to understand would be better if we could Menen, Regina Cassandra ing not just by professional Vijay Deverakonda and the interest youth have for have people who could and Ravi Teja. The film is adults who used to be the Punarnavi also had their participating in theatre and remain committed in the a pyschologial thriller. It face of theatre for years, but beginnings in theatre here drama, The Pioneer spoke to field,” he concluded. received two National awards for best makeup and best special effects. 10

Vijayawada Tuesday December 31, 2019 what’s brewing? Farah, Raveena apologise Penn Badgley confirms You season to Cardinal Oswald Gracias 3 by accident ilmmaker Farah Khan and ou star Penn said. “I literally know nothing actor Raveena Tandon met Badgley has acci- about the third season,” he Indian Cardinal of Roman dentally revealed added. F Catholic Church, Cardinal that the audiences When the host of the show Oswald Gracias to tender an Y will be seeing more asked him again about the apology after the duo, along of his narcissistic third season, he replied, while with comic Bharti Singh, were booked murderer Joe Goldberg in nodding his head, “Technically for allegedly hurting the religious sen- future. The first season of the I can’t... I mean, like, unoffi- timents of the community in a TV series, developed by Greg cially?” You also features James show. Berlanti and Sera Gamble, pre- Scully, Jenna Ortega and Farah earlier took to Twitter to apologise miered on Netflix in Ambyr Childers. on behalf of entire team of Flipkart Video December 2018, and the sec- The first season follows Original’s quiz show Backbenchers, on ond season released last week. Joe, a bookstore manager in which she serves as the host. The said In an interview with New York, who upon meet- episode has also been taken off by Flipkart Entertainment Tonight, ing Guinevere Beck Video. In a statement, the host-director Badgley accidentally let it (Elizabeth Lail), an aspiring said she along with Raveena paid a visit to slip that season three was writer, becomes immediate- Gracias to tender an unconditional apolo- pretty much a done deal, ly infatuated with her. gy. when quizzed on the charac- Obsessed with Guinevere, “His Eminence Cardinal Oswald Gracias ter development of his most he uses social media and met us. We apologised and asked him to recent love interest, Love other technology to track forgive our mistake and he very graciously Quinn, played by actor her and get closer to her. accepted our apology. He also issued a Victoria Pedretti. The sophomore chapter will statement on our behalf to end this matter,” “She doesn’t appear to be the see him taking a trip to Los Farah said. same kind of person. She does- Angeles, where Love Quinn, Dr Abraham Mathai, president of Indian n’t appear to be the same kind an aspiring chef, is the next Christian Voice, said the Christian com- of predator. She doesn’t appear object of his obsession. munity accepted the apology tendered by to be the same kind of… you Haunting of the Hill House Farah, Raveena and Bharti Singh. “We know, dare I say, in the third star Victoria Pedretti plays appreciate Flipkart video and Walmart season — oh, god!” Badgley Love. CEO for removing the episode off air. The Christian community expresses apprecia- tion to Flipkart video and Mr Doug McMillon, the global CEO of Walmart for having considered our demands and senti- ments. JOHN ABRAHAM: “This evening Farah Khan and Raveena Tandon went in person to His Failure really Eminence Cardinal Oswald Gracias to tender a written and doesn't affect me unconditional ctor John friends, John said: “One apology, which the Abraham says of my close friends, Cardinal graciously his biggest Suku, is an auto rick- accepted. I appeal advantage is shaw driver. He ferries to the Christian A that he is not me regularly from my community in this afraid of failure. home to the office and nation who have “I come from a very back. Once Suku and me been enraged by this middle-class background went to watch a Tamil whole episode to and even today, I hold on film, Kaakha Kaakha, accept their apology to those values very and it was on his recom- in the true spirit of strongly. My biggest mendation that I re- Christ,” Mathai said advantage is that I’m not made this movie into in a statement. afraid of failure. And Force.” Farah on Monday when you’re not afraid of Being someone who took to Twitter to it, you can do whatever believes in living a sim- express her gratitude you want because you’ve ple life, John also con- to the cardinal. “To seen failure and success fessed that he prefers err is human to for- in the same measure. So, spending on others. “I give divine. Thank failure really doesn’t don’t spend on myself as you, Your Eminence affect me,” John said. I don’t like it,” he said. Cardinal Oswald The actor expressed his When host Gunjan Gracias for meeting us views when he appeared Utreja asked John about and accepting our on chat show Not Just his holiday plan, the actor heartfelt apologies and Supper Stars along with said: “I am a self-con- putting this unfortunate matter to rest,” his personal trainer Vinod fessed workaholic. I have her tweet read. Bharti, who is out of the Channa. The show is aired had a holiday for only five country, also apologised to the commu- in India on Zee Café. days in the last eighteen nity for ‘hurting their sentiments’. Talking about his years.”

