' # >1 % ? " % ? " ? 23"/#24'5 *16 *) . *.1 $*.!/0 %)*+,- # 3 4B# 1B , 4 ,< 1,543 , 14<5<= ) B; 5B<5= 4-;3 # 40 -3C 3 53=3 5 1,35 #,5 - -5=,4 04 1-#40 B30- 0B04 =0 4 4;14<5 4;14<5 India as well. oing back on their word mid reports claiming that The Delta variant is cur- Gnot to target embassies, the ATaliban’s supreme leader rently driving the pandemic Taliban in the last few days Haibatullah Akhundzada may be across several countries with entered consulates of India in the custody of the Pakistan China and Korea seeing new and ransacked these looking for Army and has not been seen highs. Korea has reported that documents. They later even during the last six months, the the new surge is due to Delta took away the parked cars security establishment here said 4;14<5 plus K417N mutation. from the premises. he could be very much in The Delta variant resulted These incidents were Afghanistan itself and could f the 30,230 samples of in a deadly second wave in the reported from the Kandahar arrive on the scene once the US Ovariants of concern and country between March and and Herat consulates from forces completely withdraw from variants of interest sequenced May that wreaked havoc on the where New Delhi has pulled the war-ravaged country on # $%& so far in India, a significant health infrastructure, over- out all its India-based diplo- embassies of some other coun- vehicles. However, the flights will August 31. 20,324 were of Delta variants whelming hospitals. It infected matic personnel. These two tries. Reports also said the depend on the situation on the Sources said Akhundzada sweep in Kabul for its larger causing breakthrough infec- lakhs and killed thousands. consulates are now managed by Meanwhile, the local staff Taliban was conducting house ground at the Kabul interna- had even congratulated his geopolitical agenda, experts said tions, INSACOG, a genome In India, new cases of AY.1, locals. India also has a con- of the Indian embassy in Kabul to house searches to identify tional airport and within the deputy Mulla Abdul Ghani adding that keeping sequencing Government con- AY.2, AY.3 (Delta Plus) are sulate in Mazar-e-Sharif besides did not confirm such inci- Afghans who worked for the city where the Taliban has Baradar following the swift Akhundzada in custody would sortium of laboratories has being seen in July samples the embassy in Kabul. dents taking place, reports said. National Directorate of erected road blocks all over takeover of Kabul on Sunday. only defeat its interests. said. from Maharashtra at a fre- These developments came They indicated the Taliban Security, the intelligence agency checking credentials of people, “The most important Quetta Without Akhundzada’s The continuing Covid-19 quency of about 1 per cent. even as the Taliban leadership had entered all the foreign of Afghanistan. sources said. shura or Rahbari Shura (con- active role, the Taliban could not outbreaks across India are However, at this time none of reportedly urged India a few missions in Afghanistan that Meanwhile, efforts to evac- Punjab Chief Minister sultative council) of the Taliban have captured Afghanistan with- attributable to, besides the these sub-lineages has been days back not to evacuate its have been evacuated in the past uate the Indian citizens from Captain Amarinder Singh ear- is based in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in a matter of days as against US’ Delta variant, a susceptible found to have a growth advan- staff from its Kabul embassy. week to seek details from the Kabul and other parts of lier this week had appealed to region of Pakistan. Pakistan’s estimates of a takeover of Kabul population and reduced vac- tage over the Delta parent lin- India was assured of security local staff. All foreign missions Afghanistan were on, sources the Central Government to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s in 18 months. cine effectiveness in blocking eage, it noted. and safety, sources said here on are now surrounded by the said. There were about 450 to evacuate Sikhs from the strife party PTI had won the Assembly In addition, the Taliban has transmission, the INSACOG Friday. Taliban and cordoned off for 500 Indian citizens waiting to torn country and said there are elections with the help of Taliban, a close relationship with the added. This assurance came from common people. be brought out. Several trans- more than 300 Sikhs there so keeping Akhundzada in cus- Haqqani network and any such However, vaccination con- Abbahs Stanikzai, one of the The Taliban leadership had port planes of the IAF besides now. The Government had tody would only damage the rul- misadventure by the Pakistani tinues to be very effective in seven important Taliban lead- earlier said that they have Air India were on standby and said it was in touch with mem- ing dispensation in Islamabad,” army could have been resolute- reducing severe disease and ers. Interestingly, Stanikzai had asked the fighters to refrain sources indicated one or two bers of the minority commu- an official tracking the develop- ly repulsed by the two dreaded death, and public health mea- trained as an Army officer at from entering empty embassy planes may go to Kabul over nities in Afghanistan and will ment said. terror groups, both of which con- sures such as mask and hygiene the Indian Military Academy establishments of other nations the weekend to bring back the do everything possible to Further, it is in the interest tinue to be sanctioned by the to reduce transmission and (IMA) in 1982. and also not manhandle their stranded Indians. ensure their safety. of Pakistan to back the Taliban UN. inoculation remain critical, the 4;14<5 Sources said the message INSACOG stressed in its latest came from his office in Qatar bulletin dated August 16. he subject expert commit- before the diplomatic staff, “As of now, sequencing of Ttee (SEC) on Covid-19 of including the Ambassador, was vaccination breakthroughs in the DCGI has recommended evacuated earlier this week. India is also showing a very granting emergency approval The message sent to the Indian high proportion of Delta vari- to the Zycov-D, a vaccine Government reportedly said )=< stunning blitz through the they have changed. indicator of what Taliban rule ants. Investigations for any developed by the Ahmedabad- diplomats will not be harmed. country. Others have taken to The rights group said that may bring,” said Agnes new variants are ongoing,” the based Zydus Cadilla group, on Also, India need not fear eports of targeted killings in the streets to protest the its researchers spoke to eye- Callamard, the head of INSACOG said. Friday, making it the first vac- attacks on its embassy from ter- Rareas overrun by the takeover — acts of defiance that witnesses in Ghazni province Amnesty International. Of the 30,230 samples of cine in India that can be rorist outfits like the Jaish-e- Taliban mounted on Friday, Taliban fighters have violently who recounted how the Taliban variants of concern and vari- administered to adults as well Mohammad or the Lashkar-e- fuelling fears that they will suppressed. killed nine ethnic Hazara men ants of interest sequenced by as those 12 and above. It’s the Tayyeba. return Afghanistan to the The Taliban say they have in the village of Mundarakht on the INSACOG, 20,324 were of only DNA-based vaccine in the On the two incidents of the repressive rule they imposed become more moderate since July 4-6. It said six of the men Delta, it said. world and can be administered Taliban entering the consulates, when they were last in power, they last ruled Afghanistan in country. But many Afghans are were shot, and three were tor- Citing an example of the without a needle. sources said it was a matter of even as they urged imams to the 1990s and have pledged to skeptical, fearing that the tured to death. Hazaras are Berlin: Taliban fighters hunt- UK where with a population of Prime Minister Narendra serious concern that such push a message of unity at restore security and forgive Taliban will erase the gains, Shiite Muslims who were pre- ing a journalist from Deutsche about 6.7 crore, about 18 lakh Modi tweeted, “The approval actions took place despite Friday’s prayers. those who fought them in the especially for women, achieved viously persecuted by the Welle have shot dead one cases and 1.2 lakh vaccination for world’s first DNA-based assurances by the Taliban. Terrified that the new de 20 years since a US-led inva- in the past two decades. Taliban and who made major member of his family and breakthroughs with Delta since ‘ZyCov-D’ vaccine of Zydus The fighters of the Taliban facto rulers would commit sion. Reports of abuses are grow- gains in education and social severely injured another, the April 2021 have been reported, Cadila is a testimony to the ransacked the consulates in such abuses, thousands have Ahead of Friday prayers, ing, and an Amnesty status in recent years. German public broadcaster the INSACOG said, thus, vac- innovative zeal of India’s sci- Kandahar and Herat. It was raced to Kabul’s airport and to leaders urged imams to use International report provided The brutality of the killings said, adding that three more of cination breakthroughs are entists. A momentous feat learnt that the fighters also border crossings, desperate to sermons to appeal for unity and more evidence Friday that was “a reminder of the Taliban’s its journalists had had their common during Delta out- indeed,” tweets Prime Minister entered consulates and flee following the Taliban’s urge people not to flee the undercut the Taliban’s claims past record, and a horrifying homes raided. breaks and are expected in Modi. !" ! R ! P " # # #$% & O 4;14<5 $ " P $%&'((& " # $ " % n an indirect reference to the " ITaliban-linked developments 4;14<5 4;14<5 &'%&(" ) " in Afghanistan, Prime Minister *+ Narendra Modi on Friday fter Twitter, Instagram and n the latest bid to forge an " emphasised that empires built AFacebook have removed IOpposition unity to take on $" , by terror don’t last long. He said Congress leader Rahul the might of the BJP in the destructive forces and people Gandhi’s post that revealed 2024 Lok Sabha polls, - . % who follow the ideology of cre- the identity of the parents of a Congress president Sonia ating empires through terror minor girl who was raped and Gandhi on Friday called upon can dominate for some time, murdered in Delhi saying it leaders of 19 Opposition par- but their existence is not per- violated the social media plat- ties to unite and fight the rul- !"# manent as they cannot suppress forms’ policies. ing party, not just inside ! " humanity forever. Facebook has informed the Parliament but also outside in # . "" “This temple was demol- Congress leader that his post ( $ national interest. ished numerous times over had been taken down and cited ( Giving the call for the first in Parliament had forced the " several centuries. Idols of the reasons for the same. The ))$ time in a virtual scheduled Government to amend the deities were also desecrated. “The thought of trying to son is equally important today action comes days after ( meeting of leaders from OBC Bill. 0 # $" Attempts were made to erase its build a nation with terrorism as it was a few years ago when Facebook wrote to Rahul ask- Opposition parties, including While the BSP continued % existence. But it came up again might scare humanity for some terrorists were trying to ing him to take down the post. from the National Commission TMC, NCP, RJD, Shiv Sena and to remain away from such 1 in its full glory every time it was time but it won’t be able to pres- destroy Somnath Temple,” said It had written to the leader a for Protection of Child Rights JMM, Sonia cited how the meetings, the AAP wasn’t invit- - .20 demolished,” Modi said. surise it for too long. This les- Modi. week after receiving summons (NCPCR). unity of the Opposition power ed at all. 3 &' "20 - 4"" . $ % ) *+ $ % & '#(#) O Sidhu, accompanied by ances. roster of ministers to sit at set up a 10-member strategic # 5 1,35 Punjab Pradesh Congress As per the decision, one Punjab Congress Bhawan!" policy group for better coordi- 2 " Committee (PPCC) working Minister each will be available tweeted Sidhu, after meeting nation between the party and ith Assembly elections president and MLA Kuljit at the Congress Bhawan from the Chief Minister at his Siswan the State Government. Giving $ . Wfast approaching, Punjab Singh Nagra and PPCC gener- Monday for three hours, and in farmhouse, along with pic- Capt Amarinder his due, Sidhu " " Congress has come out with a al secretary (organisation) and any case, the Minister deputed tures. even asked him to head the " schedule for the Ministers in MLA Pargat Singh, shared the for a particular day is unable to Nagra, after the meeting, group. O " " the State Government to ensure proposal of Cabinet Ministers make it for some reason, he or said that the Chief Minister was The 10-member strategic % * the party passes the electoral remaining present at the party his base to the party head- public and party cadre," the she shall arrange for a substi- prompt in accepting the pro- policy group will have Local test with "flying colours". headquarters in Chandigarh, quarters from August 16. Chief Minister tweeted along tute in consultation with any posal of the state unit. "The Government Minister Brahm +, The decision, taken after Punjab Congress Bhawan, and Capt Amarinder was quick with a schedule for the other Minister. ministers will lend an ear to Mohindra, Finance Minister the "coordination meeting" listen to the grievances of the enough to accept the propos- Ministers for the next four The arrangement will be in concerns of party cadres and Manpreet Singh Badal, and #) 5 between the Chief Minister party leaders and functionaries, al, while finalising the "duty months. place five days in a week, from inform them about the achieve- Social Security Minister Aruna 0. K " Capt Amarinder Singh and including the MLAs. roaster" of the Ministers, till According to the roster, Monday to Friday, said the ments of the State Chaudhary as members, along 8 Punjab Congress chief Navjot In fact, during his installa- December starting from one Cabinet Minister will be Chief Minister, adding that Government," he said, playing with Sidhu, four party working " Singh Sidhu on Friday morn- tion ceremony, Sidhu had asked Monday (August 23). present at the State Congress this will help in better coordi- down differences between the presidents - Kuljit Singh Nagra, K ing, was aimed at better coor- the Ministers to devote some "Have deputed all my office for three hours daily, by nation between the State two leaders. Sukhwinder Singh Danny, dination between the party time to the party and sit in the Cabinet ministers to be present rotation, for meetings with Government and party func- Sangat Singh Gilzian, and 9 :) O and the government ahead of Punjab Congress Bhawan to for three hours from 11 am to MLAs and other party func- tionaries in the run-up to the -% Pawan Goel, besides General # $ the crucial State Assembly meet the party leaders as per 2 pm at @INCPunjab office tionaries to discuss issues relat- 2022 assembly elections. & Secretary (organisation) Pargat " % polls, scheduled to be held their choice. As per his decla- daily beginning Monday, as per ing to their constituencies or "Highly positive coordi- During the meeting, Capt Singh. early next year. ration, Sidhu had also shifted the roster, to interact with areas and address any griev- nation meeting on proposal for Amarinder and Sidhu agreed to Continued on Page 2 &'$ (!' *+!$, +(+* -. -/-. ) *+ From Page 1 Ministers, experts etc as may be strategy for the 2022 assembly his bête noire Sidhu, who have Chief Minister wasted no time It will also work to expedite required. It will discuss and $$ polls. The second meeting all along been sharing bitter ties in raising the matter with the the implementation of review the progress of various The political storm within between the two leaders, after since long. party high command, follow- & O P$ Government programmes and State Government initiatives the Congress party appears to Sidhu's appointment as the As Sidhu continued his ing which the two leaders have 45#)45, # " reform initiatives. The Group already under implementation, be abetting with both Capt state party chief, gave indica- attacks against his own party's been asked to mend their ways N- O $ will hold weekly meetings, in and will also suggest measures Amarinder and Sidhu coming tions of the revival of ties Government over slew of issues and walk together for the " $ consultation with other to expedite the same. together to devise the party's between Capt Amarinder and even after his elevation, the party's interest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hospitals in Hisar, Gurugram cases on May 4 while the high- as per latest periodic labour force far, as the date of its enforce- Government in the House. 