Follow us on: RNI No. APENG/2018/764698 @TheDailyPioneer facebook.com/dailypioneer Established 1864 Published From ANALYSIS 7 MONEY 8 SPORTS 11 DELHI LUCKNOW DON’T BE AN ANTI- SENSEX, NIFTY SOAR TO RECORD WARNE PREDICTS HUGE BHOPAL RAIPUR CHANDIGARH VAXXER HIGHS AMID GLOBAL RALLY FALL OUT IN OZ TEAM BHUBANESWAR RANCHI DEHRADUN *Late City Vol. 3 Issue 70 VIJAYAWADA, THURSDAY JANUARY 21, 2021; PAGES 12 `3 *Air Surcharge Extra if Applicable

SVP TO ROLL IN DUBAI

{ Page 12 } www.dailypioneer.com TODAY Kala Venkata ALMANAC Jagan to launch door Biden, Kamala Month & Paksham: Rao arrested Paush & Shukla Paksha Panchangam for attack on Tithi : Ashtami: 03:49 pm Vijayasai’s car of ration supplies to all today take guard in US Nakshatram: Ashwini: 03:36 pm PNS n WASHINGTON ever — not ever.” Time to Avoid: (Bad time to start PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM PNS n VIJAYAWADA In the earlier PDS, the per- Biden also pledged that he any important work) centage of husk and coloured Joe Biden took oath as the would be honest with the Rahukalam: 01:51 pm – 03:14 pm Senior TDP leader K Kala Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan grains were high, where a 46th president of the United country as it continues to Yamagandam: 06:53 am – 08:16 am Venkata Rao was arrested Reddy will roll out the door majority rejected the ration. To States at the Capitol on confront difficulties, saying at Rajam in Srikakulam on delivery of ration supplies alo- resolve this, the government Wednesday. His deputy, that leaders have an obligation Varjyam: 11:06 am – 12:54 pm, Wednesday on charges of ng with a fleet of 2,500 Mobile has decided to provide card- Kamala Harris, the daughter to “defend the truth and defeat 12:00 am – 04:14 am being part of a mob that Dispensing Units (door deliv- holders with better quality rice of immigrants from Jamaica the lies”. “Hear me out as we Gulika: 09:40 am - 11:04 am allegedly pelted stones and ery vehicles) on Thursday from by giving Swarna variety. The and , also took oath as move forward,” Biden said. Good Time: (to start any important work) footwear at YSRCP leader Benz Circle in Vijayawada city. Civil Supplies Department the new Vice President of the "I know forces that divide us V Vijayasai Reddy’s convoy As promised during his made drastic changes during United States. She is the first are deep & they are real. But Amritakalam: 07:30 am – 09:18 am at Ramatheertham under 3,648-km padayatra, the Chief the procurement of rice by Black person, first wo-man, I also know they are not new. Abhijit Muhurtham: 12:05 pm – 12:49 pm Nellimarla in Minister had taken the initia- reducing the husk and broken and first Asian American to Our history has been a con- district. tive to provide quality rice, A fleet of 2500 Mobile Dispensing Units (door delivery vehicles) wait at Benz rice to a great extent. occupy the position. stant struggle between HYDERABAD Six other persons were right at the doorstep of the Circle in Vijayawada to be flagged off by Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy For the first time, quality In his remarks after tak- American ideal that we're all WEATHER also arrested in connection ration cardholders. on Thursday. sorted rice is being given to the ing oath, Biden said, “Here created equal & harsh ugly Forecast: Sunny with the case. During his padayatra, Jagan cardholders, with zero per- we stand days after a riotous reality that racism, Temp: 34 When reports last came witnessed the plight of elderly supplies which were of poor holder through a mobile vehi- cent of stones and less than one mob thought they could nativism,fear, demonization Humidity: 56 in, the police were shifting and differently-abled people quality. cle, that would incur an addi- percent of dyed or damaged silence the will of the peo- have long torn us apart," Sunrise: 06:49 am the TDP leader to who were kept waiting in The government aims to tional cost of Rs 830 crore per grains. ple. It will not happen, not Biden remarked. Sunset: 06:05 pm Nellimarla in lengthy queues to get the ration deliver quality rice to the card- annum. 2 today, not tomorrow, not 2 Current Weather Conditions Vizianagaram district. Updated January 20 , 2021 5:00 PM 2 Dalit youths accused of stealing, thrashed PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM

Accusing two Dalit youths of stealing hens, some upper caste persons allegedly tied them to a tree and beat them mercilessly in West Goda- vari’s Linga Palem mandal. Though the incident occurred on January 18, it came to light after a video clip of the atrocity went viral on social media. Four persons have been arrested under SC, ST Atrocities (Prevention) Act shared on social media. and other relevant Sections of The victims were identi- the IPC. Videos of the inci- fied as Venkateswara Rao dent where the teenagers and Santhosh, who are were surrounded by men, presently availing treatment and flogged with sticks, was in Chintalapudi government captured by onlookers on hospital. their mobile phones, and 2 Purandeswari disagrees with Veerraju, gets an earful Page 2 Health worker Now, mystery dies after jab illness grips West PNS n HYDERABAD Godavari lages A 42-year-old healthcare PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM worker in Nirmal district of Telangana, who received Reemergence of a mystery COVID-19 vaccination, died illness first reported in early Wednesday after com- December last year in plaining of chest pain, with Eluru of West Godavari is preliminary findings suggest- leaving health officials per- ing the death is unrelated to plexed. the vaccination, a health offi- On Wednesday, two cial said. cases were reported from The worker was vaccinat- Pulla village taking the ed at about 11.30 AM on total new cases from Tuesday at a Primary Health Monday to 28. Pulla is sit- Centre (PHC) in the district uated about 30 km from and he is said to have devel- Eluru town. oped chest pain at around Of the 28, at least three 2.30 AM on Wednesday. patients are undergoing He was brought dead to treatment and 25 others the district hospital at about were discharged after 5.30 AM, state Director of receiving treatment. Public Health G Srinivasa People have been com- Rao said in a press release. plaining of vomiting, con- "Preliminary findings sug- vulsion, nausea for the past gest that the death seems to three days. Some of the be unrelated to vaccination," patients had suddenly col- it said. lapsed. 2 2 HC: No action on ABV for 3 weeks PNS n VIJAYAWADA another three weeks. Earlier, the High Court The High had directed that no action Court on Wednesday extend- shall be taken against ABV ed its orders preventing any for two weeks after the ACB coercive action against senior sought that much time to file police officer AB a counter in the case. Venkateswara Rao for anoth- A 1989 batch officer, AB er three weeks. Venkateswara Rao, better Hearing a petition filed by known as ABV, was placed ABV seeking anticipatory under suspension on charges bail, the High Court said that of misconduct in procuring its earlier orders that no security equipment while he coercive action shall be taken was working as Additional against the senior police offi- DGP (Intelligence). cer has been extended by 2 THURSDAY | JANUARY 21, 2021 02 Indian farmer at crossroads: Market, state or collective action?

armers are protesting (published in 1776), Adam wellbeing. argued to be the only institu- smallholders into agricultural against laws that deregu- Smith explains that in a mar- However, what is missing in this As is known, between the tions that can protect small value chain, was taken by Flate the sale of crops, ket economy, guided by the narrative is the culpability of the individual/market/government farmers from ill-effects of Government of India, allowing private buyers free motive of self-interest, individ- a range of voluntary, collective globalisation or make them NABARD over the last 10 years. rein in a marketplace that has ual decisions collectively deter- market in the mess that the associations, producer organ- participate successfully in About 5,000 FPOs were formed, long been dominated by gov- mine the economy's allocation agricultural profession is in today, as isations, cooperatives, and pro- modern competitive markets. of which around 3,200 are reg- ernment subsidies. Farmers of scarce resources through ducer companies can evolve Producers’ organisations not istered as Producer Companies say the reforms that have long free markets for the social well as evidence on whether, and efficient and equitable rules to only help farmers buy or sell which require not only techni- protected small landholders’ good. In other words, opera- how, the state and market have get the most out of common better due to scale benefits but cal handholding support but place in the market will put tion of demand-and-supply responded to the agrarian crisis that resources. We know that today also lower transaction costs for also adequate capital and infra- them at risk of losing their forces, through a perfectly there is an alternative secure, sellers and buyers, besides structure facilities including businesses and land to big competitive market, results in germinated over six decades. stable and sustainable model of providing technical help in fair market linkages for sustain- corporations. optimal allocation of resources business owned and controlled production and creating social ing their business operations. However, what is missing in and a perfect market leads to ket failure means that prices caused by market failure and DR RAMESH by 800 million people world- capital. Such basic model of “beyond this narrative is the culpabili- social efficiency and maxi- fail to provide the proper sig- costs caused by "government CHENNAMANENI, MLA wide. Cooperatives with over A striking example is The markets and states”, is possible ty of the market in the mess mum social welfare. nals to economic agents— failure", policymakers attempt- HUMBOLDT EXPERT IN 400-million-member farmers Gujarat Co-operative Milk in communities with high lev- that the agricultural profession But, in the real world, per- consumers and producers— so ing to maximise economic AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENT AND are responsible for over 50% of Marketing Federation with 28 els of autonomy and internal is in today, as well as evidence fect competition is not so ‘per- that the market does not oper- value are sometimes faced COOPERATION agricultural production and lakh milk producers whose trust when people have a rea- on whether, and how, the state fect’ as it appears at first. That ate in the traditional way. This with a choice between two marketing in the world. It is no Amul brand is a household sonable expectation of influence and market have responded to means unless demand and is also precisely reflected in inefficient outcomes, i.e., inef- explore farmers' own institu- coincidence that the world’s name. It transfers 82% of its over the things that affect their the agrarian crisis that germi- supply reflect, respectively, all agriculture markets in India, ficient market outcomes with tions beyond the market and most successful and stable retail price to farmers in the lives. nated over six decades. the benefits and all the costs of where neither the producing or without government inter- the state. economies generally also hap- supply chain. A number of This is because unlike the The results after decades of producing and consuming a farmers nor the consuming cit- ventions. pen to have the world’s most equally successful coopera- market or state it is only collec- agriculture development sug- product, the prices determined izenry is satisfied with the Government should play Collective Action and co-operative economies. tives are running today in tive action and cooperation gests that farmers continue to in perfect competition may not prices. an important role in banking Cooperative Economics Farmer collectives are there- India and the need to promote where efficiency and equity be vulnerable to frequent necessarily be ‘perfect’ or ‘right’ However, government pol- and securities regulation, The collective action or fore viewed as an important them in the interest of small can be combined and the prof- episodes of losses in their eco- ones. icy interventions, such as taxes, channel investment support cooperative approach demon- element in linking smallhold- and marginal farmers is its arising out of their business nomic activity that neither If so, perfect competition subsidies, wage and price con- through direct transfers to strated by Elinor Ostrom and ers with modern markets immense. are returned to those who trade the state nor the markets have cannot ensure maximum trols, and regulations, may enforce contracts and proper- others challenges the current (input and output) as they pro- A unique initiative of Farmer with the business, thus keeping been able to mitigate. social welfare or markets fail to also lead to an inefficient allo- ty rights. The real challenge economic orthodoxy that there vide many benefits for this Producer Organisations the wealth generated by local achieve social efficiency. cation of resources, or govern- today is about finding the are indeed alternatives to state, interface. Further, primary (FPOs), which are member- businesses in the local commu- Market Economy and State Economists call this ‘market ment failure. Given the tension right balance between the privatisation and markets in producers’ organisations or based farmers’ institutions with nity for the good of the local In his book, Wealth of Nations failure’. In ordinary sense, mar- between the economic costs market and government and to generating wealth and human collectives are being correctly the objective of integration of environment and families. Purandeswari disagrees with AP reports no Covid Kala Venkata Rao deaths, 173 cases arrested for attack.... Somu Veerraju, gets an earful Continued from Page 1 January 2. PNS n VIJAYAWADA Meanwhile, TDP leaders The MP had visited the vil- and activists alleged that the lage after the idol of Lord PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM the party, voiced her opposi- The irate AP BJP chief, is party core committee meet- Andhra Pradesh on police are deliberately target- Rama at the temple was tion and tried to justify her learnt to have chided her say- ings, there has been no Wednesday reported no ing and arresting party cadres beheaded. He had performed If sources are to be believed, view with political reasons. ing:” “How can you still imple- instance of Purandeswari voic- Covid-19 deaths while 173 and leaders. pujas along with some YSRCP BJP AP president Somu “There is no use in imple- ment Chandrababu Naidu’s ing her opinion, BJP sources fresh cases were added to the Anticipating untoward inci- leaders. Veerraju gave former Union menting the idea of sending agenda? Should the BJP follow say. infection count and 196 peo- dents and protest from the Vijayasai Reddy lodged a Minister Purandeswari a piece holy water and soil from the his agenda and his political BJP and RSS leaders have ple recovered from the disease. Wednesday, Chittoor district cadre, the police deployed complaint with the Nellimarla of his mind for having state to Ayodhya as it would line? Should we dance to the been collecting donations for The states Covid-19 chart reported 46 fresh cases and huge force at Rajam when they police blaming Venkata Rao expressed her opinion against make the BJP once again the tunes of yellow media? Should the Ram temple at Ayodhya now showed 8,86,418 total Visakhapatnam 27. The affected the arrest of Kala and his supporters for the sending holy water and soil target for criticism from vari- the BJP give up its political line from traders, business people positives, 8,77,639 recoveries remaining 11 districts report- Venkata Rao. attack, and added that they from temples in Andhra ous quarters. It will also remind fearing criticism?” with the help of the local party and 7,142 deaths, according to ed less than 20 cases each. Earlier, TDP activists and were acting on the TDP supre- Pradesh to build the Ram tem- the people of Prime Minister An embarrassed leaders in the districts setting the latest bulletin from the After close to 1.27 crore leaders allegedly attacked the mo N Chandrababu Naidu ple in Ayodhya. Narendra Modi bringing holy Purandeswari looked towards aside the Tirupati state government. sample tests, the overall infec- convoy of Vijayasai Reddy and party AP chief K The outburst by Veerraju water and soil to build the cap- Union Minister Muralidharan poll campaign for a period of The active caseload reduced tion positivity rate fell below while he was returning from Atchannaidu who also visited came during the party’s mini- ital and also not for help but the latter was 15 days. to 1,637, it said. In the last 24 the seven per cent mark to Sri Kodandarama Swamy tem- Ramatheertham on the same core committee meeting held implementing his promise of reported to have remained Meanwhile, the party seniors hours ending 9 AM on 6.99. ple in Ramatheertham on day. at Purandeswari’s residence Special Category Status to AP”, silent. welcomed the suggestion of here. Purandeswari is believed to Purandeswari is known to Veerraju to send holy water Veerraju, who broached the have said. adopt a neutral approach at and soil to Ayodhya. topic, invited opinions from At this, Veerraju reportedly party meetings and her oppo- They feel that Modi bringing other leaders of the party. came down like a tonne of sition to opinion has come as holy water and soil to build To this, Purandeswari, who bricks on her, to the extent that a surprise. Amaravati should not be Jagan to launch door delivery is also the national secretary of she felt humiliated. Even while taking part in linked to Veerraju’s suggestion. Dalit youths BJP leaders meet HC: No action of ration supplies to all today on ABV for 3... Continued from Page 1 mobile app and each vehicle sidy from various Corporations ing ration cards to eligible accused of ... has to deliver the goods for an and Civil Supplies Corporation people across the State in just Continued from Page 1 Addl DGP, seek Using the volunteer system, average of 18 days per month. will be paid on a monthly basis 10 days from the date of apply- They suffered injuries on Continued from Page 1 quality rice will be distributed Nearly 9,260 mobile vehicles for a period of six years. ing in five categories, which are their legs, shoulders and Articles of charges have at the doorstep of the cardhold- were purchased at a cost of Rs Going into the details, 700 issuing new ration card, divi- back. nod for Rath Yatra been framed in December, ers by taking their fingerprints 539 crore to door deliver the vehicles from ST Corporation?, sion of a ration card, adding Their condition is stable, 2020, and the same has been and supplying ration in ration supplies and these vehi- 2300 vehicles from SC members to a rice card, remov- police said. The victims PNS n VIJAYAWADA to the police. communicated to the officer. reusable bags with precise cles were provided by the gov- Corporation?, 3800 vehicles ing members from a rice card belong to the Mala commu- He said party national level A Review Committee, con- weight. Every bag of rice is ernment at 60 percent subsidy from BC Corporation?, 660 and surrendering the rice card. nity, categorised as A delegation of AP BJP lead- leaders and Union Ministers stituted by the government, sealed and tagged with a to eligible beneficiaries through vehicles from Minorities From June 2020 till date, Scheduled Caste in the ers on Wednesday met will also participate. has reviewed the suspension unique code, leaving no scope various corporations under ?Corporation?, 1800 vehicles 4,93,422 new ration cards were state, while the accused are Additional DGP Ravishankar After a public meeting on and recommended that it be for adulteration. the Employment Guarantee from EWEB Corporation? issued, people were added in from the Kapu communi- Ayyanar and sought permis- February 4 at Kapila extended for 180 days further By fitting GPS to all mobile Scheme for unemployed youth. were provided to unemployed 17,07,928 new rice cards, ty. sion for the party’s proposed Theertham, the yatra will with effect from August 6, vehicles, cardholders will be The value of each vehicle is youth. 4,38,013 rice cards were divid- Venkateswara Rao told Rath Yatra, They submitted begin its journey. He hoped 2020, which was accepted by able to know the delivery Rs 5,81,000, of which Rs In addition to these, the ed totalling 26,39,363 rice the media, “On Monday, details of the rally along with that the police would not the competent authority. details real-time through the 3,48,600 was provided as sub- State government is also offer- cards. when we were going to a the route map. deny permission for the nearby village, we stopped As per the schedule, the ‘peaceful yatra’. “We hope at a shop in Gonthupadu Rath Yatra will start from police will give us permission village. While we were hav- Kapila Theertham in Chittoor to take up this peaceful yatra. Now, mystery illness grips West Godavari lages Biden, Kamala ing a discussion whether we district on February 4 and If they deny permission then Health should fill fuel from the crisscross Nellore, Srisailam, we will announce our action take guard in US bottles available at the shop, Guntur, Vijayawada, plan. As Hindus, we have Continued from Page 1 vegetables in water for at least Eluru mystery disease. Most of worker dies Santosh grabbed a bottle. Antarvedi, Pithapuram and every right to visit temples. All 30 minutes before cooking. the patients had consumed Continued from Page 1 When the shop owner finally reach Ramatheertham along the yatra, we will visit However, they recovered Medical camps have been chicken. "Today, we mark the swear- noticed this, she accused us in Vizianagaram district after the temples that have been after basic treatment. set up and a door-to-door It may be pointed out that ing-in of the first woman in after jab of stealing petrol and made a week. BJP state general sec- desecrated by miscreants. Is Blood samples of the survey is underway in the the high-level team formed American history elected to a scene asking if we were retary S Vishnuvardhan Covid protocol being followed patients have been sent for affected villages. Senior health with AIIMS and major national office, Vice- Continued from Page 1 the ones stealing hens in Reddy, who was part of the at the Christian meetings with tests, as also water and food officials have visited the area. research institutions had failed President Kamala Harris. As per the guidelines, post- their village.” delegation that met Ayyanar, large gatherings close to the samples. West Godavari District to pinpoint the reason behind Don't tell me things can't mortem would be conducted said that all the details, includ- DGP office? How are those People in the affected vil- Hospital superintendent AVR Eluru mystery cases. They had change," Biden observed. by a team of doctors. ing the meetings planned dur- meetings allowed?” lages have been advised to Mohan observed the symp- suggested a need for a long- Earlier, Trump walked out The district AEFI (adverse ing the yatra, have been given Vishnuvardhan Reddy asked. drink boiled water and soak toms are almost similar to the term study into the incident. of the White House for one events after immunisation) VISAKHAPATNAM last time on Wednesday and committee is examining the BULLION RATES headed to Florida. matter and it would submit GOLD In his final remarks before its report to the state AEFI leaving the White House, committee, the release said. ` Rs.49,800 (10 gm) Trump said, “We love the The state AEFI commit- ` 180 AP, TS top India Innovation rankings American people and again it tee would, in turn, furnish SILVER has been something very its report to the central PNS n HYDERABAD ` Rs.70, 600(1kg) Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, government in fostering a Innovation Index, released work is updated to include special. And I just want to say AEFI panel for taking a Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. culture of innovation through in October 2019, was a first- globally considered parame- goodbye, but hopefully it’s not view, it added. The inocula- ` 800 Telangana and Andhra Among Union Territories, initiatives like the Atal of-its-kind metric for assess- ters for measuring innova- a long term goodbye. We’ll tion drive began in the state Pradesh figured in the list of and North-Eastern and hill Innovation Mission, Startup ing the innovation capabilities tion, such as the percentage of see each other again.” on January 16. CHICKEN top-10 states in the country in states, Delhi and Himachal India, etc. is laudable. of Indian states and Union GDP spent on research and Niti Aayog’s India Innovation Pradesh occupy the top spots “The second edition of the Territories. “Since then, India, development, while keeping RATES `/KG Index ranking released on respectively. index will allow states to con- and the world, have under- them specific to the Indian Dressed/With Skin `138 Wednesday. “As the world grapples with tinue to evaluate their inno- gone a tectonic shift due to economy, it noted. Without Skin `157 While Telangana retained the Covid-19 pandemic this vation environment and the Covid-19 pandemic. With Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh its fourth place, neighbouring year, the significance of inno- assess their progress. The the pandemic triggering an Kant said, “I hope that the Broiler at Farm `95 Andhra Pradesh climbed vation is even more greatly division of innovation into economic shutdown, the role India Innovation Index 2020 three spots to reach seventh felt,” Niti Aayog vice chairman two dimensions, namely of innovation to revitalise can help the country recog- place, up from the tenth spot Rajiv Kumar said. innovation capabilities the economy has never been nise the key areas of develop- EGG it achieved last year. He added that while inno- (Enablers) and innovation more important,” the report mental intervention, with RATES `/100 Karnataka has maintained vation has always been pivotal outcomes (Performance) will said. The 2020 edition builds innovation as the central dri- its top position, while for higher productivity and give the states a better per- on the previous year’s ver for growth. NITI Aayog VISAKHAPATNAM 432 has leapfrogged economic growth, it is also spective for identifying the methodology by introducing will continue to take such ini- HYDERABAD 395 over Tamil Nadu to occupy crucial for bolstering a post- critical focus areas,” Rajiv more metrics to provide a tiatives that play a significant VIJAYAWADA 410 the second place followed by crisis economy. In this light, Kumar added. more holistic outlook of the role in promoting cooperative RETAIL PRICE `4.41 Telangana, Kerala, Haryana, the foresight of the Central The last edition of the India Indian economy. The frame- and competitive federalism.” (IN VISAKHAPATNAM)

