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As per the data, 1,822 trav-         ellers to Punjab from the United Kingdom in the last one month         landed at the Delhi interna- tional airport. As many as 1,604      travellers to Punjab and else-     where landed at the Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International             Airport after November 25. Of a total of 3,426 returnees, near-    he weather is set to turn    ly 2,500 are still believed to be Tmurkier for the plains of in the State.   northwest next week as    As many as 16 returnees forecasts suggest the possibili- from the United Kingdom, ndia registered 18,732 fresh ty of severe cold gripping the n an alarming development, where a new variant of coron- Icases of Covid-19, the lowest region. Ihundreds of passengers avirus was detected recently, in nearly six months, while Several places in north who recently returned from have tested positive in RT PCR 97,61,538 people have recu- India, including Uttar Pradesh the United Kingdom have tests conducted on their arrival perated so far from the disease and Punjab, recorded their not been traced across the in Maharashtra. Two more pushing the national recovery minimum temperature below country due to incorrect con- passengers tested positive in rate to 95.82 per cent, accord- the five degrees Celsius mark tact details furnished by them. Telangana after landing from ing to the Union Health on Sunday. The India The State administrations are the United Kingdom. Ministry data updated on Meteorological Department finding it difficult to locate a One United Kingdom Sunday. has forecast severe cold wave in number of these passengers as returnee has tested positive in The death toll climbed to parts of the region later this degrees Celsius in the past two their contact numbers are Jalore in Madhya Pradesh. He 1,47,622 with the novel coro- week and warning of dense fog. years in the last week of either switched off or not trace- had tested negative on navirus virus claiming 279 The IMD on Sunday said December. From 2015 to 2017, able. In many cases, their December 7 after arriving in lives in a span of 24 hours in the “cold wave” to “severe cold the mercury levels never addresses are also proving to be Delhi. He, along with two mem- the country, the data updated wave” conditions are also likely dropped below five-degree incorrect. bers of his family, has tested pos- at 8 am showed. A total of in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh Celsius in December. This year, For instance 279 returnees itive now. A merchant navy 18,732 daily new cases were and Delhi on December 28 and the prevailing strong La Niña in Talangana, 151 in Karnataka, captain, who returned from the recorded in the past 24 hours. 29 and over North Rajasthan on conditions over the Pacific 15 in Gurugram are untrace- United States and the United The number of new daily cases December 29 and 30 and also in Ocean are said to be the major able so far. Meanwhile, 22 Kingdom recently in Bareilly, has last reported a dip on July 1 isolated pockets over driver behind the ongoing more passengers (16 in tested positive for Covid-19. when 18,653 cases were regis- Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, colder-than-normal winter. Maharashtra, two in Delhi, Meanwhile, two more per- tered. Uttar Pradesh and Madhya For declaring the cold day two in Telangana and one each sons who recently returned to The Covid-19 case fatality Pradesh due to consequent or severe cold day, the IMD in MP and UP) who returned Delhi from the United rate was registered at 1.44 per strengthening of cold and dry considers the wind chill factor from the United Kingdom have       Kingdom were found to be cent. There are 2,78,690 active northwesterly and northerly — the effective minimum tem- been tested positive. Covid positive during a door- cases of coronavirus infection lower level winds. perature due to wind flow. According to director of to-door contact-tracing and in the country which compris- Delhi, whose minimum The cold wave conditions are Public Health G Srinivasa Rao, flyers, 92 untraceable passen- Bengaluru since December 7 two weeks, couldn’t be traced. testing exercise. With this, the es 2.73 per cent of the total temperature has been hovering associated with the fall of min- 1,216 people have arrived in gers are from Andhra Pradesh, but have gone missing. Additionally, seven travellers number of people testing pos- caseload, the data stated. around 4 to 5 degrees Celsius imum temperature much Telangana from the United Karnataka, and Kerala. These 151 people are yet to have refused to get themselves itive for the disease after return- According to the ICMR, a this week, is likely to witness below normal and are usually Kingdom since December 9 The Karnataka be traced as their phone num- tested for Covid-19. ing from the United Kingdom cumulative total of 16,81,02,657 mercury levels fall below 3 less than 10 degrees Celsius and and a total of 937 have been Government is now on the bers are either switched off or In Uttar Pradesh one pas- has gone up to 21 in the nation- samples have been tested up to degrees Celsius by the end of the maximum temperature is identified and tested for Covid- lookout for the 151 untraceable not traceable. In Gurugram at senger has gone missing after al capital. All of them returned December 26 with 9,43,368 December. In Delhi, December 4.5 degrees Celsius or 6.4 19 and 279 passengers are still United Kingdom returnees. All least 15 returnees from the returning from the United from the United Kingdom after samples being tested on temperatures have fallen to degrees Celsius below normal. untraceable. Of the total 279 of them have returned to United Kingdom, in the last Kingdom. November. Saturday. the lowest low of around 2.5 Continued on Page 2         !                    "  !    " #    Modi said in the drive towards      ! “self-reliance” quality should    not be compromised. he Congress is in advance ""! “I call upon our manufac- armers camping along Tstage of updating the list of turers and industry leaders FDelhi’s borders and protest- party delegates and preparing ""# that when people have taken ing against the Central the schedule to elect its next determined step forward & Government’s new agricul- chief in a digital AICC meeting   when the mantra of ‘Vocal for tureal laws on Sunday were via the electoral college process Local’ is resonating in every seen marching while striking December 29 as the date for the in January-February 2021. rime Minister Narendra house, it is time to ensure that utensils and chanting slogans next round of talks, farmer “CEA is drawing up a vot- PModi on Sunday addressed our products are world-class”, during Prime Minister leader Rakesh Tikait said. So ers’ list of around 1,500 AICC his 72nd and the last edition of he said. Narendra Modi’s monthly far, five rounds of talks have delegates and is planning to monthly radio programme Modi said in May this year, “Mann Ki Baat” radio address. already taken place between hold digital elections, marking “Mann ki Baat” for 2020 saying the Kashmiri saffron was given Earlier this week, several farmers and the Government. a first — with the term of the the people have learnt “new the Geographical Indication farmer leaders had appealed to presidency to be only for two lessons in each crisis” and Tag or GI tag.” Through this, people to join them in boy- years,” AICC sources said. developed “self-reliance” dur- esting news” of increase in the we want to make Kashmiri saf- cotting Modi’s radio pro-     The five-member CEA is ing coronavirus pandemic population of lions, tigers and fron a globally popular brand”, gramme on December 27 by headed by Madhusudan Mistry A senior AICC functionary nal election process, the dis- when supply-chain got dis- leopards in the country. he said. beating “thaalis”, in the same   and its members are Rajesh said the delay could be because senters are firm that they will rupted world-over. Modi’s radio-talk came at a The PM spoke about happy way the PM had asked the Mishra, Krishna Byre Gowda, of the former party chief Rahul not accept a “proxy” candidate In his year-end radio-talk, time when thousands of farm- increase in the population of country to bang utensils during S Jothimani and Arvinder Gandhi’s visit to Italy beginning and insisted that polls should the PM remembered great sac- ers are protesting on the out- lions and tigers in the country the early days of the coron-   !   Singh Lovely. Lovely is one of Sunday for about a week. be held at all levels, including rifices of Sikh Gurus and their skirts of Delhi against new farm from 2014 to 2018 and attrib- avirus-induced lockdown. the 23 signatories to a letter “We will meet in the first the CWC. family members. laws. The PM greeted coron- uted the success to the non- “The common people too  "   written to Sonia Gandhi in week of January and finalise the As per the Congress con- “On this day, the sons of avirus warriors saying people of governmental efforts, among are with farmers in their agi- August this year seeking com- schedule,” said CEA sources, stitution, 12 of the 25 CWC Guru Gobind Singh, sahibzade the country applauded their others, of the civil society and tation against the farm laws,” Chandigarh: Punjab Chief plete overhaul of the party and adding after that the party’s members have to be elected by Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh work and learn new lessons in other organisations. said a protester in Amritsar as Minister Amarinder Singh’s a full-time leadership to stem highest decision making body, All India Congress Committee were immured; our sahibzade past several months and devel- “India has seen a rise in he beat a “thali” with a spoon appeal to protesting farmers to the steady decline of the 135- Congress Working Committee (AICC) delegates and the rest showed amazing courage and oped spirit of self-reliance. population of lions, tigers as and raised “Jai Kisan” slogan. not damage telecom infra- year-old organisation. (CWC), will meet to clear the are appointed by the party determination even at that ten- “Every citizen has felt the well as a significant increase in He had also urged people structure seems to have failed The party is likely to name of the chief post. president. The CWC has not der age. It was on this day itself changes triggered by the pan- forest cover. Main reason is that to skip a meal in solidarity with to deter new attacks, with more announce the schedule for the At a meeting convened by witnessed any election in over that Guru Gobind Singh’s demic. The supply chain was not only the Government but the protesting farmers on than 176 signal transmitting internal polls in the first week Sonia early this month with two decades now. The last time mother — Mata Gujari attained completely disrupted but peo- several other people, civil soci- Wednesday on the occasion of sites being vandalised in the last of January. Sources in CEA said dissenters and other senior there was an election to the martyrdom; about a week ago, ple leant new lessons from eties and other organisations National Farmers’ Day. 24 hours, sources said on the panel was to announce the leaders there was a renewed call CWC was in 1997 during the it was the Martyrdom Day of challenges. We saw a new spir- are contributing towards forest On Saturday, the protesting Sunday. schedule by December-end but for Rahul to return as the plenary. Prior to that, Guru Tegh Bahadur ji too”, he it among the people, we saw the and wildlife conversation,” farmer unions decided to This has taken the total got delayed as efforts to build party chief. While Rahul said it the CWC polls took place in said. spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat in he said. resume the dialogue with the number of telecom tower sites consensus on the presidential would not be appropriate to 1992 at the Tirupati session. The PM provided “inter- 2020,” said Modi in his address. Continued on Page 2 Centre and proposed damaged to 1,411, they said. candidate are still on. interfere in the ongoing inter- Continued on Page 2     " !     P    #$  %  &'( )*!           $% &   '(  $"         +      "   enforcement authorities are portedly given towards salary advised to treat such docu- payments of the employees of &'&&! he Centre on Sunday ments valid till March 31, 2021.    ners even once in his speech the State would shun Hindi. n a development which may the said media company that ("O& Textended the validity of “This will help out citizens in which was heard in rapt attention He hinted that the BJP Ifurther increase the political was under investigation being &* vehicular documents like dri- availing transport related ser- he possibility of an by Chief Minister Palaniswami should accept that AIADMK heat in where part of group companies of $ ving licences, registration cer- vices, while maintaining social TAIADMK- BJP alliance suf- and his deputy O Paneerselvam. was the senior partner, endorse Assembly polls are slated early Saradha Group of Companies,” "("! tificates, permits etc., till Mach distancing,” the statement said. fered a major setback on The AIADMK had taken the candidature of Palaniswami next year, the CBI in a con- said the application. '""&!! 31, 2021 in the light of need to MoRTH had earlier issued Sunday as the former made it note of BJP leader Murugan’s or the saffron party may recon- tempt plea in the Saradha chit A total of  6.21 crore was "" !!  prevent spread of Covid -19. advisories regarding extension of clear in unequivocal terms that statement the other day that the sider its electoral options for fund scam has informed the paid to the Tara TV Employees "&"!"( $ The Union Ministry of validity of documents related to there would be no coalition name of the NDA’s Chief the 2021 polls. Though Supreme Court that the Chief Welfare Association from the "("'* ' Road Transport and Highways Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Government in Tamil Nadu in Ministerial candidate has to be Munusamy did not mention Minister’s Relief Fund of West Chief Minister Relief Fund of (!"'+ (MoRTH) has issued directives Central Motor Vehicle Rules, the aftermath of the upcoming endorsed by JP Nadda, BJP’s BJP by name directly, it was Bengal regularly paid for a West Bengal. The CBI said in to the States and Union Territory 1989. It was advised that the assembly election. national president. clear that the message was period of 23 months, purport- order to further look into the P administrations in the regard. validity of fitness, permit (all “It will be an AIADMK Munusami also declared intended for the national party edly towards the salaries of gravely suspicious payments     “Taking into consideration types), license, registration or any Government led by Edappadi that AIADMK would not yield that led the Central employees of Tara TV which to a private media entity, a let- !" ,-  "'!.( the need to prevent the spread other concerned document(s) Palaniswami and there is no or compromise with its stance Government. was under investigation for ter dated October 16, 2018 was ("& "&! !&" of Covid-19, it is further may be treated to be valid till place for our electoral allies in the on Dravidianism. “There is no “Be it a national party or being part of Saradha Group of written to the Chief Secretary, !#$." "  advised that the validity of all December 31, 2020. Two days Government,” declared KP place for nationalist parties in State party…..the Government companies. West Bengal to provide infor- (!"!" "& of the above referred docu- earlier the Delhi High Court had Munusami, Rajya Sabha mem- our alliance” declared the will be led by the AIADMK. In an application, the CBI mation about the constitution /"01" 2+#$! ments may be treated to be suggested to the Delhi ber and a senior leader of the AIADMK leader amidst thun- There is no necessity for a said the CM Relief fund has and functioning of the Chief  !"$& "'!& valid till March 31, 2021. This Government to give more time party. He was addressing the derous applause from the party coalition Government. If any regularly paid the amounts — Minister’s Relief Fund. !.!(!!" covers all documents whose to people to obtain colour-coded meeting convened by the party delegates. political party comes forward at the rate of Rs 27 lakh per Despite repeated efforts,  !$$ validity has expired since fuel stickers and high-security leadership to launch AIADMK’s The AIADMK had made it for an alliance arrangement month — for a period of 23 the State Government has part- "'!O"" February 1, 2020 or would registration plates (HSRP) before election campaign 2021. known in the month of August with an idea of a coalition months from May 2013 to ed with incomplete and evasive ($"'." expire by March 31, 2021.” it starts fining them. Interestingly, Munusami did not that Tamil Nadu would not Government, let them please April 2015.” It is submitted that replies, said the CBI.    + It further added the Continued on Page 2 mention the name NDA part- have three-language policy and think about it,” he said. the said amounts were pur- Continued on Page 2    !" # # 

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   1 had earlier been summoned by the the NCP. Earlier, the agency had to Sanjay Raut Family. Will Mr money laundering against ED on December 11 and one summoned the NCP’s senior MLA Raut tell us, is his family benefi- Housing Development     lose on the heels the agency more occasion earlier. She had Pratap Sarnaik in connection with ciary? Whether earlier any inquiry, Infrastructure Ltd (HDIL) pro- Cissuing summons to senior skilled the ED’s two earlier two another money laundering probe. notices received? 10 lacs moter Rakesh Kumar Wadhawan, NCP leader Eknath Khadse in a summons. The Sjhiv Sena and NCP are Depositors are sufferers. If ED his son Sarang Wadhawan, Pujne land scam case, the There was no reaction from constituents of the MVA govern- wants any information Political Waryam Singh and Joy Thomas, Patna: Bureaucrat-turned politician Ram not faring well in the recently concluded Enforcement Directorate (ED) Raut in this regard. Nor was there ment in Maharashtra. The sum- Protection is not a healthy idea. All the then Chairman and Managing Chandra Prasad Singh, better known by assembly election, the task is cut out for has summoned Shiv Sena MP and any information available from mons issued by the ED to Sarnaik, wants revival of PMC Bank,” Director of PMC Bank Ltd, his initials RCP, owes his rise to become the 62-year-old Singh to strengthen the MP Sanjay Raut’s wife Varsha the ED about the nature of Khadse and Vasha Raut are being Somaiya tweeted. He alsol released respectively and others on the the president of the Janata Dal (United) organisation as well as deal astutely with Raut to appear before it on involvement of Varsha in the seen as “acts of vindictiveness” by a video on social media. basis of an FIR registered by the to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. the saffron party. December 29 in the PMC Bank scam. The ED had earlier sum- the BJP-led Union government. It may be recalled that on Mumbai Police's Economic Singh, a close confidant of Kumar, The JD(U) could win only 43 seats in money laundering case. moned Khadse to appear before it On his part, BJP leader and September 24 last year placed Offences Wing in September last was on Sunday chosen as the new presi- the Bihar polls, down from 71 in the last Informed sources in the on December 30 in connection former MP Kirit Somaiya Punjab & Maharashtra year. The FIR was registered for dent of the JD(U). elections held in 2015. The BJP, on the agency said on Sunday that the lat- with an alleged MIDC land scam demanded to know from Raut if Cooperative (PMC) Bank Ltd causing wrongful loss to the tune At the party's national executive other hand, bagged 74 seats to help the est was the third summons issued in Pune. Khadse had received the latter’s family was a beneficiary under regulatory restrictions, fol- of Rs 4,355 crore to PMC Bank meeting, Kumar proposed the name of NDA retain power in the state. to Varsha by the ED in the PMC summons from the ED two in the scam. lowing the detection of the scam. and corresponding gain to them- Singh for the top post and it was then The saffron party kept its promise of Bank money laundering case. She months quit the BJP and joined “I heard about the ED notice The ED registered a case of selves. approved by other members. making Kumar a chief minister irrespec- The chief minister, who was re-elect- tive of numbers scored by the partner par- ed as the JD(U) president in 2019 for three ties, but Kumar lost the sheen which he years, gave up the post in favour of Singh, enjoyed in the ruling coalition since the + +,-   .   &"  !   !  