5 1,35 and Rewari districts in April. --40 5 1,35 Uppal over Saini’s “fiasco”. Secretary, and Chief Director “I suggest they should discuss all arrested by the state Vigilance Bureau '%@+< Randhawa, sharing close ties with Vigilance, for their professional issues, specially sensitive ones, either in a corruption and forgery case. Saini ours after the Punjab and the newly-appointed Punjab Congress incompetence.” Randhawa tagged with me or on the @INCPunjab plat- was released by the Mohali court at HHaryana High Court ordered president Navjot Singh Sidhu, minced Congress former national president form before going public,” the around 2 am on Friday. $ the release of Punjab’s former DGP no words to dub these senior officials Rahul Gandhi and Punjab Congress Chief Minister said in a tweet It may be mentioned that Sumedh Singh Saini, the state’s Jails as “professionally incompetent”. president Navjot Singh Sidhu in his posted by his Media Adviser Raveen Randhawa has all along been criti- Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa In a tweet, Randhawa said: “In tweet. Responding to Randhawa’s Thukral. Notably, the Punjab and cizing the Chief Minister Capt -3 1=3-5 with the farmers who are on Friday demanded removal of the view of the fiasco in Sumedh Singh remarks, Chief Minister Capt Haryana High Court, around Thursday Amarinder over the unfulfilled poll protesting at the Delhi bor- state Advocate-General Atul Nanda, Saini case, I urge Chief Minister Amarinder Singh advised all Cabinet midnight, ordered Saini’s “immediate promises, particularly the delay in sserting his continued sup- ders”, the Chief Minister made Home Secretary Anurag Aggarwal, @capt_amarinder to immediately and party colleagues to check facts release” by describing his arrest as “ille- action in the 2015 sacrilege and Aport to the farmers agitat- it clear that he does not agree and Chief Director Vigilance BK remove Advocate General, Home before issuing statements. gal”, just over 24 hours after he was police firing cases. ing against the Centre’s three with the stand taken by the black farm laws, Punjab Chief Central Government, who are Minister Capt Amarinder not listening to the farmers. Singh on Friday launched Rs “We have amended the " & ./ 520 crore debt relief scheme for Constitution 127 times, so 2.85 lakh farm labourers and why are we not doing it now? landless farmers, in a befitting Why is the Government of 5 1,35 habeas corpus petition filed by Amarinder Singh and their release. the High Court website past Corruption Act. tribute to former Prime India standing on prestige on Saini’s wife, Justice Tyagi exten- family, which dates back to late Saini was arrested by the midnight,” it added. The case was registered on Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s pro- the issue of the Farm Laws,” he fter a wait of 14-long- sively referred to his appre- 1990s and findings were record- state’s Vigilance Bureau on The high court on October September 2020 against poor vision of the former asked, adding that he had cat- Ahours, Punjab’s former hensions of being falsely impli- ed regarding this political Wednesday night in connection 11, 2018, had held that Saini Davinder Singh Sandhu, direc- Prime Minister. egorically urged the Prime Director General of Police cated in criminal cases by the vendetta in (various) orders….” with a case registered in would be served a seven-day tor of WWICS Estates Private “I hope and wish a day will Minister and the Union Home (DGP) Sumedh Singh Saini ruling Government. Notably, Saini has all along September 2020 for cheating, notice if any action was to be Ltd, Ashok Sikka PCS officer come when India will be free Minister to repeal the legisla- walked out of the vigilance Among other things, the been seeking the transfer of forgery, corruption, and other contemplated against him. In (now retired), and some other from poverty, which Rajiv tions.” custody virtually in the wee Bench was told that Saini was investigation of cases regis- offences. the September 23, 2020, order, officials of the local government Gandhi dreamed about,” said Pointing out that around hours on Friday after his "forth- “illegally detained to show to tered against him to the CBI or Justice Tyagi, in his orders, the Court had extended the department for illegal change of the Chief Minister, dedicating 400 farmers had died, he said with" release was ordered by the the public that the statement any other independent agency observed that Saini’s arrest was protection of the October 2018 land use for a piece of land at the important scheme to the that the State Government was Punjab and Haryana High made on the floor of the House outside the State of Punjab. illegal and in violation of ear- order to any incident during Kurali with fake documents. State on the 77th birth anniver- giving Rs five lakh to the fam- Court, which, in its judgment, by Cabinet Minister, Punjab, In one of his previous peti- lier court orders. Saini’s entire service career. Later, the Vigilance Bureau sary of his close friend. ilies of the state’s farmers who ruled that the former top cop while tabling the reports of tions, Saini had alleged “In view of the above The court also ordered that booked PWD executive engi- The Chief Minister said had lost their jobs. In addition, has been “illegally arrested”. Ranjit Singh Commission hold- malafides on the part of Capt referred judicial precedents and a seven-day prior notice is to be neer Nimratdeep Singh, his that the State Government had they were being given jobs, and The orders, by Justice Arun ing the detainee (Saini) guilty Amarinder Singh and members above discussed facts and cir- given if he is to be arrested in father Surinderjit Singh Jaspal decided to waive off loans 200 had already got their Kumar Tyagi of the High Court, and to harass him in some false of ruling party. Taking up the cumstances of the case evi- this case. and some other persons for amounting to Rs 520 crores of appointment letters, he said, were pronounced at about 11:40 case was fulfilled”. matter, the Court had earlier dencing illegality of the arrest Saini, a 1982-batch IPS allegedly receiving a bribe from farm labour and landless farm- adding that the Centre needs pm on Thursday night after The Bench was also told directed the placing on record of the detenue, the habeas cor- officer, was appointed the Davinder Sandhu for getting ers with respect to the princi- to protect the MSP and the hearing day-long arguments that the act of the Vigilance the copies of the FIRs registered pus petition is allowed and the Punjab DGP in 2012, but the colonies set up at Kurali cer- pal amount against their coop- market system as well as the on two petitions — one by Saini Bureau was “blatant and fla- against Parkash Singh Badal, detenue is held to have been removed from the apex post in tified. erative loans as on July 31, age-old relationship between and another by his wife. grant abuse of the power vest- Capt Amarinder Singh, and illegally arrested in circum- 2015 after protests erupted over The Bureau claimed that 2017, and simple interest at the the farmers and the arhtiyas in Saini, meanwhile, remained ed in the police”. their associates. vented violation of protection a series of sacrilege incidents. the money received was used rate of seven percent per the interest of the nation. at the Mohali district courts Justice Tyagi also took note The Bench also referred to orders dated 11.10.2018 and He retired in 2018. for purchasing a house in annum on the said amount till In a token gesture to where he was brought for the of the “political and personal the FIRs registered against 23.09.2020 and interim antici- According to the Vigilance Chandigarh’s Sector 20 in which March 6, 2019. Notably, the launch the scheme, the Chief purpose of remand by the rivalry” between the past and Badal and Capt Amarinder. patory bail order dated Bureau, he has been arrested Saini later stayed as a tenant. State Government had earlier Minister personally handed Vigilance Bureau. His release present Chief Ministers — Reference was also made to 12.08.2021 passed by the Co- under several sections, includ- In May 2020, Saini was also waived off Rs 4,700 crore over cheques to 21 farm came after the orders were Parkash Singh Badal and Capt Capt Amarinder’s advisor ordinate Bench of this Court,” ing 420 (cheating), 409 (crim- booked in the case of disap- worth of loans (up to Rs two labourers and landless labour- finalized and issued at about 2 Amarinder Singh — and their Bharat Inder Singh Chahal’s stated the order. inal breach of trust), 468 pearance of Balwant Singh lakh of crop loan each) for 5.85 ers, with Ministers and MLAs am. Justice Tyagi is believed to family. allegations of police torture. In “Therefore, the detenue is (forgery for purpose of cheat- Multani in 1991. Multani was lakh small and marginal farm- set to disburse the cheques to have remained in his chamber “There is political and per- fact, Chahal was made a ordered to be released forth- ing), 120-B (criminal conspir- then a junior engineer with the ers. all others over the next few till about 3 am. sonal rivalry between Parkash respondent in the habeas cor- with, according to the court acy) of the IPC and relevant Chandigarh Industrial and Declaring that his “heart is days. In his detailed order on the Singh Badal and Captain pus petition seeking Saini’s order which was uploaded on sections of the Prevention of Tourism Corporation. &'$ (!' *+!$, +(+* -. -/-. # $ %& '' #' ) % 6 P ! 3.7 $ & ))8 * % + ! # , - #%# '* ings were looted including the chattels,” the court underscored in its order. The bench said there are allegations that the com- plainants are being threatened to withdraw the cases and a The SIT will include number of cases of murder 4;14<5 Covid-19 in people explicitly Suman Bala Sahoo, Soumen being claimed as natural death exposed to the virus failed in Mitra and Ranveer Kumar, all without recording FIRs and straZeneca’s Covid-19 anti- June. Astra said in June it was IPS officers of the West Bengal conducting investigation Abody cocktail was found to in “ongoing” discussions with cadre. according to the procedure be 77 per cent effective in pre- the US government and await- The bench will monitor the established by law. venting symptomatic Covid-19 ing results of this latest study – 4;14<5 16, the WHO said that its sur- investigations by both the CBI Noting that the West in high-risk people in a key trial named Provent — before veillance and monitoring sys- and the SIT, and it has asked Bengal Police has not proper- that could expand the range of deciding how to proceed. The fter the World Health tem had identified fake 4;14<5 a bitterly contested eight-phase them to submit status reports ly responded to allegations of drugs available to vulnerable trial accrued 25 symptomatic AOrganization alert, Union Covishield vials at the patient- Assembly poll in the State. to the court within six weeks. inaction and tried to downplay groups such as children. This Covid-19 infections for the Health Minister Mansukh level in India and the African day after the Calcutta High Each team will have about It said that the working of them, the bench said, “It cer- comes amidst the backdrop of primary analysis. Mandaviya has said that the nation Uganda. The fake ACourt ordered a CBI probe seven members, including a the SIT will be overseen by a tainly needs investigation by an Union Health Minister Volunteers were given the Government has launched an products were reported to it into political violence in West Deputy Inspector General retired judge of the Supreme independent agency.” Mansukh Mandaviya’s recent AZD7442 cocktail on a 2:1 ran- inquiry into its report claim- in July and August, WHO Bengal, the investigating (DIG) and about four Court for which a separate It said three months have observation that a Covid-19 domized drug-to-placebo ratio. ing that counterfeit versions of said. agency has written to the West Superintendents of Police, order will be passed after lapsed since the matter was vaccine for children could be “We need additional approach- Covishield, India’s primary “The genuine manufac- Bengal Director General of called from across the country obtaining his/her consent. taken up by the court, but “no launched “very soon”, and the es for individuals who are not anti-Covid-19 vaccine, had turer of Covishield (Serum Police to provide details of all for the probe into the cases of In its ruling, the HC noted concrete action has been taken results of an ongoing research adequately protected by Covid- been seized. Institute of India Pvt. Ltd.) has cases of murder, attempt to political violence, officials said. that heinous crimes such as by the State, which could regarding the same is likely to 19 vaccines,” Mene Pangalos, “It has been claimed that confirmed that the products murder and rape reported dur- Additional Director Ajay murder and rape “deserve to be inspire confidence except filing arrive next month. executive vice president of bio- duplicate versions of listed in this alert are falsified,” ing post-poll violence in the Bhatnagar will supervise the investigated by an independent affidavits and placing on record Results from Astra’s study pharmaceuticals research and Covishield vaccine were sold the WHO statement said. State. probes of the four teams. agency which in the circum- thousands of papers.” found no one in the trial who development, said in a state- in the country. The Indian The WHO said that it The agency’s move is in On Thursday, the Calcutta stances can only be Central The bench also ordered the received the cocktail contract- ment. “We are very encouraged Government is probing this could identify that the vac- line with a Calcutta High Court High Court had ordered a CBI Bureau of Investigation.” West Bengal Government to ed severe Covid-19 or died in by these efficacy and safety data claim, and will take action if cines were fake based on mis- order that directed the CBI to inquiry into alleged killings, The bench further said the pay compensation to the vic- relation to the disease, the in high-risk people,” the state- it finds any substance to the representation of their “iden- take over cases related to mur- rape and crimes against women State failed to register FIRs even tims of crimes in company said in a statement on ment added. allegations,” he told reporters tity, composition and source” der, rape and atrocities against during post-poll violence in in some cases of alleged mur- accordance with the policy of Friday. The trial of 5,197 par- The company said it was in Rajkot on Thursday. mentioned on the vials. women during the violence West Bengal. der. the State, after due ticipants, which started in preparing the data to regula- The report about coun- The vials found in India that were reported after the A five-judge bench, passing “Rather the violence which verification. The compensa- November, was looking at tors for potential emergency- terfeit vaccines allegedly being contained doses of 2 millil- Assembly poll results were out. a unanimous judgment on a erupted after polls and decla- tion amount will be directly whether the drug could prevent use authorization. Antibody seized quoted the World itres, though Serum Institute The CBI has set up four batch of PILs seeking an inde- ration of results was state- transferred to their bank infection in at-risk groups and drugs are viewed as a way to Health Organisation. of India does not manufacture teams, each headed by joint pendent probe into incidents of wide. Number of persons had accounts. took place in the US, UK, potentially protect people, In a statement on August Covishield in such vials. directors Ramnish, Anurag, alleged violence after the polls died. The women were raped. On July 13, the National Belgium, France and Spain. such as cancer patients, who Vineet Vinayak and Sampat which the ruling TMC won by The house of certain persons Human Rights Commission The outcome will be a big may not respond as well to Meena, to probe the political an overwhelming majority, also who had not supported the committee had submitted its relief for Astra after another vaccination, but the products violence which ensued after the ordered the constitution of a party in power were demol- final report on the inquiry study testing whether the cock- are cumbersome to adminis- Trials for both prevention and Covid-19 have seen mixed victory of the Trinamool special investigation team (SIT) ished. Their other properties into allegations of abuses after tail could prevent symptomatic ter and scale-up is limited. treatment options against success. Congress (TMC) on May 2 in to probe all other cases. were damaged. Their belong- the polls to the court. ( 4,P 0 ( " $ $ " 1"! 4;14<5 ty High Court order denying 4;14<5 sale scheme 4;14<5 him appointment in state civil (OMSS) policy he Supreme Court has service examination of 2007 on study of the price trend of of the year 2021- ith the objective of Truled that a person belong- the ground that his address Athe retail and wholesale 22”, the Wattracting foreign and ing to a reserved category is proof showed that he was a per- prices of rice and wheat Government Indian capital into the local entitled to claim benefit of manent resident of Patna, showed a declining trend till sells rice and defence industry in a seamless reservation in either of the Bihar. “It is made clear that per- August 16 this year compared wheat to bulk manner, Defence Minister successor States of Bihar or son is entitled to claim benefit to the month-ago period on consumers at the Rajnath Singh on Friday Jharkhand, but cannot claim of reservation in either of the market intervention. As per reserve price. approved proposals to publish benefit of the quota simulta- successor State of Bihar or the data shared by the As per the relevant details of planned pro- neously in both the successor State of Jharkhand, but will not Ministry of Consumer Affairs, APEDA data, curements on the defence min- States upon their reorganisa- be entitled to claim benefit of the retail price of rice declined Affairs, 9.84 lakh metric tons rice exports rose 25.3 per istry website. tion in November, 2000. reservation simultaneously in by 1.78 per cent to 35.28 per of wheat was sold till July so cent to USD 2.4 billion and Announcing this here, The top court also held that both the kg on August 16 from 35.92 far in 2021-22. Similarly, 4.13 the outbound shipments of defence ministry officials said members of the reserved cate- successor States and those who per kg a month ago. The lakh metric tons of rice sold other cereals jumped to USD this step will propel ‘Ease of transparency in capital acqui- and will provide an opportuni- gory, who are residents of the are members of the reserved wholesale price of rice also fell during the same period. “A 231.4 million in April-June. Doing Business’ and increase sition process, aligning with the ty to the additional vendors, successor State of Bihar, while category and are resident of the 2.17 per cent to 3,030.6 per record sale of wheat and rice “The rise in export of agri- transparency in capital acqui- aspirations of industry, the who did not respond to the participating in open selec- successor State of Bihar, while quintal from 3,097.88 per has helped the ministry to cultural and processed food sition process. defene minister approved a Request for Information (RFI) tion in Jharkhand shall be participating in open quintal in the said period. On control the prices in the retail products is the outcome of They said the Defence proposal mandating the Service but wish to express interest for treated to be migrants and selection in State of Jharkhand the other hand, the and wholesale markets,” said various initiatives taken for Industry has regularly pitched Headquarters to publish the rel- receipt of RFP and submission they can participate in shall be treated to be migrants Agricultural and Processed officials. In the case of wheat, the export promotion of agri- for providing greater access to evant details on the Service of bid. the general category without and it will be open to partici- Food Products Export retail prices dipped by 2.18 per cultural and processed food the details of planned procure- Headquarters and the defence This timely visibility will claiming the benefit of reser- pate in general category with- Development Authority cent to 26.52 per kg on products such as organising ments especially with regard to ministry website within one enable the industry to plan vation and vice-versa. out claiming the benefit of (APEDA) data showed rice August 16 from 27.11 per kg B2B exhibitions in different cost, quantity, offsets, trials and week of receipt of approvals. technology tie-ups with A bench of Justices U U reservation and vice-versa,” the exports rose 25.3 per cent to in the month-ago period. countries, exploring new transfer of technology which The details shared will be sub- Original Equipment Lalit and Ajay Rastogi decided bench said. USD 2.4 billion and the out- The wholesale rate of potential markets through are being envisaged at the ject to sensitivities keeping the Manufacturers (OEMs), initiate the “peculiar question” after a The top court said it holds bound shipments of other wheat fell by 2.82 per cent to product-specific and general Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) security aspect in mind. the process to set up production resident of Jharkhand, Pankaj that the majority judgement of cereals jumped to USD 231.4 2,258.05 per quintal from marketing campaigns by the stage. This is an important step lines and augment production Kumar, a member of the High Court of February 24, million in April-June. 2,323.52 per quintal in the active involvement of Indian To promote ‘Ease of Doing towards greater transparency capacity in anticipation