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                     P       !         &121/3*    35,726 new infections and 166 Covid deaths in 24 hours, ith 46 districts in 12 highest since last October.   "    '/')) WStates contributing 71 Struggling to arrest the per cent of the Covid-19 cases fresh surge in Covid-19 cases, he first phase of Bengal and 69 per cent of related the Maharashtra Government    &121/3* TAssembly elections con- deaths, the Centre on Saturday on Saturday announced a ban cluded on Saturday amid attributed the surge to people’s on holding of all types of gath- erum Institute of ’s reports of sporadic violence laxity in following social dis- erings, including political and S(SII) new Covid-19 vac- with little more than 82 per tancing norms and called for religious, a day before new cine, Covovax, is likely to hit cent voter turnout, said offi- stringent action, including curbs on assembly of more the Indian market by cials, adding the elections were effective containment and con- than five persons in night will September this year. by far peaceful. tact tracing for at least 14 days come into force. Chief Executive of SII, Long queues of voters were in a row at the Covid-19 The State had 2,82,451 which also manufactures being inoculated to the people seen at many booths through- hotspots, to break the chain of active cases as on Friday. Covishield vaccine, Adar in India under the nationwide out the five districts till evening. transmission. The country has seen the Poonawalla said on Saturday vaccination programme East Midnapore recorded a Total 61,573 cases were sharpest rise in weekly Covid- that the company has begun launched on January 16. turnout of 80.51 per cent while reported from across the coun- 19 cases and fatalities since the phase 2 and 3 clinical tri- The phase 2 and 3 bridg- in neighbouring West try in last 24 hours, while May 2020 ie 7.7 per cent and als for Covovax and hoped to ing study for Covovax has Midnapore it was 80.12 per Maharashtra alone reported 5.1 per cent respectively. And launch the vaccine by begun at one of the four clin- cent. Jhargram witnessed a it has been noted that one September. ical trial sites in Pune on polling of 80.55 per cent where- -./012234564& infected person could spread “Covovax trials finally Thursday, and soon enrol- as voter turnout in Purulia was Covid-19 to an average of 406 begin in India; the vaccine is ment of participants is to start a tad low at 77.07 per cent, fol- * O  other individuals in a 30-day made through a partnership at other sites, the SII said. lowed by Bankura where about                5 67 778 window without restrictions with (US’) Novavax and Serum On 30 January, after the       !" 79.90 per cent voters had exer- +    9:: which could be reduced to just Institute of India... Hope to announcement of the first cised their voting rights. ; 9< 75   15 by decreasing physical expo- launch by September 2021!” interim efficacy data by Incidents of violence were chairman, recently joined the our polling agent and were giv- block president Ram Govind   ! sure to 50 per cent and to a fur- Poonawalla tweeted on Novavax, the CEO of the reported from Salboni region of BJP like his elder brother and ing false votes… This angered Das and his wife, a panchayat  =8 >7:  ther 2.5 (average) by decreas- Saturday. world’s largest vaccine manu- West Midnapore and Sabajpur their father , the the TMC goons and they van- pradhan, as my arrival to the    ing physical exposure to 75 per Presently SII manufac- facturer had said that it hopes of South seat in East local MP. dalised my car and beat up my area failed their plans to rig cent. tured Covishield and Bharat to launch the vaccine by June. Midnapore district where the “I had rushed to a booth driver,” he said. polling, Adhikari said.      Continued on Page 4 Biotech Ltd’s Covaxin are Continued on Page 4 vehicle of Soumendu Adhikari, after receiving complaints that The attack was carried out At Salboni former Bengal    #;  the youngest brother of BJP the TMC men had driven out under the leadership of TMC Minister and CPI(M) candidate 9<   leader Suvendu Adhikari, was was Sushanto Ghosh twice +7?7?>$>   vandalised and his driver badly attacked and heckled by alleged  8$9    beaten up by alleged Trinamool Trinamool men when he tried )   $%  & Congress supporters.     to stop them from capturing    ! Soumendu, a former TMC booths.  @  leader and Contai Municipality    &121/3* Continued on Page 4       '     voter turnout of 77 per Acent was recorded in Assam on Saturday in the first "  #R    R     phase of Assembly elections in       the State, the Election        Commission said.        %   *+     Voting was held in 47 seats         in Assam in this phase with a    &121/3*        total of 81 lakh electorate reg-       istered across 11,537 polling  %    eports of Covid-19 re-       stations. There are total 21,825 !#     Rinfection despite vaccina-    L polling stations. On Saturday, ##    "  "   '/')) tion have started trickling in M ! a total of 582 cases of Model     from various parts of the coun-         # Code of Conduct violations        engal Chief Minister try. Two health workers in    $ were reported through the    BMamata Banerjee on Mathura district in Uttar cVIGIL app from Assam out of Saturday attacked Prime Pradesh on Saturday reported      which 423 were disposed of by the Covid-19 pandemic. Minister Narendra Modi alleg- testing positive for coronavirus      4.30 pm. Till date, 97.31crore As a major push in con- ing that he has politicised his despite having been adminis-  #        !"     %& has been seized in Assam (as ducting free and fair elections, visit at a time when tered both doses of the anti- '     against a total seizure of 16.58 live monitoring and webcasting elections are being held in this Covid vaccine. of the Covishield vaccine on “Vaccination has been going on  )**+    crore in 2016 Assembly polls). mechanism for more than 50 part of the border. Similarly, Director of January 16, 2021. After a 28- in a big way across the coun- !   The poll panel said it had per cent of polling stations, Mamata said, “He (PM) is   $( (  Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate day gap, he reportedly took a try for decades. Vaccination is  !   laid great emphasis on ensur- including critical and vulner- going to Bangladesh during the     Institute of Medical Sciences second shot on February 13. not always 100 per cent effec-    ing transparent and vigilant able polling booths, were put in elections and issuing state- )  *  !" (SGPGI), Lucknow, Professor Earlier, another doctor tive,” they said. !% - $ mechanisms for conducting place to ensure safe and secure ments on Bengal... it is a vio- Radha Krishan Dhiman, has posted at Shyama Prasad According to experts, low elections that are free of atmosphere in polling areas. lation of MCC.” going to Bangladesh with an tested positive for the infection. Mukherjee Civil Hospital in immunity of the beneficiary      inducement and intimidation. The Commission, state Reminding how the visa of intent to influence a section of Prof Dhiman, who has taken Lucknow, Nitin Mishra, shared and high virus load suppress-       The number of polling sta- chief electoral officers, district a Bangla actor acting in Bengali voters — residing in Bengal — both doses of vaccine against that he had tested positive ing antibodies could also be   ! )-.+/))  tions had increased as the election officers and the tele serials was cancelled — at when the elections are taking coronavirus, shared on days after taking the second factors behind someone testing &    0! number of voters per polling observers could watch live BJP’s behest — during 2019 place here … why should your Facebook recently that he and dose of vaccination. positive for Covid-19 even     ! station was reduced from 1,500 streaming and keep a close polls, after he joined visa not be cancelled? We will his wife, Dr Praveena, were Experts said that the suc- after taking both shots against     +  to 1,000 keeping social dis- watch on these polling booths a TMC rally, Mamata said, raise the issue with the EC. infected two days ago. cess rate of vaccines varies the virus. +#    $ tancing norms in mind due to in Assam. “You (Prime Minister) are Continued on Page 4 He had taken the first dose from 70 to 75 per cent. Continued on Page 4 "    Q  R%" &   R   ( ) *  mation technology and sports. appreciation for the coopera- "P “India and Bangladesh tion extended by Bangladesh in      &121/3*      signed MoUs in key sectors security related matters. -(.  such as disaster management, He also reiterated India’s ealth Minister Satyendar      sports and youth affairs, trade, “sincere and continued efforts” HJain on Saturday dismissed        technology and more. These to conclude the Teesta water- any possibility of imposing will add strength to our devel- sharing agreement in consul- another lockdown in Delhi,  ! opment partnership and ben- tation with stakeholders. saying it was not a solution to "/!0  efit the people of our nations, “The two leaders directed check the spread of the coron- especially the youth,” he said. their respective Ministries of avirus that is again surging.    Ministry of External Water Resources to work Jain said, “As of now, there Affairs Spokesperson Arindam towards an early conclusion of is no possibility of another  Bagchi said that the two lead- the Framework of Interim lockdown. We had tried it ear- ers discussed the progress Agreement on sharing of lier. Experts had said due to its achieved in areas of health, waters of six common rivers, 14-day cycle, a 21-day lock-    3)') trade, connectivity, energy, namely, Manu, Muhuri, down would stop the spread of developmental cooperation Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and the virus but this did not hap- rime Minister Narendra and others. Dudhkumar,” the joint state- pen. So for me, lockdown is no in the national Capital during PModi said on Saturday that “Recognising that terror- ment said. solution.” upcoming festivals such Holi, he had a “productive meeting” ( +(    #* )#  !" ism remains a threat to global The Indian side also Jain said action will be Navaratri and Shab-e-Barat. with his Bangladeshi counter- peace and security, both sides requested for early finalisa- taken against those found vio- The Government has set part during Modi, who is visiting level meeting. nomic and cultural linkages in reiterated their strong com- tion of a draft for sharing of lating the directions issued for up a number of teams to ensure which they reviewed the full Bangladesh on his first trip to “Had a productive meeting the times to come,” Modi tweet- mitment to eliminating terror- water of Feni River pending Holi celebrations. that people adhere to its direc- range of bilateral ties and dis- a foreign country since the with PM Sheikh Hasina. We ed. ism in all its forms and mani- with the Bangladeshi side, The Delhi Disaster tions on Holi. District magis- cussed ways to deepen the Covid-19 outbreak, held one- reviewed the full range of The two sides signed five festations,” said a joint state- Foreign Secretary Harsh Management Authority had trates and police have created economic and cultural linkages on-one talks with Hasina which India-Bangladesh relations and MoUs covering areas such as ment issued after their talks. Vardhan Shringla said. on Tuesday ordered that there district-wise teams. in the times to come. was followed by delegation- discussed ways to deepen eco- connectivity, commerce, infor- Modi expressed India’s Continued on Page 4 will be no public celebrations Continued on Page 4      + ,-. ,/,0  ()*

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3   !   $         #   $*      !       3   ?       $*   !   1.8(25.5&3:+-453+/ 28&4+/E+F      #$2   !  &  G: #     $ > *.  )         !  #K L+(  -/ +  " #      3!4P26 2   / *C=D7 @ #   *!  3    *     isney+ dropped the second episode on $*     3  Friday, March 26, 2021. The fans who           $* Dwere waiting for it with bated breath will !        3  not be disappointed with this one. The first *  #      0   episode was only a teaser of what will follow in        #   $ the coming episodes. While there was not much      $3  *# * of Bucky in the prequel, here he is very much      in your face — jumping from an aircraft 200 feet !   * 1       # 0   in the air with no parachute and no broken          $3  bones or even scratch — is just one of the few               things that he does while one sits and goes on ! $3   3 !      ! 3   $     a ride with the Falcon and him as a team.   !    * !$* 0  ;  !  #      Winter Soldier does what he does best,   ! 3        O  !   $ brooding — Falcon gave away Captain America’s         !        * 3 ! shield — and staring.  O$2     $  $  3     * Then there is Captain America. His struggle 3           3 $*! !  #    !  to step into the shoes of Steve Rogers is evident.  *   ! 3       ;F*    One empathises with John Walker’s (played by    *          D   +! * 3   Wyatt Russell) predicament of being the new    !    $ *! !!         Captain America. Even if the fans may not want   $           $   $ to see a new Captain America. L+## 2     * ! 3 $ L6#  L(  The stunts are off the charts. The scene $3!4P L # 6# 2 3!4P! *  +P where Captain America, Winter Soldier and #5  P 2) 6  *L7(8 48+5(+*(.592;:+./43 Falcon come together in a fight against an anti- appear to blunder at every step of the patriotism group the Flag Smashers is amazing < = way. even if our heroes lose this round. It goes without > * ?? #  The way Deohans moves from saying that they will go back to fight another day. #8.592;/&.9 &  . ?    A  the past to the present and then back Given that there are more than one super AB   ) to the past is interesting and keeps soldiers running, episode three promises to bring 010* $45$4 $66 6 $6& !   $ / *C=D7 one glued. There are of course two in more action. # !  reasons for this. L # #' ) 97  -   #' +=8 +! # #  &  t is very rare for Bollywood to First, the most important one — . + 76 7?79 ' &     /   make a really good murder Manoj Bajpayee and his absolutely  *   9?2     ML2  D  Imystery without going off-chart. brilliant performance here. As ;; #I      !D One can in fact, count on one’s Avinash Verma, a cop with        $ #    !   $ finger tips good crime thrillers. unconventional crime-solving !     97        L!      Silence: Can You Hear It is a pleasant method, he holds the film together till    9?? $* D              change from the usual films that the the very end. He doesn’t, even for a 9??     #   *           entertainment industry makes under single minute, miss a beat. Prachi  #   $   !      this genre. Desai is a delight to watch as well and 2#  !       /  $  #     From the very beginning you given that Bajpayee rules here, she     )        know that this one is going to be an holds her own.  D!# *       $2  D interesting ride with twists nd turns Second, there is no melodrama at         ;!!D     D!! 0  at every nook and corner. This means the climax; the dialogues are simple     !    @  + : +    0 $   ! $ be prepared for the unexpected till the and straightforward making this film #  !  ! - J >   /   !  .#  #  very end and this is where the forte a must watch for all those who love '   !.  2# L)!            lies of director Aban Bharucha suspense movies. -#/! ' F # # 9?B         ;!!       Deohans even though the detectives L #        97B$          96!    $M

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(   : "      # 97(             % " *#            &121/3*      &121/3*            &121/3* any other traffic violations. he Delhi Police has arrest- n view of surge in Covid-19 “Special checking teams will Ted four men in connection Icases in the national Capital,  % "*7 ith Holi round the corner, be deployed at major intersec- with the death of two men who the Delhi Police on Saturday Wthe Delhi Police on tions and vulnerable points to died after inhaling toxic gases appealed to the public to cele- "   Saturday issued a traffic adviso- detect and prosecute traffic vio- while cleaning a septic tank of brate Holi at home and also ry to ensure safety of motorists lations. Special Traffic Police a banquet hall in east Delhi’s warned legal action against      &121/3* on roads. Police said special checking teams along with PCR Ghazipur area. Police said that those found indulging in play- Relation Officer (PRO) of Delhi checking teams will also be and local police teams will be the accused identified as Rahul, ing Holi outdoors. Police appealed to people to fol- elhi Metro services will not deployed at major intersections stationed on various roads and a housekeeping staff, Aamir This move comes amid a low Covid-19 protocols and Dbe available till 2.30 pm on to detect and prosecute traffic strategic locations all over Delhi Khan, the general manager Yadav, the Deputy the men, who had gone for rise in coronavirus cases, fol- said public celebrations and Monday on account of Holi. violators. to check drunken driving, Red and the two directors of the Commissioner of Police catering related work at the lowing which the Delhi gatherings, during Holi shall “On the day of the ‘Holi’ Police have appealed to all Light jumping and other viola- banquet hall, Johit alias Jimmy (DCP), East district, the house- banquet hall, were forced to Disaster Management not be allowed in public places festival, metro services will motorists to avoid traffic viola- tions. Radar Guns will be Arora and Girish Mahendru keeping staff of the banquet hall clean the septic tank and were Authority (DDMA) on — grounds, parks, markets or not be available till 2:30 pm on tions and urged people to follow deployed at various vulnerable were arrested on Friday night called the two men for clean- not given any protective gear. Tuesday ordered that there religious places here. all lines of Delhi Metro includ- Government directives and not roads to check incidents of following their interrogation. ing the tank at 7.30 pm and A case under section 304A would be no public celebrations “As per DDMA order, the ing Rapid Metro/Airport celebrate upcoming festivals in over-speeding,” said the Joint CP. On Thursday evening, around 10 pm, they were found (causing death by negligence) in the national Capital during public are not allowed to go out Express Line on 29th March public places. “Public celebrations and Lokesh (35) and Prem Chand dead. of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) upcoming festivals such Holi and play Holi. So, the Delhi (Monday). Metro train ser- According to Meenu gatherings, congregations dur- (40), residents of Trilokpuri, “Teams from the Fire and section 9 of the Prohibition and Navaratri. Chief Secretary Police appeals to the public to vices will thus start at 2:30 pm Choudhary, the Joint ing upcoming festivals like Holi, entered the tank to clean it and Department, the Delhi Disaster of Employment as Manual Vijay had directed author- celebrate Holi with their fam- from terminal stations on all Commissioner of Police, Traffic, Shab-e-Barat, Navaratri are not were subsequently found dead Management Authority and Scavengers and their ities to ensure strict compliance ily members at home. Strict lines on 29th March and will as the festival of Holi will be cel- allowed in public places, parks, inside, the police said, adding MCD visited the spot, he said, Rehabilitation Act has been of the order. legal action will be taken continue normally thereafter,” ebrated on Monday, elaborate markets, or religious places that the deceased were not adding that the two men were registered, the DCP said, Citing the DDMA order, against those found playing the Delhi Metro said in a state- traffic arrangements have been across Delhi and any person given any protective gear and taken to a hospital, where they adding Scheduled Caste and Chinmoy Biswal, the Public Holi outdoors,” said Biswal. ment. made to ensure the safety of found violating directives for were offered Rs 3,000 for the were declared brought dead. Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of motorists on roads and strict Covid-19 shall be prosecuted as work. The family members of Atrocities) Act has also been action will be taken against per law,” she said. According to Deepak the deceased had alleged that invoked against the accused. 6 0   those found indulged in drunk- +    % en driving, performing stunts on   two-wheelers, riding without helmet, over-speeding, jumping  "       red light, dangerous driving or      &121/3* ==(   inister of Power Satyendar     *H MJain inaugurated India’s %      first grid connected communi- ty storage system located in      &121/3* Minister instructed that a ded-    Rani Bagh that will improve the icated pipeline should be laid supply reliability at the distrib- elhi Water Minister and from Keshopur ‘Sewage ution level and avoid a situation DChairman of Delhi Jal Treatment Plant’ (STP) to the      &121/3* of grid failure in case of any exi- Board (DJB) Satyendar Jain on point of Paschim Vihar lake. gency. Talking about it, the Saturday directed the officials Jain further instructed that elhi reported 1,558 coron- Minister said the storage system to ensure cleaning of all water the ordinance forest near Davirus cases for the third is robust and will be of massive bodies and lakes on priority Shakurpur railway station consecutive day on Saturday, use. It is environment friendly, basis. should be supplied with treat- while ten more people suc- uses no water and produces no The direction came in a ed water from Mangolpuri cumbed to the disease. emissions, he said. meeting chaired by the Common effluent treatment The positivity rate stands at “This is the first grid con- Minister to review the situation plant (CETP). 1.70 per cent. The positivity nected community storage sys- of 600 water bodies and lakes The DJB Chairman also rate was 1.52 on Wednesday, tem. This battery system has a in Delhi. The arrangement for reviewed the work of Iradat 1.31 per cent on Tuesday, 1.32 lifespan of 10-20 years. When treated water, however, should Nagar lake which will receive per cent on Monday and 1.03 there is peak load, transformers go on in parallel, he said, 25MGD water from Rithala per cent on Sunday. usually burn out which causes adding that all 200 out of these STP. The project is expected to The 1,558 new infections power failure. In the months of 600 water bodies and lakes be completed in one year. This pushed the tally to 6,55,834, June-July, when there is a peak, under DJB must be cleaned will help in groundwater while 6,38,212 patients have the battery will aid in the power before the monsoon. recharge in north Delhi. recovered from the virus. The supply. And when there is a low The DJB officials were Jain directed that DJB active cases reached to 6625 on power demand, it will get dis- further directed by the should complete the lake reju- Saturday, according to the charged,” he said. Minister to complete the venation project and develop it health bulletin issued by the “It is a very simple system. work within the timeline. as a polishing pond to improve health department of the Delhi Earlier batteries caused a lot of Multiple complaints were made the incoming 5 MGD of water Government. pollution. This is a lithium-ion by the public and local com- from Najafgarh STP using nat- A total of 91,703 tests, battery. For this battery system, munity that waste misman- ural wetlands. including 59,648 RT-PCR tests, if we take four hours of storage, agement by BJP led MCD had He also directed officials to were conducted a day ago, the it would mean 150KW, and for converted these water bodies speed up the work of the con- bulletin said. 1 hour it is 600 KW. The cost and lakes into dumping struction of the lake at Dwarka The number of people is 1 crore. I request the ones grounds. ‘Waste Treatment Plant’ (WTP) under home isolation rose to who have installed the battery In order to get the desired which was delayed due to var- 3,708 from 3,312 a day ago. to reduce the cost four times so quantity of water of 10-12 ious administrative reasons. The containment zones that we can install more of MGD to the Paschim vihar lake The lake will be spread over an rose to 1506 from 1,307 on these,” he said. area and other green belts, the area of 10-12 acres. Saturday, it said.        