FUN TIME

ARCHIE CALVIN AND HOBBES

GARFIELD REALITY CHECK SPEED BUMP CROSSWORD

NANCY

SUDOKU Yesterday’s solution

GINGER MEGGS

Rules l Each row and column can contain each number (1 to 9) exactly once. l The sum of all numbers in any row or column must equal 45. 11

Vijayawada Tuesday December 31, 2019 tollywood SATYADEV, NITHYA MENEN TO STAR IN In 2019, Satyadev managed to add two hit PERIOD DRAMA films and a popular web t has been a prof- Vijaya Praveena. Now with a lot of humour. It is itable year for rounding off the year on a set in the late 1970s where series to his credit. Satyadev on the high, The Pioneer has exclu- people are forced to react to I career front. sively learnt that he has an impending danger. Satya While he tasted green-lit another solo pro- gave his nod in the first NAGARAJ GOUD finds enormous suc- ject. This film will mark the narration itself, impressed cess with films like directorial debut of Vishwak with the script and the way out what's Brochevarevarura and Rao, who had earlier assist- director narrated it. He is iSmart Shankar where he ed director Tharun gung-ho about the in store was seen in pivotal roles, his Bhascker. The film will fea- research that Vishwak has Telugu web series, Gods of ture Nithya Menen as the undertaken for the project for this Dharmapuri, managed to female lead and Rahul and lauded the director emerge as one of the top Ramakrishna will be seen in for penning a watertight upcoming seven series of this year, a key role. script. The film will go to attracting viewership from A highly-placed source floors in January and actor in across the country. His close to the development will be wrapped up in turns in George Reddy and tells us, “The film is a con- 40-50 days. The director 2020 Ragala 24 Gantalalo were cept driven drama infused is currently scouting for equally raved. He recently locations on the outskirts completed shooting for of Hyderabad for an ideal Uma Maheswara Ugra THE FILM SET IN THE village setting. Prithvi Roopasya, directed by C/o LATE 1970s WHERE who has distributed films Kancharapalem director, like Arjun Reddy and Venkatesh Maha. This PEOPLE ARE FORCED Agent Sai Srinivasa movie is a joint production Athreya is turning pro- venture between Baahubali TO REACT TO AN ducer with this yet-to- makers Arka Media and IMPENDING DANGER be-titled film." PRAVEEN SATTARU ILAIYARAAJA gives 2 tunes in 10 minutes ith Ranga TO DIRECT NAG Marthaanda team on a eports W break, film’s about ASIAN CINEMAS, director superstar Krishna Vamsi Pooja R Nagarjuna HAVE ZEROED IN decided to shift his atten- giving his ON DIRECTOR tion to music. After sign- in-princi- ing on maestro Ilaiyaraaja ple nod to spearhead PRAVEEN to compose the film’s tunes takes off the Telugu remake of SATTARU AS THEY last month, the director Hindi film Raid have landed in Chennai on been doing rounds FELT THAT HE IS Monday to get his tunes to Europe for more than a cou- THE RIGHT MAN done. All it took for the ple of months now, composer — fondly but there hasn’t been FOR THE TASK addressed as the God of for NEW much work initiated GOING BY THE Music by scores of his into the project. But, WAY HE SHOWED admirers — was 10 min- we’ve now reliably utes to create two tunes. learnt that distribu- IN SKILLS IN Thrilled by his composer’s YEAR tion and production DIRECTING PSV: pace, Krishna Vamsi house, Asian shared a small video on his year has been a success- Cinemas, have GARUDAVEGA, A Twitter. “Two heavenly ful year for Pooja Hedge, zeroed in on director SPY THRILLER tunes locked.... in just ten with hits like Praveen Sattaru to helm job and has even held a minutes... So fast...... T Gaddalakonda Ganesh and the film. They felt that couple of fruitful meet- will only better the pac- Innovative n experimental Houseful 4 under her belt. he is the right man for ings with Nagarjuna. ing of the film. Plus, the only he can do ....he appre- Films like Ala the task going by the Raid, released in 2018, screenplay and mood of ciated d song situations ... Vaikunthapuramlo, Prabhas’ next way he showed in skills is a story about an hon- the film will be different. Blessed n charged..