Although every possible care and caution has been taken to avoid errors or omissions, this publication is being sold on the condition and understanding that information given in this publication is merely for reference and must not be taken as having authority of or binding in any way on the writers, editors, publishers, and printers and sellers who do not owe any responsibility for any damage or loss to any person, a purchaser of this publication or not for the result of any action taken on the basis of this work. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent court and forums in Delhi/New Delhi only. Readers are advised and requested to verify and seek appropriate advice to satisfy themselves about the veracity of any kind of advertisement before responding to any contents published in this newspaper. The printer, publisher, editor and any employee of the Pioneer Group's will not be held responsible for any kind of claim made by the advertisers of the products & services and shall not be made responsible for any kind of loss, consequences and further product-related damages on such advertisements.

Printed and published by B 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. THURSDAY | JANUARY 21, 2021 03

YSRCP holds TDP responsible for Officer appointed HC relief for SC, ST farmers Santhabommali incident for temple works booked under Atrocities Act PNS n VIJAYAWADA PNS n VIJAYAWADA “The Rahu-Ketu temple would be reconstructed at a Accusing leaders of the main Endowments Minister cost of Rs 70 lakh, Seethamma PNS n VIJAYAWADA Opposition party of inten- Velampalli Srinivas on Padalu at a cost of Rs 9.50 lakh, In October, tionally desecrating idols to Wednesday said that the State Dakshinamukha Anjaneya In major relief to 11 farmers farmers from create communal distur- government has appointed a temple at Rs 31.50 lakh, recon- from Krishnayapalem, the The YSRCP Govt’s failures reason bances, Minister for Animal nodal officer to start work on struction work for the AP High Court on Wednesday Krishnayapalem Husbandry and Fisheries reconstruction of nine temples Saneeswara temple will cost Rs ruled that they cannot be iblocked an auto Seediri Appalaraju on in Vijayawada that were 2 crore, Anjaneya temple booked under Sections of the on its way to Wednesday alleged that des- demolished by the previous below the Durga temple Rs 20 Scheduled Castes and Tribes for farmer suicides: Lokesh ecration of Nandeeshwar idol TDP government. lakh, Seetarama Lakshmana (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, take part in a at Santhabommali temple “Our Government has Dasanjaneya temple Rs 10 1989. protest in PNS n VIJAYAWADA of promises made on was the result of a conspira- already sanctioned funds for the lakh, Veerababu temple Rs 10 The farmers had filed a Amaravati by all the parties, cy by the TDP. reconstruction of these nine lakh and Gosala petition seeking quashing of support of the TDP MLC Nara Lokesh on he said. Addressing the media here, demolished temples and very Venugopalakrishna Mandiram the provisions of the Act Government’s Wednesday accused the Stating that the YSRCP he said that the conspiracy of soon, the reconstruction work Rs 20 lakh,” Srinivas said. against them. After hearing Jaganmohan Reddy lacked sincerity when it came TDP supremo and former would begin,” Srinivas said. The Minister alleged that their arguments, Justice M three capitals Government of not taking to service, Lokesh said that CM N Chandrababu Naidu He said that endowments former chief minister N Satyanarayana Murthy of the decision. remedial measures to prevent the CM was solely focused on behind the desecration of department additional commis- Chandrababu Naidu merci- AP High Court ruled that the farmer suicides on account of making easy money by sell- idols was exposed with the sioner-2 K Ramachandra Mohan lessly demolished temples Sections should be removed rising debts and failure of ing cheap liquor but not tak- Santhabommali incident, has been appointed the nodal when he was in power but the and dismissed the cases police, ironically, booked crops. ing steps for the supply of which took place under his officer to oversee the work. BJP never raised its voice against the farmers. them, along with four others, Lokesh expressed concern potable drinking water. direction. He claimed that Srinivas reminded that since its legislator was serving In October last year, farm- under the SC/ST (Prevention over how tenant farmer Katta The Eluru public health Naidu has been spreading lies recently, Chief Minister YS as the Endowments Minister. ers from Krishnayapalem in of Atrocities) Act. Lakshminarayana ended his blew out of control but the and falsely accusing the gov- Jaganmohan Reddy had laid “Now Naidu was perform- the State Capital region They were charged with life at Chandarlapadu in Government still has not ernment. “A case should be the foundation stone for the ing dramas with an eye on the blocked an auto on its way to obstructing some Dalits from Krishna district and left taken any preventive steps, he filed against Naidu under reconstruction of demolished Tirupati by-election and has take part in a protest in sup- neighbouring villages, who behind a letter narrating his alleged, adding that this was Section 153A for exaggerat- temples and the Endowment embraced the Hindutva agen- port of the State Government’s had come to Amaravati last woes. The tenant farmer hap- the reason that 28 persons ing religious matters, and department took initiative to da but the people are distrust- three capitals decision. week to stage demonstrations pened to be a sympathiser that the farmer from were not battling ill health at Sections 499, 500 for defam- start the work. ing him,” Srinivas said. On the same night, in support of the three capitals and supporter of the ruling Chandarlapadu wrote in his Poolla village in Bhimadole ing a political party or person, Mandal YSRCP plan. YSRCP, Lokesh claimed. letter that he was not able to mandal. just like during Gujarat riots,” SC cell president E Ravi Babu The Amaravati farmers In a statement, the TDP clear his mounting debt. Lokesh demanded the gov- the Minister stated. lodged a complaint with the alleged that the ruling YSRCP MLC deplored that though Lokesh lauded the ernment declared a health Appalaraju demanded to police. He said he was threat- leaders had brought outsiders over 753 farmers committed Amaravati farmers for con- emergency in Poolla to take know why TDP leaders rema- ened by farmers when he went to launch a counter-agitation suicide, the Government was tinuing their agitation for necessary steps for proper ined silent on the Santh- to pacify the farmers. in support of the three capitals not taking any steps to pre- the past 400 days despite the medical care. The ruling abommali incident, while they Police registered cases decision. vent the crisis. harassment and false arrests party leaders should come to made a huge ruckus over the against 11 persons under var- The farmers say that they The anti-farmer policies of made by the Government. the rescue of the public by Ramatheertham issue. ious sections, including the SC did not abuse them or attack the Jaganmohan Reddy gov- The farmers, women, youth ensuring safe drinking water “Desecrating Nandeeshwar and ST Atrocities Act. them. “We only questioned ernment has been causing and workers in Capital City rather than giving false state- idol was clearly recorded in The arrested farmers from their credentials while the distress among the cultiva- were waging a relentless bat- ments or trying to hide the CCTV cameras and the Krishnayapalem included five police filed cases against us,” tors, Lokesh claimed. He said tle for justice and fulfilment severity of the issue, he said. accused are followers of K SCs and two OBCs and the they said. Atchannaidu,” he alleged. SHORT TAKES Jagan acting like a Luggage sanitising kiosk SIT ordered not to interfere in Waltair Club civil row PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM submissions of DV Sitharam don: Jawahar Reddy starts at Vijayawada station Murthy that the term of SIT UV sanitisation and baggage wrapping services kiosk has been Terming it as a case of civil dis- had ended and it lacked juris- made operational at Vijayawada Railway Station to help protect pute and beyond the jurisdic- diction to inquire into the PNS n VIJAYAWADA Apassengers from Covid. The contract for the kiosk was awarded tion of the SIT, the Andhra properties of the club, enter- under NINFRIS (New, Innovative Non-Fare Revenue Ideas Pradesh High Court on taining any petition in a private Former Minister and TDP Scheme).P Bhaskar Reddy, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Wednesday stayed the probe civil dispute. leader Jawahar Reddy on Vijayawada Division inaugurated the kiosk set up at east booking into the Waltair Club land The advocates said the High Wednesday accused Chief office concourse (besides ‘May I Help U’ Booth) near the main dispute in Vizag initiated by the Court is of the view that the Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy entrance of Vijayawada Railway Station. The UV sanitiser facilitates State Government. whole process of SIT undertak- of acting like a cement mafia 360-degree sanitisation of luggage with the help of UV rays. After SIT chairman Vijaya ing an inquiry is unlawful, don and looting the public. Luggage wrapping charges also include sanitisation. Both these Kumar asked the Waltair Club without jurisdiction and with- In a twitter message, the services are optional and passengers can voluntarily get their to submit the original docu- out power and is liable to be former minister alleged that luggage sanitised by paying the nominal fees. Bhaskar Reddy said ment of the lease agreement interdicted by the High Court. the Chief Minister, with the that this was the first such arrangement and the division is expected with regard to 31 acres in its Additional Advocate help of cement companies activities,” the TDP leader to earn Rs 4.8 lakh per annum for the Railways. He also said that possession, the club manage- General P Sudhakar Reddy, owned by his supporters, were alleged, adding that the sale of Covid-care items is also permitted in the kiosk and appealed ment moved the High Court. appearing for SIT, argued that collecting an additional Rs 100 Government has been placing to passengers to avail these services for a safer travel. The club, located on 15 SIT was within its term and to Rs 150 per cement bag. orders with the companies of acres of prime land, was pri- under the Estate Abolition Act Kumar and DV Sitharam had power to examine any dis- “Did Jagan become the Jagan’s former accomplices. marily leased, on perpetual and by virtue of which they Murthy contended that the pute. Chief Minister only to pro- “The Government placed basis, from one Chetty family claim to be the owner of the prestigious institution was The court was however mote sales of Bharati an order to supply 2,28,370 Man accused of killing wife in the year 1900. land. awarded with Settlement Patta unsatisfied with the submis- Cements? Jawahar Reddy tonnes of Bharati cement, But according to the SIT But according to the docu- way back in 1964 and findings sions made and said interest of asked. 1,59,753 tonnes of India ends life officials, the authenticated copy ments available with the SIT, were rendered by various rev- Petitioner Waltair Club is to be He accused the CM of Cements and 1,50,325 tonnes of the lease agreement, though they claim that even the copy enue authorities that the protected, granting a stay on all denying livelihood to con- of Penna Cements,” he alleged. he sensational G Gayatri murder case in Chittoor district has registered, is yet to be made supplied by the District Property of Waltair Club is further proceedings before SIT struction workers just so that “To satiate Jagan’s lust for taken yet another turn, with the main accused committing available to it and it was not Collector does not satisfy the purely private in nature and the and further directed SIT not to he could earn money illegal- money, how many more con- Tsuicide on Wednesday. Delhi Babu, who was accused of brutally renewed after 1999. registration criteria. government has no claim over interfere with the title, posses- ly. “Nowadays, the state gov- struction sector workers murdering his wife Gayatri on Tuesday, had fled into the forest while The Waltair Club argues Arguing for Waltair Club, it. Ashwani Kumar further sion, occupation and affairs of ernment buys only Bharati should become scapegoats,” the police carried out a search for him. His body was found hanging that it got patta issued in 1951 senior advocate N. Ashwani argued that supplementing the the club. Cement for its construction Jawahar Reddy said. on Wednesday afternoon at East Palli area of Penumuru mandal. Gayatri had fallen in love with Delhi Babu and the duo had eloped to get married in Tirupati. The girl's father then lodged a complaint with the Penumuru police who summoned them for “counselling”. The Why is Jagan police then separated them when the young woman changed her Ex-Sarpanch murder GVMC demolishes Kamat hotel mind and said she would stay with her parents.Delhi Babu who mum on SCS, thought that Gayatri was ignoring him decided to kill her. In this backdrop, Gayatri, who was on her way home on a two-wheeler with case solved, six held asks TDP MP her relatives on Tuesday, was waylaid by him at Kothur and stabbed. 1st floor for CRZ rule violation The girl died while being shifted to Vellore in Tamil Nadu for PNS n VIJAYAWADA the culprits in the case. PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM PNS n VIJAYAWADA treatment. Previous enmity led to the Guntur police on Wednesday murder of Ankulu,” the SP Continuing its demolition drive TDP MP Kanakamedala said that they have cracked the said. against encroachment of gov- Ravindra Kumar on murder of former TDP He said that on January 3, ernment land and Coastal Wednesday demanded the Vizag cops crack Rushikonda sarpanch P Ankulu by arrest- Chinna Koteshwara Rao Regulation Zone (CRZ) viola- YSRCP Government to ing six suspects. informed the victim that party tion, GVMC officials, with the explain why it was not exert- resort theft, recover gold Addressing the media in leaders had come to meet support of the police, on ing pressure on the Central Guntur, SP Vishal Gunni ruled him. Chinna Shankara Rao Wednesday demolished the Government to fulfil fulfill- Cracking the major burglary that had been committed hours before a out any political motive and Chinna Koteshwara Rao first floor of the popular Kamat ing major State bifurcation wedding function at a private resort in Rushikonda, Vizag city police behind the murder. went to the apartment by Hotel at Lawson’s Bay Colony promises like the Special have arrested 29-year-old Pokathota Gangadhar and recovered over He identified the six auto, Anka Rao and Ramesh on the Beach Road. Category Status for AP. 530 gm of gold jewellery worth over Rs 30 lakh. According to the accused as Karpurapu Venkata reached on a motorcycle. GVMC found that the first Ravindra Kumar demand- police Gangadhar had been in prison for a different crime. Soon after Kotaiah, Gurram Ankulu came in a car and floor was unauthorised and ed to know why the YSRCP his release, Gangadhar planned to scale the resort wall and steal Venkateswara Reddy, Pottasiri entered the apartment. constructed in violation of MPs and Ministers were ornaments and valuables during a marriage function in the resort. China Sankara Rao alias They served food mixed CRZ norms. Also, a part of the keeping details of Chief A clue left by the thief helped the cops crack the case after four Sivaram, Mekala China laced with sleeping pills. When hotel was on government land. Minister YS Jaganmohan weeks of manhunt. To solve the case, the cops visited various places Koteswara Rao, Pottasiri Anka Ankulu started feeling drowsy GVMC chief city planner RJ Reddy's Delhi tour a closely in Andhra Pradesh and other states as well. The burglary incident Rao and Addanki Ramesh. and tried to call his driver, the Vidyullatha said that the tive zones,” she said. against them. We are also guarded secret. “It’s unfortu- took place on December 24 in a well-known resort near Rushikonda Four teams were formed accused gagged and murdered demolition drive against unau- “When the government checking CRZ violations nate that in his Delhi visit, the beach in the wee hours when the family members and relatives of and led by police officers of the him. thorised and illegal construc- announced its plans to make along the stretch. We have CM has not reminded the the bride were asleep.ity police chief Manish Kumar Sinha said that CI rank under the supervision The police teams using the tions will continue. “We have Vizag the executive capital, received complaints about Centre of its promise on they have solved the case with technical evidence and he appreciated of Gurazala DSP. latest technology to identify asked town planning officials many started constructing the violations by the facility Railway Zone,” the TDP MP the efforts of his team. The accused Gangadhar, an orphan, is a “Free, fair and frank inves- the accused, the SP said. and employees to report ille- compound walls illegally. We and action was taken,” said. native of Vijayawada city and had worked as a waiter in a restaurant tigation was carried out to nab gal structures in their respec- have taken up a special drive Vidyullatha said. He recalled how Jagan and in Vizag. He was involved in 18 property offences when arrested. YSRCP leaders promised to the people to pressurise the Central Government to con- CID team to visit villages fer SCS if their party was Only ‘safe’ autos to be allowed to ply in Vizag given a sizable number of ‘converted' by pastor Pravin MPs. “Though the YSRCP PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM ers will be required to get the collect details of the drivers, has 22 MPs, it’s unable to exert leuths of the Crime Investigation Department (CID) will number painted along with the authenticate these details, pressure on the Centre, for visit the villages which pastor Pravin Chakravarti has Vizag police will verify the cre- name of the respective police cross-check violations by the reasons best known to its Sclaimed to have converted into 'Christian villages'.“Our dentials of auto-rickshaw dri- station limits on the front, left, drivers, and other misde- leaders,” Ravindra Kumar said. team will visit the villages and find out if the pastor has indeed vers and allow only those with right, and rear of the vehicles. meanours. He asked the Government converted the people,” said Superintendent of Police, cyber- no history of crime and traffic The police have decided to Later, the crime wing police to explain whether or not crime wing, Radhika.The pastor was recently arrested for den- violations to ply their vehicle take up this initiative to curb will cross-check if there is any undue favours were given in igrating a religion and making provocative speeches on social at night in the city. While 3,500 crime. A senior police officer criminal history of the drivers. giving bulk cement orders to media. A native of East Godavari district, Sodadasi Pravin auto drivers have already been said that with more and more “If the auto-driver is found Bharati Cements, India Chakravarti is chairman of some Christian institutions, includ- verified, another 1,500 will be auto-rickshaws hitting the to have committed any crime Cements and Penna ing Mother Theresa Schools, KTC Children Home, PVRM added to the list. roads for the past few years, against passengers, or had Cements. It was well known Educational Society and Shalom Blind Centre.The SP said Auto-rickshaws plying in coupled with issues like change been an accused in dacoity, the Chief Minister's family the team has so far seized electronic devices belonging to Vizag city limits will now have in ownership of the vehicles burglary, robbery, or other holds 49 percent stake in Pravin found during searches of his properties. “Our teams a unique numbering system and address, the department cases, we will not allot the Bharathi Cements of which are visiting villages to check his claims regarding conversion for identification. As per the has decided on a unique num- unique number to those peo- YS Bharati Reddy is also a activities. A check on his financial dealings is also on. The new system, the auto-rick- bering system to identify the ple. As per the new system, if director, the MP said. raid is in connection with a video in which the pastor claims shaw drivers will be verified by owner and driver. ADCP the auto-rickshaw driver com- The Government had also to have attacked temples," the police officer said. In a video, traffic and crime wing police (Traffic) Ch Adinarayana said mits any crimes, he can be raised cement rates abnor- the pastor claimed to have kicked idols of Hindu gods. with a database to fish out their The police have initiated the drivers have been indulging in there are around 25,000 auto- traced on the basis of the mally only to give excessive CID officials were acting on a complaint lodged by one history and a unique number process after observing that crime to earn easy money. rickshaws plying in Vizag city vehicle’s unique number,” he benefits to these companies, Singam Venkata Sri Lakshminarayana of Guntur. will be allotted to each vehicle. some of the auto-rickshaw Drivers of the three-wheel- limits. The traffic police will added. he alleged. THURSDAY | JANUARY 21, 2021 04 BJP plans 90 ‘shakti kendras’ in Will raise Amaravati issue in Parliament, says Jayadev Sagar to continue winning streak PNS n VIJAYAWADA Guntur MP and TDP leader MARTHI SUBRAHMANYAM tom of the spectrum with a didature as they feel that he Galla Jayadev said that he n HYDERABAD population of over 3,000. would be able to match would raise the issue of Leaders of these communi- Congress strongman Jana Amaravati movement in the To continue the winning streak ties will be deployed to woo Reddy in all respects. forthcoming Parliament ses- in Nagarjuna Sagar by-poll too, voters depending on the caste New entrant to politics sion and would work till last the BJP has drawn strategy. equation. Indrasena Reddy is also aspir- for the protection of Amaravati As part of the strategy, the The constituency in-charge ing for the ticket. as only capital of AP State. party is planning to set up its said that the BJP would fire on In fact, it is not a cakewalk MP Jayadev participated in own survey wing and establish all cylinders to snatch a victo- for the BJP to defeat the the Amaravati Sankalpa Rally 90 shakti kendras, one for ry deploying Union ministers Congress veteran Jana Reddy ogranised to mark the comple- every three polling booths, in and state leaders for the cam- in the absence of a strong BJP tion of 400 days of Amaravati the justice would not change and take the issue of Amaravati the constituency. paign. leader in the constituency. movement. and stated that Amaravati to his notice and now would To campaign for the party, "Nagarjunasagar by-poll will The BJP is optimistic that a Telugu Yuvatha Ravipati farmers would get justice from meet union law secretary seek- the BJP will draw party work- set the agenda for the fall of repeat of Dubbak by-poll Saikrishna, CPI state assistant the Courts. ing protection of Amaravati as ers from seven mandals and and identifies the most influ- strong presence in the con- TRS government. We will work would take place in secretary, leaders of MP Jayadev praised the only Capital of AP State. M two municipalities. ential person in the wards? stituency with a population of from the grassroots level to Nagarjunasagar too. The BJP Communist parties and farm- efforts of Amaravati farmers Jayadev said that he with other The survey wing will assess They also study local factors, 39,000 followed by Yadavs, prove the BJP's critics's predic- does not rule out giving ticket ers participated in the rally in for conducting continuous MPs would raise the strengths and weaknesses of including caste, and submit a 32,000. The Reddy population tions about the saffron party to Anjaiah Yadav in the event which MP Jayadev drive a protests for the past 400 days. Amaravati issue in the the candidates of the rival par- report to the party to enable it is put at 26,000. wrong," he said. of the TRS fielding a family tractor in support of Amaravati He alleged that the YSRCP Parliament session which ties. For every 70 voters, a to formulate poll strategies. Out of the 22,000 SCs, The BJP has not been yet member of the deceased MLA farmers. government did not have sen- would start on January 29. panna pramukh will be State unit vice-president and 13,000 belong to the Mala finalised the candidate, but Nomula Narsimhaiah. Recalling the High Court sitivity hence it did not Meanwhile, former minister appointed, besides a 25-mem- former MLA Sankineni community. The Mudiraj com- aspirants Anjaiah Yadav and Congress nominee Jana verdict on insider trading relat- respond to Amaravati move- and TDP senior leader ber booth committee. Venkateswara Rao, who has munity population is put at Sridhar Reddy are in the race Reddy has already transformed ed Amaravati lands, Jayadev ment. He asserted on the need Devineni Umamaheswara Rao The party's vigilante teams been appointed in-charge for 8,500. The strength of fisher- for party ticket. However, party into poll mode and has begun stated that the HC verdict of converting Amaravati tried to join the rally but the will estimate the impact of var- the by-poll, started holding man population, Munnuru activists recommend party meeting leaders of various proved the campaign of YSRC movement into a State wide police did not allow him hence ious castes in voting and report consultations with party work- Kapus and the Gowdas is put ticket to the latter. caste groups and has been government about insider movement to take the truth to he conducted Deeksha protest back to the party. The report ers. According to party at 5,000 each. The party activists incline holding meetings with local trading totally false. He said the masses. He said that earli- in his house expressing solidar- deals impact of castes in wards sources, Lambadas have a Kammas figured at the bot- towards Sridhar Reddy's can- leaders. that judges can be changed but er MPs met home secretary ity to Amaravati farmers. ‘Mission Bhagiratha’ is reason BJP has sights set on Mulug for joining TRS, says Errabelli SAMPATH SUNKARI Veeraiah. n MULUG Garikapati DCC President Nallella PNS n SIDDIPET Mohan Rao Kumaraswamy is allegedly The unprecedented victory of playing a key role is keeping Rural Water and Sanitation BJP in Dubbak bypoll and strengthens aside the followers of Veeraiah. Minister Errabelli Dayakar GHMC elections has certainly party from In TRS party too, followers TSPSC to hold Rao went candid on Wedn- boosted the morale of party lead- grassroots in of former minister Chandulal esday, admitting that it was ers and cadre in the entire state. are distancing themselves from departmental test Mission Bhagiratha, the flag- Cashing in on the opportu- Mulug, forms him ever since he lost seat in ship programme of the TRS nity provided by the recent vic- booth-level and 2018 to Seethakka. government that attracted him tories, BJP leader and Rajya Several MPPs and ZPTCs of from January 27 to the ruling party. Sabha member Garikapati district level TRS party are said to be PNS n HYDERABAD "Though I was heading the Mohan Rao, is taking all mea- committees unhappy over the step-moth- opposition party then, I decid- sures to strengthen the party in erly treatment of Mulug party Telangana State Public Service ed not to criticise Chief the Mulug district. in-charge Kusuma Commission will conduct Minister K Chandrashekar Ever since, Mohan Rao took Elections. Mohan Rao may gain give an Jagadeeshwar. Departmental Tests, Nove- Rao after seeing how efficient- over as the party incharge of Subsequently, Mohan Rao added advantage to the saffron As Mulug seat is reserved for mber- 2020 session, from ly Mission Bhagiratha was the Mulug district, he is active- joined the BJP in 2019 and party in the days to come. Even, STs, segment in-charge is being January 27 to February 3. The being implemented in the ly participating in the party grabbed the attention of party people from Kamma communi- given to ZP Chairman about tests which are OMR based State. I then decided to resign from far away places," he said. mitment since new houses are activities. national leaders. ty may also come into BJP fold which aspirants from Tribal will held in the offline mode from the TDP and join TRS," Though successive govern- being built everyday across the He has organised a couple of Mohan Rao has been asso- as he belongs to Kamma com- community is in pathetic. in nine district headquarters of the Minister said, addressing a ments in erstwhile . meetings at NSR Hotel and ciated with Mulug constituen- munity. Row over AMC chairman the State including Hyderabad State level meeting on Mission Pradesh had spent lot of Secretary to Chief Minister party training session at cy since 1978. He worked as a Dissidence in Congress and post clubbed with Ranga Reddy Bhagiratha implementation at money on drinking water sup- Smitha Sabharwal said the Jangalapally in the district in pulp contractor in BILT TRS Govind Naik who took VRS and HMDA limits. Candidates Komatibanda near Gajwel in ply, they could not resolve the Union government has certi- December last year. He has also Kamalapur unit and was later It is learnt that there is dis- from government service and who applied for the examina- the district. problem permanently, he said, fied that the Telangana govern- constituted booth-level and elected from the segment. He sidence in brewing within the joined TRS in 2001 is being tions can download their hall Pointing out that the water adding that people used to drill ment had completed Mission district-level committees. was a trusted lieutenant of Congress against Mulug MLA ignored by the party high ticket from the Commission’s grid programme was first borewells spending thousands Bhagiratha since they were Mohan Rao, on Monday, former minister Chandulal Seethakka alias Dhanasari command. During 2018 website www.tspsc.gov.in from implemented in Siddipet by to meet drinking water needs. successfully supplying drink- successfully organised meeting and played a crucial role in the Anasuya. The followers of two Assembly polls he was denied 5 pm on January 21, the Chandrashekhar Rao, he said "And now, the Chief Minister ing water to 56 lakh house- with over 2,000 cadres which victory of MLA Seethakka time MLA Podem Veeraiah of MLA ticket and was promised TSPSC said in a press release the TRS, after coming to has implemented a project holds. is said to have created tremors from Mulug in 2009 polls. Mulug was denied a nominated post. on Wednesday. power, subsequently replicat- that ensures supply of filtered "We achieved this feat with- among TRS and Congress Going by the political devel- In 2018 Assembly elections, Subsequently, Govind Naik Hall tickets should be pre- ed it across the State. He surface water to each and in a short time because every party circles in the segment. opments in the segment, the Congress denied ticket to was appointed as AMC served carefully for future thanked the engineering staff every household in the State at engineering official from It may be recalled that Mulug is likely to witness a tri- two-time MLA Podem Chairman. In the meantime, needs as duplicate hall tick- who worked relentlessly for the their doorstep," Dayakar Rao Engineer-in-Chief to Assistant Garikapati Mohan Rao worked angular fight in the next assem- Veeraiah from Mulug and was the Adivasi tribals filed a suit ets will not be issued under successful completion of said. Engineer worked with com- as publicity in-charge for for- bly elections in 2023. shifted to Bhadrachalam. against Govind Naik stating any circumstances, it said. In Mission Bhagiratha. Thanking those who played mitment," she said. Engineer- mer TDP chief and former Speculation is rife that dis- When Veeraiah was shifted that Chairman post should be case of any difficulty in "During my political career a role in successful completion in-Chief Krupakar Reddy, CEs, Chief Minister of the united sident leaders and cadres of Bhadrachalam, his followers given to Agency area tribal can- downloading the hall tickets, spanning four decades, I have of the works, the Minister SEs, EEs, DEs and AEs from all Andhra Pradesh Chandrababu TRS and Congress party are shifted loyalties to Seethakka. didate as per PESA Act. In all the candidates can contact seen people toiling hard to called upon them to continue the districts have attended the Naidu when he organised Bus likely to join BJP. Moreover, However, she is reportedly likelihood, Govind Naik's help-desk contact number fetch a pot of drinking water the work with the same com- meeting. Yatra during 2014 General philanthropic activities of ignoring the followers of appointment could be nullified. 040-22445566, it added. Special camp to solve AHTU rescues ‘Isolation rooms, PPE kits Aadhaar-related problems 26 child labourers mandatory in all schools’ PNS n RAJANNA SIRICILLA PNS n HYDERABAD Vikas Kumar. Manhunt is PNS n MEDCHAL launched to nab the other Collector Krishna Bhaskar on As part of operation smile, the accused involved in the case. Medchal-Malkajgiri District Wednesday advised the people Rachakonda anti-human traf- Out of total rescued chil- Collector Swetha Mohanty on to make best use of the camp ficking unit (AHTU), con- dren, 18 are boys and eight are Wednesday said that necessary being organised to solve prob- ducted raids and rescued 26 girls between the age group of arrangements should be made lems related to Aadhaar details. minor children, in four sepa- 15 and 17. These children in government and private "We are organising a special rate cases, who were employed belong to states of Jharkhand schools across district in the camp to solve Aadhaar related for work against the labour (9), Chattisgarh (7), Bihar (3) wake of the state government's problems which could not be laws in liquor bottle cleaning Madhya Pradesh (3), decision to start classes for stu- solve locally for the conve- companies, furniture manu- Telangana (3) and West Bengal dents of Classes IX and X from nience of the people of the dis- facturing workshops and (1). These minors are coun- February 1. trict," the collector said. samosa-making firms in seled and handed over to their Addressing a review meet- The Collector, along with Yadadri Bhongir district on parents. The accused used to ing at her office, the Collector UIDAI Additional Director Wednesday. pay 25 paisa for washing one directed the officials to ensure General Satyanarayana, light- Grant timely permits for new The police have also arrest- empty liquor bottle and Rs 300 that only 20 students attend the District Education Officer, tions immediately so that the ed the lamp and inaugurated ed four persons for exploiting for a day to each child work- classes in a classroom and officials of all the Welfare applicants could receive a copy the camp at Sinare Art Gallery the children for labour. ing in furniture and cooler only one student must be Departments andothers of the documentation, land in Siricilla. Krishna Bhaskar units, Collector tells officials The accused persons were manufacturing firm. The allowed to sit on each bench. attended the meeting. order copy and e-pass book said that the people of the dis- identified as Challa Bapu accused used to pay an Medical and hygiene teams within the stipulated time. District Collector Krishna Bhaskar on Wednesday directed the Collector clears 100 pening trict need not go to Hyderabad authorities concerned to grant timely permits to those who have Reddy, Beeram Venkat Reddy, amount of Rs 50 for making must be set up on the premis- She explained that the reg- for getting their Aadhaar issues applied for setting up of new industries in the district. The Collector Panjala Veeranna Goud and 100 samosas. es of each school, she said. mutations istrations of agricultural lands solved. The camp would be presided over a meeting of the District Industries Promotion She advised the officials to District collector Swetha made by the farmers in held for two days, he added. Committee held at his camp office and discussed with the committee set up two isolation rooms in Mohanty cleared 100 pending Dharani were hundred per Speaking on the occasion, members on the issue of granting permits to industries. Speaking on every school and two Personal mutations on Dharani portal cent cleared and that no UIDAI Additional Director the occasion, Krishna Bhaskar said that timely permission should be protective equipment (PPE) till Wednesday. A review applications were pending. General Satyanarayana said granted for new rice mills, stone crushers, welding shops, cement kits should be made available. meeting was held with The Collector also directed that people from different dis- bricks, etc. to be set up in the district. Also, Rs 148.50 lakh has been Every student should necessar- Tahsildars on Dharani portal the authorities to complete tricts come to Hyderabad sanctioned to 57 SC / ST candidates who have purchased vehicles ily take permission from their at Collectorate. the registrations and muta- Regional Office to get their through the industrial subsidy scheme, the district collector said. parents to attend the classes, She asked the officials to tions from time to time Aadhaar problems solved. she added. complete the pending muta- immediately. Imposters held in Hyderabad Another 15 mw Singareni solar power synchronised with Transco PNS n HYDERABAD that those outside would think PNS n HYDERABAD Limited (SCCL) Chairman and solar power. 300 megawatts ance 44 megawatts in the first that they were from the police Managing Director N. Sridhar Singareni solar power to be phase is to be completed by the The father-son duo, who were or security force. Another 15 megawatts from said in a release here. ready by December this year, end of next month and erection moving around in a car that The police arrested the duo, Singareni Solar Power plant has Earlier, 15 megawatts was however in the first phase of the of 90 megawatts plants in the had stickers declaring them as Murali Chand, 66, and his son been synchronised with synchronised with the grid. setting up of solar power plants second phase have to be com- the Intelligence Bur-eau (IB), Durga Bhavan Sun-dar, both Transco at Ramagundam-3 With this out of the 129 throughout Singareni area is pleted by May,2021. 30 per cent was caught by the Nallakunta residents of Bagh Amberpet. area power plant on megawatts capacity in the first almost completed. 