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*2 34 Modi described India’s win in cricket test match iving his first radio talk of this month in Australia as Gthe year, Prime Minister historic. Calling the victory Narendra Modi on Sunday inspirational, he said, “This referred to the violence at the month, there has been very farmers’ tractor rally on good news from the cricket January 26 saying pitch too. Our cricket team, “India was saddened by the after initial setbacks made a insult to Tricolour on Republic grand comeback, winning the Day”. He also emphasised that series in Australia. The hard the country developed work and teamwork of our “atmanirbharta” during the players is inspirational.” coronavirus crisis and ensured The PM said this year, vaccine for each of its citizen. India is going to commence the Delivering his monthly talk celebration of 75 years of her Mann Ki Baat, the PM said a Independence — Amrit major shift occurred in people’s Mahotsav. “This is an excellent perspective in the last year time to explore places associ- and a lot of customers now are ated with those heroes on demanding “Made In India” ❝ O account of whom we attained ! #% & ' ( products. “India today is self- & freedom,” he said. reliant in the field of medicines (2 Modi said the Government *2 34 Q R and vaccines,” he said. was starting an initiative for People, he said, have shown achieve the same feat,” he said. ry. Whatever be the area, the young writers called day after Narendra Modi R their support for “Vocal for ❝ 6 Referring to the violence participation of women of the “India@75”. He said, “This will Asaid his Government was Local” and urged manufactur- % on January 26 in the national country is continuously on the encourage young writers of all just a “phone call away” for two and the national Government or Parliament to ers and industry leaders to Capital, the PM said, “The rise.” In his address, Modi States and of all languages. talks with the farmers’ unions, spokesperson for the BKU, “bow down to them”. However, make world-class products. " country was saddened by the pointed to a number of do- You can learn more about this the Tikait brothers who are said a “respectful solution” he added they will also ensure He said in 15 days, as / % insult to the Tricolour on gooders in the country con- initiative on the Ministry of leading the agitation asserted should be found to the issue, the self-respect of farmers is many as 30 lakh corona war- - (6 January 26 in Delhi.” tributing in their own way to Education website.” on Sunday, that protesting but asserted they will not agree protected. During their January riors have been vaccinated in & Talking about strides made the environmental protection Besides, the PM, in his farmers will honour the digni- to anything under pressure. 26 parade, many of the pro- India. Developed countries like 7 )8% by women in different fields of and other causes. morning talk, also stressed the ty of the Prime Minister, but are Modi had Saturday said his testers, driving tractors, had the US and the UK finished the activities, the PM said, “You He gave the example of an need to observe road safety and also committed to protecting Government’s offer on agri stormed the Red Fort, with same task in 18 and 36 days, / must have witnessed a few elderly man at Kottayam in the curtailing road accidents. their self-respect. laws made to protesting farm- some of them hoisting religious respectively, he maintained. (2 & days ago, that four women Kerala cleaning lake-waters “From January 18 to Both Naresh and Rakesh ers “still stands” and the Centre flags on its domes and on the Modi said India is the % pilots from India took com- daily despite his advanced age, February 17 we are observing Tikait said they were open to was a just a “phone call away” flagstaff at the ramparts. fastest in vaccinating its citizens mand of a non-stop flight from people in Arunachal Pradesh ‘Road Safety Month’. We should talks with the Government to for talks, days after violence Both the brothers con- and is setting an example for San Francisco, America to making artificial paper using become active stakeholders to find a “middle path”, which the broke out in parts of the demned Republic Day vio- the entire world. “India’s vac- Bangalore. You must have also long-forgotten technique or reduce road accidents and save former suggested could be the national Capital on Republic lence and said it was unac- cination programme is turning the world. In 15 days, India observed this time in the art and thus saving trees or veg- lives. The goals with which we BJP Government not imple- Day. Rakesh said they will ceptable, even though they out to be exemplary to the vaccinated 30 lakh corona war- January 26 parade, where two etable vendors in a “mandi” in started 2021, we all have to menting the three laws during honour and respect the digni- alleged it was the result of a world. We are vaccinating our riors whereas it took America women officers of the Indian Hyderabad making bio-fuel work to fulfil them together,” he its tenure. ty of the PM, and added the conspiracy. citizens faster than anywhere in 18 days and Britain 36 days to Air Force created a new histo- from the vegetable leftovers. said. Rakesh, the younger of the farmers don’t want the Continued on Page 2 & '(%) ! " ! $ !% *2 34 he World Health *2 34 TOrganization (WHO) has altered its guidance for preg- nformation and Broadcasting nant women who wish to IMinistry on Sunday allowed receive the coronavirus jab, cinema halls across the coun- saying those at high risk of to the States during the launch try to operate at full capacity exposure to Covid-19 or who of the vaccination drive on from February 1 with adher- have comorbidities may be January 16 that pregnant and ence to Covid-19 safety proto- and enjoy films in theatres as vaccinated. lactating women have not been cols. As per the Ministry, we are allowing full occupan- However, the WHO sug- a part of any Covid-19 vaccine Standard Operating Procedures cy in all cinema halls. Cinema gestions might not find favour clinical trial so far. “Therefore, (SOP) adequate physical dis- halls can now open at 100 per in India where Covaxin and women who are pregnant or tancing, mandatory face masks cent capacity. We encourage as Covishield vaccine manufac- not sure of their pregnancy and and sanitisation of auditorium much online booking (of tick- turers Bharat Biotech and lactating women should not after every screening must be ets) as possible,” Javadekar told Serum Institute of India (SII) receive Covid-19 vaccine at adhered to. reporters here. respectively in their factsheets this time,” the Ministry said. Digital booking of tickets The development comes have clearly mentioned that The WHO’s earlier guid- and staggered show timings to days after the Ministry of pregnant and lactating women ance did not recommend avoid crowding will be encour- Home Affairs (MHA) allowed should not get the shots as they pregnant women to be inocu- aged, said I&B Minister cinema halls and theatres to have not been part of any anti- lated even though data indi- Prakash Javadekar after releas- operate with more people as coronavirus vaccine clinical cated that pregnancy increased ing a set of the SOPs. per fresh Covid-19 reopening trial so far. the risk of developing severe “There is good news. In guidelines. The Union Health illness from the virus. February, people can watch Continued on Page 2 Ministry too has made it clear Continued on Page 2 *+ - .// 0/112 *2 34 !"#$% & he Indian Coast Guard last ' Tyear seized contraband *2 34 % worth over 1,500 crore besides ( apprehending at least 10 foreign inance Minister Nirmala boats with 80 miscreants illegally FSitharaman on Monday will operating in the Indian Exclusive deliver her promised budget ! Economic Zone (EEZ). These like no other that is expected to " #)" seizures were the result of sus- provide relief to the pandem- " tained and round the clock sur- ic-hit common man as well as ' veillance by its boats and planes, focus more on driving the eco- eign investments. & * the Coast Guard said here on its nomic recovery through high- Sitharaman, who had in % 45th raising day on Sunday. er spending on healthcare, her first budget in 2019 ( The “Preventive and infrastructure and defence replaced leather briefcase that Measured Response” stance of amid rising tensions with had been for decades used for operations introduced just over neighbours. carrying budget documents #$ a year ago, ensured that more As India emerges from the with a traditional red cloth &' + than 6,000 fishing boats with Covid-19 crisis, the ninth bud- “bahi-khata”, had earlier this O about 40,000 fishermen were get under the Modi month stated that the budget - escorted to safe harbours during Government, including an for the fiscal year beginning . % the passage of 11 cyclones last interim one, is widely expect- April will be “like never before”. /& year, thus averting loss of lives ed to focus on boosting spend- The budget, economists #0 /& #1% and property at sea, it said, ing on job creation and rural and experts said, will be the ( adding that despite restrictions development, generous alloca- starting point for picking up " % imposed by the Covid-19 pan- tions for development schemes, the pieces after the economic O demic, Indian Coast Guard has putting more money in the destruction caused by the maintained 24x7 vigil in the EEZ. hands of the average taxpayer Covid-19 pandemic. ( Continued on Page 2 and easing rules to attract for- Continued on Page 2
) + ! ( ) !(+9 (% % $: ( ) ! * P * > 6 *.<> managed to escape into a near- 2 4 *?+=* the statue of a leader who was vandalising and desecrating by forest and reached a police among the foremost historical his statue is surely unacceptable 7 - 3.<> *'-+(5+& ernment's livelihood mission n ambulance driver has station on Saturday, the official everal Indian-American giants of nonviolent civil in America, a nation that prides (+7''9: and the group members also Abeen killed by Naxals in said. The victim was a native of Sorganisations on Sunday protest was torn down in this itself on the peaceful and women self-help group *&+;&<*5: borrowed money from rela- Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur dis- Maksoli village. He shifted to strongly condemned the vio- manner,” Indiaspora said. democratic resolution of dif- A(SHG) from a village in &"("= tives, she said. trict over suspicion of being a Dhanora village along with his lent toppling of a statue of In 2016, the Davis City ferences of opinion,” Indiaspora Madhya Pradesh has earned Last year, the group earned police informer, police said on family in 2014 after Naxals Mahatma Gandhi in the US Council voted to proceed with said. Prime Minister Narendra &-*'-*& a profit of 3 lakh and a por- Sunday. The incident took thrashed him and threatened state of California and the installation of Gandhi's Strongly condemning the Modi's praise after its members *(&;- tion of it was spent on repay- place in Tekanar village on him to leave the village, sus- expressed hope that those statue in the city's Central desecration and destruction of restarted a rice mill despite '+&7(5++& ing the loan, Rahangdale said. Friday evening when the vic- pecting him of being a police responsible for the despicable Park. the Mahatma Gandhi statue in financial constraints faced due ';''*+ She said one of the mem- tim, identified as Jairam Usendi informer, he said. act will be brought to justice. The statue of Gandhi, Davis's town in California, to the coronavirus induced- "'*-+&'(9 bers of the SHG belongs to the (35), went to a local market "Jairam was working as an The 6-ft tall, 650-pound which was donated by the Indian National Overseas lockdown. Modi lauded the tribal community. along with his brother, an offi- ambulance driver in Dhanora (294 kg) bronze statue of Indian government to the city Congress said that it is more group for its work in his 'Mann She said the all-women The rice mill can handle up cial said. Usendi's brother primary health centre while his Gandhi in the Central Park of of Davis, was installed by the hurtful to see that the miscre- Ki Baat' radio broadcast on group of 14 did not have to 40 quintals of paddy per day reported the matter to police family was dependent on farm- the City of Davis in Northern city council four years ago ants who had done this despi- Sunday. finances to run the rice mill and operates all the year round, on Saturday, he said. ing activities for their liveli- California was vandalised, bro- amidst protests from anti- cable act on the eve of January Chichgaon village in Birsa after three months into the Rahangdale said. When the two were about hood," the official said, deny- ken and ripped from the base Gandhi and anti-India organ- 30th, the day when Mahatma development block is some coronavirus-triggered lock- Talking about their future to return from the market, a ing his association with police. by unknown miscreants early isations. Gandhi paid the ultimate sac- 100 kms away from Balaghat down. plans, she said the group is group of armed Naxals sur- A search operation has this week. “Any subsequent decision rifice for every Indian citi- district headquarters under "In June, the members planning to manufacture rounded them and attacked been launched in the area to “We call upon the City of to the contrary, if at all, should zen's freedom. Jabalpur division. decided to arrange funds from spices. Usendi with sticks and sharp- trace the culprits, he said. Davis to immediately com- have been arrived at via non- “We are grateful to the Talking to PTI, president of personal savings and with Rs Balaghat District Collector edged weapons. The victim On Saturday, a policeman mence a thorough process to violent and democratic means,” City of Davis for starting a for- the Yogyata Ajivika Swa-sahay- 1.10 lakh, the rice mill was re- Deepak Arya said these women died on the spot, the police offi- was shot dead and a civilian bring the perpetrators of this Indiaspora said. mal investigation and hope ata Samuh (self-help group), started," Rahangdale added. group members have done an cial said. injured in firing by Naxals at a act to justice and reinstall a stat- “Mahatma Gandhi, like that the perpetrators who have Meena Rahangdale said she The group had opened the extraordinary work. The rebels accused the vic- village market in neighbouring ue that pays homage to this many iconic figures who are done this horrible deed will be was overwhelmed with joy rice mill in December 2019 by "They are an inspiration to tim of acting as a "police Kanker district, located around apostle of peace,” Indiaspora globally revered for their lead- found and prosecuted to the after the Prime Minister taking a loan from a bank. It other women who want to informer" before killing him, he 100 km from here, police ear- said in a statement. ership in just and noble caus- full extent of the law,” INOC praised their work. received funds under the gov- become self-reliant," he said. said. His brother somehow lier said. “It is especially ironic that es, was not a perfect man. But said.
' R Union national president, once counted among the tallest talk to Rakesh Tikait or to click * 7) (BKU) told PTI. “Talks are nec- farmer leaders of the country. a selfie with him. $ ;;; essary. A solution should be Meanwhile, asked if the The farmer leader + found. These farmers have protest will have a bearing on remained busy meeting his %9 From Page 1 been protesting for over two the politics of western Uttar supporters and talking to the - .// They said the Tricolour months now. Their demands Pradesh, Naresh said that elec- media, halting only when his $ was above everything and they should be met.” tions are a chance for farmers voice broke. will never let anyone disrespect “The middle path could be to make their voices heard. A Bharatiya Kisan Union 3 *? > @= 4 A it. that the BJP government He added, “They are free to member said Rakesh has not 0/112;; *2 34 +4 ! =* The Delhi Police has reg- assures farmers it won’t imple- vote anyone, we cannot ask been able to sleep for more suspected Maoist was istered nearly 40 cases and ment the three laws during its them to vote for a particular than three hours a day for the From Page 1 he Delhi University 2 + * Akilled during a gunbattle made over 80 arrests in con- tenure. We will also try con- party...If a party has hurt them, past three days. “It deployed about 50 ships Tannounced on Sunday that with security forces inside a for- nection with the violence and vincing the farmers. What else why would they bring it to “In between, he com- and 12 aircraft daily,” it said. it will allow final year students /+> + *? est in Odisha's Malkangiri dis- vandalism. can be better than this?” he power again?” plained of blood pressure Starting with a modest at all its colleges with 100 per 2 +4+44 trict on Sunday, police said. Rakesh demanded the gov- suggested. Meanwhile, more tents issues, but is doing fine now,” force level of seven ships in cent staff strength from The exchange of fire took ernment release their men to “We respect the prime came up at the UP gate protest the BKU member said. 1978, the Indian Coast Guard February 1. The decision was =/+4 place when personnel of the prepare an environment con- minister’s post...Farmers should site in Ghazipur on Sunday as At the protest site, small has now 156 ships and 62 air- taken after a meeting with the Special Operation Group ducive for talks. be respected too,” he said. farmers kept pouring in from groups of farmers took out craft. The force aims to heads of the departments of the . >+ *+ (SOG) and District Voluntary Naresh, the elder of the two Naresh and Rakesh are neighbouring regions. marches, carrying the Tricolour enhance its capabilities with a university and principals of =/+4 Force (DVF) of the Odisha brothers and Bharatiya Kisan sons of Mahendra Singh Tikait, Many waited for hours to and shouting slogans. total of 200 ships and 80 aircraft colleges. Police and the BSF were car- by 2025, the Coast Guard state- "Only final year students, <* > +6 * rying out a joint anti-Naxal ment said. It is the fourth in small batches, are allowed to .> *! . 3=/ operation in Nunkhari forest in largest Coast Guard in the visit their respective colleges, Mathili police station area in ,,, world. centres and departments for !=33? the early hours, Malkangiri's Disclosing that it has so far their laboratory, practicals, Superintendent of Police (SP) saved over 10,000 lives and skill, library and related activ- Rishikesh D Khilari said. From Page 1 in the FY21 budget to Rs 1.94 A big bang package of reforms loans coupled with the intro- apprehended around 14,000 ities, as per the discretion of the staff in a staggered manner to The operation was launched And it must go beyond lakh crore. There has been is thus on the anvil.” duction of a COVID Cess that miscreants since inception in respective principal, director or avoid crowding at entry and based on specific intelligence being just a “bahi khata” or a lower-than-budgeted revenue Undeniably, the govern- is expected to be levied on 1977, the statement added, head in line with the UGC exit gates. inputs about the movement of ledger of accounts, as well as growth and higher expenditure ment has a difficult task of high-income individuals, it “On an average, Coast Guard guidelines and SOPs," it said in "Accordingly, the staff may Maoists, he said. The Maoists canning old schemes in a new to offset the adverse impact of manoeuvring the nascent said. saves one precious life every a notification. be called to discharge the duties opened fire at the security per- bottle. It has to be a vision state- the pandemic. recovery of the economy and India Ratings and Research second day at sea.” The university said the in the slot of 09.00 am to 05.30 sonnel who retaliated in self- ment, a roadmap to get the Among the most-watched managing the fiscal burden, believes that the major focus of In line with the section incharge or unit head pm and 09.30 am to 06.00 pm," defence and a fierce exchange of world’s fastest-growing major figures in the budget would be which is expected to remain the government to revive the Government’s vision of may plan the timings of the it added. fire followed, the officer said. economy back on track. the expenditure on vaccination high not only for the current COVID-19 battered economy Security And Growth of All in A prescient budget, which in FY22 which could be shared year but also for the subsequent has till now been on the sup- the Region (SAGAR), the Coast goes a long way in instilling among the central govern- years, he said. ply side, but it is high time to Guard is also collaborating confidence, cannot be replaced ment, state governments and “In the current scenario, it change gears and focus on the with littoral countries to com- by “mini-budgets” such as the households. would be impossible not only demand side as well, lest the bat transnational maritime one in September 2019 when India has started the largest for India but for countries ongoing recovery begins to crimes and enhance maritime the Government cut corporate vaccination programme in the globally to shoulder the pan- lose steam. safety in its area of responsi- tax rate just two months after world from January 16 and is demic without fiscal destabi- Its budget expectations bility and in the Indian Ocean Sitharaman presented her using two vaccines â ” lization in the short to medium include spending on infra- Region. From Page 1 be managed better. Sanitisation COVID-19, we had to put maiden one, or the periodic Covishield and Covaxin. term.” structure especially that are Last year, the Coast Guard It was not clear how the and all COVID-19 safety pro- these restrictions. These restric- announcements of economic Also, to be watched is the India Ratings and Research employment-intensive and doused a raging fire onboard safety protocol and social dis- tocols must be followed,” tions are on the verge to be measures that dotted 2020. revenue that the government is said the government finances have a shorter turnaround the 333 metre long very large tancing norms could be applied Javadekar added. relaxed,” the minister added. There is a larger consensus projecting to receive from the need to be steered in a way that time, creation of development crude carrier motor tanker when cinema halls run on full Producers Guild of India, The SOPs stated that the among economists that the privatisation of companies such puts the economy back on financial institutions, continue New Diamond with about 3 capacity. Multiplex Association of India number of people in the ele- annual GDP for FY21 will as Bharat Petroleum (BPCL), tracks. with relief/income support to lakh metric tonnes of crude oil According to new guide- (MAI), theatre owners and vators shall be restricted, with decline by 7-8 per cent, one of Air India and Shipping Projecting a Rs 60,000 the households who are at the off Sri Lanka, thereby averting lines, no film shall be allowed film exhibitors welcomed the efforts to encourage the audi- the weakest performances Corporation of India (SCI). crore revenue shortfall in the bottom of the pyramid and a major ecological disaster. It to screen in containment zones decision. Continuing with the ence to avoid movement dur- among the developing nations. Market borrowings are fiscal year ending March 31, it higher allocation to MGN- also provided pollution and States and Union basic health guidelines amid ing the intermission. “Longer The government has to expected to remain elevated estimated the fiscal deficit at REGS as it provided a safety net response assistance to Territories may consider the pandemic, there should be intermissions may be used to play a critical role in pulling the and external deficit financing over 7 per cent in the current not only to rural households Mauritius during the ground- “proposing additional mea- availability of hand sanitisers - allow audience seated in dif- economy out of the trough. would increase. fiscal as against budget target of but also to the workers who ing of Merchant Vessel sures” as per their assessment. preferably in the touch-free ferent rows of the auditorium While the pandemic is show- Higher capital expenditure 3.5 per cent. For the next, it put migrated back to rural areas. Wakashio and provided 30 To minimise physical con- mode - at entry and exit points. to move in a staggered manner. ing signs of being less virulent, outlay for National the fiscal deficit at 6.2 per Also, more support to real tonnes of pollution response tact, digital transactions should A thermal screening of all The show commencement a gradual progress in the vac- Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) cent. The budget will have to estate given its backward-for- equipment in addition to train- be the “most preferred mode” visitors and staff will be carried time, intermission period and cination programme is fuelling programme that has an aggre- address a number of issues - ward linkage in the economy ing. for booking tickets or pay- out at entry points, with only finish time of a show at any hope for a better future. A sus- gate investment target of Rs 111 health infrastructure, reviving especially affordable housing ment. Contact number shall be asymptomatic individuals screen shall not overlap with tainable economic revival will lakh crore over the period demand, banking sector segment, boosting micro small taken at the time of booking of allowed to enter, according to the commencement time,” the need a policy catalyst. That’s 2020-25 and making recently reforms, fiscal consolidation and medium enterprises, repri- tickets to facilitate contact trac- the guidelines. Installation and SOPs stated. where this budget assumes a introduced Production-Linked and implementation of 15th oritisation of both revenue and ing. “Sufficient number of use of Aarogya Setu App “shall Mandatory wearing of face special relevance. Incentive (PLI) scheme more Finance Commission report, capital expenditure towards counters at the box office shall be advised to all,” the SOPs cover for staff and sanitisation The pandemic struck at a attractive to lure foreign man- said Brickwork Ratings. essentials such as top priority be opened with adequate phys- read. of cinema auditorium after time when the economy was ufacturers to boost domestic Centrum said, “We expect to mass vaccination/public ical distancing norms, to pre- Javadekar said he hopes every screening are part of the already caught in the grip of a manufacturing are top expec- the upcoming budget to pri- health, reprioritisation of vent crowding during physical people will “welcome” this SOPs which also directs theatre growth slowdown. GDP tations from the budget. oritise growth-oriented mea- expenditure and mobilisation & ;;; booking of tickets,” the SOPs move as the Government is owners to make arrangements growth touched an 11-year Acuité Ratings & sures with the commitment to of higher non-tax revenue, it read. Adequate time intervals working towards relaxing sev- for regular cleaning and disin- low of 4 per cent in 2019-20. A Research Limited said there are warrant that the momentum of added. between successive screenings eral restrictions imposed due to fection drive at the box office, steadily declining investment two primary objectives before recovery seen in the economy GlobalData, a leading data From Page 1 on a single screen as well as on the challenges posed by the food and beverage areas, rate has been a major factor in the government at this stage â ” recently remains sustainable.” and analytics company, said the The WHO had warned various screens in a multiplex pandemic. “Customers can also employee and staff lockers, causing deceleration prior to reignite the growth engine in The emphasis of the bud- need of the hour is to increase that vaccines produced by shall be provided to ensure buy food and beverage from toilets, public areas, and back the coronavirus crisis. the economy while committing get is likely to be on the revi- credit flows, especially to small Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna “row-wise staggered entry and the stalls at the theatres and can office. According to the guide- And the lockdown itself to a medium-term fiscal talization of durable con- and medium enterprises sector, have not been tested in preg- exit of the audience”. carry it with them inside (the lines, if any person visiting cin- imposed to curb the spread of consolidation path. sumption impulses at the cur- as well as investment in edu- nant women, though it does “Staggered show timings auditorium). These are all nor- ema hall is found COVID-19 coronavirus in March last year “The growth impetus rent juncture as the supply-side cation and health sectors to not have a reason to believe the will be encouraged so that the mal things, but when the situ- positive the entire premise will brought economic activities to should incentivise demand in measures have already been boost production and con- shots would pose a specific risk. entry and exit of the crowd can ation became abnormal due to have to be disinfected. a grinding halt, causing a sharp the near term and ensure its implemented. sumption. “While pregnancy puts contraction in the GDP in two sustainability over the medium Alongside, the key focus Gargi Rao, Economic women at higher risk of severe successive quarters of FY21, to long term. will also remain on the further Research Analyst at COVID-19, very little data are pushing the economy into a “Four elements must be fostering of private investments GlobalData, said, “The expec- available to assess vaccine safe- recessionary phase. activated to build economic as well after the initiation of a tations from the upcoming ty in pregnancy,” the health In response, the govern- vibrancy over the long term - slew of measures like corporate budget are mainly inclined organization said. ment announced a number of give infrastructure a significant tax rate cut, NIP and PLI towards infrastructure devel- “Nevertheless, based on policy measures under push through public and pri- scheme on this front, it said. opment, tax concessions for what we know about this kind Aatmanirbhar Bharat package vate investments, facilitate Amidst a plethora of mar- elderly to provide a breather for of vaccine, we don’t have any 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 to support the large-scale private and foreign ket expectations around the consumers to increase their specific reason to believe there economy. The package was a investments across industrial, budget FY22, key areas where overall consumption, along will be specific risks that would combination of grant, equity services and agricultural sector; the central government is high- with increasing domestic pro- outweigh the benefits of vacci- and liquidity measures by the incentivise private consump- ly anticipated to put its more duction.” nation for pregnant women.” central government, state gov- tion in the near term without attention to are the establish- The budget will come as an ernments and the Reserve significant compromises on ment of a bad bank to clean up economic vaccine for the pan- Bank of India (RBI). tax revenues; and step up allo- bank balance sheets, presenting demic-battered economy and While the headline stimu- cation in health and education finer contours of the PLI steer India with the much- lus was pegged at close to Rs 21 sectors.” Arun Singh, Global scheme for boosting manufac- needed stimulus to boost lakh crore, the actual fiscal Chief Economist at Dun and turing for the 10 sectors demand, consumer confidence impact of the economic pack- Bradstreet said unprecedented announced earlier and and at the same time boost the ages works out to be about Rs circumstances require unprece- resources likely to be made purchasing power of the peo- 3.5 lakh crore (1.8 per cent of dented measures. available. ple, the Indian Chamber of GDP). “Globally, governments are Others include offering Commerce (ICC) said, adding Also, since last budget, the facing massive policy and oper- sops to reinvigorate household incentives to industries like size of the economy has ational challenges and are consumption demand via tax textiles, apparel, leather, food reduced from Rs 2.24 lakh adopting unconventional mea- incentives for spending and processing, construction and crore nominal GDP considered sures to revive their economy. higher deductions on housing retail are expected.
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*2 34 the tampered parts in the doc- said that after all these theatrics a video of Arvind Kejriwal and tored video. “The BJP is feeling did not work, it sent its goons said, "Sir ji (Arvind Kejriwal) elhi Deputy Chief Minister helpless despite being in power at the Ghazipur border to attack counts the benefits of farms N*&% O DManish Sisodia on Sunday as people have lost trust in BJP the farmers. The BJP sent its laws. See video." accused the Bharatiya Janata leadership. PM Modi has enu- goons to Singhu border where Farmers have been protest- Party (BJP) of a doctored video merated the benefits of farm they disrespected the Sikh ing at different borders of the ! talists and hence the present law agriculture laws. These three other side the lives of common of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind laws on several occasions but community by throwing their national capital since November ?<> has been made for the benefit of agricultural laws will benefit the people will become miserable Kejriwal in which he was seen farmers have understood that turbans and attacked the 26, 2020, against the farm laws: the capitalists. capitalists only,” Chaduni told and it will increase starvation,” promoting farm laws. they are being cheated. When protesting farmers. They tried to Farmers' Produce Trade and aryana President of the Chaduni said that the reporters. Chaudi said. Addressing the media, BJP could not explain the farm portray it as an attack by the Commerce (Promotion and HBharatiya Kisan Union Government has passed an agro Giving his view on the Samyukt Kisan Morcha Sisodia said that the BJP has laws to the farmers, it started locals, but thankfully Indian Facilitation) Act, 2020, the (BKU) leader, Gurnam Singh business law and not the law of Republic Day violence and insult (SKM) Gurugram President failed in all its machinations branding them traitors and public saw through this and Farmers (Empowerment and Chaduni, who reached the farming. of the national flag in Delhi, Chaudhary Santokh Singh, while against the farmers hence they Khalistani. Thereafter the BJP understood BJP's tactics,” he Protection) Agreement on Price protesting site in Gurugram on “The Central Government Chaduni asserted that the insult addressing the dharna said, that plotted a new scheme by riding conducted a sponsored protest added. Assurance and Farm Services Sunday to support the farmers' does not have the right to make of the tricolour and violence was the government wants to break on Kejriwal's popularity. at the Red Fort and disrespect- In a tweet in Hindi, the Act, 2020, and the Essential stir, while addressing the people laws of farming. The farmer’s agi- a government sponsored pro- the agitation of the farmers by The AAP will take legal ed the national flag” he said. National Spokesperson of BJP, Commodities (Amendment) at the protesting site, said that tation will not end till the gov- gram. creating a conspiracy of power. action against BJP for their The deputy chief minister Sambit Patra on Saturday shared Act, 2020. today’s power is with the capi- ernment rolls back the new He said that the government “The government is cheap tactics, he said. has insulted the tricolour and adamant on these three black Elaborating it further, enacted violence on the occasion laws. While on the other side Sisodia said that the BJP had #, % - of January 26 by plotting a con- Farmers are being over- tweeted a video claiming spiracy to end the farmer’s agi- whelmed,” Singh said. Kejriwal has supported the tation but the government could He said that despite the bit- three farm laws. This doctored *2 34 to them. thanked Kejriwal for providing been extending support to the chief minister Manish Sisodia not succeed. ter cold, hundreds of workers video was created by selective- Responding to a tweet by basic facilities at the Ghazipur ongoing farmers’ protest for the visited the Ghazipur border “At the Delhi borders it was from several workers' organiza- ly editing a long interview of elhi Chief Minister Arvind farmer leader Naresh Tikait, protest site. "@ArvindKejriwal last two months ensuring water protest site check the arrange- the government who had tions have been sitting on a dhar- Kejriwal and placing fake bytes DKejriwal on Sunday reit- Kejriwal said, Naresh ji, you Thank you for providing basic and sanitation facilities at the ments made for the protesters attacked the innocent farmers na in support of the demands of in some places, he said. erated his support to the farm- people are struggling so much. facilities to the farmers at the protest sight. Kejriwal and his by the city government. and not the local people; they the farmers. SKM support to the Sisodia showed the original ers protesting against the I will help in every way through #GhazipurProtest site," Tikait ministers have also remained Ministers Satyendar Jain didn’t oppose the farmer’s agita- farmer's brother will continue till interview of Kejriwal along with Centre’s new farm laws and said my party and my government. wrote. critical of the new farm laws. and Raghav Chadha also visit- tion. This law will increase prof- the roll back of the new agricul- the doctored video, highlighting he will offer any help possible Tikait in a tweet had earlier The Delhi government has Two days earlier, deputy ed the protest site. iteering for capitalists but on the ture laws, Singh added. ' - .) % India is proud of our Coast Guard, which is among *2 34 analyse the material and identi- the best in the world. From keeping our coasts fy the culprits,” said a senior he Delhi Police have received police official. safe to helping protect the maritime environment, Taround two thousands The investigators are also “WhatsApp” messages from res- analysing footage and photos Indian Coast Guard is serving the nation idents of National Capital, after taken from drone-mounted they appealed to people to share cameras and carrying out 3D with great assiduousness. videos and information regard- mapping of the area vandalised ing the violence on Republic at the Red Fort. - Narendra Modi Day. Meanwhile, the police team The Crime Branch, which is during its probe have found investigating the 10 cases relat- that around 200 groups were ed to the violence including at active before and during the vio- the Red Fort and ITO, is also lence and they had played a vital examining dump data of mobile role in fueling the fire during the phone calls and registration tractor parade on January 26. numbers of tractors. Police said that these The Delhi Police teams are Ready, Relevant and Responsive Force WhatsApp group were mobiliz- investigating in several loca- ing people and asking them to tions outside the national capi- assemble at certain point. Delhi tal, including Punjab and Police has also blocked several Haryana, to apprehend the peo- groups on social media which ple who were indulge in the vio- were active during the violence. lence. Police said that the teams Indian Coast Guard Police on Sunday also sent are also looking for those who over 50 new notices to people, hoisted flags at Red Force, they including farmers leaders, in said. The Forensic Science th connection with the violence. A Laboratory teams visited Celebrates 45 Raising Day on 1 February 2021 police team is also raiding places Ghazipur, Red Fort and ITO in Punjab to nab Deep Sidhu areas to collect forensic evi- who disappeared on the night dences. They recovered many after the violence in the city. evidences, including a big rope Police said that a notice was also with knots all over that was used sent to him to appear in inves- to climb on Red Fort. tigation. According to police, Delhi witnessed violence some of the tractors have also during the January 26 tractor been identified and notices are rally organised by protesting also being sent to them or in farmer unions to highlight their process as many of them were demand for repeal of the from outside the national capi- Centre''s three farm laws. tal and police are sending letters Many of the protesters, dri- to their addresses. ving tractors, reached the Red “Police has received more Fort while some of them hoist- than 2,500 video clips, CCTV ed religious flags on its domes footage and several photos from and the flagstaff at the ramparts, public so far related to the vio- where the national flag is lence. Police teams are taking unfurled by the PM on help from forensic experts to Independence Day. .& &
*2 34 run away abroad, said sources adding that the agencies have wo days after the explosion also met Mossad officials and Tnear Israel embassy on have shared details. Abdul Kalam Road in the According to the sources, the national Capital was opened for investigating agencies are prob- ACHIEVEMENTS: 2020 general public. The Delhi Police ing the matter with all angles, has eneveloped the blast site with however, no suspect has been a white colour tent to preserve identified yet. • Created maritime history by dousing raging fi re on 333 m VLCC MT New Diamond carrying the place of the incident. The letter, which was recov- Police also faced some chal- ered from the spot, addressing to 3 Lakh MT Crude oil off Sri Lanka Coast, thereby averting major ecological disaster lenges as most of CCTV cameras Israel Embassy ambassador were not functional at the time referred to the deaths of two of incident. The sources said that Iranians. • Assisted Govt. of Mauritius in pollution response operation, post grounding of MV Wakashio the material used in the bomb The letter, which was written ` will be ascertained after the in English, has mentioned the • Apprehended Narcotics, Drugs, Psychotrophic substances, Gold and Arms worth 1500 cr report of the forensic science lab- names of Gen Qassem Soleimani, oratory. However according to head of Iran's elite Quds Force in 2020 sources, the possible material of who was killed in a US air strike, bomb could be PETN, "HI-Watt and Iran's top nuclear scientist • Pre-emptive actions during passage of about 11 cyclones, resulted in no loss of life and " 9 Volt battery, ball Bearings. Mohsen Fakhrizad, who played Earlier, the special cell of the a crucial role in Iran's nuclear Property at sea Delhi Police had received such programme, was assassinated input regarding some untoward near Tehran in November 2020, incident around a month ago they said. TATRAKSHAK MEDAL (GALLANTRY) AWARDEES IN 2020 and they wrote a letter too to top According to sources, police brass officials that property of questioned some persons, Israel are on radar of unknown including a few Iranian nation- • Anurag Kaushik, Deputy Inspector General persons / suspected terrorists or als and a cab driver who dropped their enemies. two persons near the blast site The letter also reads that cell just before the explosion. • Pratap Narayan, Pradhan Adhikari had inputs that citizen of Israel Details of foreigners who who lives in India could also be came to Delhi recently are being • Yaduraj Yadav, Pradhan Adhikari targeted. The intelligence offi- examined. Teams from the cials had given a letter to Israel National Bomb Data Centre • Ravi Kumar, Uttam Navik Embassy that there could be a (NBDC) of the NSG and Delhi threat on them. In fact the threat Police's Special Cell visited the on them could be all over world, spot for post-blast analysis. A To Join Indian Coast Guard, visit us: www.joinindiancoastguard.gov.in and www.joinindiancoastguard.cdac.in sources claimed. senior officer said NBDC's find- davp 10147/13/0010/2021 Three International flights ings will be shared with the were put on hold immediately police team investigating the EMERGENCY MARITIME SEARCH & RESCUE TELEPHONE NO-1554 after the bomb blast took place case. The investigating agencies outside Israel embassy, because are checking IPDR of the area to last time in 2012 when the check whether the suspected diplomat was attacked with a persons used internet to com- sticker bomb, the suspect had municate instead of call. R