(sic),” with Radha Krishna and Akhil’s in directing PSV: est senior income tax It will be an investigative the director tweeted. next with Bommarillu Bhasker Garudavega, a spy officer (played by Ajay thriller predominantly. This is the second time have kept her busy all throughout thriller. And guess what? Devgn) in Lucknow who While Raid was only the famed tunesmith, a the year. No wonder, she wants The director is already begins an investigation about one major case, Padma Vibhushan recipi- to bid a perfect farewell to the on the into claims of money this one tells the story of ent, is rendering music for year and welcome 2020. Soon laundering against an an upright IT officer Krishna Vamsi’s film. after completing the pending influential man. Praveen, dealing with multiple They’ve earlier created song, Butta Bomma, for Ala according to a well- cases. Overall, it will magic with Anthapuram in which told the story of a Prakash Raj has stepped Vaikunthapuramlo in placed source, has given look like a new film alto- 1998. veteran Shakespearean into the shoes of Patekar, Hyderabad over the weekend, a complete new spin to gether. It will commence Ranga Marthaanda is a actor (played by Nana while Ramya Krishnan she has taken off to Europe the script. “While the after Nag wraps up his joint production venture Patekar) who retires from plays his wife. The likes of to ring in the New Year. She basic concept is from the present film, Wild Dog, between Abhishek Jawkar the stage into the painful Anasuya, Shivatmika will be welcoming 2020 in original Raid, the direc- with writer Ahishor and Madhu Kalipu. It is an tragedy of old age, facing Rajasekhar and Rahul Vienna, Austria along with tor has changed other Solomon,” added the official remake of Marathi an ungrateful family and Sipligunj are essaying sup- her friends. She will be parts significantly that source. — NG hit, Natsamrat (2016) his fleeting legacy. porting roles. back in Hyderabad on January 3 or 4 and dive headlong into the promo- tions of Ala Vaikunthapuramlo. In the film, she will PRABHAS, RANA go gaga be seen as Allu Arjun’s boss who over Mathu Vadalara falls in love with him. ctor Prabhas who watched a was very thrilled listening to what all takes each minute while managed to special screening of he said. He is surely darling for a rea- keep the audience glued to the seats Christmas release Mathu son. A special chit chat video with the with its humour and tense-filled Vadalara in Hyderabad on Bahubali regarding #MathuVadalara moments. Composer Kaala Bhairava’s A Sunday is in awe of the coming sooon...Yayyyyy (sic),” film’s control over sound and music was film. So impressed he is director Ritesh Rana posted on Twitter impressive. I’m partial to Sri Simha as with the crime thriller that he spoke to on Monday. I have seen him growing up. Now, I each primary cast and crew member Like Baahubali, Bhallaladeva too feel like he’s grown-up and I haven’t. and shared his observations. He even was bowled over by the film. “I like To choose a story like this for his participated in a promotional video in edgy films and Mathu Vadalara is one debut film means that he knows what praise of the film. “Prabhas sir edgy affair. The great thing about the today’s youth needs. He has done a watched the film yesterday. Our team film is the multiple turns the film superb job as an actor,” Rana said. VIJAYAWADA | TUESDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2019 sport 12

Kohli maintains top spot Rahane, Shaw to play against Karnataka in ICC Test ranking Shaw had hit a blazing double hundred against Baroda in the lung-opener but faltered in both PTI n DUBAI the essays against Railways at Wankhede Stadium. ndian captain Virat Kohli Ponting picks Kohli as Rahane also had a horrendous will end the year at the top time with the bat against Railways. Iof the ICC Test ranking Mumbai had won the game chart for batsmen but five-day captain of his Test team against Baroda while lost to specialist Cheteshwar Pujara Railways by 10 wickets. slipped a place to fifth. PTI n MELBOURNE Australians he has opted for Rahane, who has played 63 With 928 points, Kohli is Steve Smith and David Tests, will be playing consecutive way ahead of second-placed ormer Australian captain Warner along with spinner Ranji games after a long time. Australian maestro Steve Smith FRicky Ponting