of the Scheduled Caste filed an 2020 is unsustainable in law As per the data provided said period. Embassies,” the ministry of Business’ and provide more and information symmetry orders likely to be placed. appeal against the 2:1 majori- and is hereby set aside. by the Ministry of consumer Under the open market commerce said. #+. % #* /# #% 00 +# # #3 3$ & 4;14<5 3 $ 1 eaders cutting across party Llines paid rich tributes to former Prime Minister Rajiv 4;14<5 Gandhi on Friday on his 77th birth anniversary. he trinity of health, agri- Prime Minister Narendra ! %&+$ Tculture and water has for Modi tweeted: “Tributes to $ ( many years been the bedrocks our former PM Shri Rajiv ))$ of close mutual collaboration Gandhi Ji on his birth anniver- ( between India and the sary.” Netherlands, Union minister Defence Minister Rajnath Jitendra Singh said on Friday. Singh, Congress President son Randeep Surjewala also “The Indo-Dutch collabo- Sonia Gandhi, Leader of hailed the former prime min- ration could be evolved into a Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir ister and recalled his contri- model for others to follow. Ranjan Chowdhury and others bution to the country. Health and agriculture are the also paid floral tributes to Chief ministers of priority areas of the govern- to the Government of India, K. view to explore the deep ocean Rajiv Gandhi at a function held Congress-ruled states ment,” said Singh, the Minister Vijay Raghavan; Secretary, for resources and develop deep- at the Central Hall of Amarinder Singh (Punjab), of State (Independent Charge) Department of Science and sea technologies for sustainable Parliament. Ashok Gehlot (Rajasthan) and for Science & Technology and Technology, Ashutosh Sharma; use of ocean resources. After paying floral tributes Bhupesh Baghel Earth Sciences. and Secretary, Department of Ambassador Berg in his to the former Prime Minister (Chhattisgarh) paid rich trib- Singh’s remarks came dur- Biotechnology, Renu Swarup, address flagged the future col- at the Central Hall of ! ( $ ( ))$ -2 utes to the former prime min- ing a meeting with a delegation also attended the meeting, laborations in solar energy, Parliament, the Defence ( ister. from the Netherlands led by among others. gas-based installations, cyber Minister tweeted, “Paid trib- Senior Congress leader Ambassador Marten van den Singh welcomed the Dutch security, data science, urban utes to former Prime Minister Kapil Sibal also remembered Berg, said a release from the proposal to work together in water system and emerging of India, Rajiv Gandhi ji on his Among others who paid Senior Congress leaders “The brave do not fall silent Rajiv Gandhi on his birth Ministry of Science and the area of Green Hydrogen areas, which will create jobs for birth anniversary at Parliament floral tributes were several sit- Pawan Kumar Bansal, K C before injustice, they speak anniversary and said he was Technology. and said that Prime Minister people in India. House today.” ting and former MPs and for- Venugopal and Indian Youth up for what is right and good, delighted that party chief Sonia Marten van den Berg had Narendra Modi in his address He said that institutional In a series of tweets, mer Congress chief Rahul Congress (IYC) chief Srinivas they do not cower when it is Gandhi is set to meet called on Singh to discuss and on August 15 had announced frameworks for cooperation Chowdhury, leader of the Gandhi. B V were among those who dark, they stand strong, they Opposition leaders on this day review bilateral cooperation the ‘National Hydrogen are already in place, and now Congress party in Lok Sabha, Rahul said Rajiv Gandhi’s visited Vir Bhumi along with spread the light of truth across to discuss issues that matter. between the two countries in Mission’ to make India a glob- there is a need to work effec- said, “Today is the 77th birth farsighted vision helped create Rahul Gandhi. skies blackened by deceit. The Born in 1944, Rajiv the field of science & technol- al hub for green hydrogen pro- tively on the ground. anniversary of great visionary modern India. “He was a won- Rahul Gandhi inaugurated brave never die.” Gandhi was prime minister ogy and innovation. duction and export. Berg also highlighted cli- leader late Rajiv Gandhi, being derful father, a compassionate a photo-exhibition dedicated The Congress, from its from 1984 to 1989. He was “India is poised to play a Similarly, Smart Energy mate change as a key area of celebrated across the country, and loving human being,” to Rajiv Gandhi, and it was official Twitter handle, tweet- assassinated in 1991. leading role in the comity of Grids, Functional Materials, concern for the entire world who espoused the philosophy Rahul said after paying tribute organised by the Idian Youth ed, “India’s youngest Prime The Secretary-General of nations. India is emerging as a Big Data and IOT have been and said that both India and of ‘Power to the People’, instead to the former prime minister Congress. He also unveiled a Minister. The architect of 21st Lok Sabha, Utpal Kumar huge investment destination,” supported for joint research the Netherlands can work in of power to the party.” at Veer Bhumi. bust of the former prime min- Century India. The visionary, Singh, also paid floral tributes. Singh said, as he called upon and development, he added. areas like carbon capture “Who gave birth to the “Rajiv Gandhi ji was a ister at the IYC headquarters. the pioneer, the patriot. Today The portrait of Rajiv Gandhi the private sector to seize the Referring to Ambassador through the public-private Computer Revolution which is man with tremendous vision, Congress general secre- we pay homage to Bharat was unveiled by the then opportunity for furthering ties Berg’s proposal for collabora- partnership mode. ‘Digital India’ in its new incar- whose farsighted policies tary Priyanka Gandhi posted a Ratna, Rajiv Gandhi and cele- President of India, Dr. Shankar in all walks of life as both the tion in Ocean Resources, the He also underlined the nation, and so on, I pay my helped build modern India,” picture of hers with Rajiv brate his immense contribu- Dayal Sharma, in the Central countries enjoy deep historic minister informed that India need to address societal chal- tribute to my departed leader, the former Congress chief said Gandhi when she was a child tions to the nation.” Hall of Parliament House on and cultural ties. had recently announced a lenges through science and Rajiv JI,” Chowdhury said. in a Facebook post. along with a note which read, Congress’ chief spokesper- August 20, 1993. Principal Scientific Advisor ‘Deep Ocean Mission’ with a technology, the release said. &'$ (!' *+!$, +(+* -. -/-. # 1 " $ - # $% !/ 900= Defence PRO in Srinagar Col ; !$ Mumbai: The daily Covid-19 Emron Musavi said, "the search deaths dropped to 105 and n active member of the 'hit party drew heavy volume of fire Lucknow: The Bharatiya Janata Party berth in the Yogi council of Ministers. infections dipped to 4,365 in Asquad' of pro-Pakistan terror- from terrorists hiding in the village high command has reportedly given a Though, the next election is just five Maharashtra on Friday, even as ist outfit Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) at around 2.40 a.m. The security green signal for selection of candidates months away and the expansion has no 6,384 patients were discharged was gunned down by the joint team forces swiftly isolated the house, for four seats of Uttar Pradesh meaning but it will have an optic value after full recovery from various of security forces along with his ensuring that other innocent civil- Legislative Council and subsequent particularly if some marginalised leader hospitals across the State. associate in Khrew area of Pampore ians were not caught in the cross expansion of the State Cabinet, if gets a Ministerial post,” said a senior A day after the state logged in Awantipora on Friday. fire". required. BJP leader in Lucknow on Friday. 154 deaths and 5,225 infec- The slain ultras have been The Defence spokesman said, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath BJP sources claimed that the expan- tions, the deaths went down by identified as Musaib Ahmad Bhat "the terrorists were asked to sur- conferred with BJP president JP Nadda sion of Yogi cabinet was expected next 49 and infections dropped by resident of Khrew Pampore and render time and again, but refused. and Union Home Minister Amit Shah week and the names doing rounds in 860. With 105 fresh fatalities Muzamil Ahmad Rather resident of Intermittent exchange of fire con- in Delhi on Thursday night and the political circles are Nishad party chief reported on Monday, the total Chakoora Pulwama. " , tinued throughout the night. At meeting was attended by BJP state pres- Sanjay Nishad, former Union Minister number of deaths in the state According to a police around 6:30 a.m, one terrorist tried ident Swatantra Dev Singh, state sec- and new entrant into BJP, Jitin Prasada, increased from 1,35,567 to spokesman, "the killed terrorist to escape from the house, by firing retary (organisation) Sunil Bansal and former UP BJP president Laxmikant 1,35,672, while the Musaib Mushtaq was a member of killed terrorist Muzamil Ahmad three from Ansar Ghazwat-ul Hind on the troops, but was BJP national secretary (organisation) Bajpai and Vidya Sonkar. infections -- with 4,365 new the 'hit squad' of Hizbul had joined terrorist ranks recently. and two from the ISJK. According neutralised. BL Santosh. At present, there are 53 Ministers, cases – went up from 64,11,570 Mujahideen". He was also involved So far close to 100 terrorists, to police records, more than 75 local The second terrorist continued President of Nirbal Indian Shoshit including Chief Minister Yogi to 64,15,935. in killing of a civilian Javid Ahmad around fifty percent from Lashkar- youth have joined ranks of differ- to fire from the house but was con- Hamara Aam Dal (NISHAD) Sanjay Adityanath, in the State Government. As 6,384 patients were dis- Malik (Peon) at Lurgam area of e-Taiba have been neutralised by ent terror outfits this year. tained in the house by the troops on Nishad too joined the meeting at a later These include 23 Cabinet Ministers, charged from the hospitals Tral. the security forces in different According to a police ground. the second terrorist was stage, sparking speculations that the nine ministers of State (independent across the State after full recov- The police spokesman said, encounters since January 2021. spokesman the operation was also neutralised around 9.15 a.m". BJP might take a major decision on charge) and 21 Ministers of State. As ery, the total number of people Mushtaq was also involved in plan- According to police 55 were from launched in the khrew area of The security forces also recov- Nishad. per norms, 60 Ministers can be discharged from the hospitals ning and executing several terror Lashkar-e-Taiba, 22 from Hizbul Pampore past midnight on receipt ered arms & ammunition including “Nishad’s presence in the meeting appointed and hence there is scope for since the second week of March attacks and civilian killings in Mujahideen, eight from Jaish-e- of the human intelligence about the 01 AK-rifle and 01 pistol from the indicates that he might be given an seven more Ministers to be inducted at last year increased from South Kashmir. However, another Mohammad, seven from Al Badr, presence of terrorists in the area. site of encounter. MLC seat and probably a ministerial present. PNS 62,14,921 to 62,21,305. PNS -.!, + $ Danyal Malik said, "Jawans of children". 900= the Indian Army treated us Defence PRO further said, nicely and took us around dif- "On interaction, the children Mumbai: Thirteen labourers about it, the personnel of the hree youngsters including ferent places including a local revealed that they belong to were killed and two others Kingaon Raja police station Ttwo minors hailing from school where we interacted Chhatra and Troti Dharmshal injured after a tipper truck car- rushed to the spot and Pakistan Occupied Jammu & with the kids. We also visited across the Line of Control. rying them along with steel launched a rescue operation Kashmir, who were appre- a local mosque and played They claim to be labourers overturned due to a pothole in and the minor girl was rescued, hended by the jawans of the cricket. We were nicely accom- excavating sand from river and Buldhana district of he said. Indian Army after they had modated by the Indian Army. nallah beds and they crossed Maharashtra on Friday, police While some of the injured 'inadvertently' crossed into the We are grateful they treated us the line of control for fishing". said. in the vehicle that was also were taken to a state-run hos- Indian territory on August 18, nicely during our stay here." "The children were treated The incident occurred near transporting steel for the high- pital in neighbouring Jalna were repatriated through Defence PRO in Jammu very humanely and compas- Dusarbid village at Tadegaon way project, he said. district, others were were Chakan-da bagh crossing point Lt-Col Devender Anand said, sionately, beholding the finest Phata on Sindkhedraja-Mehkar "The tipper was speeding admitted to Sindkhedraja hos- in Poonch on Friday. "On 18 Aug 2021, Indian Army traditions of the Indian Army. Road around 12 noon when and it overturned due to a large pital, the official said. Before returning home the troops apprehended three chil- On 20 Aug 2021 the children the labourers were being taken pothole on the road. Thirteen According to him, most of kids greeted jawans of the dren in Poonch , who crossed turned out to be young chil- away from the Line of Control. were safely repatriated to to work of the Nagpur-Mumbai labourers were killed and two the labourers were from Bihar Indian Army and acknowl- the Line of Control from dren between 9 to 17 years of Indian troops did not open fire Pakistan occupied Jammu and Samruddhi Expressway project, others were injured," Buldhana and Uttar Pradesh. edged their warm gesture and Pakistan occupied Jammu & age. on the individual attempting to Kashmir", Defence PRO added. an official said. Superintendent of Police Process to register an hospitality during their short Kashmir to the Indian side". There was a fourth person cross back to Pakistan occupied Earlier, three girls were A total of 16 labourers, Arvind Chavria told PTI. offence against the driver of the stay with them. Defence PRO said, the who was the eldest amongst Jammu & Kashmir, since the repatriated by the Indian Army including a girl, were travelling After getting information vehicle was on, he said. PTI Elder among the three kids, apprehended individuals them and managed to run troops noticed that they were in December 2020. ,B O " , &% )B 5 &) erala, amidst the Onam Kfestivities, faces the )B 5 & prospect of another explosion 0=0 in Covid-19 cases, if the data irst year students of furnished by Health Minister arhad, a Maharashtra-based FGovernment Law College, !"# Veena George is any indication. SNGO, has sought permis- Thrissur, set the agenda for On Friday, the Onam eve, sion from Prime Minister Onam celebrations on 0=0 Kerala diagnosed 20, 224 new Narendra Modi to “adopt” Wednesday in Kerala crippled by cases of Covid-19 out of 1.19 nearly 1,000 distressed Afghan Covid-19 since January 2020. he Sitabardi-Zero Mile- lakh samples tested during the students studying in Pune, Seventy-two students of the TKasturchand Park corri- last 24 hours. The pandemic Mumbai and other parts of the three-year stream LLB , who dor of the Nagpur Mahametro claimed 99 lives and this took country, following the take- have not seen each other since – which involves first of its kind the State’s death toll to 19,345 over of their motherland by the the beginning of the course in masterpiece architecture in till date. Taliban. September 2020 due to lock which the train passes through Thrissur topped the table of In a letter written to the down of all educational institu- the fourth floor of a 20 storey districts with highest number of Prime Minister on Friday, tions and who have been under- building – became operational cases (2,795) while Ernakulam Sarhad’s President Sanjay going on-line classes every day on Friday. occupied the second spot with Nahar, Working President % 3$ 4" % thought of setting a new festiv- Expected to enhance the 2,707 new cases. The Test Surendra Wadhwa and Chief " $ 9 - 3! :(,& 3- 3 ity to ward off the ennui result- public transport system and Positivity Rate, a measure of the Organiser Santsingh Mokha ! ":9 ing out of loneliness, separation connect the most congested intensity of transmission of the narrated the plight of the young and absence of physical inter- areas, the 1.6 km long pandemic remained high with students in Pune, Mumbai and adopt one thousand Afghani tribute to Sri Guru Tegbahadur action. “In Kerala, law college Sitabardi-Kasturchand Park 16.94 per cent. There are 1.82 other parts of the State and rest students and refugees to take ji’s martyrdom to preserve students set precedence for all connects the Vidhan Bhavan, lakh patients afflicted with the of India. care of their education and humanity,” Sarhad said in its cultural and social upsurges,” Reserve Bank of India, Central our country, a two-tier metro are bio digesters at all stations. pandemic undergoing treat- The Pune-based NGO, livelihood till the situation letter to the Prime Minister. said P A Mahboob, chronicler of Museum, Sanvidhan Chowk has been set up,” Gadkari said. Metro receives more than 60% ment across the State while 97 which has been providing assis- improves back home. We seek The Sarhad office bearers State’s modern politics. and Morris College in Nagpur. Gadkari promised funds of its revenue from non-fair- health workers were diagnosed tance to Afghani students in Central Government’s assis- urged the Narendra Modi gov- “Lawyers in Kerala are made The crucial Nagpur from Central Roads Fund for box. with Covid-19 on Friday. undertaking higher education tance in selection of such stu- ernment that it be allowed to of different mould,” said Sujit Mahametro corridor was inau- an underpass to reach Zero Union Minister for Urban The increase in the number since 2008, said: “The current dents and refugees who can be undertake the task of adoption Thannickal, class representa- gurated at the Zero Mile point Mile Station from Cotton Development and Petroleum of health workers getting afflict- situation in Afghanistan wor- provided with necessary of the Afghan students and tive of the B Batch students who by Maharashtra Chief Minister Market without any hindrance Hardeep Singh Puri, who ed with the pandemic has put ries us and hence we have help,”the NGO stated in its let- refugees and appoint a repre- pointed out that Indulekha, the of Maharashtra Uddhav of traffic signals. He also said joined the event virtually, said more burden on the over- decided to extend our helping ter to Modi. sentative for the selection first Malayalam novel was Thackeray, Union Minister for that MahaMetro has helped a that the project is capable of worked staff. Last Sunday saw hand to the students stranded “Since the Afghan issue has process. “We assure you that we authored by O Chandu Menon, Road Transport and Highways lot in beautification of being a clean and sustainable a Government Hospital Nurse in India and also the become explosive and interna- will