*2 34 mix of ignorance and misin- that Pawar had himself tried said. better net price for their pro- systems will synergistically co- also explain the benefits to our system. formation. hard to bring the same agri- The minister argued that duce. “This does not affect the exist for the common interest of farmers,” Tomar said in anoth- “Reform is a continuous nion Agriculture Minister “Sharad Pawar ji is a veter- culture reforms earlier. the new laws facilitate promo- current MSP system,” he said. farmers,” he said. er tweet. process and no one would UNarendra Singh Tomar on an politician and a former “Since he speaks with some tion of additional choice chan- Tomar reiterated that under “As he is such a veteran On Saturday, the NCP chief argue against the reforms in the Sunday hit out at his prede- Union Agriculture Minister, experience and expertise on the nel for farmers with choice to the new ecosystem, mandis are leader, I would like to believe had put out a series of tweets, APMCs or Mandi System, a cessor and NCP chief Sharad who is also considered well- issue, it was dismaying to see his sell their produce to anyone, not affected. “Instead, they will that he was genuinely misin- saying that the new farm laws positive argument on the same Pawar, saying his tweets raising versed with the issues and solu- tweets employ a mix of igno- anywhere with hassle free be more competitive and cost formed of the facts. Now that will adversely affect the does not mean that it is done some objections over the new tions relating to Agriculture,” rance and misinformation on movement in and outside the effective in terms of services he has the right facts, I hope he Minimum Support Price to weaken or demolish the farm laws a day before are a Tomar said in a tweet, adding the agriculture reforms,” Tomar state to realize competitive and and infrastructure; and both the will also change his stand & (MSP) and weaken the mandi system,” Pawar had said. : ! ! 34 8 *2 34 1&
he first part of the Budget *2 34 ment rate also accelerated ie TSession of Parliament will almost from 40 days to 28 days. end on February 13 instead of n a first-of-its kind study, doc- “The outcome from the February 15 as the Rajya Sabha, Itors from AIIMS, Delhi have experimental model indicates on Sunday, decided to change found that ayurvedic formula- that though the medicines from its sitting after a decision in this tion BGR-34 along with allo- both the pathies are effective in regard in an all-party meeting pathic drug glibenclamide may controlling the biochemical chaired by Rajya Sabha have a significant role not only parameters during managing Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu. in controlling diabetes but also of diabetes to certain extent; but The house will adjourn two help lowering risk of heart attack. the combination of two is exclu- days ahead of the original The findings hold impor- sively benefitting to patients in schedule to enable the reasonable amount of time for tance given that people with dia- restoring these biomarker para- Department Related /'0 & such members. betes are 2 to 4 times more like- meters better than the individ- Parliamentary Committees to He, however, noted that it ly than others to develop car- ual effect from one and nearer examine the Demands for may not be possible for mem- diovascular disease, deadly to the value in normal subjects,” Grants of various departments 1 bers of about 20 such parties to comorbidities that could put said the report. and ministries, and will meet speak on every issue. the person at the high risk of The study also established again on March 8. / 2 Besides the minister of contracting Covid-19. that BGR-34 improved lipid Naidu also made a fervent parliamentary affairs, Finance However, giving a ray of profile in terms of triglycerides appeal to the leaders of various New Delhi: Rajya Sabha MP of Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, hope, the doctors from the pre- and levels of VLDL (very low parties at an all-party meeting the CPI(M) KK Ragesh, a Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, mier hospital in their interim density lipoprotein which is to ensure smooth and effective familiar face at the ongoing External Affairs Minister S study found that pace of diabetes made up of cholesterol, triglyc- functioning of the House dur- farmers’’ protest, has tested Jaishankar and Housing growth can be halted while risk erides, and proteins), thus show- ing the Budget Session. positive for the coronavirus Minister Hardeep Singh Puri of heart attack cut down if ing that it can be safely taken Leaders of various parties and has been admitted to the attended the meeting. allopathy drug is integrated with with synthetic antidiabetic attending the meeting assured Medanta hospital in Rajya Sabha Deputy BGR-34, a herbal formulation drugs. that there would be full par- Gurugram. The Left leader Chairman Harivansh and enriched with anti-oxidant prop- Formulation of herbs like ticipation in all the debates and informed on social media plat- Leader of the House erties which does not allow bad Vijaysar, Daruharidra, Manjisth, discussions in the House, the form Facebook that he was Thawarchand Gehlot also cholesterol to accumulate in the Gudmar, Giloe and Methika sources add. regularly tested for COVID-19 attended the meeting. heart arteries. found in the upper region of A number of ministers and and the results were always Leader of the Opposition To find efficacy of the BGR- Himalayas, BGR-34 has been around 25 leaders of various negative. Even on January 27, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress 34 with allopathy drug, AIIMS prepared after intensive research parties attended the all-party he tested negative for the viral deputy leader Anand Sharma doctors led by Dr Sudhir by CSIR’s two Lucknow based meeting. disease in Parliament and also and chief whip Jairam Ramesh, Chandra Sarangi from labs—Central Institute of The leaders sought more on January 29, when he took JDS leader and former prime Pharmacology Department of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants time for the debate on the part in an Opposition protest. minister HD Devegowda, BJP the AIIMS gave the Ayurveda (CIMAP) and National Motion of Thanks to the PNS leader Bhupinder Yadav, SP’’s formulation and allopathic med- Botanical Research Institute President’’s address and the Ram Gopal Yadav, DMK’’s icine Glibenclamide separately to (NBRI). General Budget, to which to learn the art of speaking in Tiruchi Siva, AIADMK’’s A one group and in combination to Recently, a team of scientists Naidu asked Parliamentary brief, both while moving the Navaneethakrishnan, RJD’’s another group. from Tehran University scien- Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi bills for consideration and Prem Chand Gupta, BJD’’s The results were encourag- tists too had in their separate and the others concerned to replying to debates, so that Prasanna Acharya, JD(U) ing. It was found that the com- study concluded that herbal rework the time schedule. members get more time to leader RCP Singh, TRS leader bination group who were given drugs having antioxidant prop- The chairman observed speak. K Keshava Rao, YSR Congress ayurvedic BGR-34 and erties can reduce the risk of that these two discussions offer The allocation of sufficient leader A Vijaysai Reddy, AAP Glibenclamide had more Covid-19 in diabetic patients. ample opportunities to the time for members of small leader Sanjay Singh, CPI-M improvement in insulin level India is home to the second- members to reflect on a wide parties and groups in the leader Elamaram Kareem and than those given the allopathy largest number of people with range of issues for which more House was also discussed, with Kanakamedala Ravindra drug alone. It also showed the diabetes — more than 95 per time may be allocated. the chairman observing that Kumar were among those who cholesterol lowering (cardio- cent of whom have type 2 dia- He also urged the Ministers efforts were being made to give attended the meeting. protective) effect. The improve- betes — second only to China. 0=6$ !" #
*2 34 *2 34 cinators and 1.8 lakh supervi- sors. he Central Reserve Police round 89 lakh children “The booth activity will be TForce and the Indian Aunder five years of age, as followed by house-to-house Institute of Management, per provisional data, were given surveillance (mop-up rounds) Lucknow, have signed a polio drops across the country over the next two to five days Memorandum of on Sunday on the occasion of to identify and vaccinate chil- Understanding (MoU) to Polio National Immunization dren who missed getting vac- undertake a pilot project on Day, the Union Health cinated at the booths,” the domestic empowerment of Ministry said. Ministry said. families of CRPF personnel to All measures have been Vaccination teams have reduce the increasing number taken to ensure safety during also been deployed at bus ter- of suicides and fratricides by the times of COVID-19 pan- minals, railway stations, air- relieving the jawans from demic by maintaining coron- ports and ferry crossing to familial stress. avirus appropriate practices vaccinate children in transit to “Following the report on such as preventing overcrowd- ensure no child misses the this pilot project, a strategy will ing at booths, maintaining life-saving dose. be formulated for fine tuning physical distance of two metres, President Ram Nath the broad framework, under wearing masks, washing hands Kovind had launched the which a full-fledged research and administering polio drops National Polio Immunisation will be conducted, to evaluate in well ventilated settings, the Day for 2021 by administering and assess the responses and, dependable Force in matters said that it will not just lead to Ministry underlined. polio drops to children less accordingly, propose, configure pertaining to internal security. domestic empowerment of The vaccination was done than five years of age at and facilitate the way forward,” But, this has also resulted in CRPF families but will even- at around 7 lakh booths which Rashtrapati Bhawan on January the CRPF said in a statement. CRPF’s overarching nature of tually reflect as self-empower- were staffed with 12 lakh vac- 30. It further said, “In the form deployment with little oppor- ment of its personnel too. of IIM Lucknow, the force has tunities for respite leading to The DG also expressed found expert professionals and consequent stress and strains hope that the outcome of this & & &/ 5/ academicians who would con- which not only affect the life of endeavour will be a great relief duct a thorough research, delve its personnel but their families to the personnel who are deep into the problem and as well,” the paramilitary fur- deployed far away from their help CRPF in formulating a ther said. homes to serve the nation and holistic and comprehensive The unpredictability of are concerned about their fam- *2 34 plan for the domestic empow- deployment, frequent move- ilies back home. erment of families of its per- ments, and lack of alternate Saluting the Force for its ctor Sonu Sood has moved sonnel.” support system due to break- courage and sacrifice, Director Athe Supreme Court chal- The CRPF is the largest down of joint families further of IIM Lucknow, Prof. Archana lenging the Bombay High Central paramilitary in the aggravate the problem of pro- Shukla said that the Institution Court order which dismissed world and remains continu- longed separation between is proud of this association his appeal against a BMC notice Zone Management Authority ously deployed in several the- personnel and families. “This with CRPF and is glad to serve over alleged illegal construction (MCZMA) permission. atres, tackling multifarious has resulted in an increased the nation by putting its exper- at his residential building in It said the high court order challenges including terror- number of suicides and fratri- tise to the benefit of CRPF Mumbai’s Juhu area. dated January 13, 2021 has ism, insurgency and Naxalism. cides,” it said. bravehearts. She also assured Sood’s petition stated that been passed without consider- “The commitment, Director General of CRPF, that the IIM team will strive to his application for conversion ing the provisions of Section 43 courage, and professionalism of AP Maheshwari, expressed his furnish meaningful recom- has been approved by the (1) of the Maharashtra the force has earned it glory gratitude to IIM, Lucknow for mendations after thorough Municipal Commissioner sub- Regional and Town Planning and success making it the most this “noble” association and research. ject to Maharashtra Coastal Act, 1966. ( . because of its ‘whole of “Covid-19 pandemic broke top universities predicted doom attributed to the scientific com- *2 34 Government’ and ‘whole of out in December 2019 and for the country with the pre- munity for developing and test- society’ approach. spread around the world. With diction of 300 to 400 million ing the Vaccine. year after India reported its Addressing the British the ‘whole of government’ and cases and a death toll of around “All our scientists rose to the Afirst Covid-19 case from Association of Physicians of ‘whole of society’ approach, we 6 million. “India’s total cases in occasion and engaged tireless- Kerala and the tally now touch- Indian Origin (BAPIO) Wales were able to fight the pandem- contrast stand at 10.7 million ly in developing vaccines. The ing 1.07 crore and 1.54 lakh at their annual conference via ic much better than other coun- (with 10.4 million already recov- unique digital platform- Co- deaths due to the virus infec- video link on Saturday night, he tries,” Vardhan said according to ered), the active caseload a WIN (Winning over COVID) tion, Union Health Minister highlighted that India’s Covid- a statement by the health min- mere 1.58% of total cases, the was developed to support the Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said 19 recovery rate was 97 per cent istry. recovery rate touching 97% vaccination activity with real that the country was able to while its 1.44 per cent fatality He also took the opportu- while fatality rate of 1.44% time information ensuring that fight the pandemic much bet- rate was the lowest in the nity to slam the critics saying remains lowest in the world.” the vaccine is given to the right ter than other countries world. that many naysayers linked to Dr. Harsh Vardhan also people at the right time. $ * !
=3 + to power with a thumping leaving that party Mamata nobody.” while they were returning from attacked and injured them,” BJP majority. Banerjee should introspect why Rajib Banerjee said, “We the Dumurjala rally. State spokesperson Samik day after three Trinamool “The one point agenda of they are doing so … a time will want double engine govern- “Men from a TMC pro- Bhattacharya said adding they ACongress MLAs, a former Mamata Banerjee is to see the come when she will be left with ment in Bengal. We want cession blocked the vehicles had been admitted to the State Minister Rajib Banerjee nephew on the Chief Minister’s none in the party.” Bharatiya Janata Party govern- carrying the BJP workers, SSKM Hospital. and a galaxy of Bangla actors chair,” he said adding “ten Shah hit out at Banerjee for ment at both the Centre and joined the BJP, Union Home years ago Mamata Didi had stalling central schemes like State so that we can achieve the Minister Amit Shah on Sunday raised the slogan of Maa, Maati, Ayushman Bharat and Kisan goal of a Sonar Bangla,” ques- launched a scathing attack on Maanush and came to power Sanman Nidhi saying crores of tioning Banerjee’s recent -7. * the Mamata Banerjee promising Poriborton (quali- common people and farmers scheme of Duarey Sarkar Government saying soon she tative change) after defeating had been deprived of the cen- (Government at the door C & would be thrown out of power the Left … but after a decade tral schemes as the TMC steps). as all her aides would join the Bengal has slid further down Government had blocked functionaries including its State that you may have abandoned “The launch of Duarey Kolkata: Trinamool Congress National Anthem. saffron outfit leaving her alone. from where the communists them. committee member Bani the ‘Jai Shree Ram’ slogan, but Sarkar scheme only proves that MP Abhishek Banerjee on The people who swear by Addressing a virtual rally at left … today dictatorship, Earlier on Saturday a num- Singha Roy joined the saffron under PM Narendra Modi, a the Government has done Sunday attacked the BJP lead- nationalism cannot even sing Domjur in Howrah — where a Tolabaji (extortion) and ber of TMC leaders including outfit. Ram temple is being made nothing in the past 10 years and ership for improperly singing the National Anthem proper- large number of TMC func- appeasement is thetrademark former Minister Rajib Banerjee, Union Minister Smriti and Ram Rajya is knocking on that all their claims were false,” the National Anthem at ly, he said adding the Prime tionaries joined the saffron of Trinamool Government.” MLAs Vaishali Dalmiya, Prabir Irani who substituted Shah Bengal’s doors,” said Smriti he said adding the people have Dumurjala rally saying Prime Minister and Home Minister outfit — Shah said Banerjee Shah was to visit Bengal on Ghoshal, former Howrah told the impressive rally at Irani. understood the TMC’s tricks Minister Narendra Modi and should apologise for the laps- was keeping the Chief a two-day trip during which he Mayor Rathi Chakrabarty, Dumurjala in Howrah Irani Former TMC heavyweight, and have made up their minds Home Minister Amit Shah es of their party men. Minister’s seat warm for was supposed to hold a couple actor Rudranil Ghosh took a that “no one would stay in a Suvendu Adhikari who recent- to change the Government. should apologise for the laps- State BJP spokesperson nephew Abhishek Banerjee of road shows but his chartered flight--- sent by Shah party that thrives on infighting, ly joined BJP said, “TMC is no Meanwhile, at least three es committed by their party Samik Bhattacharya however adding however that in the prorgamme got alteredin the --- to Delhi and joined the saf- that insults the slogan of ‘Jai longer a party but a private lim- BJP members were grievously men. denied the charges of wrong- coming Assembly elections the wake of the Delhi blast, sources fron party in his presence. On Shree Ram’.” ited company. By February 28, injured in a BJP-TMC clash at He was referring to alleged ly sung National BJP will oust TMC and come said. “The way TMC leaders are Sunday a host of other BJP She said, “I want to tell Didi that company will be left with Bantra market in Howrah “wrongly sung” lines of the Anthem. >' <3- + & > % C! - #%#$D%-7. ! 1 )%0 Patna: A Government Railway Police Sub- Inspector was shot at and seriously injured =!4 (RoDTEP) and short-term sops for the embedded taxes, the Bengaluru: Expelled AIADMK leader V Panneerselvam after the two merged their at the Barh railway station in Bihar's Patna Jaipur: The ruling Congress to navigate the industry units would be able to produce K Sasikala was discharged from a hospi- respective factions. district, police said on Sunday. has won 1,197 out of 3,034 n the eve of presentation of through the hard times arising more and earn high foreign tal here on Sunday after recovering from On Sunday, the AIADMK in its twit- SI Vipin Kumar Singh sustains gunshot wards in 90 urban local bodies Othe Union Budget 2021-22 out of post-Covid-19 situa- exchanges. “Thanks to the sops Covid-19, days after she was set free by ter handle said the use of its flag by injury in the chest around midnight on in Rajasthan for which the by Finance Minister Nirmala tion. announced by the Government the prison officials on completion of her Sasikala was against the law and quoted Saturday and was under close observation at results were announced on Sitharaman in Parliament, the “While the Centre reim- as part of its Aatmanirbhar jail term in a corruption case, authorities senior party leader D Jayakumar. “How the Patna Medical College and Hospital Sunday. Tiruppur Exporters’ burses the GST on products to Bharat programme, we could said. Sasikala, who is not even a party mem- (PMCH).As per his statement, he was on duty The elections were held in Association, the trade body be exported, there are certain export products worth Rs Sending a strong signal, Sasikala, a ber could use the party flag? This is around 12.30 am when he saw some uniden- 3,035 wards of 90 urban local representing the knitwear man- taxes like Mandi Tax and elec- 24,000 crore in 2020-21. The close aide of late Tamil Nadu Chief against the law,” Jayakumar, who is also tified anti-social elements creating ruckus bodies across 20 districts. The ufacturing units in Tamil tricity tax which are not incor- year before (2019-20) we had Minister J Jayalalithaa, travelled in a car the Fisheries Minister, said. inside the station premises. Subsequently, he results have been announced in Nadu’s Tiruppur cluster, has porated in the GST and hence exported products worth Rs that sported the AIADMK flag from the Defending Sasikala, Dhinakaran, tried to chase them away. 3,034 wards. written to the Government of does not find place in RoDTEP. 27,280 crore,” he said. hospital, with the ruling party question- who is the general secretary of Amma “Around one dozen men were creating The opposition BJP won India seeking concessions The post-Covid scenario has Shanmugham also said ing the propriety of her action when she Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam floated by ruckus under the influence of liquor. Singh 1,140, BSP 1, CPI(M) 3, NCP which would help the indus- led to a steep hike in the prices that Tiruppur units control 51 had been ousted from the party. him in March, 2018 as an arrangement managed to shoo them from the station. 46, RLP 13 wards while 634 tries to sustain the export earn- of yarn. per cent of the export market The AIADMK has time and again to retrieve the AIADMK, claimed “she While returning towards the police camp, a independent candidates won ings as well as generating more Only 20 per cent of the in the knitwear industry. “The made it clear that the 66- year old (his aunt) is the general secretary of the goon opened fired at him. His condition is the elections. employment. industries in Tirupur have their yarn prices have gone up and Sasikala would not be taken back and her AIADMK.” serious,” said Tarkeshwar Mishra, SHO of Polling in the local bodies While the thanking the own yarn manufacturing mills the supply has become erratic. release would not have any impact on the Cases relating to her so-called 'expul- Railway police station, Barh. was held in Ajmer, Banswara, Centre for the concessions while nearly 800 knitwear mills To retain the tranquillity in the party, which is keen retain power in the sion' and connected matters were pend- On January 12, Rupesh Singh, state Bikaner, Bhilwara, Bundi, offered to them to tide over the (constituting 70 per cent of the textile industry and to make it assembly elections, expected in April- ing before the court in Tamil Nadu, he manager of Indigo airlines, was gunned Pratapgarh, Chittorgarh, pandemic crisis during 2020, units) struggle to get yarn for more competitive, the govern- May. It has already declared incumbent told reporters, adding “I have already told down in Patna's Punaichak area. On January Churu, Dungarpur, the TEA president Raja M manufacturing. This has put us ment should listen to our pleas K Palaniswami as the chief ministerial you that legal fight will continue (to 18, an Agriculture Department officer was Hanumangarh, Jaisalmer, Shanmugham, in a plea to the in a major crisis,” Shanmugham for reasonable sops. In return candidate for the polls. retrieve the AIADMK).” killed in Patna's Masaurdhi area. Jalore, Jhalawar, Jhunjhunu, finance minister has asked for told The Pioneer. we offer to generate more jobs, Sasikala was expelled from the party The very purpose of floating the Afzar Shamshi, the BJP state spokesman, Nagaur, Pali, Rajsamand, Sikar, the immediate announcement He said if the government especially to women from rural in September, 2017 along with her AMMK was to retrieve the AIADMK in was shot at and injured in Munger on Tonk and Udaipur districts on of Remission of Duties and announces the RoDTEP and areas of south west Tamil nephew TTV Dhinakaran and others by a democratic way and 'Thiyaga Thalaivi January 27 while late actor Sushant Thursday. PTI Taxes on Exported Products further sops to compensate Nadu,” he said. the general council of the combined Chinnamma' (leader of sacrifices, junior Singh Rajput's cousin brother was shot at and AIADMK under the leadership of 'Amma') would continue legal efforts to injured in Saharsa district on 7 Palaniswami and his deputy O win back the party, he said. PTI January 30. IANS 89 '