on Monday Nathan Lyon. Shreyas Iyer and Shivam (911) and New Zealand’s inspi- picked India skipper Virat “Everyone’s picking teams Dube, who were criticized heavi- rational skipper Kane Kohli to lead his all-star Test of the decade so I thought I’d ly for not playing the last Ranji Williamson (822), while team of the decade, which fea- join in the fun,” Ponting wrote games, have been not named in Australia’s Marnus tured four English players. on his twitter handle. the squad as they are away on Labuschagne, who has amassed Ponting’s Test team of “This would be my Test India duty. Prithvi Shaw plays a shot in Vijay Hazare 1,085 runs in 11 Tests this year, the 2010s doesn’t feature any team of the 2010’s: David PTI Pacer Shardul Thakur, who is improved a place to grab the other Indian apart from Warner, Alastair Cook, Kane Domestic tournament also away on India duty, has not fourth spot. Kohli, who is currently Williamson, Steve Smith, PTI n MUMBAI named in the squad either. Pujara was placed fifth ranked No.1 in both ICC Virat Kohli (c), Kumar Meanwhile, young batsman with 791 points, while Ajinkya Test and ODI rankings for Sangakkarra (wk), Ben est specialist Ajinkya Rahane Sarfaraz Khanhas been Rahane was joint seventh with batsmen. Stokes, Dale Steyn, Nathan Tand young prodigy Prithvi includedinthesquad. 759 points. The Englishmen in his Lyon, Stuart Broad, James Shaw will turn up for Mumbai in This could possibly be the last With his enterprising 95 team include all-rounder Ben Anderson.” their Ranji Trophy game against game Shaw plays for the timebe- against England in the first Stokes, batsman Alastair Kohli was also named heavyweights Karnataka. ing as he then heads to New Test, Quinton de Kock not only Cook, and the pace duo of captain of the Test XI of the The two were named in the Zealand with the India A squad. set up his team’s win, but also Stuart Broad and James decade by Cricket Australia's 15-member squad announced by Mumbai squad: Suryakumar shot into the top of the latest Anderson. Among the official news website. the associationon its website on Yadav (Captain) Aditya Tare (Vice rankings release on Monday. Monday. Captain) Ajinkya Rahane, Prithvi In bowling, India’s lead The game will be played at the Shaw, Sarfaraz Khan, Shubham pacer Jasprit Bumrah, return- (772 points) and seamer Pat Cummins was at the top of Bandra Kurla Complex from Ranjane, Akash Parkar, Siddhesh ing from an injury layoff, Mohammed Shami (771) were the standings with 902 points January 3. Lad, Shams Mulani, Vinayak remained static at sixth posi- ninth and tenth respectively in ahead of Neil Wagner (859) Both Shaw and Rahane played Bhoir, Shashank Attarde, Royston tion with 794 points, while the order. and South African paceman the previous games against Baroda Dias, Tushar Deshpande, Deepak Indian captain Virat Kohli raises his bat after scoring hundred BCCI/Twitter spinner Ravichandran Ashwin Australian pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada (832). and Railways. Shetty andEknath Kerkar. Kohli,Bumrah in Wisden’s Short replaces Abbott for ODIs against India T20I team of the decade PTI n MELBOURNE ustralia on Monday called up explosive PTI n LONDON the list of leading run-scorers Aopening all-rounder D’Arcy Short in of all time with 21,444 runs, place of injured pacer Sean Abbott in their ndia skipper Virat Kohli and was also included in Wisden’s ODI squad for the upcoming tour of India. Ipace spearhead Jasprit Test and ODI teams of the The tour begins on January 14 with the Bumrah were the only two decade, besides being named first One-day International in Mumbai. Indians who found a place in in Wisden’s list of five crick- The second and third ODIs will be held Wisden’s T20 International eters of the decade which also in Rajkot and Bengaluru on January 14 and team of the decade, which features Steve Smith, Dale January 19, respectively. didn’t feature Mahendra Singh Steyn, AB de Villiers and Ellyse Short has been included in the squad Dhoni. Perry. after a side strain during a Big Bash League Australia’s limited overs While Kohli was picked in game ruled out Abbott for four weeks. captain Aaron Finch was Wisden’s T20I team of the With fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh named captain of the team, decade to strengthen the bat- Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Kane which has two more Australian ting order, Bumrah found a Richardson already in Australia’s ODI in Shane Watson and Glenn place in the bowling unit due squad, selectors have called in Short, a top- Maxwell, two England crick- to his superb economy rate and order batter who also bowls wrist spin, to eters — Jos Buttler and David reputation for being a reliable replace pacer Abbott. “It is extremely unfor- Willey, two Afghanistan all- death bowler. tunate for Sean, who is very much a part of rounders — Mohammad Nabi “Bumrah’s overall econo- our white-ball squad plans leading into the and Rashid Khan, and New my rate of 6.71 is the second ICC T20 World Cup and the World Cup,” Zealand’s Colin Munro and Sri best in the world among quick selection convener Trevor Hohns was quot- Lanka’s Lasith Malinga. bowlers, behind Dale Steyn,” ed as saying by Cricket Australia. On Kohli, Wisden said: Wisden said about Bumrah, “D’Arcy offers the squad another spin- “While Kohli’s record in who has overall taken 216 ning all-rounder option along with Ashton domestic T20 cricket is patchy, wickets, including 51 in T20Is, Agar, which, along with the four world-class the same cannot be said of in his international career so fast bowlers and Adam Zampa, balances the T20Is. Kohli’s average of 53 was far. squad out nicely. His proven record and abil- the best in the decade, and “This statistic is more ity to bat anywhere in the order will also be while his consistency compro- impressive when you consid- a great asset to the squad.” mises his strike-rate slightly, he er he did the majority of his Short has played four ODIs for Australia, is still able to score at a good bowling in the death overs, hitting 83 runs at an average of 26.66. Unless rate, even if not exceptional. where his economy rate of 7.27 there's an injury, he will likely bat in the mid- “Strong against pace and was the seventh best in the dle order given Warner and Finch are going Australia all-rounder D’Arcy Short in action cricket.com.au/Twitter spin, and rapid between the Jasprit Bumrah during practice session PTI world, and comfortably the to open. David Warner and Steve Smith will wickets, Kohli is an ideal play- best by a quick bowler. also be touring India for the first time with AUSTRALIA SQUAD Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Kane er at No.3, able to fight fires accelerate when a platform is slide down the order in this XI,” Bumrah is likely bowl three the Australian team since the ball-tamper- Aaron Finch (capt), D’Arcy Short, Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, when an early wicket is lost and set. Following a huge first- it said on its website. overs at the death for this ing scandal, both expectedly figuring in the Ashton Agar, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Ashton Turner, David Warner, Adam stabilise the innings, but also wicket partnership, Kohli will Kohli, who ranks third in side.” squad. Cummins, Peter Handscomb, Josh Zampa. Lyon shoots down Warne call Du Plessis to take a rest for Sydney “Did Warnie ever want a rest and criticises ‘big give Stuart MacGill a go?” he asked, noting the lack of opportunity given to Warne’s leg-spin rival at the height of their careers. three' move “I won’t be resting. I haven’t met any Australian cricketers that would like to AFP n CENTURION be rested. “It’s that hard playing Test cricket, outh African cricket captain Faf du Plessis but it’s that rewarding as well so every Sbelieves cricket needs more, not fewer, elite opportunity you get to play cricket for nations. Australia it means the world to us. Speaking after South Africa’s 107-run win in “So I can’t imagine Mitch Starc, Pat the first Test against England on Sunday, Du Plessis (Cummins) or Patto (James Pattinson) was asked his opinion about plans for an annual putting his hand up to say I need a rest.” ‘Super Series’ of one-day games, involving the so- Queensland’s Swepson has been called ‘Big Three’ of India, Australia and England, Ailing NZ call up added to Australia’s squad for Sydney, with one other country to be invited on a revolv- where conditions often assist slow ing