     &121/3* (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) and n view of upcoming festivals, gambling cases and directed IDelhi Police Commissioner strict action against organised SN Shrivastava instructed his criminal networks. Crime officers on Saturday to ensure against women, kidnapping optimal visibility of the force and POCSO cases were close- and follow safety guidelines ly monitored and the district while strictly enforcing the police chiefs were directed to DDMA orders amid the Covid- expedite the final reports, 19 pandemic. Mittal said. A crime review meeting “An appraisal of the listing was held by the Delhi Police of criminals and the strategy to chief with senior officers of the keep a vigil on them were dis- force through a video-confer- cussed, along with an action ence to discuss the law-and- priate behaviour and said it lic celebrations and gather- plan to keep a tab on jail/bail order situation and take stock should be strictly adhered to ings, congregations during released criminals and their of the action taken against and enforced on the ground. upcoming festivals such as activities. Emphasis was laid on incidents of crime and crimi- The Police Commissioner Holi and Shab-e-Barat shall not taking legal remedies to speed nals. also instructed his staff to fol- to be allowed at public places, up the investigation of the In view of consecutive fes- low safety guidelines while public grounds, public parks, pending cases,” he added. tivals in the coming week, enforcing the DDMA orders. markets and religious places,” Srivastava also examined Shrivastava directed the officers “The police commissioner said Anil Mittal, the Additional the status of the complaints in to ensure optimal visibility of reviewed the action taken Public Relation Officer the Integrated Complaints the force. He stressed on the regarding the enforcement of (APRO) of Delhi Police. Management System and Delhi Disaster Management the DDMA’s Covid guidelines The police chief also directed the officers for a Authority’s (DDMA) guide- and directed all to remain reviewed the progress of the speedy disposal of the com- lines regarding Covid-appro- extra alert to ensure that pub- investigation in burglary, NDPS plaints, officials said.      + ,-. ,/,0   )-

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"    +@+-)* on Thursday, there was a sudden “active cases” total cases in the  *  jump increase by 54 deaths dur- state increased from 2,82,451 to %   6?  aharashtra witnessed a ing the last 24 hours. 3,03,475. The fatality rate in the 7   Mspike in the number of With 155 deaths reported on state dropped from 2.04 per cent Covid-19 fatalities as the daily Saturday, the total Covid-19 to 2.02 per cent. Patna: In view of the increasing number of Covid-19 cases Ahmedabad: The Gujarat '     In view of this, those enter- Covid toll jumped to 166 on deaths climbed from 53,907 to There are a maximum of in Bihar, the State Government on Saturday issued an order Government on Saturday ing Gujarat from other states Saturday, while there was no let 54073. Similarly, after the state 56,849 “active” cases in Pune, fol- asking people not to congregate at public places on the day announced that a negative () must have undergone RT-PCR up in the daily infections which recorded the highest-ever 36,902 lowed by Nagpur (40,527) of Holi festival. Covid-19 RT-PCR test report     test in the previous 72 hours stood at 35,726. infections, the total caseload in Mumbai (39,869), Thane The order issued by the Home department also said that will be mandatory for those and carry a negative report, it Mumbai, which has become the state rose from 26,37,735 to (29,740), Nashik (23,762), "minimum number" of people will be allowed to gather at arriving from other states.      said. a hot spot city in the country dur- 26,73,461. Aurangabad (20,460), Jalgaon one place during Holika Dahan, the ritual performed on Earlier, the government The order will come into ing the last two weeks, recorded As 14,523 patients were dis- (7058), Amaravati (3259) and the eve of the Holi festival and Shab-e-Barat. had made negative test report    force from April 1. the highest ever 6240 infections, charged from the hospitals across Akola (5972). The government order did not specify the minimum must only for those coming In the last few days Gujarat surpassing Friday’s record tally of the state after full recovery, the Meanwhile, of the number of people allowed to gather. from neighbouring    has been witnessing a surge in 5,505 infections. With fresh cases, total number of people dis- 1,91,92,750 samples sent to lab- It said that people should maintain COVID-19 proto- Maharashtra which has been    cases of coronavirus with the total caseload in Mumbai charged from the hospitals since oratories, 26,73,461 have tested col such as wearing face mask, maintaining social distancing, worst hit by the pandemic."The Ahmedabad and Surat being climbed from 3,80,146 to the second week of March last positive (13.93 per cent) for using hand sanitiser while participating during Holika coronavirus infection rate is    the worst affected. 3,85,551. With 12 fresh deaths, year went up to 23,14,579. The COVID-19 until Saturday. Dahan and Shab-e-Barat. increasing in many states of the The state recorded 2,190 the Covid-19 toll in Mumbai rose recovery rate in the state dropped Currently, 14,88,701 people All Divisional Commissioners, Range Inspector country. It is also seen that travel history," the state health new cases on Friday, highest from 11,633 to 11,645. from 87.2 per cent to 86.58 per are in home quarantine while Generals, Deputy Inspector Generals, DMs, SSP and prevalence of COVID-19 is department said in a notifica- since the start of the pandem- After Maharashtra recorded cent.. 15,644 people are in institution- Superintendents of Police have been communicated for the high among those who have tion. ic. PTI 111 and 112 deaths respectively Meanwhile, the number of al quarantine. enforcement of the decision. PTI               7   )           # ('(#    0! + >   P   New Delhi: The BJP on Saturday reached Malout along with local     Gandhinagar: The Gujarat Government Pradipsinh Jadeja had told the press ear- blamed the Chief Minister leaders to address a press confer- Jammu: Authorities in Jammu concerned to increase the camp's in all likelihood will table a Bill to amend lier. Amarinder Singh-led Punjab gov- ence, they were surrounded by a reviewed arrangements at the accommodation capacity from the 'Dharma Swatantrya' (Freedom of The Gujarat Freedom of Religion ernment for the "murderous" group of protesting farmers and ; 9<  Bhagwati Nagar base camp on the current 2,000 to 5,000. Religion) Act, 2003 in the ongoing Act (2003) seeks to deal with religious attack on its MLA Arun Narang in black ink was thrown at them and Saturday for this year's The officers apprised the Budget session of the Assembly to conversion through allurement, force or the state and demanded exemplary their vehicles, officials said. Ludhiana (Punjab): The Army on Amarnath Yatra, and called for deputy commissioner that the combat forceful religious conversions, by misrepresentation or by any other action against culprits. The Punjab chief minister Saturday postponed to April 25 the com- augmenting the accommodation Yatri Niwas has 13 halls with better known as 'Love Jehad'. fraudulent means. However, the state In a statement, BJP general strongly condemned the attack on mon entrance examination for recruit- capacity from 2,000 to 5,000, attached bathrooms and other The amendment will seek to pro- government believes that there have also secretary Arun Singh condemned Narang and also warned of strict ing general duty personnel in view of the officials said. facilities. They said a hall of hibit and punish religious conversions been episodes of religious conversion the mistreatment meted out to the action against anyone trying to dis- surge in coronavirus cases in Punjab. Laying emphasis on sanita- 7,000 square feet area to promising better lifestyle, divine bless- promising better lifestyle, divine bless- legislator as extremely barbaric turb peace in the state. The examination to be held on tion, Jammu Deputy accommodate 500 yatris would ings and impersonation. ings and impersonation. There is an and painful."The BJP condemns He urged the farmers not to March 28 has been postponed to April Commissioner Anshul Garg be constructed at an estimated After Uttar Pradesh and Madhya emerging trend where women are lured this incident that happened under indulge in such acts of violence, 25 on the advice of the district admin- directed officers to keep the area cost of Rs 1.74 crore by the Pradesh Pradesh passed ordinance pro- to marriage for the purpose of religious the Congress government's pro- and appealed to Prime Minister istration due to hike in coronavirus cases, around the 'Yatri Niwas' and Tourism department. hibiting forced religious conversion to conversion, said the state government. tection. The Amarinder Singh Narendra Modi to urgently resolve officials said. other places identified for hous- In addition to this, the check what it calls 'Love Jihad', Gujarat According to the provisions of the government of the Congress is the crisis triggered by the passage The officials at Army recruiting ing pilgrims clean and green, deputy commissioner directed is also likely to introduce a Bill to pun- proposed amendment, whoever is found directly responsible for it," the of the farm laws in Parliament last office Ludhiana said the candidates, they said. the officers of the Public Works ish those who forcefully convert girls on to be carrying out such religious con- party said in the statement. year to prevent the situation from who have successfully completed the Reviewing facilities like elec- Department (Roads & the pretext of marriage. versions by marriage, or getting a per- Narang was allegedly thrashed escalating. physical and medical examination, were tricity, drinking water, transport, Buildings) to build a shed on "The amendment to the Dharma son married or by aiding a person to get and his clothes were torn by a Hitting out at the state gov- to appear for the common entrance security, barricading, mobile two hectares of the adjoining Swatantrya (Religious Freedom) Bill will married, shall be punished with impris- group of farmers at Malout in ernment, the BJP dubbed it a black examination. toilets, cloak rooms and com- vacant land with all basic facil- be presented in the ongoing Budget ses- onment of not less than three years and Muktsar district on Saturday, spot on democracy and alleged These candidates are from munity kitchen at a meeting ities to enhance the daily capac- sion with certain changes to combat up to five years and will also be liable police said. that Congress workers were Ludhiana, Moga, Rupnagar and SAS here, Garg asked the officers ity of the camp. PTI 'Love Jihad'," Gujarat Home Minister to pay a fine of Rs 2 lakh. IANS When the Abohar legislator involved in the attack. PTI Nagar (Mohali). PTI

strategy at the ground level.  #   &#/I     *** “Hence stringent action including effec-     tive containment and contact tracing for at @>7       From Page 1 least 14 successive days in the 46 districts was  !"# $ These were deliberated and decided upon strongly recommended for breaking the chain  7   /@;'&2 !   in a review meeting chaired by Union Health of transmission and not frittering away the Secretary Rajesh Bhushan on Saturday. The gains of collaborative efforts of last year,” said hartiya Janata Party (BJP)    % & '(    icallyconfused "as they were high-level review meeting had the participa- the official sharing the steps decided at the Bworkers and leaders carried ;3)')%)'')/H3@@C3) fighting each other in Kerala tion of additional Chief Secretaries, Principal meeting. out a massive public contact in Gorakhpur/Bahraich: Uttar said in Maharjganj where he also and were"bhai-bhai" (broth- Secretaries and Secretaries of the affected It was also noticed that almost 90 per cent Bisrakh Zone of Greater NOIDA Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi inaugurated a Nagar Panchayat aking up the Sabarimala ers) in . States namely Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, of the Covid-19 deaths continue to be in the West on March 26 and 27, on the Adityanath on Saturday said office. Rissue in poll-bound Kerala, Nadda harped on the same Bihar, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, category of those aged above 45 years. At the occasion of completion of four his government will build a About the medical college BJP national chief J P Nadda on issue at a rally at Thodupuzha Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi, Jammu meeting the Centre also shared the findings years of Yogi Adityanath govern- road along the Indo-Nepal bor- to be built in Bahraich, Saturday attacked the ruling in Idukki district, saying both & Kashmir and Karnataka. of studies which said that while 90 per cent ment in Uttar Pradesh. der, starting from Maharajganj Adityanath said, "This medical LDF, saying it had "crushed" the the Left Democratic Front and Dr VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI people are aware, only 44 per cent actually The program was organized district in the state and reaching college will provide better treat- sentiments of devotees in the United Democratic Front are Aayog, was also present during the review wear face masks. in the series of week long func- up to Uttarakhand. ment facilities to the people of whole of south India, while corrupt and ideologically bank- meeting. Alarmingly, 36 of the 46 identified A five-fold strategy was laid out for tions being held in the state.All the Chief Minister Adityanath not only Bahraich but the peo- Congress only paid "lip service" rupt. districts are in Maharashtra with 25 of them adoption by the States and UTs for effective party workers and leaders of the also announced his govern- ple of the neighbouring districts to their stir. Taking on Congress leader being most affected and accounting for 59.8 containment and management of the Covid Bisrakh Zone took part in the ment's plan to build a medical as well and they will not have to He also assured that the Rahul Gandhi, who is also in per cent of the cases reported in the country pandemic, which includes exponential public contact program and college in the Bahraich district. go to bigger cities for the treat- saffron party would safeguard Kerala to campaign for the during the past one week. increase in testing, effective isolation and con- informed the public about impor- The chief minister ment.” the traditions of the hilltop April 6 assembly polls, he India’s total active cases have reached tact tracing, re-invigoration of public and pri- tant works done by the govern- announced these decisions while In Bahraich, Adityanath shrine and that the political demanded to know what he 4,52,647 and currently comprise 3.8 per cent vate healthcare resources, ensuring of Covid- ment and different welfare inaugurating and laying foun- also unveiled a statue of involvement in temple admin- was doing in the southern state of the country’s total infections, said a senior appropriate behaviour and targeted approach schemes being run by the state dation stones for various projects Maharana Pratap. istration would go for ever. while Bengal was voting, with official from the Union Health Ministry. The to vaccination in districts reporting large num- government.< worth nearly Rs 280 cr in the "Maharana Pratap was born Nadda took out a road the commencementof the first country saw 62,258 new cases being registered bers. States were also asked to focus on uni- Media Incharge, Ashish neighbouring Maharajganj dis- in Rajasthan when the country show atChakarakkalin phase of elections in the east- in the last 24 hours, the highest single day rise versalisation of vaccination in the specified pri- Dubey said," Under the guidance trict and projects worth Rs 333 and religion both were in dan- Kannur's Dharmadam assem- ern state on Saturday. so far this year. ority population age groups as an aid to con- of Bisrakh Zone president Ravi cr for Bahraich district. ger. The foreign invaders were bly constituency, where BJP has "The LDF has crushed the The focus of the deliberation was on 46 tainment strategy in districts where maximum Bhadauriya, leaders and workers "We are going to build a eager to crush India's religion, fieldedC K Padmanabhan to sentiments of people of Kerala, districts that are reporting huge increase in cases are being reported. including Jitendra Sen Jeetu, border road along the Indo- culture and freedom. At that lock horns with Chief Minister Tamil Nadu and the whole of infection and deaths this month. The officials States were also asked to make advance Aditya Bhatnagar, Dinesh Nepal border. The work on it time, Maharana Pratap launched Pinarayi Vijayan. south India. at the meeting felt that the concept of ‘second planning of logistics and infrastructure man- Beniwal, Mukesh Chauhan, will be started from the the 'yagya' of freedom and every He attacked the CPI(M)- About Sabarimala temple, wave’ reflected more the laxity among every- agement for 1-1.5 months as any unchecked Shikha Verma, Ashwini Patel and Maharajganj district. The road Indian feels grateful for what he led LDF and Congress led we have been very clear about one regarding Covid-appropriate behaviour spread of infection among the community may Saurabh contributed in the pro- will take you to Pilibhit and also did for the country,” the chief UDF,saying they are "ideolog- (protecting) the traditions. and Covid containment and management overwhelm the local administration. gram. connect to Uttarakhand," he minister said. PTI   ...     CCC $%  ??? "  #RCCC ) P  ??? From Page 1 From Page 1 From Page 1 From Page 1 However, earlier this month, the launch was L* K         From Page 1 The Chief Minister was apparently refer- Legal action would be taken against violators, he postponed to August.   #    Similarly, in Bangalore, an ENT surgeon in a ring to the Prime Minister’s visit to Orakandi, said.The minister added that there were enough hos- The vaccine is one of the most awaited vac-  M$) 1;       private hospital tested positive even after taking the the birth place of Harichand Thakur, the spir- pital beds available for coronavirus patients and it cines due to the strong efficacy data from        !    second dose. He reported a mild infection. Ditto itual motivator of the Matua community -- could be increased if the need arises. Novavax’s own trial in the UK. Covovax is Serum     $       +0  was the case with a health official in Gandhinagar’s - that migrated to India after Partition and “Only 20 per cent of the beds are occupied cur- Institute’s version of the covid-19 vaccine devel-  ;    ! #  FF) Dehgam taluka in Gujarat early this month when particularly after the 1972 war --- account- rently,” he said. oped by US-based Novavax, which had             he had tested positive for coronavirus days after tak- ing for about 80 lakh votes influencing the Around 90,000 tests are being conducted in Delhi announced earlier this month that the jabs have            $ ing the second dose of the vaccine against the infec- voting pattern in many districts like North every day, which is five times the national average, an efficacy of 96% against the original strain deter- )    ;        tion. He had taken the first dose on January 16 and 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Nadia, parts the Minister said, adding that random testing is being mined in a phase 3 trial conducted in the UK.  1;   FF)  $ the second one on February 15. of Burdwan and Murshidabad. done at railway stations and the airport to check peo- This is the highest efficacy so far achieved for a 1  -.    =?    Experts say that more such cases will be report- Modi’s speech at Matua temple --- ple coming from outside.The Minister said a direct covid-19 vaccine against the original strain of the  -   '  2+     ed as more and more people receive the two doses whence he said ‘I was speaking to some peo- correlation can be seen in the changing weather and coronavirus.However, efficacy of the vaccine    !  +   $ of vaccine, given that their efficacy is nearly 70 to ple here. They were saying who could have the increase in the number of cases. “However, it can- dropped to 86.3 per cent against the mutant vari- -.       75 per cent. The total vaccination coverage in India thought that India’s Prime Minister would not be concretely said that this is the sole reason for ant that is now the dominant strain in the UK.         1;  has crossed 5.8-crore as per the latest government visit Orakandi’ --- had political underpin- the surge in cases.” Delhi reported over 1,500 coro- On average, the efficacy of the vaccine was 89.7    $)  +;   data. At least 51,44,011 health workers and nings, said Bengal TMC leaders like Subroto navirus cases for the second day on the trot on Friday, per cent, the company said.In another phase 2    +    ! # 35,39,144 frontline workers have received 2nd dose. Mukherjee, adding the visit was preplanned while nine more people, highest in around two trials conducted in South Africa, where a different - ! $+;-.O   O  “The vaccine may not provide protection and telecast with an intention. months, succumbed to the pathogen, the Health mutant variant is dominant, the overall efficacy     $ against the virus. However, in most cases, the vac- The TMC leaders referred to Prime Department said. dropped to 48.6%. ;        +;   cinated person, if infected, will not require hospi- Minister’s promises to make it easier for peo- The 1,534 new infections pushed the tally to Poonawalla had earlier said that the company         !   talization. Also, it is essential to follow Covid appro- ple from India to Orakandi and his com- 6,54,276, while over 6.36 lakh patients have recov- will start stockpiling the vaccine from April.   !       priate norms, wear a mask and ensure hand mitment to upgrade a girls’ school and set ered from the virus. This is the highest number of Serum Institute will be manufacturing 1 billion -     1+   +; hygiene and avoid crowds,” said Dr Rajinder K up a primary school in the area and said, “If cases since December 16 when 1,547 people tested doses of the vaccine, which will be supplied to            Dhamija, neurosurgeon (Head of Department of it is not playing to a particular gallery dur- positive, according to official both India and Covax.  -.   #   $ Neurosurgery) at Lady Hardinge Medical College. ing the votes then what is?” data.

Executive Engineer, PD, P.W.D, Bulandshahr "  *** also handed over a silver coin soldiers; extended development (BDSET) Center, and Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in E- Procurement-Tender Notice Letter No. 1238/1A Dated: 13.03.2021 released on the occasion of the work at Rabindra Bhawan Establishment of Sports facilities Ishwaripur village in southwestern On behalf of Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Executive Engineer, Provincial Division, U.P.P.W.D., Bulandshahr invites following From Page 1 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s Kuthibari in Shilaidaha of at Rajshahi College field and sur- Bangladesh and announced that percentage rate bid online through http://etender.up.nic.in from the eligible and approved Contractors registered with P.W.D. class as per column no. 10 below Road work Category as applied from Date15.04.2021 to 23.04.2021 upto 12:00 Noon as per Both leaders emphasised the Independence. Bangladesh’s Kushtia and ground rounding areas were other MoUs. India would construct a commu- the prescribed T-1 of Govt. of U.P. The technical bids will be opened online on dated 23.04.2021 at 02:00 P.M. If the office hap- pens to be closed on the date of opening of the bids as specified, the bids will be opened online on the next working day, at the importance of effective border The two leaders also jointly breaking for Infrastructure The two prime ministers also nity hall-cum cyclone shelter same time any validity of bid will be considered from the original date. The date and time of opening of the financial bid shall management for ensuring a tran- inaugurated several projects vir- Development for Power released India-Bangladesh attached to the temple, which is be notified on the website. Sl. Name of Work Estimated Bid Time of Tender Address of Address of Address of Category quil, stable and crime free border, tually, including opening three Evacuation Facilities of Rooppur Friendship stamps to commem- one of the 51 Shaktipeeths in the No. cost (Rs in Security comple- Cost Executive Superinten- Chief the statement said. new border haats on India- Nuclear Power Plant. orate the 50th anniversary of Puranic tradition. Lac) (Rs in tion work (in Rs) Engineer ding Engineer Lac) including Engineer In a humanitarian gesture, Bangladesh borders and inaugu- The MoUs signed were on establishment of diplomatic rela- He visited the mausoleum of rainy season Prime Minister Modi handed over rating a new passenger train Disaster Management, Resilience tions.Modi’s visit is taking place at and paid 12345678910a representational key of 109 life- ‘Mitali Express’ connecting and Mitigation; cooperation a time Bangladesh is commemo- floral tributes to him, becoming Under the sanction State Road Fund in the saving ambulances to his coun- and New Jalpaiguri on the Indian between Bangladesh National rating Mujib Borsho, the birth the first-ever foreign Head of financial year 2020-21 terpart Hasina. He also handed side. Cadet Corps (BNCC) and centenary of Sheikh Mujibur State or Head of Government to 1 New Construction of 29.20 2.92 02 Month 300+500+ Executive Engi- Superintending Chief Engineer A.B.C.D. missing link road Madhogarh 18% GST neer P.D. P.W.D. Engineer Meerut Zone (Road Work) over a representational box as a This is the third passenger National Cadet Corps (NCC) and Rahman and 50 years of the coun- pay homage at the grave of to Ujjara 144.00= P.D. P.W.D. P.W.D. P.W.D. Rs. 944.00 Bulandshahr Bulandshahr Meerut symbol of India’s gift of 1.2 million train after establishment of a Framework of try’s war of liberation. ‘Bangabandhu’ at Tungipara in 1. The Bid Security and Tender Document Fee must be deposited through Internet Banking only. Covid vaccine doses to (Dhaka-Kolkata) and Bandhan Cooperation in the Area of Trade On Friday, Modi attended the southwestern Bangladesh. 2. Time allowed for completion of Whole work in column No. 5, including rainy season. 3. All registered contractors have to upload turnover certified by C.A. of last 5 years and details of maximum coal work satis- Bangladesh. Express (Khulna-Kolkata) run- Remedial Measures. celebrations of the golden jubilee Modi also offered prayers at a factory completed in last 5 years on Chanakya Software before submission of tender. Details of e-tender uploaded on Hasina presented a gold and a ning between the two countries. The supply of ICT equip- of the country’s independence, the Matua temple in Bangladesh’s http://etender.up.nic.in shall also be uploaded on uppwd Chanakya Software before last date & time of submission of bid. 4. Terms & conditions related to bids are available on https://etender.up.nic.in silver coin released on the occasion The other projects included: ment, courseware and reference birth centenary of ‘Bangabandhu’ Orakandi, the birthplace of Hindu 5. During execution of work contractor should ensure the all safety Messures for COVID-19 6. In PWD technical evaluation of tenders is to be done by Prahari Software URL for Prahari is http://wms.uppwd.gov.in/Prahari/ of the birth centenary of her foundation stone laying of a mon- books and training for in Dhaka mystic figure and Matua commu- Assistant Engineer Executive Engineer father Bangabandhu Sheikh ument at Bangladesh’s Ashuganj in Bangladesh-Bharot Digital Service Earlier in the morning, Modi nity’s spiritual guru Harichand P.D. P.W.D. BULANDSHAHR foKkiu osclkbV www.upgov.nic.in ij miyC/k gSA P.D. P.W.D. BULANDSHAHR UP 162972 date 27.3.2021 Mujibur Rahman to Modi. She memory of 1971 martyred Indian & Employment and Training offered prayers at the centuries-old Thakur. PTI      + ,-. ,/,0 / )0