its leader in the Rajya Sabha. Vajpayee-LK Advani era. The exodus of six The man who prefers to keep a low of the seven JD(U) MLAs in Arunachal    1 11,076, while the infected cases rose by   " (*   +,- profile was so far the general secretary Pradesh to the BJP and the upcoming polls 578 to trigger a jump in the total infec- (organisation) of the regional party. in neighbouring West Bengal are imme- n an increase in the number of tions from 290336 to 2,90,914. The 1984 batch IAS officer of Uttar diate challenges for the new JD(U) presi- ICovid-19 infections and fatalities, Meanwhile, the number of “active Jammu: Recoveries Pradesh cadre has been with Kumar dent. Polls in West Bengal, which is due in Maharashtra recorded 3314 new infect- cases” total cases in the state rose from remained marginally since his stint as the Railway minister in April-May next year, also came up for dis- ed cases and 66 infections on Sunday. 58,091 to 59,214. The fatality rate in the ahead of new coron- the government led by late Atal Bihari cussion at the national executive meeting. A day after infections dipped to state stood at 2.57 per cent. avirus cases in J&K on Vajpayee. Born on July 6, 1958, at Mustafapur 2854 and deaths in Maharashtra came Pune district, which continued to Sunday as the total When Kumar returned to the Bihar in Nalanda district, Singh did his school- down to 60, there was marginal increase be the worst-affected city-district in number of people politics becoming chief minister in ing from a School at Hussainpur in the in the deaths and deaths on Sunday. Maharashtra, saw the total number of infected with Covid- November 2005, Singh too came to his same district. With 3314 fresh infections report- cases increase from 3,70,049 to 19 crossed the 120,000 native state and became Principal He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts ed on Sunday, the total number of infec- 3,70,635, while the total number of mark in the Union Secretary to the CM. degree in History from Patna College and tions in Maharashtra climbed from deaths in Pune remained static at Territory. Months before retirement from ser- did Master of Arts from Jawaharlal Nehru 19,16,236 to 19,19,550. Similarly, with 7725. An official bul- vice, he quit the job and joined politics in University. 66 new deaths, the Covid-19 toll in the Thane district remained in the third letin said on Sunday, 2010. Kumar soon made him a member Singh married Girija Singh on 21 May state rose from 49189 to 49,255. spot --after Pune and Mumbai – after 260 people tested of the Rajya Sabha and he continues to be 1982, and they have two daughters. One As 2124 patients were discharged the total number of infections rose from positive -- 141 in the part of the Upper House of Parliament. of his daughters, Lipi Singh, is a 2016 batch from the hospitals across the state after 2,52, 629 to 2,53,012, while the total Jammu division and A man of a few words, Singh loves to IPS officer. She had hit the full recovery, the total number of peo- deaths climbed from 5547 to 5551. 119 in the Kashmir stay in the shadow of his master (Kumar) national headlines when the police opened ple discharged from the hospitals since Of the 1,25,02,554 samples sent to division -- while 264 with whom he shares not only the Kurmi fire on a group of people going for the second week of March this year laboratories, 19,19,550 have tested pos- patients were dis- caste affiliation but also close personal immersion of goddess Durga idol in went up to 18,09,948. The recovery rate itive (15.35 per cent) for COVID-19 charged from different hospitals after recov- 114,986 have recovered, while 1,869 have suc- bondage. Munger district in October. In the face of in the state dropped marginally from until Sunday. ery within the last 24 cumbed so far, including two on Sunday. With the JD(U) passing through raging protests over the event, she was 94.34 per cent to 94.29 per cent. Currently, 4,57,385 people are in hours. The UT has 3,282 active cases, out of hard times losing its “elder brother” sta- removed as the district SP on the order With 8 new deaths, the total num- home quarantine while 3,323 people are The total number of people infected with which 1,667 are in the Jammu division and tus to the BJP in the NDA in Bihar after of the Election Commission. PTI ber of deaths went up from 11,068 to in institutional quarantine. coronavirus stood at 120,137 out of which 1,615 in the Kashmir division. IANS                        P    ///     ! )))

From Page 1 was around 7,900. This rose to From Page 1 Sabha MP Kunal Kumar Ghosh, one save everyone concerned. the illegally collected funds. From Page 1 India has seen a 60 per cent 12,852 in 2019. Their popula- The CBI cited the High Court of the accused in the case, by Ghosh’s examination as witness The CBI also cited examination A CEA member quoted explained the rise in the leopard population tion has increased in most order which ordered that the “salary Enforcement Directorate during by the Enforcement Directorate, of Safiqur Rehman, an employee of panel is expected to wind up the organ- between 2014-2018. In 2014, parts of the country, especial- of the employees should be paid from October 2013 revealed that the Chief during October 2013, revealed that Saradha group of companies. isational polls by February-end as per the the leopard population in India ly in Central India,” Modi said. the available funds” and it nowhere Minister and promoter of Saradha respondent Kumar was in active con- “It is submitted that as per the deadline to inform the Election states that employees of a private TV Group - Sudipta Sen, had very good tact with officers of ED during the said statement (by Rehman), when Commission of the completion of the channel can be paid out of State relationship.”It is submitted that the course of examination of arrested the Chief Minister, West Bengal process. He said that in view of the Covid- funds collected in the name of Chief same establishes that the Chief accused persons, Sudipta Sen, contested for MLA seat, Sudipta Sen 19 pandemic, the CEA has decided to Minister’s relief work. Minister used to talk to Sudipta Sen Debjani Mukherjee or of witnesses was forced to sponsor all the Pujas restrict the electoral college to AICC “The Court order expressly states using phone of Kunal Kumar Ghosh,” Ghosh and others carried out by the of Bhawanipur, Kolkata. Rehman fur- members only. “We will not include the that the employees are to be paid out said the application. Enforcement Directorate during ther stated that ‘Jangalmahal’ project co-opted members this time. So, the elec- of the funds of the company. The The investigating agency said the September to November 2013. was flagged off by Chief Minister, toral college will have around 800 mem- payments from CM Relief Fund, ex- call detail record of two numbers of “It was ensured by the officials West Bengal in a ceremony held at bers only,” he added. facie point towards a larger conspir- Sen spanning for one year reveals that grave facts narrated by these Writers Building, Kolkata,” said the The CEA member said that the dig- acy and nexus,” said the that he and Ghosh had contacted 298 accused persons or witnesses must application.In 2013, during Kumar’s ital IDs of the AICC members are almost application. times on one number and 9 times on not be taken on record as part of tenure as the Bidhannagar police ready to enable the panel to hold a vir- Pointing the needle of suspicion another number.Seeking custodial investigation with a purpose to commissioner, the scam was tual session in case it is difficult to have at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee interrogation of former Kolkata shield the influential persons,” said unearthed. Kumar was part of the the physical presence for such a conven- in the scam, the CBI said: Police Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, the CBI.The CBI said more evidence SIT set up by state government to tion due to Covid-19. “Communication between the CBI the CBI said investigation has also has emerged substantiating further probe the scam, before the top court Moreover, according to sources, hec- and State Authorities will show that revealed that evidence, which con- the active connivance of Kumar, the handed over the investigation to CBI tic parleys have begun for a possible there has been a concerted effort to nected the ruling dispensation of then Commissioner of Police, in 2014.The top court, in November takeover of the UPA by NCP supremo evade, avoid and to escape the West Bengal, financially and other- Bidhannagar, in shielding and pro- last year, had sought the response of Sharad Pawar as chairperson in place of process of law and a conscious effort wise with Saradha group of compa- tecting the influential co-accused the IPS officer on the CBI’s appeal Sonia Gandhi. Shiv Sena which is part of on part of the authorities to scuttle nies was concealed by the persons who had promoted the ille- against the anticipatory bail granted Congress NCP alliance Government in the investigation.”The CBI pointed at Bidhannagar police under steward- gal business activities of the group of to Kumar in the case by the Calcutta Maharashtra too has backed Sharad the examination of former Rajya ship of Kumar, in order to shield and Ponzi companies and benefited from High Court. Pawar’s candidacy for UPA chairperson.     )))     " !  $% From Page 1 A cold wave occurs in plains when the minimum temper- &   '( ature is 10 degrees Celsius or below, and is 4.5 notches lesser than the season’s normal for two consecutive days. In the win- From Page 1 ter season, the cold wave conditions prevail mainly along the A bench of Justices Indo-Gangetic Plains. Siddharth Mridul and Talwant “A western disturbance has approached North India this Singh said the Delhi government weekend and is likely to continue causing widespread rain and should not create panic among snowfall across Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and isolated parts the citizens which would make of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Haryana till some people take advantage of Monday. As the system moves on, cold and dry northwesterly the situation. winds are likely to strengthen at lower levels across the plains The court also said that of northwest India from Tuesday onwards,” the IMD said. advertising the requirement for The IMD has also forecasted that ‘Ground Frost’ conditions stickers and HSRP by the Delhi are likely in isolated pockets over Uttarakhand, Himachal government in August this year Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Rajasthan and “was not the ideal time West Madhya Pradesh during December 29-31 whereas cold day conditions are likely over Punjab during next 24 hours. “Dense to very dense fog are likely to occur over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi in morning hours and dense fog also likely over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh in morning hours during on December 29-31. Biting cold conditions persisted in Haryana and Punjab with Gurdaspur reeling at a minimum temperature of 2 degrees Celsius. Gurdaspur was the coldest place in Punjab, while Narnaul, at a low of 3.3 degrees Celsius, was Haryana’s coldest place. In Punjab, Pathankot, Halwara and Faridkot recorded a low of 3.7 degrees Celsius, 5.7 degrees Celsius and 4.6 degrees Celsius. Himachal Pradesh’s Keylong, Kalpa, Manali, Mandi, Solan, Sundernagar and Bhuntar shivered at sub-zero temper- atures. The cold wave intensified in Kashmir with the minimum temperature dropping across the Valley to stay several notch- es below the freezing point on Sunday. The weather has remained dry and cold across Kashmir since the snowfall on December 12, with the night temperature staying several degrees below the freezing point. The MeT office has forecast light rain or snow in the Kashmir Valley over the next three days. The officials said Srinagar - the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir - record- ed a low of minus 5.2 degrees Celsius - down from the previ- ous night’s minus 3.7 degrees Celsius. Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 7.2 degrees Celsius - down from minus 6.5 degrees Celsius the previous night. It was the coldest record- ed place in the Valley. Churk in Sonbhadra district in UP, was the coldest place with a minimum temperature of 2.6 degrees Celsius. Northern parts of Saurashtra and Kutch is also likely to experience cold wave conditions on December 28-29. Mount Abu, the only hill station of Rajasthan, was recorded the coldest place in the State at 2 degrees Celsius even as several places saw an increase of two-three notches in night temperatures.

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   “The National Common Metro network making it the  Mobility Card, which will be mass transportation backbone  $  rime Minister Narendra fully operationalised on the of the National Capital Region PModi will inaugurate India’s    Airport Express Line will also (NCR). first ever driverless train oper-   ! be a major milestone as anyone The Metro rail scenario in ations on the Delhi Metro’s carrying a RuPay -Debit Card the entire nation has under- +  Q// 0 Magenta Line (Janakpuri West    # issued recently in the last 18 gone a massive transformation – Botanical Garden) and months by 23 banks (all these in the last six years. National Common Mobility  are NCMC compliant as per While in 2014, only 248 -  $ Card (NCMC) services on the  $#  ! directions of the Department of kilometres of Metro lines were Airport Express Line via video Financial Services, operational in five cities,     Centre to send their ministers conferencing on Monday.   ! Government of India) from any presently 702 kilometres of who are experts on these farm These innovations are part of the country will be able Metro lines are operational in elhi Chief Minister Arvind laws and have a public debate going to herald a new era of $ %  #   to travel on the Airport Express 18 cities in India. DKejriwal visited Singhu with the leaders of the farmer travelling comfort and 'P  !  line using that card. The same In the days to come, over border and joined the 'Safar-e- unions after which the whole enhanced mobility for the facility will become available on a thousand kilometres of new Shahadat' Kirtan Darbaar orga- nation will get to know how National Capital Region the entire Delhi Metro network lines shall be added and about nized by the Punjabi Academy dangerous these farm laws are. (NCR)’s residents. With the services on the 37 kilometre said. require minimum human by 2022,” he said. 27 cities in the country will of the Delhi government at The chief minister also commencement of driverless long Magenta Line (Janakpuri After this, Delhi Metro intervention and will eliminate The Delhi Metro current- have Metro connectivity. By Guru Tegh Bahadur Memorial appealed to the Centre gov- trains on the Delhi Metro’s West – Botanical Garden), will have a driverless network the possibilities of human ly operates on a network of 2022, when the nation cele- in the memory of the martyr- ernment to not let any more Magenta Line, DMRC will another major corridor of the length of about 94 kilometres, errors. Delhi Metro has been a about 390 kilometres with 285 brates its 75th Independence dom of four Sahibzaade and farmers sacrifice their lives enter the of seven Delhi Metro, the 57 kilometre which will be approximately pioneer in introducing tech- stations spanning 11 corridors Day, India will have a com- Mata Gujri Kaur Ji. and said that the Centre should percent of world’s Metro net- long Pink Line (Majlis Park – nine percent of the world’s nology driven solutions for (including NOIDA – Greater bined Metro network of over a Addressing the farmers repeal these farm laws as soon works which can operate with- Shiv Vihar) will also have dri- total driverless Metro network. passenger comfort and this is NOIDA). Pre Covid, about 60 thousand kilometres which protesting against the three as possible, guarantee MSPs in out drivers. verless operations by the mid of The driverless trains will be another step in the same direc- lakh journeys were being per- will carry more than a crore farm laws of the Central gov- the law, and end the struggle of After starting driverless 2021, a senior DMRC official fully automated which will tion. formed everyday on the Delhi passengers every day. ernment, Kejriwal said that the farmers. more than 40 people have lost their lives protesting against the contentious farm laws of the 5 677   8 777$    Centre. The chief minister said that these farmers are being   "#5(5!#6&5' called terrorists and anti-  nationals without thinking that (5&78" 6.! if these farmers are terrorists, ith focus to make Delhi 9#6 ('" who will feed the nation? W‘Drug Free’, the Delhi Kejriwal said that various Police organised several oper- #5:"7#"! parties and leaders have only ations and arrested around 882 betrayed the farmers for the last people and they also recovered !"#';6!#= 70 years and now they want to more than 5,000 kilogram (kg) take farming away from the of narcotics substance this year. ! :"7=#6&%( farmers and hand it over to big Police said that several Nepali 6!#" 7 "%!! companies. and Nigerian drug suppliers "The farmers who are sit- active in Delhi have also been (5&7%&995% "( ting on the borders today with arrested in the National Capital. %8&! "#&% their families are sitting here for The data shared by the their survival because if the big Delhi Police showed that they (&6 !"7! companies take over farming, have registered 726 cases and the farmers will be left with recovered more than 5000 kg 7"5 9&'6 nothing," he said. drugs. '#&!(5&7 '&% "Te Central government According to the data, fielded all their big leaders, police have recovered 23.6 kg ministers and CMs but none of charas, 29.184 kg opium, them could tell the benefit of 4205.939 kg ganja, 84.932 kg “This year, Special Cell “This year based on the the laws to the farmers, since heroin, 699.538 kg poppy head seized around 66 kg heroin and past experience, a comprehen- these laws are for the benefit of and 1.035 kg cocaine. 27 kg of Opium. Several Nepali sive strategy was formulated to the big companies and not the “Around 10.46 lakh tablets and Nigerian citizens active in take maximum action against has led to busting of networks farmers," he said. &  1 " '   2   #$     ' " of Tramadol and Nitrazapam, supplying and selling drugs in the drug traffickers active in and arrest of drug suppliers Kejriwal challenged the 3 &      ' &  #   19560 bottles of Codeine based the city were also arrested by Delhi by involving all the field having links with drug suppli- syrup bottles and 500 kilogram the police this year. Beside and investigating units includ- ers of different states like Uttar Ganja trafficked from Andhra them, several notorious drug ing Crime Branch, Special Cell, Pradesh (UP), Madhya " . Pradesh was seized by the suppliers including Sharafat and District police,” said Mittal. Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, "! 3 #  Narcotics Cell of Crime Sheikh, Bishan alias Natiya, “The Narcotics Cell, Crime Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Branch. Two persons have been Rocky, Javed alias Sulemani, being nodal agency of Delhi Manipur,” said Mittal.   !"(" arrested indulging in traffick- involved in drug trafficking Police in all matters related to “Even during the lock-     ing of ganja and charas from previously were arrested this drugs started drive along with down period, the police kept "$ the USA through courier using year,” said the APRO. other police units with focus on the pressure mounted on drug '(! “Dark-Web” by the crime “In order to curb drug busting of interstate network of suppliers, developed informa-    ! " (  branch. Around 5 kg of charas menace, the police had been drug traffickers whereas, the tion about drug traffickers and   was also seized from two working on the twin objective district police focused on the took timely action. Mapping of     heaps of garbage everywhere.”    Nepali citizens by the nar- of taking focused action against arrest of local drug peddlers the hotspots was done and “The drains are full of dirt. cotics cell of the crime branch,” the drug suppliers and simul- and suppliers at police station teams constituted with specif- man was shot dead while am Aadmi Party (AAP) The BJP councilors are extort- 55-year-old man died said Anil Mittal, the Additional taneously educating the general level,” said Mittal. ic tasks to focus on those areas Asome others were injured Acouncillors and hundreds of ing money from all residential Awhile two other were Public Relation Officer public about drug abuse,” said “The concerted action of and to arrest the drug traffick- when two groups clashed its volunteers held a protest at the buildings but they are not inter- injured in a collision between (APRO) of Delhi Police. the APRO. different wings of Delhi Police ers,” said Mittal. with each other after a shop residence of all three mayors of ested in fulfilling their respon- a tempo and a truck that took employee was beaten up. the BJP-ruled municipal sibility of ensuring cleanliness place in southeast Delhi's Police said that the incident Corporations on Sunday, that has been entrusted to them Nehru Place area on Sunday.  