basis. bowlers, and was taking tips from “The last year or so you can see what’s going Warne in Melbourne. on in terms of the big three countries,” he said. Somerville for third Test There is a chance that Australia will “There’s a lot of movement going towards that, AFP n WELLINGTON as we prepare for this final Test.” play two specialist spinners in the a lot more matches being played against the top Somerville, 35, has played three third Test, with the call to be made after three, or big three. It’s probably better if you include ew Zealand have turned to Will Tests, taking seven wickets on his Paine and selectors look at the pitch. more teams, the better to grow the game as much NSomerville for his experience of debut against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi Swepson, who has taken 12 wick- as you can.” playing in Sydney as they look to avoid last year and a total of seven in two ets from six Sheffield Shield games at Du Plessis pointed out that there was inequal- a whitewash in the third and final Test Tests away to Sri Lanka four months 26.58, was a member of Australia's Test ity of fixtures, especially in Test cricket, with new against Australia. ago. squad for tours of India and Bangladesh Test nations such as Ireland and Afghanistan strug- Off-spinner Somerville, who was Boult is returning to New Zealand in 2017 but has yet to make his debut. gling to get fixtures. raised in Australia and played Sheffield after suffering a fracture to his right Lyon said if both of them played, “There’s a lot of smaller nations not playing a Shield for New South Wales, will hand in the second Test which he would be more than happy. lot of Test cricket, they’re actually playing less,” he replace injured pace bowler Trent Australia won comfortably by 247 runs “Mitch has been bowling brilliant- said. Boult for the Test starting in Sydney on Sunday within four days in Mitch Swepson and Marnus Labuscange in the MCG nets with Shane Warne Cricket.com.au/Twitter ly for Queensland,” he said. “He’s a great on Friday. Melbourne. fella to start off with, but he gives it a Coach Gary Stead said the inclu- Australia won the first Test by 296 ing their comprehensive win in Perth. rip and that's what I really love to see. sion of the lanky 1.93 metre (6ft 4in) runs, again wrapping up the match AFP n MELBOURNE Cricket great Warne has champi- “I’m a big fan of Mitch, it’s great to Somerville was a nod to the expected inside four days. oned Swepson and over the weekend see him in and around our squad so he conditions at the Sydney Cricket New Zealand already have Matt ustralia’s Nathan Lyon on Monday flagged the idea of axing Lyon if selec- gets his chance and fingers crossed we Ground. Henry and Kyle Jamieson in the squad Ashot down a suggestion from Shane tors opt for one spinner in Sydney. can have a great combination togeth- “There’s no secret the SCG pitch to provide fast bowling cover while Warne that he take a rest for the “Just giving Mitchell Swepson a er.” is one of the more spin-friendly in Somerville’s height and local knowl- Sydney Test against New Zealand this taste of it, giving him a chance, I reck- If Australia go down that road, they Australia,” Stead said. edge could see him overtake the week so leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson on it will pay dividends in the long run,” would almost certainly retain “Will offers something different to incumbent spinners Mitchell Santner can make his debut. Warne said. Cummins, Starc and Pattinson, mean- our two other spinners in the squad and Todd Astle. Tim Paine’s team have already won But Lyon, who took four wickets on ing a batsman would be axed with with his right arm off-spin and height. Somerville was one of the leading the three-match series against the Sunday to wrap up late New Zealand Matthew Wade the likely candidate “The fact he’s played a lot of bowlers in Australia’s Sheffield Shield Black Caps after crushing them by 247 second innings resistance, said there after Travis Head scored a century in cricket in Sydney during his career for in 2016-17 season with 35 wickets at runs in Melbourne on Sunday, follow- was no way he would be standing aside. Melbourne. New South Wales will also be helpful an average of 23.14.