3   %   )*    !+% '   +,, $ Q -./0   #RR       (+    -    &121/3* of headlines and tweets, I    &121/3* to keep going to Nirmala ji and tweeted “everyone knows who    &121/3* case against the former bureau- say please give me some enior Congress leader and liberated Bangladesh,” implying crats is based on a State police nion Civil Aviation money,” he said in an apparent Sformer Union Minister that @narendramodi had omit- he Enforcement FIR registered against them for UMinister Hardeep Singh reference to seeking funds to Shashi Tharoor on Saturday ted to acknowledge TDirectorate on Saturday allegedly amassing dispropor- Puri on Saturday asserted Air run Air India from the finance admitted his mistake and said IndiraGandhi. It turns out he said it has attached assets worth tionate assets to the tune of India will be “100 per cent dis- minister. He also noted that “sorry” for slamming Prime did: Sorry,” tweeted Tharoor. about 1.49 crore of a former over 41 crore. invested”, saying the choice is agency ANI. earlier attempts at Air India Minister Narendra Modi for Tagging the Prime IAS couple, Arvind Joshi and “Arvind Joshi and Tinoo only between disinvestment “In the last meeting, on privatisation were not suc- omitting former Prime But on Friday, while taking Minister’s remarks, Tharoor Tinoo Joshi, of the Madhya Joshi have acquired a huge and closing down the airline Monday, it was decided that the cessful because the attempts Minister Indira Gandhi’s role in a pot shot at Modi, who is on said, “International education: Pradesh cadre as part of a number of movable and company. shortlisted bidders (for Air were half-hearted. the freedom of Bangladesh. two-day visit to Bangladesh, his our PM is giving Bangladesh a money laundering proceed- immovable properties in the The Minister confirmed India disinvestment) be The Minister also said Through a tweet message, first foreign visit amid the taste of Indian ‘fake news’. The ings against them. name of their family members that the Government is deter- informed that the bids have to that the second wave of Tharoor admitted his mistake Covid-19 pandemic, Tharoor absurdity is that everyone The agency said that a and their close associates from mined and there is no hesita- come in within 64 days…This COVID-19 has delayed air- and wrote, “I don’t mind admit- slammed the Prime Minister. knows who liberated provisional order for attach- the ill-gotten money,” the ED tion in taking the disinvestment time the government is deter- lines being allowed to ting when I’m wrong. Bangladesh won its indepen- Bangladesh.” In his apology ment of a total of 32 assets said in a statement. . decision. The Minister further mined and there is no hesita- operate 100 percent that was Yesterday, on the basis of a dence in 1971 following a brief message, Tharoor claimed the including agricultural land, “Such money, mostly stated the Government is not tion,” he said. planned to happen from the quick reading of headlines and war between India and tweet was based on a news plots and land has been issued received in the form of cash, planning to curtail flight ser- He added that the disin- start of the summer schedule tweets, I tweeted “everyone Pakistan. report which quoted PM Modi under the Prevention of has been utilised either direct- vices further amid the second vestment process is likely to be this month-end. But for now, knows who liberated The former Union as saying that he had held a Money Laundering Act ly or has been routed through wave of the coronavirus disease completed by May or June.The there are no questions to cur- Bangladesh,” implying that Minister admitted his mistake Satyagraha for Bangladesh’s (PMLA). These properties multiple layers of bank (Covid-19). However, plans of government has started the tail the domestic operations, Narendra Modi had omitted to saying it was based on the liberation and had been even have been purchased in the accounts opened in the name making all services functional process to sell its entire 100 per he added. acknowledge Indira Gandhi. It “quick reading” of headlines jailed for it. name of HM Joshi, Nirmala of family members, their close from April 1 have been post- cent stake in Air India that has “No intention of curtailing turns out he did: Sorry!” and tweeted “sorry”. Another Congress leader Joshi, Abha Ghani, Harsh associates and various firms,” poned amid a sharp rise in been in losses since it merged [flight services]. Domestic He also attached a news Congress and BJP have Jairam Ramesh had shared a Kohli, Sahil Kohli and Ethos it said. The agency, before the Covid-19 cases. with Indian Airlines in 2007. flights were halted in March report which quoted the Prime sparred over Modi’s remark cartoon taking a dig at Modi Exports Pvt. Ltd. latest attachment of 1.49 crore “We’ve decided that Air “…There is no choice, we 2020 and resumed on May 25. Minister for hailing the role of that he did satyagraha for and tweeted, “Entire Political The properties belong to of assets, had earlier seized India will be 100% disinvested. either privatise or we close the We have been further reopen- former Prime Minister Indira Bangladesh’s freedom, with the Science by Narendra Modi.” to HM Joshi, Nirmala Joshi, Abha properties worth 7.12 crore of Choice isn’t between disin- airline. We run a loss of Rs 20 ing them. Our intention was to Gandhi for her contribution in opposition party questioning which the BJP’s IT cell chief Ghani, Harsh Kohli, Sahil the couple. vestment and non-disinvest- crore every day despite Air open them 100 percent with the freedom of Bangladesh. the statement’s veracity and the Amit Malviya responded on Kohli and Ethos Exports Pvt. The former IAS officers ment, it’s between disinvest- India making money now. the onset of the summer “Indira Gandhi’s contribution ruling party asserting that it the microblogging site, “Was Ltd, who are linked to the for- were dismissed from service in ment and closing down. Air Because the mismanagement schedule from April 1 since we in freedom of Bangladesh is was true. Prime Minister Modi part of mer Indian Administrative 2014 by the Government for India is a first-rate asset but has has resulted in a cumulative are at 80 per cent right now. publicly known,” the PM had “I don’t mind admitting satyagrah organised by Jana Service (IAS) officers of the allegedly amassing wealth dis- an accumulated debt of 60,000 debt of 60,000 crore,” Puri We can’t open it 100 per cent mentioned in his speech in when I’m wrong. Yesterday, Sangha for recognition of 1979 batch, it said. proportionate to their known Crore. We need to draw the had said on Friday. now due to the second spike of Dhaka. on the basis of a quick reading Bangladesh? Yes, he was.” The money laundering sources of income. slate clean,” Puri told news “I don’t have the capacity COVID-19,” he said.

/  +   /+    $ 82P    /      /+1/    &121/3* Pradesh 55 LMT and     9$ Rajasthan 22 LMT – the states + ,* ue to late maturity and a where farmers are agitating /  /+ Dmassive surge in Covid-19 against the three Central farm +378* cases in the State, the Centre laws. In 2020-21, the wheat    &121/3* has approved Punjab procurement in MP was Government’s request to 129.35 LMT, more than he Supreme Court has said variations, creating doubts reschedule the wheat procure- Punjab’s 127.14 LMT. In 2017- Tthat there can be “no rigid about its truthfulness, affecting ment. The wheat procurement 18, MP’s yield of wheat was standard or yardstick” for accep- its veracity and credibility, or if period in Punjab has now been only 3 tonnes/ha against tance or rejection of dying dec- the dying declaration is suspect, rescheduled to April 10 to May Punjab’s 5 tonnes/ha. laration, which alone can form or the accused is able to create 31 in place of April 1 to May 25. Meanwhile, according to the basis for conviction if it has a doubt not only with regard to The Captain Amarinder the Ministry of Consumer been made voluntarily and the dying declaration but also Singh Government had urged Affairs, the Government has inspires confidence. with regard to the nature and the Centre for rescheduling ment period during Rabi is undertaken by state-run purchased over 688.02 LMTs The apex court observed manner of death, the benefit of the wheat procurement from Marketing Season (RMS) Food Corporation of India of paddy up to March 24 this that if there are contradictions doubt shall have to be given to April 10. The Centre has 2021-22, due to late maturity (FCI) and state civil supplies year.This is an increase of that create doubts about the the accused,” it said. allowed the State Government of crop & surge in Covid-19 agencies at the minimum sup- 13.54 % against the last year truthfulness and credibility of The Bench further said, to make disbursal of crop cases in the State, has been port price. corresponding purchase of the dying declaration then the “Therefore, much shall depend payments to farmers either considered and the request of Estimated at 427.363 Lakh 605.94 LMT. Out of the total benefit of doubt shall have to be on the facts of a case. There can directly or through the the State Government was Metric Tonnes, wheat pro- purchase of 688.02 LMT, given to the accused. be no rigid standard or yardstick arhtiyas (commission agents). approved by Government of curement for the Rabi Punjab alone has contributed A Bench comprising jus- for acceptance or rejection of a Official agencies normally India for rescheduling the Marketing Season (RMS) 202.82 LMT which is 29.47% tices Navin Sinha and Krishna dying declaration.” start wheat procurement in the wheat procurement period in 2021-22 is expected to be 9.56 of total procurement. “About Murari stated this in its judge- of subjecting a woman to cru- also form the basis for convic- The plea in the apex court beginning of April, although Punjab from April 10 to May per cent more than the 389.93 101.45 Lakh farmers have ment while dismissing an appeal elty and murdering her. tion if it has been made volun- was filed by a man who had the harvest gains momentum 31, 2021 in place of April 1, to LMT procured in 2020-21. already been benefitted from challenging the August 2011 “A dying declaration is tarily and inspires confidence,” challenged the acquittal of his after a week or two. May 25, 2021,” the Ministry of Among the 12 producing the ongoing KMS procure- verdict of the Delhi High Court admissible in evidence under the top court said in its March deceased sister’s husband and “The request made by Food and Consumer Affairs states, the procurement from ment Operations with MSP which upheld a trial court order section 32 of the Indian 25 verdict. sister-in-law in a case lodged in Government of Punjab for said in a statement on Punjab is expected to be 130 value of 1,29,898.14,” the acquitting two persons accused Evidence Act, 1872. It alone can “If there are contradictions, 1991. rescheduling wheat procure- Saturday. Wheat procurement LMT, Haryana 80 LMT, Uttar ministry said. A$5C:?5C  '   1 "  $$ 4       /  !   2 345     9

  ""P  1     &121/3* Reflecting on the journey #   +1 / and AYA’s future, she says for home-grown app designed "   / many from the LGBTQ+ com- Aexplicitly for the Indian 1    / munity, the physical world may    &121/3* on May 2. LGBTQ+ community aims to    1  not be the most conducive “Today, the first phase of bridge that gap when it comes space to find a partner. s polling began for the first polling is being held in Assam. to dating and connecting with various reasons. “Therefore, the communi- Aphase of Assembly elec- I appeal to the people of others who have, over the The app’s key features are ty often turns to the digital tions in Assam, Congress Assam, especially the youth    &121/3* years, become comfortable with customised keeping in mind world to seek guidance and leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and my sisters, to go to the and vocal about their identities. the suitability and sensitivity of support. Owing to this, AYA on Saturday urged the people polling booths today and vote resident Ram Nath Kovind, ‘As You Are’ or AYA, the the users: accessibility and aims to create a safe space to to vote for progress and gold- in large numbers,” Priyanka Pcurrently at AIIMS here, dating and social networking anonymity, easy-to-use and counter the challenges of queer en future of the State. Gandhi said in a Facebook will undergo bypass surgery on platform, is the brainchild of jargon-free sign-up, three lev- dating,” she says. The Congress-led post in Hindi. Tuesday. “President Ram Nath Chandigarh-based entrepre- els of verification and blanket “In the future, we also aim ‘Mahajot’ alliance is seeking to “Vote for progress and Kovind has been shifted to neur Sunali Aggarwal and security, and complete user to bring services designed wrest power from the BJP in golden future of Assam,” said AIIMS, Delhi, today afternoon. understands that many within control, says Aggarwal, who co- especially for the community Assam which is voting in three the Congress general secretary, Post investigations, doctors the community have not iden- founded Mobikwik.Com in and if possible, by the com- phases starting on Saturday. who has campaigned in the have advised him to undergo a tified themselves publicly for 2009. munity,” she adds. The counting of votes will be State.    &121/3* ment free elections and curbing planned bypass procedure the malaise of undue money which is expected to be per- he Election Commission power, liquor, freebies,” it said. formed on the morning of Thas seized 281.28 crore Distributing cash and gifts dur- March 30. His health is stable:,”  # ( @;- ( #   from West Bengal and Assam so ing electoral process is not per- said the President’s Secretariat far before the first phase of polls mitted under the law — distri- in a statement on Saturday on Saturday. The seizure figure, bution of money, liquor, or any evening.   =     (      which includes cash, liquor, other item disbursed and given Earlier in the morning, the narcotics and freebies is more to the electors with the intent to Army’s Research and Referral )  than four times higher than the influence them. hospital said the condition of    &121/3* $"  /234 have been provided tap water total combined seizure of Rs. This expenditure comes the President was stable and he " / + / connection, the statement said. 60.91 Crore 2016 assembly under the definition of “bribery” is being referred to the AIIMS he Jal Shakti Ministry has 1   + / Currently, Andaman and    &121/3* the wife was also entitled to the polls. As per the EC’s data,  which is an offence both under for further investigation. The Tapproved 465 crore as per- Nicobar Islands, Goa and same standard of living as 97.31crore has been seized in section 171B of the Indian Rashtrapati Bhavan in a state- formance incentive grant to //  1"  Telangana have become ‘Har ismissing a man’s appeal enjoyed by her husband. Assam (as against a total seizure Penal Code and under the ment said Kovind has been Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, "/ Ghar Jal’ states/UT, and every Dagainst an order directing During the hearing, the of 16.58 crore in 2016) and a Representation of the People under observation after a rou- Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, "     household in 55 districts and him to pay interim mainte- man’s counsel had claimed that total of 183.97crores for West Act, 1951. tine medical check up and has Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh 5 5 6   85,000 villages of the country nance to his estranged wife, a his wife had herself left the mat- Bengal (as against a total seizure According to the EC, a thanked all who enquired under the Jal Jeevan Mission  1/  have tap water supply, it said. Delhi court has said that it is the rimonial home without any rea- of 44.33crore in 2016). total number of 167 cases of about his health and wished (JJM), a statement said on Since the announcement husband’s social and lawful duty son and refused to come back. The poll body said that 53 Model Code of Conduct viola- him well. Saturday.   "  of Jal Jeevan Mission on August to maintain his legally wedded His lawyer further argued Expenditure Observers have tions were reported through the “The President has been It said Gujarat was among 15, 2019, four crore households wife and he cannot run away that he was jobless from 2019 been deployed in Assam while cVIGIL app from West Bengal under observation after a rou- the best performing states in ply to every rural home by have been provided tap water from his responsibility. as he had left his job to pur- 85 West Bengal for effective out of which 111 were disposed tine medical checkup. He implementing 2024,” the statement said. connections, thus increasing The court, however, said the sue higher studies and thus, monitoring. In Assam, 603 as of 4.30 pm. Similarly 582 thanks all who enquired about JJM to ensure tap water “For performance incentive the tap water supply from 3.23 wife should also try to find a job the trial court passed the Flying Squads (FS) and 762 cases were reported from Assam his health and wished him supply to every household. grant, the criteria include phys- crore (17 per cent) rural house- for herself and should not waste interim orders without con- Static Surveillance Teams (SST) with 423 disposed till 4.30 pm. well,” the Rashtrapati Bhavan Northeastern states have imple- ical and financial progress under holds in the country to more her talent sitting idle at home sidering his current situation were operationalised to check “During this phase, a total tweeted. The President, aged mented JJM with speed and JJM, functionality of piped than 7.20 crore (37.6 per cent), since she was qualified. and liabilities. movement of cash, liquor, drugs of 10288 Ballot Units (BUs), 75, had undergone a health scale despite hilly terrain and water supply schemes and the statement added. Principal District and Advocate Amit Kumar, & freebies. The figures of FS & 10288 Control Units(CUs) check-up at the military hos- forested areas, the statement capacity to utilise the fund. This is the “speed and scale” Sessions Judge Swarana Kanta appearing for the wife, argued SST deployed in West Bengal and 10288 VVPATs were used pital following a chest dis- said. Today, Union Minister, Jal of the work being undertaken to Sharma said the magistrate court that she was allegedly tortured are 1,137 & 1,012 respectively. in West Bengal and 11,537 comfort on Friday morning. It is for the first time that Shakti Gajendra Singh provide clean drinking water to has rightly directed the man to by her in-laws at the matri- In Assam, 06 Air Ballot Units (BUs), 11,537 “The condition of five northeast States have qual- Sekhawat approved Rs 465 crore every rural household, it said. pay Rs 20,000 per month as monial home which had com- Intelligence Units (AIU) of IT Control Units (CUs) and President Shri Ram Nath ified for the performance incen- as performance incentive to In the financial year 2020- interim maintenance to his wife. pelled her to file a complaint Department are set up at 11,537 VVPATs were used in Kovind is stable. He is being tive grant, it added. these states,” it added. 21, Rs 11,000 crore was allocat- “As per settled law, the under the Domestic Violence Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Assam,” the EC said. referred to AIIMS (All India “Seven states viz. Arunachal Despite the COVID-19 ed for Jal Jeevan Mission and appellant (husband) cannot Act against them and reside Silchar, Tezpur & Lakhimpur. In The first phase of Assam Institute of Medical Sciences), Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, pandemic and the resultant grants have been provided to shirk his responsibility as hus- with her brother. West Bengal, 03 Air Intelligence and West Bengal Assembly Delhi for further investiga- Mizoram, Sikkim, Gujarat and lockdowns and disruption, states/UTs based on output in band to maintain his legally Kumar said the magis- Units (AIU) of IT Department Elections was conducted suc- tion,” the hospital said in a Himachal Pradesh qualified for speedy implementation of Jal terms of functional household wedded wife, which is his social trate court had passed the are set up at Kolkata, Andal in cessfully across 21,825 Polling medical bulletin on Saturday. performance incentive grant Jeevan Mission on the ground tap connections given and the and lawful duty towards his order after considering the Durgapur & Bagdogra. Stations spread over 77 Defence Minister Rajnath for 2020-21 under Jal Jeevan has set an example and during utilisation of available central wife,” the court said in its order man’s expenses and his last “Commission has been laying Assembly Constituencies on Singh visited Kovind at the Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal to the financial year, more than grant and matching state share, passed on March 25. drawn salary, and that his specific emphasis on induce- Saturday. Army hospital on Friday. provide assured tap water sup- 3.16 crore rural households the statement added. PTI It noted that as per the law, wife was unemployed.      + ,-. ,/,0   )9