endeavour to preserve the a lawyer who became judge Nitin Gadkari and Union Telangkhedi Lake and flyover project as Nagpur Metro uses at Chenganoor administering refugees” tionally politically sensitive, pride and dignity of our during the British regime. Minister for Housing and in Nagpur city. He said that the green energy. He expressed 893 vaccinations in a space of In their letter, Sarhad office without Government’s per- nation,” the NGO added. Sujith and colleagues who Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh proposal for Metro Phase II confidence that the Nagpur seven and half hours. The State bearers said that their organi- mission and assistance in selec- Meanwhile, a delegation were at far away places ganged Puri. Uddhav, along with the had been sent to the Union Metro project would be com- is facing severe shortage of sation would seek the help of tion the humanitarian work we met Savitribai Phule Pune up and the end result was a Union Ministers, virtually Cabinet for approval. pleted by December 2021. medics as well as treatment ‘Sri Guru Tegbahadur ji 400th want to undertake cannot University (SPPU) Vice- thought provoking show that flagged off the first metro train “The work of Nagpur- “Traditional Rajput-style facilities while the hospitals Prakash Purab-2021’ commit- materialise,” Sarhad stated. Chancellor Dr. N R Karmalkar, included music, dance, dumb running on this route. Mumbai Samrudhi Highway architecture has been adopted are getting filled up gradually tee established to celebrate “In fact, the Indian NGO’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr. N S charade and skit. The chief minister and two has been started by the Union in designing Kasturchand Park. on account of dengue fever and Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyr- help to the distressed Afghani Umrani and a Management Sherly Felix who was at her union ministers also inaugu- Ministry of Road Transport The facade of Kasturchand other contagious diseases, dom who had sacrificed his life students and refugees can set Council Member Rajesh residence in Ernakulam ren- rated the 40,000-square-feet and Highways along with Park Metro Station and its according to an office bearer of for the rehabilitation and safe- an example of India’s broader Pandey to discuss the issues of dered a mellifluous Onam song Freedom Park around the Zero Maharashtra State Road architecture have been done on the Kerala Government ty of Kashmiri pandits. humanitarian perspective. Also the Afghan students studying while Bindu Satish and her Mile station. Called the Zero Development Corporation. All the same lines. Symbolic parts Medical Officers Association. “Sarhad has the capacity to this work will be a suiting in the varsity. eight friends presented the tra- Mile Freedom Park Station, the the funds required by the State of Rajput architecture like ditional Thiruvathirakali (a metro station has unique con- will be provided by the Central umbrellas, arcs, Rajput nets, group dance choreographed cepts like Public Plaza and Government,” Gadkari said. carved-on columns are shown based on the lyrics of Maharaja History Wall. Gadkari also promised to at the metro station. This has Swathi Thirunaal of the The T-55 tank used in the provide an additional 1 lakh created a unique structure in 1 O O Travancore Royal Family), from war has also been installed here crore for the development of the city,” Puri said. eight different locations. The for Nagpurites to see. There is Mumbai-Thane cities in the Chief Minister Uddhav )B<) cial support thus provided The most number of appli- government sector cannot take show was live streamed by the an Amphitheatre inside proposed meeting in Thackeray said that there through this scheme will be able cations were received from the benefit of this scheme, offi- baby of the team Sharon Justice Freedom Park, while the his- Mumbai. would not be any hindrance to akshmir Bhandar, a social to take care of at least 10% to South 24 Parganas. A total of cials said. who also staged a drama in asso- tory Wall here stretches up to The Nagpur Metro Rail the development works in the Lwelfare scheme launched 20% of the monthly expenses 4,71,887 applications were When asked as to how ciation with Gopinathan, a for- Martyrs’ memorial. project was approved on state. by the Mamata Banerjee … this will come as a great received from South 24 they feel about the benefit Biva mer technocrat and the livewire Speaking on the occasion, August 21, 2014 and its foun- Uddhav said that while Government has turned out to help.” The application forms Parganas in the first two days Mondal a 50 year-old woman of the on-line classes. Gadkari has expressed confi- dation stone was laid by Prime constructing the elevated route be an instant success with more were being accepted at the for all the schemes. from Sonarpur south of Kolkata College Principal Prof dence that the Sitabardi-Zero Minister Narendra Modi on the of the metro project, the than two million people apply- Duarey Sarkar (Government at The scheme is for unem- said “it is a good scheme pro- Jayadevan, known as a tough Mile-Kasturchand Park corri- same day. “My Metro” in Mahametro should pay atten- ing for the benefit in the first door steps) camps --- consid- ployed women in the working vided it comes to you regular- taskmaster and disciplinarian dor and the Freedom Park Nagpur is a Green Metro; 65 tion to beautification under this few days. ered as one of the biggest rea- age groups --- that is in the age ly as this Government lacks in gave in to the pleas by the stu- would add to the splendor of per cent of its total energy need route as well as to provide some The Lakshmi Bhandar sons for the Chief Minister’s bracket of 25 to 60 years. “The honesty.” dents for an hour’s programme Nagpur. is met from solar energy. It also facilities to the citizens. He said Scheme provides basic income returning to power in the April- basic eligibility conditions for Farzana a postgraduate in but the show turned out to be a “A lot of world-class infra- recycles 100 per cent water that development should take support to the female heads of May Assembly this scheme is: only those fam- political science with three chil- two-hour long kaleidoscopic structure is being built in used by it and is also equipped place but it was essential to the families with a monthly elections.Through these area- ilies who have no tax paying dren said, “it has nothing to do experience to the faculty. They Nagpur. For the first time in for harvesting rainwater. There ensure that there were no allowance of 500 in the gen- wise camps the Government is member can apply under this with party politics … were lavish in praising the stu- shortcomings in it. “We are eral caste category. The women distributing other schemes --- scheme … even if you have one Government is a Government dents as such on-line Onam cel- confident that we will do such belonging to the SC/ST cate- like Kanyashrree, Swasthya income tax paying member is a Government … they are not ebration is a once in a life-time a good job for the people in the gory would get 1,000 per Saathi, Rupashree, Krishak you will not be eligible for this doing any favour … they are experience for all. “It was an 75th year of independence that month. Bandhu etc --- too. The camps scheme,”| sources said adding only returning the tax-payers enthralling show and the stu- it will last for next 75 years,” he Announcing the scheme started on August 16 and con- general category women who money to the people … this is dents deserve our full compli- said. the Chief Minister had earlier tinue till September 15. have more than 2 hectare of a good scheme and I have ments,” said Prof Khadeejabi, Nagpur’s Guardian said that nearly 1.6 crore would According to sources in land also can not apply under applied for it … My husband is senior faculty. What added to the Minister and State Energy be benefited by the scheme. the first two days 29,02,049 this scheme under which the a school teacher and is not a tax beauty of the show was anec- Minister Dr. Nitin Raut “The Government has launched people came up with their benefit amount will be direct- payer so I am eligible for this dotes and real life experiences expressed confidence that this this scheme assuming that the applications in 18,500 camps. ly credited into the bank scheme … However it remains recounted by Gopinathan and metro service would prove to average monthly consumption The most sought-after scheme account of the beneficiary. to be seen whether I am allot- Mohan, a former local self gov- be beneficial in easing the traf- expenditure of a household is was the Lakshmi Bhandar, Women’s who were in per- ted the allowance because my ernment secretary who opted for fic and also providing transport 5,249… accordingly the finan- sources said. manent jobs in private and husband is a CPI(M) member.” legal studies after retirement. facilities to the students. &'$ (!' *+!$, +(+* -. -/-. 2 & & % ? " >1 % ? " ? !'!()* +!',, & , # *%& 01 ( #* ( # # ' ()*33 ) $ 7 5 # O =- " # 1 2 # # $ # # ( hat can be the con- # sequences of the ) " Taliban takeover of + WAfghanistan for that country and the world? President ( Barack Obama had said in 5 ) 8 S Washington DC on March 27, ( 2009, while announcing a new policy for Pakistan and Afghanistan, that a return of the 5 Taliban to power would mean for ) ( Afghanistan “brutal governance, international isolation, a paral- ysed economy and the denial of 5 the basic human rights to the ( Afghan people — especially ( women and girls”. # Some have talked of a soften- ing of Taliban’s hardline approach ) $ which characterised their inhu- 5 ) man rule over almost the whole of Afghanistan between 1996 and # . 2001. Post-takeover statements like having an “inclusive Islamic P Q P Q * ( Government” and women being " * given every right under Islamic ) " * law, have been cited in vindication. uous violence and fighting, defeat a resurgent Taliban Afghanistan falls to Taliban — Developments on the ground, except making them into quiet, offensive and the US, having or allows al-Qaeda to go O ) 8 O however, warrant little optimism. peaceful citizens. Zealots com- retreated from Afghanistan, is unchallenged — that country # ( The violent dispersal, through mitted to spreading Sharia unlikely to return to defend will again be a base for terror- shooting and use of batons, of rule the world over, by force if them. A takeover of the entire ists who want to kill as many of . " demonstrations that have erupt- necessary, their energies have area would give the Taliban our people as they possibly ed in many parts of the country to be turned to Jihad abroad to not only its resources but its can.” This is certain to happen " ( against the Taliban, does not indi- prevent these from turning expanse to launch terror oper- as the Taliban and other terror- 5 cate an “inclusive” approach. inward against the Taliban ations elsewhere. ist bodies like the Islamic State ( As regards Afghan women, Government. Islamist militancy in of Syria and Iraq (or just Islamic Reuters quotes a senior Afghan The Taliban victory will Bangladesh grew rapidly dur- State) are pathologically hostile leader, Waheedullah Hashimi, as also give a massive boost to the ing the second coming of the to the US, which they regard as ) " saying: “Our Ulema (Islamic morale of the jihadi outfits coalition Government spear- the principal obstacle to their " # scholars) will decide whether the determined to impose Sharia 54< headed by the Bangladesh establishing Sharia rule across / )8 <=>? .S ( girls are allowed to go to school. rule the world over, leading to 1B C5 , Nationalist Party and the the world through conquest. ( ( They will decide whether they an increase in terrorist violence Jamaat-e-Islamic Bangladesh The possibility of these bodies should wear hijab, burqa or only globally. Pakistan, which is ;5543 (2001-2006). Strong action striking targets inside the US . * [a] veil plus abaya or something cock-a-hoop over the Taliban 34-<4-- under Sheikh Hasina’s resolute cannot be ruled out in the back- or not. That is up to them.” sweep, will have it rough. The leadership has forced the ele- ground of 9/11. Even if this + Significantly, he only talked of jihadi segment of the Pakistani B00 143- ments involved to go under- does not happen, American girls’ education in the quoted army, created during the tenure 1#,543-$ ground. They will now be establishments and interests text. There was no reference to of coup leader-turned- encouraged to explore the abroad may be hit as its women being educated or work- President, Gen Zia-ul Haq, ;5B5D4 chances of fresh strikes. Hasina, embassies in Nairobi, capital of ing or what kind of work would which is lying low for now, will however, can be relied upon to Kenya, and Dar-es-Salaam, be open to them. The most char- be encouraged to flex its mus- 4 B04=-41 keep them at bay. capital of neighbouring itable position will be to wait and cles. The secular segments of B<#4B# India is also strong enough Tanzania, were by al-Qaeda on watch, fearing the worst. Pakistan’s military as well as the to deal with organisations like August 7, 1998. Now, to the rest of the world. country’s secular parties, lead- B =B=- the Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaish-e- European countries like Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand- ers and its civil society will be DB<4 4 1 Mohammad and Hizb-ul France, Germany, the Perigord, the French Foreign deeply demoralised. They will Mujahideen who will no doubt Netherlands and Belgium have Minister at the time of the Vienna be hard put to push back a jiha- #,5 ,$4K 4 try to ramp up their terror already witnessed serious ter- Congress (1814-15) that recast di bid to take over the country. =3 ,540 campaign against India — rorist attacks. These are now set Europe’s political geography after Besides Pakistan, the first and not only in Kashmir. to become more serious and the Napoleonic wars, had once countries to feel the impact BL=4 There may be attacks in cities frequent. The world will pay a said: “You can do anything you will be the central Asian ones in the manner of the one that very heavy price for abandon- like with bayonets, except sit on like Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, 14 4#=< began in Mumbai on ing Afghanistan to the savagery them.” The Taliban can do any- Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, M4 - November 26, 2008. of the Taliban. thing with their restless comman- besides Bangladesh and India. As for the US, President (The author is Consulting ders and fighters, who have The central Asian republics do Obama had said in his speech Editor, The Pioneer. The views become used to a life of contin- not have the resources to referred to above: “And if expressed are personal.) " SOUNDBITE !4- 3.7$ Sir — The participation of almost all the P !" # $Q&$$"$ prominent Opposition stalwarts leading % or representing 19 parties in what is % 22 3 3. called “the Sonia meet”, albeit via video &GIN , - 2 % conferencing due to the pandemic, has shown their determination to make % = ( # # sustained efforts to strengthen the % .!' .)'22'2#5'3 Opposition’s unity. The Opposition unity = $= K3, # was on display in the monsoon session $ %5 =&G@*B " of Parliament. The Opposition parties ( share common concerns over a host of *(( issues to take on the Modi Government. L M % This time around, the Opposition unity 2 % # could last as it is issue-based. The 1 " ( Opposition leaders seem to realise that B0 H - Q& a united front with a common strategy $ $ " % ) * ) alone will be able to present a challenge $ $=" R# R to the BJP enjoying organisational = NL strength, money power and full backing O% . "HB " .% '2#5'3 ( of its ideological parent, the RSS, and B0 " B0 2 K 9 # ( other Hindu revivalist groups and cor- )" 2 " ( porate behemoths. $ % - # The Opposition unity is linked to the 2 5| ideological battle against the BJP that K represents Hindu nationalism in its vir- attacks and revitalisation of the war-rav- community members. However, it is cel- $ $ ulent form. If India is to stay secular, the aged country or the ‘Nation Building’, as ebrated by Sikhs and other communities Opposition parties have to come togeth- termed by Joe Biden in his latest confer- as well. In an era which is marked by % er and win the electoral battle. The Modi ence was factually never the motive. movements for women’s liberation and Government projects what it does to If someone needs to be blamed for rights, Raksha Bandhan can be celebrat- B3. + refurbish the Somnath temple and its the crisis, it should be the Government ed as a festival that promotes the senti- K.)" , - . , # precincts as “big development projects”; of Afghanistan. The US in the last 20 ment. The festival of Raksha Bandhan ( it is as if it was voted to power solely to years has done a military expenditure of has acquired different expressions and restore the believed past glory and pro- $2 trillion in the nation. It provided logis- connotations in the course of time. O /) 0 # ( mote religious tourism; for worse, it sees tics, armoury, artillery and air support Today, it’s more imperative than 2 - no distinction between religion and to the Afghan defence forces for coun- ever to reinforce the message of Raksha %%% # ( nationalism and between revivalism tering the Taliban. But it is appalling to Bandhan to protect women’s honour. We " and development. know that these resources were mishan- witness more and more women getting "" 2 G David Milton |Tamil Nadu dled and huge capital went into the pock- impacted by abuse and violence of all O " ets of the Afghan leaders. The fellow sorts. Today, women feel unsafe and inse- % civilians are now bearing the brunt of cure; therefore, Raksha Bandhan should # ( Sir — It is heart-wrenching to see the their corrupt leaders who fled away leav- be imbibed as a promise to show respect )/5B3# grim and miserable condition of the cit- ing them in the lurch. to not just one but all women. The cel- K4 0 Tushar Anand |Patna ebration of Raksha Bandhan can help us 1 2 izens of Afghanistan. After the Taliban’s blatant declaration of control over the remember that God created man and 1 " country, there is all-pervasive despera- woman as equals and complementary " 3 tion and a sense of panic. For women, Sir —According to the Mahabharata, partners and so a woman has every right " the adversities are stronger. But with Draupadi tied a rakhi to Lord Krishna to respect and dignity. D Jubel D’Cruz |Mumbai +S4 ) extending sympathies to the Afghans, I and He considered Draupadi his own sis- 4" % agree with Joe Biden’s decision of troop ter. Raksha Bandhan signifies the virtues # 5 withdrawal. The US invaded Afghanistan of love, affection and protection. The fes- " $& 1 #/2##23' 6 to seek revenge for the ghastly 9/11 tival is most common among the Hindu /'33'23.#.''A)!#/0B.! KD &'$ (!' *+!$, +(+* -. -/-. 0 & & % ? " >1 % ? " ? FIRSTCOLUMN ( # .( , .