30 of usage through solar power Traffic Police during a regular Enquiries reveal-ed that that Wednesday to fulfill 30 per cent phase 85 megawatts Singareni megawatts from Manuguru, 30 plants only in Ramagundam check. The car also had an they had the 'Inte-lligence power needs of Ramagundam solar power has been synchro- megawatts from Ramag- region, he said. emblem that resembled that of Investigation Bureau' as an region. nised with Transco and the bal- undam-3, 15 megawatts from Since the balance of 44 a government department organisation in 2018. Posing as Out of the 50 megawatts, ance 20 megawatts division Yellandu and 10 megawatts megawatts installation will be stuck on it. Apart from this, special investigation officials, Singareni solar power plant at will be synchronised by the end from Singareni thermal power completed from the first phase there was a very high freque- they roamed in the modified car Ramagundam-3 area, another of next month, he said. plant have already been syn- of 129 megawatts, 18.55 million ncy wireless set akin to those with stickers, police said. There 15 megawatts solar division He congratulated the officials chronised with Transco. units' solar power would be used by the patrol vehicles that was no confirmation yet on was synchronised with TS with this, a total of 30 synchronised with Transco, concerned and staff on the syn- Sridhar instructed the solar generated from the first phase was placed inside the car so whether they cheated anyone. Transco on Wednesday and megawatts solar power has Singareni Collieries Company chronisation of 15 megawatts division officials that the bal- plants by March. THURSDAY | JANUARY 21, 2021 nation 05 Ministers start 10th round of talks Active caseload slips below 2 lakh after nearly 7 months with protesting farmer unions PNS n NEW DELHI India's COVID-19 active case- PNS n NEW DELHI load has fallen below the 2- lakh mark after nearly 7 The tenth round of talks Union leaders reject suggestion months and comprises just between protesting farmer 1.86 per cent of the total infec- unions and three central minis- of alternative route for rally tions, the Union Health ters got underway here on PNS n NEW DELHI Haryana, have been protesting at Ministry said on Wednesday. Wednesday to break the over-a- several Delhi border points It said that 72 per cent of month-long deadlock on the Farmer unions opposing the against the laws for the last 56 the active cases are concentrat- three new agri laws. Centre's new agri laws on days and unions representing ed in Kerala, Maharashtra, Ministers Narendra Singh Wednesday rejected a sugge- them have begun holding tractor Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Tomar, Piyush Goyal and Som stion by police officers to hold rallies at villages in Punjab to West Bengal. Parkash, who is an MP from their proposed January 26 mobilise people for the Thirty-four states and UTs Punjab, are holding the talks tractor rally on the Kundli- demonstration on Republic have less than 10,000 active with the representatives of Manesar-Palwal Expressway Day.During the meeting, "we cases. around 40 farmer unions at the instead of Delhi's busy Outer discussed several points with "The active cases have fall- Vigyan Bhawan here. Ring Road, sources said. Union police officers on our tractor en to 1,97,201.This is the low- The tenth round of talks was leaders and officers of the Delhi, rally on January 26", a senior est after 207 days. The total initially scheduled on January Uttar Pradesh and Haryana farmer leader said. Joint Com- active cases were 1,97,387 on Loss of smell may be best sign 19, but later got postponed to police forces had met at the missioner of Police, S S Yadav June 27, 2020," the ministry Wednesday. SC irked over aspersions cast Vigyan Bhawan here to discuss coordinated the meeting from underlined. of Covid, research confirms In the last round of talks, the the route and arrangements of the Delhi Police, according to the A total of 16,988 people PNS n NEW DELHI smell back after forty days. government had asked protest- on members of committee the proposed rally on Republic sources.Police officials from have recovered in a span of 24 "This differs from the picture we Republic Day after the apex court ing farmers to prepare a concrete PNS n NEW DELHI Day.The sources said that the Haryana and Uttar Pradesh were hours. This has led to a net Loss of smell may be the best see with other viral infections and proposal about their objections said it was police matter. On the farmer leaders were suggested also present at the meeting, they decline of 3,327 from the total predictor of COVID-19 among causes long-term discomfort for issue pertaining to the commit- and suggestions on the three The Supreme Court Wednesday by the police officers to take out said.The meeting comes on a active caseload, it said. patients with symptoms of patients, both in relation to food tee, a bench headed by Chief farm laws for further discussion expressed strong displeasure their rally on the KMP Expres- day the Centre withdrew its plea India's daily new cases are respiratory diseases, according and social contact, while at the Justice S A Bobde said it had over the aspersions cast by sway, but they did not agree.The seeking an injunction against the to new research. The findings of same time causing them worry," at their next meeting to end the appointed experts in the panel as on a steady decline which has some farmers' unions on Outer Ring Road passes through proposed tractor rally on two new international studies, Fjaeldstad said.The researchers long-running protest. the judges are not experts on the also contributed to the shrink- members of the court-appointed several areas of Delhi such as January 26 after the Supreme published in the journal Chemical also found that the sense of taste But, unions stuck to their subject. Controversy had erupted age in active caseload, it under- committee to resolve the Vikaspuri, Janakpuri, Uttam Court said "it is a police matter". Senses, show that there is was also significantly reduced, to main demand of a complete after the apex court appointed scored. impasse over new farm laws and Nagar, Burari Peeragarhi and The police have the "authority" to frequent loss of smell in COVID- 69.0 on a scale from 0-100, repeal of the three Acts. the four-member committee as "Globally, India has one of said it has not given any Pitampura. There might be deal with the issue pertaining to 19 patients which often lasts for adding the remaining sense of Thousands of farmers, main- some of the members had earlier the lowest daily new con- adjudicating authority to the another round of talks with the the proposed tractor march in a long time. Over 4,500 COVID- feeling in the mouth was also ly from Punjab, Haryana and reportedly expressed their views firmed COVID-19 cases per panel. The Centre, meanwhile, police officers on Thursday, a Delhi on Republic Day, said a 19 patients from a total of 23 reduced to 37.3 on a scale from western Uttar Pradesh, are and favoured the contentious million population in the last withdrew its petition seeking farmer leader, who attended the bench comprising Chief Justice nationalities responded to the 0-100. "While the loss of smell in protesting at various border farm laws, following which one 7 days," the ministry said. injunction against the proposed meeting, said. Thousands of S A Bobde and Justices A S researchers' questionnaire. itself removes the ability to sense points of Delhi for over a month of the members had recused As on January 20, 2021, a tractor rally by farmers on the farmers, mostly from Punjab and Bopanna and Ramasubramanian. The studies found that the the aroma of food, the now against the three laws. himself. total of 6,74,835 beneficiaries have received the vaccination. average loss of the sense of simultaneous loss of the other In a span of 24 hours, 2,20,786 smell was 79.7 on a scale from senses make it difficult to people were vaccinated across 0-100, indicating a large to register what you're eating. 3,860 sessions. A total of complete sensory loss. Putting food in your mouth can Centre withdraws plea in SC Farmer dies after consuming poisonous substance 11,720 sessions has been con- "This emphasises how important therefore become a decidedly PNS n NEW DELHI had allegedly committed suicide ducted so far. The total recov- it is to be aware of this symptom, unpleasant experience," against farmers' tractor rally by consuming poison a few ered cases stand at 1.02 crore. as it may be the only symptom of Fjaeldstad added. A farmer who allegedly onsumed kilometres away from the protest "The total recovered cases the disease," said Alexander The study is of interest both to PNS n NEW DELHI you to withdraw. You are the a poisonous substance at the site at the Tikri border. A Sikh have crossed the active case- Wieck Fjaeldstad from Aarhus patients suffering sensory loss as authority and you have to deal Tikri border died during treatment preacher, Sant Ram Singh, had load by one crore a few days University in Denmark. well as clinicians and researchers The Centre Wednesday withdrew with it. You have the powers to at a hospital here on Wednesday, also allegedly ended his life near ago. The gap presently stands The research found that only who work with diagnostics and its plea seeking an injunction pass orders, you do it. It is not police said. The deceased has the Singhu border protest site at 10,048,540," the ministry around half of patients with a following-up on COVID-19, the researchers said. against the proposed tractor rally for the court to pass orders..," been identified as Jai Bhagwan claiming that he was "unable to highlighted. loss of smell got their sense of on January 26 by farmers the bench said in the hearing Rana (42), a resident of Pakasma laws. Sadly, it is not a movement bear the pain of the farmers". protesting against the new farms conducted via video village in Rohtak district of now, but a fight of issues. The Thousands of farmers, mainly laws after the Supreme Court conferencing. After the Haryana. He had consumed talks between the farmers and the from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar said "it is a police matter". observation of the apex court, Sulphas tablets at the farmers' Centre also remain deadlocked," Pradesh, have been protesting at NCP takes dig at INDIA CORNER The police has the "authority" to the Centre withdrew the plea protest site at Tikri on Tuesday, he wrote in the letter. Deputy various border points of Delhi for deal with the issue pertaining to filed through Delhi Police they said.In a purported suicide Commissioner of Police (Outer) A over two months demanding BJP over Guj’s the proposed tractor march in seeking an injunction against the note, Rana said he was a small Koan said the man was taken to repeal of the three laws -- the Must decide on tie-up for Goa Delhi on the Republic Day, said a proposed tractor or trolley farmer and many peasants have Sanjay Gandhi Hospital by CAT Farmers' Produce Trade and bench comprising Chief Justice S march or any other kind of taken to the streets to protest ambulance where he passed Commerce (Promotion and bid to rename Assembly polls in advance: NCP A Bobde and Justices A S protest which seeks to disrupt against the Centre's new farm away during the course of Facilitation) Act, the Essential Bopanna and V Ramasub the gathering and celebrations of laws. "The government says it is a treatment. He added that legal Commodities (Amendment) Act, dragon fruit he NCP's Goa unit chief Jose ramanian. "We have told you that the Republic Day. matter of only two to three states, proceedings under CrPC have and the Farmers Agreement on PNS n Philip D'Souza on Wednesday we will not issue any direction. It The hearing in the matter is still but farmers from all over the been initiated in the matter. Price Assurance and Farm Tsaid like-minded parties in the is a police matter. We will allow continuing. country are protesting against the Last month, a lawyer from Punjab Services Act. The NCP targeted the BJP coastal state should decide on an over the Guja-rat govern- alliance in advance for the upcoming ment's decision to rename state Assembly polls, instead of dragon fruit as 'Kamalam', waiting till the last minute. Delhi BJP demands 13,000 cr saying the time may not be far D'Souza was speaking to reporters in when the saffron party would light of party supremo Sharad ‘dues' from Kejriwal govt TMC seeks release of defence start calling the country as Pawar's visit to the state."The decision on having a pre-poll alliance "Kamalastan". with like-minded parties should be taken in advance, without waiting PNS n NEW DELHI city government pay the The BJP has now started till the last minute," he said.Pawar is on a private visit to the coastal "dues". "branding itself on fruits also," state, during which he will also meet the NCP's local leadership. A ministry book on Azad Hind Fauj last-minute decision will steal the time to prepare from candidates, Delhi BJP leaders and workers The AAP leadership has NCP chief spokesperson demanded Rs 13,000 crore been attacking the BJP alleg- PNS n KOLKATA He claimed that the Prime then UPA government said Mahesh Tapase said in a state- D'Souza said, adding that he will be discussing the same with Pawar "dues" from the Kejriwal gov- ing "corruption and misman- Minister's Office and the more details will be added to ment. Gujarat Chief Minister during his visit. Many leaders from other political outfits have been ernment for the party-ruled agement" in the three munic- Days before India celebrates defence ministry have several the book before its release, a Vijay Rupani on Tuesday said approaching the NCP, but the final decision on their request municipal corporations, dis- ipal corporations ruled by the the 125th birth anniversary of files on Netaji and his exploits proposal turned down by a sin- his government has decided to will be taken by the party high command, he said. The state playing banners and posters at party. Recently, Deputy Chief Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, lying with them, all under gle bench of the High Court. rename dragon fruit as legislative Assembly elections in Goa are slated to be held in March, flyovers and foot overbridges Minister Manish Sisodia the TMC on Wednesday wraps. "I have raised the issue The court ordered the book 'Kamalam'. Reacting to it, 2022. in a protest across the city on announced that Delhi the gov- demanded that a book chron- many times in the Rajya cannot be edited further and Tapase said, "The BJP has now Wednesday. ernment will provide Rs 938 icling the history of Azad Sabha," he said. Roy also point- had to be released in its orig- started branding itself on Delhi BJP vice president crore to the municipal corpo- Hind Fauj (INA) - compiled by ed out that Bengal Chief inal form. "Subsequently, the fruits also. We fear that the Drug peddler held with Virender Sachdeva claimed rations to pay salaries to its the history division of the Minister "Mamata Banerjee, government moved the divi- time may be not far when they the campaign aims to make employees. defence ministry decades ago however, released all Netaji- sion bench and the case is still would start addressing Hind- mephedrone worth Rs 1.10 cr people aware about how the "Doctors, nurses, sanitation -- be made public. related files available with the pending," the Rajya Sabha MP ustan as Kamalastan." The Kejriwal government is workers and other employees TMC MP Sukhendu Sekhar state government". explained. BJP's election symbol is lotus, olice have arrested a drug "depriving " the party-ruled of municipal corporations Roy, during a press meet here, Talking about the defence He claimed that pages from which is called 'kamal' in peddler in Mumbai and MCDs of their "dues" of Rs have not been paid salaries due said the book, edited by ministry manuscript on INA, 186 to 191 of the book had said . Rupani said the gov- Pseized mephedrone, a 13,000 crore because of polit- to the funds held back by the historian P C Gupta, is still he said Chief Information Netaji did not die in a plane ernment has applied for a banned drug, worth Rs 1.10 ical reasons. Kejriwal government. No awaiting release, as both the Commissioner (CIC) of India, crash, a conclusion also arrived patent to change the nomen- crore from him, an official said Delhi BJP media cell head money has been released so far UPA and the NDA govern- responding to an RTI filed by at by the Mukherjee clature of dragon fruit, which on Wednesday. Acting on an Navin Kumar said they were despite Sisodia's announce- ments at the Centre did not some Chandrachur Ghosh of Commission -- which was is largely grown in Kutch, information, the Mumbai displaying large banners and ment," said party spokesper- take any initiative to get it pub- Haryana in 2009, had formed by the then Congress Navsari and different parts of police's anti-narcotics cell laid posters demanding that the son Virender Babbar. lished. ordered its release. "...but the government. Saurashtra, to 'Kamalam'. a trap on Tuesday and apprehended the 44- year-old man in Tardeo area, he said. He was carrying a bag from which the police recovered 1.10 kg of mephedrone, a banned synthetic stimulant, valued around Rs 1.10 crore, the official said he said.The Biden to sign 15 executive orders on day one as president accused, a resident of J J Marg here, has been allegedly involved in selling drugs since last few years, the official said.The police are n WASHINGTON to advance his agenda — trying to find out where the accused got mephedrone and have also including signing 15 executive launched a search for his associates, he said.A case has been Hours after being sworn in as actions and asking agencies to Biden's immigration bill proposes registered against him under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs the 46th US president, Joe take steps in an additional two and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, he added. Biden would sign 15 executive areas. This compares to two to eliminate per country cap orders -- including rejoining day one executive actions from the Paris climate agreement, a Biden's four predecessors in the n WASHINGTON Describing this as a common- 2021 Assam polls to be held keeping 100-day mask mandate and White House combined,” sense approach to solving reversing the Muslim ban -- incoming White House Press Joe Biden, hours after being immigration challenges, focusing in mind Rongoli Bihu, CBSE exams on what works, the US undoing some of the major Secretary Jen Psaki said. sworn in as the 46th President, hief Election Commissioner Citizenship Act 2021 creates a policies of his predecessor Biden will continue to take will send a comprehensive Sunil Arora on Wednesday roadmap to citizenship for a Donald Trump. action over the next 10 days — immigration bill to Congress said the 2021 Assam population that lives and works C Biden's first presidential and over his entire time in which among other things assembly polls will be held in the United States. actions would also include office — to address the four proposes to eliminate the per taking into consideration the January 1, 2021 is the cut-off sending a comprehensive bill crises that he's laid out, she country cap for employment- Rongali Bihu festival in April and date for those undocumented on immigration to the said. Biden will sign executive based green cards, a move that the CBSE board examinations for workers. Two-thirds of Congress, incoming White orders, memoranda, directives would benefit hundreds and students of class 10 and 12. The undocumented immigrants have House officials said. and letters to take initial steps thousands of Indian IT assembly elections will be been in the US for 10 years or The immigration bill pro- to address COVID-19 pan- professionals in the US, whose completed before the CBSE longer. It provides an immediate poses a eight-year pathway to cards, a move that would ben- for legal permanent residency demic, providing economic current wait period for legal board exams which are pathway to green cards for illegal immigrants and remov- efit hundreds and thousands of runs into several decades. relief, tackling climate change permanent residency runs into scheduled between May 4 and individuals who meet certain ing the per country cap for Indian IT professionals in the "President-elect Biden is tak- and advancing racial equity, several decades.Called the US June 10, he said. "We have already taken the festival into criteria as they were dreamers or employment-based green US, whose current wait period ing historic action on day one officials said. Citizenship Act of 2021, the consideration before coming here for the review meetings," he told have been recipients of the legislation modernises the reporters here. The commission is aware of the festivals held in the Temporary Protected Status immigration system, according states, the CEC said. He said the commission has also held (TPS), or are farm workers and to an incoming White House discussions with CBSE officials to decide on the poll schedule."We Joe Biden nominates transgender woman as assistant health secy meet certain criteria.They can official.It prioritises keeping have decided that the election process will be completed before the apply for citizenship three years n WASHINGTON the Senate. Describing the Post reported on Tuesday. moment and beyond,” Biden said families together, grows the board exams which will start from May 4," he said.The elections will later. For those who don't meet nomination of Levine for the post “Dr Rachel Levine will bring the in a statement.Levine, who country's economy, responsibly be held in strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols, Arora said, those qualifications, there will be President-elect Joe Biden has as historic, Biden said she would steady leadership and essential currently is Pennsylvania's manages the border with smart adding that the number of auxiliary polling booths would be another path to citizenship, nominated Rachel Levine, lead his administration's health expertise we need to get people secretary of health, has risen to investments, addresses the root increased. "The number of electors at each polling station has been where they would be in an currently Pennsylvania's top efforts amidst the pandemic. through this pandemic — no national prominence for leading causes of migration from Central restricted to 1,000 as against the existing 1,500," he said.He also interim status for five years. health official, as the next The announcement makes Levine, matter their zip code, race, the state's public health response America, and also ensures that urged the state election authorities and the people to ensure "fair, Afterwards they would be eligible Assistant Health Secretary of the a 64-year-old pediatrician, to be religion, sexual orientation, to the coronavirus pandemic, the US remains a refuge for peaceful and COVID safe polls". The full bench of the to apply for citizenship within US, a move that could make her the first openly transgender gender identity, or disability — despite repeated and ugly attacks those fleeing persecution, said commission, on a three-day visit to the state since Monday, had three years after becoming green the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by and meet the public health needs on her gender identity, the report the official, who spoke on held discussions with the representatives of political parties and card holders. federal official to be confirmed by the US Senate, The Washington of our country in this critical said. condition of anonymity. officials of the government to review poll preparedness. THURSDAY | JANUARY 21, 2021 op nion 06 www.dailypioneer.com facebook.com/dailypioneer | @TheDailyPioneer | instagram.com/dailypioneer/ PAPER WITH PASSION Let the leaders lead Like elsewhere, prominent personalities of India should The usual suspects get the shots so that the common citizen feels reassured hen the virologists in different countries The SC-appointed panel to talk to farmers comprises a neo-con economist, developed vaccines for Coronavirus, there was Wa sense of relief and jubilation globally and peo- a seed terrorist and a policy sahib, which has given rise to mistrust ple could not wait for the inoculation drives to begin. However, that euphoria turned into fear, distrust and vaccine hesitancy when side-effects and deaths began to be reported in nations like Norway, the UK, the US, and so on. In India, too, two people died after getting vaccinated on January 16 but, after the post-mortem reports came in, the Government declared that the deaths were in no way related to the COVID-19 jab, INDRA SHEKHAR SINGH but to cardiopulmonary disease. Of course, the scep- s 2021 began, the tics will take this statement with a pinch of salt. However, Supreme Court (SC) appears to have got a even if we were to attribute these deaths in India to taste for drama as it the vaccines, we must not let such incidents cloud our vision. If one were to look at the Apitched a “biased committee” larger picture, the number of infections and deaths globally due to the pandemic till now against the revolutionary, but peaceful, farmers camping on is 96,700,231 and 2,067,913, respectively. In India, the number of infections has been Delhi’s borders. Why biased? 10,596,442 and the casualties have touched the 152,754-mark. As compared to this, Because all the four original of the 6,31,417 healthcare workers who have been vaccinated so far across 11,660 members had unequivocally sup- ported the farm “reforms”. But sessions in India, only nine adverse events requiring hospitalisation were reported. So, the apex court believes that they just 0.18 per cent minor adverse events have been reported and only 0.002 per cent will remain neutral; and Chief of them needed to be hospitalised. According to the Health Ministry, this figure is in fact Justice of India SA Bobde orally observing that if a person on a the lowest, so far as we know, in the world. So, it does not take a genius to understand panel has expressed views on the that the advantages of getting the jab far outweigh the disadvantages. Plus, in such huge matter, it should not become vaccination drives as the world is undertaking right now, adverse effects and some casu- ground for his disqualification from a committee and that “com- alties are to be expected, particularly among the old, infirm and people with allergies. mittee members are not judges; But the fact remains that globally, scientists and Governments are responding very quick- they can change their views”. ly and, apart from the strong adverse event surveillance, they are being flexible and vig- Meanwhile, Bhupinder Singh ilant to finding out the causes and issuing directives on who can safely take the vaccine Mann rejected the SC’s offer to be part of the committee and said he and who cannot. For instance, Norway has adjusted its advice on who should be admin- stands with Punjab. The three istered the vaccine by giving individual doctors the discretion to make this decision. remaining members, who pledge In India too, Bharat Biotech, the company that developed Covaxin, is warning peo- to be “non-partisan”, have only rious as the poster child for Big curious as to why did the SC’s similarly, the American pink inate our native cotton seeds added to the mistrust of farmers Ag in India. His policy recom- advisors think of this interna- bollworm and fall armyworm and biodiversity. Last year ple with weak immunity and other medical conditions to consult a doctor before get- because the media may see them mendations are hailed by the tional body? Does India have a have mysteriously entered alone, he caused a damage of ting inoculated and, if possible, to avoid it altogether. However, till now the other vac- as honourable but, to farmers, industry and vehemently dearth of swadeshi agricultur- India. We don’t know what new over `400 crore to the legal seed cine that is also being used, AstraZeneca’s Covishield, has seen a good response. Though they are simply a neo-con econ- opposed by farmers, whether ists or agrarian policy experts? disease could be in store next? businesses, from Maharashtra omist, a known seed terrorist and on GM crops or farm-gate lib- Why the swerve from A note on the history of to Telangana. Due to such fly- India is battling vaccine hesitancy even among healthcare workers, the Centre plans to a policy sahib. eralisation. His economic mod- Aatmanirbhar Bharat on poli- the organisation: SS founder by-night operators, the legal press on with the inoculation drive. This is because the Government realises that pan- Let us go back to the start of els, to many farmers, are allied cy matters? This name in the Sharad Joshi, a farmer leader for cotton businesses are finding demics can be contained only when people become resistant to the disease-causing this mess. After repeated failure to the US industry interests and committee exposes the invisible few, was a pariah in the nation- their seed lots contaminated by of talks between the NDA not to the welfare of Indian hand behind the farm “reforms”. al farmers’ resistance move- this unapproved variety and, in pathogen. There are two ways to acquire herd immunity: One, on exposure to the pathogen, Government and the farmers, farmers and consumers. Gulati’s Finally, we move to alleged ment. His stance on the World fact, many seed companies people develop antibodies and immune response in the body and; second, the body devel- petitions were filed in the SC models are a disservice to ‘seed terrorist’ Anil Ghanwat, Trade Organisation (WTO), have been taken to court and ops antibodies when the vaccine is administered. Allowing the natural spread of a dis- which gave them a patient ear Gandhi’s bread labour. Some who is the president of Shetkari inclusion of agriculture into their licenses suspended, yet and even admonished the Centre would go so far as to say that his Sangathana (SS). It didn’t take the General Agreement on Ghanwat’s SS proliferates. They ease to generate herd immunity is not desirable as it comes at the cost of avoidable mor- for its “handling of the issue”. economic schizophrenia is so illegal seeds from China to Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and continue to do irreversible bidity and mortality. With mass vaccination against COVID-19, the Government is deter- There was some jubilation when advanced for what he called the reach the US or India in May the Dunkel Draft alienated damage to our environment mined to protect the people. We must help it in every way possible. We are a big coun- farmers were teased by names “1991 moment” for Indian agri- 2020 for any member of the him from the farmers who and health. The seed officials such as “P Sainath” to be includ- culture, has turned out to be the cotton seed industry to under- resisted this takeover in the late have booked various members try, and rolling out vaccines to 1.3 billion people is not an easy task. But we are a very ed in the committee. But the cel- biggest farmers’ revolution in stand the term “seed terrorism”. 90s. His obsession for “technol- for some of these offences, yet determined country that successfully eradicated smallpox and polio. We have the resources ebration was short-lived; it was as the history of our world. India has been an area of oper- ogy” and “progress” was only the ring leader — instead of and the experience. With the hard work of those leading and implementing the campaign if the SC was testing the waters Next we move to ‘policy ation for many such illegal meretricious. His Frankenstein being reprimanded — has been before delivering the master- sahib’ — Pramod K Joshi, who seed schemes which want to still lives eating into the elevated to a power position. and with the support of people, we are bound to succeed in our gigantic vaccination stroke: Four pro-Big Ag names is the director for South Asia, destroy India’s native seeds, profits and health of maize The judiciary is an inde- drive. However, if the Government truly wants the people to embrace the immunisation were invited to the committee. International Food Policy public health and seed indus- to oilseed farmers. pendent pillar of Indian democ- drive, prominent leaders of the country should get the shots like they did in other nations, They being men of the law, we Research Institute. Without try by using criminal means. Following the same tradi- racy, and in no way should it be so that the common citizen can feel reassured. The leaders of the country need to lead can’t expect the judges to under- going too much into details ‘Seed terrorists’ smuggle and tion, the SS has openly violat- under pressure to echo the will stand much about agriculture but about his personal views, the peddle unapproved foreign ed the Environment Protection of the Government of the day. from the front and not let the common man feel like the proverbial guinea pig. whosoever advised them, has organisation he represents is seeds on India’s soils and fields. Act, National Biodiversity Act For, if they acquiesce, Indian put the integrity of India’s top heavily funded by the Big Ag They claim that it’s good for the and various other criminally democracy will be dented. By court in quagmire. Mann’s polite corporations and allies. The farmers but actually, as the past punishable legislations by ille- appointing a committee with- refusal provides grist for this fact. Syngenta Foundation year has shown, sound the gally planting and peddling an out consultation, the SC may Recently, committee member (Switzerland), The Rockefeller death-knell for Indian biodiver- unapproved genetically modi- also have committed the same What’s in a name? Anil Ghanwat has expressed fears Foundation (United States), sity and public health as these fied organism (GMO) HT Bt mistake as the Government. that the farmers may not even CropLife International seeds can be a gateway for get- Cotton in Maharashtra. This The CJI, if he wants the farm- participate in the proceedings. (Belgium), Bill & Melinda Gates ting new pests or plant diseases HT Bt cotton is a herbicide tol- ers and people to restore their Rather than quibbling over Netaji’s birth anniversary, the How unbiased are the three Foundation (United States), into the country. In a bid to erant (HT) cotton variety that faith in the judiciary, should dis- remaining members — Ashok Cornell University (United protect our biodiversity, the is unapproved by the Genetic band the committee for now Governments should have celebrated the event together Gulati, Anil Ghanwat and Pramod States), the US Department of Rashtriya Swayamsewak Engineering Appraisal and evaluate the members’ pro- Kumar Joshi? With a demonstrat- Agriculture (United States), Sangh’s (RSS) own Bharatiya Committee (GEAC). The SC’s file. People like Ghanwat and n the face of it, one would consider it a matter ed history of promoting and KPMG East Africa and Alliance Kisan Sangh has led a cam- technical committee on GM his organisation who openly of great national pride and patriotism, though advocating for Big Ag and US- for a Green Revolution in paign in Maharashtra against crops had also a few years ago defy the rule of law, should be a little belated, that the Union Government has style liberalisation, the apple does- Africa (AGRA) are some of the this hazardous contamination put a moratorium on HT crops punished, not honoured. O n’t fall far from the tree. Ashok biggies to generously donate to and to curb the illegal spread of due to bio-safety issues. Despite (The writer is the Director – decided to celebrate the birth anniversary of one of Gulati, our neo-con economist, his kitty and push a global agen- HT Bt Cotton. Keep in mind this, Ghanwat’s organisation Policy and Outreach, National India’s greatest nationalist icons who worked hard in despite having worked in the da through this organisation in that COVID entered the coun- has been unabashedly part of a Seed Association of India. The the quest for the nation’s Independence, Netaji Subhas Government for decades, is noto- countries like India. Farmers are try using humans as a gateway; criminal conspiracy to contam- views expressed are personal.) Chandra Bose, on January 23 as ‘Parakram Diwas’. However, the political controversy the announcement S O U N D BITE has kicked off is quite unnecessary and unsavoury, Like millions of Indians, I am The high-speed rail is a Nachave is a vivacious number No adversity could stop them, to put it mildly. There are allegations and counter- jubilant and proud at your successful demonstration of that will definitely make frontline players injured, & won charges that the decision has been taken to usurp the heroic and historic victory at China's independent you tap your feet. I always try after a remarkable turnaround legacy of the revolutionary leader, who was actually Brisbane. Your performance, innovation. China is now a to deliver a different and from the depths of 36 all out, against incredible odds, has world leader in high-speed rail unique experience to music inspiring for others. Kudos, born in Cuttack, Bengal Presidency, British India. While technology. brought glory to India. lovers. India! the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) Congress interim president Chinese President Singer Former Pakistani cricketer Government in West Bengal and the NDA Government at the Centre are in tandem on Sonia Gandhi Xi Jinping Daler Mehndi Wasim Akram the issue of celebrating Netaji’s birth anniversary, the bone of contention is the nomen- clature the event should have: The Centre wants to call it ‘Parakram Diwas’ while the TMC and the All India Forward Bloc — which was founded by Netaji and emerged as L E T T E R S T O TH E EDITOR a faction within the in 1939 — demand that the day be cel- ebrated as ‘Desh Prem Diwas’. Both the parties are also angry that they were not con- Kudos, Team India! Shun politics, stand united against China Public holiday policy sulted when the decision was being taken. The Culture Ministry recently issued a noti- Sir — What Team India pulled Sir — It is a welcome move by the fication stating that in order to “honour and remember Netaji’s indomitable spirit and off in Oz — a Test series win — his refers to the editorial ‘Remove Chinese ham- Supreme Court to seek the is no mean feat. It was a glorious let' (January 20). With China changing the sta- response of the Union selfless service to the nation”, the Government has decided to celebrate his birthday victory in the game of uncertain- Ttus quo by constructing a village five km inside Government on policy frame- every year as ‘Parakram Diwas’. But the TMC leaders are sticking to their guns that it ties, the memory of which will be the disputed territory in Arunachal Pradesh, the work for declaring public holi- should continue to be called ‘Desh Prem Diwas’ (the State-level celebrations have been long cherished. Watching a ongoing tension between the two superpowers is days. A PIL complained that the bunch of plucky Indian young- going to escalate. Centre and State Governments held at Darjeeling since 2014) and that January 23 should be declared a national hol- sters playing so well against the It appears that the Communist regime is hell- arbitrarily notify public holidays. iday as Netaji was a national leader and the head of the Azad Hind Fauj, and “these world’s best team in a match that bent on strengthening and extending its territorial It is true that the Governments two aspects are not clearly reflected” in the name ‘Parakram Diwas’. otherwise looked like being a claims in violation of the international agreements declare public holidays on their David and Goliath contest was an and multiple treaties. The Chinese side doesn't whims and fancies to appease a With West Bengal Assembly elections on the cards, and especially when it comes to uplifting experience. respect the McMahon line, the demarcation between section of population or vote Netaji’s birth anniversary, no party wants to let the opportunity to lure the voters slip from The absolutely stunning Tibet and India's Northeast, and constructs structures bank. This is because in the its hands. The State is expected to go to the polls in the first half of this year with the BJP victory at Gabba is sweeter in the areas claimed by it. The development came as not even united over the issue. It sends a very wrong absence of any guidelines or pol- hoping to wrest power from the TMC after emerging as the second-biggest party in Bengal because it was achieved in a Test the Chinese and Indian troops are locked in a bitter message to the world and is a setback to India's glob- icy regarding the declaration of that showcases skills, standoff in eastern Ladakh since May 5 last year and al image. The leaders, belonging both to the Opposition public holidays, the Governments in the 2019 general elections. The regional party’s leaders have gone so far as to claim subtleties and sophistication multiple rounds of military and diplomatic-level talks and the ruling dispensation, should talk and build con- use the opportunity to consolidate that it was a “stunt” by the NDA Government keeping in mind the upcoming Assembly more than any other format and failed to achieve any breakthrough. sensus to deal with the matter in an effective and effi- their vote banks. poll in West Bengal, and “not a mark of respect” to Netaji. The family members of Netaji it was clinched by exceptionally The recent development has given yet another cient manner. India's territorial integrity is not a politi- At a time when we need to work talented boys hailing from dis- opportunity to the Opposition to take on Prime Minister cal matter and it cannot be compromised for the sake diligently and incessantly with full also put their weight behind ‘Desh Prem Diwas’, saying that the name would have been parate and diverse backgrounds Narendra Modi and the NDA Government. It is disheart- of politics. devotion, increasing the number more appropriate “but we’re happy with the announcement”. Hectic preparations have already from across the country. For the ening that at a time when President Xi Jinping-led China Bhagwan Thadani of holidays will decrease our pro- commenced for the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji in Kolkata, both by the State Government legions of Indian cricket fans, is undertaking such misadventures, we as a nation are Mumbai ductivity and output. It will make and the Centre. While the TMC Government has planned a massive procession in Kolkata, India lifting the coveted Border- the Government employees Gavaskar Trophy was a fairytale India’s jabs gain repute and the MEA is receiving requests the final stages of approval. This lethargic and would give rise to the Centre is also making preparations for a grand event at the Victoria Memorial Hall, where ending. for the export of these vaccines. step will help develop internation- a dilly-dally approach towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be present. Petroleum Minister Dharmendra For most Indians, cricket is Sir — We should feel proud that It is a welcome move by India to al cooperation and take India’s work. The need of the hour is that an absolute religion. The bounc- the vaccines developed in India supply the life-saving vials to six diplomatic relations to a new high the Union Government should Pradhan will participate in a programme in Cuttack, Odisha, where Bose was born. Another ers and racial slurs and other have been tagged as the least risky countries. India is supplying it to and, as Prime Minister Narendra frame a national policy for declar- programme will be held in Haripura village in Gujarat’s Surat district where Bose was elect- tricks tried by the host could not across the world. This is indeed the nations who need it the most Modi said, we are indeed hon- ing public holidays. ed the president of the Indian National Congress in 1938. But the bottom line remains that make up for what it lacked to a great achievement and a testi- like Bhutan, Maldives, oured to have this opportunity to Amit Singh Kushwaha the true respect and honest tributes to Netaji had been if both the Governments had joined snatch a victory from a resurgent mony to the expertise we pos- Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar serve the world during the Satna and exuberant Indian team. sess in the sector. and Seychelles. It is also consid- COVID pandemic. hands to celebrate the 125th birth anniversary of one of India’s greatest sons who strove G David Milton With all these titles, our vac- ering the applications by three Kavya Shah Send your feedback to: to free India from the iron clutches of the British Empire. Tamil Nadu cines are gaining a huge demand other nations and these too are in Ujjain [email protected] THURSDAY | JANUARY 21, 2021