took place on Saturday in demanding a CBI enquiry into by the people of Delhi. The cul- The deceased has been East Delhi’s Trilokpuri area the alleged scam of Rs 2,400 crore mination of corruption has identified as Subedar, a resident and several rounds were fired in the BJP-ruled North Delhi become so high that today the of Neb Sarai in South Delhi. between the groups, who are Municipal Corporation. BJP is not able to pay the doc- According to R P Meena, 12&      1   also neighbours. The AAP councilors and tors, nurses, teachers, sanitation the Deputy Commissioner of The deceased has been members under the leadership of workers, and all the other Police (DCP), Southeast dis- identified as Shahid. party’s ‘Leaders of Opposition’ employees of the MCD,” he said. trict, police were informed   ment. ing the deceased," Sandeep ing for an accused identified as According to Jasmeet Singh, (LoP) in north Corporation Vikas The AAP leader said that about the accident on Sunday 1-1-  "An investigation in the alleged. Shankar who was involved in a the Deputy Commissioner of Goel, Manoj Tyagi, LoP in East the salaries of all the employees morning following which an matter is underway. The cul- On Saturday the 22-year- cheating case of Rs 6 lakh and Police (DCP), East district, Delhi Municipal Corporation of the MCD and their salaries Emergency Response Vehicle n the alleged suicide case of prits will be arrested after an old woman had allegedly com- had also helped his accomplice the clash took place at around and Prem Singh Chouhan, LoP for the entire year could be paid (ERV) was dispatched for the Ia 22-year-old woman Asha, investigation," he told The mitted suicide after she was in escaping from the custody of 10 PM on Saturday when in South Delhi Municipal in advance with Rs 2500 crores. spot. which took place on Saturday Pioneer. thrashed and abused by the the Faridabad police in Kasim and Shahid, belonging Corporation surrounded the “The BJP leaders as well as the “Both the vehicles were morning at Rajendra Park area, Meanwhile, the body of the Faridabad police at her house Gurugram on Friday a separate to one group, and the other houses of the mayors of the mayors of the three MCDs are found crashed on the Nehru the Gurugram police late on victim has been handed over to in Rajendra Park area. case was registered against him faction led by Mannan three MCDs and raised slogans equally responsible for Rs 2500 Place flyover towards Kalka Ji Saturday night, registered a her family after an autopsy on In connection with the in this matter, " said Sube clashed over the issue of against the BJP and the mayors, crores scam. That is why the temple. Subedar was found case of abetment of suicide and Sunday. incident the victim’s family Singh, spokesperson of the beating up of a shop employ- demanding a CBI inquiry into the AAP today gheraoed the hous- stuck in damaged cabin of the other relevant sections of the Sandeep, the complainant had filed a complaint against Faridabad police. ee. Rs 2500 crores scam in the BJP- es of the mayors, led by the tempo. He was sent to AIIMS Indian Penal Code (IPC) in this case said, an FIR into the the Faridabad police alleging it He said if the Gurugram “Bullets were fired by ruled corporation. three LoPs,” he said. Hospital where he was declared against more than four police- matter has been registered thrashed and abused the police have registered a case both the groups and some Senior AAP leader and “All AAP councilors and brought dead,” said the DCP. men including a Sub-Inspector against the policemen. We are deceased and her family mem- against the Faridabad police people were injured in the MCD in-charge Durgesh hundreds of volunteers protest- Jaichand and Samsher, who Rajesh of Cyber Crime police seeking a stern action against bers. personnel in connection with firing. They have been admit- Pathak said, "The BJP has been ed against the Rs 2500 crores were also travelling in the station Sector- 19 of the the policemen". "The cyber crime police suicide case. ted to a hospital. Shahid suc- in power in the MCD for the scam and protested peacefully tempo, were sent to hospital in Faridabad police. "On Friday the police per- station team of the Faridabad "We will go through to the cumbed to his injuries dur- last 15 years. In these 15 years, outside the houses of the mayors an injured condition. Police The station house officer sonnel of the Faridabad police police conducted a raid in a FIR registered in Gurugram ing the treatment,” said the the BJP did not do anything and demanded a CBI inquiry into said the truck driver had (SHO) of Surender Singh of were present at the victims house located at Rajendra Park and we will also check the Deputy Commissioner of other than corruption. The the scam. The BJP should con- parked his vehicle on the road Rajendra Park police station house who had trashed and area in Gurugram on Friday involvement of the policemen, Police. people of Delhi handed over the duct a CBI inquiry into the mat- in a negligent way, causing has confirmed the develop- abused the entire family includ- night around 11.30 p.m. look- Singh said. “A case under relevant MCD to the BJP for the respon- ter and give stringent punishment danger and obstruction in the sections of Indian Penal sibility of cleaning Delhi which to whoever is responsible for this line of navigation, resulting in Code (IPC) has been regis- is one of the most important corruption. If the BJP does not the collision.      tered and there is no com- works of the MCD, along with conduct a CBI inquiry into this A case under relevant sec-     munal angle involved in the hundreds of other responsibil- corruption, it will be assumed tions has been registered based incident,” said the Deputy ities that come under the ambit that the BJP is also an equal part- on the statement of an eyewit-     Commissioner of Police . of the MCD but you can find ner in the scam," he added. ness, police said.            Gurugram: Gurugram has gone Rapid Antigen Tests in the &    $        reported less than 100 new district, the report of which is    Soon after the third wave of the Covid-19 cases for the last yet to come soon. pandemic hit the national cap- three days in a row, health ofi- The district health offi- elhi reported 757 fresh ital, daily cases had surged    days and temperature will Sunday predicted minimum cold wave from December 29 cials said on Sunday. cials said the reason behind Dcases on Sunday and the and containment zones count plunge on the New Year’s Eve, temperature below four degree to January 1st. Joining many states across decreasing in cases is that peo- daily positivity rate reached to also kept mounting. ense morning fog is likely as the Indian Meteorological Celsius on December 31. However, on Sunday, the the country who have been ple have started following the 0.01 per cent. According to health bul- Dto engulf for the next three Department ( IMD ) on The MeT has predicted minimum temperature in the struggling hard to contain the Covid-19 guideline. The Covid-19 situation in letin the number of contain- National Capital rose slightly spread of the coronavirus, the "Number of Covid cases the national Capital has ment zones in Delhi has shown under the influence of a local administration in have been decreasing across the improved in the last several intermittent rise and fall in the Western Disturbance affected Gurugram is also leaving no district. Our teams are visiting days. According to the latest last several days, with the fig- the upper Himalayas. stone unturned to curb the dis- each and every household to health bulletin the death toll ure standing at 4931 on Sunday. The Safdarjung ease. The district on Sunday scan health of every person. I rose to 10,453 with 16 new Observatory, which provides reported 71 Covid-19 cases, appealed to the residents to fol- fatalities. representative data for the city, pushing the tally to 56,459, low the rules and not to leave The number of cases and recorded a minimum of 6 while the death toll has touched their houses unnecessarily. the single-day fatality count degrees Celsius as against 4.6 342. The figures of Covid active People must not come on the now indicate a marked degrees Celsius on Saturday. patients stood at 1,059. As streets unless it is very impor- improvement in the situation In weekly weather forecast, many as 146 patients have tant and try to work from since the third wave of the pan- the minimum temperature will been discharged after recover- home. The people must be demic had hit the city in fluctuate between three degree ies on Sunday. under the seriousness of the November. to five degree Celsius and max- As per the data of the Covid-19 disease," said Delhi Chief Minister imum temperature will remain health department the Covid- Virender Yadav, Chief Medical Arvind Kejriwal had said that at 21 degree Celsius. From 19 cases have decreased in the Officer (CMO), Gurugram. the national capital has now January 2nd onwards, there will last one week and only 3 peo- The district administration overcome the third wave of be foggy days ahead and the ple lost their lives due to the has already deployed a special Covid-19 infections. maximum temperature will be infections during the week. task force to monitor the Covid The highest single-day fluctuate between 20 to 22 Meanwhile, in the last 24 patients and their respective spike 8,593 cases till date was degree Celsius. hours, 527 people have under- family members. IANS reported on November 11.    !" # # ) %    '  &  2    :@.A7B"("" " C1""!"(" $ # !    !   (NIA) over allegations of leak- the removal of the then CBI   and active cases, that is steadi- ing information about the chief Alok Verma. ly increasing, is nearing 95 lakh he race for the CBI chief arrest of Indian Mujahideen Uttar Pradesh police chief ndia reported its lowest daily and presently stands at Tpost hots up with the operative Yasin Bhatkal. Awasthi, an IPS officer of 1985 Ispike in Covid infections 94,82,848, it said. names of Gujarat cadre IPS Asthana is currently the batch, may emerge as a dark since June at 18,732 new cases Maharashtra has 59,223 officer Rakesh Asthana, Kerala Director General of the Border horse for the top post in the on Sunday. The Union health active cases while Kerala has cadre IPS official Loknath Security Force (BSF) and also CBI given his 12-years of expe- ministry termed this a “land- 63,927 active Covid-19 cases. Behera and Director General of heads the Narcotics Control rience in the Central anti-cor- mark peak in country’s infec- 72.37% of the new recovered Police of Uttar Pradesh HC Bureau (NCB). Behera is cur- ruption agency. He also head- tion trajectory”. cases were concentrated in ten Awasthi doing the rounds in rently the police chief of Kerala. ed the vigilance department This is the second time in States/UTs with Kerala report- bureaucratic circles. While Asthana is consid- of the State police and also the week that the daily cases ing the maximum number of The CBI Director RK ered close to the top political enjoys proximity to UP CM, number has dropped below single day recoveries at 3,782 Shukla is scheduled to retire on executive at the Centre, Behera the sources said. 20,000, said the Health newly recovered cases. 1,861 February 1 after completion of is a Kerala cadre Indian Police The posting of the CBI Ministry adding that of the 1.01 people recovered in West the fixed two-year tenure in the Service (IPS) officer. National chief is cleared by a three- crore cases, active infections Bengal followed by 1,764 in agency. Security Advisor Ajit Doval is member panel headed by the stand at 2.78 lakh. Chhattisgarh. While Asthana, a 1984- also from the same cadre. Both Prime Minister. The Chief “This is the lowest after 170 Meanwhile, a total of batch IPS officer, was removed Asthana and Behera have expe- Justice of India and the Leader days. The total active cases were “Landmark peak in India’s istry tweeted. positive cases,” it said adding 16,81,02,657 samples were test- from the post of Special rience of postings in the CBI. of Opposition in the Lok Sabha 2,76,682 on 10th July, 2020. The Covid-19 trajectory as daily It also said that India has that the total recovered cases ed for Covid-19 up to Director in the CBI following The possibility of granting being are two other members. toll has remained below 300 new cases drop to 18,732 after reported a trend of sustained stand at 97,61,538, with 21,430 December 26. Of these, an ugly spat with the then an extension of service to the Once appointed, the officer level in the second consecutive 6 months. India’s total active decrease in the number of new discharges in the last 24 9,43,368 samples were tested agency chief Alok Verma, outgoing CBI boss cannot be gets a fixed two-year tenure of day while India’s Covid-19 tally caseload has fallen to 2.78 lakh active cases. “India’s present hours, according to health min- yesterday, according to the Behera, a 1985-batch IPS offi- ruled out given his handling of service unless the government of cases climbed to 1,01,87,850 (2,78,690) today. This is the active caseload consists of just istry tally. Indian Council of Medical cer, was shunted out from the the agency in a non-contro- extends the service of an offi- on Sunday,”’ said the Ministry. lowest after 170 days, the min- 2.74 per cent of India’s total The gap between recovered Research (ICMR) National Investigation Agency versial manner, especially after cial. "'$"D"-!. &&"' 9     $      -+: ( B9&!  *:F"&("   JAMA Network Open. Stokes, assistant professor of weren’t accounting for cigarette " O&D"(" Because using e-cigarettes global health at Boston smokers switching to e-ciga- Muzaffarnagar: The son of a hose who used e-cigarettes or (“vaping”) has been mar- University’s School of Public rettes specifically because of   local BJP leader in Tor vaping in the past are 21 keted as a less harmful alter- Health. existing health issues (rather Muzaffarnagar in Uttar per cent more likely to devel- native to smoking traditional Evidence of the health than the vaping itself causing mid the farmer agitation Pradesh has died due to op a respiratory disease while cigarettes, it has been difficult effects of vaping, from this and these issues), the researchers Aand impending organisa- COVID-19, according to his those who currently use them to tell whether the association other studies, “highlights the only included people in the tional elections of the party, for- family. Thirty-two-year-old has a 43 per cent increased risk, between vaping and disease is importance of standardizing study who reported having no mer Congress chief Rahul Vinit Tyagi, the son of former a study has said. just a matter of smokers switch- documentation of e-cigarette respiratory issues when they Gandhi left for Milan on BJP district president Devert It warned that because of ing to vaping when they start product use in electronic health entered PATH, adjusting for a Sunday. His absence from India Tyagi, died at a Ghaziabad vaping, there might be an experiencing health issues, records,” said co-author comprehensive set of health comes also at a critical juncture hospital Saturday evening. He increase in respiratory disease pointed out the researchers. Hasmeena Kathuria, a conditions.The researchers for Congress and its Central was cremated here on Sunday. as youth and young adults age Further, because e-ciga- Pulmonary Center faculty found, overall, that former e- Election Authority (CEA) Tewari had slammed Rahul the USA. Rahul had accompa- Union minister Sanjeev Balyan, into midlife, including asthma, rettes are relatively new to the member. cigarette use was associated which is preparing for party's for holidaying in Shimla dur- nied her. Uttar Pradesh minister Kapil COPD, and other respiratory scene, until recently it hasn’t For this study, researchers with a 21% increase in the risk presidential elections. ing the Bihar election campaign Rahul had chosen to go Dev Aggarwal and several BJP conditions. been possible for researchers to used data on 21,618 healthy of respiratory disease, while His departure Italy comes and held him responsible e for abroad when Congress had leaders expressed their condo- The new study is one of the conduct long-term studies adult participants from the current e-cigarette use was a day before Congress’ foun- the Grand alliance narrow been exchanging barbs with the lences over Vinit Tyagi's first to look at vaping in a large tracking how vaping impacts first four waves (2013-2018) of associated with a 43% increase. dation Day. defeat at the hands in NDA. BJP over the farm laws. Punjab death.Meanwhile, number of otherwise healthy health, they said. the nationally representative More specifically, current Several senior Congress After facing criticism Congress leaders have been Muzaffarnagar recorded 26 people over time, examining “This provides some of Population Assessment of e-cigarette use was associated leaders have questioned the fre- Rahul had to cancel a two day providing logistical support to more COVID-19 infections on the effects of e-cigarette use the very first longitudinal evi- Tobacco and Health (PATH), with a 33% increase in chron- quent vacations by Rahul vacation in Jaisalmer. the protesting Punjab farmers. Sunday, taking the number of independently from other dence on the harms associated the most comprehensive ic bronchitis risk, 69% increase Gandhi and his sister party Both Rahul and party Rahul Gandhi had recent- active cases in the district to tobacco product use. The find- with e-cigarette products,” said national survey of tobacco and in emphysema risk, 57% general secretary Priyanka Chief Sonia Gandhi had also ly met President Ram Nath 369. According to District ings have appeared in journal lead study author Andrew e-cigarette use to date. increase in chronic obstructive Gandhi Vadra and urged them missed the parliamentary Kovind as part of two separate Magistrate Selva Kumari J, four To make pulmonary disease (COPD) to spare time and effort for the debate on the three farm laws Opposition delegations, inmates of the district jail were sure their risk, and 31% increase in asth- revival of the party. due to Sonia Gandhi's ill- demanding the repeal of the among those found infected findings ma risk. RJD leader Shivanand health- necessitating her visit to three controversial farm laws. with the virus on Sunday. PTI 3&  &  9   & #         ;    Q!! !  04 3   New Delhi: The Indian It is being executed and mon- been completed out of 2,479 Government's initiative to itored by the Ministry of Home km. n keeping with the changed reality carry out development works Affairs. The government had said Iin Covid times, the National Skill in Left Wing Extremism-affect- This state of affairs was dis- that it believes that through a Development Corporation (NSDC) ed states face hurdles as road closed in a report of the holistic approach focussing on has joined hands with online educa- construction in these areas is Parliamentary Standing development and security- tional portal DigiVidyapeeth to for- "abysymally slow". Committee on Home Affairs, related interventions, the LWE mulate e-curriculum for skills upgrade The government has sanc- headed by Congress Deputy problem can be successfully for both professionals and students. tioned construction of 9,338 Leader in Rajya Sabha, Anand tackled. In this regard, the Media and km of roads but of these only Sharma, on the Demands for It has also stated that the Entertainment Skills Council (MSEC), 1,796 km length of roads are Grants of Ministry of Home extremists do not want root a setup of the NSDC, has inked a pact Soni said that DigiVidyapeeth has the complete, a parliamentary Affairs placed in Parliament on causes like underdevelopment with DigiVidyapeeth, under which capacity to give shape to the future panel has said. December 21. to be addressed in a meaning- the portal will develop online courses career of youth. The e-platform It has been observed that The committee noted that ful manner since they resort to keeping with industry needs and the engaged in providing online profes- there is delay in construction of of 9,338 km sanctioned roads targeting school buildings, former will accord recognition to sional certificate courses, has developed roads in the most sensitive under Road Connectivity roads, railways, bridges, health them. solutions to the new challenges which LWE areas like Telangana and Project for LWE Affected Areas infrastructure, communication The agreement was signed recent- will be faced by students in the chang- Chhattisgarh and this is slow- (RCPLWE), only 1,796 km facilities etc in a major way. ly by MSEC CEO Mohit Soni and ing post Covid scenarios, he said. ing down the inclusion and length of roads have been com- They wish to keep the pop- DigiVidyapeeth MD Pradeep Khatri Khatri added that the pact aims to give development processes of these pleted. ulation in their areas of influ- here.. a boost to the Skill India Mission and regions and negatively affecting The panel has asked the ence marginalised to perpetu- To begin with, DigiVidyapeeth Digital India Mission launched by the the capability of Central Armed Ministry of Home Affairs for ate their outdated and failed has developed courses in the field of Government. Police Forces and state police in the reasons regarding "abysy- ideology. Consequently, the digital media marketing and mobile The Narendra Modi Government tackling the menace. mally slow progress" in com- process of development has journalism to enhance the skills of pro- has set up a target of skill development The government is carry- pletion of these roads especially been set back by decades in fessionals and will train them in line through MSEC to over 12 lakh people ing out development works in with respect to Telangana many parts of the country with latest technological advances. till 2022. However, due to the covid cri- LWE areas under Security where 147 km has been com- under Left Wing Extremists' Later, new courses will be developed sis, it is pushing its skill development Related Expenditure (SRE) and pleted out of 705 km and influence, the government for other sectors too. On the occasion, programs through digital mediums. Special Infrastructure Scheme. Chhattisgarh where 319 km has added. IANS )   #*  +        !     !    ! " 