Jammu: The Udhampur and Poonch districts of Jammu region have reported their first cases of avian influenza as samples taken from three dead birds tested positive for the dis- ease, prompting precaution- ary measures including the culling process, a senior official said Sunday. The Deputy Director (Poultry and Research) of the Animal Husbandry Department, Jammu, D D ! * # & ' ( Dogra said while samples from a peacock and a domestic fowl have returned positive for 4 1D !"#$ H5N8 from Juganu block in Udhampur, a wild crow was tested positive for 9 7E F H5N1 from Mandi area of Poonch. '9& #%)G%1H8 “These are the first posi- tive cases in Jammu region but Sitapur (UP): Four police personnel, including Srinagar: A total of 57 new Covid-19 cases were there is no need to panic as the SHO and an SI of the Sandana police station, recorded in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday majority of the test reports are have been suspended for improper policing and which pushed the infection tally to 1,24,506, negative,” he told PTI. negligence following a case of molestation and officials said. Dogra said the department attempted rape of a government primary school No new death due to Covid-19 was report- had so far collected and dis- teacher by a group of men in this Uttar Pradesh ed in the last 24 hours, they said. patched 218 samples for testing district. Of the cases, 14 were from Jammu division at Jalandhar in Punjab. The woman was on her way home from work and 43 from Kashmir division. Barring the three positive when she was allegedly attacked and molested Srinagar district recorded the highest 27 reports from Udhampur and by the drunken men in Sandana on January 28. cases, which included seven travellers, officials Poonch, which were cross- Even though one of the accused, Ram Jivan said. While seven districts – Bandipora, Shopian, checked from the Bhopal lab- (28), was arrested and sent to jail on the day of Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch and Reasi - oratory, 115 reports came neg- the incident itself, the victim levelled allegations - did not report any new case, the remaining ative while the result of of laxity and the lack of a prompt response against 12 districts recorded new cases in single dig- rest of the cases is awaited, he the local police. PTI its, the officials said. PTI said. PTI /0 1 O 1P
KOCHI: Film fraternity in the case, they could have post- Chief Minister’s action. “We Kerala is up in arms against poned the award distribution were asked to assemble in the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan ceremony to another occasion. capital city on Thursday and whom the former accuses of The award winners were sub- were subjected to Covid-19 humiliating the State Film jected to Covid-19 test on tests. It was only after con- Award winners. The top awards Thursday itself before ushering firming that we were not for Malayalam films released in in to Tagore Theatre were the afflicted with Covid-19 we 2019 were to be given away by function was held,” G Suresh were allowed for the award the Chief Minister at a glitter- 7 ) Kumar, producer eminence, function. But what happened is ing function held at & *1 told The Pioneer. unfortunate and condemnable. Thiruvananthapuram late on 1 Suresh Kunar, who never It has lowered the dignity of the Friday evening. / 0 hesitates to tell the world the profession as well as that of the The star-studded show woes faced by film industry, chief minister,” said the award turned out to be an event Life term achievements were in said the Government instead of winner who did not want his which the award winners, the for a shock as Pinarayi Vijayan inviting the film personalities name to be quoted for fear of patrons of Malayalam film refused to hand over the cita- and insulting them like this political consequences. industry and the cultural icons tions and plaques to them. could have deputed some Prof V T Rema, a lead cul- of the State would like to for- The awards were kept on a senior officers to the residences tural figure in the State get reportedly because of the table and the winners were of the winners and handed over expressed her shock over the “rude” attitude of Pinarayi asked to take it straight away the awards. “We have never manner in which film person- Vijayan. without coming anywhere near seen such things happening alities were humiliated by the All award winners includ- the Chief Minister. even during the rule of Kerala Government. “The same ing Suraj Venharammoodu Officials of the Public Maharajas and dictators from awardees were shouting from (best actor), Kani Kusruthi Relations Department claimed anywhere in the country,” said rooftops in 2018 when nation- (best actress) and veteran direc- that this was done as a precau- Suresh Kumar. al film awards were handed tor Hariharan, who was hon- tionary measure in view of the An award winner ques- over by the then minister oured with J C Daniel for his Covid-19 pandemic. “If that is tioned the logic behind the Smrithi Irani. PNS
%! &( %) &(: 9+ . (: : >15' (>!!%3 ) 3 % ( ( ) ) #**# ! %)"(% 0 123/ 4 ( P Q " = 5>1 ) $ 8 P ? J % & J 7 O 3 && ? ) ( share the general editor- ial delight at the electoral success of the Indian dias- Q @ @ pora in the persona of 4 A " ( ( Kamala Harris. IIn my interactions with the P QB ( citizens of other countries, in A India or overseas, I have con- ) ! CA)!D stantly felt that we are an intel- " ligent mass of people, not mere- E F ly in the sense of knowledge but also of wisdom. Given the opportunity of quality educa- ) tion, most of our youth would bloom into so many qualified P Q citizens that India would not be able to accommodate everyone, ( no matter how big our econo- 7 my. Emigration might not then be a major issue. = @ @ One can often mistake a headache for a tummy upset. Similarly, many Indians have = 8 ( ( persistently mistaken poor edu- ( cation for brain drain. Ideally, there should be guidance for The remains of these animals overseas contacts but also and conservatives. There are those wishing to emigrate. We had to be packed in a green influence. One sure way is by differences between those P) ( could call this the technology of plastic bag for disposal. winning the hearts of the peo- who believe that since the US migration. This entails learning Immigrants cannot be offen- ple of those countries, by was sown and grown by con- Q 7 = 8 the language and idiom of the sive to the original citizens. becoming welcome immi- tinual immigration, its gates P country to which travel is Cooking with strong masalas grants. Indians have another should remain open for new desired, elementary whys and in a White locality was found advantage over virtually all people, regardless of their Q 7 = hows of that country and the way to be highly objectionable others, which is the ready ethnicity, and those who feel 5>1 3 its people conduct themselves. some years ago. Potential spiritual potential of that indiscriminate immigra- " B S Such awareness would make emigrants must be systemat- Hinduism. Though it is an tion will threaten America’s " E =S " assimilation easier and quicker. ically informed to take special American initiative, ISKCON very character that has made E " I have relatives in the US; one care in order to make their has gone quite far. With an it the world’s wealthiest and of them, a lifelong medical doc- acceptance in the new coun- Indian initiative and good strongest country. E = 5>1 tor having worked only in the try as smooth as possible. +> + =* 336 * organisation, it could possi- President Joe Biden is the O O State hospitals of Manhattan, An objectionable prac- * %/ 3 bly go farther still. With oldest candidate ever to be " would have met and worked tice of cricket-crazy Indian increasing education and elected to office, and the focus 3 " ( with many American doctors, and Pakistani immigrants is K.!+*2 spread of awareness, it has therefore is more on Vice- Black and White; yet, at her waving the flag of their for- become difficult for people to President Harris than general- " 6 house parties, I have never met mer nationalities during -> += !!.+ be confined to a single holy ly would be the case. She has anyone except Indians. Her cricket matches in their host +4 >*2/ 36 book that tells believers who repeatedly claimed to be Black, husband worked for IBM, but country, particularly England !<+= * their prophet and “only god” although she looks more *+ that also made no difference. or Australia. British or is. Today’s enlightened youth Indian and is married to a These details do not speak of Australian Whites must feel +=+ 3 +6 * *=+ are unlikely to accept diktats Jewish gentleman — an unusu- true assimilation. hurt, although they may not .3 6=>+ unless backed by proof. al combination with political Fortunately, Indian immi- show it. But it stands to rea- Hinduism has little com- implications. She is evidently grants do not make collective son that their resentment *=+ 3? /=> pulsion; if a person believes in intelligent and perceptive and demands on their host coun- would express itself through +4 >. >*+ 3 cause and effect, he or she can it would be interesting to see tries, unlike some assertive oth- discrimination. be a Hindu without abandon- how she rides the trapeze of ers. In Switzerland, a commu- Traditionally in India, 4= (+4 ing his or her alternative reli- politics over the next few years. nity demanded eternal graves families expect new brides 2=<3 - gion. In short, acceptance of Unlike the President, she has a for the buried to be “easily coming in to accept their new karma is sufficient to feel and bigger stake in the revolving identifiable” by God’s repre- family customs in totality </<3K .3 be looked upon as a Hindu. kaleidoscope of US politics. sentative on Doomsday. In and not display overt nostal- /=> ?> *+ Swami Vivekananda, in his Harris’ performance in Belgium, animal sacrifices by a gia for their parental homes. short life, could explain to and Washington would also build community would be done in This would be a useful exam- += <3 + inspire many in the West, or un-build the Asian persona places of worship or their ple for immigrants to emulate which shows the worldly prac- and a woman’s image at the homes. Municipalities who upon relocation to a new ticality of our spirituality. top of the country’s ladder. found blood flowing out into country. With the advent of Kamala Harris comes in (The writer is a well- the streets introduced a rule that globalisation and obsoles- at a time when America is known columnist and an goats and lambs could be sac- cence of colonialism, India confused, if not also divided author. The views expressed rificed only in bathroom tubs. needs to have not only more between the so-called liberals are personal.) ! " ! SOUNDBITE 1 / / F -7. Sir — It is indeed a cause of worry for India Q ! "# $ ? that its Corruption Perception Index % " ' " :$ (CPI) has slipped to 86th position for 2020 & &-7. ! from the earlier 80th in the global rank- & / ) % , " ing of 180 countries, as per the latest report & / >(! published by Transparency International. -7.% ! % No improvement was noted in terms of .% ( curbing corruption even after a change in ( ( > & & (**- regime in India in 2014 and after steps like K. ? * *)) +, - ( demonetisation. The goal of Indian % 'F % ) ( . +/ ( < +? Government should be to reach the league of honest countries like Denmark and New .% & < % ?% ? ' % " 0 1,(2, ) . '& 4.%& ) S Zealand. India is known for conducting lux- & "& " urious study tours on public expense in the ! -7.( 2 . 3 name of national interest. Study teams N O &" @7 0HA(< J &% & ) 4 5,5, ( should be sent to the least corrupt nations + ! &J & to study ways to minimise corruption. A . ( high-powered autonomous commission & &" & M3 F S should be formed to suggest ways to make ( '" F (+ 9'*+ India compete with the most honest . @ .A% " K L & &J " " countries of the world, with an authority O " ( # " ( to implement its findings and recommen- " dations without any direction from the % Azhar A Khan | Rampur % S Government. Currently, electoral bonds 6 have contributed the most in lowering of Honesty Index for India. These should be calibrated fiscal and monetary support Fadnavis, must clarify his position on this -% made perfectly transparent. through a unique four-pillar strategy of issue. 0H 08F The Indian Government should follow containment, fiscal, financial and long-term First of all, Anna gave the impres- ( 7 the ideals of former President APJ Abdul structural reforms. sion that he has taken a stand in favour ?+( Kalam who considered gifts and tips as a The resilience shown by the agricul- of the farmers but afterwards he took a K* J polished form of bribe. Rather than ban- ture, manufacturing and services sectors in U-turn, making people wonder about his ning tips, the Government should encour- cushioning the vulnerable during the stand. We don’t know whether he is sup- 7 age voluntary tipping in exchange of lockdown and boosting consumption and porting the protesting farmers or the - 7 investment while unlocking shows that the Central Government. Anna must keep it FK" restaurants adding unethical service charge 7 to their bills. series of progressive reforms undertaken in mind that the protest against the three by the Government has contributed to farm laws is not only in Delhi and adjoin- " % Subhash Chandra Agarwal | Delhi + nourishing a vibrant economy. It is heart- ing areas but also in Maharashtra. When 809) ( ening to see that India did not waste its old farmers are protesting on the borders, J ( ) scarce fiscal resources in trying to pump Anna should have stood by them. Sitting Sir — This refers to the article ‘11 per cent ( up discretionary consumption. It is time we in Ralegan Siddhi and meeting with the '?9+ growth with V-shaped recovery: Economic K7- made concerted efforts to find a sustain- BJP leaders is pointless. He should at least Survey’ (January 30). The Economic Survey able solution to the policy dilemma of “lives tell the farmers of Maharashtra about his (( ( 2020-21 reiterated the benefits of focusing 2 versus livelihoods”. stance. His activities raise doubts on # on long-term gains over myopic policy- Shreyans Jain | Delhi whether he is really concerned about the making. Despite tumultuous internation- != "#$% welfare of framers or he is a Government & al developments and unprecedented mis- agent. Anna must clarify. S P Q 6 ( eries unleashed by the COVID-19 pan- &% Sir — Social activist Anna Hazare, who Bhagwan Thadani | Mumbai )S ( demic, the Government should be lauded cancelled his fast in support of farmers ' & ( O ( for not indulging in any ill-advised fiscal protesting against the agriculture laws adventurism. Instead, it chose to provide & 1 -' O 3 after meeting senior BJP leader Devendra ++*+("'(>;')?(; K7 + $
%! &( %) &(: 9+ . (: : FIRSTCOLUMN %*%3*1 !>37 1?1513*1 % 55R( , % % ! " % / % " 55R )
ven for India, a country full of surprises and sensations, the specter of COVID-19 has left Emultiple scares. The Coronavirus pandemic marked the declension of the Indian way of life in * # three ways as it proved to be a setback in realising past dreams, acted as a present nightmare and tried ) ) its best to land our future in oblivion. Shame, stig- ) ma, separation, fear of suffering and death were the # indices of people’s mental health. Leprosy, the oldest known affliction to mankind, has always invoked a feeling of disgust and revul- ! ) sion. Historically, it has been associated with scorn, rejection, seclusion and with untouchabili- 4 P Q ty. With India having the largest number of leprosy " patients in the world, it was Mahatma Gandhi who 8 began to nurse and host people afflicted by leprosy # ( at his ashram. He had actively embraced inclusive principles and rejected the stigmatisation of persons P Q ) suffering from this disease, asking: “Why should I call those my brothers if I do not mix with them?” 8 " Wanting to pay homage to the life of Mahatma 0 Gandhi and his death on January 30, 1948, the 3 # French humanitarian Raoul Follereau selected the 8 ? date for observing World Leprosy Day. This was a F tribute to Bapu’s work with leprosy patients. Since then, the day is observed on the last Sunday of " 3 January every year, though in India it is always E observed on January 30, the martyrdom day of the 2 *+ *?+=. 6 the AIR broadcast an eight-part ment accidental or conjured from were sine qua non in most Indian 7 S E Mahatma. series, musicals and phone-in pro- thin air? Not that the good old DD channels, and considered de rigueur = E 7 With India launching the world’s biggest vac- 4= ?+=+4 grammes in Hindi and regional lan- had never created a “miracle” in the in international media organisations 3 /=/ 4 + E # " ( cination drive against the raging Coronavirus guages. This translated into 22 hours past. There were many in that league. but not applicable in DD/AIR — were pandemic, it may be apt to rewind to the year 2000 ? * 4 * 4 and 31 minutes of airtime on DD and For instance there was the year-long incorporated into the MoU. # +4=* = when Prasar Bharati — Doordarshan (DD) and 266 hours 48 minutes on AIR which Satellite Instructional Television Moreover, extensive brainstorming, Akashvani (AIR) — achieved a singular milestone 7 *< >60H% in monetary terms amounted to Experiment (SITE) project in 1975 training and workshops by leading ) ( in its campaign against leprosy elimination. #$GO%+4/>*!4 about 8 crore. The BBC, on the covering more than 2,400 villages, the professionals and hand-holding by $ Alarmed by India being host to 66 per cent of 4< * + > * other hand, contributed 2.7 crore Asian Games in 1982 and the intro- Peter Gill, and Lori McDougall of B # ( all leprosy patients in the world and in pursuit of > =<3 toward the campaign out of the £1.1 duction of colour TV in India, the BBC World Service Trust helped the the 44th World Health Assembly resolution which /=33> < million grant, with the remaining 65 coverage of the Bangladesh War or team members to come up with scin- committed member States to attain the goal of glob- 3!+ +4 per cent going to establishment earlier, the launch of School TV, tillating ideas, that too, in a range of al elimination of leprosy as a public health prob- +/=> costs, staff salaries, travel, enter- Krishi Darshan, or even Zubin genres — comedy, tragedy, sus- lem by 2000, the Ministry of Health and Family =-> *? tainment and so on. At the end of Mehta’s first concert to go live in India pense, mythology, folk drama, musi- Welfare (MoHFW) thought of launching a media 2=>3 3.>=6 phase 1 of the campaign, Roy, Head, on DD in 1984, and which also cal et al in a bid to demolish people’s campaign to address the prevailing prejudices and 6(+4 2 Health Projects Director of BBC marked an innovation in filming misconceptions, beliefs, attitude and apprehensions about leprosy and to sensitise the +> -<++= World Service Trust, wrote a letter in symphony concert on international the stigma associated with leprosy. people to opt for the multi-drug therapy (MDT) that P 2=> May 2000 to DD stating: “The DD- TV, to name a few. But unfortunate- Extensive research and field had proven effective in combating the disease. 2 +43.>=6 BBC leprosy project has been an out- ly, neither the country nor DD itself interviews with the victims of this A year-long media campaign involving the . + *+( *! standing success. The independent remembers these milestones. scourge gave the producers an insight Ministry, Prasar Bharati and BBC World Service +4*%+4 6 (ORG Marg) audience research data Ironically, what is remembered are into the suffering, pain, trauma and Trust (now called BBC Media Action), the philan- we have just received shows, for the entertainment programmes a vehement feeling of rejection by = 809) (+> =-> =*+4 thropic arm of the BBC, armed with British example, that the number of people which were not produced or creat- society, resulting in loneliness. ? 3 +<* 6=/ Government funding, was launched in 2000. 7 *< >6>6 who believe that leprosy is hereditary ed by DD itself. DD only provided Phase 2, which primarily had # While DD and AIR were responsible for providing has fallen from 81 per cent to 31 per airtime at a cost to private produc- longer duration programmes and # 6 >%+4= =* G ) E programmes, the BBC arranged for research, ply extraordinary. I have been told by cycle of tireless repetition of exigency. on the viewers. In the end, DD workshops, training, logistics and so on. The 7 *< >60H%+4 the World Health Organisation and A colleague in DD used to sneer, “We bagged the Commonwealth ) E ) ( MoHFW identified the thrust areas of the campaign >+6> = 6 by leading research institutions in the only attend to urgent matters, not the Broadcasting Association’s Award 0 and advised on policy issues and technical aspects =/+4 4 + US that these results represent one of important ones.” for the best social action television S ) ( of the disease. the most successful health cam- While drafting the memoran- programme in 2001 for its leprosy ) ( The campaign was mounted in two phases from paigns to have taken place anywhere dum of understanding (MoU), I was awareness and prevention campaign. ) five DD kendras and several AIR stations for the five in the world, ever…this is a tremen- particularly conscious of the low That was a proud day for all asso- worst-affected States of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh dous tribute to the outstanding work morale of the overburdened creative ciated with the campaigns. Now, as # ( (MP), Odisha, Uttar Pradesh (UP) and West The writer is a of the Doordarshan/AIR producers staff, as no recruitment had taken India goes deeper into its Bengal. In the first phase, that is, January-March is Founding Executive on the project.” place for over a decade. As such, cer- Coronavirus vaccination drive maybe 2000, as many as 23 spots were produced for tele- Director, LSTV, and Without even waiting for the sec- tain clauses, particularly entitling the it can take a few lessons from this lep- cast by DD whereas AIR made and broadcast 140 Additional ond phase to start, he went on to production teams to fly, stay in rosy campaign on DD and AIR and P Q # Director General, jingles. While the second phase (June-August) saw Doordarshan. The views solicit an extension of the DD-BBC three or four-star hotels, reimburse- help people overcome their vaccine ( 12 dramas, four documentaries, two interview pro- expressed are personal. partnership for another health pro- ment of expenses incurred by them hesitancy. Good old DD and AIR are # ( grammes and one live event being hosted on DD, ject —HIV/AIDS. Was this achieve- during the project — perquisites that always at the service of the nation. # ( 8 F POINTCOUNTERPOINT = P Q 1 P # ! @3 )1 1 8 (( P ) 1 ) C L L D ! 1 6 $%) 11 ! % %# &'(' & '# "' )* + , $,$,(' -$+.+ * , ,/$ E $1 *$- 1+&#, ' "$ 2 # " '$ 1$ " &"