www.dailypioneer.com analysis 07 FIRSTCOLUMN A risky POINTCOUNTERPOINT FARMERS WANT TO TAKE OUT A TRACTOR RALLY ON OVER 5,000 TRACTORS IN THE CITY CANNOT BE business THE OUTER RING ROAD IN THE CAPITAL, AS THEY ALLOWED, AS THEY CAN GO ALL OVER DELHI. IT'S INTEND TO CELEBRATE REPUBLIC DAY. LIKELY TO CREATE PROBLEMS. Share redemption is like a double-edged sword. —ADVOCATE —ATTORNEY-GENERAL The very advantage associated with it can backfire and become a major disadvantage PRASHANT BHUSHAN KK VENUGOPAL Don’t be an anti-vaxxer HIMA BINDU KOTA he recent announcement by the Gas Authority of India Limited There have been minor adverse events across India since the vaccination drive began (GAIL), pertaining to its share buyback worth over `1,046 crore on Jan 16. However, surveillance has been strong and will remain so in future, too Tas it looked to return surplus cash to bondholders — the biggest being the Centre — is perfectly in tune with the Government’s efforts to raise funds for containing the rising fiscal deficit. The company’s Board approved repurchase of the `6.97 crore dividend, which is about 1.55 per cent of the total paid-up capital, at a price of `150 per share. The Indian markets may see similar announcements by other Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) like Coal India Limited, National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd and National Mineral Development Corporation in days to come. GAIL has also declared an interim dividend of `2.50 per share for the coming year. This share buyback forms a part of the target set by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for raising `2.1 lakh crore from the disinvestment of PSUs in 2020-21. Share redemp- VM KATOCH tion is the process by which companies buy their own dividends which are traded on the bourses at the market value, and in addition to its accines go a long way in managing, control- stock, is a preferred way to repay cash to the shareholders. Paying ling, eliminating deadly, sometimes debil- dividends to bondholders is an expensive affair as it increases the cost Vitating infectious diseases. Smallpox was the of equity. Therefore, paying off shareowners through buybacks is less first example of a dreaded disease, with a mortal- expensive and reduces the overall cost of the capital. Since 2016 through ity rate as high as 30 per cent, being eradicated by 2018, it was one of the most favoured ways of returning excess cash a vaccine. But it was a long journey from the devel- to bondholders. In 2018, Indian stock markets witnessed bond repur- opment of the vaccine to the elimination of the disease. Edward Jenner, an English physician, was chases worth `54,600 crore. This run was somewhat stalled in 2019 the first to demonstrate the effect of a vaccine in by the Government’s decision to tax these transactions. As many as 1796. 70 companies announced share buybacks to the tune of `35,460 crore The World Health Organisation (WHO) ini- in the first half of 2019. In the 2020 Budget, however, the new tax tiated a campaign to eradicate smallpox in 1959, regime made share buybacks lucrative once again. but despite their best efforts, smallpox was still There are several reasons why firms buy back shares. First, to widespread in 1966, causing regular outbreaks in consolidate their stake as diverse and numerous policyholders or own- multiple countries. Then in 1967 efforts were inten- ers make it difficult for the company to take an undisputed decision, sified and scientists came up with a higher qual- as numerous stakeholders with voting rights indulge in a power tus- ity freeze-dried vaccine, bifurcated needle and a sle. By redeeming shares, companies increase their voting rights and stringent surveillance system. India achieved the target of eradication of smallpox in 1975 after a exercise more control over governance. For instance, OYO’s share buy- very intense vaccination and containment cam- back from Sequoia and Lightspeed in 2019 increased the stake of Chief paign. So, it took almost 200 years, when on May Executive Officer Ritesh Agarwal from a meagre 10 per cent to 30 8, 1980, the 33rd World Health Assembly official- ALLOWING per cent, increasing his say in decision-making. Second, by redeem- ly declared the world free of the disease. THE NATURAL ing its shares, a firm sends positive signals about its future prospects Smallpox is not the only example. Over the SPREAD OF and growth potential. A company may also believe that the current years, vaccines emerged as a powerful tool to pro- DISEASE TO stock price is undervalued and takes it as a good opportunity to increase tect populations against various disease-causing GENERATE its bondholding keeping in mind future prospects This is known as organisms. Our scientists have developed vaccines HERD IMMUNITY the signaling effect. Third, share repurchase is one of the best uses that provide complete or partial protection against IS NOT for any idle cash reserve companies might have, especially when there diseases such as plague, cholera, rabies, polio, DESIRABLE AS vaccine drive would generate. It has also Apart from aspects related to sci- the vaccine as we go into the mass vac- measles, rotavirus and influenza among others. created the physical infrastructure for the ence, for a vaccine campaign to achieve cination phase. are not enough chances to invest the excess money. THIS COMES AT When COVID-19 hit the world last year, sci- THE COST OF storage and transportation of the vaccine. its target, it may have to overcome var- Whether it is smallpox or polio, we However, share redemption is like a double-edged sword. The entists across the globe came together to develop This sounds like the Government ious social and political challenges as were able to eradicate the disease with very advantage associated with it can backfire and become its dis- an effective vaccine against it. Interestingly, with- AVOIDABLE had to do too much in too short a time. well. Every time, we introduce a new vac- a targeted approach. First, implement it advantage. While competing in a high growth industry, buyback may in 10 months of decoding the virus' genome MORBIDITY AND But times have changed and viruses are cine there is vaccine hesitancy. People at a wider scale. Slowly, identify the prob- not be considered a positive step as it may give an impression that sequence, many vaccines were not only developed MORTALITY. becoming smarter. With humans trav- have a lot of concerns — some of them lematic areas. There could be places the firm does not have enough avenues to invest its idle cash reserve. but tested for their safety and efficacy. With vac- WITH MASS elling across the world, viruses too are are genuine while some arise out of where the disease prevalence could be Long-term investors respond to such share buybacks by selling their cines we have achieved an important milestone in VACCINATION travelling to all nooks and corners of the rumours and misconceptions about higher than the rest of the country, tar- stakes. For instance, IBM’s buyback announcements between 1995 our fight against COVID. It is a matter of pride AGAINST globe. As a result, an endemic turns into how the vaccine can affect their health. get that area. Then there could be pock- and 2000 made investors apprehensive about the company’s ability that two vaccines have become available in India. COVID-19, THE an epidemic and an epidemic turns into There are many historical examples of ets where people would be more hesitant to bring out new products and services. Further, share repurchase is One has been fully made in India and the other GOVERNMENT IS a pandemic in a blink of an eye. As we such lack of communication or miscom- to vaccines, target that area with clear has been developed in partnership and manufac- all know, this is what happened with the munication becoming barriers in India communication strategies. not an isolated event and has to be always viewed in conjunction with DETERMINED TO tured in the country. Till now, India had been try- PROTECT THE Coronavirus too. So, the fight in these which could be overcome by establish- Communicate with the community, the other performance parameters. For instance, it will not send a posi- ing to slow the spread of the infection and con- times is not only against viruses, but also ing good connection with people and local leaders, address their concern. After tive signal about the future growth potential to the investors if prof- trol the number of Coronavirus cases without a PEOPLE. WE against time. Especially where the their leaders. Hence, peoples' concerns some time, the country could face yet itability is declining or the financial outcomes are showing otherwise. vaccine through conventional and known MUST HELP IT IN COVID-19 is concerned. should be identified, addressed as fast another wave of COVID, or issues of Basically, there are three ways in which companies buy back their approaches like using masks, social distancing, EVERY WAY BY A new strain with the potential to as possible by sharing scientific facts with mutant variant(s) may emerge. We need shares. Open market repurchase is the most common buyback mech- hand hygiene, detection of cases, isolation, con- GETTING RID OF spread faster has appeared in the UK, them and in the language, they can a robust disease surveillance mechanism anism in which firms announce redemption of a certain number of tact tracing and testing. Progress in medical man- OUR VACCINE and several other countries, including understand. Providing complete infor- to handle any such situation and contain bonds through a Press release but do not give details of price, tim- agement through modern as well as traditional HESITANCY India. There are many pockets in the mation in an effective way, maintaining the outbreak before it spreads. ing and execution of the deal. In fixed-price tender offers, companies medicine systems has also contributed to preven- country which are still not exposed to the the confidence of people in information Pandemics can be contained only invite shareholders to sell their dividends to the firm at a fixed price, tion and improved treatment outcomes in the virus. We don't know how the virus is from authorised Government sources as when people become resistant to the dis- country. going to behave in the coming months. well as the mainstream media is as ease-causing pathogen. There are two generally at a premium rate to the prevailing market price, within a While all these methods will remain relevant It can come back in small waves, then important as the logistics of providing ways to acquire herd immunity-one, on given time frame. While in auction-based tender offers, firms disclose till the virus is defeated, building the immune spread to newer areas and we may also vaccines with highest standards of qual- exposure to the pathogen people devel- their willingness to pay a premium and seek tenders from owners for capacity of individuals and the population through see another severe wave. Hence, we need ity. This was done effectively in the past op antibodies and immune response in certain portion of shares. It is the responsibility of the shareholders vaccination can prove to be another highly effec- to put in practice all the lessons we have and hopefully it will be done so now too, the body and second, the body develops to respond to the company about the quantity of shares to be sold tive shield against COVID. We are at an impor- learnt during past vaccination drives. especially as there is already a lot of reluc- antibodies when we give the vaccine. within a specified time period. Studies on the impact of share buy- tant juncture in our fight against the Coronavirus. From redesigning a vaccine campaign, tance across the country to take the shots Allowing the natural spread of disease back have found that share redemption boosts operating performance On January 16, the Government rolled out the vac- to recalibrating it to address various after a few adverse incidents. However, to generate herd immunity is not desir- due to an increase in earnings per share, return on equity and return cines across the country. Its plan to inoculate 30 issues that arise after its launch, to the the fact remains that only nine adverse able as this comes at the cost of avoid- on assets, rise in stock prices and shareholders’ value. But negative crore people in the first phase of the vaccination redevelopment of a vaccine itself to events following immunisation that able morbidity and mortality. With effects of share repurchase on the stock prices of the firms have been drive is an ambitious one, especially when the vac- address the mutation in the virus, the required hospitalisation have been mass vaccination against COVID-19, the cine has to be given in two doses, at an interval vaccination process may need to be recorded so far in India. Government is determined to protect the reported, too. Although buybacks bring a positive sentiment to the bours- of four-six weeks. changed according to the demands of Second, adverse event surveillance people. We must help it in every way by es, their attraction for firms and shareholders depend on factors that To execute this drive effectively, the time. For example, the first polio vaccine after the vaccination has been strong so getting rid of our vaccine hesitancy. are unique to each case. The management has to decide the proper Government has recruited an army of vaccinators, the Salk, which was developed in the far. It will continue to remain so as the (The writer is former Director- use of its funds — either to reinvest in its business or return cash to on-ground staff, experts to keep a watch on the early 1950s, was an injectable one. It drive goes forward. Besides, real-time General, Indian Council of Medical the shareholders — creating a balance between future growth and adverse events that have been reported from many brought a significant drop in the num- analysis of the reports as well as data gen- Research and Secretary, Department of stockholder’s value creation. places, specialists to address these adverse events ber of polio cases. Later, in the 1960s the erated from the various vaccine sites Health Research, Ministry of Health and (The writer is Associate Professor, Amity University, Noida. The in the shortest possible time and data specialists oral poliovirus vaccine was developed. across the country will be important to Family Welfare. The views expressed are views expressed are personal.) to analyse the large amount of data the nationwide It had a live attenuated virus. further ensure the safety and efficacy of personal.) A legendary feat by incredible Indians Our netas, scientists, technocrats and babus must learn from the tremendous performance of the cricket team and herald a new era of excellence in all walks of life