Amaravati: Six returnees from the samples for testing. Four of the con- One person succumbed to the    #$ % UK to Andhra Pradesh and four of tacts have tested positive. While virus during the last 24 hours. With their contacts have so far tested pos- three are from Guntur district, one this, the death toll rose to 7,094. ArrayImphal:Prime Minister previously, Manipur was itive for Covid-19, health officials person is from Nellore. According to state command Narendra Modi has kept the known for terrorism, block- said on Sunday. The samples of those tested control room, 422 people recovered northeast in his heart and thus ades, shutdown, agitations, but In all 1,216 people from the UK positive were sent to National from the virus during the last 24 showered the region with a at present, most terrorist out- returned to Andhra Pradesh and of Institute of Virology, Pune and hours ending 10 a.m. on Sunday. huge amount of central funds, fits have shun their violent them 1,187 were traced. Efforts Centre for Cellular and Molecular The cumulative recoveries mount- tamed the decades-old terror- activities and joined the main- were on to trace the remaining 29. Biology (CCMB) for genome ed to 8,70,342. ism and established peace, stream. A total of 1,162 returnees were in sequencing to find out if they are The number of active cases Union Home Minister Amit "Those extremists quarantine. Six of the returnees found infected by the new strain of the virus dropped further to 3,625. Shah said on Sunday. remained off the track, they infected by coronavirus. They include found in the UK. "We have not yet During the last 24 hours, 46,386 "Development of north- would also do so following two from Guntur district and one received the reports," said an official. tests were conducted. With this, the east region is the mantra efforts of the BJP government," each from East Godavari, Krishna, Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh total number of tests conducted so (vision) of Modi ji, hence he the Union Minister said. Anantapur and Nellore districts. on Sunday reported 349 new Covid far rose to 1,16,20,503. Tests per mil- (Prime Minister) and the gov- Criticising the Congress, Officials also traced 3,282 con- cases, pushing the state's tally to lion ratio in the state increased to ernment led by him excelled which ruled the northeastern tacts of UK returnees and sent their 8,81,061. 2,17,612. IANS all-round development of the state until 2017, Shah said that region -- connectivity to infra- it failed to solve the numerous structure and economic uplift- problems of Manipur. $" O""""(!  ment of all sections of people," "During the past three Shah said after laying the foun- years, under the BJP led gov- New Delhi: Days after the gating agency arraigning them, but the pattern aged from representing dation stone of various devel- ernment under Chief Minister Special Cell of Delhi Police lawyers as accused in emerging from all such their clients in these cases," opment projects. N. Biren Singh, the state is raided the office of advo- criminal cases. instances, where lawyers the letter said. Addressing a gathering at moving ahead on the path of cate Mehmood Pracha, "We write to you as a are being targeted, is hard The letter also said the Hapta Kangjeibung ground progress. one of the defence coun- group of lawyers who are to ignore. that this is also a larger here, he said: "Prime Minister Doing justice for Manipur, sels in the northeast Delhi deeply concerned about "Raids in the office of issue that goes beyond Narendra Modi has visited all Prime Minister Narendra Modi riots case, the Delhi High the recent instances where Mr Mahmood Pracha, the riots case, wherein the states of the region around had given the biggest gift to the Court Women Lawyers the investigating agency advocate is the latest lawyers who are vocal 40 times so far. The BJP gov- people of the state by promul- Forum has written to the has been arraigning example of such intimi- about defending civil lib- ernment led by Modi ji has gating the Inner Line Permit President of the Delhi lawyers as accused in dation by the Delhi Police. erties are being systemat- given a fresh identity to the into Manipur as the people of High Court Bar criminal cases," the letter Mr Pracha is representing ically targeted. region. the state had been agitating for Association read. several accused persons in "This is clearly an act "After the BJP led NDA the ILP for many (DHCBA). The letter further said the recent riot cases in of vindictiveness on part government came to power, the years." In its letter written to that though the proceed- Delhi. of the investigating agen- northeastern region has given The ILP was enforced in DHCBA President Mohit ings initiated against such The recent trend indi- cies whose actions are the priority in development." the entire state of Manipur on Mathur, the women lawyers are ostensibly cates that there are other preventing lawyers from The Home Minister, who December 11, 2019 for the lawyers expressed deep independent of the mat- lawyers too who are being carrying their out profes- came here from Guwahati on protection of the indigenous concerns over the investi- ters being handled by intimidated and discour- sional duties," it said.IANS Sunday on a day's visit, said that people. IANS    !" # # , (      #$    

  - two Kashmiri youth were also rial were recovered. / 1 apprehended after a long chase On further enquiry, it was     <;  ' in Narwal area of Jammu along found that the group is associ- joint team of security with weapons and ammuni- ated with banned terror orga- Aforces on Sunday appre- tion. nization JEM and were oper-   - =55"7!#!95 "7 roots democracy in Jammu hended terrorists with explo- Sharing details of the oper- ating in the area with the / 1 %6&5!%!& !#" #"7! and Kashmir. sive material near Galuthi area ation launched in Mendhar intention to carry out some #"!57#".!@" “It is now time for the of Mendhar in Poonch district. tehsil of Poonch, a Jammu subversive activities. senior Army officer head-  ;&6 8(!5 58#5 elected representatives to work Meanwhile, in Kashmir based Defence PRO Lt-Col The two terrorist associates Aing Srinagar based 15 ! "122@1A2!55#5%!% for the people and for the peo- valley a Special police officer Devender Anand said, “The apprehended in Jammu were corps headquarters on Sunday  !"7=#5!5!&5" 65#%% ple to seek delivery in terms of (SPO) who had decamped with terrorists apprehended possibly identified as Raees Ahmad said in order to divert the (==5"! &"69 (%!# development activity,” he said. service weapons was also belong to a terror outfit ‘Jammu Dar, son of Ghulam Hassan attention of its people from "=!5 !"%(!"( " On winter posturing along apprehended along with three and Kashmir Ghaznavi Force’”. Dar of Churath, Qazigund and internal issues, Pakistan may the LoC wherein infiltration is other associates by the police. He said, the apprehended ter- Subzar Ahmad Sheikh, son of try to escalate tensions along !55!#5 more likely through lower According to police rorists were likely to carry out Ghulam Ahmad Sheikh of the border by pushing in ter- the Indian territory.The fron- heights, he said there are con- records, the SPO identified as a blast in Rajouri district and Earlier, on December 13, search, one vehicle tried to flee Ashmuji, Kulgam. One AK rorists even during peak of tier districts of Rajouri and tinued reports of 200-250 ter- Altaf Hussain had earlier were probably attempting to two foreign terrorists possibly from the cordon which was rifle, one pistol, two magazines winter or resorting to ceasefire Poonch this season have rorists in launch pads in PoK decamped with two AK 47 disrupt the communal harmo- belonging to Jammu and stopped tactfully, the occu- and some rounds have been violations. already witnessed a spike in the looking for a chance to infil- rifles along with one Jahangir ny prevailing in the region. Kashmir Ghaznavi Force were pants tried to resist who were recovered from their posses- In both eventualities, we number of ceasefire violations trate. who was later on arrested by Defence PRO said, “with the also killed in an encounter at overpowered by the security sion. are ready and will give a befit- and infiltration bids under the “They will try to exploit the security forces in a cordon arrest of these terrorists, the Dogrian (Poonch) on old forces. According to police ting response to any such mis- garb of cover firing by the for- bad weather to infiltrate, but and search operation. security forces have unearthed Mughal Road. He said, their Out of them one was iden- records, Raees Ahmad Dar adventure,” Lt-Gen BS Raju ward posts across the line of the security forces are focusing This is the third incident of a nexus involving local terror- connection to Pak handlers is tified as Deserter SPO turned had a previous history of said in Srinagar. control. on both direct infiltration into weapon recovery in the last 48 ists which were involved in fer- also being probed. terrorist Altaf Hussain. The involvement in terror activities Referring to the prevailing Sharing his assessment Kashmir through the LoC and hours and has alerted Jammu rying war like stores and nar- In Srinagar, a police other 3 have been identified as having four cases registered security situation along the about the recently concluded those attempted through the and Kashmir police to uncov- cotics”. He said a thorough spokesman said, in a joint Shabir Ahmad Bhat, Jamsheed against him. Initial investiga- LoC in the region, Lt-Gen DDC polls in Jammu and south of Pir Panjal. er the nexus between the local search operation was still operation Budgam police along Magray, and Zahid Dar all res- tion revealed that he is work- Raju claimed there are more Kashmir the senior army com- The deployment on the conduits and terrorist han- going on to recover more arms with 53RR and 181 Bn CRPF idents of Pulwama. On their ing for terrorists. The role of his than 200-250 terrorists waiting mander said these polls were LoC is robust and supported by dlers sitting across the border. or explosive material from launched a CASO at search, arms & ammunition associate is also being ascer- for their turn across different held peacefully and the people layers of surveillance devices,” Earlier on Friday evening their hideouts. Hayatpora, Chadoora. During and other incriminating mate- tained. launch pads to infiltrate inside got to vote to invigorate grass- he added. &'(     $   5#"  # #!  1 &     #<# yet visited the Eden Gardens… taken in his interest. BJP and joined that party to  & He once told me that… so I “It is a party of extortion- save their skins … today they hile the last Sunday of the went to invite him for a visit to ists the led by the Bhaipo,” he call the Bhaipo an extortionist 1#"         Wyear saw BJP leader the stadium,” Ganguli said say- said adding how the villages but I want to remind you that Suvendu Adhikari and ing “please do not spin stories were being ignored by the top this was the man whose name Aligarh: The State Government Chennai: On 26th his presidential Trinamool Congress MP about the visit.” TMC brass in the interest of a appears in Narada, Sharada, has sought a Covid report of December 2020 the address requested Abhishek Banerjee trading vol- Dhankhar later tweeted handful people in South Rose Valley and other scams … travelers returning from the UK Annual the Central leys of fire from two public ral- “Had interaction with ‘Dada’ Kolkata. This was the man who was from all districts. In this, 3 trav- Convocation and State lies a silent development with @SGanguly99 President “Most ministries are seen collecting cash rapped in elers returned to Meerut from Ceremony of VIT Governments to suspected political ramifica- @BCCI at Raj Bhawan today at enjoyed by a handful of people towel in Narada videos and the UK have been found coro- Chennai was con- spend more on tions took place at Raj Bhavan 4.30 PM on varied issues. living in South Kolkata and the now they call me an extor- na positive while, 2 passengers ducted virtually to higher education where BCCI president Sourav Accepted his offer for a visit to districts and villages are made tionist… these people are the in Ghaziabad and 3 in Gautam confer degrees on and stated, “devel- Ganguli met Governor Jagdeep , oldest to serve only … I hate that real extortionists… I am not Budh Nagar have been found 2.039 graduands opment of a coun- Dhankhar for about two hours ground in the country estab- party in which I was there for afraid of the CBI or ED because corona positive. The Covid who have success- try depends on before exiting as quietly as he lished in 1864.” the past 21 years and saw there is no proof of extortion report of these travelers will be fully completed the development came. Though the Raj Bhavan things taking shape personal- against me.” sent to Delhi's Institute of their respective of higher educa- Moments after the former sources too said that there was ly,” Adhikari said asking the He said “If they can prove Genomics and Integrative courses : Ph.D., MS tion and higher India southpaw’s exit the nothing much to be read into people to “gift Bengal to that I am corrupt then they will Biology to investigate the new (By Research), education is not Governor tweeted about his the discussion stories did the Narendra Modi if you really need no CBI or ED … I will go Covid strain. MBA, MCA, M.Tech. Software grandeur for academic qualification meeting with “Dada” and BCCI rounds that the BJP wanted one want to save Bengal from the to the gallows myself,” won- Because of the new corona Engineering (Integrated), M.S She called upon the grad- alone; it increases employment president saying he “accepted of India’s most successful cap- hands of “tolabaz” (extortion- dering why Adhikari was ask- strain, a Covid test is being Software Engineering uands, “Realise your responsi- opportunities, economic pro- the invitation” extended to him tains to begin a new innings in ists).” ing Bengal to be handed over conducted for all the passen- (Integrated), M.Tech., B.Tech., bility as the youth of this great ductivity and growth.” to visit Eden Gardens. politics while the star cricketer There was a dire need for to Modi. gers coming from the UK to B.A.,LL.B.(Hons.), and nation; keep upskilling, keep Scholarships have been offered While the former India had not given his words regard- the State to be in the hands of “Is Bengal a commodity Aligarh. Corona test of 22 peo- B.B.A.,LL.B.(Hons.). contributing towards more pro- to more than 6000 students so captain before entering the ing the issue. a party that rules the Centre. like onion, potato or tomato ple has been done and the The Chief Guest, Hon’ble ductivity and efficiency; inno- far by VIT through the Higher Governor’s house said that his Meanwhile, Adhikari a for- “Then only an all round devel- that it can be handed over …” reports of all came negative. Justice V Bhavani Subbaroyan, vate and learn to relearn for education trust and was a “courtesy call” the mer Bengal Minister and close opment can come.. Continuous he asked saying “till Mamata Test of 2 more people has been Judge, High Court of Madras, sustenance; solve the contem- “Higher education can stop Governor said that a lot of Mamata Banerjee aide who anti-Centre stance will lead us Banerjee is there no one can done and their report will in her the Convocation porary, real world complex child marriages”, he opined. issues were discussed with him left that party early this month to nowhere,” he said telling a defeat TMC.” come. The Aligarh adminis- Address congratulated the problems.” She recalled the Professor Rambabu Kodali, adding it was a great experience launched a scathing attack on massive audience at Danton in Asking the “traitors” to tration is alert to the new graduands; applauded the clarion call of Swami Vice Chancellor welcomed the talking to him. the TMC leadership, particu- West Midnapore that “the State quit the TMC in bigger num- strain of Corona. For this, achievements of VIT and Vivekananda, “Arise, awake, gathering and briefed about the But none would dwell on larly Chief Minister Mamata must be protected from the bers he said “Go out in as many sampling of 13 people who appreciated the pioneering and stop not till the goal is achievements of VIT at the reasons behind an unusu- Banerjee’s nephew and hands of extortionists.” numbers as you want because returned from the UK was efforts taken to complete the reached.” National and International ally long discussion in a cour- Diamond Harbour MP Reacting sharply to his Mamata Banerjee is like Sachin done on Friday. The report also courses in online mode with- Dr. G. Viswanathan, level. Vice Presidents tesy call limited to extending Abhishek Banerjee saying every attacks Banerjee told an equal- Tendulkar … till the time she came negative in RTPCR. out any disruption and con- Founder and Chancellor, Mr.Sankar Viswanathan, invitation to visit the Eden leaf turned in the TMC at the ly big rally at Diamond is batting there is no tension Before that also, the RTPCR ducting the convocation cere- Vellore Institute of Technology Dr.Sekar Viswanathan, Mr. Gardens. “Ever since he came instance of the Bhaipo (read the Harbour that “some people even if the 9 wickets have report of 9 people came mony virtually in all its (Deemed to be University) in G.V.Selvam and Asst. to Bengal last July he has not nephew) and every step was have sold their spines to the fallen.” negative. PNS        !      =>" !"& "(",