+"    H(  /        )46   8    .)++@ gal immigrants, the contractors work- Mohd Yusuf said for almost four ing we are spending sleepless nights ($ 9($ ing with Jammu Municipal Corporation months I am working with Jammu since March 6. hile efforts are on to tarnish the have enrolled large numbers of Municipal Corporation. "I report on Din Mohammad, staying in Jammu "    +@+-)* Wimage of India over deportation Rohingyas to carry out cleanliness duty at around 8.30 a.m and work till since 2012 said, "I used to work as a san- of Rohingyas, illegal immigrants to works and lifting heaps of garbage 4.30 p.m. I earn Rs 300 per day", he itation worker in a private school. icking holes in the ongoing NIA investigations into Myanmar, on ground zero where over before dumping the same at the garbage added. After police started our verification Pthe twin SUV recovery-businessman murder cases, 170 Rohingyas have been detained collection centre near Kot Bhalwal, on Along with Mohd Yusuf around 150 drive I was told by the school authori- the Maharashtra Congress on Saturday demanded to since March 6, Jammu Municipal the outskirts of Jammu. Rohingyas are still working with dif- ties to stop working for them for some know as to why the Central agency has not questioned Corporation (JMC) is helping members In the absence of availability of local ferent contractors in different parts of time. I have not committed any crime. Mumbai’s former police Param Bir Singh over the “dis- of this “persecuted” community to work force several contractors end up Jammu. I ran away from my country to save my appearance” of Digital Video Recorder (DVR) from the earn their livelihood in order to sustain hiring these illegal immigrants from In the absence of clarity over their life". "I don't know why we are receiv- Mumbai Police Commissionerate. their families. Myanmar to clean deep drains and col- fate, the majority of Rohingyas contin- ing such treatment when we have not “When Paramvir Singh was the Commissioner of The ruling Bharatiya Janta Party lect heaps of garbage from different over four years. He said initially I used ue to live in fear and have stopped going committed any crime". "We appeal to Police, the DVR of the Mumbai Police Commissionerate (BJP) enjoys a majority with 43 seats in dumping sites. to work with railway contractors in the to work. the government of India to verify our office disappeared from his office and why the NIA is its kitty in the house of 75 corporators Speaking to The Pioneer, Mohd washing line and earned Rs 9000 per "We live in constant fear. We seldom details and allow us to stay back till sit- not investigating?,” Maharashtra Congress general sec- in JMC. Yusuf, a Rohingya immigrant from month. But during lockdown we were sleep during night hours as we have uation normalises in our own country". retary and spokesperson asked. Despite several warnings and detec- Myanmar working with JMC said, ``I told to return home and not report on developed fear police teams will come "We are not here to settle down per- Sawant also expressed surprise as to why the NIA tion of fake documents from these ille- have been staying in Jammu since last duty as train services were suspended". and detain us", Mohd Zuber said claim- manently". had not recorded the statement of any of the arrested police officer Sachin Waze's senior officials during the last 18 days. Talking to media persons here, Sawant said: “On '    )    ?    demanding an inquiry into Parvamir Singh. Since the Kozhikode accounted for 263 Visakhapatnam sick, forcing the author- The infected staff have been kept BJP was trying to divert attention from the Antilia case cases, Ernakulam 247, Kannur 222 ities to announce closure of the hostels. in home quarantine, according to health Panaji: Goa on Saturday recorded 170 This leaves the coastal state with and the Mansukh Hiren murder case, the main issue and Kottayam 212. Wayanad The infected students have been department officials.In 24 hours, new cases of coronavirus that have taken 1,379 active cases, he said. was sidelined and other unrelated allegations were made, reported the least number of 58 isolated and lodged in special rooms in Chittoor district reported the highest the tally of infections to 57,453, an offi- With the addition of 2,479 swab the goalposts have been constantly changed” cases. In the last 24 hours end- the university, where the health author- 180 fresh cases, followed by cial from the state health department samples tested during the day, the total Sawant also castigated former chief minister and ing at 2 pm, 52,288 samples were ities were treating them.Visakhapatnam Visakhapatnam 156, Guntur 145 and said. number of tests conducted in the state senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis for his “false” alle- tested and the test positivity rate was District Collector V Vinay Chand and Krishna 113. At least 69 patients were discharged has gone up to 5,37,572, the official gations of corruption in what the latter called police offi- 3.93 per cent. other officials visited the university on Kurnool reported 61, East from various treatment facilities, while added. cers’ transfer-posting-promotion corruption racket. “The So far 1,29,66,274 samples Saturday and took stock of the situation. Godavari 58, Srikakulam 56, SPS one died of the infection during the day, Goa's COVID-19 figures are as fol- allegations made by Fadnavis on the basis of unautho- have been sent for testing. Of the The Collector said 83 students test- Nellore 43, Kadapa 40, Anantapuramu the official said. lows: Positive cases 57,453, new cases rized phone tapping by former Intelligence positive cases, 82 had come from ed positive for COVID-19 in AU, but all 35 new cases. Prakasam added 23, With this, the count of recoveries in 170, death toll 824, discharged 55,250, Commissioner Rashmi Shukla have been found untrue outside the state and 1,773 were had only mild symptoms. Vizianagaram 19 and West Godavari 18 the state has reached 55,250 and the toll active cases 1,379, samples tested till date in the Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte's fact-finding infected through contact. PTI "We have informed the parents new cases in a day, the bulletin said. PTI stood at 824, he said. 5,37,572. PTI report,” the Congress spokesperson said. “Now, if Rashmi Shukla did not e the 6.3 GB pen drive to the state government, then where did Fadnavis 7? 0   : #      get this pen drive from? He should apologize for defam- ing Maharashtra government by giving < false information to the Union Home secretary,”       99  ! #  Sawant said. Alluding to the letter written by Paramvir Singh to #   Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray alleging that State        Home Minister Anil Deshmukh of the NCP had asked  8   suspended police officer Sachin Vaze last month to "col- "    +@+-)* break-out of fire. on the premises and on whether lect" a staggering Rs 100 crore per month from bars,   9   )/* )%3 In a related development, they were adhering to the norms restaurants and other sources, Sawant said: “Singh did s the toll in Friday's fire at the the Bhandup police booked four prescribed by the authorities. not provide any strong evidence”. he accused in a case of five- ACovid health facility at the directors of Dreams Mall Similarly, in its effort to fix “Evidence from a conversation between two peo- Tyear-old girl’s abduction Dreams Mall in north-east –Rakeshkumar Kuldeep responsibility for the mishap, the ple is supposed to be a recording but Paramvir Singh from home two years ago at Mumbai rose to 11, the Bhandup Wadhwan, Nikita Amitasingh Mumbai Fire Brigade is also tried to gather evidence from his close associates based Dehli Gate, Nagla Masani has police on Saturday booked four Threhan, Sarang Rakesh investigating the cause on anecdotal information. The truth will come out been punished for 20 years directors of the mall and three Wadhwan, Deepak Shirke and of fire. through an inquiry,” the Congress spokesperson imprisonment and a fine of Rs directors of the Sunrise Hospital others, and Amita Singh Meanwhile, the Sunrise added. 50,000. under section 304 A of IPC for Threhan, Nikita Amita Singh Hospitals head of Operations This ruling under the allegedly causing death due to and Sweety Jain under sections Satyendra Tiwari has lodged a Mission Shakti Abhiyan has negligence. 304 A ( causing negligence by complaint with Bhandup Police been pronounced from the With the recovery of two death) and 34 ( Acts done by sev- Station against the Dreams Mall’s court of ADJ-Special Judge more bodies, the Covid facility eral persons in < NCLT appointed Administrator Posco III Tribhuvan Nath fire went up to 11. In all, 78 per- furtherance of common inten- Rahul Sahasrabuddhe for not Paswan. sons were undergoing treatment tion) of IPC. taking adequate precautions lead- According to Special Public at the 107-bed Sunrise Hospital Given that there has been a ing to the fire, loss of precious Prosecutor Lalit Singh Pundir, located at Bhandup, at the time of dispute between the shop owners lives and considerable damage to the incident occurred in mishap. The fire brigade person- and the board of directors of the the properties. He has demand- August 2019, when a five-year- nel rescued the patients from the mail, National Company Law ed that Administrator old girl slept near fire and rushed them to various Tribunal (NCLT)-appointed Sahasrabuddhe be booked under her parents. Rajendra, of the nearby hospitals. Administrator Rahul section 304 A of IPC for alleged- locality, took her from the The fire had broken on the Sahasrabuddhe has been manag- ly causing death due to negli- house to a nearby first floor of the Dreams Mall in ing the mall premises since 2018. gence. veterinary hospital, where he Bhandup in the small hours of There are 1108 shops in the Maharashtra Minorities raped her. Friday and swiftly spread to the mall. Of them, 40 per cent are Affairs Minister Nawab Malik vis- second floor and the third floor, functioning. < ited the mall and spoke to the where the Sunrise Hospital’s The Sunrise hospital has been affected shopkeepers, whose Covid-19 facility is located. running a Covid Centre on the establishments were gutted in the While the cause of the blaze third floor of the Dreams Mall fire. has not been established yet, the since January 2021. He assured them that he Brihanmumbai Municipal On their part, the police would take up the matter with Corporation (BMC) has ordered questioned the directors linked to chief minister Uddhav Thackeray an inquiry into the cause and the both the mall and hospital on and see if any compensation be circumstances leading to the whether they fire safety measures given to them.  .   %/  =              !012       +)& )/@%@ Bengaluru: The alleged sex scandal involving former Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi was turning out be a case of "honey trap", hree people have been arrested on JD(S) said on Saturday, as it urged police to conduct an impar- Tthe charge of sexually harassing tial probe to ascertain the truth, without succembing to any a14-year-old school girl near here, political pressure. police said on Saturday. The party, in a series of tweets, said the the sex scandal Efforts to catch a few more episode has put Karnataka to shame before the nation. accused have begun, Mangaluru city What initially looked like a sex scandal and sexual exploita- Police Commissioner N Shashi tion now seems like a conspiracy. Kumar told reporters here. The name of D K Shivakumar (Congress leader) has fig- He said he suspected a racket to ured, making it look like a case of honey-trap. lure school girls into their In all this, Karnataka is being put to shame before the trap. nation," the regional party, headed by former Prime Minister On the arrest, the police official H D Deve Gowda, said. said the prime accused Muneer had Noting the release of back to back audio and video clip- lured the girl by offering her gifts and pings, the party said there seemed to be a big group involved befriended her by securing her phone in the entire episode. number. Under the guise of providing justice to the victim, it was Muneer then allegedly took the becoming clearer that someone is using her to play a game. girl's private photos and videos and It would be a 'huge insult' to Karnataka and its police force threatened to release them if she did if the case is allowed 'to just be by itself, making it an enter- not yield to him, the Commissioner tainment for the country," JD(S) said and called on police to said. bring out the truth without succumbing to any political pres- A complaint was lodged at the sure. womens police station by the girl's "The question whether this is sexual exploitation, a con- parents who came to know about the spiracy or a honey-trap is troubling the citizens. harassment, he said. Without distinguishing between ruling and opposition Muneer is a driver by profession parties, police should find the truth. The state police is known and all the three accused had a for its sense of duty, and the time has come to prove it once criminal background, the police offi- again, it added. PTI cial said.      + ,-. ,/,0  /)8  " %  )       

  B)& & directly refer to the protest movement when he gave his s Myanmar's military cel- nationally televised Armed Aebrated the annual Armed Forces Day speech before thou- Forces Day holiday with a sands of soldiers in Naypyitaw. parade on Saturday in the He referred only to “terrorism country's capital, soldiers and which can be harmful to state police elsewhere reportedly tranquility and social security,” killed dozens of people as they and called it unacceptable. suppressed protests in the This year's event was seen deadliest bloodletting since as a flashpoint for violence, last month's coup. with demonstrators threatening A count issued by an inde- to double down on their pub- pendent researcher in Yangon lic opposition to the coup with who has been compiling near- more and bigger demonstra- real time death tolls put the tions. The protesters refer to the total by 9 pm at 100, spread holiday by its original name, over more than two dozen Resistance Day, which marks cities and towns. The online the beginning of a revolt news site Myanmar Now ear- against Japanese occupation lier reported the death toll had in World War 2. reached 91. State television MRTV on Both numbers are higher Friday night showed an than all estimates for the pre- announcement urging young vious high on March 14, which people - who have been at the ranged in counts from 74 to 90. forefront of the protests and  /  #    !#  >   Figures collected by the  /     /       # prominent among the casual- researcher, who asked not to be !#  >(   ties - to learn a lesson from friends to talk them out of par- Embassy said shots were fired occasion to try to justify the named for his security, have those killed during demon- ticipating. Saturday at its cultural centre in overthrow of Suu Kyi's gov- generally tallied with the counts statements that mentioned the rity forces are murdering that ousted the elected gov- strations about the danger of In recent days the junta has Yangon, though no one was ernment, accusing it of failing issued at the end of each day by killing of civilians Saturday, unarmed civilians.” ernment of Aung San Suu Kyi. being shot in the head or back. portrayed the demonstrators as injured. to investigate irregularities in the Assistance Association of including children. “These are not the actions The coup reversed years of The warning was widely the ones perpetrating violence The military government last November's general elec- Political Prisoners, which doc- “This 76th Myanmar of a professional military or progress toward democracy taken as a threat because a great for their sporadic use of does not issue regular casual- tion, and repeating that his gov- uments deaths and arrests and armed forces day will stay police force,” he wrote. after five decades of military number of the fatalities among Molotov cocktails. On Saturday, ty counts, and when it has ernment would hold “a free and is widely seen as a definitive engraved as a day of terror and “Myanmar's people have spo- rule. protesters have come from some protesters in Yangon released figures, the totals have fair election” and hand over source. The Associated Press is dishonour,” the European ken clearly: they do not want to Up through Friday, the being shot in the head, sug- were seen carrying bows and been a fraction of what inde- power afterward. unable to independently con- Union's delegation to Myanmar live under military rule.” Association of Political gesting they have been target- arrows. pendent parties such as the UN The military has claimed firm the death tolls. said on Twitter. “The killing of The death toll in Myanmar Prisoners had verified 328 peo- ed for death. The announce- In contrast, security forces have reported. It has said its use there were irregularities in the The killings quickly drew unarmed civilians, including has been steadily rising as ple killed in the post-coup ment suggested that some have used live ammunition for of force has been justified to voting rolls for the last election, international condemnation, children, are indefensible acts." authorities grow more forceful crackdown. young people were taking part weeks against what have still stop what it has called rioting. which Suu Kyi's National with multiple diplomatic mis- US Ambassador Thomas with their suppression of oppo- Junta chief Senior Gen. in protesting as if it was a game, been overwhelmingly unarmed In his speech Saturday, League for Democracy party sions to Myanmar releasing Vajda in a statement said "secu- sition to the February 1 coup Min Aung Hlaing did not and urged their parents and and peaceful crowds. The US Min Aung Hlaing used the won in a landslide. <:= 5        #: ;< 6   7    "     8 " # )     !$ )            !    1       "%   )   9 #$ #      2)3*& & it's all talk, or some progress –  0  !       will test Biden's pledge to make    */)+)-) Court had on January 28   $ resident Joe Biden is includ- climate change a priority   1@/ ed that the North tested a new acquitted, by a majority of two Ping rivals Vladimir Putin of among competing political, solid-fuel weapon that is akistan's Supreme Court to one, Omar Sheikh and oth- 0   # "  Russia and Xi Jinping of China economic, policy and pan- orth Korea on Saturday designed to evade missile Phas criticised the prosecu- ers and ordered the release of    " among the invitees to the first demic problems. It also will Nsnapped back at President defense systems and is poten- tion for its failure to prove the the principal suspect as well as #!  5     big climate talks of his admin- pose a very public — and Joe Biden's criticism of its bal- tially nuclear capable. guilt of British-born al-Qaeda Fahad Nasim Ahmed, Syed     istration, an event the US hopes potentially embarrassing or listic missile tests, calling his The launches showed how terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Salman Saqib and Shaikh        will help shape, speed up and empowering — test of whether comments a provocation and the North continues to expand Sheikh, the main accused in the Mohammd Adil from the jail F  -D   $ deepen global efforts to cut cli- U.S. leaders, and Biden in par- encroachment on the North's its military capabilities while sensational kidnapping and forthwith, if not required to be mate-wrecking fossil fuel pol- ticular, can still drive global right to self-defense and vow- nuclear negotiations with the murder of US journalist Daniel detained in connection with ;8    8   lution, administration officials decision-making after the ing to continuously expand its United States remain stalled. Pearl in 2002, according to a any other case.    #    " told The Associated Press. Trump administration with- “most thoroughgoing and over- They also underscored the media report. Pearl, 38, was the South !5$ I   The president is seeking to drew globally and shook up whelming military power.” growing threat such short- The apex court issued its Asia bureau chief of The Wall       # revive a US-convened forum of Hosting the summit will longstanding alliances. The statement issued by range weapons pose to U.S. detailed 43-page judgment on Street Journal. His murder    -     the world's major economies on fulfill a campaign pledge and The Biden administration senior official Ri Pyong Chol Allies South Korea and Japan, Friday, which has been took place three years after   ;  climate that George W. Bush and executive order by Biden, and the intentionally looked beyond its came after the North on which host a combined 80,000 authored by Justice Sardar Sheikh, along with Jaish-e- 9<      Barack Obama both used and administration is timing the international partners for the Thursday tested-fired two short- U.S. Troops as the core of Tariq Masood – who was part Mohammad chief (JeM)       Donald Trump let languish. event to coincide with its own summit, reaching out to key range missiles off its eastern America's military presence in of the three-member bench. Masood Azhar and Mushtaq ! #    Leaders of some of the world's upcoming announcement of leaders for what it said would coast in the first ballistic launch- the region. Dawn newspaper reported Ahmed Zargar, was released by   $ top climate-change sufferers, do- what will be a much tougher US sometimes be tough talks on cli- es since Biden took office. Biden was restrained as that the judges held that the India in 1999 and given safe gooders and backsliders round target for revamping the US mate matters, an administration Experts say the flight data he admonished North Korea evidence furnished during the passage to Afghanistan in     #  out the rest of the 40 invitations economy to sharply cut emissions official said. The official spoke on released by South Korea's mil- for the launches, which were a trial was full of factual and legal exchange for the nearly 150       being delivered Friday. It will be from coal, natural gas and oil. condition of anonymity to dis- itary and North Korea's own violation of UN sanctions defects. The judgment explains passengers of hijacked Indian $ $ -  D  held virtually April 22 and 23. The session – and whether cuss U.S. plans for the event. description of the tests indict- against the North. the reasons why the Supreme Airlines Flight 814. +  !              !  9     1 " 3 "   !     >? '   A  0#   R !! $       :    )   "    8     8    ? "     #   "    !  <!)=     #          !    !         )  # -   !   2)3*& &     ;    13%)&*%)& and Russia singed a 10-year   2)3*& & some weight — and political 0!      cooperation agreement, main- risk — to the job. GOP lawyer who advised   # $ ran and China on Saturday ly in the nuclear field, that was ike Pence led the coron- That's likely to be the case Aformer President Donald Isigned a 25-year strategic lengthened to 20 years through Mavirus task force only to for Vice President Kamala Trump on his campaign to    .   *> cooperation agreement two five-year extensions. be constantly overruled by the Harris, who this week was overturn the 2020 election  .     addressing economic issues Before the ceremony White House. Al Gore's efforts named the new point person A7 /    $ results is now playing a central $ $( ) ! !  amid crippling US sanctions on Saturday, Yi met Iranian to “reinvent govern- on immigration. The  #        role coordinating the     ;  ! Iran, state TV reported. President Hassan Rouhani and ment" were largely job comes as Republican effort to tighten    9<  The agreement dubbed the special Iranian envoy in charge forgotten during the President Joe Biden   @1C1 B (3.7 miles) north of the south- voting laws around the country.          Comprehensive Strategic of the deal Ali Larijani. Monica Lewinsky is rolling back four ern entrance, near the city of    D    $ Partnership, covers a variety of Saeed Khatibzadeh, scandal. Dan years of stringent giant container ship Suez. Peter Berdowski, CEO of economic activity from oil and spokesman for Iran's Foreign Quayle's revamping policies enacted by Aremained stuck sideways in Boskalis, the salvage firm hired mining to promoting industri- Ministry, on Friday called the of space policy his predecessor and Egypt's Suez Canal for a fifth to extract the Ever Given, said al activity in Iran, as well as agreement “deep, multi-layer never got much contending with day Saturday, as authorities the company hoped to pull the transportation and agricultur- and full-fledged.” notice to begin with. intensifying prepared to make new attempts container ship free within days al collaborations, according to The deal, which had been For decades, the Republican criticism to free the vessel and reopen a using a combination of heavy the report. No additional discussed since 2016, also sup- job of a Vice- over the increased crucial east-west waterway for tugboats, dredging and high details of the agreement were ports tourism and cultural President was to try flow of migrants to global shipping. tides. Cleta Mitchell, a longtime revealed as Iran's Foreign exchanges. It comes on the 50th to stay relevant, to the US-Mexico The Ever Given, a Panama- He told the Dutch current Republican lawyer and advocate Minister Mohammad Javad anniversary of the establish- avoid being viewed, border. flagged ship that carries cargo affairs show Nieuwsuur on for conservative causes, was Zarif and Chinese counterpart ment of diplomatic relations in the words of one “It's usually a between Asia and Europe, ran Friday night that the front of among the Trump advisers on Wang Yi took part in a cere- between China and Iran. occupant of the post, as “stand- ceremonial role. This is defi- aground Tuesday in the narrow the ship is stuck in sandy clay, a January phone call in which mony marking the event. The two countries have by equipment." But in recent nitely not a ceremonial task,” canal that runs between Africa but the rear “has not been Trump asked Georgia election The deal marked the first had warm relations and both administrations, the seconds- said Nina Rees, a former and the Sinai Peninsula. completely pushed into the officials to "find" enough votes time Iran has signed such a took part in a joint naval exer- in-command have increasing- deputy assistant for domestic The massive vessel got clay and that is positive because to declare him, and not lengthy agreement with a major cise in 2019 with Russia in the ly been deputized with special policy to Vice President Dick stuck in a single-lane stretch of you can use the rear end to pull Democrat Joe Biden, the winner world power. In 2001, Iran northern Indian Ocean. policy assignments that add Cheney. the canal, about six kilometers it free.” of the battleground state. -             

  2)%)2/)& Kaminski described the draft law as a “moral obligation” hey locate survivors in col- which should get unanimous Tlapsed buildings, track backing when presented in down fugitives, foil drugs and Parliament for approval later explosives smugglers and help this year. control rowdy crowds. All in “More than one human exchange for food and lodging life has been saved, more than — and an occasional pat on the one dangerous criminal caught head. thanks to the animals in ser- But when retirement time vice,” he said in February. comes, state care ends for the the Interior Ministry has pro- The new law would affect dogs and horses that serve in posed new legislation that some 1,200 dogs and more Poland's Police, Border Guard would give these animals an than 60 horses currently in ser- and Fire Service. They are official status, and paid retire- vice. Each year, some 10% of given away, with no safeguards ment to help cover the often the animals are retired, accord- for their future welfare. costly care bills their new own- ing to the Interior Ministry. Following appeals from ers face. Most of the dogs are German concerned service members, Interior Minister Mariusz or Belgian Shepherds. )7      + ,-. ,/,0