cable practice was invented by Fay for his gutsy match-winning centu- be remembered for a long time by bowler in , who will been proud of. India’s ‘Young Turks’ Allen (nee Thomas) whereby some ry and farsighted leadership. both the teams and the cricketing in all probability find himself in the lifting the Border-Gavaskar Trophy players seek to gain an advantage by The story of this Border- world. same league as the great Kapil Dev is more than a redemption story, this insulting or verbally intimidating the Gavaskar Trophy is something like However, the victory in the in the future. is more than a coming-of-age story, opposing player. The purpose is to try this only. All the Australian experts series clincher fourth Test outclassed One of the major finds of this this is an epic, a story for the ages. to weaken the opponent's concentra- and former cricketers had written off the Australians by all means, in all the tour is Washington Sunder the dash- The Indian cricket team’s determina- tion, thereby causing them to make the Indian team by predicting a four- fields of the game. The second-string ing Tamil Nadu opener who tion is a story for the ages. mistakes or underperform. However, zero whitewash. All of them had for- bowlers showed the Australians that destroyed Aussie bowling with his When India won the 2011 World the Australians were torn to pieces gotten that the trophy is still with they too, were top quality players and Vivian Richard-like shots apart from Cup at the Wankhede Stadium they by the Indian batters and bowlers in India and times have changed. The matched their rivals on all fronts of being an outstanding taking, got an open-top bus ride through the VK BAHUGUNA the last three Test matches. Australian bowlers, with their short- the game. The batsmen, led by a grit- off-spinner who has proved that it city of Mumbai. However, this is not The dubious records created by pitched bodyline bowling reminded ty Pujara who exhibited an unparal- will be difficult to ignore him in all possible now due to the pandemic. n Tuesday the Indian cricket Indian cricketers in Adelaide in the one of the bodyline tactics of lel determination to guard his wick- formats of the game now. But just because this team cannot get team scripted an incredible first Test by scoring their lowest-ever England’s cricket team for their et, laid the foundation for others to The Indian also showed one right now, it does not mean they OTest victory which will be 36 Test runs in an inning must have Ashes Tour of Australia in 1932-33, second Test and created a scare in complete the unprecedented task of great sportsmanship by gifting a don’t deserve the same honour. remembered for a long time in the hurt the boys a lot. The team changed in order to control the skills of the the Australian camp in the third and snatching victory from Australia. signed jersey to Australian bowler If Indian society shows this type annals of the cricketing world’s his- tack after this humiliating defeat and awesome Don Bradman. fourth Test. This Test series will be noted for Lyon for completing 100 Tests. of dedication in other spheres of life, tory. The Australians were proud of rose from the ashes and won the sec- The way India had batted in the The way the Sydney Test was the emergence of the young and Going forward, this emergence there is no reason why we cannot the mighty, world-class ond Test after India XI captain Virat second Test at Melbourne and the turned into a draw by the stubborn dashing as an elegant of youngsters on the international scale new heights and become a attacks of , Mitchell Kohli left for home on paternity leave. way Jadeja had launched a counter- of an injured Hanuma Vihari and technically-competent batsman scene will result in a tough time for developed country sooner rather Starc and Josh Hazlewood. All their The stand-in captain Ajankya attack with great courage and with an and Ravichandran Ashwin, aided by who, if handled carefully, will be one selectors who will be spoilt for than later. former players and commentators Rahane, his colleague Cheteshwar excellent exhibition of technique Pujara and skipper Rahane, is the of the batting superstars of the game choice now. Plus opposing teams will Our political class, scientists, overrated their overall capabilities to Pujara and other second-line crick- lower down the batting order, gave stuff of legends. They had taken sev- along with an aggressive Pant. be in awe as India has an excellent technocrats and the bureaucracy win and had almost written off this eters have shown the world that they sufficient hints to Australian players eral blows from the rising bouncers On his part Pant, too, played pos- bench strength in all areas of the must learn from this tremendous Indian team and predicted a com- cannot be taken lightly anymore. that no matter what happened to and short-pitched balls of Australian itively and handled the bowlers with game. performance of the Indian cricket plete whitewash. There is an old saying: “Sometimes them earlier in the Test, the Indians pacers, who left no stone unturned contempt and confidently scored However, the actions of one of team and herald a new era of excel- However, they were stunned by you have to die inside in order to rise were determined to undo that igno- to intimidate the Indians. runs in all directions with his deter- India’s former heroes, Rahul Dravid lence in all walks of life. After all, his- the emerging talent of this underrat- from your own ashes and believe in minious defeat. In fact they were caught in their mined and aggressive batting. He in shaping this new Indian team tory is always written by the victori- ed and inexperienced new breed of yourself and love yourself to become This was proved with sufficient own game and the Indians resolute- shattered the confidence of under his tutelage as the coach of ous. Indian cricketers. It is well-known a new person.” The Indian team did firepower by our so far “second- ly defended and batted the whole day Australian bowlers and their Captain, India’s ‘A’ squad cannot be ignored. (The writer is a former civil that the Australians are masters of the just that by winning the second Test string bowlers” who gave it back to to deny the home team a victory. This too. This Test also revealed the mak- There was a resilience in this team servant. The views expressed nasty tactics of sledging. The despi- with style. Full credit goes to Rahane the Australians and won India the solid batting by injured Indians will ings of a world-class batting and pace that ‘The Wall’ himself would have are personal.) THURSDAY | JANUARY 21, 2021 Money 08