#       - / 1 /G#(&(!'!  ?    - building the gaushalas. Along with the urban bodies, a large head of the New Year cele- or the protection of the number of gaushalas have been Abrations fresh spells of snow- '" $&&(.B! Fcow, CM Yogi Adityanath built in the cities and the vil- fall in different parts of Jammu had built gaushalas from the lages. So far 161 Gaushalas have and Kashmir brought cheer on   - / 1 and staged the encounter”. cities to the villages. These been established by the Animal the faces of those linked with the “They deliberately and purposefully gaushalas are now facing the Husbandry Department in the tourism and winter sports activ- fter the Jammu and Kashmir police on chose not to follow SOPs, they planted ille- problem of budget shortage. district having about 19000 ity as more tourists are expected ASaturday submitted a 1,400 page gally acquired weapons and material on their Most of the gaushalas in the cows. to arrive here to usher in the new chargesheet against the accused Army cap- dead bodies after stripping them of their district have not received gov- The Animal Husbandry year 2021. tain and others in the Amshipora encounter, identities and tagged them as hardcore ter- ernment grants in the last four Department demands a budget The cave shrine of Mata in which three labourers from Rajouri were rorists in possession of war-like stores and months resulted in a shortage in the financial year. In April, Vaishno Devi also witnessed the killed on July 18, 2020, in the local court in deliberately providing false information to of fodder and straw. 11 crores were demanded for season's first snowfall late Sunday Shopian, the Chief Judicial Magistrate has colleagues/senior”, police spokesman said. Currently, the gaushalas the financial year 2020-21 but evening. Pilgrims present at the issued a fresh order asking the Army author- As per SOPs Army informed the police have a debt of 3.98 crores. In now 9 months have been cave shrine welcomed the snow- ities under relevant sections of law to give for registration of FIR. During investigation this financial year, only 4.55 passed and only 4.55 crores fall amid religious chants. their opinion whether the accused Captain of above said FIR, sections 307 IPC, 7/27 crore has been paid while the have been released. Chief Executive Officer, Shri Bhoopendra Singh @ Major Basheer Khan Arms Act, 16 ULA(P) Act against the slain department sent a demand of This amount has been paid Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board of 62 RR be tried by the Criminal Court of youth were dropped and the offences under 11 crores to the government. till August-September. Since ,Ramesh Kumar also posted a ordinary jurisdiction or by the Court section 302, 364, 201, 436, 120-B, 182 IPC In 2017, CM Yogi then no money has been video clip saying pilgrims at the way remained disrupted follow- Several passenger vehicles Martial. and section 7/25 IA Act against accused Adityanath has emphasized received for gaushalas. cave shrine enjoying snowfall. ing fresh landslides at several remained stranded at different According to a statement issued by the Captain Bhoopendra Singh @ Major Basheer cow protection and opened Gaushalas owe 3.98 crores till Meanwhile, traffic on the places between Udhampur and locations due to suspension of spokesman of the Jammu and Kashmir Khan of 62 RR, accused Tabish Nazir S/O the treasury of the budget for December. Jammu-Srinagar National high- Ramban. traffic. police late Sunday evening, “a 1400 page Nazir Ahmed Malik R/O Chowgam and Bilal chargesheet was presented before the CJM, Ahmed Lone S/O Ghulam Nabi Lone R/O Court Shopian against the accused Captain Arabal Nikas Pulwama was established and )B@  @ Bhoopendra Singh @ Major Basheer Khan therefore incorporated in the instant Case. of 62 RR and Tabish Nazir S/O Nazir During the course of investigation, the Ahmed Malik R/O Chowgam, for commis- disclosure of accused persons led the SIT to sion of offences u/s recreate all the scenes of crime which 91P         $    =# 302,364,201,436,120B,182 IPC r/w 7/25 IA includes routes used after meeting the vic- Act”. tims and the place where the victims were    1 the State Government must be free from Maharashtra and was kept in abeyance till mer chief minister said. During the investigation, a statement of murdered. During further investigation all the vice of arbitrariness and must con- the next cabinet meeting. It was brought “Every cabinet agenda is to be kept 49 witnesses was recorded under relevant the circumstantial evidence which includes harging that the Maharashtra gov- form to Article 14 of the Constitution of to my notice that when only a few pro- secret until a decision is taken but to my sections of law and a total of 75 witnesses two Vehicles, service rifle of Captain Cernment policies aimed at helping India,” Fadnavis said. jects of selected five developers were surprise the entire cabinet agenda with were listed under the list of witnesses . Bhoopendra Singh of 62 RR etc. were real estate sector to mitigate Covid effect Fadnavis said that he always sup- analysed to capture its effect, it was found note and draft GR is in circulation and According to a police spokesman, “inves- seized. were being “implemented selectively” to ported steps taken to boost the demand out that this will lead to a windfall gain available with all developers and on social tigations revealed a conspiracy was hatched During investigation, accused Bilal provide “windfall gains”, former chief during pandemic and decisions like of more than 2000 crores,” he said. media and if rumours are to be believed by accused Captain Bhoopendra Singh @ Ahmed Lone S/o Ghulam Nabi Lone R/o minister and senior BJP leader Devendra rationalisation of stamp duty rates. Fadnavis went onto add: “Total some people are also doing some resource Major Basheer Khan of 62 RR, Tabish Arabal Nikas Pulwama has become approver Fadnavis charged that the windfall gains “Ready reckoner rates and Premiums are Windfall gain in one big premium land collection,” he said. Nazir S/oNazir Ahmed Malik R/o Chowgam under relevant Section of law and his state- made by a developer in just one big pre- a necessary step. However, under the garb parcel is Rs 1185 crores + Rs 620 crores He urged the state to “take correc- and Bilal Ahmed Lone S/o Ghulam Nabi ment has been recorded before the Court of mium land parcel amounted to Rs 1805 of reduction for rationalisation, = Rs 1805 crores to one developer own- tive action” and not to allow the state Lone R/o Arabal Nikas Pulwama to abduct CJM, Shopian. crore. windfall gains cannot be allowed to a ing 2 lakh metres of land parcel in west- resources to be exploited and squandered In a letter written to Maharashtra handful few.” “There seems to be a sys- ern suburb. This is just one example and for private gains “especially when day in chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, tematic method devised to give windfall there are many such cases which are and day out the government expresses its Fadnavis threatened that “in case no cor- benefit to said real estate developers by brought to my knowledge”. worry about its financial position”. -    6*7  rective action” was taken in the matter, fragmented & prejudiced reduction of “If the policy of 50% reduction “ It is surprising that on one hand we he would be compelled to move the ready reckoner of some of their self- comes into effect the midsize developers are not able to help our farmers and ‘bara Bombay High Court. owned & interest plots to the extent of of Mumbai who undertake standalone balutedars’ and on other hand we are " (*  7    Alleging that the recommendations 70% of the existing ready reckoners’ rates. redevelopment projects and SR Schemes allowing windfall gains to private people,” made by an expert committee appoint- The said reduction leads to reduction of would lose the competitive edge. Slum he said. Thiruvananthapuram: "There are 44 healthcare test positivity rate was 10.64 ed under the chairmanship of co-founder payments to be made to the competent rehabilitation schemes won’t be finan- “I reiterate that I am not against the Kerala registered 4,905 New workers among those infect- per cent. of HDFC Ltd Deepak Parekh to seek steps authorities,” he said. cially viable. This would militate against rationalisation of govt charges to boost Covid-19 cases and 25 relat- ed. At the same time, 3,463 A total of 76.95 lakh samples to revive the real estate selector which “Following the success of this Modus the topmost priority of the government the demand, but my worry and concern ed deaths on Sunday, taking patients have recovered from have so far been sent for test- is ailing because of Coronma pandem- operandi, it is now proposed using the of Maharashtra which should ideally be is about the blatant misuse of power the total number of those the disease. Of those diag- ing. The district-wise figures ic were being “implemented selectively” Deepak Parekh committee report to fur- to have a slum free Mumbai<’ he said. under the garb of reforms. I am therefore affected in the state to 7.40 nosed with the disease, 83 for those who tested positive , Fadnavis said: “It seems that certain ther halve the statutory payments levied “The cabinet proposal also says that purposefully writing this letter to you in lakh. Health Minister K K have travelled to the state today for coronavirus are vested interests have colluded for the pur- by the Corporations & State in lieu of the 50% rate cut, the develop- English because in case no corrective Shailaja said out of the total from outside," the Minister Ernakulam 605, Kozhikode pose of extending benefits to a few Government,” the former chief minister ers will have to bear the stamp duty on action is taken by you despite being made positive cases, 4,307 were of said in a release. 579, Malappuram 517, handful parties at the expense of State said. selling of an apartment. Looking at the aware, I will be compelled to file a PIL local transmission and the The Minister noted that Kottayam 509, Kollam 501, exchequer” “The same was proposed in the last windfall gain any developer stands to in the Bombay High court at Mumbai,” contact source of infection 46,116 samples were tested Thiruvananthapuram 322, “I must state here that the actions of cabinet meeting of the Government of receive, he will happily do that, the for- Fadnavis said. for 471 was not traceable. in the last 24 hours and the Kannur 289. PTI    !" # #  - )   )  &( +($5 " 4 !" "'$+($5 "5 *+,%(-*%./ *     $"       #    8    # R               (       0      +S ! $ O:N**  ("$  ( "' 0           S     9            /DE0(*@      !(&$$""'(&$." &($"            F            S   D    )=        +  /                 (  F    /             /DE0(*@           * #       /DE0(*@       $*+,*  +       +   .  here is a parable which is    P   + Q           -  <  D  popular in the corridors 1-=          )=             ens, cattle and other farm ani- mals. One night while the         "         ( ( Bedouin was asleep, a chicken     #                  was stolen from his farm. The *33 "     "                next morning, the Bedouin woke up to find the chicken missing         B3                and turned the whole farm                      upside down. He instructed his        S       S      workers to look for the bird everywhere and asked fellow               - <- = Rights Initiative, no Indian cians. Therefore, unless the lation of CCTV in police stations. example that forms the basis of State is fully compliant with the Supreme Court decides to take    )33(            *4   -      In its directives and with the aim this view is the case of police -L1 - < 14-year-old decision. In fact, as action against the                of preventing custodial torture, reforms and the manner in  -<1 = per this report, only two Indian Governments and bureaucrats the Supreme Court, in an which State Governments have States — Andhra Pradesh and who refuse to adhere to its admirable move, ordered the taken on board the Supreme /1=:K.B8:@.  Arunachal Pradesh — were orders, any step forward — installation of CCTV cameras in Court’s directions to date.   < partially compliant with the including the latest decision of 0   the offices of the Central Bureau In 2006, the Supreme binding directives issued by the the Supreme Court — will of Investigation (CBI), Court — pursuant to a public   Supreme Court. This is espe- merely be a pyrrhic victory for Enforcement Directorate (ED), interest litigation filed in 1996 cially tragic because India is in us to celebrate while the “chick-  (! ! &9      2 R !#  National Investigation Agency by two distinguished former desperate need of police en thief” is still at large. (NIA) and other similar agencies, Director Generals of Police, reforms. Firstly, because of the (The author is a former IPS !  !#      !#     in addition to police stations Prakash Singh and NK Singh sheer miniscule size of the officer and member of the across the country. — passed directions and laid existing police force — as per Congress party. The views  !    )*(  (     As good as a move this is, the down seven directives based on IndiaSpend, India has 151 expressed are personal.)         +   , S  #            +     .  '  0  -          !- ! D -$ .!! '""$" > ! $"    .  /        ( '"' ("! "(  (&(  !"M ""! !."$".'! "+ ! !$"! "           ( #"+ (+""!  " &"* !'!!"&               0 "!"  "'!.!! "'$"".". !!" !"M !         ( !&'""''""(+ "!" "+  (!" (+ !""$""+        #       "#5   (5 P%8#" 56 6!#5 7"( 5%9""5        0    K  KL"! K ' K !""              (                    .  /   .            "  0               / $   0 1+ 2                                        Sir — This refers to the editori- Sir — Jallikattu is a dangerous   +               ( al ‘Modi’s outreach’ (December * ( *  "($  (.:F9:.!(! sport of bull-taming which is                     )3(43   26) wherein the newspaper right- <  " &&$" $"."  mostly performed in the villages    5               ly suggests that the Union ( "'!" "($  (!(! of Tamil Nadu as part of the Government should give a price $$.!"'($"" (.* Pongal (harvest carnival) celebra-               #     0S guarantee of sorts on all crops. (!'" $"!"( " tions. Jallikattu or Manju Virattu    6  R  S         Although the Modi Government !" (.(( "'!($$" "&! is played generally on the second                  has transferred funds from the -I !! $$+ and third days of the Pongal fair. Kisan Samman Nidhi to farmers’ K !$$$"$&&( Injuries and deaths are      accounts, some organisations  !'!F@(".("'!'! common because, as you can -     O      +  ! % O     are agitating on the borders of the &"!"'"KB(" well imagine, one strong hit by                     NCR without knowing the tech- !"!( $"+.' "* + &. I$"'!D a bull on the wrong part of the nical, legal and practical aspects  " !$$$!  " ".$  !"!!'!* human body can be deadly. This        9:;+   0;/           of the new agricultural laws. I78("""!$!("+ + !$$.$"K is one of the oldest sports which                   It is ultimately the loss of the (!'.(" !(! !'" "( "'"'("($.(!" ("* has managed to survive in the     9:;+S     #   .  <        ( nation, society and the farmers.  !&&("K8("+ "(K$! !!( modern era too. In Jallikattu, all !" *  (! &!:8.B8 $"$ K !+                       Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the fighters have to do is to has stated that the Government " 78(""!'!$"$" . ! ! " !   $ $  jump on a running bull, try to     # /$01+2          (( (  ( is not in favour of withdrawing "(  "! ( &""($ '' ! " $$ (!("* grip on to its bulge and move                      these laws. The farmer outfits !"((!'+ ! ! ! $+ ! ! $"$ I along with the animal without &"  "' ($"($ &:8" 78("+                     ( should understand this and, falling down or getting injured. instead of wasting their time, " ("'!!($"&! "* Subhash Chandra Agrawal It needs quick reflexes and   ,                    0 money and energy, pay due *("((!""'!!!'!* Delhi a fleet-foot to tame the recalci-    =3            )=    >= attention to the development of       trant bull which will try to shake         ?= 0           )3)3    agriculture and family uplift, nuclear cooperation and energy number of cases surge and led off the fighter and, at times, which will lead to their econom- Sir — Just a week before the interconnections to fishing and many countries to close borders stamp on or gore the fallen par-    0   )@      ?A  /  4B  :   ic growth. It would be better if the Brexit transition period was aviation. It comes as a boost for with Britain. The news is impor- ticipants. The risks involved can              5    C  .  farmers’ representatives interact scheduled to end, Britain and the British Prime Minister Boris tant from an Indian perspective. be gauged by the fact that even : 9 S $              9     with the Government and man- European Union struck a historic Johnson, who was one of Brexit’s The UK is looking for a trade deal capturing the photographs is a age to get a more agriculture- free trade deal that should avert original champions and leader of with India which could be worth tough task. 43      %          (   ( friendly deal. The farmers should economic chaos and bring a the political movement that saw up to £100 billion and which, if CK Subramaniam                      now take the decision to conclude measure of certainty for business- him rise to his current position. it is done, would be one of the Chennai          (           the current phase of protests. es after years of Brexit turmoil. The deal is also welcome biggest post-Brexit trade deals. Yugal Kishore Sharma The deal contains provisions because of the fears over the new Gundu K Mani   $         "    Faridabad on subjects ranging from civil Corona strain that has seen the Thane !!5%!#9#"5C78 $6#8    !" # #   1 )   )  2.' -     +'(.'+'(   D2   -      / -

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/, 3     !    # !  #  ;     S         (      /                     !  "!  "!    .0          0   S        #                                .                       I                 I.9           ! D         1# I.9         ,%9        0       .   2 #  (                     I.9        1!       S       2                    %   +' 45                  I.9 %                  he COVID-19 pandemic is a human tragedy      D             of Biblical proportions which has caused an         , 9   ,   Texplosion of infections and massive destruc- 1       R9 S2           tion of livelihoods. Tragically, the outbreak has also         ,         D revealed that our societies and economies have been 1       2           ( operating on a very thin margin. The edifice seemed      S             so shiny; with jets stitching together gleaming cities, a world of soaring markets and industrial empires. %   #              But a couple of months into the contagion and it all   began tottering. The jets were grounded, the cities   J P0      %    KQ went silent and one industry after another headed ,   J P-     9      #  for bankruptcy. However successful our world may        +        have seemed, it wasn’t very sturdy. Our systems and   Q society seem to be very fragile, exploding the myths   J P-        K -  ( of a robust and resilient order.         KQ The greatest learning is that our current eco- ,   J P#  Q nomic models do not benefit everyone equally. This   J P#  K            is particularly true for rural societies. To combat this we will have to contend with the almost universal     KQ suspicion of our grand political schemes. While we ,   J P-         #   do need plans and systems, we also need mutual   Q  < accountability. Before we have the entire apparatus ><<-   J P-           - in place — the economic plumbing — we must       KQ understand more concretely what such a strategy  1 > ,   J P#       Q means to the people it is meant to serve, who know <   <   J P#  KQ best their own problems and also have relevant and  1-  ,   J P-         # S    sustainable solutions for them. -1-      Q Tackling the problems of the disprivileged ><    J P-     -       requires a fundamentally-different approach: One   < =. that starts with the people themselves and encour- locals. We have to constantly navigate climate change, infusion of toxic elements aging of crop inputs. They will use their          KQ  << = ages initiative, creativity and drive from below. This  existing unjust, broken systems while at into the food chain from chemical residue own experience or knowledge acquired ,   J P-        #    principle must be at the core of any strategy that the same time reimagining them applied in the crop field leading to decline through experimentation rather than          Q > -< = hopes to transform their lives; only then it can be 1  + Since local entrepreneurs know the in human health and livelihood and the relying on hearsay or advertising, when   J P- 0      D,     lasting and meaningful. community dynamics and power relation- erosion of agricultural expertise. buying inputs (for example seeds and fer-   N      KQ Approaches to rural development that respect  1 >-1-  ships, they are well-attuned to handling Formerly, societies might have depend tiliseers). ,   J P-      Q the inherent capabilities of the people who live in -  ;<- < the actors in the local ecosystem. Their upon 200 to 300 crops for food and health The pandemic has already underlined   J P-   KQ rural areas and systematically build on their expe- -<<  potential to drive change is tremendous, security but gradually we have come to the the need for them to come up with con- ,   J P#            ( rience, have a reasonable chance of improving their -<1 but they often lack opportunities for train- stage of four or five important crops: text-specific solutions for ecologically        #       Q lives. This can include enhancing their capacities to <*  - ing and education and are unable to access wheat, corn, rice and soybean. This sustainable agriculture. We hope farmers   J P-      #       Q mobilise and manage resources effectively. If peo- ><  networks and finance. Yet they are an homogenisation increases profitability will apply their own knowledge of ecolo- ple can be given the support they need to build their essential part of society and often don’t for a handful of owners, to the detriment gy, soil fertility management, seed preser-        #           own democracies in their own ways, they can do the ; -  receive the credit they deserve as policy of everyone else. vation and pest management which they (  I.9        rest themselves. In doing so, they will not only move drivers and implementers in India’s chal- The cultivation of indigenous and her- used to rely on before the advent of con-            J      <  their own communities, they will also take the world <;  -< lenging developmental space. itage crops has the potential to make agri- ventional agriculture.        # (    .  +    with them. There has also been a failure of agri- culture genetically diverse, sustainable and There are many lessons to be brought < .  