6-   . % $$    ! &   "   %  9 7    !Q /2 19R   *(+.    6   !     " ally a carry over of the Rs 2.10 pleted in FY’22,” he said.    &121/3* lakh crore target set for the cur- Recalling Prime Minister    &121/3* investigations.  * 8  rent fiscal ending March 31. Narendra Modi’s statement on    +@+-)* Government of Assam on “The United States is com- ower transmission and “Of this, BPCL privatisa- privatisation, he said these are receipt of consideration of he United States Trade mitted to working with its trad- Pretail distribution company tion and LIC listing itself were signature changes that are hap- n a move in the privatisation nearly Rs 500 crore. TRepresentative has ing partners to resolve its con- Adani Transmission Limited    &121/3* important contributors. pening. Iprocess of Bharat Petroleum The shares transferred to announced initiation of inves- cerns with digital services taxes, (ATL) has signed definitive There are estimates sug- Prime Minister Modi had Corporation Ltd. (BPCL), the the state government accounts tigation against the taxation on and to addressing broader issues agreements with Essel sserting that the disinvest- gesting Rs 75,000-80,000 crore last month said the govern- state-run energy major has for 3.2 per cent of BPCL’s stake digital services adopted or of international taxation,” said Infraprojects Limited (EIL) for Ament target of Rs 1.75 lakh or even higher can just come ment has no business to be in sold its entire 61.5 per cent in adding to the Assam govern- under consideration by coun- Ambassador Katherine Tai. the acquisition of Warora- crore for 2021-22 was “immi- from the privatisation of BPCL business and his administra- Numaligarh Refinery in Assam. ment’s existing shareholding of tries including the equalisation “The United States remains Kurnool Transmission Limited nently achievable”, Chief itself. LIC IPO could bring in tion is committed to privatis- The privatisation-bound 12.35 per cent. levy applied by India. committed to reaching an (WKTL) for an enterprise value Economic Adviser (CEA) KV Rs 1 lakh crore approximately,” ing all PSUs barring the bare company has sold its stake to “A Sale Purchase The other counties under international consensus of Rs 3,370 crore. Subramanian on Saturday said he said. minimum in four strategic a consortium of Oil India Ltd. Agreement has been signed on investigation included Italy, through the OECD process on The regulatory approval the proposed initial public The government is selling sectors. (OIL) and Engineers India and 25th March 2021 between Turkey, UK, Spain and Austria. international tax issues. for substitution of original offering (IPO) by LIC itself its entire 52.98 per cent stake Subramanian also empha- Government of Assam for BPCL and the consortium of A statement from the office However, until such a consen- awardee in the contract by could garner Rs 1 lakh crore for in BPCL in the nation’s biggest sised that India needs a lot nearly Rs 9,876 crore. Oil India Limited (OIL) and of the USTR said that in sus is reached, we will maintain Adani Transmission has the government. privatisation till date. more banks for meeting its Oil India acquired over Engineers India Limited (EIL) January it was found that dig- our options under the Section already been received from He also said retail inflation Vedanta Group and private growth potential. 39.84 crore shares or 54.16 per for sale of 43,05,83,886 equity ital service taxes (DST) adopt- 301 process, including, if nec- Central Electricity Regulatory targeting by the Reserve Bank equity firms Apollo Global Citing an example of the cent stake in NRL. shares of Rs 10/- each held by ed by Austria, India, Italy, essary, the imposition of tariffs.” Commission. The lenders con- of India (RBI) has helped in and I Squared Capital’s Indian US, he said America which has Post these acquisition OIL’s BPCL in Numaligarh Refinery Spain, Turkey, and the United Among the proposed sent and other necessary regu- bringing down the volatility unit Think Gas have put in an one-third the population of cumulative equity shareholding Ltd. to the consortium at a con- Kingdom were subject to action actions, the Joe Biden adminis- latory approvals shall be and level of inflation. expression of interest for buy- India has about 25,000-30,000 in NRL (including pre-acqui- sideration of Rs under Section 301 because tration has proposed to impose obtained before closure of The RBI’s Monetary Policy ing the government’s stake. banks. sition 26 per cent shareholding) 9375,96,41,177,” it said. they discriminated against US retaliatory tariffs up to 25 per transaction. Committee has been mandat- With regard to LIC’s list- On the long-term growth is 80.16 per cent. The development comes digital companies, were incon- cent on around 40 Indian prod- In a statement on Saturday, ed to maintain annual inflation ing, the government has story of India, he said the Engineers India Limited after the board of BPCL earli- sistent with the principles of ucts including shrimps, basmati Adani Transmission said that at 4 per cent until March 31, already got amendments in economy is expected to record (EIL) which is also a party to er this month approved the international taxation, and rice, gold and silver items.The the acquisition is in sync with 2021, with an upper tolerance the LIC Act passed through double digit growth next finan- the deal, has independently proposal for sale of the com- burdened US companies. Govt of India will examine the its strategy to enhance the of 6 per cent and lower limit of Finance Bill 2021 in Parliament cial year. acquired over 3.21 crore equi- pany’s equity shares in the USTR is proceeding with proposed action with the stake- value for its stakeholders, 2 per cent. earlier this week. During 2022-23, it could ty shares or 4.4 per cent of NRL Numaligarh Refinery Ltd. the public notice and comment holders concerned and would through organic as well as Speaking at a virtual con- “These are numbers (dis- moderate to 6.5-7 per cent from BPCL. (NRL) to a consortium of Oil process on possible trade take suitable measures keeping inorganic opportunities. ference by Jana Small Finance investment) which are immi- and thereafter 7.5-8 per cent, In regulatory filing, the India Limited and Engineers actions to preserve procedur- its trade and commercial inter- With this acquisition, the Bank, Subramanian said the nently achievable because the aided by the reform measures BPCL said that the remaining India Limited, along with the al options before the conclusion est of the country and overall cumulative network of ATL disinvestment target of Rs 1.75 work had begun on many of announced by the government 2.29 crore equity shares have government of Assam. of the statutory one-year time interest of its people, according will reach 17,200 ckt km (cir- lakh crore for 2021-22 is actu- these and they will be com- recently, he added. been transferred to the period for completing the to official sources. cuit kilometre). -      +) '    $  6'     5   $ 2               &121/3* petrol was sold for Rs 90.78 per In fact, prices declined on    &121/3* ?( & (( &6( “The rate of increase in litre. Wednesday and Thursday after &! AA$!(& ) ( yarn prices far exceeds that of uel prices were unchanged Price of the fuel in a long time amid the pandem- pparel Export Promotion cotton prices. The steep    &121/3* Section 31 of FSS Act 2006, all Ffor the second straight day Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata ic. ACouncil (AEPC) has $!4( ($ ! '5 ( increase in prices and unpre- Food Business Operators after declining for two days in was at Rs 97.19, Rs 92.77 and Oil marketing companies sought for imposition of quan- 6!5 $A 5$(($ !/ ( & dictability in availability of he Food Safety and (FBOs) have to obtain license/ a row.In the national capital, Rs 90.98 per litre, respectively have been maintaining restraint titative restrictions and export 5$&&(( 5!&  yarn means that garment TStandards Authority of registration before com- on Saturday. off late despite surging crude oil duty on export of cotton yarn exporters cannot honour com- India (FSSAI) has made it mencement of any food busi- Diesel prices in prices. The May contract of from India. ( &( A$'! 4$(&  mitments they made to their mandatory for manufacturers ness. Delhi, Mumbai, Brent crude on the In a letter to the Union & AA5( ( (! customers,” the AEPC of packaged drinking water Further, Food Safety and Chennai and Kolkata Intercontinental Exchange is Minister of Textiles Smriti ' 5 Chairman said. and mineral water to take BIS Standards (Prohibition and were at Rs 81.10, Rs around $64.5 per barrel. Zubin Irani, AEPC Chairman This has also affected certification for obtaining Restriction on Sales) 88.20, Rs 86.10 and Rs Retail fuel prices although A. Sakthivel said that despite handloom and powerloom license or registration from Regulations 2011 state that no 83.98 per litre, respec- have not been increased for several efforts by the govern- weavers badly and looms have the regulator. person should manufacture, tively. around a month now, they are ment to reduce the price of cot- said. stopped production, he said, The FSSAI on Friday said sell or exhibit for sale, pack- Fuel prices which already around record high ton yarn, it has consistently Sakthivel also noted that adding that “due to this, the that FBOs(Food Business aged drinking water and min- impact the common levels making a hole in the increased in the last four apparel exporters were grateful domestic industry has also got Operators) will have to manda- eral water except under the man’s budget to a great pockets of the common man. months and was affecting the to the minister for her contin- affected adversely”. torily upload copy of the BIS Bureau of Indian Standards extent have been large- The petrol and diesel prices entire value chain. uous support in bringing sta- He suggested that export (Bureau of Indian Standards) (BIS) certification mark, said ly unchanged ahead have increased 26 times in “We request your kind bility in cotton price and pre- duty should be levied on license or copy of letter indi- FSSAI. of the state elections. 2021 with the two auto fuels immediate intervention to dictability in availability of cot- exports of cotton yarn. cating recording of application However, it has been increasing by Rs 7.46 and Rs increase the supply of yarn to ton, which encouraged Cotton This will result in a sharp for BIS license, at the time of reported that a number of 7.60 per litre respectively so far domestic manufacturers. We Corporation of India (CCI) to decline in domestic yarn prices applying for new license for manufacturers of packaged this year. suggest that quantitative reduce the price of cotton to and an increase in value addi- packaged drinking water and drinking water and mineral Officials in public sector oil restrictions should be imposed small mill owners. tion and employment in the mineral water from the FSSAI water are in operation companies said that retail on exports of cotton yarn, However, he added that, country and will also help in on the online system of with FSSAI license but without prices may rise again if crude specifically on cotton yarn of 26 the move did not result in increasing garment exports, FoSCoS. BIS certification mark, it and product prices pick up. counts and above,” the letter reduction of cotton yarn prices. Sakthivel said. FSSAI said said that as per added. ;=#' ;''7'< $  #9A P    0,1   9   8      "    8'!$$ )7:?             @& %)    #  '   )     $%                $*    -      &121/3* out in a meeting convened by tracts will be honoured. A    &121/3* F#  ;     %   the Logistics Division, request has been made to the  $     !    s efforts are underway to Department of Commerce, shipping lines to maintain sta- ICCI Alliance for Re-imag- @    %;$ Afree a giant container ship Government of India on Friday. bility in freight rates during the Fining School Education stuck in the Suez Canal, the The meeting was chaired period of this crisis. It was (ARISE) is going to organise its  8 #         " Indian government in discus- by Pawan Agarwal, Special noted that the situation is tem- first global universities’ fair   2  K  !#    sion with the stakeholders has Secretary (Logistics) and porary and is unlikely to have called “FICCI Arise  !# %!! #  ;  %; decided that the Federation of attended by the Ministry of a long-lasting impact, said an International Uni Fair” on    #     & Indian Export Organisations Ports, Shipping and Waterways, official statement. March 31 between 5.30 p.m. 3  $      ;% 0 ;   (FIEO), Marine Products ADG Shipping, Container “Once the blockage is over, and 8 p.m. 2   ;   ;2;    &  Export Development Authority Shipping Lines Association it is expected that some bunch- As higher education plays -# ;I  O  ;   &-;I;  (MPEDA) and Agricultural (CSLA) and Federation of ing may take place, especially an important role in promot-    *   # $L !  and Processed Food Products Indian Export Organisations at the ports of JNPT, Mundra ing human development as #    0   !     Export Development Authority (FIEO). and Hazira. well as contributing to the      M & ; %;$ (APEDA) will jointly identify Apart from the prioritisa- Ministry of Ports, Shipping economy of a country, FICCI cargo, particularly perishable tion of cargo, the plan outlined and waterway assured to issue Arise has come up with this    "    9"   " cargo, for priority movement. that shipping lines have been an advisory to these ports so as universities’ fair to provide              The exporters’ bodies will advised through CSLA to to gear up arrangements and students an opportunity to        & 1    also work with the shipping explore the option of re-rout- ensure efficient handling dur- interact with wide-ranging and     7?       I!   lines for the priority movement. ing of ships via the Cape of ing the forthcoming busy peri- diverse higher education learn-     9???  !  $ The government has come Good Hope. It was pointed that od,” it said. ing opportunities.          :   98 up with a four-point plan to such re-routing usually takes 15 The Commerce Ministry At the fair, students will     !7?=?         deal with the situation arising additional days’ time. statement noted that the block- have an opportunity to choose      $ from the blockage of Suez CSLA also assured that the age of Suez Canal since March from top international univer- Canal. The plan was chalked freight rates as per existing con- 23 is seriously hitting the glob- sities/colleges from USA, al trade. Canada, UK, , New This route is used for Zealand, Germany, France, Indian exports or imports Singapore, India, and other worth $ 200 billion to and from top destinations. North America, South America Close to 90 universities and Europe. have already registered.      + ,-. ,/,0 "+ )4 !++) 89 #83:  >      =$5: !         :$8   K  7=# !   $+@-)3)3+*#     !     #       

asting food, water, elec- tricity or even fuel is not an alien concept to humans. However, to take this a notch high- Wer, even Covid vaccines are getting wast- ed. Surprising enough? Well, it should- n’t be. The disappointing fact is the number of vaccine doses that have gone waste — 23 lakh, around 6.5 per cent of the total 7 crore vaccines, out of which 3.46 crore vaccines have been administered, that have been provided by the Centre to States so far, accord- ing to the data release by The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. What is the reason you ask? Low turnout of ben- eficiaries reportedly. The State that is leading the wastage chart is Telangana with a whopping 17.6 per cent followed by Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka with 11.6, 9.4 and 6.9 per cent respectively. Delhi, however, is not listed in the chart which means there is either zero wastage or it is less than Himachal Pradesh’s i.e. 1.4 per cent, if at all. During a time, when several coun- tries are waiting for their turn to get their required number of doses, this huge amount of wastage is something that we should feel sad about. Moreover, the recent surge in cases with the coun- try reporting 50,000 cases in a day is a reality check for all of us that we defi- nitely can’t afford to waste even a sin- gle dose of the vaccine. “It is indeed unfortunate that such wastage has occurred in our country and should have been avoided at all costs. Since we are running the second largest vaccination programme in the world, we should have seen this coming and therefore been better prepared. One of the major reasons being cited are the unexpectedly low turnout of beneficia- ries after the opening of a vial,” Dr Arunesh Kumar, Senior Consultant and Head of Respiratory Medicine/Pulmonology, Paras Healthcare and a part of the team of doctors involved in the vaccination process, tells you. Since each vial of Covishield con- tains 10 doses and Covaxin 20 doses, it is crucial that all the doses are used up within four hours of opening. Otherwise, it becomes unusable and hence goes waste. “In fact, apart from the low turnout, poor and inadequate coordination between vaccine suppliers, cold chain facilities and vaccination centres on one hand and between vaccine centres and end-users on the other is more respon- sible for this wastage. A vial should be opened only when sufficient number of end users are physically available at the vaccination centres,” Kumar opines. In addition to this, an already con- firmed beneficiary must be checked with again on the day of the slated inoc- ulation programme. And any post- ponement request by a beneficiary must be immediately followed up with making the vaccine available to those slated for the next session/day or those on waiting list. The vaccination centers must also use technology to be able to connect and coordinate with local populations in “They ask whether it is better to get nat- immediately. And in order to encour- case of unexpectedly lower turnout of ural immunity to COVID-19 rather age people to get their vaccination intended beneficiaries. than immunity from a vaccine or is it done, Government should make the )3Q% *!% 8%) !3 8; While the latest decision of bring- safe to get a COVID-19 vaccine if they arrangement of dedicated logistics for ing down the age of eligible candidates have an underlying medical condition. the people,” Kumar says.  )       !+   3 I for vaccination would help in prevent- Moreover, some even fear that will the ))%I%+31/2 Dr Shuchin Bajaj, Founder Director, 2    H  ! ing wastage at least of the kind that vaccine give them COVID-19. While Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, the           ! H occurs due to low attendance of end- others are just worried about the pre- @%&@ %)& hospital which has been successfully                $ beneficiaries, expanding the list further cautions to be taken and what to do in *&)1E@)1 running vaccination drives, is no excep- will help. case of fever after vaccination,” he tells ;%*&)*&-1211& tion and agrees with what the other doc-  )         ! “It is also being suggested that the you. tors has to say on the wastage of the vac-    ! ! #  !     Government should expand the list of While this might be one of the main F);;*&1@/*1% ;/ cines.  !       $ beneficiaries from those aged 45 and reasons behind the low turnout of ben- ;3)*&I);*/**1)& “Before the vaccination was opened above with comorbidities and the elder- eficiaries, what can be done to prevent for everyone above 45, the wastage was  %!      !#   ly to those below 45 years old. This wastage is that the Government can pro- F);;*&)*&;1&%1& quiet high because the number of peo-  #!$ should definitely solve the problem of vide logistics for anyone and everyone &13)&)&-1211& ple walking in was low. Hence, we were low turnouts post-opening of a vial. who is willing to get vaccinated. only able to utilise 50 per cent of the time mass vaccination is feasible and vaccine across multiple States requires Another way out for the authorities “The Government must take such F);;*&1;1&%1)& total vaccine slots available in a day. even after getting the vaccination done, a well-coordinated network. Sufficient could be to focus on states, cities and initiatives so that maximum people can 1&@1%&3131% Now with the vaccination open to people need to continue following safe- number of doses, temperature condi- populations where there has been a get the dose. Opening vaccination for all *+%1%1&*-/1 everyone above 45 regardless of their co- ty precautions like wearing masks cov- tions for storage during transportation resurgence of Covid cases,” Kumar people above 45 is one such com- morbidities, the wastage is going to get ering nose and mouth, hand hygiene and sanitation protocols are also impor- adds. mendable move. The Government must I%3*2)) 1$ lower. We will be able to utilise more and social distancing, she adds. tant. Vaccines from more manufactures But having said that, we would still assess the availability of vaccines so that )F*)/3@/-11&1 doses. With that being said, Tamil Even Kumar’s views resonate with would also be needed to ease the wait- need to think of prioritising certain age more categories of people are inoculat- Nadu has taken a commendable step Mutta and he says that at the moment ing lines. Trained vaccinators and staff or demographic segment. “Otherwise, ed in the coming days. Also it will help &/B231&@II*;*1& with allowing walk-ins of any age adults we don’t have enough vaccines to vac- in large numbers would be required to the demand for doses may outstrip the in creating awareness among the peo- &@+-1%I1&@1% to get vaccinated. This is a good policy cinate everybody. target vaccine for larger population,” supplies we have and create operational ple about the world’s biggest vaccination and we could replicate it in the rest of The idea at the moment is to vac- Mutta suggests. nightmare for the authorities,” Kumar drive,” he asserts. )%13B*;)//B the States to decrease the wastage. Our cinate the risk group. “As we build up However, the silver linning in the asserts. Kumar too agrees with Dutta and )F)*/)-/1)31 aim should be to bring down the our vaccine reserve, this can be rolled dark clouds is that Delhi is no where to Dr (Col) Vijay Dutta, Senior says that making vaccines available in F);;*&)*&;1&%1 wastage to one per cent,” Bajaj says. out to above 18 group. We need more be mentioned in the vaccine wastage Consultant — Internal Medicine, Indian the open markets would help people lap One of the many solutions to pre- private sector involvement and graph provided by the Government. Spinal Injuries Centre, who is the key up the shots. L$  1?1  vent this wastage one can probably think increased slots for vaccination making “Government’s efforts to make this member of the Adversary Emergency “It’s unfortunate to see how the   1   / of is to bring down the age below 45 for it a 24*7 phenomena. For the time vaccine drive a successful one definite- Response Committee at the hospital tells turnout for Covid-19 vaccines are so less % /#"   vaccination. However, Dr Jyoti Mutta, being, gradual extension to further ly calls for a special mention. There has you that number of people coming for in many States. Making the vaccine 6/ + @1   Senior Consultant, Microbiology, Sri young age group should be implement- not been wastage issues in Delhi-NCR vaccination are increasing day by day. available in the open market would  % +  Balaji Action Medical Institute, tells you ed,” he insists. and the process is running smoothly. Around 100 to 150 are coming daily for allow vaccine demand to lap up the that this will not be a feasible option. Out of the several challenges that is People too are cooperative and enthu- getting their dose of Covid jab. shots, eliminating wastage. India being A%  "   “The eligibility criteria for vaccina- being faced in the vaccination drive, one siastic for the vaccination. Further, the “We are expecting an increase of the vaccine-maker in the world, it /+   /  tion can be expanded when there are of the most prominent one is to increase above 45 vaccination decision is anoth- about 15 per cent in the next few weeks,” would be a matter of shame if it were to  ++   " +B enough supplies to meet the increased accessibility given the huge amount of er effort that will help ramp up the vac- Dutta says. lag other countries in vaccination in the demand and not at the moment. More population we have. cination process and make this drive However, even those who are turn- long run, simply because the private sec- vaccine candidates will be approved in “We have a geographically diverse more successful,” Dr Piyush Goel, ing up for the vaccination are apprehen- tor was not trusted with the job. So, the the coming months based on safety and country with over one billion popula- Senior Consultant — Pulmonary and sive about getting jabbed. They are wor- capping on 250 doses per day from the efficacy data. This will boost the immu- tion; hence the level of accessibility Critical Care, Columbia Asia Hospital, ried about the common side effects. private hospitals should be removed nisation programme,” she says. Till the varies. Also to ensure transportation of Palam Vihar, Gurugram, says.      + ,-. ,/,0 " 3) &  4   ""         A ! G !5F(  # / # 8)"   %6    @&1 4<= && ndian cricket team may    @&1 like to revisit its 50-over *  #    ! 9?*    Itemplate while picking up   * $ :7 !      he reigning world champions would continue to stick to their pieces from the Friday carnage  97 )   :???   *$ Taggressive and fearless brand of , opening batsman with an aim to complete a hat- ?= &C ! $ F '  09= Jonny Bairstow said after the tourists chased down 337 in just trick of series wins against * 8   !   43.3 overs to set up a series decider here on Sunday. England in the third and final        *     # The opening batsman followed up 94 from 66 balls in the ODI here on Sunday.  ! =?=$7? :<>:      first match with 124 from 112 as England plundered 20 sixes to On batting belters that’s  =7     !       make the stiff chase a complete mismatch. been on offer at the Gahunje  $ 8???    *$3 “To be honest, I think it’s just happening that way. There has- Stadium, England hit an n’t been a conversation saying we must hit more sixes,” Baistow astounding 20 sixes in a 337- #      5<6>   <5 said after Friday’s series-levelling second ODI. run chase which became a 8<9?         <> *  Bairstow smashed seven sixes, while No 3 Ben Stokes hit cakewalk, thanks to inpet 58$99 9=6   959   $ cleared the ropes 10 times before falling for 99. bowling from spinners   not out) also added to India’s misery as they conceded 20 sixes Pandya. It might just help Rishabh ering that he has rarely bowled in total — the joint most by them in an ODI. They had conced- ;$ Never before has E;<;$ Pant and Hardik Pandya with save a few overs in the recent- ed a similar 20 sixes against South captain Virat Kohli E'#:6 their brand of power-hitting ly concluded T20Is. Africa in 2015. missed Ravindra 3C,)6 change the course of the On the pace front, while “If you look at where the Jadeja as much as he  #:# 33 innings in the back-10. India would go-ahead with game is going around the world, ; D:#? would have on Friday Skipper Virat Kohli, who spearhead Bhuvneshwar whether that be in T20, or 50-over when Jonny Bairstow hit two successive 50 plus Kumar, they could try going in cricket the team that hits the most and Ben Stokes took the scores, would be keen to carry with left-arm pacer and york- boundaries generally wins the mickey out of India’s left-arm his form and convert the start er specialist T Natarajan, in game. wrist and orthodox spinners. into a really big total and end case they want to rest “And if you’re hitting bound- In the bowling depart- the century drought. Shardul Thakur for the aries that are going for six rather ment, Kuldeep scripted an The skipper has however game. than four, then the numbers are unwanted record when he made it clear that he is not Also, there could be a going to stack up slightly more. conceded 8 sixes, most by an looking at milestones. choice between Mohammed “There’s 20 today — now, that’s Indian bowler. He leaked 84 “I never played for 100s in Siraj and Prasidh Krishna an extraordinary number in one runs in the second game after my life, that’s probably why I although Prasidh’s pace game... If we can keep hitting bound- giving 64 runs in the first. ended up getting so many in is an advantage for the aries, keep putting bowlers under And, so did Krunal Pandya, such little time.” hosts. pressure, they know if they miss their who gave 72 runs in six overs “It’s all about contributing Meanwhile, lengths, then that potentially could go with an embarrassing average to the team cause. If the team England would be for six.” of 12 per over. doesn’t win when you get bolstered by their The reigning world champions are So, in all probability, the three figures it doesn’t mean Friday’s performance however aware of their high-risk duo could be replaced by leg- anything. You’re not going to and the biggest pos- approach, having lost the series-opener by spinner Yuzvendra Chahal sit back at the end of your itive would be the 66 runs despite Bairstow and Roy getting the and Washington Sundar, who career and look at numbers, return of form of team off to a similarly spectacular start. can also chip in with the bat, "#4 2  A  /      8)"   H$$" it’s more about how you Ben Stokes, who oth- “Look, the execution won’t happen if needed. played the game.” erwise struggled on every single time and people will get out From team’s perspective, it his batting skills but the apol- India can now look to have captain Mahendra Singh For the record, his last many occasions on the doing it. But everybody in the dressing room would be impossible to ignore ogy of left-arm spin has cer- strategic shift in terms innings Dhoni. century came in August 2019 entire tour. is backing that person out in the middle. If they Yuzvendra Chahal’s inclusion tainly ensured that he won’t be building process. It has worked on most in this format. Come Sunday, it want to hit the ball for six they believe in every- in the playing XI even though considered as a long term The Men In Blue are the occasions but of late, England Hardik would continue remains to be seen, if one’s ability. That’s a good place to be in.” the Haryana leg-spinners has- option. only team that always believes with a world title has shown to play his role of a finisher India win the game, Reflecting upon their loss in the first ODI and n’t been in the best of forms. In terms of batting, a total in accelerating in the last 15 the world that attacking up but question mark remains on it couldn’t be better said: “If you actually break the game down only Pandya senior would still of 337 is certainly not bad by overs, a template that was set front on batting tracks is the what kind of workload man- gift on eve of festival from a couple of days ago, we were way ahead of make it to the team because of any standards but perhaps by their illustrious former way forward. agement is happening consid- of colours Holi. the game,” he said. “A couple of bits happened and a couple of fell but we were way ahead of that game and that was something that we went away and 9    O #A P spoke about and identified. “To win that, chase down 337 with six-seven   @&1 who is replacing the injured er really.” overs left and six wickets in the shed is something Morgan as captain. “He is very intimi- that we were really pleased with,” he said.   %4  ngland’s stand-in captain Jos Buttler said the England dating to bowl at. I On personal front, Bairstow, who hit his 11th EButtler has backed top bats- team wanted to push back know having played ODI century, has set his sights on socring the    @&1 man Jonny Bairstow to become “boundaries” with their attack- against Jonny in the most number of hundreds for his country in the the country’s leading century ing play and the record was there IPL, in the bowlers’ fifty-over format. rasidh Krishna has scorer after his 124 against India for the taking for Bairstow, who meeting they say All his ODI centuries have come after he Pimpressed everyone with his helped England level the series has been in the world’s top 10 for ‘what shall we do to was promoted to open in 2017 as he has only pace and bounce but Team going into Sunday’s final. several years. this guy’ and Joe Root (16), skipper Eoin Morgan (13) and India’s newest pace sensation Bairstow made his 11th “It is fantastic the form that there are not too Marcus Trescothick (12) ahead of him in the list. admitted that he needs to work ODI hundred on Friday and Jonny is in and there is no rea- many answers “Well, naturally you’d like to have the most hard on trying to be more eco- said afterwards that he wanted son why he should not go on to be honest. ODI hundreds for England. I’m happy, that’s the nomical with the new ball. to have the most One-Day hun- and break all those records.” “He is hugely biggest thing and certainly in batting.” In both ODIs, Prasidh got dreds for England. The batsman has been appreciated in “I’ve got 11, and I think I have opened only wickets in his second spell with “Jonny has been in unbe- unable to pin down a regular our side and I 56-57 times so yeah I’m happy with those fig- semi-new ball (as two new balls lievable form for the last few Test place but has become a first think every- ures, but they mean nothing if you don’t keep are used) and got a bit of stick years for us, he has been one of choice in limited overs. one knows converting them in the future. from England batsmen during the world’s leading batsmen in “He is certainly not under- what a spe- “So, look, I’m happy with how I’m play- his opening overs. ODI cricket and he has been appreciated in our side,” said cial player ing cricket at the moment and I’m really “Personally, I would like to amazing to watch,” said Buttler, Buttler. “He is our leading play- he is.” enjoying it,” he said. start better. I would like to ball cricket today. With four out- and they chased it down in the improve on how I have been side for the 11 to 40 overs, that’s 44th over. It says it all. It was a starting with the (new ball). bound to happen. flat , challenging wicket Otherwise, all the runs that I “It was a very good wicket for bowlers where the margin of     /   gave away were scored off bad to bat on, no doubt. The score error was very, very less,” he )          balls. So I would go back and says it all. We scored 330-plus noted. work on those aspects,” Prasidh said after India’ defeat in second  C=1      @&1 29 March so he can recover dur- ODI. %      ing the planned break following While Indian bowlers had a njured England speedster Jofra his elbow injection.” poor day in office, Prasidh said  2 3 &  IArcher, who has already been Archer suffered a cut to his that they could have hardly ruled out of the Indian Premier hand while cleaning at his home done anything in the face of an Pune: Former India captain well,” Gavaskar said during his League, will undergo a surgery in January shortly before flying onslaught from Jonny Bairstow Sunil Gavaskar believes new TV commentary on Friday. on his right hand on Monday. to India to prepare for the Test and Ben Stokes. fast bowling sensation Prasidh “Just like Jasprit Bumrah, Archer played in two Test series. The injury was managed “We could have bowled bet- Krishna can serve India well in from T20s and ODIs, has now matches and five T20Is against by the ECB’s medical team ter, I’m not denying the fact but Test cricket with his “pace and become India’s premium India before returning home a through the tour and it did not we need to give credit to the way seam position” and should be bowler in the Test format, few days ago. impact on his availability. they played as well. It was an considered for the longest for- Prasidh Krishna with his pace “England fast bowler Jofra “He has also had a further However, further investi- onslaught, we got hit quite bad.” mat just like Jasprit Bumrah and the seam-up position could Archer will undergo a procedure injection for the right elbow gation and a specialist’s opinion With only four fielders out- was in 2018. be a very, very good red ball to his right hand following a injury that had seen him was sought upon his return to side the circle during the second “I tell you what, with those bowler as well,” he added. scan and subsequent Consultant declared unfit for selection for the UK and in conjunction with Powerplay (between 11-40 seam up deliveries, he is some- Prasidh has captured 34 review since he returned to the the current ODI series versus the ECB medical panel, it has overs), it is always difficult to one that the Indian selection wickets in nine first class games UK on Tuesday,” the England India. been decided that surgery is the stop the batsmen on a flat deck. committee must consider seri- so far, besides taking 87 wick- and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) “The procedure on Jofra’s best option to manage his injury “That’s the game of white- ously for red ball (Tests) as ets in 50 List A games. PTI said in a statement on Saturday. hand will take place on Monday in the longer term.