he Union Budget that is minimal, but still it is good from Government’s track record in pel the Government to overlook announced in September 2019 should also evaluate prospects being declared today is a sentiment point of view. minimising litigation is very this in the Budget. A develop- have already reduced corporate of allowing tax consolidation of Tmore than a “Bahi-Khata If we take IMF data as a poor and this area needs ade- ing nation needs capital for eco- tax rates to a large extent. group entities in India to avoid (book of accounts)” and it out- base, then 11.5 per cent real quate attention. Ill-executed nomic prosperity and even However, the intended objec- multiple compliances. lines the vision of the growth would mean a nominal ‘Sabka Vishwas’ and ‘Vivad se though India received record tives of this tax cut were not The Government has Government. In addition to growth of more than 15 per Vishwas’ schemes can be a Foreign Direct Investment achieved and we haven’t seen already eased residency norms being a policy document, the cent and if we go by the histor- good lesson and a fresh start (FDI) in the current financial investment surge primarily due for individuals stuck in India Union Budget is a political ical data then tax buoyancy will should be made in this direc- year, it must be highlighted that to the existing surplus capaci- due to flight restrictions and a document also because funds + !& be higher than nominal GDP tion. On tax devolution to most of it has gone to brown- ty and fall in demand. similar clarification should be are allocated to various schemes growth. Even though revenue States, the 15th Finance field investments. FDI cap The budgetary proposals given for corporate residency which are aligned with the ide- will increase but managing the Commission’s recommenda- should be increased in sectors should provide the much-need- under Place of Effective ology of the ruling dispensation. fiscal deficit is going to be a tions are not expected to mate- like life insurance, construction, ed relief to the middle class and Management (PoEM) Rules. If In a virtual summit organised tough challenge for the rially impact the existing aviation and so on, with appro- put more disposable money senior management of an out- by the Confederation of Indian Government. This situation arrangement and, therefore, priate safeguards. into the hands of the common side company has spent consid- Industries, Finance Minister will put more reliance on non- the Centre is relieved from Apart from placing a bid for man to boost consumption. To erable time in India due to flight Nirmala Sitharaman said that tax revenues like disinvestment this angle. nario. Fund allocation towards foreign capital, the Finance put things in perspective, small restrictions, then it would be the current year’s Budget pro- proceeds, dividend, spectrum The economic impact of bank recapitalisation would be Minister should also consider businessmen/professionals are unjust to tax the foreign com- posals would be like never sale and so on. However, past COVID-19 was primarily in the needed to withstand possible steps to boost the savings-GDP also getting benefits of pre- pany under the PoEM Rules. before, in a way. trends show that disinvestment nature of a cash flow crisis and asset quality deterioration. The ratio which has gone down to sumptive taxation and their Clarificatory amendments The International targets are difficult to achieve. it is going to impact non-per- current fiscal situation may 29.1 per cent in 2019. Domestic effective tax rate is much lower should be made to address Monetary Fund (IMF) has pro- Selling profitable ventures will forming assets (NPAs) of banks. not allow the Government to savings play an important role as compared to the salaried concerns related to the equali- jected a 11.5 per cent Gross always raise questions over The Reserve Bank of India’s recapitalise the banks out of the in the capital formation cycle class. sation levy but the levy per se Domestic Product (GDP) business valuations but the (RBI’s) financial stability report consolidated fund and, there- and increase in deduction lim- On the tax mobilisation must continue. growth next year which will Government should at least released in January has already fore, issuance of specific bonds its in Chapter VIA of the part, the Government should The corporate sector has make India the fastest-growing consider getting out of the loss- indicated a steep increase in should be considered. Interest Income-Tax Act, more partic- consider taxing the money already got due attention in pre- economy. Although this dou- The writer is a making business. NPAs from 7.5 per cent in pay out is the single-largest ularly under Section 80C will market and currency transac- vious budgets and now it’s time ble-digit growth will be primar- chartered accountant and Tax amounts locked up in September 2020 to 13.5 per cent component in the budgetary help in this direction. tions. A cess like “Tobin Tax” to give much-needed relief to public policy analyst. ily driven by a low base effect The views expressed are disputes can be a gold mine for in September this year, in a outlay and despite all good The Government has pro- should be introduced and relief the salaried middle class. Hope and real growth as compared to personal. the Government if honest baseline scenario and up to 14.8 intentions to manage this, the vided various tax incentives to should be given to the salaried the Finance Minister can do the pre-COVID level would be efforts are made. The per cent in a severe stress sce- current health crisis will com- the corporate sector and cuts middle class. The Government that in today’s Union Budget. '()
: ,!& !&- ! " " ! #8! . P0" "12(&! !"#$ Washington: He was an arm-draping pol as guration, and the moderate Republican says a senator. He hung out in the Senate cloak- she has a “closer relationship” with Biden Beijing: As the demand for the Covid-19 room chatting up legislators as vice president. than she did with Trump. vaccine intensified around the world, China He pitched himself during the presidential Biden has made repeated calls to sena- said that it has increased the number of vac- Washington: The pending Supreme long time over, which is not to say that have lost their jobs and the health insur- campaign as someone who could “get peo- tors in his own party, including two centrists cines undergoing clinical trials to 16 from Court case on the fate of the Affordable it never happens,” Kagan said at the time. ance that goes with them because of the ple working together” and lower the tem- -- Joe Manchin of West Virginia and 11 to step up supplies at home and Care Act could give the Biden adminis- Indeed, Trump's Justice Department coronavirus pandemic. perature in a Washington overheated by Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona -- who have abroad. tration its first opportunity to chart a new made a switch four times in the first full In the health care case, the court Donald Trump. expressed some concerns about the package, China is conducting clinical trials of 16 course in front of the justices. high court term of the administration. could rule that the now-toothless require- Now, after his first full week as president, according to three people familiar with the COVID-19 vaccines, seven of which have The health care case, argued a week Still, the health care case is a good ment that people obtain insurance or pay Joe Biden is coming face to face with the calls who spoke on condition of anonymi- entered phase-III trials and one has condi- after the election in November, is one of candidate for when a rare change of posi- a penalty is unconstitutional and leave the potential limitations of his ability to work ty because they were not authorized to pub- tionally hit the market, Wu Yuanbin, an offi- several matters, along with immigration tion may be warranted, said Paul rest of the law alone. That outcome, rather across the aisle as he pushes for a $1.9 tril- licly discuss the private conversations. cial with the Ministry of Science and and a separate case on Medicaid work Clement, who was solicitor general under than taking down the whole law, seemed lion coronavirus relief bill that is the first big A retail politician who never misses a Technology, was quoted as saying by the requirements, where the new adminis- President George W. Bush. a likely one based on the justices' ques- test of his tenure. chance for small talk or schmooze, Biden has state-run CGTN TV. tration could take a different position The Justice Department defends fed- tions and comments in November. Republicans are balking at the price tag been penned in somewhat by the pandem- Wu made the comments during a from the Trump administration at the eral laws at the Supreme Court “when- The Justice Department could sim- and Democrats are sending signals that ic, which limits the face-to-face interactions haematology conference on Saturday.Yang high court. ever reasonable arguments can be made,” ply file a new legal brief saying that its they're willing to push the bill through with- on which he thrives. But there's still his peer- Sheng, Deputy Director of China's National While a shift would be in line with Clement said at an online Georgetown views have changed, former acting out GOP help as Biden's campaign pitch to less phone book, built over four decades of Medical Products Administration's drug President Joe Biden's political preferences, University forum. Solicitor General Neal Katyal, also an be a deal-maker appears to be giving way to dealing with senators on both sides of the registration bureau, said last month that a it could prompt consternation at the The Trump administration called on Obama administration veteran, said at the the reality of a Senate that does not resem- political divide.”When he decides to make total of 11 Chinese vaccine candidates are in court. Justices and former officials in the justices to strike down the entire same Georgetown event. A second court ble the one he once inhabited. one of those calls, he doesn't really require different stages of testing at home and Democratic and Republican administra- Obama-era law under which some 23 hearing is unlikely. In a nod to reality, Biden told reporters a call sheet, a sheet that tells him exactly what abroad. tions routinely caution that new admin- million people get health insurance and Clement agreed. “I think the justices on Friday: “I support passing COVID relief to say to a member of Congress and how to Currently, China is vaccinating people istrations should generally be reluctant to millions more with preexisting health would welcome it,” he said. “I also think with support from Republicans if we can get outline the bill,” White House press secre- at home and some countries abroad with two change positions before the court. conditions are protected from discrimi- it's an incredibly strong position.” But it. But the COVID relief has to pass -- no tary Jen Psaki said in an interview on vaccines. The Chinese government has Justice Elena Kagan, who as solicitor nation. Clement cautioned that the new acting ifs, ands or buts.” MSNBC. “He knows. He's known a lot of given conditional approval to Sinopharm general was the top Supreme Court Biden was vice president when the solicitor general, Elizabeth Prelogar, will The White House has not given up hope these people for decades.” while the results of the phase-3 trial is yet lawyer for former President Barack law was enacted, famously calling it a “big have to pick her spots before the justices, of landing some GOP support for the Claire McCaskill, a former Democratic to be released. Obama before he appointed her to the (expletive) deal” the day Obama signed three of whom were appointed by package, and Biden's call list bears that out. senator from Missouri, says Biden is “work- The World Health Organisation (WHO) court, said in a 2018 forum that the bar it into law in 2010. President Donald Trump. “The Biden But some of Biden's courtship is also direct- man-like in terms of his outreach and it was is reviewing the trials of both the vaccines. should be high. As president, Biden has called for administration is going to have to realize ed at members of his own party to make sure not unusual for me to run into Joe Biden in China has said that so far 46 countries “I think changing positions is a real- strengthening the law, and he already has they're making arguments to a reasonably a deal gets done. He has called Sen. Susan the Senate cloakroom when he was vice pres- have expressed their desire to import the ly big deal that people should hesitate a reopened sign-ups for people who might conservative court,” he said. AP Collins of Maine several times since his inau- ident” to Barack Obama. AP China-made vaccines. PTI 3<<< 1 # .? '
Moscow: Chanting slogans introduced unprecedented They were met by phalanxes of ! FJ . against President Vladimir security measures in the city riot police who pushed the Putin, thousands of people center, closing subway stations march back and chased pro- Islamabad:Amid mounting The Sindh government on and discussed the accountabil- took to the streets Sunday near the Kremlin, cutting bus testers through courtyards, pressure from the US and the Friday filed a review petition in ity of convicted terrorists across Russia's vast expanse to traffic and ordering restau- detaining scores. Still, protest- UN, the Pakistan Government the apex court against the responsible for the brutal mur- demand the release of jailed rants and stores to stay closed. ers marched around the has said it would formally join acquittal of Sheikh and his der of Pearl. Blinken also opposition leader Alexei Navalny's team initially Russian capital for hours, the review proceedings initiat- three accomplices. expressed “deep concern” over Navalny, keeping up the called for Sunday's protest to be zigzagging around police cor- ed by the Sindh administration A spokesman of the the apex court's judgement. nationwide protests that have held on Moscow's Lubyanka dons. against the Supreme Court's Attorney General of Pakistan The Pakistan Foreign rattled the Kremlin. More than Square, home to the main Over 800 people were acquittal of British-born al- on Saturday announced that Office in a statement said 3,000 people were detained by headquarters of the Federal detained in Moscow, including Qaeda terrorist Ahmed Omar the federal government will file Qureshi “underscored that it police, according to a moni- Security Service, which Navalny's wife, Yulia, who Saeed Sheikh and his three an appropriate application was important and in the toring group. Navalny claims was responsible joined the protest. aides in the brutal murder of before the apex court to be mutual interest that justice is Russian authorities mount- for his poisoning. Facing police The city of Novosibirsk in US journalist Daniel Pearl. allowed to join as a party in the served through legal means”. ed a massive effort to stem the cordons around the square, eastern Siberia saw one of the Pearl, the 38-year-old proceedings and further seek According to some media tide of demonstrations after the protest shifted to other cen- country's biggest rallies, with South Asia bureau chief for The review and recall of the court's reports, the Supreme Court tens of thousands rallied across the Kremlin. Russian authori- US Secretary of State Antony tral squares and streets. several thousand people Wall Street Journal, was January 28 judgement. would hear the review petition the country last weekend in the ties have rejected the accusa- Blinken said on Twitter. Police were randomly pick- marching across the city. Over abducted and beheaded while The federal government on February 1. However, no largest, most widespread show tions. He was arrested for The Russian Foreign ing up people and putting 100 protesters were detained. he was in Pakistan investigat- will file an application for the formal announcement has been of discontent that Russia has allegedly violating his parole Ministry rejected Blinken's call them into police buses, but An estimated 2,000 ing a story in 2002 on the links constitution of a larger bench made as yet. seen in years. Yet despite threats conditions by not reporting for as a “crude interference in thousands of protesters marched across Russia's sec- between the country's power- to hear the review petitions. In Expressing concern over of jail terms, warnings to social meetings with law enforce- Russia's internal affairs” and marched across the city center, ond-largest city of St. ful spy agency ISI and al- cooperation with the provincial the acquittal of those involved media groups and tight police ment when he was recuperat- accused Washington of trying chanting “Putin, resign!” and Petersburg, and occasional Qaeda. government, the federal gov- in the brutal murder of Pearl, cordons, the protests again ing in Germany. to destabilize the situation in Putin, thief!” a reference to an scuffles erupted as some The Supreme Court on ernment will continue to take a senior UN official represent- many cities on Sunday. The United States urged the country by backing the opulent Black Sea estate report- demonstrators pushed back Thursday ordered the release of all legal steps to bring the per- ing Secretary-General Antonio The 44-year-old Navalny, Russia to release Navalny and protests. edly built for the Russian leader police who tried to make main accused Sheikh and his petrators of this heinous crime Guterres said that it is impor- an anti-corruption investigator criticized the crackdown on On Sunday, police detained that was featured in a widely detentions. Nearly 500 were aides - Fahad Naseem, Sheikh to justice in accordance with tant that there is accountabili- who is Putin's best-known crit- protests. over 3,000 people at protests popular video released by arrested. Adil and Salman Saqib - by dis- the law, the spokesman said. ty for such crimes. ic, was arrested on January 17 “The US condemns the held in cities across Russia's 11 Navalny's team. In the far eastern port of missing appeals against their The announcement came “What is important that upon returning from Germany, persistent use of harsh tactics time zones, according to OVD- At some point, crowds of Vladivostok, at least 120 peo- acquittal by the Sindh High after US Secretary of State there be accountability for where he spent five months against peaceful protesters and Info, a group that monitors demonstrators walked toward ple were detained after pro- Court. The judgement was Antony Blinken spoke to those crimes committed,” said recovering from a nerve-agent journalists by Russian author- political arrests. the Matrosskaya Tishina prison testers danced on the ice and denounced by Pearl's family as Foreign Minister Shah Stephane Dujarric said on poisoning that he blames on ities for a second week straight,” In Moscow, authorities where Navalny is being held. rallied in the city center. AP “a complete travesty of justice”. Mahmood Qureshi over phone Friday. PTI 1 ! 3 4 !&) *< !