(*/( . '.0()' ( ( /')/,( " ) 0 ) * ( #+ , Q10,3N # ) abul has fallen to Taliban all over /( again. The 20 years of effort in importing democracy from the ) KUnited States of America has ) failed, as expected. ) None can be blamed for Afghanistan ) to be in this situation today, except its own ) incumbent government, political leaders # ( and trained armed forces, who were not ( sincere in delivering their assigned roles for # ) the nation. The Afghan military and political leadership have given up without a fight. ! $ 15 @ 2 It highlights the nature of the political and % % , + $ ) military leadership in Afghanistan. ) (+ % 1)+%2 P# A Unfortunately, it is the common people of ) ) 1A ))2 ( Afghanistan who will pay a heavy price for Q ) their leaders’ unaccountable and timid P5 actions. The Indian sub-continent is now a dis- turbed region. The neighborhood of India has turned dangerously unstable all over again. It is natural, that a rogue nation like < ;<< Pakistan and an expansionist China will try leveraging the current situation to their best 434-4 41 advantage, and they are at it openly. -34#B3041$ A dangerous axis is developing in the 34 4;41$ region with Afghanistan becoming the cen- 0B143 1 ter for all nefarious activity sponsored by 43 B < here are 150 new coal- worst case. Clever people can the end of the century, there’s fewer weasel words. tem more complex than the Proofing the Paris Climate fired plants under con- be quite dense. a 75% probability of 700 The biggest single ‘Earth system’, and almost Agreement’, and I spent a lot Tstruction or already If you assumed the like- parts per million of carbon improvement has been the every week brings new dis- of time trying to get policy- approved and funded in the liest case, you would never dioxide in the at mosphere, so use of what they call ‘calibrat- coveries and fresh insights. makers to take this issue seri- world, so you can’t really say buy fire insurance for your warming above three degrees ed language’. Each statement But there is a sense in this last ously. As you probably expect, that we are taking global house. It’s really quite unlike- Celsius. Yet less than 10% of is given a level of confidence report that they are really get- very few people listened. warming seriously yet. But at ,-*))." ly to burn down, after all, so the temperatures mentioned expressed by five ‘qualifiers’ - ting on top of the subject at “The reason we’re not least the scientists who wrote why not save your money? in IPCC reports are three very low, low, medium, high last. acting is not because of tech- the report on the state of play Except, of course, that you degrees and above. Almost all and very high - and each pre- That doesn’t mean that nology or a lack of public will; that the Intergovernmental will be instantly homeless if drama’. of our focus is on 1.5°C and diction has a specific statisti- COP-26 will finally put us on it’s because of the political Panel on Climate Change the worst case actually hap- “Due to the consensus 2°C, which is looking incred- cal meaning. a course that leads to a safe economy. It’s because of the (IPCC) published on Friday pens, and you may never be decision-making procedures ibly unlikely. So, virtually certain future. A truly safe future is fossil fuel lobby. It’s because are starting to use the right able to buy another one. of the IPCC, and due to the “So, in essence, we actu- means 99-100% probability, no longer even a possibility, of politicians being under language. “Under uncertainty, you pressure put on climate scien- ally know the least about the very likely means 90-100% and it is hard to believe that the control of industry. So (we One of the biggest obsta- always want to focus on the tists by the merchants of scenarios that matter most.” probable and extremely the governments that the sci- need to) catalyse a public cles to getting the public to worst-case scenario,” said doubt, we actually always The ‘Working Group One’ unlikely is between 0-5% entists report to in Glasgow reaction that will see large- take the warming seriously in Luke Kemp, an Australian gravitate to the lower end of report of the IPCC, dealing probable. This system forces are ready even now to enact scale shifts not just in policy, the thirty years since this sub- research associate at the the spectrum and avoid with the physical scientific the report’s writers to realise emergency measures. Luke but also in society more gen- ject got on the international Centre for the Study of extreme climate change. So, I realities of climate change that nothing about climate Kemp doesn't think so either. erally. agenda has been the cautious Existential Risk at Cambridge and some colleagues basical- and published in preparation science is hard and fast. “There’s different theories “We need to have civil language the scientists always University. “We haven’t done ly mined IPCC reports look- for the big November cli- All climate scientists are of change. One of them is disobedience, protest and dis- (Gwynne Dyer’s new used. They didn’t want to be book is 'The Shortest this thus far. I would say we’re ing at the references to differ- mate summit in Glasgow climbing a very steep learn- talking directly to politicians sent. That’s how the best accused of exaggerating, so History of War’. The views not even focused on the most ent temperature scenarios. (COP-26), is definitely an ing curve, because thirty years and policy makers, and I changes of the world have they always talked about the expressed are personal. ) likely scenario. We’re actual- “When you look at a mid- improvement on its predeces- ago the discipline scarcely tried that quite a lot. My PhD happened previously.” likeliest case rather than the ly erring on the side of ‘least dle-of-the-road scenario for sors: franker language, and existed. We know of no sys- dissertation was called ‘US- He’s probably right. &'$ (!' *+!$, +(+* -. -/-. '* 5 + #&& ) group which has taken over especially among women who made by the Taliban. power in Kabul. faced subjugation under After Taliban seized power Q,# R Dismissing growing con- Taliban’s previous rule 20 years in the last few days, China has ( # cerns over the Taliban curbing ago with its efforts to impose been striking what observers * the freedoms of women under strict Sharia law. called a nuanced stand, calling its plans to impose Sharia law “Also for the reconstruc- on the group to shun terrorism #6 like it did during its previous tion of Afghanistan, we need and form an inclusive Islamic 49 , rule 20 years ago, Shaheen the help of all countries,” government with all parties and told China’s state-run CGTN including neighbouring as well ethnic groups. he Taliban have appealed to TV that the new Taliban gov- as regional, the US and the rest The Taliban are currently , Tthe international commu- ernment in Kabul would pro- of the world, Shaheen said. in talks with former President nity to recognise it amid grow- tect women’s rights to educa- A Taliban delegation, head- Hameed Karzai and Abdullah ;-5 ,B bers of Congress and the ing resentment against it at tion and work. ed by the head of its Political Abdullah, who headed the Defense and State departments home and abroad, even as the He also urged internation- Commission Mullah Abdul High Council for National he US military and its allies to rescue Khalid, as they call Afghan militant group sought al monetary organisations to Ghani Baradar, which visited Reconciliation, to form what it Thave rescued a high-profile him, saying he was a brother in to placate China, saying Beijing release funds to the new gov- China last month during its calls an inclusive government. Afghan national police officer arms who helped save countless can play a “big role” under its ernment. talks with the Chinese Foreign Questioned about the des- who was being hunted by the lives and that he faced rule in the strife-torn country. The Taliban, which shared Minister Wang Yi had peration of thousands of Taliban because of his years certain death if found by the Taliban spokesman Suhail close ties with Pakistan, have “China is a big country with “We have had a relation- promised not to permit the Afghans to escape its rule, working with the American Taliban. Shaheen said the internation- been warming up to Beijing a huge economy and capacity. ship with China and Russia Uygur Muslim militant group leading to scenes of chaos at military, airlifting him and his “I don’t think people al community should “respect ahead of its recent offensive They can play a big role in during the past years. We have from Xinjiang the East Kabul’s airport, Shaheen said family to safety in an undis- understand the chaos that is the will of the Afghan people” resulting in seizing power in rebuilding, reconstruction of told them they should not Turkistan Islamic Movement that many had been misled by closed location. reigning right now in the cap- and officially recognise his Kabul. Afghanistan,” Shaheen said. have any concern from (ETIM) to operate from rumours suggesting they would Mohammad Khalid ital, the brutality and the effi- Afghanistan,” he said. Afghanistan. be able to settle in the UK or Wardak escaped Wednesday cient lethality the Taliban are “We see it in our interest China is concerned as US if they boarded a flight. after being in hiding in Kabul using ... To ensure their rise to not to allow anyone to use our according to a recent UN The Taliban’s advance with his wife and four children. power as they eliminate their ( , Q## soil against our neighbouring report, hundreds of militants across Afghanistan represent- The family moved from place greatest threat, which are these and regional countries. It is belonging to the ETIM are ed a “popular uprising against to place to evade capture and military and special police,” important for us,” he said, converging in Afghanistan an imposed administration,” he was unable to get inside the air- said US Army Special amid increasing scepticism, amidst the military advances said. port where the Taliban con- Forces Sgt. Major R #.) trolled the entrances. He was Chris Green, who widely known because of his worked with Khalid in 49 , and Pakistan need to strength- 1& =- S$(((" " &G position as police chief in east- Afghanistan. 4##2B.B''52 en communication and coor- ern Afghanistan’s Helmand Green said he was “incred- hina has said Afghanistan BB.5#)3.'B'3 dination under the current cir- Washington: The United States 17 flights from Hamid Karzai Province and from television ibly happy ... Elated,” when he Cmust not become a “gath- '.3745'52.F cumstances and play a con- $2# says it evacuated approximate- International Airport evacuat- appearances, including one in learned that Khalid and his ering place” for terrorism again structive role in supporting ly 3,000 people from Kabul via ed nearly 350 US citizens, as which he challenged the family were safe, noting that and should be supported in its !#/#332"'/.)#)3. Afghanistan’s stable transition + # military transport aircraft on well as family members of US Taliban to a fight, supporters some of his American rescuers resolute fight against the 34'23G#23 and maintaining regional peace August 19. citizens, asylum applicants and said. had worked alongside Khalid, scourge after the Taliban insur- and stability,” Wang told )=< In a Friday statement, the their families, and vulnerable His friends in the US mil- which he called “serendipi- gents swept to power in the 2/!#B.'!'3 Qureshi. White House said multiple C- Afghans. AP itary sought help from mem- tous.” war-torn country. IJ'B.')#) “We should encourage all riday prayers were unevent- China has been striking Afghan parties to strengthen Fful in the Afghan capital, what observers call a nuanced # F)4#23!#5 solidarity, and to establish a with no Taliban gunmen seen stand on the evolving situation 34'!#/#35B'2 new broad-based and inclusive guarding the entrances of & % in Afghanistan after its !5'"34'/#" political structure that is suit- mosques or enforcing dress takeover by the Taliban, calling ed to the Afghan national con- code restrictions as they have on the militant group to shun ditions, and supported by the in the past. Some mosques even 0B- B; eastern Ukraine. Germany and terrorism and form an inclusive Foreign Minister Wang Yi Afghan people,” a press state- saw higher numbers than nor- France have sought to help bro- Islamic government with all promised not to permit the ment on the talks issued by the mal in attendance. erman Chancellor Angela ker a peaceful settlement to end parties and ethnic groups. Uygur Muslim militant group Chinese Foreign Ministry here The Islamic-fundamental- GMerkel travelled to Russia the fighting between Ukrainian China is concerned as from Xinjiang to operate from on Thursday quoted Wang as ist Taliban issued guidance to Friday to discuss the crisis in forces and Russia-backed sep- according to a recent UN Afghanistan. saying. imams around Afghanistan on Afghanistan, the separatist con- aratists that has killed more report, hundreds of militants Reflecting on China’s anx- “We should support Thursday, saying they should flict in Ukraine and Moscow’s than 14,000 since 2014. belonging to the East Turkistan ieties, Wang in his phone talks Afghanistan in its resolute fight use the weekly sermons and treatment of imprisoned Merkel spokesman Steffen Islamic Movement (ETIM) are with his Pakistani counterpart against terrorism, and prayers to appeal for unity, urge Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, Seibert said earlier this week converging in Afghanistan Shan Mahmood Qureshi on Afghanistan must not become people not to flee the country, among other issues. that “Russia could do much amidst the military advances Wednesday called for the a gathering place for terrorism and to counter “negative pro- Merkel’s visit to Moscow more” to help the settlement. made by the Taliban. strengthening of cooperation again,” he said. paganda” about them. comes as she is nearing the end Merkel plans to travel back A high-level Taliban dele- between the two countries to Qureshi played down the “The benefits of state of her almost 16-year-long to Berlin on Friday night and gation, headed by head of its deal with the evolving situation growing anxieties both in should be explained to all,” a leadership of Germany. Despite head to Kyiv on Sunday to meet Political Commission Mullah in Afghanistan. Afghanistan and abroad about commission of Taliban moni- sharp differences, she has with Ukrainian President Abdul Ghani Baradar, which “As important neighbours the Taliban’s takeover, saying it toring religious affairs and maintained close contacts with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. visited China last month dur- of Afghanistan and responsible has not resulted in any blood- mosques said in the guidance Russian President Vladimir ( - ! % Seibert noted that Friday’s ing its talks with Chinese countries in the region, China shed so far. they circulated. Putin, who has been in power & , % talks will also touch on the sit- for more than two decades. uation in Russia’s ally Belarus, “Even though we certain- relations and civil society issues years,” he said. where authoritarian President ( # R / ly have deep differences today, would feature in Friday’s talks. Before the talks, Merkel Alexander Lukashenko has 8 R( we speak to each other -- and Putin noted the impor- laid flowers at the Unknown unleashed a sweeping crack- 7 %% that should continue to hap- tance of ties with Germany and Soldier’s Tomb near the down on dissent. That fol- ' pen,” Merkel said as she sat hailed Merkel’s role in devel- Kremlin wall to honour the lowed protests against his re- # down for talks with Putin in the oping them. “Germany is one Soviet victims of World election for a sixth term in an Paris: French President Kremlin. of our key partners in Europe War II. August 2020 vote which the 0,R Emmanuel Macron sent a mes- She said Libya, and the entire world thanks to High on the agenda of opposition and the West sage of “welcome” in a tweet on Afghanistan, bilateral and trade your efforts over the past 16 Friday’s talks is the situation in denounced as rigged. New Delhi: China, already Friday to Afghans evacuated to ( # Afghanistan’s largest foreign France, following the arrival investor, is seen as likely to lead from Kabul of a third group of the race to help the country more than 200 people. ;-5 ,B this week to evacuate build an efficient mining system He also noted that health Americans and allies from 2R - & to meet its insatiable needs for rules are not being forgotten, he Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. And it’s all hap- minerals. A follow-up report by posting photos of Afghans sur- TAfghanistan has given new pening in the shadow of China, the Afghan government in 2017 rounded by doctors and a man urgency to Vice President whose growing influence wor- estimated that Kabul’s new min- getting a Covid-19 test, oblig- Kamala Harris’ tour of south- ries some US policymakers. 