   @&1 another level and we have seen that in all formats.” 3    A   8 )R  @F en Stokes’ aggressive batting The skipper wasn’t sur- Bhas an intimidating effect on prised that Stokes did as well as bowlers and England’s stand-in he did batting in at No 3. ' $ captain Jos Buttler would like his “It was impressive to watch %      "5F5<$94 premier all-rounder to carry this how Ben (Stokes) always wants New Delhi: Cricket legend form for Rajasthan Royals in the to bat. He is involved in the Sachin Tendulkar and former    &121/3* Lanka Cricket, the position Indian Premier League. game as much as he can. It was India all-rounder Yusuf Pathan which he held prior to his res-    @&1 Stokes was promoted up the fantastic to watch and it was no on Saturday said they have test- ri Lanka pace great ignation,” it added. order in the first two ODIs and surprise that he played so well ed positive for Covid-19 and are SChaminda Vaas has agreed to One of the country’s finest cautious approach with the he roared back to form in the in that position,” Buttler said at currently in home isolation. continue as the fast bowling con- seamers, Vaas had resigned as Abat during the first 40 second outing smashing 99 the pre-match virtual press con- Both the former cricketers, sultant with the country’s crick- the team’s fast bowling coach overs might cost India the with 10 sixes. ference ahead of the third ODI. who played in a recent league et board saying that matters that for the tour of West Indies ODI World Cup at home in “He is an intimidating guy The skipper said that with together, confirmed the news on led to his resignation last month hours before their departure to two years time, reckons former to bowl at and may that form so many options available, it is their social media handles. have been “amicably resolved”. the Caribbean last month. England skipper Michael continue into tomorrow and as only a given that all players “I have been testing myself Last month, he was, howev- The SLC had then claimed Vaughan. a fellow Rajasthan Royal (team- would like to pay as many and taking all the recommend- er, appointed as the fast bowling Vaas had resigned over remu- India have always followed mate) into the IPL,” the 30-year- deliveries possible. ed precautions to ensure Covid coach of the Sri Lankan nation- neration and also accused him the template of accelerating in old wicket-keeper said on the “And the same questions is kept at bay. However, I have al team and not consultant. of “holding the administration, the final 10 overs. It has worked eve of the series deciding third are asked, where I should bat, tested positive today following “Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to the cricketers and the game at on most occasions but of late, ODI against India. where Jonny (Bairstow) should mild symptoms,” the 47-year-old inform you that pursuant to a ransom” by resigning citing the England with a world title has Buttler was very impressed bat, we have a wealth of talent Sachin wrote on Twitter. meeting that was held between administration’s refusal to shown the that attacking up with Stokes’ batting at No 3 and at the moment in white-ball “All others at home have Mr and the accede to an “unjustifiable front on batting tracks is the how he has evolved as a player cricket and (there are) lots of tested negative. I have quaran- Management Team of Sri Lanka demand for an increased USD way forward. in the past few years. guys, who want to face as tined myself at home and I am Cricket, the matters which led to remuneration”. In the first two ODIs, India and his men has the firepower in a World Cup at home in 2 “He (Stokes) has had a few many balls as possible, so it is following all the necessary pro- his resignation were amicably Vaas is a contracted adopted a similar approach as to put a 375 plus score on flat yrs they have enough power & (innings) and his World Cup no surprise that Ben played so tocols as advised by my doctors. resolved,” Sri Lanka Cricket employee of SLC and worked after a slow start they explod- wickets and should look to be depth to get scores of 375 + on final (80 odd) one was pretty well. It is a good headache to I want to thank all the healthcare (SLC) said in a statement. as the fast bowling coach at ed in the back end to score 112 aggressive right from the start. flat wickets. England leading good. But we all know the tal- have for the guys in-charge,” he professionals who are support- “Vaas withdrew his sub- their high-performance centre and 126 runs in the last 10 “Today should be a lesson the way with this approach,” ent Ben has. I feel like his bat- said when asked whether ing me and many others across mitted Letter of Resignation before replacing Australian overs respectively. to India ... Playing it safe for 40 Vaughan wrote on his Twitter ting in the last few years has Stokes could also bat one- the country. Take care all of you,” and agreed to continue as the David Saker with the senior Vaughan feels Virat Kohli overs with Bat might cost them handle. continued to improve and go to drop in T20s. he further wrote. PNS Fast Bowling Consultant to Sri team.      + ,-. ,/,0 " 33 558# /   % "1  4    / * P 

Verstappen clinched the season- win a record eighth title. 1 /  1  ending Abu Dhabi last December from Ferrari duo Carlos Sainz Jr and pole and now goes for the 11th win of Leclerc topped Q2 ahead of Hamilton,   +*)+* at the Miami Open, because his career. Hamilton seeks a record- an encouraging sign for the famed my injury doesn’t let me play extending 96th win. Italian manufacturer given last season’s orld number three here as expected,” Halep said Verstappen led the first part of qual- difficulties. WSimona Halep withdrew in a statement. ifying, known as Q1, ahead of Earlier in the day, Verstappen from the WTA and ATP “I’m sad that I can’t con- AlphaTauri’s 20-year-old Japanese dri- clocked the fastest time in the final Miami Open on Saturday tinue. I wanted to come here ver Yuki Tsunoda. Both cars use Honda practice when, in hot conditions, he was because of a right shoulder to give my best and play many engines and the Japanese manufactur- .74 seconds quicker than Hamilton. injury, sending Latvia’s matches but unfortunately I er is in its final season before leaving Vettel came back to the garage with Anastasija Sevastova into the can’t. Hopefully next year I will F1. Sebastian Vettel, who endured a tor- about 20 minutes left in the session, round of 16. be back healthy and better.” rid season last year with Ferrari, start- telling his team some debris had hit his The 29-year-old Sevastova received a ed the new one badly. He was among race helmet. Romanian isn’t set to play walkover into the fourth the five drivers eliminated from Q1 and Qualifying took place in the   +*)+* again until next month’s Billie round, where she will face starts 18th for Aston Martin. evening under cooler conditions as the Jean King Cup, formerly the either 15th-seeded Polish teen Michael Schumacher’s son, Mick sun set on the Sakhir desert track. aniil Medvedev celebrated Fed Cup. Iga Swiatek, the reigning Schumacher, starts from 19th at the Verstappen is continuing his form Dhis rise to second in the “I’m very sorry I have to French Open champion, or track where his father won the inaugur- from pre-season testing and last year’s world with a seamless entry pull out of singles and doubles 338th-ranked Ana Konjuh. al race in 2004, the year he clinched his season-ending Abu Dhabi GP, which he into the Miami Open on seventh F1 title. Hamilton is looking to won. Friday, trouncing Taiwan’s Lu “I’m happy about my “I’m happy I was able to get Yen-Hsun in less than an hour. achievement but only trying to it done in two,” Osaka added.   )'3*% Hamilton his 99th, edging Russia’s Medvedev needed improve every day and want to “I’m not sure if it was nerves or out the world champion by .39 just 56 minutes to subdue Lu go further.” just I’m a bit rusty but my deci- ed Bull’s Max seconds on his final attempt. 6-2, 6-2, firing nine aces with Women’s world number sion making on some shots Verstappen took a “Congratulations to Max,” just one double fault as he two Naomi Osaka, seeded sec- was kind of questionable. Rsuperb pole position for Hamilton said. advanced to a third-round ond behind top-ranked In other action, Australian the season-opening Bahrain “I gave everything I had.” meeting with Australian Alexei Australian Ashleigh Barty, had James Duckworth surprised Grand Prix on Saturday and Hamilton’s teammate Popyrin, a 6-4, 6-2, winner a tougher time, but conquered eighth-seeded Belgian David will start the race immediate- Valtteri Bottas was .59 behind over 30th-seeded American her nerves in her first match Goffin 6-3, 6-1 and Britain’s ly ahead of Mercedes driver Verstappen in third, while Reilly Opelka. since winning the Australian Cameron Norrie beat ninth- Lewis Hamilton. Charles Leclerc qualified in an Medvedev, the top seed in Open to beat Aussie Ajla seeded Bulgarian Grigor Verstappen earned his encouraging fourth for an ATP Masters event for the Tomljanovic 7-6 (7/3), 6-4. Dimitrov 7-5, 7-5. fourth career pole to deny Ferrari. first time, was all over Lu “I would say what I’m from the opening game. most proud of today, just being He belted 24 winners to able to handle my nerves,” Vijayveer, Tejaswani shoot Gold in 25m rapid fire pistol mixed event become the second player — Osaka said. That was a bigger medal match, Sidhu and along with compatriot Andrey problem than the gusty wind Tejaswani comfortably beat Rublev — to reach 15 match on Grandstand Court at Hard the duo of Gurpreet Singh wins this year. Rock Stadium, where 77th- and Ashok Abhidnya Patil 9- Runner-up to top-ranked ranked Tomljanovic twice went 1 at the Dr Karni Singh Novak Djokovic at the up a break in the opening set Shooting Range. Australian Open, Medvedev but despite an impressive dis- In the Qualification 2, ascended to No 2 in the world play of power was eventually Gurpreet and Patil finished at when he lifted the ATP trophy undone by 24 unforced errors. the top with a total score of in Marseille. Thirteen aces among her 370 while the team of 16- Medvedev became the first 36 winners helped Osaka over- year-old Tejaswani and 18- player outside the Big Four of come a slew of unforced errors year-old Sidhu aggregated Djokovic, Roger Federer, of her own and set up a third- 368. Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray round meeting with Serbian On Friday, Sidhu won to rank second in the world qualifier Nina Stojanovic, who the individual Silver medal in since Lleyton Hewitt in 2005. surprised Yulia Putintseva, the the 25 rapid fire pistol event But he’s already looking for 26th seed from Kazakhstan, 5- ahead of Anish Bhanwala more. 7, 7-5, 6-2. and Gurpreet. “The only thing I feel like “I served really well when However, the Indian pair when you reach something I needed to,” Osaka said. of Kynan Chenai and Shreyasi you haven’t done then straight “Unfortunately I got broken a    &121/3* pistol mixed team event to Singh missed out on a podi- away it doesn’t matter and couple of times, but I think extend the country’s domi- um finish as they settled for you want to go further and fur- when it really, really mattered, ndia’s Vijayveer Sidhu and nant run in the ISSF World the fourth place in the trap ther,” he said. “I think it's the I was able to serve well, so I’m ITejaswani claimed the Gold Cup here on Saturday. mixed team final of the pres- same for everybody. happy with that. medal in the 25m rapid fire In an all-Indian Gold tigious tournament. 4568+ NIGERIA QUALIFY FOR 2021 AFCON <"      Johannesburg:     &  K    7?79 )  ;  &    /    /  ?? %$  -== 2> %   /$     +       1         ! -     &  $&  Ponnappa and Dhruv Kapila lost    -    /     their semifinal match to the Danish /   $         pair of Niclas Nohr and Amalie K 75   ;  . $ Magelund, 9-21, 23-21, 7-21. Krishna and Vishnu had a slen- HARBHAJAN CHECKS IN AT KKR der 4-2 early on but the English pair Mumbai:   ' #' % D soon jumped to a 11-8 lead at the       3 !0   break. However, the Indians caught #       up at 13-13 and marched on to seal    !     B the opening game. $    In the second game, Krishna and                 Vishnu slowly moved ahead to a 11- +!*   ;  '     7 advantage at the interval and even    $     though their rivals narrowed down !  7  D $# the gap to 15-17, the Indian duo       F   ;#    % ensured there was no hiccups.    ' & #     2     Krishna, 21, is India’s top ranked    F! )         doubles player and used to pair up         )!# &    )%* seeded Thai pair of Jongkolphan with Satwiksairaj Rankireddy in his  # $ Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai junior days. Krishna and Satwik had aina Nehwal bowed out in straight in the semifinals. won the Asian Under-17 title togeth- MUMBAI INDIANS UNVEIL NEW JERSEY Sgames in the women’s singles However, Krishna and Vishnu er. Mumbai:    ;  +! *   semifinals but the unheralded duo of cheered up the Indian camp with a After Satwik and Chirag Shetty   0       Krishna Prasad Garaga and Vishnu 21-17, 21-17 win over the English pair were paired together, Krishna start- *    /    Vardhan Goud Panjala kept India in of Callum Hemming and Steven ed playing with Dhruv Kapila since !  @  K 1  2 the title hunt by storming into the Stallwood in a 35-minute semifinal November 2016. The duo continued I   )    #          men’s doubles final at Orleans Masters clash to reach their maiden final of for two and half years before separat-   $# ! 0     here on Saturday. a Super 100 event. ing in 2019.  #   L+!*    London Olympic Bronze medal- The Indian duo, playing its first Krishna had earlier paired with     !     list Saina lost 17-21, 17-21 to event together this year, will take on Shlok Ramchandran also. He had    $ */     Denmark’s Line Christophersen in 28 fourth seeded English pair of Ben produced a dazzling performance in        minutes, while the women’s duo of Lane and Sean Vendy in the title clash the 2019 Premier Badminton League ! !     0  Ashwini Ponnappa and N Sikki on Sunday. alongside Lee Yong Dae for the  $M Reddy faltered 18-12, 9-21 to the top In the mixed doubles, Ashwini North Eastern Warriors. CHEN WINS THIRD FIGURE SKATING WORLD TITLE Stockholm: )   &  ;     K 0  D #   7# 2 "/'           B  3       $;      !       '/')) have played like champi-   777$?=   =7?$66    ons in this season,” Annese  .  9>  'B  okulam Kerala FC on said. 3       $ ;      7?96   GSaturday clinched “This means every- 7?9<   $  7?7?     +    their maiden I-League thing to me. This is my  !    $ title in spectacular fashion first season in India and it as they came back from a has already been a very KEERTI WINS GOLD, BRONZE IN PARA C’SHIP goal down to beat TRAU special one. We have a very New Delhi: D' ;    4-1 in the final match of special team and nobody   0   -    9??      9< the season here. plays the style of football &    ) ;      Bidyashagar Singh’s that we play,” he added. '   -   + 75 7>$ 23rd minute strike did lit- the Goan side but were became the first side from Bidyshagar, a revela-  7>   ;      5: I5: tle to stop the Gokulam crowned champions on Kerala to win the I- tion in the I-League much  $     !' # juggernaut as goals by head-to-head record. League title. like his team TRAU,  )   3 O Sharif Mohamed (69th), In the two matches The winning team’s opened the scoring when &  )      Emil Benny (74th), the two sides had played coach Vincenzo Alberto he produced a brilliant  ;  * $ Dennis Antwi (77th) and in the season, Churchill Annese could not hide his finish from outside the Mohammad Rashid had won 3-2 once while joy at his players’ achieve- box in the 23rd minute. BK MITHUL WINS GOLD (90+6) handed them the Gokulam had emerged ment. Just after resumption, New Delhi: -' +  +   /  C   trophy. 3-0 victorious in the “This is the best day of Chanso Horam had a          858: #  With Churchill other. my life. I feel so happy and golden opportunity to  -    #  &   Brothers winning 3-2 Gokulam thus quali- I feel amazing to be hand TRAU their second +  9:9<$      K *  & against Punjab FC in the fied for the group stage of crowned a champion. I am goal of the match but his *   *    ;  7?7?79  day’s other match held the AFC Cup next season, immensely proud of my chip shot went inches  !&B O     simultaneously at anoth- Asia’s second tier club team and we deserved to over the bar, following a      ! B  O      er venue here, Gokulam competition, as I-League be champions. We fine counter-attacking )   * $ shared points (29) with champions. They also outscored all teams and we move. 7A+$"A  + " + 3*      + ,-. ,/,0 Q>    R