Govt school MONEY MATTERS transformation Housing sales in Oct-Dec up Power demand touches all-time helped Delhi high of 185.82 GW, says Sahai get highest ll-India power demand on Wednesday morning touched a NAS score 25 per cent across 7 cities Arecord high of 185.82 gigawatts (GW), said Power PNS n NEW DELHI PNS n NEW DELHI the previous year. not compile new supply and Secretary S N Sahai."Power demand Chennai saw 30 per cent fall sales of their total 25,000 devel- continues to surge. Yet another Government think tank Niti Housing sales rose 25 per cent in sales to 11,907 units last year oper members. record - all India demand : 185.82 Aayog on Wednesday lauded year-on-year during the from 16,940 units in 2019, The primary housing market GW ie 185, 822 MW at 09:35hrs the landmark transforma- October-December period at while Hyderabad witnessed 14 data are being provided by a today ie 20/01/21. It has crossed tion of the government 1,10,811 units across seven per cent decline in demand to few property consultants and previous all India demand of 182.89 GW i.e. 182, 888 MW on 30th school system in Delhi, as cities on pent up and festive 26,716 units from 31,038 units. data analytics firms quarterly, December, 2020", Sahai said in a tweet. On December 30, 2020, all- government-aided schools demand, according to data Housing sales in Kolkata but with considerable varia- India power demand had touched 182.89 GW. According to data helped the national capital analytic firm PropEquity. decreased 38 per cent to 12,026 tions in sales and launch num- from the power ministry, the peak power demand met (the highest achieve the highest NAS Housing sales stood at units in 2020 from 19,272 bers. supply in a day) during January last year stood at 170.97 GW. The score. 88,976 units in the year-ago units in the previous year. Housing brokerage firm rising power demand shows perk up in economic activities leading According to 'India period. Showing signs of recov- The Delhi-NCR market saw Anarock said that housing to higher commercial and industrial demand which was affected due Innovation Index 2020', pre- ery, total sales of home units in 34 per cent fall in sales to sales fell 47 per cent in 2020 to the coronavirus pandemic. The government had imposed a pared by Niti Aayog, among seven cities increased 78 per 29,640 units last year from across seven cities to 1.38 lakh nationwide lockdown on March 25, 2020 to contain the spread of all pillars under Human cent in the fourth quarter of 44,894 units in 2019, while units from 2.61 lakh units in COVID-19. Peak power demand met recorded negative growth from Capital, the states have per- 2020 to 1,10,811 units as demand in was 17 per 2019. April to August last year, due to the pandemic. formed the best on NAS against 62,197 units in the Jasuja, Managing Director and projects. cent lower at 62,043 units in PropTiger reported a 47 per scores (Class X), wherein the third quarter of 2020. Founder, PropEquity. Despite an increase in 2020 as compared to 74,791 cent decline in housing sales average NAS score achieved "Housing market has defi- Residential real estate in demand during October- units in the previous year. across eight top cities to Maruti Suzuki India starts by all states is 35.66. nitely improved, and we are India continues to be an end- December, residential proper- However, the Mumbai 1,82,639 units in 2020 from "Given Delhi's high income witnessing green shoots of user driven market as ready to ties' sales in the 2020 calendar Metropolitan Region (MMR) 3,47,586 units in the previous export of off-roader Jimny levels as well as the landmark recovery as evident from the move-in or to near completion year fell 16 per cent to 2,86,951 witnessed 3 per cent rise in year, while Knight Frank India transformation of the govern- latest Q4 report. As India properties are being preferred. units from 3,41,466 units. sales to 1,11,256 units in 2020 said sales fell 37 per cent to he country's largest carmaker Maruti ment school system, the embarks on its COVID vacci- Developers with excellent track As per the full-year data, from 1,07,562 units in the pre- 1,54,534 units in 2020 across Suzuki India on Wednesday said it has national capital reported the nation drive, we believe it will records in quality and execu- housing sales in Bengaluru vious year. eight major cities as compared Tcommenced export of its compact off- highest NAS score (44.73)," it further cement strong recover- tion continued to witness sub- declined 29 per cent to 33,363 Realtors' apex bodies with 2,45,861 units in the last roader Jimny from India, as its parent said. ies in the sector," said Samir stantial sales numbers across units in 2020 from 46,969 in CREDAI and NAREDCO do year. Suzuki Motor Corporation looks to make the country a global production hub for the model. The first shipment of 184 units left from Mundra port to Latin American countries such as Columbia and Peru, Maruti Suzuki India said in a statement. The three-door Suzuki Jimny will be exported to the Gadkari asks states to accord Sensex, Nifty soar to record Middle East and African markets as well from India, it added. "With India as a production base for Jimny, Suzuki aims to leverage Maruti Suzuki's global production stature. As there is a large customer top priority to road safety demand worldwide well beyond Suzuki Japan capacity for this highs amid global rally model, Indian manufacturing will supplement capacity to meet this global demand," the company said. Commenting on the PNS n NEW DELHI He suggested that there development, Maruti Suzuki India Managing Director & CEO Kenichi should be a three-day manda- PNS n MUMBAI Mahindra & Mahindra (1.98 Ayukawa said, "Jimny manufactured at Maruti Suzuki's Gurugram Union Minister Nitin Gadkari tory training of engineers of per cent) and Asian Paints plant shares the same specification as the export models produced has asked state governments to the ministry, the National Benchmark BSE Sensex rose (1.98 per cent). at the Suzuki Motor Corporation's Kosai plant in Japan." accord top priority to road Highways Authority of India by 393 points on Wednesday Gains in Reliance, TCS, safety, according to an official (NHAI), Public Works following gains in IT, energy Infosys, HCL Tech, HDFC statement on Wednesday. Department (PWD) and var- and auto stocks amid strong and ICICI Bank also helped The Minister for Road ious agencies related to road global cues on hopes of fresh the barometer extend its rally Mercedes-Benz launches 2021 Transport & Highways and construction for awareness stimulus measures by the for a second day. MSMEs also asked the state about road safety. incoming US administration. Among losers, Power Grid edition of SUV GLC at Rs 57 lakh governments to motivate peo- Pointing out that there is a The 30-share Sensex dropped 1.75 per cent and ple for safer movement on committee of MPs related to advanced by 393.83 or 0.80 per NTPC by 1.35 per cent. erman luxury carmaker road, with the involvement of road safety, he requested all the cent to close at its fresh record Asian shares were mostly Mercedes-Benz on Wednesday Glaunched the 2021 edition of non-governmental organisa- place even as the country is MLAs to also focus on the of 49,792.12. higher ahead of Joe Biden's its popular SUV GLC in India with tions (NGOs), using social marking its first-ever road issue of accident reduction in The broader NSE Nifty President-elect Joe Biden, who inauguration as US president. price starting at Rs 57.40 lakh (ex- media on major basis for safety month, which began on their constituencies. jumped 123.55 points or 0.85 will be sworn into office on Australia's S&P/ASX 200 rose showroom).The 2021 GLC is awareness and education about Monday. The ministry has set up the per cent to settle at a lifetime Wednesday. has laid out a 0.4 per cent and South Korea's available in GLC 200 petrol and GLC road safety measures. Gadkari gave the example of NRSC with the mandate to high of 14,644.70. USD 1.9 trillion stimulus pack- Kospi by 0.6 per cent while 220d diesel variants, priced at Rs He was addressing 19th Sweden where zero tolerance advise on matters pertaining to World stocks advanced on age proposal to boost the econ- Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 57.40 lakh and Rs 63.15 lakh (ex- meeting of the National Road towards road accident reduc- the planning and coordination Wednesday after US Treasury omy. Among Sensex stocks, 0.7 per cent. showroom, India), Mercedes-Benz India said in a statement.The Safety Council (NRSC) on tion is adopted, the road trans- of policies and standards of Secretary nominee Janet Yellen Maruti rose the most by 2.75 Japanese market however newly launched vehicle features the latest connected car technology - Tuesday here. port and highways ministry safety in the road transport called for a hefty stimulus to per cent, followed by Tech dropped 0.4 per cent due to 2021 'Mercedes me connect', integrating Alexa Home, Google Home The meeting of NRSC takes said in the statement. sector. protect the US economy. Mahindra (2.67 per cent), fresh COVID-19 concerns. and parking locations on navigation system and App.It is also equipped with remote engine start allowing starting the car remotely for pre entry air-conditioning besides front seats with massage function, introduced for the first time in Mercedes-Benz India ‘Indian insurers prepared to Govt raises product line-up, the company added. Commenting on the launch, Sundaram Finance Mercedes-Benz India Managing Director and CEO Martin Schwenk capital of said,"The GLC has remained a key pillar of our SUV offense and has makes changes withstand economic downturn’ P&S Bank to been the single highest selling SUV in our portfolio last year.” PNS n MUMBAI Rs 10,000 cr Federal Bank Q3 profit declines Indian insurance firms are PNS n NEW DELHI in management geared to withstand the eco- 8 per cent to Rs 404 crore PNS n CHENNAI nomic downturn, as premium State-owned Punjab & Sind ederal Bank on Wednesday growth in general insurance Bank on Wednesday said the posted an 8.2 per cent decline in Non-banking finance compa- segment will remain in positive government has raised its Fnet profit to Rs 404.10 crore for ny Sundaram Finance on territory and life premiums authorised capital to Rs the third quarter ended December Wednesday announced that it will stay broadly flat despite the 10,000 crore. 2020, mainly due to higher has made key changes in its weakening economy, Moody's "Government of India vide provisioning for bad loans.The management. Investors Service on Gazette Notification private sector lender had registered The changes include the Wednesday said. No.F.No.l l/8/2019-BOA-I a profit of Rs 440.64 crore in the appointment of Rajiv Lochan "Although the economic dated 06.01.2021 has year-ago period.Total income, as Managing Director suc- slowdown has had an adverse increased the Authorized however, improved to Rs 3,941.36 crore during the third quarter as ceeding T T Srinivasaraghavan impact on Indian insurers, Share Capital of the Bank against Rs 3,738.22 crore a year ago, Federal Bank said in a with effect from April 1, 2021, with general insurance growth from Rs 3,000 crore to Rs Rs regulatory filing.Gross non-performing assets (NPAs) declined to the company said. pany, has over 25 years of slowing to 2.5 per cent and life 10,000 crore," the bank said 2.71 per cent of the total advances during the quarter, compared to T T Srinivasaraghavan, experience in financial insurers' new business premi- in a filing. 2.99 per cent at the end of the third quarter of 2019-20. Net NPAs of fondly called as 'TT' among services and was a partner ums falling by 1.7 per cent in Last year, the government the bank also fell to 0.60 per cent of the total assets in October- close circles, would retire after in the consulting firm the nine months to December tection against the virus. US (8.5 per cent), the report had approved capital infusion December 2020 as against 1.63 per cent a year ago. Despite the serving the organisation for McKinsey and Company. 2020, we expect general insur- "We expect health premiums said. According to Moody's, of Rs 5,500 crore into the decline in bad loans, provisions other than tax and contingencies over 38 years as of March 31, Recently, he served Kasturi ance premium growth to to continue growing strongly insurers in the country have bank through preferential increased more than two-fold to Rs 420.62 crore as against Rs 2021.It was during his tenure and Sons as its managing remain in positive territory," into 2021, when we anticipate also responded to the crisis by allotment of shares. 160.86 crore during the same period last fiscal. the balance-sheet of the city- director. Moody's VP and senior analyst that India's GDP growth will rapidly developing appropriate The fund was approved based company grew from Rs He would be elevated to the Mohammed Ali Londe said. rebound to 10.8 per cent, lead- products and improving their from Rs 20,000 crore cleared 800 crore to over Rs 30,000 role of Managing Director This premium growth will ing to a gradual normalisation digital offerings. by Parliament in September crore today. from April 1. Commenting on be driven by strong demand of economic activity," the "This has led to an increase 2020 for capital infusion in Srinivasaraghavan, during the tenure of Srinivasarag for health and protection cov- agency said. in sales of health and protec- PSBs as part of the first batch the last two decades, also led havan, Sundaram Finance erage, he added. The growth prospects for tion policies, which we expect of Supplementary Demands LT Foods acquires 30 pc the diversification of the group chairman S Viji said, "Under In the nine months ended general insurance are particu- will drive further growth in the for Grants for 2020-21. from focus on medium and his (Srinivasaraghavan) lead- December 2020, health premi- larly positive, with the coun- future," it noted. heavy commercial vehicles to ership, the company demon- ums grew by 13.7 per cent, try's general insurance pene- The report said some Indian stake in organic food firm a multi-product diversified strated its traditional focus on helped by rising consumer tration rate standing at just 0.9 insurers' solvency remains financial services provider, asset quality and most impor- awareness of these products per cent. This is less than half inadequate due to weak prof- PNS n NEW DELHI Director Vijay Kumar Arora a company statement said. tantly its adherence to values during coronavirus pandemic the rate for China (2 per cent), itability, resulting from the said, “Leev.nu will now have Lochan, who is the current of prudence and customer and regulatory actions that which in turn lags behind intense competition in the Consumer food company LT access to 100 per cent organ- Director (strategy) of the com- focus." enabled insurers to offer pro- developed markets such as the market. Foods, which owns basmati ic products grown by Nature rice brands such as 'Daawat' Bio Foods Limited's network and ‘Royal', on Wednesday of nearly 60,000 plus organic announced acquisition of a 30 farmers, cultivated in 80,000 per cent stake in the plus hectares of certified States’ fiscal deficit seen spiking to historic high of 4.7%: Report Netherlands-based organic organic land in India". speciality food company Now consumers will enjoy PNS n MUMBAI ond quarter the contraction it supports the capital forma- deficit. To fill the gap, states will Leev.nu. Nature Bio Foods organic ingredients from India narrowed to 7.5 per cent and tion and improves its tax be forced to borrow more this BV, a subsidiary of LT Foods, with local distribution in the The combined fiscal deficit of now analysts are expecting Q3 potential. year, further increasing their has acquired 30 per cent stake Netherlands. "This will fur- the states will hit a peak of Rs and Q4 to print in the green. This fiscal, revenue deficit indebtedness. in Leev.nu, with an option to ther promote the share of 8.7 lakh crore or 4.7 per cent of The pandemic has hit tax would contribute around 70 Revenue collections are acquire a further 21 per cent India's organic in EU,” he their GDP this fiscal on the collections of the states and per cent of fiscal deficit, sharply expected to reach close to the stake at the end of five years, added. Leev.nu Director Leo back of steep fall in tax collec- resulted in a near four-fold higher than the average 15 pre-pandemic level next fiscal, a joint statement said without Voorwinden said: "From a tions due to disruptions inflict- spike in their revenue deficits per cent seen over the last five factoring in unlocking that disclosing the deal amount. strategic point of view, it is crit- ed by the pandemic, according this fiscal over FY20, the report fiscals, he said, adding this is began in July 2020 and a real After this deal, Leev.nu will ical that we build short supply to a report. said.This will not only expand because of a 15 per cent on- GDP growth forecast of 10 per have access to the organic chains. With NBF BV, a sub- Revenue of the states have so states' aggregate gross fiscal year decline in revenue this fis- cent in FY22. products grown by Nature sidiary of LT Foods coming on badly fallen that as much as 70 deficit to an all-time high of Rs cal. Revenue expenditure may According to Ankit Hakhu, Bio Foods. Commenting on board, we can source our raw per cent of the fiscal deficit is 8.7 lakh crore, or 4.7 per cent also remain sticky as these are a director at the agency, the ris- the development, LT Foods materials directly from organ- contributed by revenue deficit, of their gross state domestic either committed (related to ing interest obligations due to Chairman & Managing ic farmers in India." which normally used to be only product or GSDP but also salaries, pension and interest higher indebtedness and mod- around 15 per cent, a Crisil skew its composition towards with sticky revenue expendi- aggregate gross state domestic cost), making it difficult to cut est revenue collections will study said on Wednesday. revenue deficit which is rela- ture, may keep revenue deficit product, the agency said. or have been necessitated by weaken interest cover of the Economic activity slumped tively less value-accretive high for the states and the According to Manish Gupta, the pandemic (such as grants- states to 5-6 times over the from late March last when the towards future tax potential, it deficit composition skewed a senior director at the agency, in-aid, medical and labour medium-term from 7.7 times country was brought under a added. over the next two-three years, composition of gross fiscal welfare-related expenses), the in FY20. lockdown, and subsequently Though tax collection may the report said, adding that this deficit of the states apart from report noted. Further, while states' Capex improved as the restrictions slowly recover with improving will, in turn, increase their its level, is one of the critical High revenue deficit will is expected to rise next year were eased. economic outlook, higher credit risk. indicators of credit quality. also compel states to moderate within the available fiscal space, While the first quarter saw interest burden, because of the The analysis is based on the The higher contribution of their Capex so that they remain its impact on tax potential will the economy tanking by a his- high debt funding of this year's data from 18 large states, which Capex in a state's deficit com- within fiscal borrowing limits, only be visible in subsequent toric -23.9 per cent, by the sec- gross fiscal deficit, coupled account for over 90 per cent of position is viewed positively as thus aggravating gross fiscal years, he warned. 9