9 # eral wealth may be as high as $3 atory for all arrivals. east Asia, where she will “She’s walking into a hor- trillion, including fossil fuels. All people coming to France attempt to reassure allies of net’s nest, both with what’s 49 , education, housing and vented over 400 million births. the Chinese population has To date, the Taliban have from Afghanistan must observe American resolve following taking place in Afghanistan, employment, to reduce fami- The decision to permit the further deepened, and we will profited from the opium and a 10-day quarantine under pan- the chaotic end of a two- but also the challenge of China hina’s national legislature lies’ burdens as well as the cost third child came after this continue to face the pressure to heroin trade. Now the militant demic restrictions because their decade war. that looms particularly large in Con Friday formally of raising and educating chil- month’s once-in-a-decade cen- achieve a long-term balanced group effectively rules a coun- country is on the French red list The trip, which begins on Vietnam,” said Brett Bruin, endorsed the three-child poli- dren, state-run China Daily sus showed that China’s popu- population development,” Ning try with valuable resources of color-coded risks for coron- Friday and includes stops in who served as global engage- cy mooted by the ruling reported. lation grew at the slowest pace Jizhe, head of the National that China needs to grow its avirus, with red the highest. Singapore and Vietnam, will ment director during the Communist Party, in a major The NPC has revised the to 1.412 billion amid official Bureau of Statistics (NBS), said economy, DW reported. To ensure that France and provide a forum for Harris to Obama administration and policy shift aimed to prevent a law to implement the central projections that the decline while releasing the census fig- In 2010, a report by US other nations can continue assert herself more directly in was a longtime diplomat. “On steep decline in birth rates in leadership’s decision to cope may begin as early as next year. ures on May 11. military experts and geolo- evacuations, Macron insisted in foreign affairs. She will have a good day, it’s walking a the world’s most populous with new circumstances in The new census figures The two-child policy failed gists estimated that a phone call with President Joe opportunities to affirm what tightrope. On a not so good country. social and economic develop- revealed that the demograph- to enthuse couples to have a Afghanistan, one of the world’s Biden of the “absolute need for she and President Joe Biden day, it’s walking a tightrope The revised Population ment and promote balanced ic crisis China faced was second child as fewer opted for poorest countries, was sitting rapid and concrete coordina- view as core American values, while leading an elephant and Family Planning Law, long-term population growth, expected to deepen as the pop- the second child, citing heavy on nearly $1 trillion in miner- tion among allies,” according to including human rights. That’s across. There’s just an enor- which allows Chinese couples the report said. ulation of people above 60 expenditure in raising the chil- al wealth, thanks to huge iron, a French statement Friday especially important given con- mous set of issues that she will to have three children, was In May this year, the ruling years grew to 264 million, up dren. The poor response made copper, lithium, cobalt and about the conversation the day cerns about the future for run into from the moment that passed by the Standing Communist Party of China by 18.7 per cent last year. Liang Jianzhang, professor at rare-earth deposits. IANS before. AP women and girls in Air Force Two touches down.” Committee of the National (CPC) approved a relaxation of As the calls for the gov- Peking University’s School of Afghanistan with the Taliban Harris struggled at points People’s Congress (NPC). its strict two-child policy to ernment to do away with the Economics, to suggest the gov- back in power. in June when her first major In an apparent attempt to allow all couples to have up to family planning restrictions ernment offer parents one mil- But there are also substan- trip abroad took her to address the reluctance of the three children. grew louder due to the con- lion yuan (USD 156,000) for tial risks. A longtime district Guatemala and Mexico. Her Chinese couples to have more China permitted all cou- cerns that the declining popu- each newborn child to shore up attorney and former senator, unequivocal warning to children due to mounting costs, ples to have two children in lation in the country could the country’s declining birth Harris is largely untested in migrants not to come to the the amended law has also 2016, scrapping the draconian result in serious labour short- rate. international diplomacy and U.S. Angered some progressive passed more social and eco- decades-old one-child policy ages and negatively impact the Dan Wang, the chief econ- foreign policy. Her swing Democrats while doing little to nomic support measures to which policymakers blame for world’s second-largest econo- omist at Hang Seng Bank through Vietnam could draw mollify Republican critics who address the concerns. the demographic crisis in the my, the CPC decided to permit (China), said the three-child unwanted comparisons said the administration wasn’t The new law stipulates that country. a third child while declining to policy would have a positive between the humiliating with- doing enough to address a the country will take support- Chinese officials claim the completely scrap the family impact on China’s birth rate, drawal of U.S. Troops there in growth of crossings at the ive measures, including those one-child policy implemented planning policy. but not as much as the author- 1975 and the tumultuous effort southern border. in finances, taxes, insurance, for over three decades has pre- “Data shows the ageing of ities hoped for. - # :* 4&% # &- R # %& % )=<<=0=3 alliance. It also brings back the role is largely ceremonial in rule of the United Malays Malaysia, but he appoints the / %#56 alaysia’s longest-govern- National Organization, which person he believes has major- Ming political party had led Malaysia since inde- ity support in Parliament as Tokyo: Japan’s space agency United States and China in reclaimed the premiership it pendence from Britain in 1957 prime minister. plans to bring soil samples back bringing back samples from the lost in a shock 2018 election but was ousted in 2018 elec- Sultan Abdullah said in a from the Mars region ahead of Martian region despite starting defeat, after the king on Friday tions over a multibillion-dollar statement that he hopes Ismail’s the US and Chinese missions later, project manager Yasuhiro named its candidate, Ismail financial scandal. appointment will bring an end now operating on Mars, in hopes Kawakatsu said in an online Sabri Yaakob, as the country’s King Sultan Abdullah to the country’s political tur- of finding clues to the planet’s news conference Thursday. new leader. Sultan Ahmad Shah said Ismail moil. He urged lawmakers to set origin and traces of possible life. NASA’s Perseverance rover Ismail was the deputy had secured the backing of 114 aside their political differences The Japan Aerospace is operating in a Mars crater prime minister under the gov- lawmakers for a slender major- and unite to tackle the country’s Exploration Agency, or JAXA, where it is to collect 31 samples ernment of Muhyiddin Yassin, ity. He said Ismail, 61, will be worsening pandemic. plans to launch an explorer in that are to be returned to Earth who resigned Monday after less sworn in as Malaysia’s ninth “Ismail’s appointment was 2024 to land on the Martian with help from the European than 18 months in office as prime minister on Saturday. not unexpected. With this, moon Phobos to collect 10 Space Agency as early as 2031. infighting in his coalition cost The announcement came UMNO is now back in the dri- grams (0.35 ounce) of soil and China landed a spacecraft on him majority support. after the monarch met state ver’s seat,” said James Chin, an bring it back to Earth in 2029. Mars in May and plans to Ismail’s appointment essen- Malay rulers who advised him Asian expert at Australia’s The rapid return trip bring back samples around tially restores Muhyiddin’s on the appointment. The king’s University of Tasmania. would put Japan ahead of the 2030. AP &'$ (!' *+!$, +(+* -. -/-. 6 8 (2 ' $ & &+ B;43,31$0-= 0 $, -3 3 2 " . -"" '!$2 0=0 Michael Debabrata Patra and esced with the authorities’ view -"'+( Shaktikanta Das -- had unan- that inflation pressures are S?B, iven the uncertainties on imously voted to keep the pol- transitory and do not warrant B3-4#1<0 Gaccount of the Covid-19 icy repo rate unchanged at 4 a change in the policy stance. 1<- $ pandemic, Reserve Bank per cent after the three-day In others, central banks - 2S@$, $ -=3 4 Governor Shaktikanta Das meet of the panel earlier this have pre-emptively tightened 5 opined that continued policy month. the policy stance despite assess- 3%'%@I %1 support with a focus on revival Further, except Varma, ing inflation as transitory. 0=0 and sustenance of growth was other members voted to con- “This is a razor’s edge " &+ the most desirable and judi- tinue with the accommodative dilemma and responding to it, %" " . he Finance Ministry has cious policy option at the stance as long as necessary to in my view, involves a judg- " Tnotified amendments to moment. revive and sustain growth on a ment call that puts both fore- )0$4 1 $ 3 2$ the Foreign Exchange Das, according to the min- durable basis and continue to sightedness and inflation fight- B;43,31$ &*%B" 8"" Management Rules to increase utes of the MPC meeting mitigate the impact of COVID- ing credibility on the line,” he "" &(( " in limit on foreign direct invest- released on Friday, also under- 19 on the economy, while said. Saggar, who is RBI’s " 1<- % ment (FDI) in the insurance lined the need for closely mon- ensuring that inflation remains Executive Director, opined pol- sector to 74 per cent. itoring the price situation with within the target going forward. icy focus to revive growth on a + &$ ;$ Currently, the cap on FDI a view to anchoring inflation Varma expressed reserva- durable basis needs to contin- ;# 0- , in the insurance sector is 49 per ment of 74 per cent for the 49 per cent to 74 per cent. expectations. tions on this part of the MPC ue and should entail consider- cent. insurance sector is not To be able to enhance FDI “The need of the hour is resolution, according to the ation to avoid inflation risks As per the Foreign breached. to 74 per cent level, companies twofold: first, continue the minutes. that may emanate when cred- Exchange Management (non- In May, the government would be required to have monetary policy support to the RBI Deputy Governor it demand improves, likely debt instruments) (second had notified the Indian minimum 50 per cent inde- economy; and second, remain Patra said amid the extreme ahead of output gap closing. amendment) Rules, 2021 noti- Insurance Companies (Foreign pendent directors on the board. watchful of any durable infla- uncertainty encircling the path This arduous task needs to fied by the government on Investment) Amendment An exception is given where tionary pressures and sustained of the pandemic, monetary be carried without endangering Thursday, applications for FDI Rules, 2021 that makes the chairperson is an indepen- price momentum in key com- policy authorities have sought sustainable recovery in growth, in private banks having a joint appointment of resident Indian dent director. In such case, one- ponents so as to bring back the to impart some certainty by a he said. External member on venture or subsidiary in the citizen mandatory, at least one third of directors would be CPI inflation to 4 per cent over commitment to a stance of the MPC Varma was of the insurance sector may be amongst the Chairperson, independent. a period of time in a non-dis- accommodation extending into view that economic growth addressed to the Reserve Bank Managing Director, or Chief Moreover, such companies ruptive manner,” he said. the future. was unsatisfactory long before $ 0<% of India for consideration in Executive Officer. would be required to retain net All members of the With the upsurge of infla- the pandemic, and even if the 3., consultation with the Insurance In the Budget session ear- profits for dividend declaration, Monetary Policy Committee tion worldwide, this effort to economic ill effects of COVID- % Regulatory and Development lier this year, the Parliament where prescribed solvency (MPC) -- Shashanka Bhide, anchor expectations is under 19 abate to some extent, sub- " $ Authority of India to ensure approved the raising of FDI margins are not met for a Ashima Goyal, Jayanth R scrutiny. Patra said in some stantial monetary accommo- " % "O 2 that the limit of foreign invest- limit in insurance from present financial year. Varma, Mridul K Saggar, countries, markets have acqui- dation is warranted. %5 -, - $" ! "# *+ $"# !)'* % &-*" % P @ & 7 ,-345 660 = $%&$ $$%''( !; ''/4# O " " " ./012%#! **%S" $ 2 2$ 8 % NL 4 O +%$$+4#+ !. 1 , - $ # )* 1, :-$ " 41 0=0 # 4" 1 " " 0=0 cent. **%S" "29'('& " “Bears took control of he rupee on Friday New Delhi:Retirement fund " %L " 41" quity indices spiralled lower today’s volatile session as weak Tdeclined by 15 paise to body EPFO recorded net new QS$SS@%+ "29'('( Q*$@&I%G "29 Efor the second straight ses- cues from the global markets close at 74.39 against the US enrolments of 12.83 lakh in '('&%L. "" " sion on Friday, mirroring a triggered selling across all sec- currency, tracking a lacklustre June, giving an employment " $ global selloff as rising Delta tors except FMCG. Fast spread- trend in the domestic equities perspective in the country. " '('(2 cases and fears of earlier-than- ing Delta virus, Fed’s taper and strengthening of the The provisional payroll '&$M %"NL 4 O$" expected Fed tapering sparked plans and China’s ongoing reg- American currency in the over- data of EPFO (Employees’ G%&" $" a broad retreat from riskier ulatory crackdown forced glob- seas market. Provident Fund Organisation) " " "" assets. al markets to trade with cuts. Analysts said concerns released on Friday highlights a " " NG%N" % A depreciating rupee, “Though the selling was over earlier than expected growing trend with 12.83 lakh which slumped 15 paise against broad-based, metal stocks were tapering of asset purchase by net payroll additions during the US dollar, added to the most affected due to a sharp the US Federal Reserve and June 2021, a Labour Ministry $ woes. plunge in iron ore futures Delta variant hurting the glob- statement said. The impact of ''/4# "$11 The 30-share BSE Sensex across the world,” said Vinod al economy reduced the appeal 4;14<5 the world after China. In 2020, second wave of Covid-19 " "2 SG$((( slumped 300.17 points or 0.54 Nair, Head of Research at of riskier assets like emerging the Indian market outper- waned during June, leading to 2 per cent to close at 55,329.32. Geojit Financial Services. currencies. ndia’s smartphone market is formed the North America, tremendous growth in net pay- " % "2 Similarly, the broader NSE Binod Modi, Head - Forex outflows also Iset to hit a record high of 173 Latin America and Africa mar- roll additions as compared to 8" $ Nifty tumbled 118.35 points or Strategy at Reliance Securities, impacted the local unit. million units in 2021, growing kets. April and May, it said. As com- " $ $ 0.71 per cent to 16,450.50. said,”Notably, indication of At the interbank foreign at 14 per cent year-on-year, “Our outlook for India for pared to May, there was an "2 Tata Steel was the top loser winding down monthly asset exchange market, the domestic according to Counterpoint the next five years remains pos- increase of 5.09 lakh additions %L; " " in the Sensex pack, plunging purchase programme in currency opened lower at 74.38 Research. itive, keeping in mind its 1.39- in net subscribers in June, it " " 8.27 per cent, followed by SBI, FOMC meeting minutes made against the American curren- More than 100 million billion (and growing) popula- added. Of the total 12.83 lakh $M 11 4"< % Dr Reddy’s, Sun Pharma, Kotak investors jittery, which weighed cy and finally settled at 74.39. smartphones are expected to be tion, upgrade of users from fea- net subscribers added in June, - % Bank, L&T and Bajaj Auto. domestic equities also. During the session, the local shipped in the second half of ture phone to smartphone, and around 8.11 lakh have come On the other hand, HUL, However, considering unit touched an intra-day high the year, it said. The market future emergence of new use under the social security cov- &0 $ Asian Paints, Nestle India, Bajaj improved visibility of sustained of 74.38 and a low of 74.47 has been experiencing strong cases. The market is set to cross erage of Employees’ Provident ''/4# " Finance, HDFC, HDFC Bank, earnings growth in subsequent against the US currency. consumer demand after the the 200-million mark in the Fund scheme for the first "" " $ 2 Maruti and ITC finished in the quarters, a meaningful cor- On Wednesday, the rupee lifting of Covid-19 restrictions next couple of years,” time.During the month, % green, climbing up to 5.37 per rection in quality had settled at 74.24 against the in June, and the strong sales Counterpoint said. around 4.73 lakh net sub- "E?? % ? cent. midcap names should be US dollar. momentum will continue dur- The research firm noted scribers exited but rejoined < " I+T During the week, the bought.” Midcap and smallcap The forex market was ing the festive season from that the market has been expe- EPFO by changing jobs with- % " 0 $ $- $. $ Sensex declined 107.97 points stocks remained under selling closed on Thursday on account August to November, it added. riencing a steady growth curve in the establishments covered , $) $ $ or 0.19 per cent, while the Nifty pressure, while volatility index of ‘Muharram’. India’s smartphone market over the last five years to reach by EPFO. " slipped 78.6 points or 0.47 per soared around 8 per cent. is the second biggest market in 158 million units in 2019. PTI % # O " - " 9 # =-1 " " " 0# ' &$@*( 4;14<5 for introduction of the swing value to effectively pass on #.+ '%&( =-1 pricing mechanism and the last transaction costs stemming "29L& arkets regulator Sebi on date for submission of public from net capital activity to the 4;14<5 retail price of rice declined by from 27.11 per kg in the MFriday extended the comments on the paper was investors concerned. In the con- 1.78 per cent to 35.28 per kg month-ago period. The whole- N&G%SN+ 4;14<5 deadline till August 25 for sub- August 20. “It has been decided sultation paper, the regulator has heat and rice prices in on August 16 from 35.92 per sale rate of wheat fell by 2.82 mission of comments on the to extend the timeline for sub- proposed introducing swing Wwholesale and retail mar- kg a month ago. The wholesale per cent to 2,258.05 per quin- tate-owned CIL on Friday proposal to introduce swing mission of comments to August pricing mechanism for open- kets in the country showed a price of rice also fell 2.17 per tal from 2,323.52 per quintal Ssaid its capital expenditure pricing mechanism for open- 25, 2021,” the Securities and ended mutual fund debt declining trend till August 16 cent to 3,030.6 per quintal in the said period. The ministry jumped more than two fold to ended mutual fund debt Exchange Board of India (Sebi) schemes as part of efforts to this year compared to the from 3,097.88 per quintal in said it is “proactively pursuing 1,840 crore in the first quar- schemes. said in a statement.Generally, ensure fairness in treatment of month-ago period on market the said period, it added.In the policies which help in keeping ter of 2021-22 compared to On July 19, the watchdog swing pricing refers to a process investors, especially during times intervention, the Government case of wheat, retail prices inflation low, as reflected in the 0=0 844 crore in the year-ago had issued a consultation paper for adjusting a fund’s net asset of market dislocation. said on Friday. The Food dipped by 2.18 per cent to open market sale scheme pol- quarter. Ministry in a statement said the 26.52 per kg on August 16 icy of the year 2021-22”. ndia’s foreign exchange Coal India in a statement Ireserves decreased by USD said the capital expenditure 2.099 billion to stand at USD rose twofold in the first quar- 619.365 billion for the week ter of FY22 as it continues to ended August 13 due to a fall step up investments in evacu- in core currency assets and ation infrastructure, land gold, RBI data showed on acquisition and procurement of Friday. heavy equipment. The forex kitty had CIL has achieved 94 per increased by USD 889 million cent of the progressive target of to a lifetime high of USD 1,960 crore, set for April- 621.464 billion in the previous June quarter of the ongoing fis- reporting week. cal. Foreign currency assets Underscoring the intent (FCAs), a major component of on strengthening evacuation the overall reserves, decreased infrastructure like setting up by USD 1.358 billion to USD rail sidings and corridors, coal 576.374 billion in the reporting handling plants, (CHP), silos week, as per the weekly data by and haul roads CIL’s capex has the Reserve Bank of India risen to 504 crore on this (RBI). Expressed in dollar account, the second highest terms, the foreign currency among all capex heads. assets include the effect of This is a quantum leap of appreciation or depreciation of 109 per cent over the first non-US units like the euro, quarter of FY21 when the pound and yen held in the for- capex spend on these infra pro- eign exchange reserves. Value jects was 241 crore. of the gold reserves declined for “Our focus is to have a the second consecutive week, seamless coal evacuation dropping USD 720 million to process in future when pro- USD 36.336 billion, the data duction increases. showed. The special drawing We are gearing ahead for rights (SDRs) with the that. CHP/Silo loading will International Monetary Fund save us considerable expenses (IMF) dipped by USD 7 million apart from having environ- to USD 1.544 billion. The ment benefits,” the company country’s reserve position with said. the IMF also fell by USD 14 “Rail sidings and lines are million to USD 5.111 billion, as being dovetailed with CHPs per the data. and silos,” he added. &'$ (!' *+!