 What are the programmes that the impactful campaign on wildlife trade; it istries and policy makers to understand there has been a lot of emphasis and a people working for it have been attacked United Nations Environment is an ongoing campaign. The last part, that all infrastructural development lot more progress made on renewables. by the State. This holds a lot of promise. Programme (UNEP) runs in the coun- that it does in other parts of the world can’t happen at the cost of the environ- We made strong strides in solar power  Can you tell us about some of the ini- try? as well, is to take science to the people, ment. More emphasis has to be given, generation and making world solar tiatives being taken by people in met- There are multiple programmes to the policy makers and Governments. more cognizance to environmental alliance but to actually achieve the ros? that it focuses on but essentially there are It helps in increasing engagement assessment impact and flouters need to extent of measures that we need and the There is a community of people that four focus areas: Rethink Plastic, Air between the civil society and the be strictly hauled up. The unfortunate pace at which these have to be imple- I represent that only uses completely Pollution, Wild For Life, which is a Government. reality is that most people’s infrastruc- mented you need complete participation toxin-free bleach home-cleaners. This powerful global campaign. We  Is there work being done at the pri- ture perceive environmentalism as and partnership of public, civil society community is growing. There are urban had tied up with the Ministry of vate level as well? obstructionism. and the Government. Just recently, I was dwellers who recognise that what the Environment, Forest and Climate A lot of work is being on renewables,  Is there more awareness related to reading about how a few women and mainstream industry is making as clean- Change to run engagement with various State the environment? children in Uttarakhand hugged trees ers is harmful for the environment. a very Governments on forest protection and We make some gains because more and prevented them from being cut. More and more women are switching sustainable agriculture. There is a people are aware today of how polluted When civil society gets up, it can fight from regular sanitary napkins to wash- robust effort being made by the our air is and what are the measures that the bigger forces. able cloth or even using the menstrual UN globally to help can be implemented to clean it up. More  Do you think that people in urban cup. More and more people are shopping Governments to recognise the people know what plastic pollution is cities are just as motivated? locally and not using plastic.  importance to build back doing to our water bodies, to our soil to Many people recognised how Nature  Is the fact that many think that sus- after the pandemic — all our air. But thousands of trees are still had tried to take back and reclaim what tainability is expensive a hindrance?   aspects of growth include being cut and forests cleared. It is a it had lost during the lockdown due to If see how we co-existed with Nature Nature, environment and reminder that we are a very small piece the pandemic. Most people recognised earlier, whether it was the way we built UNEP National Goodwill conservation. of land with home to the second largest that the air was much cleaner. What is our homes, the traditional form or archi- Ambassador Mirza speaks with  What are the changes population in the world. We just hope good is that people made the connection tecture, forms of weaving, of making that you have seen in the that we don’t continue to lose our nat- between human activity and environ- food, of growing food, everything that Shalini Saksena about her second last few years? ural resources in order to build some idea ment. But we are a very forgetful species India has practiced over hundreds of term agenda and how our There have been some of a future that won’t exist without our as well. However, the younger generation years, you recognise the sense and the traditional way of living was wins. But we continue to be natural resources. is more empathetic and motivated about merit that our ancestors had in the power challenged by the unfortunate  Can we only blame the Government change and bringing it in their homes and of the Earth. All we need is to go back to more eco-friendly than reality that has confronted us for for what is happening with the envi- society one step at a time. There has been following systems that we have already what it is today the longest time which is to encour- ronment? unprecedented youth participation in the have in place. We need to tap into our tra- age more Governments, more min- No, not at all. The good thing is that environment despite the fact that a lot of ditions.

he most famous speech in As You Like It is the Seven Ages of Man. TIt begins with: All the world’s a ‘Environmental issues stage, and all the men and women merely players. This is perhaps the most famous of phrases written by William Shakespeare. It is a speech by philoso- must be tackled by pher Jacques talking to Duke Senior. Since hen theatre has been an impor- tant part of entertainment. Therefore, it is not surprising that the World planting more trees’ Theatre Day was initiated in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute, France. Since then World Theatre Day is cele- ? '     0;   brated globally on March 27.  /'9'4<9  Industry insiders in India tell you % that theatre has always struggled and 6'479&&'>7=  @=@-. established to raise awareness about the importance of all types Arts (NCPA) explains. of forests. Highligting the challenges that %1+!#! %+<%)#+ $          What is the role that forests play in lives of the locals? theatre faced last year Guthrie tells you While forests are often associated with the protection of that moving completely online has been wildlife, we’d like to draw attention towards one-third of the a huge challenge.     2 >  2         world’s population that still relies on forests for their livelihood. “Many of our team members have Whether it is consuming plant products like resins, fruits and had to retrain in areas that have been honey or selling them for extra income, there are many local and unfamiliar to them up to now. tribal communities that depend on forests for survival and sus- Communication has had to be pre- ple depend on theatre for their liveli- in Sir Sir Sarla believes that one has to plays have been recreated to suit the tenance. It is also important to note that almost 80% of our ter- dominantly online. For all the techni- hood and hence their suffering is move where the future is moving. “I sensibilities of today’s viewers. The restrial biodiversity lies in forests. All the plants, animals, bac- cal wizardry, it is much slower work- immense. Right now, as a producer and remember having a few arguments with result gives viewers an experience of teria, and fungi provide unique services to mankind. Forests also ing remotely than it is when we are all actor, I feel helpless because I cannot Makarand (Deshpande) sir for the watching excellent content and enjoy- act as natural carbon sinks, sequestering atmospheric carbon and together in a room. Digital platforms help everybody in need. So, we are need to digitise this play. This was ing acclaimed theatre performances sit- saving us from the disastrous effects of airborne pollutants. to stream pre-recorded and live shows doing what we can. We have to keep up before the pandemic. He told me we ting at home,” Pallavi says. How is planting more trees going to affect global warming? have taken huge leaps forward in the the creative momentum and find ways have to move with time. In hindsight, Lillette Dubey, who has directed Trees help combat climate change and protect us from the past 12 months. to create a strong, reliable source of I get what he meant. I know now that Zee Theatre plays like Adhe Adhure tells ghastly effects of global warming by removing carbon dioxide “The challenge here is engaging income,” Kulkarni opines. digitising art and making it more you that for those who earn their liveli- from the air, storing carbon in the trees and soil, and releasing with the audience. Live events are best Mahesh Dattani who has directed accessible is the way forward. This is hood from theatre, this phase is going oxygen into the atmosphere. It is for the same reason that the experiences in person rather than on a plays like Dance Like A Man and Where also the space where the millennials to be very difficult. “We just have to find number of natural disasters has been more intensified in recent screen. Our challenge is to give audi- Did I Leave My Purdah says that time, are,” Kumra tells you. She says that those a way to survive, make money and if years. Forest fires, droughts, floods, and other natural calami- ences a different experience, one that space and motion has always been a who want to watch a play in a theatre the way forward is online productions, ties have denuded many forest areas. Neglected mountain slopes, offers them something unique where prior, but now there is a disintegration will come and watch irrespective of there is no harm in it. But these are tem- dried rivers, extinct animals, and unruly mudflows are a few other they will want to experience the show in the theatre’s fundamental building  1 whether it's already on a digital platform porary stop-gap arrangements. I am consequences of natural disasters. The only solution to tackle this in person but would also be happy blocks. “However, all things are born and if a play gets wider exposure via the confident that theatre will bounce problem and many other environmental issues that we are strug- watching at home,” Guthrie says. again in the art world, and the same will  " / + small screen, all the better. back. It’s a matter of time. We have to gling with today is planting as many trees as possible. Trees will Sonali Kulkarni, who did plays like happen to the theatre. This revisioning " +   This is where platforms like Tata be patient. No matter what the odds, reduce avalanches, keep the ground fertile by preventing soil ero- White Lily and Night Rider that aired on has been thrust upon us, but we must Sky Theatre have stepped in. “Television theatre is not going to disappear. I am sion, regulate precipitation and slow down global warming to a Zee Theatre tells you that COVID-19 have an ongoing relationship with the    + viewership is growing stronger. Theatre very sure of that. We need is to try other great extent. has led to unprecedented times with a here and now theatre artists. A reality " /. has a staunch following but with pauci- ways to be creative till we can all per- What are the hindrances and challenges faced? real danger of people catching the infec- with all its surprises and twists is some- ty of time and the fact that some plays form on stage once again,” Dubey Just like any other task, planting trees comes with its fair share tion. “The new normal has taken a toll thing we have always embraced,” +    have select or limited runs. The need opines. of challenges too. When we set out to plant trees, it was extreme- on socialising and creative collabora- Dattani says. He opines that theatre +1 1  / of the hour was to bring theatre to peo- Interestingly, despite all the prob- ly crucial to be aware of the kind of species we choose, their ben- tions so theatre has been affected in a people are resilient.     ple on a platform that is convenient to lems, artists opine that theatre has been efits for the local communities, the relevance of cultural heritage, big way. Because theatres shut down, “When have we not kept our today’s viewers. This gap was com- around for thousands of years and and the adaptability of the species to a particular area. tours and performances got canceled, hopes alive? Yes, we may have our frag-  + pounded and we were able to bring the- endured through times of tremendous How does planting a tree in the hills differ from planting the entire theatre fraternity is suffering ile egos, and we tend to pull each other    atre and performances to people in their difficulty. “It will be important and vital one in the plains or coastal areas? Should the species of trees financially. At this time, the digital path down, but that has made us stronger. homes when almost no one could leave than ever coming out of this pandem- be different as well? seems to be the only available way for- We have braved the endemic of petty  " +/  their homes,” Pallavi Puri, chief com- ic. We will experience a sort of renais- Trees that are planted on hills or mountain slopes might not ward. jealousies, backstabbing, insecurities all 1    mercial and content officer, Tata Sky, sance period. A celebration of arts, cul- have the same response and adaptability to coastal areas. This She tells you that there is need to along. We do it; others do the same to L= 1+<1  / says. ture and entertainment the likes of is because trees on the coast need to be wind resistant, tolerant find ways to generate income for all the us. The pandemic is a hiccup compared And it all began with plays in which we have never seen or experi- to drought, and impervious to salt while trees that hold the soil people who are associated with theatre. to what theatre people have to go   ; Hindi. “The endeavour was to get peo- enced in our lifetimes. People want to well and prevent soil erosion are required for hilly regions. “Theatre in India has never been very through. One good thing that has hap- ple to see plays from different regions be together and experience the world Planting trees requires thorough research work and lucrative and earlier many people who pened is that our true selves have come in other regions. For example: How together. There will be such joy in being special care only in the initial phases. Once chose theatre, did it for the passion, as out during this pandemic. Artists have does a Bengali watch a Marathi play able to connect and feel together. That a tree matures, it is self-sustainable, and a hobby, and also had part-time or even helped each other, unlike any time without knowing Marathi? Since the energy will drive theatre and perfor- our only task is to ensure that it is get- full-time occupations that kept their before,” Dattani says. story is interesting, all the content was mance for years to come,” Guthrie ting enough water and not damaged by kitchen fires burning. Today many peo- Aahana Kumra, who played Sarla translated and performed in Hindi. The says. humans or animals. How does community participa- tion help in conservation of trees?  D    ; && :  # %% :     # & F Strong ties with village institutions, forest departments, and self-help groups have helped us to get permis- sion to plant on community lands     .      "      #" .       8 across 23 States. Over the years, we  Uuhqhv T’ ˆƒ  ! (& =R 2 # have strengthened our relationship !& *1 2 Q $! 8! 2  with the local communities by educat-  ! (& R     "€y A r†u A ˆv‡ 8uˆx† Qv†‡h Ayhxr† $! '( 4?      ing them about the importance of $! $'    2  7  -  9 forests and their benefits in )    $!    Q‚€rt hh‡r t hƒr† t€ ' ‡‚  Byh†† Sv€vt 9 ;      the long run. The result 7 2   )  I  = has been incredible; ; ! 9 R hƒƒyr 'h‡r €ry‚ 8‚p‚ˆ‡ ' ƒv†‡h Aˆyy U‚rq Hvyx ƒ‚qr we have managed to   .  !6!($  # plant over seven mil- Q    9! !€y Bh v†u Xuv‡r Sˆ€ Xuvƒƒrq p rh€ '  #  #    lion trees, created %€y pu‚ƒƒrq s ˆv‡†        !    over six lakh plus ($    !    !    %!       0  $ days of rural   7ˆ h†u p ˆ†u   #  $ employment, !       )    6qq €vyx   #$      $%   $    ! and sequestered ‡uhqhv †’ ˆƒ s ˆv‡ Xuvƒƒrq p rh€ ' *    # over 150 mil- * !    #  $@  # puˆx† ƒv†‡h pu‚ƒƒrq s ˆv‡† t hƒr† '                     lion kg of syhxr† hq iyrq ƒ‚€rt hh‡r†   #   ! $ atmospheric 0 $ $ ryy L )* #  $    +#!    3 H  S  carbon 8‚h‡ ‡ur tyh†† (   ( )      $ through    R#  $    !  $ s ‚€ v†vqr v‡u (  7    #        L $  mature s r†u Cv€hyh’h 6 G # $ L$$++# trees.       

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)  #      P                  AA(7. !                 PROFILE OF AN ONLINE SHOPPER

ne lazy afternoon, I was scrolling cutthroat competition present. It takes months city. Now, the whole day they are browsing observation, I realised that the person himself through my Instagram feed when I for them to make a customer but just a second online. These are the kind of shoppers who authored a particular book and highlighted it noticed a picture of two scarves to lose him! Therefore, digital marketers shop unconsciously and spend too much. that way. Now isn’t that a great example of which I found very cute. It took me employ a wide variety of methods to capture Then they feel guilty and to de-stress them- self-promotion? just a minute to order them online your attention. selves; they shop again! You all must have noticed how experts Oand only two days to receive their delivery. Suppose, you come across two offers in an Targeted and sponsored ads don’t help the answer questions in Quora by presenting their Looking back at the incident, I wondered, online shopping center where one brand offers case either. That pretty handbag you came products as the best solution. A genius strate- was it impulse buying? What was the psychology you a buy one get one offer on a travel bag, across last night pops up at the top of your gy with absolutely no expenses needed. This is that triggered my emotions? Almost 84% of all whereas the other brand offers you a scratch screen like a shopping mousetrap. If you fail to also the reason why Salman Khan is always shoppers have made an impulse purchase at one card that may get you a free vacation to Bali. resist it, one click, and you are there. Then you spotted adorning a “Being Human” t-shirt! point in their lives. You know the situation There are 70% chances that you will go for the find a vast collection of products of your The world has seen many record-breaking where you feel like, “This is made just for me! I first one even though the second is more prof- choice and end up buying two bags, three lip- social media campaigns which have skyrocket- have to have it!” But afterwards, you feel, “Why itable. This is because the benefit is certain is sticks, and a coat. Instant order placement and ed the brands. These all had in common that on earth did I buy this?” Stats have shown that the first case, and when certainty is offered, we fast delivery raise a sense of gratification. Plus, they were successful in engaging the public 46% of men and 52% of women regret their don’t go for the risks. For the same reason we these virtual stores never “close”! and making them talk. The marketer can impulsive purchases. find the transition of 95% to 100% more The real craze of online shopping is wit- include you in their sale only if they can fit Have you ever wondered why we shoppers attractive than 80% to 90%! nessed in flash and festive sales. So many you in their tale. are compelled to make such purchases? How are Another very tried and tested principle is exciting and compelling offers make it hard to One such instance was that of Spotify’s these digital marketers able to influence our the isolation effect, which determines that the resist for all the sale shoppers. Amazon regis- #yearwrapped. At the end of 2019, Spotify cel- decision-making even without any actual con- ones which ‘stand out like a sore thumb’ are tered a whopping $600 million sale in the two ebrated the most important musical highlights tact? Why does receiving our ordered delivery more influential and compelling. This was the days of Prime Day sale last year! Crazy right? of the year through a particular webpage feel like a gift to ourselves? reason why Nano cars could be identified Another typical example from our daily Spotify Wrapped which highlighted your most The answer to all these questions lies in the from a distance! Therefore, call-to-action but- lives is that of the Bargain hunters. Bargaining listened to artists, genres, songs, and other fun psychology of digital marketing. Digital mar- tons are made to look different from the rest is like a tradition in our country. This is based data discoveries. You could even view how the keters tend to understand customers’ thought of the site. on the simple idea of seller first asking for a songs you listened to coincided with your life processes and motivations starting from the The next effect is very much relatable to more significant request, which by no means events that year. moment we feel the need to buy a product. As your lives: the cliffhanger effect or the makes sense to us, and we refuse to pay a price Then, Spotify urged the public to share the customers undergo many ups and downs in Zeigarnik effect. It states that unfinished things that high. these highlights on social media, specifically the decision-making process, marketers try to create a sense of urgency and stress among us, After the denial, they ask for a minor Twitter and Insta Stories, tagging your favorite eradicate their pain points and disqualifiers to and we have no other option but to complete request, which is what they wanted in the first artist of the year. Results? Shocking, of course! seal the deal. And we thought digital marketing it. You must have observed that all the essential place. It causes our human mind to think that The campaign was mentioned in more is just about advertising on social media! information is not given at the beginning of they favored us by compromising, which than 1.2 million tweets. 60 million+ users par- Our judgment and decision-making process the website. The fascinating parts are left for makes us say yes. The world blindly believes ticipated in the in-app story experience. And a is of two kinds. System one thinking is like an the last to retain the interests of the audience! in fallacies. It is just like how some people like whopping 3 billion streams of Wrapped unconscious automatic mode. It guides our daily Here, phrases like ‘Just one click away,’ ‘You are )31)B1)%2) coffee because it gives them the illusion that playlists were registered! duties but is more prejudice prone. This is what almost there’ etc., triggers our curiosity. 1F11&*%1/B they might be awake. So now, what is the takeaway? Why did it is termed as the gut feeling. On the other hand, This can be very easily observed in e-read- )&1+*;*@)*& This concept of reciprocal concessions is work? system two thinking is the slow and logical one. ing apps where the readers get hooked to the also portrayed in online marketing for satisfy- It beautifully combined two big psycholog- Usually, system one thinking is in the driving stories. Since the following chapters have to be &11;%3) ing the Bargain hunters. You must have ical triggers: personalisation and FOMO. seat of decision making. That’s the reason why bought by coins, readers often spend some );3*1F1 %1) observed that every product in Amazon or Firstly, it creates a personalised story for each first impressions are so important. dollars just for a two-minute read! 31* 3*&* *)/ Flipkart has some initial high price which is user. Secondly, it amplified the reach of the As it rightfully said that you can’t grab a sec- These and a lot of other techniques are +)%'1*& $31 struck off, and a lower price is mentioned to campaign through social media. Naturally, ond chance to make the first impression. We employed to convince the customers to say yes. show a discount. No matter, whichever season, users wanted to show off their highlights to judge the brands just by the first impressions As it was rightfully noted that ‘Good market- /-)/* *)/ festival, or time it is, these eCommerce stores their friends, which created greater hype for they create on our minds. This works on the ing makes the company look smart, but great +)%'1*C1%1);31 have at least a 50% discount on every product. the campaign. Such a smart move to turn same psychology why we are more likely to pay marketing makes the customers feel smart!’ I@%%*//*&*&7?7?T How is it even possible statistically? Have you users into a volunteer marketing army! attention to a person in formal suits than in )%11& 21F** ever wondered? There are millions of more examples casuals. The complete game of digital marketers          where social media has played a linkage depends upon their first outlook. As the past year was devoted entirely to 1;++1%;1%1     Q  between digital marketers and us. Social For instance, if you are looking for television pandemic situations, one sector has achieved +%1I%1E@1&/B     media marketing is changing the digital and online, and you come across two websites. You great heights in digital marketing. The global 3)&@%&1)%-B Finally, one tool that has changed and pos- the real world as well, and we all are the wit- will undoubtedly go for the first one as it creates digital market size reached four trillion in sesses the power to change the fate of digital nesses to it. a positive aura and is pleasant to look at. 2020! At present, we visit eCommerce stores %;1%B%1)& marketing is social media. Brands don’t On this note, I would like to conclude with Simultaneously, the second one gets rejected as a more frequently than our nearby grocery @112)//1+%1 choose whether they must do social media the advice to not fall for the charms of online result of its faulty web page design. Experts say stores and use e-wallets more quickly than the E@*;'/B3)&31 marketing or not; the real factor is how well shopping even though they are hard to resist! that colorful visuals can increase people’s will- actual wallets. When going out becomes );@)/2)//1 they do it. The ones who ignore social media After all, it’s tough to find something that’s not ingness to read by an unbelievable 80%! tough, the tough ones go for online shopping. will get ignored or, more precisely, die! sold online! Today, e-commerce stores have become A few days back, I was watching a      the permanent address of compulsive shop- YouTube video when I realised that all the The writer is an author. Her book, How People After creating a kickass impression, the pers who are addicted to shopping. Gone are books placed in a bookshelf in the background Buy Online: The Psychology Behind marketers’ next target is to make you say yes to the days when these people were roaming were tilted except one whose name was visible. Consumer Behaviour, was recently published their services. But that’s not easy, owing to the around in every mall and showroom of the I couldn’t help but wonder why. Then, on close by SAGE Publications India     I%*1&   -' )&)/11B ;&;*1&;1M3** 31*1)//*I1 buuqy K+)%'2)*&   

! #-F' O      !  %*        #              '@+)%;31//))&

here was a time when hawala oper- ations were not secret, at least in Kerala, which had Tties with West Asian coun- tries. The expatriates from Kerala who went to these nations in search of greener pastures could find well pay- ing jobs, but they faced a major hurdle in sending the money back home. Taxes were high and there were restrictions on the amount which one could send. The easiest way was hawala which ensured that the sender’s fam- ily received the amount with- in hours. Same is the case with gold smuggling. The yellow metal was cheap in Dubai, a free port. In India, gold costs at least 60 to 70 per cent more than what it costs in Dubai because of taxes. No wonder, many people took to gold smuggling in a big way in Kerala. Over the years, smug- gling of the precious metal was accorded a social status. I have heard that a movie Moghul from the State who made it big through gold %.!&!/!&0%.!&!/!&0 smuggling introducing him- self to friends: “Hello, I am Mr ….. and a smuggler from Kerala”! With off-white pants, shirts, a thick gold chain visi- ble through the unbuttoned shirt and a packet of 555 ciga- rettes made the typical Malabar businessman till the #$% %1 2 & #$% %1 2 & 1990s. The stature accorded to smugglers were out in the open as viewers went into a alarming proportions in the NIA has opened a pando- his men and officers against difficult for us. The book has brother who was employed as ashamed of about it. It is time state of delirium when India. Seizure of smuggled ra’s box and it is the hotly dis- smugglers. This IRS officer is topical significance as Kumar an engineer in West Asia we had a supersleuth like BV Mohanlal and Mammootti, gold and foreign currencies at cussed issue in South India. credited with taking on describes Kerala as Gold’s ‘smuggled’ in gold in bottles Kumar in the DRI. portrayed the characters of airports have become a rou- The involvement of the pow- Dawood Ibrahim, world’s Own Country and quotes an of olive oil. This happened in More than a book, DRI Dons hoodwinking Customs tine affair in all major air- erful people in the State and most wanted fugitive, much anecdote which sums up the the 1970s. The Rehmans are and the Dons is a treat to and Police to smuggle in gold ports of the country. News the close liaison aunty before the latter’s ‘elevation’ reason behind the State’s insa- millionaires now! read. One gets to enjoy all the and currencies. related to these seizures are Swapna had with government into the big league of crime. tiable hunger for gold. There were no mobile information told in Kumar’s It was in 1990s that Prof read and forgotten within secretaries, IPS officers and The 445 page book is The author could have phones, speed boats or hi- own style. Once you read the Arun Kumar of JNU pub- hours because there are many sons and nephews of minis- Kumar’s memoirs as an offi- summed up the influence tech detectors those days. book in full, you become lished The Black Economy in other interesting incidents are ters and politicians are the cer and boss of the DRI wielded by gold smugglers in Still, Kumar and his men per- richer in knowledge. It gives India in which he remarked reported from all over the current rage. where he spent nearly four the State’s politics. A person formed their duties with the an insight into persons like that the parallel economy in country thanks to 24X7 news It is at this juncture that B decades hunting and elimi- who was incarcerated in jail limited facilities at their dis- Sukar Naran Bakhia who in India is more than 1 lakh channels catering in all lan- V Kumar, the former director nating the enemies of the for 19 months on charges of posal. Gold and drug smug- Kumar’s words, had for a crore and described it as the guages. general of Directorate of nation who were out to sub- smuggling rose to become the gling have grown leaps and fondness for virgins which after effect of smuggling, The recent seizure of gold Revenue Intelligence, a vert the economy of the minister in Kerala bounds in India. It is for the led to his downfall. commission, corruption and which was being smuggled in Government of India elite country with the help of ille- Government during 2001 to policy makers to chart out But at the end, the book hawala. Economists and poli- through diplomatic channels organisation hitherto kept gal gold, silver and narcotics. ! " #$% &' #$% 2004! No prize for guessing means to prevent the cancer- evokes a sense of pathos cy makers are of the view that at Thiruvananthapuram away from media attention, What makes the book special the name. ous growth of this anti- through the story of K N the parallel economy has International Airport caught hit the bookshelves across the is not because of its account &#( #!% The modus operandi fol- national activity. The other Entee, a customs officer who grown manifold since the lib- national attention mainly country with DRI and The about the Dons of Dongri but )*  lowed by even educated peo- day I saw a CPI(M) leader chased a group of smugglers eralisation of the economy in because of the involvement of Dons: The Untold Stories. the description on the magni-   ,-, ple engaged in gold smug- declaring in one of the chan- in a rickety Government 1991. Swapna Suresh, a middle- Kumar, known for his integri- tude of the havoc caused by a gling could be understood nel debates that gold smug- vehicle and lost one of his Smuggling and trading of aged celebrity in Kerala’s ty, honesty and dedication miniscule section of mobsters from what my school fried gling is not a criminal offence legs in the ensuing fight with precious metals have assumed social circles. Her arrest by has always led from the front whose actions have made life Abdul Rehman told me. His and there is nothing to be the criminals. ;D      ##E