& &"(! ) & 4 +& Kabul: A member of the negotiations, and as President Jerusalem: Thousands of ultra-Orthodox appeared to take no action to prevent the London: A new visa route that offers omy – values both the UK and Hong Afghan Government's peace Joe Biden's new administration Israelis participated Sunday in the funer- illegal assembly. Hong Kong residents the option to Kong hold dear,” he said. negotiating team on Sunday has said it plans to review the al of a prominent rabbi in Jerusalem, Israeli media said Soloveitchik, a lead- apply to come to the UK and become Under the route, those with BN(O) . warned the Taliban that if they peace agreement signed last flouting the country's ban on large pub- ing religious scholar who headed a num- citizens through a fast-track system status and their eligible family mem- don't resume peace talks in February between the US and lic gatherings amid the pandemic. ber of well-known seminaries, had officially opened on Sunday. bers will be able to come to the UK to Jerusalem: Israel Defence Qatar soon, the Government the Taliban. The funeral procession for Rabbi recently suffered from COVID-19. Around 300,000 Hong Kong live, study and work. As with other Minister Benny Gantz's office could recall the team before a The Pentagon said last Meshulam Soloveitchik, who died at age Israel's Health Ministry has recorded over nationals are expected to apply for the visas, after?five years in the UK, says Israel has agreed to trans- deal is reached. week that the Taliban's refusal 99, wended its way through the streets of 640,000 confirmed cases of the coron- visa, which is open to holders of the they?will be able to apply for?settle- fer 5,000 doses of the coron- Government negotiator to meet commitments to Jerusalem in the latest display of ultra- avirus and at least 4,745 deaths since the British National (Overseas) passport ment, followed by?British citizenship avirus vaccine to the Rasul Talib said in a news reduce violence in Orthodox Israelis' refusal to honour start of the pandemic. At the same time, and their immediate dependents and after a further 12 months. Palestinians to immunise front- conference the team is waiting Afghanistan is raising questions coronavirus restrictions. Israel has vaccinated over 3 million of its was announced last year in retaliation “Global Britain will always stand up line medical workers. for the return of the Taliban about whether all US troops The phenomenon has undermined citizens, one of the highest rates per capi- of China's controversial new National for what is right and uphold our com- It is the first time that leadership to Doha, where a will be able to leave by May as the country's aggressive vaccination cam- ta in the world. Security Law. mitments. This new visa delivers on our Israel has confirmed the trans- second round of peace talks required under the peace paign to bring a raging outbreak under Health experts say it will take sever- The UK maintains the new law is promise to the people of Hong Kong, fer of vaccines to the began this month but have deal. control and threatened to hurt Prime al weeks for the vaccination campaign to a “clear and serious breach” of the Sino- honouring our strong historic rela- Palestinians.Israel has come made little progress. Following discussions in Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in March have an effect on infection and hospital- British Joint Declaration under which tionship and upholding their free- under criticism from U.N. He asked the Taliban to Moscow on Friday, the head of elections. ization rates. But large public funerals like Hong Kong had been handed over to doms,” said UK Home Secretary Priti Officials and human rights “stop spreading baseless the Taliban delegation, Sher Densely packed throngs of people that for Soloveitchik in Jerusalem, and for the Chinese authorities over 23 years Patel. “I look forward to welcoming groups for not providing vac- remarks” and return to the Mohammed Abbas Stanikzai, gathered outside the rabbi's home in a a prominent Arab sheikh killed in Jaffa ago. people wanting to put down roots and cines to the Palestinians. Israel negotiating table, adding “The said the group expects the US public rejection of restrictions on outdoor last week, have confounded efforts to pre- “I am immensely proud that we build a new life with their family in the says it is not responsible. Taliban does not have the guts to fulfill its pledge to withdraw gatherings of more than 10 people. vent the spread of the disease. have brought in this new route for UK,” she said. Israel is one of the world's for peace, they are spreading all of its troops from Thousands of black-garbed ultra- A disproportionate number of Israel's Hong Kong BN(O)s to live, work and In response, the Chinese foreign leaders in vaccinating its pop- nonsense around.” Afghanistan by May. Orthodox funeral-goers coursed past the coronavirus cases are within the country's make their home in our country,” said ministry recently said it would no ulation after striking procure- There was no immediate The US Pentagon city's main entrance toward the cemetery ultra-Orthodox minority. The strictly reli- UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. longer recognise the BNO passport as ment deals with international response from the Taliban. announced in mid-January that where Soloveitchik was to be gious community, which makes up “In doing so we have honoured our a travel document. China maintains its drug giants Pfizer and Talib's comments came as the US military has met its goal buried. around 11% of Israel's 9.2 million peo- profound ties of history and friendship new security law is necessary to prevent Moderna.The Palestinians have the Taliban leadership has of reducing the number of Police officers blocked intersections ple, has accounted for around one-third with the people of Hong Kong, and we the type of protests seen in Hong Kong not begun to vaccine their recently been in Iran and troops in Afghanistan to about to traffic to allow participants to pass, but of the confirmed cases of the virus. AP have stood up for freedom and auton- during much of 2019. PTI people. AP Russia for discussions on the 2,500. AP 0 '#% F! . 0 Beirut: One Syrian was on Sunday and ty forces have presence. Hanoi (Vietnam): Vietnam's member Politburo, the highest-rank- four injured after Kurdish security forces The Kurds, Syria's largest ethnic Communist Party on Sunday reelect- ing party body. opened fire at pro-government demon- minority, have carved out a semi- ed Nguyen Phu Trong to be its chief, The congress delegates elected the strators in a northeastern city, state autonomous enclave in Syria's north the state Vietnam News Agency Central Committee, which then voted media said. since the start of the civil war in 2011. In reported. His selection makes him the in the membership of the Politburo. The state news agency SANA said the the area, they run their own affairs and nation's de facto leader for a third five- The voting set the ranking of the Kurdish forces opened fire at demon- control most of the country's oil resources. year term. Politburo members, which deter- strators protesting the siege on their In both Hassakeh and Qamishli The vote at the 13th National mines who gets the top four positions: neighborhood in Hassakeh city. The cities, they share control with government Party Congress in Hanoi took place the general secretary of the area is known as the security square and forces - which have presence in security a day earlier than planned, as the Communist Party, the country's most is controlled by government forces. zones, near the airport and in some meeting, scheduled to end on powerful job; the president, a large- A video of the rally showed dozens neighborhoods. Both cities have a size- Tuesday, was being shortened to ly ceremonial post; the prime minis- of men gathering in a street on a rainy day able Kurdish population. lessen the threat from a coronavirus ter; and the National Assembly chair- as fire rang out over their heads. The men Tension occasionally erupts between outbreak, which last week spread to man. The jobs are known as the “four began chanting: “With our souls, our the two sides, but the Kurdish forces have the capital city. pillars.” blood we sacrifice for you Bashar,” in ref- more presence and control there. In recent Vietnam is a single-party It was initially believed that the erence to the Syrian President Bashar weeks, Kurdish forces have imposed a Communist state, so party leaders 76-year-old Trong would not take the Assad. siege on government neighborhoods in almost automatically assume leader- top job again because of his shaky A Kurdish-run news agency, Hawar, Hassakeh and to a lesser degree in ship of the government, though health and a rule mandating retire- said security forces at a checkpoint in the Qamishli. debates can take place within the ment at age 65. city had come under fire, prompting its In Hassakeh, the Kurdish forces pre- party's bodies and the legislature. The However, he received an exemp- members to respond to the source of fire. vented flour from entering the govern- 1,587 delegates at the congress were tion from that rule, as he did at the The clashes led to the death of a govern- ment-controlled areas, forcing bakeries to selected in a process that began at the last congress in 2016. He has con- ment security member, the agency said. shut down in the last week. Fuel and water party's grassroots. currently been serving as president The different accounts could not be have also been prevented from passing The newly elected 200-member since the previous one, President Tran immediately reconciled or independent- through checkpoints erected around the Central Committee selected Trong as Dai Quang, died in office in ly verified in the city where both securi- neighborhoods. AP general secretary and head of the 18- 2018. AP ) 1 &,' 9&: ; & ' ( * ,
Q5:@ R %-! . C@)$.D ( 0-- 1 < - rowings for NBFCs who sup- the government to keep the or less behind us now hence the port the MSME and micro retail inflation at 4 per cent (+,- monetary policy must focus on he Reserve Bank is likely to business loan segment, hin- 2 per cent). reviving the economy...Look Tmaintain a status quo on dering the credit transmission When asked what the forward to some constructive benchmark interest rate in its to this important segment, MPC may do during its next actions on the SME and MSME next monetary policy meet which is the backbone in reviv- meeting, Aarti Khanna, sector as a lot more needs to be outcome to be announced on ing the rural demand," he said. founder and CEO, done to this segment which February 5, four days after the The RBI should take key AskCred.Com, said: "The stands as the backbone in presentation of the Union targeted measures to make liq- COVID-19 pandemic is more reviving the economy." Budget 2021-22. uidity available to all NBFCs, Experts are of the view that especially small and unrated the RBI will refrain from tin- ones who operate in this seg- kering with the interest rates ment, he added. ( and keep the monetary stance The RBI had last revised its ported through the monetary Ramesh Nair, former CEO '" &$1(0O accommodative at the policy policy rate on May 22, in an policy and that is the reason the of JLL India, said the real 1 9 ! )H)H")#% review though it will take guid- off-policy cycle to perk up accommodative stance of RBI estate sector has been one of " ! ance from the budget to be demand by cutting interest will continue," he said, and the most impacted sectors after ! - - & unveiled by Finance Minister rate to a historic low. The cen- added there will be a status quo the pandemic and multiple < - persisting issues in grievances (= )#1) GD1 Nirmala Sitharaman in the tral bank has cut policy rates by in the policy rate because the lockdowns. redressal will be subjected to an %)H10 GO0 Lok Sabha on February 1. 115 basis points since February December number has shown The RBI will have to cut he Reserve Bank of India intensive review of their mech- % )H(+ & "We expect the MPC last. On expectations from the that the CPI has somewhat policy rates which will help T(RBI) will undertake annu- anisms to better identify the % % (Monetary Policy Committee) MPC, Aditi Nayar, Principal moderated. According to reduce home loan rates as well al assessment of customer ser- underlying systemic issues and % to continue the pause. The fall Economist, ICRA Limited, said Sinha, the room available for as wholesale lending rates vice and grievances redressal initiate corrective measures. in inflation rate was mainly due that even though the CPI infla- further policy rate cut is very which will revive growth in the mechanisms of banks as part of The intensive review will ? ! ( to fall in food prices. The core tion dipped in December 2020, limited and the RBI would not pandemic-ravaged real estate its supervisory mechanism. include — adequacy of the cus- inflation rate has not come the trajectory remains unpalat- like to use it when the econo- economy, he opined. The RBI recently decided tomer service and customer # #3 down. Excess liquidity needs to able. my is already reviving. "Also the cut in these rates to put in place a comprehensive grievances redressal-related '" ! be watched. The vaccine avail- "We expect an extended Mayur Modi, Co-Founder, have to be complimented with framework for grievances policies, functioning of the ? ability is not going to impact pause for the repo rate, with the Moneyboxx Finance, too was of transmission of these cuts to end redressal. Customer Service Committee ! F macro economy immediately," stance to be changed to neutral the view that the central bank users and developers, increase "The Reserve Bank will of the Board, level of involve- opined M Govinda Rao, Chief in the August 2021 policy would continue its accommoda- in quantum of credit and undertake, as a part of its ment of the top management in Economic Advisor, Brickwork review or later, once there is tive stance on monetary policy increase in tenure," he said. supervisory mechanism, annu- customer service and customer - Ratings. The six-member MPC clarity on the durability of the given that the economy is still not Retail inflation fell sharply to al assessments of customer grievances-related issues and ? headed by RBI Governor is economic recovery," she said. out of woods and requires con- 4.59 per cent in December 2020 service and grievance redressal effectiveness of the grievances >' scheduled to meet for three Sunil Kumar Sinha, stant support both from mone- (latest data). Retail inflation in banks based on the data and redressal mechanism of banks. 4 days starting February 3. The Principal Economist and tary and fiscal policy. based on the Consumer Price information available through The RBI said that based on (+ resolution meeting would be Director Public Finance, India "Whilst the cost of bor- Index (CPI) was 6.93 per cent the Complaint Management the review, a remedial action announced on February 5. Ratings and Research, too does rowings both for the govern- in November. The RBI mainly System, and other sources and plan will be formulated and for- & & The current repo rate or not expect any change in pol- ment and corporate India has factors in the retail inflation interactions," said an RBI noti- mally communicated to the 0(0H 1(+ & rate at which the RBI lends to icy rate. come down, the risk premium while arriving at its policy rate. fication. banks for implementation & #GH# banks is 4 per cent. "Growth needs to be sup- continues to be high for bor- The RBI has been asked by Banks identified as having within a specific time frame. #1D8(##H & ( 1 0 $%) "&$ 5 & , % *2 34 care infrastructure. viduals is critical as reducing This was followed by an the tax burden on individuals E *2 34 *2 34 Sabha on Friday. Religare Broking Ltd. Driving ndia's healthcare sector is expectation (by 62.9 per cent) would enable further spending. The Survey projected that market sentiments would also Ilikely to get the maximum that the government should According to the survey, this s Union Finance Minister tock markets are expected to India's economy is likely to be announcements of PMI attention of the Government in increase investments in creat- much-needed push to demand ANirmala Sitharaman on Sremain volatile in this event- grow by 11 per cent in the fis- data for the manufacturing the upcoming Budget to be healthcare system. While the ing new primary healthcare would help in creating a mul- Monday will deliver her ful week as the Union Budget, cal year beginning April 1 as a and services sector this week. unveiled on Monday, as it government's proactive mea- infrastructure. With regard to tiplier effect in the economy. promised Budget, expectations macro data and RBI policy vaccine drive and rebound in Also, RBI interest rate decision comes in the face of the coun- sures and the frontline workers' aspirations of individual tax- "A significant increase in are high in all spheres. would be keenly watched by consumer demand help it on Friday is another major try braving a once-in-a-centu- tireless efforts have helped tide payers, 79.3 per cent respon- the public expenditure is GlobalData, a leading data and investors, say analysts. emerge from the carnage event that would drive domes- ry global pandemic, says a the way, the pandemic has also dents said they would like to inevitable. The pandemic has analytics company, said the The ongoing quarterly inflicted by a strict coron- tic market sentiments. survey. brought forth the fragility of the see a cut in personal income tax taught us there are no choices need of the hour is to increase earnings season would also be avirus lockdown. Sumeet Bagadia, Executive The Assocham-Primus healthcare system," the survey rates, especially in the wake of other than large scale public credit flows, especially to small in focus directing the move- The rebound will follow an Director, Choice Broking said, Partners survey covered more stated. On measures which pressure on their earnings in investment in building prima- and medium enterprises sector, ment of indices. estimated 7.7 per cent con- "Going ahead investors will than 550 industry participants, can strengthen the healthcare the pandemic-hit economy. ry health centres, hospitals at as well as investment in edu- "Going ahead, markets may traction in the Gross Domestic keenly watch the Union Budget and 39.7 per cent respondents and pharma sector, 67.3 per While corporate tax rates the district, state capital level," cation and health sectors to continue to remain highly Product (GDP) in the current which is to be presented on 1st said healthcare would receive cent respondents expect the have been reduced, individuals Assocham Secretary General boost production and con- volatile amidst the ongoing financial year, the document February 2021." the highest priority in terms of allocation of a fund to mod- pay taxes at higher rates. Deepak Sood said. sumption. earnings season and the Union said. According to the survey, Auto companies would resource allocation and policy ernise existing primary health- Rationalising taxes for the indi- "Four elements must be Budget 2021. Expectations the "V-shaped recovery is sup- also remain in focus amid support in the Budget. activated to build economic from the Budget are running ported by Covid vaccination monthly sales data announce- Manufacturing emerged as vibrancy over the long term - high," Siddhartha Khemka, drive." ment on Monday. the second key sector expect- give infrastructure a significant Head - Retail Research, Motilal "Now all eyes would be on In the last week, the 30- ed to be in focus, with 14.7 per push through public and pri- Oswal Financial Services Ltd the Union Budget scheduled share BSE benchmark tumbled cent respondents expecting it to vate investments, facilitate said. on Monday. We believe that 2,592.77 points or 5.30 per cent receive the Finance Minister's large-scale private and foreign Quarterly earnings of the Budget would focus on due to profit-booking ahead of attention, followed by MSMEs investments across industrial, HDFC, Adani Power, Hero reviving growth and any dis- the Union Budget. (11.4 per cent), real estate (10.7 services and agricultural sector; MotoCorp and M&M would appointment on that front Global trends will also be per cent) and infrastructure incentivise private consump- remain in focus this week. would lead to further correc- monitored besides investment (9.6 per cent). tion in the near term without The Economic Survey tion in the markets," said Ajit trend of foreign portfolio “The Covid-19 pandemic significant compromises on 2020-21 was tabled in the Lok Mishra, VP - Research, investors (FPIs). tested the limits of the global tax revenues; and step up allo- cation in health and education sectors," Acuité Ratings & Research Limited said. : Further drawing attention to digitisation of education, *2 34 litre, respectively. petrol and diesel to prevent any January with both auto fuels Joyanto Mukherjee, chief offi- Though firm global crude sharp price increase if the gov- increasing by 2.59 and 2.61 cer of marketing, communica- rices of petrol and diesel and product price is the reason ernment decided to further per litre respectively during the tion, Deviprasad Goenka Premained unchanged for for the increase in retail price raise excise duty on the two month. Management College of Media the fourth consecutive day of petrol and diesel, it is inter- products to mobilise addition- The last few increases in Studies, Mumbai, said, "In the across the metros. In the esting to note that even though al revenue. pump prices in petrol and upcoming budget, one of the national capital, petrol was crude has been hovering just Crude prices have diesel has taken its price to biggest expectations will be priced at 86.30 per litre. over $55 a barrel for some time remained firm for the last few record levels across the coun- funds being made available to In Mumbai, Chennai and now, OMCs have gone in for weeks in wake of unilateral pro- try in all major metro cities and digitalise rural education. We Kolkata, petrol was sold for both a pause in price of auto duction cuts announced by other towns. The last time the are headed towards a huge 92.86, 88.82 and 87.69 per fuels as well increase in its retail Saudi Arabia and a pick-up in retail price of auto fuels were intellectual loss due to the litre. Diesel prices in Delhi, prices on consecutive days. consumption in all major closer to current levels was on forced digitalisation of educa- Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata Informed sources said that economies globally. October 4, 2018 when crude tion during the Covid out- remained unchanged at 76.48, oil companies may be building The petrol and diesel prices prices had shot up to $80 a bar- break." 83.30, 81.71 and 80.08 per buffers on the retail price of have increased 10 times in rel. 70 % 7 $ ( *1> 8 ! -<-='5%//( $ ) A : New Delhi: India will emerge as the most resilient economy 3> & after Germany in 2021 exhibit- 819 : ing a strong economic resur- New Delhi: Chief Economic *2 34 gence to the global economic Adviser KV Subramanian has *2 34 2021, is 90 lakhs. turmoil caused by the Covid- made a strong case for setting up "The GST revenues during s the three high speed rail 19 pandemic, according to a of a bad bank led by private sec- ST collections surged to an January 2021 are the highest Acorridors are expected to report. tor to effectively deal with non- Gall-time high of about since introduction of GST and start from Delhi for Amritsar, Germany ranks first in the performing assets of the finan- 1.20 lakh crore in January as has almost touched the Rs 1.2 Ahmedabad and Varanasi, the PHDCCI International cial sector which may see a economic activities picked up lakh crore mark, exceeding national capital is likely to get Economic Resilience (IER) surge once regulatory forbear- after the withdrawal of strin- the last month's record collec- two high speed rail stations in Rank followed by India and ance to deal with the impact of gent lockdown restrictions. tion of 1.15 lakh crore. different areas, officials related South Korea at second and Covid-19 is withdrawn. Mop-up from the Goods GST revenues above Rs 1 to development said on Sunday. third positions, respectively, The proposal to set up a bad and Services Tax (GST), which lakh crore for a stretch of last Speaking to IANS, National according to the report released bank has been under considera- is levied when a consumable four months and a steep High Speed Rail Corporation by industry body PHDCCI. tion of the government for long item is sold or a service such as increasing trend over this peri- Limited (NHSRCL) spokesper- It is based on analysis of and some steps may be travel booking rendered, in od are clear indicators of rapid son Sushma Gaur said, "NHSR- five lead macroeconomic indi- announced in the Budget 2021-22 January was 8 per cent higher economic recovery post pan- CL is exploring all the possi- cators reflecting a country's to be unveiled by Finance Minister than such receipts in the same demic, the ministry said. bilities to plan two high speed economic performance includ- on Monday in the Lok Sabha. month of 2020. Closer monitoring against rail stations in Delhi." ing real GDP growth rate, mer- Bad bank refers to a finan- In a statement, the Finance fake-billing, deep data analyt- She said that one of the sta- chandise export growth rate, cial institution which takes Ministry said the January col- ics using data from multiple tions is in close proximity of current account balance (as over bad assets of lenders and lections were the highest ever sources including GST, Sarai Kale Khan and percentage of GDP), general undertakes resolution. Lenders since the implementation of the Income-tax and Customs IT Nizamuddin railway station government net lending/bor- have been making a case for nationwide tax in July 2017. systems and effective tax for Delhi-Varanasi high speed rowing (as percentage of GDP) setting up a bad bank to ease The previous best was in administration have also con- rail corridor, which may pro- and gross debt-to-GDP ratio. out pressure of bad loans on December 2020 when Rs tributed to the steady increase vide road connectivity to the India's IER Rank stands at them in these difficult times. 1,15,174 crore was collected. in tax revenue over last few high speed rail users through second among the top-10 lead- “The bad bank will certain- This is the fourth straight months, it added. outer ring road, metro con- ing economies, indicating ly help in consolidating some of month of over Rs 1 lakh crore GST revenue during nectivity through pink line strong resilience of the Indian the non performing assets. It's tax collections, a sign of strong October-January has grown metro, interstate bus connec- economy to the daunting pan- important to also think about recovery. The ministry said on an average of 8 per cent, as tivity through Sarai demic of Covid-19, said PHD implementing the bad bank in the total number of GSTR-3B compared to (-) 24 per cent Kale Khan ISBT and regional Chamber of Commerce and the private sector that enables Returns filed for the month of during the first half (April- rail connectivity through RRTS Industry President Sanjay (faster) decision making,” he told December up to January 1, September) of the fiscal year. system. Aggarwal. PTI PTI in an interview. PTI /