$, +(+* -. -/-. O 0 0 1 %P L 1 3" 9 "455%" % 5 5 7'/ '8+'/ ') /'4 '4!'7(( /8 ' ,( !)'8+' '. ( ,(()' N< N; N N " N $ 2 # # " 2 $ 0 . % " %H $ $ % $ $ 2 $ H% % $ 2 %C$ " $ %# $ 2 $- $ % %- $H H 2 2 ; " %H " 3 " " $ " % %- 3 $ " ? " 2 " %<H %O %O %O %O %O " : 1'( /* 2(,'./.3/41'.+3 5 3 3 # You are known as an ambassador of and specialised core exercise (not crunch- ditional exercises like planks or crunches Hence depleting our body and causing var- Zumba in India; do you recall your first es or sit-ups) which train the body to which can worsen the separation and cause ious issues. So the best time to start this Zumba lesson and how it went? engage the deep core thus helping the dias- an unsupported spine leading to a slipped weight loss process is once the baby is It was scary and exciting at the same tasis recti gap to close slowly and reduc- disc, hernia and the list is long. Equally weaned off. Also, remember proper sleep time. I discovered Zumba® back in the US ing the belly bulge. important is the pelvic floor. Peezing (pee- and stress-free life plays a huge role in weight in 2010 and after getting licensed in the The second myth is that it is normal ing while sneezing, laughing or while doing loss. So give yourself grace and time. program I got the first opportunity to teach to have urinary leakage. jumping jacks) is a result of a stretched and in a packed studio in Connecticut. I Yes, due to the stretching and weak- weak pelvic floor post-pregnancy. So speed- What made you think of starting a remember feeling the jitters but the crowd ening of the pelvic floor (a set of over 26 walking, jogging or working out without first Mom.Bod.Strong, a dedicated programme was encouraging and soon I felt like I was muscles that support the bladder and knowing how to lift and engage those mus- for new mothers? born to be there teaching and spreading reproductive organs) due to the stress it cles can make the condition of urinary Our bodies have changed post-preg- smiles. And I never looked back. Soon I undergoes during pregnancy and child- incontinence worse, or even cause pelvic nancy (whether we like it or not), so why was auditioned by the brand in Miami and birth, your urinary system might experi- organ prolapse. And a fitness coach not haven't our workouts. I remember wanti- returned to India first as a Zumba® edu- ence a reduction in its functionality. One trained in postnatal fitness can do more ng to get back to my fitness regime after I cation specialist responsible to train the of them is controlling the act of urination. harm than good. Always invest in a good popped and I was asked to go straight into trainers and now an ambassador of But although it's normal to have urinary postnatal fitness program/coach once the crunches, burpees and sit-ups. I also Zumba® in the country. incontinence post-pregnancy, one does not doctor has given the green light for exercise. remember feeling raw down there, feeling have to live with it and no science has not ready for such movements and most What are the myths that one may hear developed a little more than kegels on this. Being a well-known zumba instructor importantly my body was screaming to be about their postpartum body that no one One can heal and make the pelvic floor and now a postpartum fitness expert, do healed from the inside first. Not from the should believe in? functional again by increasing its strength you have any pointers for pre and post outside. I remember feeling hollow as if my There is no dearth of contradictory and mobility by the concept of connection natal fitness? core strength was gone, I lacked energy, I information to heal the postpartum body, breath which works on the diaphragm and During pregnancy always exercise at 30 had lost my stamina and strength and body from tummy tucks to wearing a belly belt. pelvic floor working together. per cent lesser than your usual capacity, confidence was at an all-time low. That's But it's time we provided women with The third myth is that one can 'bounce never become dehydrated or out of breath. when I realised that if I, who had been part the right knowledge of the changes that our back' post-pregnancy Listen to your body. After pregnancy always of the fitness industry, was feeling this way, body undergoes during pregnancy and Why do you want it? Your body had wait for your doctor's permission before how would a woman who is not into fit- childbirth and the proper guidance to heal to change from the inside to make a uni- exercising. Light walks and connection ness, feel post-childbirth? Lost. That's and recover from it. verse. It went through a lot and it was a breath can be started a few days post-deliv- what triggered my quest to find the right The first myth is that a belly belt will natural process for the body to change so ery but specialised postpartum core work- method of coaching a woman back into the reduce the post-pregnancy belly bulge. that you can learn how powerful a woman outs start when we get the green light. Listen path of exercise and health. The right post- All women going through pregnancy truly is. Why do you want to go back? Why to your body as you do so and slowly ease partum fitness regime would first focus on will have a growing foetus and most of us not 'bounce forward'? into your regular fitness regime with the healing, rehab and strengthening the deep will end up having "Diastasis Recti" which With proper deep core rehabilitation right modifications. core which would empower us to take is simply your rectus abdominus muscles( and strengthening, you can not only get charge of our bodies. I decided to take up six-pack abs) separating to make space for back into your old fitness regime safely but Which exercises and what kind of diet a well renowned pre-post natal internation- the growing uterus and foetus within your also slay it like never before. But make sure can one follow for a healthy weight loss al certification which spanned six months body. Thus giving us the post-baby belly you have the right foundations on which post-pregnancy? of intensive studies and tests and working bulge even months or years after giving you will build your body up again. Treat Only a certified nutritionist can guide with some top postpartum fitness coach- birth. Tying a cloth or wearing a belt your changed body right. as this depends on individual goals, body es across the world to get as much knowl- around the belly is not going to miracu- conducted a LIVE Zumba Tour across Post-pregnancy, how should one pre- composition, age, genetics, medical histo- edge I could. But most importantly execut- lously bring back these abdominal mus- During your pregnancy, did your India, teaching in 7 cities to hundreds of pare themselves before hitting the gym? ry and the list is long, ing that learning on myself to see if it cles together, in fact, it can cause laboured body bust any myths that you were fed? people rocking that preggo belly. But It's important that one heals the con- But hurrying to lose weight can do more worked. And it did. I have never felt breath further increasing the intra-abdom- Yes absolutely, I wished to break cer- ensuring I spread the right message of dition of diastasis recti or ab-separation harm than good to a woman especially while stronger than what I feel now with this new inal pressure and making the condition tain myths not only for myself but also safe exercise with the doctor's permis- and strengthen the pelvic floor before hit- breastfeeding. Your body by nature will learning. That's when I decided to share this worse. The right way to heal the separa- for the wonderful women, students and sion, maintaining 30 per cent less inten- ting the gym. This can be only be taught ensure that the mother's milk is always filled knowledge with as many women as I can tion is to start working on the deep core instructors I get to meet every day. Back sity, never getting exhausted and always by a trained postpartum fitness specialist with the nutrients for the baby but if we don't through an online, self-paced program stability system (especially transverse in 2019, during my 2nd trimester, I staying hydrated. I do believe I was able with specialised movements. If one fails to nourish ourselves well during that time, the called Mom.Bod.Strong which includes all abdominal muscles and pelvic floor) decided to walk the talk and break to start conversations in the positive do so, it can result in additional pressure body will try to take those nutrients from these specialised deep core exercises with through the connection breath technique myths around pregnancy and exercise. I direction. on the abdominal muscles while doing tra- our body to ensure the baby receives it. workout plans of 30/60 days. How does living the life of a he Aaja Nachle actor Kunal vagabond feel/look like? (As a TKapoor will be seen playing ( member of Vishnu) Babur, the first Mughal emperor It was never a vagabond life, accord- who ruled between 1526-1530 AD, ing to me. It may have seemed like in the forthcoming series, The )= <)BB3 " so from the outside, but behind the Empire. scene, it took a lot of discipline and The actor will be showcasing his 0 " $$ $ grit to become who we are today. character’s 25-year-long journey for which he has undergone a physical How do you continue to pursue transformation. your passion for 90s music? The Empire is a fictional saga of I wouldn't consider my music to be a warrior-turned-king, based on from the 90s. It may have hints of books written by Alex Rutherford, the old-school vibe, but I wrote a pen name of two authors, Diana About Time to be a simple and Preston and her husband Michael meaningful album, which I hope it Preston. They are known for the six- is. For the listeners, it may carry book historical fiction series Empire some crumbs from then, as I grew of the Moghul. up listening to a lot of bands from Describing the role he is play- that era. ing, Kapoor expresses, “This is the character who doesn’t reach the How do you make it relatable to throne till very, very late in his life. the modern audience? For a large part of the show, he is in Honestly, I let my heart out in all the forest. It's a character who goes the songs. And as another living through a long journey.” ntrepreneur, musician and soul on the planet, I think the songs The 43-year-old added, “Babur Emixed martial artiste, Rajiv resonate with people as we all goes from somebody who is a Khati, shared his experience o relate on subjects of love, loss, jilt, young prince to somebody thrown making music for over 20 years. His angst, fighting depression and final- out of the kingdom and to eventu- band, Vishnu, featured on the D$39D)5$ ly resurrection. ally becoming the emperor. The prestigious Dirty Dozen compila- journey spans about 25 years. So, for tion released by the Rock Street NG(%)5=-5= )3 How do martial arts and music me it was very important that I continued, “Who I was 20 strong script for The Empire, Kapoor Journal. go together for you? look slightly different physical- years back is different from said, “Sometimes what happens is Khati has been practising personal album, and I hope my per se. I accidentally became a mar- Music and MMA go hand-in-hand ly...which is why I lost weight who I am today. There are when a director comes on board and opera for a long time and as a tenor, audience resonates with them. keting person in 2011. for me, as both of them help me and for older parts, I put on huge changes from who I adapts a book, the script fails in he has sung German lieders Furthermore, I turned into a seri- zone out. They are very similar in some weight. So there is a am and what I feel so those comparison to the book. But fortu- (songs), Italian and French art What is it that led you so al entrepreneur. giving me peace. I draw this paral- physical distinction between changes were very important nately for us, our director songs, opera arias, and broadway ardently towards music? lel, as when I am doing either, I have the two characters.” to make,” he said. Mitakshara took the script based on musicals around the country. I have been singing since I was a What is your vision for no room for distraction, more so Kapoor did not stop there. Asked about playing a the book and made the script bet- The genre of Rajiv's songs is child. I remember performing at a TashTam Group of Companies? with MMA, as it is very unforgiv- Besides the physical trans- character like Babur, he ter than the book was. So, she has soft rock and pop-rock, and trans- school concert when I was about Under the group, we perform ing to distractions. formation, he made commented, “This is a written the characters in such a ports his listeners to the 90s. seven years old. I vividly remem- varied tasks like Real Estate, changes in the voice of book by Alex detailed way that there was no His debut album About Time ber the song was Wake Me Up Interior Design, Corporate Which genre of music do you the characters, and he Rutherford and the requirement for me to do research is a compilation of his emotional Before You Go by Wham. I guess Interiors, all of which fall under enjoy more and why? expounds, “The third series is an adapta- except to understand the time.” journey and deals with being jilt- listening to and singing this partic- TashTam Studio. Under TashTam I love heavy metal music. Lamb of thing was the change tion of that. So, for- The Rang De Basanti actor con- ed, experiencing loss, depression ular song made me happy. I start- Events, we run a premium MMA God, Pantera, Megadeth, in mindset. The tunately for us, the fessed that he felt both nervous and and resurrection. ed training formally when I was 23, (Mixed Martial Arts) academy, Mudvyane, Rammstein, character, when he is source material had excited for the release of the show which was when I discovered a love The Combat Laboratory; a record- Meshuggah and so many more are young, is a bit rash a lot of informa- and added, “The trailer has been Congratulations on your debut for opera. So, music has always ing and live studio, The Big Bang some of the favourites. I love and makes decisions tion. This is his- very well received and I hope that album About Time. Tell us more been a big part of my life. We have Studio, and other ancillaries like them for their pure song-writing which are not torical fiction and the show lives up to the expecta- about it. had a love-hate relationship, but we apparel, MMA, grappling compe- genius. Although, I have a very thought-through. As the way that the tions.” Thank you. About Time is a cul- have always been able to stay con- titions and combat gear. simple way of approaching my the character becomes character is written in Directed by and produced by mination of all the emotions that nected with each other. The vision is to take the com- music, maybe because of my lack older, he becomes more the book is very, very Monisha Advani and Madhu I went through in the last couple pany to an SME IPO (Small and of technical prowess, but given the thoughtful. The mindset detailed.” Bhojwani, The Empire is scheduled of years. It talks about heartbreak, When did you decide to deviate Medium Enterprise and SME- time and focus, I would love to was important.” Praising the show’s to release on August 27 on Disney+ loss, jilt, depression and finally away from journalism and why? IPO is an Initial Public Offering) bring in some hardcore pulse to The actor shared that he director, Mitakshara Hotstar. coming to terms with it. It is a very I didn't deviate from journalism in time. some of my songs. has evolved as a person. He Kumar, for making a L %" &'$ (!' *+!$, +(+* -. -/-. 99 "455%" % 5 5 4 4 !#( " ; -%(#>"> < A wholesome spread ;-0 5=,$ $ &&( %)5=-5= )3 "( " n the 1920s, when women all around the Iworld were still struggling for suffrage and basic rights, a Muslim woman — who was one pending Onam cooped up at home, of a dozen competitive siblings — did not last year, on account of the pandem- exactly have an easy life. But maybe, it was Sic, was not really a pleasant experi- Ismat Chugtai’s background that laid the foun- ence. Sure, my mother went to extreme dation for her rise as one of the foremost fem- lengths, with the assistance of everyone inists that India has produced. Most stories at home, to set up a lavish Onasadhya by the novelist, who would have turned 110 (sadhya means banquet in Malayalam), today, have a touch of hilarity but the read- complete with banana leaves, but some- ers can fathom the depths of pain she is hid- thing felt missing. ing. She was reprimanded, proscribed from This year with my mother unwell, voicing her curiosity and beaten by elders, as and Onam just around the corner, I have a child and Chugtai pens her bitter experiences to admit I felt a little lost. Onam is the of a childhood in her story Bachpan. time of the year when just about every- Born in an upper-middle-class Muslim one in the extended family congregates family in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh, she was at one place, and fill ourselves to the brim jostling for space and attention alongside her with sumptuous vegetarian fare. When six brothers and three sisters. The first I was younger, I could not understand woman writer to explicitly and boldly cover Islam), speaks emphatically for equality — why we could not help ourselves to a unspoken themes of class conflict, female sex- whether that is between wealthy and the poor, non-vegetarian dish, or two, with the uality and femininity, Chugtai practised what or women and men — highlights religious dis- scores of vegetarian dishes that were she preached and lead a life which was an crimination and the evident gap between served on the occasion. But with time, impeccable example. Hindus and Muslims. that thought was pushed to the back- She confessed in one of her works, “I con- In her memoir, she narrates how, as a ground, Onam happened to be all about grant Vamana’s wish, the dwarf meta- with a banana leaf on a shiny plate at the plate in little mounds, I had the time sidered femininity as a sham, and worked child, her best friend Sushi (from a sitting together with people and feasting morphosed into Vishnu's giant Savya Rasa, I could not help but wonder to look around. The terracotta paint- upon compromise as falsehood, patience as Hindu household) and her family cele- on some delectable food prepared by lov- Trivikrama form, taking all of heaven in what may follow. However, I was in for ings of some iconic temples of Tamil cowardice, and gratitude as duplic- brated Janmasthmi. She mentions that ing hands. Onam was all about looking one step and earth in second. Mahabali a state of familiar shock of the taste buds. Nadu (Savya Rasa is based in Chennai, ity.” despite close professional and person- forward to what new dish my relatives realised that Vamana was none other As my platter was loaded with one dish and the one in Saket is their first ven- Being the daughter of a al ties, on Hindu festivals, the Muslim would serve. You see, every Onam had than Vishnu and offered his own head after the other, with incredibly patient ture in