Thursday January 21, 2021 what’s brewing? KanganaKanganaKangana Ranaut'sRanaut'sRanaut's ‘Could do a lot because I’m not associated with a political party’ TwitterTwitterTwitter accountaccountaccount ctor Sonu Sood, Questions were raised like it but I hope that one who was lauded for and theories floated over day they also become part his efforts to send how he managed to send of this journey,” he says. A migrants home lakhs of people home on his The actor woke up to the safely during lock- own. news on Tuesday that some restrictedrestrictedrestricted temporarilytemporarilytemporarily down last year, dismisses “I remember when I people in Telangana have allegations that he pulled off started this mission, started a free ambulance the entire operation using Chandraprakash Dwivedi, service in his name. funds provided by a particu- director of my (forthcom- “The service they have ollywood actress creatively poor and deprived, lar political party. ing) film Pritviraj, told me started is so beautiful. This Kangana Ranaut atrocious and objectionable “I could do all this people would want to bring is an ambulance service that never shies away on every level hence deliber- because I was not associated me down, given the path I is free of cost in Telangana B from putting for- ately placed controversial with any political party. had chosen. The problem and it is spreading across to ward her opinions scenes. Put them in jail not Otherwise I would have had with the world is that peo- Andhra Pradesh. I will also about different just for criminal intentions to ask 100 questions before ple cannot see something be helping them now, since issues. This often lands her in but also for torturing the doing a job like this. Since it right happening. When they it is a facility a lot of people controversies. viewer #tandavwebseries,” the was my decision to connect see that, they question why would need. They will also Recently, the actress took to actress tweeted from her with people and help them, this is happening, why is start a toll free number Twitter to reveal that her account on Monday. I was able to reach out. someone there to help oth- especially for this. When Twitter account was tem- Kangana’s tweet comes at a Whatever I did, was not ers? But it fades off because they told me this, I was porarily restricted. She said time when a criminal com- about caste or religion. I there is no truth or spine to speechless. Since, I am asso- that even though her account plaint has been filed before a reached out to people across it. It won’t stop me from ciated with ILAAJ India can be suspended, she will Delhi court seeking action society. I have been con- doing what I am doing. It is Initiative, I know how diffi- continue to showcase her against OTT platform necting with people a lot a journey which I started cult it is for people to get ‘reloaded desh bhakt version’ Amazon Prime and the mak- over the past year,” Sonu with millions. There will be medical service. I would like through her films. The alleged ers of the web series. told a news agency. few who to it to be a pan-India ser- temporary restriction came The complaint filed under “I have been in this will vice,” says Sonu. after Kangana’s tweet on the Section 200 of the CrPC seeks industry over the not How does he feel when controversial web series summoning, commencing last 20 years and people hail him as a real life Tandav, starring Saif Ali trial and punishing the have done over hero? “I miss my parents Khan. accused persons alleging that 100 movies, but more, every single day when Kangana Ranaut on the web series is provoking to reach out to people say I am the national Wednesday tweeted, “Librus communal disharmony and is every single per- hero. I wish they were here cried to their chacha @jack hurting the sentiments of son who loves to see this. They are my and got my account temporar- Hindus. me has not been guiding angels. Lot of peo- ily restricted, they are threat- On a related note, Kangana possible. I think ple and young kids are ening me mera account/virtu- Ranaut is gearing up for the I have thor- affected. I used to get pic- al identity kabhi bhi desh release of her spy thriller oughly enjoyed tures clicked as an actor. keliye shaheed ho sakti hai, Dhaakad which will release playing the real- Lately, people tell me their magar my reloaded desh bhakt theatrically on October 1. In life hero. This is children want to become version will reappear through the poster, Kangana is seen not a film, but like me and that makes me my movies. Tumhara jeena wielding a sword against the surely the almighty feel very happy,” he says. dushwar karke rahungi." backdrop of blood and gore, is the director,” he Kangana has been in the setting the action tone of the adds. headlines lately for joining film. Kangana, who will play Twitterati in slamming the the role of Agent Agni, recent- recently released web-series ly flew to Bhopal to kickstart Tandav. Kangana slammed the shooting of the film. Neha Bhasin: Bollywood probably the series, calling it “Hindu The film will also feature phobic, atrocious and objec- Arjun Rampal. The makers tionable”. have also roped in Tetsuo “The problem isn’t just the Nagata, an award winning does not understand my worth Hindu phobic content, it’s also cinematographer. inger Neha Bhasin has lately been ing good music and are interested in work- concentrating on an independent ing with me. But in the last one year, not music career lately. She feels much original music happened in S Bollywood probably does not Bollywood, it is all about remix. I do not understand her worth as an artiste. want to do that, I have no reason to sing “I do not want to sing a random song, just such songs, really,” she said. because it is of a Bollywood film. I do not Neha started her journey as a singer with want to sing something if my heart is not the Channel [V] all-girls pop band Viva in it. Having said that, I think so far all the before going solo. songs I sang are massive hits because they Recently, Neha released her new music are some of the great compositions and lyri- video Tu Ki Jaane, in which she not only cally good. I think Bollywood probably does lends her voice but also appears in the video not understand my worth, it never did. I alongside model Bardeep Dhiman. really made peace with that,” Neha told a “I think this is the right time for indepen- news agency. The singer, who has delivered dent music. I think the time will come when Bollywood hits such as Kuch Khaas, Dhunki film music will have more to do with back- and Jag Ghoomeya, however feels there is no ground score. The indie scene will grow dearth of good composers in the Hindi film again. The lockdown has changed a lot of industry. things including the way people perceive art “I would say there are some of the good today. I started my career as a pop star and music directors like Vishal and Shekhar and playback singing was never my priority,” she Salim-Suleman. People like them are mak- claimed. FUN

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. 10

Follow us on facebook.com/ @TheDailyPioneer dailypioneer Thursday January 21, 2021 IraniIrani chai,chai, biryanibiryani && pearlspearls —— allall thingsthings HyderabadHyderabad

RACHEL DAMMALA Mohit and Devansh people, the page is going Jaipuriar have grown in to represent all of this and different cities and ended more,” Mohit and he lockdown up living in different ones Devansh share on what has given us themselves and know one can expect from all a break, what it feels like to miss LittleHyderabadStories. T longer than we the ‘feeling’ of a city. “We Their Hyderabad Playdate needed. We also know how migrants video has already gone missed a gazil- miss that and wanted to viral with lakhs of views lion things during this make them feel connect- and shares. It’s a beautiful time of staying home ed to their city,” they say. video covering indoors — going out to It is easy to mistake the true watch movies, a quiet their page to be a com- dinner date, a stroll in the munity page like that of park, and so much more. Humans of New York. What we also missed is But a closer look at the city’s iconic buildings, the page will show monuments, cuisine and how the page is so much more. Born of not just people- this very need to connect centric but with the city we live in, is city-centric. ‘LittleHyderabadStories.’ “It is all The growing page on about a Instagram aims to give denizen’s life to all kinds of stories connect about Hyderabad that one with might want to share while his/her building a community city, or a that can relate to each migrant’s other’s experiences. favourite, “Nine months ago, a memo- when the lockdown was rable first announced, people moment at moved to their homes to a restaurant different cities and some- in the city, how missed the connec- and more tion with the cities they things like were living in. They that. This page longed to recall and relish gives people plat- what their city felt like. form to express,” We believe every city car- Mohit explains. ries within itself an emo- “Hyderabad is rich tion of sorts, and so in culture and is an ever- decided to give people growing hub of technolo- that, for now, via social gy. Its food, language, media,” shares Mohit monuments, the Hitec essence of Ranjan, co-founder of City, among many others, Hyderabad, so go Little Heights. The organ- make Hyderabad what it check it out! Oh, and isation has several other is. There is a constant don’t miss their post on pages dedicated to stories influx of migrants and the ‘Signs you’re a true from Pune, Delhi, to city is known and loved Hyderabadi’, it’s as relat- Bengaluru, and more. for being accepting of all able as it can get! A must-read guidebook A tool, not a threat Hardware Market was valued Artificial at approximately USD 9.8 bil- lion in 2019 and is pegged to to India's temples Intelligence and grow with a healthy CAGR of Machine Learning more than 37.5 per cent over the forecast period 2020- or author and noted travel that are well understood captured through my trav- India that was — unhur- are growing rapidly 2027. So as we begin a blogger Anuradha Goyal, across the country despite els. It is my own journey of ried, trusting, simple and and unlocking new promising decade in the new who has penned the book us having a plethora of lan- discovering an India that full of devotion and life — normal, it becomes impor- Lotus in the Stone: Sacred guages,” the author told a was all around me, but it and the one that still con- avenues for tant to know about the trends Journeys in Eternal news agency. took me walking around tinues to be so, when it enterprises aiming of AI-ML that might follow. India on India’s With her experiences the country to see,” she comes to the lives around to bring vital Robotic Process most sacred sites, and adventures in criss- reveals. its sacred spaces and Automation + AI = temples, contain crossing India for decades, Asked about her travels ancient temples. The cama- changes in the IT Hyper-automation F vignettes of our the author shows us how and visits to the country’s raderie and the devotion ecosystem. history, heritage, ancient India’s surviving sacred spaces, the avid generated in these sacred Hyper-automation was art history, folk traveller said that she spaces, the trust and Here are top AI-ML identified by Gartner as one tales, aesthetics. has been travelling respect for the fellow trav- trends to look out of the best technology trends Condensing years of her since childhood first eller—the book has endear- to be used in an organisation travel into writing, Goyal with parents as they ing insights for one to for 2021 for automation. The pandem- presents a travelogue root- were posted at differ- appreciate these hidden ic has stepped up the adop- ed deep into Indian history ent places in the coun- aspects of life. tion of the concept in which and culture. try, then during her The author, having tra- rtificial all the company's operations Published and launched own corporate career versed across the country Intelligence (AI) should be automated includ- by Garuda Prakashan, the and now as a travel along, with friends and and Machine ing legacy business processes. and more secure. booking and consultation book holds in its pages a blogger. family, and with strangers, a Learning (ML) AI and ML are the significant Augmented Reality In calls and through reinforce- testimony to Indian art, “Most people like to Goyal takes us to this rivet- have been the drivers of hyper-automation. Chatbots ment learning builds and culture, civilisation and travel but not many go ing and endearing ride of hottest buzzwords If Robotic Process improves on these interac- spirituality. It makes for a beyond looking at an India, where we might in the decade that has gone Automation (RPA), Machine Artificial Intelligence tions giving it the ability to rich, fascinating guidebook travel as a leisure have gone, but not seen the by. According to a study, 77 Learning (ML), and Artificial together with Augmented address more complex user to India and its temples activity. Thanks to the place. per cent of the devices that Intelligence (AI) work in har- Reality (AR) is considered queries such as product and hidden gems. Goyal ease of travel and the Commenting on post- we use in our day-to-day mony to automate complex one of the main enablers of demos etc. narrates her mystical and brag value that travel pandemic travel, especially lives are now powered by AI business processes, then the Internet of Senses (IoS), a Business Forecasting magical experiences at provides, a lot more to pilgrimage sites and and ML. From platforms like hyperautomation is a means megatrend from 2021 toward and Analysis places like Kumbh Mela, people are travelling. It temples, Goyal says that and Facebook to prod- for real digital transforma- 2030. AR is quite a unique Ayodhya, Khajuraho, has become a part of pilgrimage travel has been ucts like Amazon’s Alexa and tion. technology which actually This technology is strate- Thanjavur, Kolhapur, the lifestyle for most of the backbone of domestic Google Home, AI has Power of Machine takes customer engagement gised by experts to screen a Odisha, Himalayas, and the middle class. Now travel since time immemo- become the core of nearly Learning (ML) + to virtual reality. Innovation set of data over a period of many more. I hope, people read my rial, and forecasts that it every product and service Internet of Things (IoT) in this regard is the app for time which then is examined She holds that their journey, and add the will get back on its feet as that we come across. the users where chatbot and utilised for making smart grandeur is the testimony heritage and living tradi- layers of travel that would soon as the logistics are In 2020, the enterprise Kevin Ashton is considered leverages augmented reality decisions. With the changing of our prosperity and that tions are a testimony to her make their travels far more back on their feet. world has also added to the as the father of IOT, which to facilitate the purchase strategies, the ML networks they were the centers of history and the invisible meaningful and something “Domestic tourism will capabilities of AI assistants as comprises a smart infrastruc- decision, prompting cus- can give conjectures with our social, cultural as well threads and sacred geogra- that would help them grow get a push due to limita- they help build strong cus- ture connected via the inter- tomers with relevant recom- accuracy as high as 95 per as economic lives. “We phy that bind her people as individuals, help them tions on international trav- tomer relationships and net to the cloud. The Internet mendations. For example, if cent. Companies will soon need to understand tem- together. The book draws achieve their goals. The el as well as due to fear of a smooth business operations. of Things became a rapidly you want to see how a partic- start fusing recurrent neural ples and their roles in our from the author’s travels book features a lot of second wave that might No wonder Conversational emerging segment in the last ular shoe would fit you, you networks for high fidelity lives as it was and as it can and personal pilgrimage to places from all corners of lead to unpredictable cir- AI has become a fascination decade. Economic analyst can use AR technology or use forecasting. be in the future. They are sites across the country, India. I do not think it cumstances. I hope the of global business leaders and Transforma Insights has fore- AR to determine the correct Increased adoption of not the places to seek quick and from reading books on would be easy to create a Indian tourism industry SMEs alike. AI-ML industry casted that the worldwide size for your shoes by click- Hyper Personalised and blessings when we need India — from ancient list of places featured as it will take it as an opportu- is growing rapidly and IoT market will comprise ing and uploading a picture Contextual communica- them, but we need to keep scriptures to modern ren- is not a travel guide, it is a nity to not just tap the unlocking new avenues for 24.1 billion devices by 2030, of your feet. tion them alive enough for us to ditions, and correlating journey that goes back and domestic tourists but also enterprises aiming to bring producing $1.5 trillion in Reinforcement Learning be able to go there to seek both. forth in time as it weaves define the new paradigms vital changes in the ecosys- income. Arthur Samuel is the 2021 will bring in a change blessings. I have highlight- How did she conceive the warp and weft of the in tourism that are rooted tem. According to a Gartner inventor of Machine Reinforcement Learning is where we hear “context is ed how ancient engineering the book? “Lotus in the sacred geography of India.” in Indic travel traditions. A study, around 37 per cent of Learning who defined this the area of ML that can be king.” With the adoption of and architecture should Stone is a culmination of According to Sankranth good question to look at is all companies reviewed were term in 1959. The utilisation used by companies in the AI and ML tools and meth- inspire future engineers my travel experiences since Sanu, Founder and CEO, — Can we make the travels found utilising some type of of Machine Learning is pro- future for deep learning, ods, we will see brands and and architects, as these are childhood. I have been Garuda Prakashan, the more deeper and mindful ML in their business. It is gressively interlaced with IoT. thereby improving the effec- organisations increasingly rooted in this land, and in writing about my travels book is a celebration of and more than just chill anticipated that around 80 Machine Learning, Artificial tiveness of gathered data. An adopt a more personalised sync with our climatic con- since 2004, but that hap- India’s plural syncretic cul- out parties?” per cent of modern advances Intelligence and Deep ideal illustration of reinforce- and context driven approach. ditions. The chapter on pened destination by desti- ture. (The book is available on will be based around AI and Learning, for instance, are ment learning is a chatbot (The writer, Maaz Ansari, languages introduces you nation as I travelled. This The book gives readers a the Garuda Prakashan web- ML by 2022. The Global now being used to make IoT that addresses simple user is the co-founder and CEO of to the common metaphors book joins the dots that I thorough peek into the site.) Artificial Intelligence devices and services smarter queries like greetings, order ORI.) THURSDAY | JANUARY 21, 2021 sport 11 We were scared Warne predicts huge fall out in Oz team to lose: Clarke