5$#&:'     !!   #'!  =%< ;<% '%. 034         $11)''@+)%.3) ! # )          n Urdu poet of remark- Kashyap struggled through the    $ able depth and vision, early formative years when he -  9<7< ADeepak Kashyap has been was trying to measure up as a ! + 9<=9  quick to clarify that ghazals are budding civil servant with ever    !  his first love — right from ado- increasing official burdens, and    -   lescence when he was a student was yet not willing to give up on  $3    of English at Patna University. his latent creative faculties.       The 91 page pocket-sized Ek Overall, it is a remarkable          Bamushkil Diya Jalata hoon account of a highly unusual, yet        (EBDJH) has 47 Nazms and enticing journey of a young man  #   #/  +  ghazals in all. @ ' +   %!    from being a bureaucrat to turn-    # -   % Going through them one by ing a serious yoga practitioner,   # 2    !   one or even flipping through then an English author of  $  0  some of the pages randomly, it is repute, and finally finding his  -  K  hard to miss the tender mix of true calling as an Urdu poet of       emotions — of pathos, love, excellence by letting his poetry       ! yearning, reminiscence, hope, absorb and exude all the essence    $ despair, longing, frenzy and dis- and charm of understated spiri- enchantment. Above all, is a tuality. deep undercurrent of spiritual In this age of frenzy and liv- D%; % quest coursing through his ing in the fast lane, this book of D$':D# entire poetry. It holds in it values ghazals may seem to be an oddi- =::6 and vicissitudes of life’s journey, ty at the first glance. But once '% % more than the fulfilments of its you start reading the first few '%. ,34 goals, if at all they exist. lines, it simply sweeps you off )   ! Kashyap has consciously associate with modern masters For, when we look back, I each page shines with beautiful your feet.     kept the language of his ghazals rather than with first-timers. shouldn’t be rueful and you and reminiscent imagery. The His earlier title in English !      simple avoiding use of difficult The ghazals — practically all shouldn’t be ashamed) author seems to make a deliber- “Yoga: Anatomy and the Journey !  !       and heavy Urdu, and instead, of them — are superbly crafted, And then: Ahista Ahista ate attempt not to put his words Within” has already gone into  #        weaving his magic in simple delicately nuanced to unravel Chalein Us Maqaam Ko, to deflect the subject with titles several editions, winning Indian       $ “Hindustani” that is much closer layers of meaning upon reading Sarmaya Jahan Gham Ka or sub titles or chapters. Page 91, Defence Ministry’s recognition    !#   to the language that the Hindi over and over again. Khushi Lootati Na Ho however, is in continuity with and international acclaim in the #         heartland speaks. When he does The depth of meaning and (Slowly, we must gather our- small stanzas. process. The author also pos-    #   $ )    K   use a few difficult Urdu words of repertoire of emotions doesn’t selves to reach those pinna- It may seem odd to talk sesses deep knowledge of           Persian/ Arabic origin — albeit come though at the expense of cles. Where joys don’t plun- about the Preface of the book — Ayurveda.    0     reluctantly — the verses leave their musical appeal. Most of the der the wealth of sadness) the “Prastavana”— at the end, His inclination towards     O  0!$) behind an enormous impact. ghazals are so rich in alliteration Kashyap shares that he and not at the beginning, of the engaging himself and simulta- 0        The book takes care that the and musical resonance that they was tempted to use the word review. This is on purpose neously others into reading          effect is not lost even on those would be run-away success if “Saman” instead of though. For this preface carries a and leisure can be measured in  #  #  #  $) unfamiliar with Urdu diction, turned into musical composi- “Sarmaya” for the sake of beauty of its own. the very thought of conceptu-       $ through footnotes that carry tions of matching caliber. simplicity, but in the end set- Written in even simpler lan- alising the launch and then )     ! their English and Hindi transla- A couple of gems from the tled for the latter, since     guage than the poetry that fol- success of Indian Railway’s first  !      tions. book: Bhoolein Jo Rasmo Raah “Sarmaya has a deeper reso-    lows, more Hindi than Urdu in ever on-board bilingual          ! The simplicity of language Toh Is Ahtayaat Se, Humko nance not quite captured by fact, it reads less like a dry intro- monthly magazine “Rail  #  ! K!  doesn’t stop him though, from Malal Apko Sharmindahi Na Ho; Saman”.    duction of the main section, and Bandhu” published for several   !  !      imbuing his poetry with a touch (If estrangement is the way for- The book holds the read-   more as an endearing anecdotal years by The Pioneer newspa-     !  $ of class that one would normally ward, let it come ever so gently. ers interest throughout and account of how the poet in per group.   uvitiut #  * > (  @C> @=@- 3  % "  ""  4  0   

arch 26 marks the 50th tons per year of cargo is moved Myear of Bangladesh’s lib- by rail. Ninety-nine per cent of eration — a genocidal war in the cargo that is moved by rail which three million perished is Bangladeshi imports from and over 200,000 were women India. The two countries have raped and several wounded connected their electricity grids after Pakistan Army launched for electricity trade. an attack on March 25 mid- India’s focus has been peo- night on unarmed ple of Bangladesh. Not only it Bangladeshis: men, women provides the largest number of and children. visas to Bangladeshis but it has The attack started in concentrated on High Impact Dhaka University targeting Community Development students’ halls, especially the Projects which are imple- !4 &(! Jagannath Hall which housed mented through Indian grants. ! ! $ P& &( the minorities and Rokeya Hall A total number of 63 pro- that housed the women stu- jects with grant aid worth $160 ($   & $ (& dents — the most vulnerable million has already been imple- ;1( )!($  groups in the mayhem created mented. India has established by the Pakistan Army. of 36 community clinics in five  & )5$4 The war started after districts of Bangladesh and 11 A!&(  $A  Bangladesh declared water treatment plants in &((7"$!4( ($ Independence after the party of Bangladesh which will help Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur common people. 6 $4  ( Rahman, the elected leader of All these projects are exe-  ) ' the country, emerged victori- cuted by the locals and have ous in the 1970 election — the helped in contributing to '&$'4  first ever election in Pakistan employment generation.   A!& based on universal adult suf- In the spirit of Vasudhaiv frage. Kutumbakam and the 46('& ($ This was end of journey of Neighbourhood First policy, ( )(! Pakistan as a nation state based India unfolded the Vaccine on two-nation theory. The Maitri programme and pro- !($&%  &6!( Bengalis who had overwhelm- ( +(   J#      #( 6 !7      ?  vided the Covid-19 vaccine to $A #&'  ingly supported the Pakistan (#*  !" its neighbours. It has gifted two movement were the first one to million vaccines to Bangladesh. 8'('4)?4  ( reject the state that denied viction that the historic nal problem in India by push- gramme in Dhaka and remem- history for implementing ter- under the lines of credit that However, major irritant  )$'!$$ !&( their separate cultural-linguis- upsurge of the 70 million peo- ing its own people out.” bered the Bengali martyrs and ritorial adjustment and demar- will reestablish the historical remains. Water sharing is one tic identity, exploited them ple or East Bengal will tri- Though many countries, Indian soldiers who laid down cating the border without acri- connectivity that existed of the issues that often threat- 6$5  ( economically and denied to umph”. especially China and the their lives for the liberation of mony and bloodshed, India between the two countries. en to derail the bilateral rela- 6$(( ($ A'!(! respect the voters’ mandate. The main objective of United States, referred to this Bangladesh. also accepted the verdict on Bangladesh receives 28 per tions. There are 54 common In this war of liberation, in Pakistan was to cleanse the uprising as “internal problem” He also conferred the maritime boundary as adjudi- cent of India’s development rivers the two countries share. 54( ( spite of all odds, India stood country of Mujib’s supporters some thought that by provid- Gandhi peace prize on cated through international budget which is around $10 bil- Over the period of time silta- )$$4 )( with the people of Bangladesh. and sympathisers and they ing aid to the refugees they Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur arbitration. lion. Projects in the field of tion, encroachment of river Not only hosting ten million of were helped by local collabo- would be able to pacify India. Rahman for “his outstanding The demarcation of both power, railways, road and bank and barrage has affected ( ($ 5$'(!& refugees, but diplomatically rators to identify those who The increased influx of contributions towards social, land and maritime boundaries transport, health & technical the flow of the water. The mobilising the world opinion were considered a threat to 60,000 people per day only economic and political trans- paved the way for comprehen- education, shipping and solar- need of the hour is to take basin and drawing their attention to Pakistan military regime for reflected the stark reality and formation through non-violent sive mechanism to manage the based connectivity are being approach to management and the enormity of violence and demanding the recognition of the enormity of the crisis. and other Gandhian meth- border, joint anti-terror mili- implemented under the Lines conservation. the challenges of hosting the the election mandate. India tried to cut down on non- ods.” tary exercises, coordinated of Credit India has extended. Bangladesh is one of the refugees. In fact, at one stage In the March 7 speech, plan expenditure, raised fare on Modi on Saturday visited patrol by the navies of the two The restoration of the India’s closest neighbours with the refugee population sur- Mujib gave a call saying that the tickets for long distance the mausoleum of Sheikh countries as well as coast Chilahati-Haldibari railway which it shares largest land passed the population of the this time it is the war of liber- travel, the entire Cabinet Mujibur Rahman and paid flo- guards. line and Karimganj/ Mahisasan boundary. The relation is state of Tripura that borders ation, the war of freedom donated their salaries, people ral tributes to him, becoming Bangladesh put to rest the (India)-Shahbazpur marked by mutual trust and Bangladesh. exhorting people to go ahead and other voluntary organisa- the first-ever foreign Head of mistrust and suspicion by (Bangladesh) is underway. The respect as is evident by high- Yet, like the Government, with it even if he is absent — tions raised money to support State or Head of Government handing over Indian insur- Agartala-Akhaura rail project level visits. This is Modi’s sec- people opened their homes in anticipating his arrest or elim- the refugees financially where to pay homage at the grave of gent groups who were sheltered is under construction, financed ond visit to Bangladesh. The (6.!" !!+"2 the bordering Indian States, ination. As the refugee flowed as people of the bordering vil- “Bangabandhu” at Tungipara in in Bangladesh by the previous by a grant from India. There socio-cultural aspect of the supported them and con- into India, Pakistan projected lages opened their home and southwestern Bangladesh. Bangladesh Nationalist Party are many firsts between the two bilateral relations and people to tributed funds for supporting that these people are infiltrators hearth to look after the This is significant as coalition regime. countries. Tripura opened the people contact has remained the refugees. They took the who have been expelled. refugees. Bangladesh is observing the The two countries have first waterway with Bangladesh life-blood of the ties. This has refugees as members of their India’s then Prime Minister Schools were shut down to Mujib Barsho, the birth cente- signed mutual legal assistance. — the 90-km long Sonamura- the capacity to make the two family. Without such large Indira Gandhi speaking in the accommodate the refugees. nary of Mujib. There are annual bilateral talks Daudkandi route — apart from states overcome the challenges scale support by Indian people Lok Sabha, after a visit to the After 13 days of war, It was he who laid the between the Home other waterways that facilitate they face. In the golden jubilee it would have been difficult for border States to assess the con- Bangladesh was liberated by foundation stone for a strong Ministers/Secretaries, Foreign trade. The last year witnessed year of diplomatic relations, the the Government of India to dition of refugees, had said, India-Bangladesh joint force in India-Bangladesh relation Ministers/Secretaries, Border the first container train reach- progress that the two countries host the refugees. “This is an insult to the aspi- which the Indian Army lost shared by strong bonds of his- Guard Bangladesh and the ing Bangladesh. The first par- have made in bilateral relations On March 31, 1971, Indian rations and spontaneous sac- more than 3,000 personnel. tory and geography, charac- Border Security Force of India, cel train carried chilli from and cooperation would remain Parliament passed a resolution rifices of the people of Bangladesh was accorded tering this relationship as “eter- between the District Andhra Pradesh to Dhaka; in a Sonali Adhyay (Golden saying the Pakistan Army’s Bangladesh, and a calculated recognition as a nation state on nal and enduring”. Magistrates and the June a record 100 freight trains Chapter) in their foreign pol- brutality unleashed on attempt by the rulers of December 6. The two countries in the Superintendents of Police of the were run between the two icy. unarmed people is “systemat- Pakistan to make India a scape- On the occasion of the past decade have made border districts on both sides countries carrying essential ic decimation of people which goat for their own misdeeds.” 50th anniversary of Bangladesh progress. After the ratification of the border. items like sugar, maize, spices (The writer is a Research amounts to genocide” and She warned, “Pakistan can- Liberation war, Modi of landmark land boundary Several connectivity pro- and finished products. Fellow at South Asia Centre, recorded “its profound con- not seek a solution to its inter- addressed the national pro- agreement which in itself is a jects are being implements About 2 million metric MP-IDSA) # E (' 8-   

ndia has always been a peace- party mediators and well-wish- doing trade through two chan- Iloving country trying its best ers further intensify the effica- nels. The official trade which to maintain cordial and mutu- cy and gravitas of the strong takes place through border to al relations with all its neigh- Indian foreign policies and border directly and the other bours. India’s ethical stand and initiatives that leave substantial one is unofficial or illegal trade  &$! historical efforts to promote impacts on the overall interests via third countries. peace and cooperation not of other countries as well. Though the formal trade is ((& $A ( only encourage harmony butal- There is a liberal perspec- meagre with the current vol- "$!4( $A   so reflect how sincerely it tive that trade brings peace ume around $2.61 billion, the recognises that peace brings between the nations. Europe informal trade volume is mas- ($ &(! (  P& prosperity and development has learnt lessons from two sive about $8-10 billion. About !($& ( (& whereas violence certainly has world wars. The loss in human 90 per centof India and an adverse effect. life and in material goods was Pakistan trade is consistently  )$'! The grave impact of terror beyond any calculation. The informal. If their trade and- 5$'(!&  &( '6 and violence doesn’t affect only economic consequences commerce relations stabilise, it a particular region but all its changed Europe from creditor will augment the formal trade  &$ A$' ($ neighbouring countries as well. to debtor. England that had and both the nations can devel-  ( !A5(& ( Therefore, India has constant- once been the superpower went op and prosper paving the way ly contributed to promoting the back to scratches and had an for trade and business that  !&6P&  ($ welfare of the people of South overseas debt of 3.355 million eventually shall abate the &$5&   &  Asia, strengthening collective pound after the war. Therefore, poverty and unemployment in 65:$ ($ self-reliance, mutual assistance the leadership of both countries both the countries. in various fields and coopera- should explore all possible The present positive devel-   (!' && tion with the international and options to solve the perpetual opments may provide a gold- regional organisations devel- disputes on all issues. en opportunity for both the oping historical relations after According to the nations to start dialogue, open- becoming the SAARC member. Directorate General of foreign ing new doors to enhance the Even during the cold war trade, Ministry of Commerce bilateral, social, political and when the world was divided contemporary world. Both the initiatives of the Government to ease the present stand-off As a matter of fact, in the and Industry, Government of economic relations. It is a fact into two parts, India strove to countries had numerous mili- of India under the leadership of between the two countries. contemporary global scenario, India, bilateral trade between that India-Pakistan relations remain non-aligned. This tary conflicts ranging from Prime Minister Narendra Modi This is not a new phenomenon, India is undeniably a highly India and Pakistan in 2015-16 have significant impacts on shows India’s dynamic and nuclear threats to convention- to strengthen India’s relations there had been some power credible voice with incredible was approximately $2.61 billion the stability in Asia and on the constructive policies of pursu- al wars. Though some poten- with its neighbouring countries which played important roles foreign policies, so India does- which according to Future global order. Having said that, ing India’s dignity and veraci- tial solutions to the rivalry are another convivial boulevard as brokers and potential peace- n’t need any external third- Direction Magazine’s report is if the peace-process begins, ty in a polarised world, which have periodically been tabled, that further evidences India as makers in the past as well. party mediation. India is more a very small part of its overall this will send a robust message is worth appreciating. But, no signs of the final conclusion a peace-loving nation in a true For example,the USA fol- than capable of handling all its trade as both sides recognise to the Indian subcontinent in India has never compromised have been noticed yet. sense. lowing the war of 1965, the issues independently. However, that bilateral trade has the particular and the entire world with others when its safety & After the most noteworthy Realising the changed Soviet’s role in hosting peace since India believes in region- potential to reach US$30 bil- in general. "I66(AA3)).)" security are at stake. India-Pakistan peace-process global order and economic talks in Tashkent following the al peace and cooperation, it lion, ten times its current value. The India-Pakistan rela- under the leadership of Atal importance of the region, the 1965 war, the USA again acted always respects the external According to International (The writer is a faculty tionship remains one of the Bihari Vajpayee in 1998, now UAE according to media as a broker at critical points opinion elegantly. Affairs and Global Strategy member of King Abdul Aziz most discussed topics in the the momentous and visionary reports, initiated and brokered such as the 1999 Kargil War. The concerns of the third- reports, India and Pakistan are University, Jeddah)     &;1B@%1/);1&1 )*F1 3@ 32*3**F1 &1 B@D//)%3)F*& €axu€! **F1%1@/ K2*//*1&1/&   

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n contextual meditation, two tools are and weaknesses. We need to address our our personality related weaknesses, if any that it would be happening spontaneous- put to use — an imagery to focus individual specific infirmities. We, thus, in practical terms, they wished to drill in ly, it is not in reckoning. Only the form Iupon, and a mantra specifically dedi- get over the preconditioning of our mind. our mind a sense of how to ensure mea- remains in sight. This is what is termed cated to the symbolic image. The mantra Following which, we begin looking at the sured conduct. This would be achieved as being in a state of savikar samadhi. As is so designed as to excite vibrations that subject matter under consideration with by reflecting upon educative import of you graduate further, the practitioner’s resonate to the spirit underlying the an open mind. Consequently, we shall be the imagery in focus. The echoes generat- mind, the imagery in focus and the imagery in focus. Say for instance, if one able to look at issues in the right perspec- ed through repeated recitation of the mantra turn into a seamless awareness, is to focus attention on Ganapati’s tive due, which helps picking up right mantra, helps find connect with corre- when neither the mantra, nor the image imagery, there are specific mantras dedi- leads. Evidently, the probability of success sponding energy-source in nature, and is in sight. We thus, enter into a state of cated to it. One out of them as advised by gets improved. In fact, it will be fair to augment its absorption level to meet up nirvikar samadhi. Your individual mind the Guru needs to be repeatedly recited, call it a self-empowerment process, which any void in our energy construct. Thus, then becomes synonymous with the cos- with focus on the imagery. The two tools may help us successfully negotiate the came into place, a composite self-aware- mic consciousness. The whole landscape put to use simultaneously helps becom- callings of life with ease and comfort. ness and holistic self-healing programme. of mind then becomes accessible with its ing one pointed faster. Pursuing the The concept as such is based on Pursuing the contextual meditation immeasurable powers, which would process for a continued stretch of time sound reasons. Remember, ancient India’s process, first, one first gets established in know no limits. Wherever you focus on a regular basis, one is able to get well learned masters had very well understood dharana. The immediate benefit is that attention, intuitively you strike the tuned and be in harmony with the two. the realities of life in holistic terms. In you could remain focused to your priori- underlying truth. Evidently, you are at Mind, thus trained as such, wherever one fact, they were conversant with even sub- ty preferences for longer stretch of time. your best. pays attention, remains effortlessly tle realities of life. They understood very As you graduate further in the process, To conclude, Swami Vikenand’s focused. You, thus, would be able to put well that our personality trends are root- over a period of time, spontaneously it quote becomes imperative: “The history in your whole into it, which may help ed in the thought seeds parked in the leads to the state of dhyana. Here after, of the world is the history of few men you successfully take the task in hand to inner realms of mind in energy format. you don’t have to make any conscious who had faith in themselves; Faith calls its logical end. Ostensibly then, for any personality relat- efforts as spontaneity becomes rule of the out the divinity within you, you can do Both the imagery and the related ed weakness on our part, there has to be game. You are then in perfect harmony everything. You fail only when you do mantra have to be individual specific, some deficiency in our energy-construct with the imagery in focus and the not strive sufficiently to manifest “infi- based on what particular aspect of one’s as well. Accordingly, they designed the mantra. That in turn, progressively leads nite power” personality traits would be wanting, war- process in a way that takes care of both to a state when the mantra literally !       ranting necessary correction. Remember, the aspects simultaneously, and hence the drops. In fact, mantra doesn’t get really    ?$$   we are all born imperfect, each one of us two tools suggested — imagery in focus washed away. You still continue doing ! 9KK:/:::/KKC:CF<=5=

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