ndian art and culture are the direct employment, skills development resilient means that bind the coun- and by promoting cultural tourism # Itry into one fabric. Art has come and nation’s cultural identity. The glob- a long way from its initial origins. In al turnover of the Indian art market the recent few years, India has been has been gigantic as it clocked in close witnessing a rising desire for art to 1500 crore, including primary and amongst the people owing to the secondary sales. advent of a growing number of cultur- al initiatives, such as city-based art fes- RISE OF DIGITAL ART tivals, gallery exhibitions and grand COVID-19 has been an event that events like art biennales. Many non- has had unprecedented ramifications commercial establishments and artist- for all of us and has forced us to led initiatives have also come out in rethink and reinvent in order to sur- support of developing the industry. vive. Just like every other industry, the Businesses and events that encompass pandemic has seriously impacted the art and culture have gradually become lives of artists very deeply as it has integral elements of the Indian land- taken away traditional platforms where scape and have laid the foundation for they would showcase their creativity positioning various cities pan-India as earlier. Due to social distancing, there major art destinations. are no new events, exhibitions and Indian art heritage is a testament public display, which has affected the to the changing face of our society livelihood of millions of artists. It has through the ages. The monumental even changed the conventional way of variety in styles, techniques, themes buying art by visiting art galleries, pro- and media point towards the richness pelling people to buy art online. of the art and lay out its evolution tra- However, like the silver lining to jectory. Earlier, art in India was rele- CRAFT THROUGH THE AGES every adversity, the pandemic has gated to the portals of the royalty and opened up new opportunities and elite class in the times when kings had given rise to newer perspectives. Since extended royal patronage to artists "1! " )! "! )!" )"1! " the stakeholders of the art industry dd some bling to your Champagne bow glitter fold- hailing from diverse fields. " ) ""1 "!&! % , (&! "1&" have now taken to the digital medium, vacation and slay that able leather flats Along the way, the art industry has the new dynamics have acted as a Abeach outfit with the A comfortable option to witnessed various milestones. Out of stimulus to the creativity of artists as right shoes. Here are some heels, elegant pumps in a fold- these, two major ones stood out in the "1 ""1! they are now exploring the virtual bling flats by Pazzion which are able format constructed in light post-Independence period. Firstly, medium for connectivity. Even art comfortable while adding a genuine leather with a pointed there was the emergence of the ‘pro- art. lovers can now take more time to statement to your vacay look- silhouette for all-day comfort. gressive art group’ that comprised the Collectively, all forms of visual arts browse through various catalogues and book. A touch of glitter adds a glam- likes of veteran artists like Francis help bind a nation’s ethos and make up decide which one to buy as per their orous cinderellaesque style with Newton Souza, S. H. Raza, M. F. an important medium for brand pro- convenience. Artists who were hesitant Black diamante sandals a unique twist. Discreetly stash Hussain, S. K. Bakre, Akbar Padamsee, jection. Traditionally, Indian artists earlier are now proactively learning to Turn every day into a a backup pair of these foldable Manishi Dey, and Tyeb Mehta. They have always taken inspiration from the use social media platforms to devel- glamorous one with this stun- flats and perfectly shine at were driven by the idea to paint with philosophical line of thought that op and sustain their presence, and dis- ning style. This dazzling sandal every chic event or gain an edge no curtailment of freedom in content holds ‘absolute cannot be created nor play their work to the world. features a genuine leather on casual days out and every- and technique. Secondly, the process destroyed, instead it can only be felt Several artists are finding ways to upper, braided strap covered thing else. of globalisation in the early 1990s and comprehended’. Their finesse integrate technology into their work. with diamante detailing; A chic helped the art culture to develop and makes our artists second to none. Even Sculptors can now access a variety of toe strap will keep your foot in Pewter weaved slide sandals evolve further, empowering it to move the language of abstractionism, pop- raw materials and mediums. Art place while you are on the Keep your look refined in ahead without any baggage from its ular universally, isn’t a new advent in installations via sophisticated electron- move. a minimalist slide sandal with past. Hence, there was a gradual rise India. Using traditional abstract ic devices and superior printing tech- the wear-with-anything appeal. of awareness of Indian art’s global rel- expressions on canvas is what has nology provide first-class prints, which Gold strappy flat Featuring a woven metallic evance. taken Indian art on the global stage. can be accessed by art lovers from any Featuring classic strappy strap over a flexible sole, this The Indian market is on the brink Analysing the trends dominating part of the world. Along with individ- design in comfy leatherette, this pair will soon become your go- of a major transformation as sales of Indian art over the years, we find that uals buying art, even India Inc. has is all cool girls’ warm-weather to footwear for running errands contemporary art are much likely to the artists have not only explored our become an art patron, either as own- essential. or a brunch date. pick up, supported by its increasing own past but have also delved deep ers of art or by sponsoring art events. popularity and a diversified buyer into the expressions and symbols The secondary market comprises auc- whole relies on the broader econom- Art has been with us since since base. prevalent in our own culture to take tion houses that offer artworks for ic situation, majorly centred on ele- time immemorial and has undergone 1-- their art to the international level. resale once these have acquired fame ments impacting the growth and dis- various transformations from the VISUAL ARTS — EVOLUTION Visual arts industry is constitut- for their artistic value, historical sig- tribution of private wealth. The con- ancient age to the digital age. Although & TRAJECTORY ed by artists, public museums, private nificance and rarity. The recently centration of wealth in the hands of an our options to experience it have The visual arts (VA) comprise art art galleries, auction houses and pri- emerged e-platforms, which offer increasing number of affluent Indians become relatively limited, art enthu- forms such as ceramics, paintings, vate non-commercialised art initia- curated, branded digital auctions of an has been driving the growth of the siasts have been leveraging a multitude drawings, sculpture, printmaking, tives. Its value chain is made up of art assortment of art and collectibles, also visual arts industry in the past few of forums where it can be experienced crafts, photography, designs, video, production, sales and promotion, and show immense potential for the future years, augmenting sales in the high- with newer technologies, especially in film making, and architecture. It also art resale. This industry is the prima- of Indian art culture. end market especially. real-time, experiential, virtual reality includes applied arts like industrial ry market that features new and rela- Though different art segments dis- Visual arts industry also has a and augmented reality formats. designs, fashion design, interior tively lesser-known artists alongside play different growth trajectories, the tremendous potential to contribute to (The writer is the co-founder and design, graphic design, and decorative more recognised contemporary artists. performance of the VA industry as a the Indian economy by providing director of an arts organisation.) What if you saved a souvenir from every relationship you’ve ever been in? The show follows Lucy (Geraldine 55*5 5 ** Viswanathan), a 20-something art gallery assistant living in New York City, who also happens to be an emotional hoarder. After she gets dumped by her latest boyfriend, she is inspired to create the broken heart gallery, a pop-up space ! 7 % % ' ( % % %8$ #60;/+ &/ for the items love has left behind. The show airs on February 14 at 1pm and 9 pm on Zee café, &flix and &PriveHD.
A boy’s superhero dreams come true when he finds five powerful cosmic stones. But saving the day is harder than he imagined — and he can’t do it alone. Starring Jack Fisher, Tom Kenny, Amanda C. Miller, season 1 releases on February 2 on Netflix.
here is no typo in the The tiny little town lies north barely visited by tourists. In history had a higher chance of the very notion that thou- Theadline over here, the of Sanchi although, given the fact, the rear of the sanctum surviving in the Betwa and sands of man-hours were Maladevi temple on the top of amount of history in the sanctorum is carved Narmada floodplains than spent by workers without the a hill next to the town of area, it must have been into the hill. Locals they did in the Gangetic use of explosives or machine Gyaraspur is literally carved a halt on the road to travel up the plains. tools to do all this work into the hill. While we might Sanchi and Vidisha. narrow, The Maladevi Temple is should blow your minds. If not be able to make much of The Maladevi empty noted as a Jain temple, dedi- you ever find yourself in it by just reading these lines, temple is remark- road to cated to Adinath, although Bhopal, like we did during the think about the work by able although you see the the intricate sculptures on its Great India Drive, the drive to masons and sculptors which cannot enter the temple walls indicate that at one Sanchi, Vidisha and then onto went into making such a tem- sanctum sancto- or just get time it was a Hindu site. This Gyaraspur is a must-visit. ple, which today isn’t exactly rum because of a few is also a reminder of the reli- The highway to the town is in A group of friends at a New Year’s Eve party go on the pilgrimage circuit. the effects of age moments of privacy. The gious fluidity between top-notch condition and the through a whirlwind of events that exposes secrets, breaks Gyaraspur is just a hamlet in and erosion and, lower population density of Dharmic religions in ancient new Hyundai i20 is the best hearts — and leads to a shocking outcome. It releases on the middle of verdant fields. more so, because it is Madhya Pradesh means that and medieval India. But just way to reach there. February 3 on Netflix. !% -0! Q 5 ** N N+ " 5 *565 5 5 ( (6 & *& % ( %& & ( ( L2 .+< & ( F '&( & ' ' & ( F& % (- % #1 #O (% N ' %M ( " & % &&O < " & & ( (O (O ( 1 // < = 5 5 95 =& 4.O" K K %> 76=? -> 4 < > * <*7 7 & % > + -> >
wo Indian Air Force women offi- “All of us have been trained to han- cers broke the glass ceiling on dle each and every department,” informs TJanuary 26 by becoming the first Usha. Irrespective of their position in the women pilots to participate in the SHS or the kind of work they do at the Republic Day parade. They represent the facility; they are entitled to equal share valor of millions of women of our coun- of the profits. Shalini Gautam, a com- try who, in their respective ways, are chal- merce graduate from Dariyar village does lenging the patriarchal patterns of our accounting for the facility and works on society. the computer for data entry and other Fifty-one kilometres from Shimla, purposes. the capital of northern Indian state “Running the whole facility — from Himachal Pradesh, there is a wayside purchases to bookings of the guest facility in Sirmour district called the She house, hiring taxis for sightseeing and Haat operated by a team of 25 women. handling the facility — is a huge chal- On the way to Nahan, this facility, lenge, especially for women from villages. which was inaugurated last month on Many of these women had never stepped December 17, has a restaurant, a guest out of their homes before. It gives me a house, a production-cum-skill develop- great satisfaction to be a part of this chal- t’s a fact that none would deny: The present- ment centre and a rural haat apart from lenge,” says Shalini, who is also a part of day economic system is divorced from ethics. a neat and clean toilet complex being suc- the SHS. IThe current world fiscal scene clearly shows cessfully run by only women. The stalls at the rural haat sell that our economic thinking and our models of As a part of the She Haat Society handicrafts made and prepared by the planning and development are out-of-touch with (SHS) — Self Help Group, this group of women members. Besides, a number of reality and are estranged from ethics. Take, for women underwent multitasking training other women make these items at home example, the recent event of recession and also the for nine months before they took over and bring them for sale at the haat. This event of fall in the exchange-rate of currencies of this facility. Spread over approx. 1,500 helps them earn three to four thousand some of the developed countries. A little deep square yards of land, not only are the a month. thinking would lead us to the conclusion that these stalls here managed by them but the “The facility was built at the cost of events occurred because some of the developed handicraft and other products they sell 70 lakh, parts of which were drawn and affluent countries had been spending much are all created by these women from the from MNREGA funds, NABARD, beyond their means. It means that they had been small hamlets of Bagpashog Gram donations from industries and other importing more than they could export or more Panchayat in Pachhad block of this dis- development agencies, contributions than their foreign exchange reserves could afford. trict. from MP Lad funds and contribution by The result has been that such countries became The training was given to them in the the area MLA,” informs Prakash Dutt major debtors to some exporting countries and hospitality sector, tailoring, making of Bhatia, Head, Bagpashog Gram these massive debts greatly eroded the strength of disposables from the leaves of the local- Panchayat. their economy and their currency. Further, the ly-available Maljan - an Ivy collected by The facility has been constructed on creditor countries, went on investing heavily in women from the jungles, et al. They were the main road from where tourists can such countries taught accounting and even the operat- make visits to several attractions like under the illusion ing of a multi grain grinding mill by dif- Bureshwar Mahadev temple, the that they are eco- ferent entities which included NABARD secretary and the chairperson of the SHS Mangarh ancient Shiv Temple, Bon nomically healthy and a Hotel Management Institute. are quite considerate and we have been Monastery to name a few. and strong. Some of these women come from as given a permanent day shift starting from It has been a little over a month since In simple far as fifteen kilometres. An environ- 11 in the morning to three in the after- its formal inauguration, yet these 25 rural terms, these facts ment-friendly, e-rikshaw is used to ferry noon,” shares Anita. “Their safety is more women are looking forward to the end show that most water from a natural water body and important, and we ensure that they don’t of the month when they will get an equal nations of the other requirements from the market. have to walk through the forest when it share of the profits they have earned. world have for- Even this e-rikshaw is driven by a is dark and much riskier,” adds the “In addition to the visitors commut- gotten or conve- woman, Meenakshi Sharma, a member President of the SHS, Meera Thakur. ing on the highway, we have started niently over- of SHS. Her own village, Ser Bharal is eight receiving bulk bookings. At the end of looked the age- “I bring women for the morning shift kilometres away but Meera says that she the month, 70 per cent of the profits will old moral lesson that starts at seven from a village near- commutes via bus. Both Anita and be distributed among the members of the that ‘one should ly six kilometres from the facility. The Rekha change hands at cooking and serv- SHS. Our target for now is that each one live according to water used for both cooking and drink- ing along with a few other SHS members. of us is able to earn at least 10,000 a one’s means and ing is from this natural source called baoli The food is not cooked on gas but on month. After obtaining NOC for run- should avoid tak- in local language,” shares Meenakshi who chulhas (clay stoves) to give a rural touch ning the guest house at the complex, we ing debts because has no time to rest even after her shift gets to the menu that includes Sirmouri del- expect our profits to go up considerably,” by being a debtor, over. Back home, she stitches dresses on icacies such as rice, maah ki dal, pude, says Usha. one loses their order to earn some extra money to meet jalebi, halwa, shakkar, patande, ainkulu Once the restrictions due to the pan- peace and hon- household expenses. The hotel, where her and sidu. to perform, both Usha and Meera lend well,” they explain. demic will be lifted, the enterprising our. Hence, one husband was working in Parwanoo, an “Apart from the vegetable and puls- a helping hand as per the need of one or These women work in four-hour members of the SHS expect more and should have remembered this great moral lesson industrial town closed down after the es prepared in local style, we serve lushke, the other department of the facility. shifts, starting from 7 am till 7 pm. The more tourists to visit the facility. This will of history: No matter how much strong a nation nationwide lockdown due to the pan- patande and askali with pure ghee and “It is our responsibility to ensure that members of the SHS are drawn from dif- definitely be a step forward in the might be industrially, the divorce of economics demic and is yet to open. kheer or jaggery. A few of these items can the necessities for preparation of food and ferent backgrounds — some are gradu- social and economic empowerment of from any principle of ethics results not only in Rekha and Anita, two women from be described as Himachali Doshas,” other things do not fall short and they ates, some have completed only high these hard-working women of Himachal devaluation of the currency but of the honour of Ganyana village have to pass a forest explains Usha Rani, Secretary, SHS. are brought from the market well in time. school, some young, many middle-aged Pradesh. country. It further leads its people to dehumani- every day to come to the facility. “The Although they have supervisory duties So that we can handle other duties as but they all work as one team. >/ 7 ? sation. If we now turn our attention to the develop- ing countries, we find that their economic con- he feeble cry of a baby is all Sudanese child, who collapsed on this, there is yet space left. dition is also poor, but for other reasons. As is well- that can be heard. A weak her way to a feeding centre while Terraces, large swaths of empty, known that these countries are caught up in the Tmother holding the even a vulture waited nearby? Well, this bleak concrete floors, can easily vicious cycle of poverty, low income, low savings weaker child who has been wail- is the depth at which malnutrition be converted to gardens. rate, low investment rate... So, they set poverty- ing for hours because of hunger. has dug into society. We must So the next logical step alleviation and generation of employment as their Unfortunately, this is an all-too- question ourselves as to why we would be to inculcate the culture goals. Then, in order to extricate their country common sight in India, where % ( % % 8 are allowing this carnage to con- of farming and food sustainabil- from this circle, they have adopted a development throughout the past year, malnu- % >% % ) tinue. We need a sense of urgency ity among children. This would model that is based on the assumption that the trition has become a serious around the matter that we other- be the easiest to achieve. We can economic growth is a function only of high rates problem. Recent studies have ) %8$ +< 9 $ +?