PTI n BRISBANE ative at certain stages through- out because we were scared to he legendary Shane Warne lose versus attack hard and look believes the embarrassing Test “Their to win the game,” Clarke said on Tseries loss to an under-strength (Australia) Big Sports Breakfast. India will result in a “huge fallout” in Clarke said it was the neg- the Australian team and said a few tactics will ative mindset that pegged heads could roll in the coming days. come into Australia back. India recorded one of their most “At the end of the day, memorable wins on Tuesday when question, and whether we lost with 20 overs they defeated a full-strength Australia they have to. left in the game or on the last ball by three in the fourth Test here of the game, it didn’t matter. We to pocket the four-match series 2-1 Bowlers will had to win that game to win that and retain the Border-Gavaskar come into trophy. Trophy. “I sort of feel we should have “I think there’ll be a huge fallout question, approached the first ball of that from this (defeat). There’s not too people’s spot in game to the last ball of that game many times that you lose to the sec- the team will with a bit more of that attitude.” ond or third (choice) side,” Warne was PTI n MELBOURNE Clarke said there was a time quoted as saying by Fox Cricket. come into when the buck stopped with the “Their (Australia) tactics will question. It has ormer captain Michael captain but it should not be the come into question, and they have to. FClarke has criticised case anymore since there are Bowlers will come into question, to. You can’t Australia’s “negative” approach other professionals, who call the people’s spot in the team will come just deflect it in the Test loss to an under- shots in the Australian set up. into question. It has to. You can’t just strength Indian team, saying the “When I played cricket, deflect it and flick it off and say India and flick it off hosts, instead of pushing aggres- when I grew up watching my were too good for us,” he added. and say India sively for wins, seemed scared of father ... The captain was Warne was, however, effusive in were too good defeat. accountable in the teams I his praise for the Indian team which Clarke, however, refused to played in. Through that transi- braved injuries to its key players and India's Cheteshwar Pujara, second left, is congratulated by Australia's Matthew Wade after defeating Australia by three wickets on the final day AP for us,” blame team leader Tim Paine for tion of me captaining Australia, absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli the unthinkable Test series defeat that changed. after the first Test on paternity leave The spin legend said Australia Paine’s captaincy and said the wick- “It’s not just Tim Paine’s fault, the at home. An injury-ravaged “There had become a chair- to emerge triumphant. didn’t grab their chances in the series. etkeeper didn’t own up responsibili- bowlers are allowed to say ‘Tim I want India beat Australia by three man of selectors that had more “That’s not taking anything away “Yes they were, but Australia had ty for his failed tactics. to do this’, so it’s a combination wickets in the final game in pull, there had become a high from those Indian guys that played but so many chances in this series to bury “I think at times their tactics between the bowlers and the captain. Brisbane on Tuesday to win the performance manager that had their first selection side, there’s prob- it and crush India, but they couldn't haven’t been good enough, and I sup- But at the end of the day, you are cap- series 2-1 and retain the Border- more pull, there had become a ably only two or three players in that do it. They just couldn’t do it,” he said. pose that’s got to come down to Tim tain, you have to take responsibility. Gavaskar Trophy. “I thought head coach who had more pull,” side who would play.” Warne was also critical of Tim Paine as captain,” he said. He’ll be disappointed.” we might have been a tad neg- he said. CA lauds India for epic win Pant is now best-ranked keeper 50% crowd likely

PTI n MELBOURNE PTI n DUBAI moved up three spots to 42nd after scores of 50 and 27 while for Eng Tests ricket Australia on Wednesday ndia’s Rishabh Pant became fast bowler Josh Hazlewood Csaluted the Indian team’s Ithe top-ranked wicket-keep- leapfrogged New Zealand’s Tim PTI n NEW DELHI “resilience, courage and skill” during er batsman in the world after Southee to the fourth spot after its historic Test series win over the his sensational series-winning grabbing six wickets in the he BCCI brass is seriously contemplating allow- hosts and expressed gratitude to the 89-run knock in the Brisbane match, including a haul of five Ting 50 percent crowd attendance at both Chepauk BCCI for the “sacrifices” it made to match pushed him to a career- for 57 in the first innings. and the newly constructed Motera Stadium during ensure a smooth conduct of the epic best 13th spot in the ICC Test England's Joe Root has India’s upcoming four Test matches against England. contest. batting rankings, issued on returned to the top five with his The first two Tests will be held in Chennai, begin- A second-string Indian team, led Wednesday. highest rating points tally (738) ning on February 5, while the next two will be played by , braved all odds Pant, who won many in two years after scoring a first- at the renovated stadium at Motera in Ahmedabad. to defeat a full-strength Australia by admirers for his fearless and innings 228 to help his team The BCCI is believed to be taking a cue from three wickets at the Gabba here to mature batting, has 691 points win the first Test against Sri Cricket Australia which had allowed entry of spec- win the four-Test series 2-1 and in his kitty. South Africa’s Lanka by seven wickets in tators during the India series that concluded on retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (677) is the Galle. Tuesday. on Tuesday in Brisbane. next best wicket-keeper bats- Root has advanced six “As of now, we are likely to allow 50 percent spec- “On behalf of everyone at man in the list in the 15th posi- places, overtaking the likes of tators for the four Test matches. The BCCI is in talks Cricket Australia, we congratulate tion. Pakistan’s Babar Azam and with both state cricket associations (TNCA and GCA) Team India for their resilience, Australia batsman Marnus Pujara in the process. and also state health authorities,” a senior BCCI source courage and skill demonstrated in Labuschagne’s first-innings cen- England spinners Jack told PTI on conditions of anonymity. retaining the Border-Gavaskar tury in Brisbane took him past Leach and Dominic Bess made However, the BCCI is also factoring the fluid pub- Trophy in a series that will be talked India skipper Virat Kohli (862 notable progress after their lic health situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic about for generations to come,” CA points) to third position with a five-wicket hauls in Galle. and if case load in either Chennai or Ahmedabad wrote in a Thank You note to the career-best 878 rating points. Leach’s second innings’ figures increases, then the decision will change accordingly. BCCI. Kohli missed the action as he of five for 122 lifted him three “If you allow 50 percent crowd with all necessary The note, written by CA inter- was on paternity leave. places to 40th while Bess’s five precautions, then it will be an indicator if we can also im CEO Nick Hockley and Chair Young India opener for 30 in the first innings took allow spectators during IPL in India,” the source said. Earl Eddings, was addressed to Shubman Gill continued his him from 67th to 50th position. In Ahmedabad, which can hold over one lakh “friends in Indian cricket”, the BCCI, upward trajectory, moving up Jonny Bairstow (up five spectators, spacing of seats to maintain social distanc- acknowledging the role played by the from 68th to 47th spot after a places to 58th in batting) and ing will not be an issue. Sourav Ganguly-led board in suc- national touring during a global pan- crucial 91 in the second innings Sam Curran (up two places to Meanwhile, England and Wales Cricket Board cessfully completing the tour amid demic are considerable and we thank of the fourth Test, which India 39th in bowling) also gained. (ECB) will name the squad for first two Test match- the COVID-19 pandemic. India’s players, coaches and support won by three wickets on Rishabh Pant plays a pull shot during final day of the third test match AP For Sri Lanka, Lahiru es against India on Thursday. “Australian cricket will forever be staff for all they have given. Tuesday. Thirimanne’s second innings This is the first time that a touring team is not grateful to the BCCI for their friend- “Over the past nine weeks, the Middle-order mainstay a five-wicket haul in the second Washington entered the century helped him progress 12 naming a squad for full away series keeping the work- ship, trust and commitment in help- Indian and Australian men’s teams Cheteshwar Pujara moved up innings. rankings in 82nd (batting) and places to 87th position while load management of its players in mind. ing to deliver a series that has completed outstanding One-Day one place to seventh after his Debutant Washington 97th (bowling) positions, while left-arm spinner Lasith The fact that Chennai and Ahmedabad will have brought joy to many millions of peo- International and dogged effort, while Sundar and Shardul Thakur too Thakur re-entered the batting Embuldeniya (up six places to two separate bio-bubbles and the teams will travel by ple around the world at a time they International series, followed by one Mohammad Siraj jumped 32 gained in rankings following list in 113th position and bowl- 47th) and medium pacer Asitha chartered flight within the country may also be the needed it most,” the letter read. of the greatest Border-Gavaskar Test places to 45th after taking six their useful contributions with ing list in 65th position. Fernando (up 11 places to reason that England, like the Indian team, decided “The unique challenges of inter- series ever competed,” it added. wickets in the match, including both bat and ball. Australia captain Tim Paine 96th) also gained. to name its squad for two Tests. Maxi, Malinga released, Raina retained

PTI n NEW DELHI hennai Super Kings retained vet- Ceran Suresh Raina for the upcom- Sanju to lead RR ing IPL-14. The deadline for the eight franchises to submit the lists of retained and released players for the next edition of the lucrative league ended on Wednesday. now, Smith released Also released by KXIP were West Indies all-rounder , PTI n NEW DELHI smarting from a Test series loss to Afghanistan's Mujeeb-ur-Rahman an injury-plagued India, took a hit and New Zealand's Jimmy Neesham, anju Samson replaced Steve as the likes of the explosive Glenn who underwent a surgery recently to SSmith as Rajasthan Royals cap- Maxwell and opener Aaron Finch Shakib returns with 4-8 treat an injured finger. tain after the Australian batsman too were released by Kings XI CSK’s and and some other under-performing Punjab and Royal Challengers AP n DHAKA West Indies, featuring six ’ Lasith Malinga were stars were released by their respec- Bangalore respectively. ODI debutants, to bat. among the other big names to be tive IPL franchises Under Smith’s captaincy, inau- hakib Al Hasan claimed 4- Shakib, in his first game released by their respective sides Samson was appointed to the gural edition champions RR fin- S8 on his return to interna- for Bangladesh since the 2019 ahead of next month’s auction. top job after RR decided against ished last in the 2020 IPL when the tional cricket as Bangladesh World Cup, bowled seven Harbhajan was joined by the likes renewing former skipper Steve star Australian batsman played all made a winning start to the overs in a row and ripped of Kedar Jadhav, and Smith’s contract. the 14 league matches, scoring 311 three-match ODI series by through the middle order as Murali Vijay who were also let go by “As the IPL has grown, the cap- runs at a strike rate of 131, includ- beating West Indies by six West Indies lost three wick- the franchise. taincy has become a year-round ing three half-centuries. wickets in the opening game ets for 11 runs. Also released by MI was Sherfane task, and as such strong local Indian Ahead of the 2018 IPL, Smith on Wednesday. Debutant Kyle Mayers Rutherford, while Delhi Capitals leadership has become increasing- was the only player retained by the All-rounder Shakib was and Rovman Powell, who hit decided to enter the next edition with- ly important,” said RR owner Royals for Rs 12.5 crore. The same back after being given a two- two sixes, provided some out English batsman Jason Roy, wick- Manoj Badale in a statement. year, he was appointed as year ban by the International resistance with a partner- etkeeper Alex Carey, leg-spinner “Sanju made his debut as the captain. Cricket Council in October ship of 59 for the sixth wick- Sandeep Lamichhane and seamer a Royal, and it has been a joy However, his impact 2019, with one year suspend- et. Mohit Sharma. to watch his development came under the scanner ed, for failing to report Mahmud picked up his Malinga had been a prominent over the last 8 years. He is after the team's disas- approaches from a bookmak- first wicket by having Powell part of MI’s title-winning campaigns the ideal person to lead trous outing in the UAE er. caught behind for 28 and fol- in the past though he was not there the Royals into the last year. Thanks to his wily left- lowed up by trapping last time due to personal reasons. Glenn Maxwell bats during practice session KXIP/Twitter 2021 season,” he “I am excited about arm spin, Bangladesh bowled Raymon Reifer lbw for The seasoned Raina was retained added. the challenge that lies the tourists out for 122 in 32.3 naught with his next ball. by the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led an integral part of the Super Kings The Delhi-based franchise Smith’s contract ahead of me as the leader of overs before reaching 125-4 Mayers top-scored with CSK notwithstanding his sudden from the beginning, emerging as retained a total of 19 players includ- ended in October 2020. the team," said new captain with 97 balls to spare in reply. 40 before being undone by a departure from the last IPL in the their highest scorer while guiding ing six overseas players. The Australians, Samson. Debutant Hasan Mehidi Hasan delivery that UAE. them to two IPL titles. KKR will be go into next month's Mahmud and fellow fast spun sharply. It is believed the three-time win- Stoinis made useful contribu- auction with a 17-member squad after bowler Mustafizur Rahman Tamim, captaining the ners decided to continue with Raina tions in the 2020 edition and helped having released only five players purse increased from Rs 6.4 crore to from Rs 10.1 crore to Rs 10.75 crore. also played key roles for the side for the first time after in order to bolster the batting order the Capitals reach their first-ever from the team. Rs 35.7 crore, Delhi Capitals’ swelled Two-time winners KKR’s purse home team, taking 3-28 and being appointed last March, that struggled during a forgettable last IPL final. The two-time champions have to Rs 12.8 crore from 9 crore, went up from Rs 8.5 crore to Rs 10.85 2-20 respectively. then gave Bangladesh a flying season, which culminated in a sev- Batting mostly in the middle released Tom Banton and Chris Green Rajasthan Royals’ purse jumped to crore and from Rs 15 crore, three-time Rain held the players up start to its reply by hitting 44 enth-place finish and a league-stage order, he amassed 352 runs at an aver- among the foreign players and 34.85 crore from Rs 14.75 crore, champions CSK’s amount in the kitty for about an hour after before being off elimination for the first time since the age of 25.14 and a strike rate of 148.52. Siddhesh Lad, Nikhil Naik and M Kings XI Punjab saw an exponential increased to Rs 22.9 crore. Bangladesh captain Tamim West Indies captain Jason tournament’s inception in 2008. With the ball, he took 13 wickets Siddharth among the Indians. rise from Rs 16.5 crore to Rs 53.2 Mumbai Indians were left with a Iqbal won the toss and asked Mohammed. The left-handed Raina has been at an economy of 9.53. After Wednesday, RCB’s total crore, and Sunrisers Hyderabad went purse of Rs 15.35 crore. 12

Vijayawada Thursday January 21, 2021 tollywood Netflix announces SVP to roll Telugu anthology Pitta Kathalu

etflix on country! He assured that the Wednesday women-led stories will touch announced its a chord with the audience. “It first Telugu origi- is time for regional Indian in Dubai N nal, Pitta Kathalu, content to shine on the global a four-part stage,” he said. Dubai has been chosen to host the first anthology directed by young For Nandini, collaborating and talent makers Nandini with Netflix and the accom- schedule of superstar 's next, Reddy, Nag Ashwin, Tharun plished cast of Pitta Kathulu Bhascker and Sankalp Reddy. has been a very rewarding Sarkaru Vaari Paata, after the makers plan The drama narrates the sto- experience. ries of four different women She noted that working to get the project off the ground with a U.S played by Lakshmi Manchu, with gifted directors who Amala Paul, Shruti Haasan sought to travel on newer schedule failed due to COVID-19 related and Eesha Rebba, while the paths of storytelling helped likes of Jagapathi Babu, them bring forth authentic Satyadev, Ashima Narwal, human stories with a fresh reasons, finds NAGARAJ GOUD Saanve Megghana and take on relationships. She Sanjith Hegde round off the directed Meera, top-lined by populous city in the United Arab main cast. Jagapathi Babu, Amala Paul lready way behind the Emirates will fill in for the U.S in the Produced by Ronnie and Aswin Kakamanu. schedule, the filming of film or changed the back- Screwvala’s RSVP Movies and Nag Ashwin, who directed A superstar Mahesh Babu- drop altogether. After this schedule Ashi Dua Sara’s Flying xLife, starring Shruti Haasan, starrer Sarkaru Vaari ends, the action will shift to Unicorn Entertainment, Pitta Sanjith Hegde, Sangeet Paata (SVP) will com- Hyderabad, where the remaining Kathalu will drop on the Shobhan and Anish mence in Dubai from January 25. talkie portions will be shot.” streaming giant on 19th Kuruvilla, said, “With this Production houses Mythri Movie Producer Y Ravi Shankar of Mythri February. being the first Telugu original Makers and 14 Reels Plus initially Movies Makers remained unavailable On collaborating with by Netflix, I really wanted to planned to kick-off the proceedings for a comment. Netflix, Bhasker, who has push the boundaries of what in the U.S last month end and Interestingly, Mahesh’s last working directed Ramula, spearhead- people expect from the medi- Parasuram even undertook a recce in day on a film’s set was in December ed by Lakshmi Manchu, said um. I hope the four unique the second half of last year to finalize 2019 and his idea of taking three Pitta Kathalu is a labour of worlds we have created will locations but with the country still months off after Sarileru Neekevvaru love, with every story in the connect with people, not just witnessing a spike in COVID-19 opened in cinemas last January anthology showcasing a in the Telugu speaking states cases, the film’s unit decided to start extended beyond a year due to the beautiful landscape of the but across the world.” filming in Dubai, which holds the dis- pandemic. He did, however, partici- tinction of being one of the world’s pate in the filming of some commer- first cities to open up for tourism cials after the lockdown rules were after the pandemic struck almost all relaxed. For Parasuram though, the the countries across the globe. Dubai wait has been long as it’s been nearly is also a popular vacation spot for two and half years since his last Mahesh and his family. Whenever , a blockbuster, they want to take a short retreat, they released. While story details of SVP prefer Dubai. Films like Rang De and are under wraps, we’ve already Andhadhun Telugu remake which had informed you that Parasuram drew schedules in Europe also preferred to inspiration from bank defaulters in shoot in Dubai due to reasons related the last five-six years and penned a to coronavirus. fictional social drama laced with A source close to the unit tells us, action. Obviously, his signature “The Dubai schedule will go on for humour will be in abundance, so will nearly a month, with Mahesh joining be a dash of romance. Keerthy Suresh the action on day one itself. It is paired opposite Mahesh in the film, remains to be seen whether the most a Thaman musical. SP, Guru Films Lucifer remake launched; RB line up another Choudhary joins the team Korean remake uresh Productions Runners as well in Telugu, popular Korean film “Luck and Guru Films, with Regina Cassandra and Key” (originally “Key of which remade Nivetha Thomas set to play Life” — Japanese). We have Korean hit Miss lead roles. Sudheer Varma acquired the rights for all S Granny as Oh Baby has been tapped to direct it. Indian languages, currently in Telugu, has Announcing the details of packaging it with a Popular lined-up another Korean their new project on Actor & Director (sic).” film, Luck Key, to remake in Wednesday, the esteemed The original told the story Telugu up next. This would Suresh Productions wrote, of a hapless loser who be their third Korean “@SureshProdns @guru- assumes the identity of an remake as they are attached films1& @skglobalent amnesia victim without to remake 2017 South proudly announce the offi- knowing that he is an assas- Korean hit Midnight cial Telugu remake of the sin.

ucifer remake, star- but Super Good Films chief Vicky and others participat- most prestigious movies in strong technical team for ring megastar RB Choudhary too will exe- ed in the muhurat ceremo- the career of the megastar,” the project. Composer Chiranjeevi, was cute it at the production ny. said the producers. Thaman who is in red-hot L launched at pro- level. , Ashwini Speaking to the media Mohan Raja said that it form, has been tapped to duction house Dutt, DVV Danayya, later, Choudhary and will not be a frame-to-frame score music for the film, Super Good Films Niranjan Reddy, Nagababu, Prasad said they are plan- remake, adding that they’ve while Nirav Shah has been office in Hyderabad on Koratala Siva, Tagore ning to start filming from taken the story outline and signed on as the lensman. Wednesday. When the pro- Madhu, Gemini Kiran, next month. “Director improvised it according to Suresh Selavarajan, whose ject, a political drama laced Satyanand, Meher Ramesh, Mohan Raja tweaked the Chiranjeevi garu’s image. “It art work for Acharya, has with action, was announced Bobby, Ram Achanta, Gopi original to suit our nativity. will meet the expectations been the talk of the town, last month, Ram Charan Achanta, Miryala Ravinder The project will not only be of the mega fans,” he will design sets for this film and NV Prasad were Reddy, Naveen Yerneni, a mega-blockbuster hit but promised. as well. Lakshmi Bhoopal is attached to it as producers Sirish Reddy, UV Creations will also remain one of the Raja has also assembled a penning dialogues. Bangaru Bullodu revolves around gold: Naresh ctor Allari we should go with a story with the 1993 Nandamuri him. The idea was not to Naresh, who will which has humour in it. Balakrishna-starrer super hit spoil the reputation of the be next seen in That’s how our journey Bangaru Bullodu. “In the original if not bettering it, A Bangaru Bullodu, began. Later, Veligonda film, I give gold loans to but he had done a fantastic termed the film Srinivas joined us as a dia- people at a grameena bank. job with the remix,” the as the first come- logue writer. The film was Also, the film revolves actor said. dy of the season. supposed to release last April around gold, hence the title,” Director Giri, who wrote Directed by PV Giri of but due to COVID-19, we he pointed out and added the story of Naresh-starrer Nandini Nursing Home fame, are coming now. I’m excited that it was producer Anil Bendu Apparao RMP, stated it opens in cinemas this about the release,” the actor Sunkara’s idea to remix that Bangaru Bullodu is a Saturday. “As we started dis- said. He was speaking at the Swathilo Muthyamantha rural comedy entertainer set cussing the project, Giri trailer launch of the film in song from old Bangaru in the backdrop of a bank complained to me that my Hyderabad recently. Bullodu for his film. scam. earlier releases had comedy The actor also clarified “Composer Sai Kartheek had “It’s a film meant for the but no story. He told me that that it has no connection a herculean task in front of entire family,” he assured.