North-India) on the walls of the civil servant, her family often kids were locked in their houses and an unspoken rule that the host would try for the third step. Some Hindu texts state and loving, PPE-glove adorned hands, I establishment brought back memories relocated (Jodhpur, Agra, and on Islamic holidays, the Hindus were to one-up the fare served the previous that Mahabali was taken to patala felt content. As I waited for the initial set of numerous visits to the South. Aligarh), thus, enabling her to nowhere to be seen. The two com- time. With an extended family like (netherworld), some state he was of dishes to be aesthetically arranged on Curated by Chef Sheikh, the explore a wide range of charac- munities avoided each other like mine, with my father being the second- dragged there by Garuda, in others he Onasadhya menu at Savya Rasa features ters and mindsets. When she plague, and only wished each eldest among nine siblings, and my entered heaven with the touch of Vishnu, 30 dishes (if you exclude the extremely fill- was young, she observed how other formally. On this specific mother being the second-youngest while another version states he became ing, unpolished brown rice). Talking people were treated differently, that day, Chugtai trespassed her among five siblings, we haven’t yet con- Chiranjeevi (immortal). Whatever the about each and every one of them there was a stark difference between boundaries and landed up at gregated for Onam at the same house- case, Vishnu was kind enough to accept might occupy the whole page, so a servant and a master, that the ser- Sushi’s house. She was always hold twice, in the past 10 years or so. I Mahabali’s request to visit his people I have been instructed by my edi- vants bore the brunt of the master’s intrigued by the Bhagwan’s hope this little detail conveys why I once a year. In a nutshell, the festival of tor to talk about the most sig- fault, which was always the case. She room which she was never allowed to would be looking forward to the Onam Onam commemorates the appearance nificant ones. It was extreme- understood that the world revolved enter on other days. This secret room, out of fare every year. And it should explain of the Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu ly unfortunate how she would around complex power dynamics, that the rich the reach of people of other communities, why I wasn’t really happy with spending and the subsequent home coming not entertain my pleas that always won, and similar was the struggle piqued the curiosity of little Chunni and she the festival at home, twice in a row. of emperor Mahabali. Literature every dish was significant. between men and women — that men were escaped from everyone’s vision, into its To someone who is not from Kerala, and inscriptions in Hindu tem- Anyhow, the dish that considered the superior race and subjugated enclosure. What she saw enticed the little kid Onam is regarded as a harvest-time fes- ples suggest that this festival, stood out among the entire lot women for their selfish means, and that the and she couldn’t stop herself from embracing tival. Which it is, but there is more to the featuring colourful decora- was the Pineapple pachadi. A society was interpellated to believe that this the baby idol of a shining Krishna. She had occasion than what meets the eye. The tions, lighted lamps, gift giving, traditional South-Indian fresh was the way of the world. The women them- absolutely no clue of who this little statue was festival is centred around the legend of feasts and community events, pickle served as a side dish, selves were perpetrators of patriarchy. In her but merely adored the baby. However, she was the asura King Mahabali, the most has been popular in Kerala for Chef Sheikh’s version of the pacha- case, it was her mother who did not want her caught instantly and hell broke loose at both noble and prosperous ruler of Kerala, more than a millennium. di was mind blowing. I couldn’t get to study further, did not let her speak her mind the houses. She was taught that idol worship who transformed his kingdom into a But, oh! I digress… I was enough of the sweet aftertaste, and had and wanted her to marry at a young age. The was a sin when she did not know what an idol heaven-like place. I am sure you must telling you about how much I to ask for multiple helpings of the imprint that the incident left on her mind was was. Though Sushi’s parents forgave the have seen images of a pot-bellied, mus- was craving to partake of the same. Another personal favourite, which brought forth in Chowthi Ka Joda where Bi child for the sake of their old relations, as tachioed, macho gentleman wearing a traditional (or as close to tra- doesn’t differ in taste from establish- Amma, the mother of Kubra is obsessed with Chugtai mentions, this could have been a suf- lungi; to make things easier for you, he ditional as it could be) Onam ment to establishment, is something marrying off her daughter — because she ficient reason for sparking Hindu-Muslim is always pictured carrying an umbrel- sadhya. Food happens to be a big called Injipulli— a mashed mix- needs to get rid of the paraya dhan — and riots. la, fashioned out of palm leaves. As the part of any culture, and it is no dif- ture of ginger and tamarind. It treating the son-in-law, a ludicrous, skanky Being an active member of the story goes, an ardent devotee of Vishnu, ferent for us Malayalis. The quintessen- has an indescribably wonder- fellow, like a demi-God. Besides her mother, Proggresive Writers’ Movement, Chugtai Mahabali ruled without discrimination, tial sadhya can boast up to 30 differ- ful taste; let’s face it, this is one she openly disliked her dogmatic Urdu was associated with great writers like Rashid and his people were honest, healthy and ent dishes, on one platter. That’s of those dishes which you teacher Mullaniji. This became the ground- Jahan, Sajjad Zaheer, Ahmed Ali, Saadat happy under his rule. He also temporar- quite the picture, isn’t it? have to sample, to know what ing of her most puissant works that show a Hasan Manto, etc. She swiftly transitioned ily possessed amrit (nectar for eternal While I was reminiscing, I am talking about. Marxist bent of mind while exposing patri- from writing short stories and novels to scripts life) obtained by the asuras. The amrita scrolling through pictures of past No dish is complete without archy and lopsided power play. and was one of the few writers who were allowed his associates to bring him sadhyas, I received a call from the a dessert to round it up, and the The Padma Shri awardee expressed her appreciated in their own age. She wrote pop- back to life after his death in one of the proprietors of Savya Rasa. Well, my Onasadhya at Savya Rasa was no dif- life events as interesting episodes in her auto- ular movies of the day like Garam Hawa, Tedhi wars between suras and asuras. Mahabali desperation must have reached ferent. We were treated to two differ- biography Kagazi Hain Pairhan (English - A Laqeer, Arzoo, and notable stories include was, thus, immune from death. After their ears, because they had quite ent desserts, Paalada pradhaman Life In Words). As an aspiring writer and a Lihaaf (The Quilt), Chhui Mui, Kaliyan, many wars, the invincible Mahabali the interesting proposition for and Pazham pradhaman. While the woman still living in an authoritarian and Badan ki Khushbu, and so on. had won heaven and earth. The suras me — to sample their Onam former comprised rice flakes in almond patriarchal world, the work inspired me to a From jousting for her case at Lahore (devas) approached Vishnu to save menu… There won’t be many milk, the latter (which I was a little degree I cannot explain in mere words. The Court for her story Lihaaf alongside Manto them, but how could Vishnu kill his own occasions in someone’s life, more partial to, because of its sicken- work had a revolutionary zeal and engenders (who was fighting for his controversial story devotee? Instead, as is common in such when one feels that everything ingly sweet nature) consisted of pieces into the reader a new blazing hope, ceaseless Bu), her experiences as a member of the tales, he adopted a tactical approach and is as good as it could be; well, that of ethakka pazham (a sweeter, orange- energy and complete awe for the woman who esteemed Progressive Writers’ Association, incarnated as the dwarf Brahmin avatar, is what I felt — an overwhelming tinged variant of the banana, which — in a loosely constructed narrative and the her vehement opposition to its inflexibility and Vamana. While Mahabali was perform- wave of gratitude to the universe for is widely available in Kerala) in most interesting accounts of her life — orthodoxy, her sane and supportive relation- ing Ashvamedha sacrifices to celebrate making this happen. Without wasting paayasam mix. indites her story of fighting for education, bat- ship with her father and brother Azim or his victories and giving away gifts to any time, I took off for the restaurant, If you have been reading till now, tling with the world for choosing the person Nanhe Bhai, who despite the patriarchal everyone, Vamana approached him and which is located in DLF Avenue, Saket. I am sure your mouth is watering and she loves and wanting to be with and for liv- upbringing stand up for her to winning asked for ‘three steps of land’. How could I am a simpleton, hence I try I would suggest you reserve a table at ing life on her terms. Chugtai speaks for national awards, being internationally the generous Mahabali refuse such a sim- to stay away from fancy establish- Savya Rasa at the earliest. Onam menu women’s rights, voices her relative’s concerns acclaimed for bringing on the surface the ple wish? When the great king agreed to ments. When I was presented will be served only during this weekend. regarding khula (women’s right to divorce in unspoken truth, Chugtai led an exemplary life. e are certain that you are having a hard We are sure you have heard of several (some- Wtime figuring out a destination for your what) commercialised places that would serve weekend getaway with your sister/brother this as the ideal weekend getaway with your sib- Raksha Bandhan, assuming that you are will- ling, from the prickly summer heat, such as ing to let go of the monotony of the home- Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, Matheran, rituals of Rakhi. In addition, if you are a sib- Lonavala and Khandala. A source, who ling duo who loves to travel and explore but prefers camping out by himself or with his cannot find the perfect place to journey to, cousins, somewhere in the Sahyadri moun- we are here to help! tain ranges (Western Ghats) shared with us Here’s a straightforward guide to lesser- that camping out always seems like the best known scenic places, close to the metro cities, way when travelling, provided you have the that will help you beat the heat and, odds are, necessary equipment, know how to cook and won’t feature on the itinerary of most peo- clean up after yourself. ple... unless they have read this article, of Thinking hard, as a cursory remark, he course. 4 $ ?!&@ A , ?!&@ 2 mentions that if one fancies the notion of heading out on a long drive, one could visit Amboli, Maharashtra’s last hill station on the As our team is based in Delhi, we have way to the plains of Goa. He says that since explored most conventional spots across it is relatively unexplored, there’s no need to Himachal Pradesh one too many times, and worry about running into many tourists here. we assume so have you. We believe you and While we recommend you take all necessary your brother/sister might want to visit precautions every time you step outside the Uttarakhand. safety of your home, we look up his claims Chakrata: Chakrata is about 325 km and it turns out he is right. At a little less than away from Delhi, and if you’re up for it, the 500 km from Mumbai via NH 48, Amboli place is a great destination for a motorcycle Ghat looks pristine and has one of the low- trip. Built as a summer retreat for high-rank- ( , # % # est positivity rates in Maharashtra with ing officials of the East India Company, between 1,100 and 1,500 residents, as per the presently, Chakrata serves as the base for the ! $ 0 $ (& 2 >% - -% latest data. Special Frontier Force (SFF), an Indian spe- Bhandardara: Knowing that we might cial operations unit, that serves under the 3 $& like embarking on a momentous trek lead- direct supervision of the Research and ing to some breathtaking views, he recom- Analysis Wing (RAW). So, we’re afraid you mends we visit Bhandardara. A short while won’t witness any rave parties here. tom. Enjoy the serenity of the falls and the ed that we visit Simultala (about 360 km from Kodaikanal and Munnar. However, if you and far back as the 1st century CE when it was later, he shares an elaborate itinerary. Turns If you and/or your sibling love a good surroundings by having a small picnic Kolkata) and Ayodhya Hills (280 km from your brother/sister are on the lookout for a built by the then-ruler Valvil Ori. Dedicated out a large reason why he singled out hike or bird-watching, you could visit beside the pond, and perhaps, if luck is by Kolkata). We sought more information on the place much closer to Chennai, a place to Lord Shiva, the temple stands as a witness Bhandardara is because of Kalsubai Peak, the Deoban Forest, which is located about 13 km your side, you’d get to rappel down the face latter as it is closer. where you could spend the weekend and get to the great Dravidian style of architecture till highest peak of the Sahyadri Ranges, and from Main Chakrata Market. Hire a 4x4 vehi- of the waterfall. Ayodhya Hills: Ayodhya (or Ajodhya) back before Monday, we have something today. Maharashtra, with its summit situated at an cle and a guide as normal four-wheelers are We saved the best for the last though. We Hills, in Purulia District of West Bengal, is worth your while. Don’t forget to visit the Botanical Garden elevation of 1,646 metres. known to get stuck along the secluded stretch highly recommend a visit to Chilmiri neck, a part of the lowest step of the Chota Nagpur Kolli Hills: Kolli Hills or Kolli Malai, which comprises a beautiful rose garden, a The trek is a very tricky one and, usual- leading to Deoban. The motorable road is which is just 20-30 minutes away from Plateau and are popular among young which means ‘Mountains of Death’, is a small majestic sightseeing point, eco-friendly cot- ly, the experienced trekkers find their way to only built till the Forest Rest House and after Chakrata main town. A sunset point set atop mountaineers who wish to take the basic mountain range located just 358 km from tages, and a fun-filled children’s park. the top with some difficulty, he said about the a brisk 15-minute walk, one can reach Vyas a plateau, Chilmiri is the highest peak in the course in rock climbing. The name might be Chennai and is apt for a perfect bike trip. The If hiking is your passion, do visit climb, and also added that there are now Shikhar. As per local belief, this is where sage town, offering National Geographic-worthy somewhat misleading as it is a small plateau, Kollimalai Ghat Road, leading to the Kolli Puliancholai, a haven for the quiet and adven- man-made stairs to access the peak if you Vyas wrote the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. If views of the mountains surrounding Chakrata. surrounded by hills. Hills, is an extremely adventurous undertak- turous alike. Puliancholai is a dense forest don’t wish to trek. you are lucky, the weather will permit you to Ajodhya Hills is known for its temper- ing with more than 70 hairpin bends spread range on the foothills of Kollimalai. There is While there are several quaint hotels in catch a glimpse of numerous peaks of the ate environment and pleasant weather, which across a length of nearly 47 km. a lot of scope in converting this place into a or around the city centre at Bhandardara, we Himalayan range including Nanda Devi. If you reside in Kolkata, we are sure you lasts through the year. While it was one of the Apart from the scenic journey to Kolli trekking base, as the forest has nearly 24 dis- were told that camping at the Mt Kalsubai You could undertake the somewhat easy, have visited Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong most remote areas of the state, it is now slow- Hills, there are numerous places you could cernible, well-set trails. base or close to the Wilson Dam would be five-km-long trek from the taxi stand near and Siliguri. Since we were spoilt for choice, ly gaining popularity. visit, in and around the area, to satiate the a good idea. For a weekend getaway, there is the cantonment area at Chakrata to Tiger we consulted a little birdie, a modern day- tourist within you. plenty to look forward to here. Falls. Your exertion will be rewarded with the nomad, who provided some valuable input. The Arapaleeswar Temple is a crucial Being the third-largest state in India, So, what are you waiting for? Have fun breathtaking view of the waterfall cascading Bearing in mind that we were looking for We can’t imagine your eyes ever tiring part of Kolli Hills sightseeing with a rich cul- Maharashtra has no dearth of scenic locations on Raksha Bandhan with your family, but down the hill to form a small pond at the bot- someplace offbeat, she highly recommend- of the panoramic views at Yercaud, Ooty, ture and historical significance that dates as with pleasant weather throughout the year. travel safe and smart. % 9 &'$ (!' *+!$, +(+* -. -/-. %passes ELLIS JOINS PUNJAB KINGS Kohli, BCCI brass discuss T20 WC roadmap " 4 < %L4 4;14<5 < *R %%% " he Indian team is fully focussed .) on winning the ongoing Test $M " Tseries in England but both / * +5 skipper Virat Kohli and the BCCI PULISIC TESTS COVID +VE mandarins are also discussing the =14- last played together in the 2018 and Lubomir Pistej — in the &3" & Commonwealth Games, out- quarterfinals. ndia’s Manika Batra and G played Hungary’s Dora “It is great that we were ISathiyan tasted instant suc- Madarasz and Nandor Ecseki able to win the event with very cess on their return as a mixed $ 3-1 to win the mixed doubles little practice. It certainly shows doubles pairing by winning the title. They beat the 94th-ranked what we can achieve as a pair. title at the WTT Contender Hungarian pairing 11-9, 9-11, We were quite tactically and here on Friday. 12-10, 11-6. seem to complement each The Indian duo, who had It was a memorable win for other’s game. Manika and Sathiyan, who “Manika had me have reunited on a positive note approached for the partnership and plan to take their partner- a while. We both thought it was ship to the Paris Olympics in the best time to give it a shot. 2024. She is our best ever female Manika had won the Asian player and we have shown the Games Bronze with veteran potential that our partnership Sharath Kamal and, more has. The more we play the bet- recently, they played together at ter we get,” Sathiyan said. the Tokyo Olympics. Sathiyan will play in the Sathiyan said it was a tricky Czech Open later this week final but their toughest chal- while Manika will head back lenge came in the quarterfinals home. Another big event com- when they upset the world ing up is the Asian number seven duo from Championships in September- Slovakia — Barbara Balazova October.
Chandigarh, Quarters from August 16