@ wise lack, a need to fulfill a cru- simply do this by adding this as of investments. So in order to generate better rate shown that nutrition up to the age sade against malnourishment. a subject to the school curricu- of investment resources, they resorted to three fac- of five is essential not only for Thousands of children are at lum. This problem will slowly tors — higher taxation, deficit financing, internal physical growth but also for men- threat because of malnutrition, begin to stitch itself. Playgrounds and external borrowings. Now, the high tax-rates tal and cognitive development. If especially in the global South. and laboratories are necessary in have become counter-productive because they put simply, it is a necessity. On This reminds me of Philip schools. What about gardens have led to more tax-evasion and have generated New Year’s day alone, 3,70,000 Volen’s saying: Poor countries sell and farming? This should be an black or unaccounted money. And the returns to children were born. But who their grain to the West while their issue that should be carefully the government treasury also have always fallen will feed them? Where will that own children starve in their assessed, not the outright killing short of expectation. This factor has had a very food come from? With millions arms. And we feed it to livestock. of our farmers’ rights. Finally, and bad effect on the moral standards of the people of children facing malnutrition So we can eat a steak? Am I the of utmost importance, the gov- and on the currency-value of the country. The across-the-world, this is a prob- only one who sees this as a ernment should ban export and result of borrowings and deficit financing has been lem that should not be put aside. crime? Every morsel of meat we hoarding of food, especially while that almost all nations, today, are debtor nations The sustainable development eat is slapping the tear-stained the people starve. The laws that with weak economies. And almost all industrial- goals (to be completed by 2030) face of a starving child. When I used to safeguard this have been ists and rich men are, directly or indirectly, depen- are a collection of problems look into her eyes, should I be struck down in favour of the dent on the borrowings from banks or through plaguing the earth and the silent? business community. We do not bonds or fixed deposits, the savings of the mid- humanity, requiring an urgent It is high time we begin to care about GDP growth or how dle class and the poor people. action. Although it is among the produce adequate food for our rich our country becomes. But This shows that even the best of brains can- highest on the list, zero hunger citizens. We need to inculcate the we do care about our starving not sustain an economy in a healthy state if it is finds very little mention or active culture of farming nutritious and millions. The upkeep and well- divorced from the ordinary rules of ethics or prin- action against it, and yet it rises. healthy food. I know the farm- being of its people should be the ciples of spiritual wisdom. The best thing, there- Can you recall the Pulitzer Prize lands are reducing as urbanisation primary focus of a government. fore, is to observe moral norms and to base our winner Kevin Carter’s iconic slowly spreads to even the most Why do we witness its opposite economy on ethics, because without them, there photograph of a starving remote areas of India. Despite unfolding? cannot be peace and happiness in the world. 2 3'' ( 5'6 ' ('*('*7 L
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ngland all-rounder Moeen Ali doesn’t know how they are going Eto tackle Virat Kohli in the upcoming Tests against India and feels the batting maestro will be extra motivated to fire after missing his team’s incredible triumph in Australia. Kohli, who had returned home after the opening Test debacle against Australia for the birth of his child, is back to captain the side in the four- India not impregnable: Broad match series against England, begin- ning here on February 5. !4** Courtesy their series win in “How do we get him out? He’s Australia, India are currently obviously an amazing player, world- eteran fast bowler Stuart placed at the top spot in the class, he's very motivated to do well VBroad believes India’s con- ICC World Test Championship and I'm sure he'll be even more moti- fidence will be “sky high" fol- points table. vated after they did well in Australia lowing their remarkable series “They are the World Test and he had to leave for the birth of his win in Australia, but added Championship leaders for good child,” Moeen told reporters during a that what England can’t do is reason. But we have moved video conference. build India up “in our minds” from being admirers to their “I don’t know how we’re going to in the upcoming four-Test enemy within a couple of weeks get him out because I don’t think he series. and what we cannot do is has any sort of weakness but we have Depleted by injuries and build India up in our minds. a good bowling attack, some pace in without their star players, India They are not impregnable,” the line-up. under Ajinkya Rahane, regis- said the 34-year-old. “He’s a great guy and a good friend tered a 2-1 win in the four-Test The 144-Test veteran also of mine — we don’t talk too much Border-Gavaskar Series. The praised India skipper Virat about cricket. We do a little bit but not series victory included a mem- Kohli, terming him one of the too much.” orable three-wicket win at the “best” batsman he has ever Back in the fold after recovering Gabba in Brisbane where they seen. from COVID-19, Moeen said he has chased down a 328-run target “Virat Kohli is one of the still got “match-winning perfor- on the final day of the Test best I’ve ever seen but if we go mances” in him and is ready to take match. through all their positives we on India. “This is not an easy place will be defeated before we’ve Besides the Tests, India and to tour, and India’s confidence even begun. We need to build England will play three ODIs and five will be sky high from winning on our own strengths. We are T20Is. at the Gabba to complete a entering the series in great Moeen said playing Test cricket is “I know people say they don’t look after this,” said Moeen, who had just of your batting and bowling; your tech- T20 players around and they play Test series victory in Australia ear- form ourselves,” said Broad his “biggest motivation” and he has at these things but it would be some- five or six net sessions due to the time nique. I don't think it’s great when cricket. Their defence is pretty solid lier this month,” Broad wrote in while highlighting England’s “little targets”, which he is wants to thing I would look at. Then I would he had to spend in quarantine. you’re just playing white-ball,” he and it gives you more confidence. his column for the Daily Mail. recent 2-0 Test series win in Sri achieve in the upcoming series. set another target after that.” Moeen, who has 181 wickets and said. When I was playing all forms, I felt was “I can tell you that they had Lanka,” said Broad. “Whether or not I get picked is The 33-year-old had tested posi- 2782 runs in Test cricket, had taken a Moeen said red-ball cricket makes better with my white-ball.” supporters within this England “We’ve got batsmen, another matter ... In terms of being tive for COVID-19 upon the England break from the traditional format for a better T20 cricketer. He also asked people to not pay team throughout that decisive bowlers and all-rounders in the ready to play, I think I'll be fine to play, team's arrival in Sri Lanka and missed after missing out on a full contract in “When you are playing red-ball any heed to conspiracy theories and get match in Brisbane. The togeth- top 10 of the world rankings. I'll be ready. I’ve waited long enough,” the two Tests there, which the visitors 2019. cricket, you are hitting a lot more balls, vaccinated for the virus. erness, the character, spirit and Yes, India are a brilliant side, he said. won for a series sweep. “I enjoyed the break and played a you’re bowling a lot more too. With “There’s a lot of conspiracy theo- willingness they showed was and it would be one of the “I still feel I've got wickets and runs “I’m all right now. Once I tested few leagues around the world ... But Twenty20 cricket, as much as it is hit- ries out there but it’s just medicine phenomenal. Any team in the most remarkable series victo- in me and match-winning perfor- positive, I just wanted to get it over and ultimately it was Test cricket that I ting sixes, fours etc, the basis of your evolving. In our community, people world would have been proud ries if we were able to pull it off, mances within me. I have little targets done with really. It has been tough but missed. technique has to be good,” he said. are sometimes a bit cautious. But for of what India achieved despite but we know if we get our I want to achieve first. I am not too far I'm a big believer in ‘after hardship “When you’re playing Test crick- “It doesn’t surprise me that Jos things to get back to normal, it’s impor- being depleted by injuries,” he mindset right we can beat away from getting 200 wickets. comes ease’. Hopefully there is ease et, you’re on top of your game in terms Buttler and Ben Stokes are the two best tant that we do,” he said. added. anyone,” he added. Former stars sympathize with domestic +&(& 0 "P&" Q
players after Ranji cancellation =3 + of course, that makes me ner- vous because I want to give my *2 34 who is the tournament’s most prolific per- ndia wrist spinner Kuldeep best to my franchise in each former ever, cited the practical difficul- IYadav on Sunday said he likes game. Sometimes it works out, he COVID-19 pandemic has done ties. to “reflect on the errors” when sometimes it doesn’t... Twhat even the Second World War “Ideally, I would have liked Ranji things doesn’t go his way as he “It teaches you a few lessons could not: bring to a halt the Ranji Trophy to happen, there is no doubt is geared up for the first two too as you stay relaxed when you Trophy’s 87-year-old non-stop journey. about it. But obviously with 38 teams, so Tests against England in do well and when you don’t play And eminent players of the past, many players, the venues and all that, Chennai beginning February 5. well, you get a chance to reflect many of whom had used the country’s probably it was a bit difficult logistical- The 26-year-old has fallen on the errors. This is how you premier domestic tournament as a plat- ly, so I can understand,” the former India out of favour in recent times, learn and cricket is a game # 0: form to announce their arrival, sympa- opener, who has won multiple Ranji titles having made a sole appearance where you can't keep perform- thised with the current lot of cricketers, with Mumbai and Vidarbha, said. in the Canberra ODI during ing well always,” he said. but also agreed with the BCCI's unprece- But for someone, who is a bona fide India’s recent tour of Australia. Talking about initial days of dented decision to not conduct the tour- Ranji legend, the premier national tour- Kuldeep, who has played his career, the UP spinner said ) nament for the first time since its incep- nament’s absence does rankle. only six Tests for India, stands he always wanted to be a fast tion in 1934-35. “I mean still very sad after so many a chance to make it to the play- bowler but his diminutive 4 - “I am sympathetic to what players years, for the first time the Ranji is not ing XI at the Chepauk with all- stature became a hurdle and so might be feeling but I think whatever happening, so it is obviously is going to rounder Ravindra Jadeja not he turned to spin bowling on his amil Nadu produced an impressive bat- decision BCCI has taken is in the best be sad, especially the players who play available for the first two Tests coach’s insistence. Tting display after left-arm spinner M interest of everyone,” former India keep- only red-ball format, they are not going due to an injury. “I think I was good at fast Siddarth’s four-wicket haul as they lifted the er Chandrakant Pandit, one of the coun- to play red-ball tournament for a good “At some point you won’t do bowling. I could swing the ball coveted Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy after try’s finest domestic coaches, told PTI on 18 months,” Jaffer pointed out the flip side well and that’s the time you both ways even at the age of 10- defeating Baroda by seven wickets in the Sunday. of it. reflect and gain experience so 11 years. Even my coach used to final here on Sunday. The board has informed its affiliates For a state team regular without a that you don't repeat those feel the same because my wrist This was Tamil Nadu’s second Syed that the truncated season would comprise bare minimum IPL contract (Rs 20 errors in future,” the left-arm work was neat,” he said. Mushtaq Ali Trophy triumph, after winning the Vijay Hazare Trophy, senior women’s lakh), a full season of Ranji, Vijay spinner, who grabbed 5 for 99 “But the hurdle was my lack their first title way back in 2006-07. Baroda, one-day tournament and the Vinoo Hazare, Mushtaq Ali, Duleep Trophy against Australia in Sydney in of growth (height). So, he asked who had won the title twice in the past (in Mankad Trophy for under-19 boys. would mean earnings of around Rs 15 to 2019 in his last Test, said in a me to switch to spin bowling. I 2011-12 and 2013-14), ended runners-up “I am happy that there is at least two 20 lakh per season and this time it will video posted by KKR on its web- was pretty angry initially because this time. tournaments happening. Could a trun- be less than half. site. “I have been playing for yourself so that you can main- I never liked spin and always Siddharth (4/20) spun his web around cated Ranji Trophy been an option? I But the BCCI has promised a com- Things have gone from bad KKR for seven years now, and tain a standard always. It's actu- wanted to be a fast bowler. the Baroda batsmen to restrict them to a don’t know but BCCI, in a short span, pensation for domestic players and that to worse for Kuldeep in IPL as being a senior player, I need to ally important because fran- “I skipped going to the meagre 120 for 9 and then Tamil Nadu over- also had to organise the Vinoo Mankad might bring in some financial respite. well as he featured in nine perform consistently,” said chise cricket is tough with all the ground for 10 days as I was hauled the target in 18 overs, with opener Trophy keeping the U-19 World Cup in “That money also comes in after six- games for Kolkata Knight Riders Kuldeep, who has been retained expectations from the fans.” determined to continue with C Hari Nishaanth top-scoring with 35. mind.” eight months, so the guys who are only and returned with only four by KKR ahead of the 2021 IPL Kuldeep said the pressure of only fast bowling. But my coach Chasing 121 for a win, Tamil Nadu lost The BCCI has 38 first-class teams dependent on match fees with a family wickets in 2019, while he took auction. expectations make him ner- told me that if I really wanted to opener Narayan Jagadeesan (14) early as after the inclusion of northeastern states to feed will be in for hard times,” Jaffer just one wicket in four games last “It is challenging but then vous. play cricket, I had to take up pacer Lukman Meriwala (1/34) picked up and Uttarakhand coach Wasim Jaffer, added. year in UAE. you need to keep upgrading “It is a kind of pressure, and spin.” the first wicket, with the opposition at 26/1. But Nishaanth (35; 3x4; 1x6) continued playing his shots and was joined by Baba 3 - Aparajith (29 not out off 35 balls) as Tamil !"!0; ) 7 Nadu reached 61/1 after 10 overs. akistan has left out veteran However, medium-pacer Babashafi Pbatsman Mohammad Hafeez +4 3 * Pathan removed Nishaanth in the 12th over, from its Twenty20 squad for the Lahore after the Feb. 3 deadline. The selectors dropped opening as he holed out in the deep, to reduce TN series against South Africa because “Unfortunately, the scenario is batsman Fakhar Zaman and fast he Taiwanese player blocked to 67/2 and give Baroda a glimmer of hope. he would not meet the Pakistan as such that every player has to join bowler Wahab Riaz due to their Treigning Olympic champion Skipper Dinesh Karthik played his part Cricket Board’s deadline for play- the (bio) bubble on Feb. 3 and if a recent poor performances while Carolina Marin’s bid for a hat-trick to perfection with a 16-ball 22 but perished ers to enter a bio-secure bubble. player can’t do so, it means he is all-rounder Shadab Khan is still of titles in three weeks when his side needed 20 runs off 23 balls. The PCB had said that all play- unavailable,” chief selector nursing a leg injury. Pakistan's Top-ranked Tai Tzu-ying won Aparajith and Shahrukh Khan (18 not ers had to be in the team’s bubble Mohammad Wasim said. other Twenty20 regular - all- a dramatic cliffhanger women’s out off 7 balls; 2x4; 1x6) then took TN home. by Feb. 3 ahead of the three- “If he (Hafeez) was available, rounder Imad Wasim - was badminton World Tour Final in Shahrukh, fittingly, finished the game with match series against the Proteas there’s no question on his perfor- unavailable because of a family Bangkok Sunday, blocking reign- a boundary. that starts on Feb. 11. mance, but unfortunately he is not commitment. ing Olympic champion Carolina Earlier, Siddharth's brilliant bowling Hafeez, who is not among the available.” In addition to Asif, fast bowler Marin’s bid for a hat-trick of titles upfront enabled TN to restrict Baroda to 120 PCB’s centrally contracted players, The selectors have recalled Hasan Ali and Aamer Yamir were in three weeks. for 9 on a difficult track. is currently playing in the T10 Asif Ali, who is also playing in the also recalled to the Twenty20 team The all Danish men’s singles It was largely due to the 58-run seventh League in the United Arab T10 League in the UAE, but Wasim that also includes four rookie play- final was equally nail-biting as fast and furious rallies - both play- wicket stand between Vishnu Solanki (49 off Emirates. He had asked the PCB to said the batsman will join the team ers - Zafar Gohar, Danish Aziz, Anders Antonsen denied Viktor ers yo-yoed up and down the 55 balls; 1x4; 2x6) and Atit Sheth (29 off 30 allow him to join the team in by the Feb. 3 deadline. Zahid Mehmood and Amad Butt. Axelsen a third tournament win in scoreboard - but two late spectac- balls; 2x4;1x6) that Baroda after being three weeks. ular drop shots were critical in reduced to 36/6 managed a three-figure total. Marin beat the Taiwanese 26- sealing Tai’s victory 21-19. Siddharth used the pitch to his advan- year-old two weeks in a row dur- Lee and Shin lost the first tage by varying the pace of his deliveries and % < ) ing the previous Thailand Open game 15-21 before scrapping also using the crease well to create awkward tournament finals. through to claim the second 26-24. angles for the batsmen. The Spaniard had a shaky start They had momentum early in Put into bat on a Sardar Patel Stadium *2 34 ble recent triumph in to the list of available play- ability and selection flexi- but flawed Rohit Sharma Sunday as Tai exploited holes in the third game and were able to track that offered both turn and bounce, Australia. ers, India take on an bility, albeit at a higher and the indomitable her defence early, but Marin hold off a late resurgence from Baroda lost left-handed opener Ninad ormer Australia cap- “India will start as unbeatable appearance.” level than the Indian, is a Cheteshwar Pujara, which mounted a successful comeback in their opponents to win the decider Rathva (1) early as the move to start with Ftain Ian Chappell reck- favourites after an exhila- The big-ticket series big plus. And Jofra Archer places them well ahead of the later stages winning the open- 21-19. spinners from both the ends paid off for ons India will start as rating victory over starts in Chennai on adds substantially to the England’s top order.” er 21-14. In the men’s doubles, sev- Tamil Nadu. favourites in the Test series Australia, overcoming all February 5. quality of an already strong He says it will add a lot Marin was loud and fiesty in enth-ranked Lee Yang and Wang Rathva was caught by KB Arun Karthik against England owing to obstacles. When you add Chappell feels India’s pace attack. of pressure on Joe Root if her verbal celebrations, but a vis- Chi-Lin of Taiwan won their third off offie Baba Aparajith (1/16). Aparajith and a quality pace attack with the name Virat Kohli to the formidable top order may “However it’s the top the duo of Dom Silbey and ibly annoyed Tai soon found her title in three weeks. left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore (0/11) kept plenty of depth and a top batting order, the team tip the scales in favour of of the England order, Rory Burns fails. own voice. They beat Indonesia’s things tight as Baroda was 11/1 after three order that is more consis- suddenly assumes a bullet- the home team, despite where another returning “Dom Sibley possess- The pair also played mind Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra overs. tent than the visitors’. proof cloak,” Chappell England’s 2-0 sweep of Sri player, Rory Burns, will es the grit and determina- games over shuttlecock changes. Setiawan 21-17, 23-21 in 37 min- Skipper Kedar Devdhar (16), who had What should also bol- wrote in his column for Lanka recently. reside, that the scales tip in tion required for success at In the second game Tai dom- utes. hammered three boundaries, could not con- ster the home team is the ‘ESPNcricinfo’. “...The availability of a India’s favour. the highest level but there inated early and dictated a com- Thailand’s third seeds Sapsiree vert his starts and gave a sitter to Narayan addition of captain Virat “In also adding the premium player in Ben “India’s top three fea- are questions about his manding pace, eventually tri- Taerattanachai and Dechapol Jagadeesan at cover as the wiry Siddharth Kohli to a strong batting names R Ashwin, Hardik Stokes who, like (Hardik) ture an impressive technique against the best umphing 21-8. Puavaranukroh are also going for picked up his first wicket. line-up and their incredi- Pandya and Ishant Sharma Pandya, provides all-round Shubman Gill, a talented international bowlers. The decider was filled with a trio of titles.