0             This is because local leadership is critical to dri- >< . cultural strategy which needs reappraisal. resilient to climate variability. Indigenous to the table from field experience. We need        1   2 R      ving ownership of social programmes. We need to  -    Food crops have gradually been aban- landraces have evolved in the region over to understand the existing human condi-           S hire individuals with the entrepreneurialism and   . doned in favour of cash crops which are thousands of years of agrarian practice and tions rather than hastily proposing tem- #         S       drive to create change on the ground. You can’t solve  <* #  more profitable but are also highly water have relied on fungicides, organic fertilis- plates that serve the interests of the own-    P           6        the problems of the “last mile” from the headquar- O 1 <<; intensive. The high yielding variety (HYV) ers and pesticides prepared from locally ers. Experts need to combine their knowl-                 ters. It takes local entrepreneurs, empowered to adapt -<   seeds which entered Indian fields during available materials. The Green Revolution edge with grassroots action and a wider easily to the nuances of local cultures to succeed. This the Green Revolution were less resistant introduced newer methods of cultivation; community of practice. The incredibly  "      S    Q approach has to be guided by local wisdom and must to droughts and floods and needed deli- brought in new strains of seeds generat- evolving and complicated ecosystem 0         0        0  show a deep appreciation of ground realities. cate management of water, insecticides, ed through modern methods of plant requires better collaboration and partner- )=                 We need to develop more inclusive policies to pesticides and chemical fertilisers. breeding which gave high yields; intensi- ships for understanding, analysing, design-       M 5  N ensure that rural development is made socially, eco- These crops also attract more pests, fied the use of fossil fuel fertilisers; ing solutions and for undertaking impact I             /    nomically and environmentally sustainable. Inclusive forcing farmers to apply chemical pesti- increased acreage through double crop- studies to contribute to the wider knowl- -          $  $   . rural transformation can be promoted through peo- cides to save them. So, every year the ping; used pesticides and mechanical edge pool within. We have to usher a cul-  5               ( ple-centered development in which beneficiaries farmer had to spend more to grow such equipment extensively and massively; ture where farmers can apply their own                   ( become agents of their own development, partici- crops. Typically the commercial seeds had and drilled into groundwater reserves knowledge and skills rather than being    /DE0(*@         -    P( pating in designing, decision-making and execution to be purchased year after year, and farm- through deep borewells. expected to follow what the external agen-  Q  $ #  /            of the processes. Moreover, the strategies for inclu- ers could not reuse seeds from their crop, Native heirloom seeds adapted to local cies are prescribing.                  sive transformation have to be context-specific, with seed manufacturing giants filing law- diets and conditions were replaced by There is need for integration of an building on local solutions which best address local suits against small farmers who did so. It expensive corporate-produced hybrids, entire gamut of resources, ranging from     I  O <      %   challenges. became a perpetual treadmill. Families often dumped in India after having failed financial and human to markets and enti-       PQ   PQ Such solutions may require adaptation over time. faced crippling healthcare costs, crop fail- elsewhere. Although the new high-per- tlements. When we address these issues D P  Q        PQ     People will not actively and emotionally participate ures, loss of income and debt, all direct- formance varieties guaranteed high yields, empathetically, we can move ahead with   P   Q      P Q  P Q  PQ in an intervention unless it has relevance to their lives ly related to pesticides. The overuse of they degraded soil quality, harmed biodi- a more self-assured, robust and proactive    P Q      P  Q  PQ  PI Q and their strengths. When communities take charge chemical fertilisers for augmenting yields versity, polluted the environment and irre- engagement towards inclusive growth 1   $  2 PQ    PQ    P Q of projects, they also contribute through their labour in the short term led to physical and chem- versibly damaged human health. and livelihood development. What we           PQ     and commitment and engage actively with the sys- ical degradation of the soil by altering the The pandemic will hopefully help essentially need is a community-based, P  Q    S P Q #       tem to ensure that projects are completed on time. natural microflora and increasing soil farmers to take conscious decisions and businesslike approach encompassing           I  P Q     We need to invest in developing local leaders salinity and alkalinity. Higher yields and shift gradually to sustainable practices, grassroots action, policy advocacy and      5 #   PQ     P;  Q who are typically under-acknowledged and under- profits in the short-term have come at a rather than changing things hurriedly by everything in between. supported so we are able to effectively engage with huge socio-ecological cost such as biodi- following the instruction given by seed or (The writer is a well-known develop- 1   S  !  R    #  $   popular movements, community-based organisa- versity loss, environmental pollution, pesticide companies through extension ment professional of international repute.  % &'!(S#   )  &    (2 tions and grassroots activist groups that are close to land degradation, increased damage from workers, dealers, or the labels on the pack- The views expressed are personal.)     +,-R     #               E               

leadership. Plus, Independents turned This was on hold due to those welfare schemes to them, the corrupt adopted an ambitious road map of cation period. Tourism has always a huge economic boost with flourish- out to be key players during these elec- who had converted the region into politicians misled the people and peace and progress, ushering in a new been the lifeline of Kashmir’s econo- ing religious tourism and start-ups in tions, registering their win on 50 seats. their political fiefdom in their nefar- kept the citizens impoverished. era of inclusive development and my and the enhanced infrastructure businesses like wood grain work, In Kashmir, the BJP has won three ious pursuit to exploit the innocent Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the transparent governance in the entire is proving to be a key to its success by mills, basmati rice trade, rice mills, car- seats, contrary to the expectations of people and resources meant for the cit- founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, region. The Central Government has promoting exports from the Valley as pets, electronic items and electric the Gupkar Alliance and has polled a izens. sacrificed his life spearheading a adopted an integrated approach to well. goods. good number of votes in all. The party Over the years, corrupt politicians nationwide non-violent agitation build state-of-the-art infrastructure The Road Transport and Similarly, Ladakh is witnessing an contested on 115 seats. In Jammu looted the Valley’s resources to fill their demanding complete integration of and unleashed a slew of fast track Highways Ministry, with its arms like unprecedented boost to infrastructure region, it fought on 129 seats, won 72 own coffers and kept dancing to the J&K into the Indian Union. On May social welfare and employment-gen- the National Highways Authority of development with all-weather roads $%0'%0.. seats and lost 57. The BJP’s overall vote tune of divisive forces. It was the dar- 10,1953, he courted arrest chanting the eration schemes and programmes. India and the National Highways and highway networks coming up in percentage is 24.64 per cent as com- ing decision and vision of Modi, slogan that there can’t be two This is especially true for Medium, and Infrastructure Development a big way in difficult terrains and at he Union Territory (UT) of pared to 22.92 per cent polled by the which ensured the complete integra- Constitutions, two Prime Ministers Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) Corporation, in concert with the strategic locations. Domestic and Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is PAGD. Independent candidates polled tion of the Valley into India. and two flags in one nation. He was including cottage, handicraft, hand- Border Roads Organisation and the international tourism promotion has Tset to chart the course of devel- 28.36 per cent votes, while the Even though the Gupkar Alliance taken to Srinagar jail where he died loom and horticulture enterprises as State Public Works Department are been given a big push in Ladakh. opment and social inclusion. The Congress got around 14 per cent. has won, but the fact that the BJP has under mysterious circumstances on the schemes are aimed at comprehen- currently engaged in completing a The sky seems to be the limit, with Valley is no longer the political fiefdom The performance of the emerged as the single-largest party, has June 23, 1953. sive growth and the socio-economic series of projects which will give central financial packages to Ladakh of the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Independents and the BJP points to made the people’s intent clear. They are By revoking Article 370 on August emancipation of the marginalised impetus to growth and help entrepre- resulting in a phenomenal growth in Declaration (PAGD) or Gupkar the people’s disenchantment with the strongly aligned to the Constitution, 5, 2019, the Central Government has and underprivileged sections of soci- neurs establish producer companies its economy through enhanced agri- Alliance. Its members were expecting Gupkar Alliance, which has just reg- democracy and India. enabled the people of the region to ety in all three regions. with focus on further development of culture and livestock activities. The an absolute majority of the people to istered the proverbial Pyrrhic victory. Had the Gupkar Alliance mem- access all Central Government pro- Good quality, all-weather roads sericulture, cold water fisheries, wood- Centre and the State administration vote in their favour in the District In the DDC elections the real winner bers fought the election individually, grammes and laws including the right and national highways enhancing the work, cricket bats, saffron, handicraft must join hands and ensure all round Development Council (DDC) polls. is India, Indian ethos, values and the they would have been decimated. to reservation for the disempowered, hitherto lacking inter and intra-region and horticulture produce. development of the region. However, a large number of the peo- decision of the Union Government to Instead of working hard to mitigate the right to education and right to infor- connectivity have gone a long way in Jammu, with a rapidly-growing (The writer is deputy in-charge of ple of the Valley have put their faith completely integrate J&K with the woes and hardships of the people of mation, besides other facilities. promoting and creating fresh employ- rail and road connectivity, including BJP for J&K. The views expressed are in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nation. the Valley and taking the benefits of The UTs of J&K and Ladakh have ment opportunities in the post-bifur- the Jammu Ring Road, is witnessing personal.)    !" # #  !6

6     % % @ ;        A         3 $ $    2              West Palm Beach: Unemployment benefits for Rome: European Union  #  1 embattled Prime Minister K P millions of Americans strug- nations kicked off a coordi- Sharma Oli, known for his gling to make ends meet lapsed nated effort on Sunday to give high-level Chinese delega- pro-Beijing leanings, in a sur- overnight as President Donald Covid-19 vaccinations to the Ation led by a vice minister prise move, recommended dis- Trump refused to signed an most vulnerable among the of the Chinese Communist solving the 275-member end-of-year Covid relief and bloc’s nearly 450 million peo- Party arrived in Kathmandu on House, amidst a tussle for spending bill that had been ple, marking a moment of Sunday to “take stock” of power with former prime min- considered a done deal before hope in the continent’s battle ’s political situation after ister Pushpa Kamal Dahal his sudden objections. against the worst public health the dissolution of Parliament ‘Prachanda’. The fate of the bipartisan crisis in a century. and subsequent split in the rul- Acting on the prime min- package remained in limbo Health care workers, the ing Nepal Communist Party, ister’s recommendation, Sunday as Trump continued to elderly and leading politicians according to a media report. President Bidya Devi Bhandari demand larger Covid relief got some of the first shots Although no specific dissolved the House the same checks and complained about across the 27-nation bloc to details about the agenda of the day and announced fresh elec- “pork” spending. Without the reassure the public that the vac- visit are available, the four- tions on April 30 and May 10, widespread funding provided bill’s plan to provide $600 two federal programs provid- cinations are safe and represent 1            '      ;,? member delegation, led by sparking protests from a large by the massive measure, a gov- Covid relief checks to most ing unemployment aid. the best chance to emerge from          1# Vice Minister of the section of the NCP led by ernment shutdown would Americans — insisting it “It is the day after the pandemic. International Department of Prachanda, also a co-chair of occur when money runs out at should be $2,000. House Christmas, and millions of fam- “It didn’t hurt at all,” said Spallanzani and was part of the “Today is a beautiful, sym- the Communist Party of China the ruling party. 12:01 a.M. Tuesday. Republicans swiftly rejected ilies don’t know if they’ll be able Mihaela Anghel, a nurse at the team that isolated the virus in bolic day: All the citizens of (CPC) Guo Yezhou, will hold Meanwhile, the Chinese “It’s a chess game and we that idea during a rare to make ends meet because of Matei Bals Institute in early February. “There is no Europe together are starting to high-level talks during its stay embassy in Kathmandu and the are pawns,” said Lanetris Christmas Eve session. But President Donald Trump’s Bucharest who was the first reason to be concerned.” get their vaccinations, the first in Kathmandu, My Republica Ministry of Foreign Affairs are Haines, a self-employed single Trump has not been swayed in refusal to sign an economic person to get the vaccine in Italian virus czar Domenico ray of light after a long night,” newspaper reported, citing tight-lipped about Guo’s visit, mother of three in South Bend, spite of the nation being in the relief bill approved by Congress . “Open your eyes Arcuri said it was significant that Arcuri told reporters outside the senior NCP leaders. the report said. Indiana, who stood to lose her grip of a pandemic. with an overwhelming and and take the vaccine.” Italy’s first vaccine doses were hospital. But he cautioned: “We Quoting a diplomatic Earlier this week, Chinese $129 weekly jobless benefit “I simply want to get our bipartisan majority,” Biden said In Rome, five doctors and administered at Spallanzani, all have to continue to be pru- source, it said the visit is aimed Ambassador to Nepal, Hou unless Trump signed the pack- great people $2000, rather than in a statement. He accused nurses wearing white scrubs sat where a Chinese couple visiting dent, cautious and responsible. at “taking stock of Nepal’s Yanqi, had communicated age into law or succeeded in his the measly $600 that is now in Trump of an “abdication of in a semi-circle at the from Wuhan tested positive in We still have a long road ahead, evolving political situation after about the visit of Guo to improbable quest for changes. the bill,” Trump tweeted responsibility” that has “devas- Spallanzani infectious diseases January and became Italy’s first but finally we see a bit of light.” the dissolution of the House of Kathmandu during her meet- Washington has been reel- Saturday from Palm Beach, tating consequences.” “I’ve been hospital to receive their doses. confirmed cases. The vaccines, developed Representatives and subse- ings with senior NCP leaders of ing since Trump turned on the Florida, where he is spending talking to people who are scared “The message is one of Only later would northern by Germany’s BioNTech and quent split in the ruling Nepal both the Prachanda- and Oli- deal after it had won sweeping the holiday. “Also, stop the bil- they’re going to be kicked out hope, trust and an invitation to Lombardy become the epicen- American drugmaker Pfizer, Communist Party amid led factions. approval in both houses of lions of dollars in ‘pork.’” from their homes, during the share this choice,” said one of tre of the outbreak in Europe. started arriving in super-cold already-deepened intra-party Vice Minister Guo is Congress and after the White President-elect Joe Biden called Christmas holidays, and still the recipients, Dr Maria Italy now has the continent’s containers at EU hospitals on rift”. scheduled to hold meetings House had assured Republican on Trump to sign the bill might be if we don’t sign this Rosaria Capobianchi, who worst confirmed virus death Friday from a factory in Nepal plunged into a polit- with the leaders of both the leaders that Trump would sup- immediately as the midnight bill,’’ said Rep. Debbie Dingell, heads the virology laboratory at toll at nearly 72,000. Belgium. AP ical crisis last Sunday after factions. port it. Instead, he assailed the Saturday deadline neared for a Michigan Democrat. AP /   5"      $#$   $  /!  #   &      6 #    $  B  #  #   %  Islamabad: At least seven and escape routes blocked to said that he was “saddened” over  % 7   3 3 R #   Pakistani soldiers were killed in apprehend the fleeing militants, the loss of lives. a terrorist attack in the country’s while a large-scale search and “My heartfelt condolences   = <1 restive Balochistan province, clearance operation was under- & prayers go to their families,” Beirut: More than 300 Syrian Islamabad: Pakistan’s Sindh has not been specifically the Army said on Sunday. way. he said. refugees were forced to flee an ore than 37 people are province Government has recalled. The militants fire-raided a “Such cowardly acts by The attack followed the informal camp in northern Mdead and 18 others seri- decided not to release British- “The SHC in its December Frontier Corps (FC) outpost in inimical elements backed by killing of 10 terrorists by the Lebanon as a blaze raged ously injured after a bus crash born al-Qaeda leader Ahmed 24 order also clarified that Harnai region of the province anti-state forces will not be security forces five days ago in through and burnt tents to the in Cameroon’s western village Omar Saeed Sheikh and his accused should not be released late last night, it said. allowed to sabotage hard earned the province. ground, UN and Lebanese of Nemale, officials said. three aides, accused of kid- if there is a Supreme Court During the intense peace and prosperity in The terrorists affiliated with officials said on Sunday. A 70-seater bus was on its napping and murdering US restraining order regarding exchange of fire, seven soldiers Balochistan,” the Army said. the Baloch nationalist outfits The fire late Saturday raged way to the capital, Yaounde, journalist Daniel Pearl, in view their detention,” he added. The were killed, it said. Commenting on the attack, regularly attack the security for four hours as firefighters mal settlement that was locat- from the western town of of a Supreme Court order, sources said the Sindh govern- The area was cordoned off Prime Minister Imran Khan forces in the province. PTI tried to put it out, the Lebanese ed on a plot of rented land. He Foumban when it crashed into according to a media report. ment will also challenge the civil defense said. said the entire camp was burnt a truck while trying to avoid a In a surprise move, a two- SHC’s December 24 order in The fire ensued following to the ground. crowd of people on the road judge bench of the Sindh High the apex court on Monday. a fight between a Lebanese Kabbara said four people around 2 a.M. Sunday, said Court on Thursday directed In April, a two-judge Sindh family in al-Miniyeh in the were injured in the fire and Absalom Monono Woloa, a security agencies not to keep High Court bench commuted countrys north and Syrians hospitalized with minor senior government official in Sheikh and other accused under the death sentence of 46-year- living in the camp, according to injuries. He said some residents the area. “any sort of detention” and old Sheikh to seven years impris- Lebanese media reports. of the camp returned Sunday to “Most of the travelers were declared all notifications of the onment. The court also acquit- A Lebanese official said the see if anything could be sal- either going to spend New Sindh government related to ted his three aides who were army is investigating the cause vaged from the fire. Year’s Day with their families, their detention “null and void”. serving life terms in the case — of the fire and conducting Most of the refugees have returning from Christmas Day The court observed that the four almost two decades after they raids to round up those respon- sought refuge in other nearby festivities or were business men’s detention was “illegal”. were found guilty and jailed. sible for the altercation. The informal settlements. Some people supplying gifts for New The court, however, had However, the Sindh gov- official spoke on condition of from the local community have Year’s feasts,” he said. clarified that the accused ernment refused to release anonymity because an official also offered shelter, Kabbara Village residents ran to the should not be released if there them and kept them in deten- statement has not yet been said. road to help the more than 60 is a Supreme Court restraining tion under the Maintenance of released. Kabbara said altercations commuters who were on the order regarding their detention. Public Order. Their continuous Khaled Kabbara, a UN between residents and Syrian bus, he said. Citing its sources, the detention was challenged in the Refugee Agency spokesman in refugees often “catastrophical- The death toll will likely Express Tribune newspaper Sindh High Court, which northern Lebanon, said some ly impact the community as a rise as rescue workers dig said that the provincial gov- ordered their release on 375 people lived in the infor- whole”. AP through the wreckage, he said. ernment will not release these Thursday. men in view of the Supreme On Friday, the United Court’s September 28 order. States expressed “deep con- The Pakistan People’s cern” over the order to release  %       8 " Party-led Sindh government Sheikh and his aides and said believes that the apex court’s it will continue to monitor 1                       <       %  % September 28 order in the case any developments in the case.     1        1#        is still in the field, the sources “We are deeply concerned told the daily. by the reports of the December    A three-judge apex court 24 ruling of Sindh High Court Niamey: Niger began voting Issoufou, who has served bench headed by Justice to release multiple terrorists 3       Beijing: At least seven people Sunday in presidential and leg- two terms, is stepping down, Mushir Alam on September 28 responsible for the murder of were killed in a knife attack in islative elections that could see paving the way for the first noted that till the next date of Daniel Pearl. We have been China’s northeast Liaoning the West African country’s first peaceful transfer of power hearing, the accused shall not assured that the accused have &#     # province, officials said on democratic transition of power between two elected presidents be released. not been released at this time,” Sunday. since independence amid a since Niger became indepen- A senior government offi- the US State Department said The suspect has been arrest- growing threat from jihadists in dent from France in 1960. cial said the apex court order in a tweet. PTI Bangui: Voting has begun in ing continues. Many residents of the town ed by the police, state-run the region. Niger has seen four coups Central African Republics pres- Three peacekeepers from of Bangassou in the nations CGTN reported. The incident in Polls opened with a good since then. idential and legislative elections Burundi were killed and two southeast were fleeing because Kaiyuan city also left seven turnout. A peaceful transfer would after a campaign period others wounded Friday by of the fighting, residents said. people injured, including a “Equipment was well be significant not only in Niger marked by violence between armed combatants. The U.N. “I am in the town of police officer who was involved installed and the first voter was but also in West Africa, where rebels and government forces. Secretary-General Antonio Bangassou but my wife and in the arrest of the suspect. able to vote,” just after 8 a.M. leaders recently have held on Despite calls from the Guterres condemned the children crossed to the other The officials confirmed the At the Diori school in Niamey, for disputed third terms in opposition to delay the vote attacks in the Dekoua and side of the bank towards Congo death of seven people in the according to the head of the Guinea and Ivory Coast. amid the insecurity, the Bakouma areas ahead of the because of the violence,” said attack. The injured have been polling station there, Khadija Niger’s next president will Constitutional Court rejected a elections, calling for swift jus- Christian Kombro a teacher taken to hospital, but their con- Hassan. have to deal with major prob- postponement. tice and saying they may con- from the town. dition was not immediately “Everything has been going lems including extremism, President Faustin- stitute war crimes. The government blames known. Violent crimes are rare normally.” poverty, displacement and cor- Archange Touadera, seeking a The U.N. Retook the town the unrest on former President in China as compared to many Other voting centers in ruption. Attacks by Islamic second term, has tried to reas- of Bambari last week from Francois Bozize, who returned other countries, but there has the capital reported successful extremists has affected local sure candidates and voters that rebels. Rebel groups have also from exile a year ago and has been a series of knife and axe openings as well, with COVID- elections for weeks. In the most the voting will be secure. This seized several towns near the been blocked from running in attacks in recent years. 19 restrictions in place. recent incident, the Nigeria- is the central African country’s capital, Bangui. the election. He has been Knife attacks by disgruntled Some 7.4 million Nigeriens based Boko Haram fighters first election since a peace deal Voters went to the polls in accused of joining up with people have been reported from are voting to elect legislators killed more than 28 people in was signed between the gov- the capital Sunday, though oth- armed groups to destabilize the different parts of the country in and the successor to President Toumour in the Diffa region, ernment and 14 rebel groups in ers had fled the violence over country and launch a coup. He the past few years. PTI Mahamadou Issoufou. the day before the vote. AP February 2019, although fight- the holiday weekend. has denied it. AP

              #    ' 3   =   1#    !" # # $ 7

5"R #  5/= N:P$" 4%   855       &" $& 2        <  # 4 /# -(7:,    1 now in CY2020. near zero across the globe, P/E flows and India is one such Besides foreign funds, the ratios could keep expanding to country, especially given the  #<# in India,” GST DOST president    individual taxpayers said that he Covid-19 virus not only domestic lockdown, the biggest levels not seen in the past,” said slew of reforms undertaken in Vikas Dhanania told PTI. they have done it already ear- Ttriggered a worldwide pan- in the world, flooded the stock Deepak Jasani, Head of Retail 2020,” said LKP Securities’ ith the government grad- E-invoicing is currently s the deadline for filing of lier this year, and 18 per cent demic, but also opened the markets with over 60 lakh new Research at HDFC Securities. Head of Research, S. Wually Bringing small mandated for businesses with AIncome Tax Returns (ITR) said they have done it in the last floodgates for investments in retail investors. In terms of purchase, FPIs Ranganathan. businesses under Goods and an annual turnover over Rs 500 nears, around 41 per cent small couple of months, while 8 per the countrys equity market. Additionally, a consider- initially preferred large cap “Having said that, it cannot Services Tax chain, it has crore.The government has noti- businesses think that it is cent believed that it would All in all, not only did the able number enrolled through stocks till October. Later on, be denied that lakhs of young become a boon for service fied the mandatory require- impossible to file their returns take significant effort doing it overall capitalisation of India’s various schemes via the MF they enlarged their purchases first time equity investors have providers, a tax startup has ment of e-invoicing for B2B by December 31 and want an before the deadline.A domestic market increased, the segment. Market watchers con- to include the mid and small opened DEMAT accounts dur- claimed. transactions for businesses with extension to the deadline, LocalCircles statement noted country’s key indices emerged tend that these newbie cap segments. ing 2020 and have invested into The startup, GST Dost, a turnover of over Rs 100 crore according to a survey by that small businesses have had among the best performing investors saw the value in Sectorally, IT, pharma, direct equities which is also a estimates the total value of with effect from January 1, LocalCircles.The survey a highly challenging 2020 due emerging markets (EMs). stocks beyond the pandemic banks, FMCG, metals, realty reflection of financialisation GST and related services to be 2021.For the government it showed that 30 per cent of the to the Covid-19 pandemic and Initially, the lockdown induced slowdown and became and oil & gas stocks were of savings,” Ranganathan over Rs 12,000 crore. will lead to reduction in fraud respondents already filed their the lockdowns.It was only after induced crash led to attractive the real beneficiaries of the up bought the most by FPIs in this added. “The introduction of e- cases in tax evasion, he said. returns while around 18 per September when signs of pick valuations along with a global move.Till now in 2020, Indian year.Apart from very high FPI According to Gaurav Garg, invoicing for companies of Rs “With the government cent have not filed yet and will up in business activity emerged flood of liquidity and near markets witnessed FPI inflows inflows in 2020, large number Head of Research at CapitalVia 100 crore and above will open expanding the GST ambit to comfortably do before the and for many small business- zero interest rates in foreign of $22,281 million, which is 55 of new investor registrations Global Research: “Moving for- new business opportunity for small businesses, we are aiming deadline, while 11 per cent es it has been about recovering markets. As a result, return on per cent higher than the flows due to the Covid-19 pandem- ward, FPIs may continue to us. There are approximately at a multi-fold rise in our rev- believed that it will take sig- some of the accumulated loss- investment from several asset in the entire 2019 in USD ic has also contributed to the concentrate in the Indian mar- 13,500 businesses having enue over the next 2-3 years,” nificant effort doing it before es from March-August this classes except equities vapor- terms. uprun in the market. ket for another 1-2 quarters. turnover of over Rs 100 crore he said. the month end. year.It also said that for many ised. However, the domestic MF “The huge stimulus rolled “The factors like low Among the individual tax- small businesses, there is Investors jumped from one houses pulled out over Rs out by central banks across the Covid-19 case count, expected payers surveyed, 34 per cent of dependency on GST returns assets class to the other, till the 33,000 crore till November developed world to tackle the vaccine in the first half of the respondents have not filed and business returns are typi- time even the US dollar became 2020. pandemic in 2020 has certain- 2021, fear of valuations may go their returns yet, and 13 per cally more complicated than unviable due to the massive “Valuations are at 2SD ly led to abundant liquidity. even higher and economic cent said that they want an individual returns and many of stimulus package. Accordingly, (standard deviation) over the While it was expected that return to the growth trajecto- extension of the deadline as it them require several sittings the funnelling of such funds 10 year average, hence there is EMs would see strong FPI ry are expected to potentially would be impossible for them and information exchange with into the emerging markets led some caution on this front. flows in 2020, the fact remains fuel more development in the to file ITR by the end of their accounting professionals to a net investment of over $22 However as long as interest that only few emerging emerging markets such as December. which have become difficult billion into India’s market till rates continue to be zero or economies have seen such India.” Around 48 per cent of due to the pandemic. 22 ;   !      #  ,:2    ;'(                   D !"'(( New Delhi:The Government’s ers,” said one of the sources Doing Business in any manner,”    CII has suggested that the limit CII has suggested the lay- decision on mandatory pay- quoted above. said Finance Ministry prescribed under section ing down of general principles ment of at least 1 per cent of Apart from turnover based sources.With regard to :+B(D&"7*N II has suggested the gov- 36(1)(viia)(a) for provision for to guide the import tariff struc- GST tax liability in cash will exemption, the cash payment turnover based exemption, the Cernment to bring about bad and doubtful debts for the ture along with a roadmap to only apply to establishments rule will also not apply in the finance ministry has clarified  1 the next three years that will clarity in the taxation laws, sim- Indian banks should be encourage and calibrate having an annual turnover of cases the registered person only those businesses which take its total space to 1 crore sq plification of procedures and increased from the existing domestic manufacturing in Rs 6 crore and the new rule will deposited more than Rs 1 lakh have turnover more than Rs 6 hird party logistics compa- ft, he said, adding that it could reduction of litigation in the limit of 8.5 per cent to 15 per alignment with global trade not apply to micro and small as Income Tax in each of the Crore and pay more than 99 Tny FM Logistic plans to add another 20 lakh sq ft. upcoming Union Budget. cent. trends. It said that such a move businesses, and composition last two years and where such per cent of its tax through ITC double its warehousing space to He said the company has It noted that the taxation It told the Finance Ministry would strengthen India’s man- dealers, finance ministry person has received a refund of (input tax credit) and yet pay 1.2 crore sq ft in three to four added a total of 10 lakh sq ft laws should facilitate business that banks operating in India ufacturing capacities and boost sources said on Sunday. more than Rs 1 lakh in the pre- less than Rs 1 lakh income tax years from 60 lakh sq ft at pre- space in the last six months, all transitions and make doing facilitate foreign investment its export competitiveness as Based on the recommen- ceding financial year on in a year - will fall in the risky sent as it expects demand for for multi-customers facilities, business easier for the industry. by Foreign Portfolio per shifting global value chains dations of the GST Law account of export or inverted category under this rule.The such facilities to increase in the including omni channel, phar- In a statement, the indus- Investments (FPI) by acting as in the next three to five years. Committee, the government tax structure. Also, the cash new rule is expected to control aftermath of the pandemic, its ma, e-groceries, FMCG, food, try body noted that Section custodians (cash and securities) It has also suggested a has notified new indirect tax rule is not applicable to gov- fake invoices fraudsters who MD and CEO Alexandre industrial, among others. 80JJAA provides for deduction for the FPIs investing in India. graded roadmap towards com- rules that makes cash pay- ernment department, PSU and avail and pass on ITC by Amine Soufiani said. FM Logistic plans to have of 30 per cent on emoluments “Specific clarification petitive import tariffs over the ment of 1 per cent of GST tax local authority. dummy, fake and dormant Soufiani expects sales to multi-customer facilities in paid to new employees, which should be provided so that next three years, with lowest or liability mandatory for busi- Explaining the reason for entities which show high return to pre-COVID levels by Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, can be claimed for three years. banking and broking service 0-2.5 per cent for inputs or raw nesses whose taxable supply introducing this rule, a highly turnovers, but have no finan- March 2021 as 90 per cent of Hyderabad and Chennai in This is available up to an emol- providers are not held as rep- materials, highest slab of 5-7.5 value exceeds Rs 50 lakh in a placed Finance Ministry source cial credibility and flee after the business has already recov- the next 2-3 years. ument of Rs 25,000 per month. resentative assessees of their per cent for final products and month. This change will come said that a legitimate business issuing fake invoices and mis- ered by December. According to Soufiani, Stressing on the need to clients,” it said. 2.5 to 5 per cent for interme- into effect from January 1, runs for profit and a minimum using ITC. With its plans to set up A the company is expected to give a boost to employment at Over the years, RBI has diates. This will help Indian 2021.The new rules stoked value addition is expected from The seriousness of this grade facilities in all metro soon commence operations at higher levels, CII has suggest- lowered the limit for recogniz- industry integrate into the fears that the mandatory cash them. It is only where a lot of menace to GST ecosystem may cities and “dynamic economic its Bhiwandi facility in ed raising the cap to Rs 50,000 ing an account as NPA from six global value chain while payment will adversely affect fake credit is used that no tax even be understood by the areas”, especially multi-cus- Maharashtra, which is spread per month to encourage months to 90 days. According becoming competitive with its small businesses and will payment in cash is made. fact that in the recent nation- tomer units, and focus on in 4 lakh sq ft space with a part employment in higher skilled to CII’s budget recommenda- goods and services in the world increase their working capital Further, dummy companies wide drive against GST fake urban logistics, FM Logistic of it dedicated for pharma jobs as well. tions, Rule 6EA should be markets. requirement. which generate fake ITC or are invoice frauds that was looks to attain leadership posi- clients.The upcoming state-of- It further said over the last amended to provide that in As per the industry body “Contrary to what is being used to be a layer in multi-layer launched in the second week of tion in the sector, Soufiani the art warehousing facility at few years, in order to enhance case of banks, the interest on these initiatives would go a long fed, the new rule will only help fake credit flow pays no tax in November and still going on, said. Grade A warehouses are Jhajjar in Haryana will also be the financial strength of banks, NPA which has become over- way in bringing growth back to to curb the menace of of fake cash. has resulted in the arrest of categorised on the basis of operational in the second quar- and for the stability of the due for more than 90 days the economy and moving one ITC availment and impact only “This provision is a very more than 175 fraudsters and construction quality, available ter of 2021, he said. financial sector, RBI has man- should be excluded from the step ahead towards a taxpayer risky and suspicious dealers or smart rule against fraudster and more than 1,800 cases are space, location, amenities and Earlier this month, FM dated that banks should aug- total income and be taxed only friendly regime. fly-by-night operators. It will in would not affect any genuine booked against 8,000 fake enti- clients, among others Logistic had signed a strategic ment their NPA provisioning. on receipt basis. no way disturb honest taxpay- business entities or Ease of ties in just 40/45 days. IANS In March 2019, FM partnership with Welspun Logistic had outlined its plans Logistic Park to develop 9 lakh to invest USD 150 million over sq feet space in Bhiwandi in the ;( the next five years to set up new next 3 years. “We could realise  !"#$ ,) !!$$!!*!#!$  / 9:5  warehouses in India, with focus a quarter of our 40 (lakh sq ft). on multi-client warehouses. There is another 10 lakh sq feet "(!"' /!!#$"$!  “When we acquired Spear of space that we have also ! #" $# ! #1  Logistics in 2016, there was signed for which 4 lakh (sq ft) ($ only 20 lakh sq ft space and we are going to get this month, 0#$#  four warehousing units. Today another 4 lakh sq ft we will be '()*+"    we have 60 lakh sq ft in four getting in April/May next year,” " "     years and we want to double he said. The omni-channel    on these projects till November    this to take it to 1.20 crore sq strategy has now become a cen- 2020 is nearly Rs 11.94 lakh ir India Employees Union ); 5<5<=5 ft under our operations in the tral strategy for most of the s many as 442 infrastruc- crore, which is 46.71 per cent il marketing companies Ahas asked for a meeting next 3-4 years,” Soufiani told companies which are into retail, Ature projects have report- of the anticipated cost of the O(OMC) continued to hold with Civil Aviation Minister New Delhi:The Income Tax PTI in an interaction. FMCG, groceries and pharma, ed a cost overrun of more projects. It said that of the over- the pause button on petrol Hardeep Puri seeking exten- Department has said that over The company has already among others, and has given a than Rs 4.34 lakh crore as of all 1,671 Central sector infra- and diesel prices across the four sion of the medical scheme, 4.2 crore income tax returns announced its plans to add 40 big opportunity to third part- December 1, according to the structure projects costing Rs metros on Sunday.In the leave encashment and provi- ment of ,” the union (ITR) have been filed so far for lakh sq ft warehousing space in ly logistics providers. data from the Ministry of 150 crore and above, nine pro- national capital, petrol was dent fund benefits in the event said. the assessment year (AY) 2020- Statistics and Programme jects are ahead of the schedule, sold for 83.71 per litre. of privatisation of Air India. On leave encashment, 21.A tweet by the IT Implementation. 184 are on schedule, 536 are Similarly, in the other key cities In a letter to Puri, the AIEU said there is a practice of Department said that as of A report by the Ministry delayed, 442 projects reported of Mumbai, Chennai and AIEU said that the existing availing the benefit of leave December 26, more than 4.15 showed that 536 Central sector cost overrun and 212 projects Kolkata, the fuel was priced at medical scheme in Air India encashment at the time of crore ITRs were filed, com- projects are delayed from their reported both time and cost unchanged levels of 90.34, should be continued as it is for retirement. pared to over 4.14 crore as of original schedules. overrun with respect to their 86.51 and 85.19 respective- the serving and retired employ- “Several employees depend August 26, 2019 for the assess- “Total original cost of original project implementa- ly.The prices have been the ees. on this benefit to lead a decent ment year 2019-20.Another implementation of the 1,671 tion schedules. However, it same since they were last On provident fund, the retired life. We fear this bene- tweet by the department said: projects was 21,21,383.82 crore said the number of delayed revised on Dec 7.The OMCs union said that there are two fit may be discontinued in “5,64,541 ITRs have been filed and their anticipated comple- projects decreases to 412 if have gone on a pause mode at separate Provident Fund trusts case of privatisation of Air upto 1800 hrs today & 67,965 tion cost is likely to be delay is calculated on the basis a time when expectations of in erstwhile Air India and erst- India and employees will suf- ITRs filed in the last 1hr.”The 25,55,957.52 crore, which of latest schedule of comple- vaccines to counter the pan- while Indian Airlines which are fer huge financial losses. number of return filings has reflects overall cost overruns of tion.Further, for 942 projects demic and that of a major pick- governed by the 1925 PF Trust Therefore, AIEU would like to been high in the current year 4,34,573.70 crore (20.49 per neither the year of commis- up in the demand have kept Act. propose that the employees despite the pandemic as the cent of original cost),” said the sioning nor the tentative ges- crude oil on the boil with the “We would like these trusts should be paid leave encash- government has extended the report. tation period has been report- prices breaching $50 a barrel to be continued as it is in the ment allowance till March 31, deadline for return filing till The expenditure incurred ed. mark. case of privatisation/disinvest- 2021,” the letter said. December 31. IANS   P  +/8: ?2 3 2&2 ;  

  month’s figures are estimates  #  #! that may be revised with next ndia registered a growth of month’s production update,”    attract import duties of as high I3.5 per cent in crude steel worldsteel said. According to as 70 per cent, while that on production at 9.245 million the worldsteel data, China reg- he All India Rubber finished goods is much lower, tonne (MT) in November, istered 8 per cent year-on-year TIndustries Association which impacts the local rubber according to World Steel growth in steel output at 87.660 (AIRIA) has called for ratio- goods producing industry, and Association. MT during November 2020, nalisation of tax structure and stands as an obstacle towards The country had pro- compared to 81.191 MT in the said that the inverted duty the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar duced 8.933 MT crude steel same period last year. structure impacts the local Bharat’. during the same month last The US production stood industry. “Some of the products year, the global industry body at 6.120 MT, down 13.7 per It also said that the gov- which used to come from said in its latest report. cent from 7.088 MT. ernment should consider pro- China are being routed through “Crude steel production for the Japan’s output slipped 5.9 per as against 2.941 MT. rise of 11.2 per cent year-on- viding adequate support and Thailand and Vietnam at either 64 countries reporting to the cent to 7.264 MT from 7.716 Italy’s crude steel production year. With members handholding to the producers zero per cent duty or 5 per cent World Steel Association MT a year ago. South was 2.049 MT in November in every major steel-producing and should device ‘Phased duty. (worldsteel) was 158.261 MT in Korea’s steel production fell 2.4 2020, up 3.2 per cent from country, Brussels-based world- Manufacturing Programme’ India should correct the November 2020, a 6.6 per cent per cent to 5.760 MT in the 1.986 MT a year ago. steel represents steel producers, for enhancing the localisa- customs duty for the sector. increase compared to 148.417 month under review, as com- France produced 1.149 MT of national and regional steel tion in the rubber sector of The Indian rubber industry MT in November 2019. pared to 5.904 MT in the year- crude steel last month , 3.7 per industry associations, and steel India. uses more than 70 raw materi- “Due to the ongoing difficulties ago period. cent lower from the year-ago research institutes. Its members The industry body noted als and some of them also presented by the COVID-19 Germany’s crude steel output period, while Spain’s steel pro- represent around 85 per cent of that import of raw materials attract anti-dumping duty as pandemic, many of this rose 14.8 per cent to 3.376 MT duction stood at 1.113 MT, a global steel production. such as natural rubber and latex well,” AIRIA said.    !" # #    D

images. Yes, the use of technology does LESSONS OF help and now we are able to bridge a gap between us and the consumer, irrespec- tive of the location,” shares she. Now, they are able to get in touch with their old clients who stopped coming due to location issues. This step also made the designers B @ +  learn marketing better. They were able to identify that there is a pattern, price :$ : 2020 and product segmentation, which hap- pens when one is doing e-commerce. (/   “‘Student for life’ is something I always !$"(&"'$     #  ! live by and is happening now in a big "" !! & way. We realised how there is a demar- &"" "'$+        cation of product and price with differ- "! .>I* ent age groups, how a millennial engages      on social media and how a mother of the $ " !"$ bride still prefers to wear the saree before !$""+1"'      buying. The phrase ‘quarantine wedding’ "!(.!.L  ". has changed the pattern of ornamenta- "! ;!  tion and use of textiles as well. The magic "(+M of a NRI bride doing a video call, seeing L1"($&.  !  the entire collection, taking suggestion and also approving designs is really (!!+++    !) amazing. The digital integration also "M helped us in expanding our design port- S'!.M! ! =< >2> folio as we introduced our prêt collec- (* tion of kurtas which was overdue,” Asha "&! he year has overturned our lives in says.  + the most unforeseen manner. “The response has been phenome- There were numerous difficulties nal and now we are adding more afford- !( T to survive and tough lessons to be able segments keeping intact our love for (" * learned; we can at least find a bit of solace crafts. Our vision is to make Indian crafts "'"!(* in the knowledge that these challenging a significant part of global fashion and (&"B times have led to personal growth. with the e-store, we can see that happen- &. Below, a few fashion designers share their ing sooner or later. We also want to mar- biggest takeaways from this unusual year. ket our textiles digitally and make it reach !!" Designer Asha Gautam says, “This to a larger audience. The time we got was "'  year will always be remembered in his- after five years of no holiday and this "+ tory for various reasons. We can’t ever made us also realise the potential, the col- >I(" take the pain, suffering and losses that laborations and the relationships we have !&"'& people across the globe suffered due to made which we can leverage out. The 9AN & COVID-19 and at the same time it also emergence of the new possible market taught us a lot of things. We started valu- has also made us develop designs which " "'$" " ing life more, we spent more time with are not geographical bound and the cre- !"I family, we valued environment more, we ative team is rejoicing more,” adds the &"'&79+F + all became tech literate and valued the designer. importance of being a responsible con- “Past four months a lot has changed sumer.” in terms of mindset, design development O9   “I can only say about myself and I did techniques, positioning and undoubted-  #  learn the entire above very well and also ly, these have been a big takeaway,” says changed a few things of how I look at my Asha.   work now. Being an ardent lover of craft, For designer Leena Singh, pan- +: # especially Indian handmade textiles, I demic came as a teacher. “We have   was worried on what will happen to it as begun to appreciate the smallest bless- the weddings and occasions were getting ings. I feel like the biggest lesson I have  $ !! # confined and due to social distancing the got is to live in the present and not worry   ;< = demand was surely going to take a hit. about the future. Today, everything is so We did speak to a few clients, especial- terribly in the air and no one knows  >  : ly whose weddings were due in 2020 and when will we find normalcy again. <.% > !  took feedbacks. The response was mix This year, I also came up with my new + ! %  and lot of weddings that were scheduled collection Umme Rabab, which is a trib- for April happened in July with restric- ute to karigars who were struggling and % : !  $ tions. The next dates were in November trying to cope with the changes this pan-    +?  and everyone was clueless as to how demic has brought to all our lives. Our many weddings will happen and of brand Ashima Leena tried to support  + ! ! #% : what nature,” adds she. them in every possible way and stands  + !+  Once the lockdown got over and in solidarity and in gratitude towards @+   ;   clients started coming, Asha realised that them. As we face challenges, we are also at least some weddings will happen. One given an opportunity to re-invent, re- ! ## +   ;%+ takeaway came from the shopping pat- imagine new and improved ways of  P  % # ! tern where many families preferred her- important role in our life. Similarly our “Then we started to introspect as to what commerce but slowly we realised that the working. I feel whenever there will be a itage pieces than FAD’s and it was a Indian textiles (handmade) will also all can be done. No inter-state travel was clients want to connect virtually. They challenge or obstacle, we will find ways !       delight to see the value heirloom pieces make an important role in wedding wear happening, no NRI clients coming, plus were doing video calls, asking for images again and again to face them and work  @ !?P still have on Indian consumers. “Though irrespective of what happens in the limited gathering was making a huge and sending queries on Instagram, around them. It is imperative to support LB !+ C $$  we always believed in it but the response global fashion scene,” says she. impact. This made us go back to the which made us do something we never one another in difficult times like these,” was reassuring. This is not only a take- Asha says that though the demand drawing board and think as to how to thought i.e. starting an e-store. We shares Leena. away but a lesson for life that no matter was picking up but it was nowhere near connect with more clients. We always started working on it in June and by July Well, certainly, this year established (  what, our roots will always play an and there was still a lot of sluggishness. had a reservation of luxury selling on e- end, we completed it with all the old itself as a teacher to the entire world.   ! !"! 900 (    1       !. !&$! !" " !&" !                        (+  $     *       /@  P        E7E7 L !'!!&$. O" *  $&"(+ O ith a microscopic organism Add Up: Ten Rules for Thinking Wupending life as we know it, Differently About Numbers, an engag- '"$ &&""&("&* the realm of books was among the ing guide to avoid getting bamboo- "(" .$O(& few which held its own, operating zled by statistics, and Michiko !$("I"$ $O near normally in this tumultuous Kakutani’s Ex Libris, a personalised " "(!! "$+ year. The flow of new titles, across introduction to 100 key books, old   all genres, continued unabated and and new, for those without inclina- !" "I!( Tandav is the coming together of different worlds under provided readers a safe haven for a tion/opportunity to read the origi- the gamut of politics. It is a dramatic take of the powerplay &'!+ !"  troubled psyche. For avid readers, nals in full. between people at the highest level where they get over- $$ " (! confined to homes and deprived of On the humanities side, Richard thrown by others to secure their positions. Young and forth- O(  "! opportunities of external sources of Eaton’s India in the Persianate Age: coming student politicians are also featured and we get to leisure, it was a dream opportunity 1000-1765 seeks to show how the see where their future is headed in this dark abyss of pol- $(!("$!(! $&.M to work through pending piles and country’s pre-colonial history was itics. It releases on January 15 on Amazon Prime. ! + acquire fresh material. not a binary construct as long polit- But amid the host of autobiogra- ically propagated, Anne phies and biographies, examinations Appelbaum’s self-explanatory but O  : of political partisanship and their disturbing Twilight of Democracy: social effects, new looks at history The Failure of Politics and the     P and more as well as a wide array of Parting of Friends, and the very vital "'  "". !. fiction for all tastes and moods, the Lahariya, Dr Gagandeep Kang, and American Queen of Suspense Mary Bad News: Why We Fall for Fake "(. '.$ worst health crisis the world faced AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Higgins Clark, 92, Clive Cussler, 88, News by Rob Brotherton, who’s in over a century found its own Guleria. known for the Dirk Pitt series of earlier Suspicious Minds explained " /"!! niche. But with the virus mutating into marine adventures, Urdu poet Rahat why conspiracy theories have a &"! +>" While there is no shortage of new variations and universal vacci- Indori, 70, Hindi poet Manglesh receptive audience. $(""'  books on Coronavirus, some repre- nation still a long way off, the last Dabral, 72, Soviet/Russian writer and In fiction, consider Curtis - ! "'! sentative ones could include physi- word on coronavirus is still to be satirist Mikhail Zhvanetsky, 86, Sittenfeld’s Rodham: What if Hillary $&!"! cian and evolutionary biologist said. But some signposts can be British spy novelist John le Carre, 89, hadn’t married Bill? exploring this Frank Ryan’s Virusphere: Ebola, found in Fareed Zakaria’s 10 Lessons and Urdu author and literary critic tantalising premise, Mieko  ." !!(* AIDS, Influenza and the Hidden for the Post-Pandemic World and the Shamsur Rahman Faruqi, 85, known Kawakami’s Breasts and Eggs, an "'!""+ World of the Virus, which explains prolific Kiran Manral’s Raising Kids for his penetrating analysis of the account of the female life experience     "!"&* why epidemics are inevitable and with Hope and Wonder in Times of poetry of Mir Taqi Mir. (and commodification thereof), One Night in Miami is a fictional account of one ( (.!! their benefits, science journalist a Pandemic and Climate Change. Some of the year’s notable offer- and former ISI chief Lt Gen Asad incredible night where icons Muhammad Ali, Malcolm Sonia Shah’s Pandemic about the The coveted Nobel Prize for ings included former US President Durrani’s Honour Among Spies, X, Sam Cooke and Jim Brown gathered discussing their "" "'& interplay of history, politics and sci- Literature was won by American Barack Obama’s A Promised Land, an about the dangers of asking incon- $&!'* roles in the civil rights movement and cultural ence in tackling the scourge of dis- poet Louise Gluck, who draws on account of his eventful first term, J.K. venient questions about issues the upheaval of the 60s. It releases on January 15 on "'+ ease, and John Barry’s The Great classical mythology, family life and Rowling’s non-Harry Potter world establishment would prefer to be Amazon Prime.   ! &* Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest nature in her precise and spare ren- The Ickabog, a cautionary fairy tale forgotten. &"$ Pandemic in History, which not dition of certain traumatic facets of about inept leadership and demon- For aficionados of whodun- only chronicles how the Spanish flu the human conditions such as pain isation of the ‘enemy’, Hari Kunzuru’s nits, two authors take them to !"'. of 1918-20 devastated a world and loss — both personal and pub- The Red Pill and the irrepressible places which were long ripe for the " .L I already laid low by years of war, rev- lic — but also longing and self-real- Moni Mohsin’s The Impeccable genre - Mark McCrum in The !" ! $ olutions and other upheavals, but isation, while the Booker went to Integrity of Ruby R, but there was Festival Murders (literary festivals)  "'! also shows how the political handling debutant Scottish-American writer much more. and Kiran Manral in The Kitty Party "!"'+ O is as important as the medical mea- Douglas Stuart’s Shuggie Bain, a While it is virtually impossible Murder. For a rarely-invoked locale, sures. semi-autobiographical story of a to make a list of books that could there is Sujata C. Sabnis’ Blood on the " &&"+ ' A contemporary look at this young boy maintaining a fraught even approach a representative sec- Sands, set in Kutch. ' aspect can be found in legendary relationship with his alcoholic moth- tion let satisfy each palate, some sug- If Rick Riordan, whose finale to !!! journalist Bob Woodward’s Rage, his er. gestions/recommendations in vari- Trials of Apollo series came out or B8N8 second book on the maverick pres- The world of literature was also ous genres can be attempted. even Roshani Chokshi’s Aru Shah  +  "' idency of Donald Trump. left poorer with a galaxy of veterans In non-fiction, there is astro- series (third out now) are not to your An Indian perspective is provid- bidding adieu including controver- physicist Janna Levin’s Black Hole taste, Anuja Chandramouli, who has !"" &!* ed by The Coronavirus: What you sial English philosopher and writer Survival Guide, which not only a penchant for a lyrical but contem-     ($"'K Need to Know about the Global Roger Scruton, 75, British academi- seeks to demystify one of most per- porary refashioning of Indian A heartbreaking home birth leaves a woman &"" Pandemic by Dr Swapneil Parikh and cian Christopher Tolkien, 95, the son plexing celestial objects, but also mythology, had Mohini:The grappling with the profound emotional fallout, isolated &!+M Maherra Desai, and Till We Win: of the great fantasy novelist JRR shows the unflattering role of Enchantress. from her partner and family by a chasm of grief. It India’s Fight Against The Covid-19 Tolkien and the one who drew the humans in the cosmos, Tim We can only hope that 2021 is releases on January 7 on Netflix. Pandemic by Dr Chandrakant maps for The Lord of the Rings, Harford’s How to Make the World as abundant.     %  DD    !" # # 2?%< 3@/2=2>2= $ 1         !                   2.  .            !      

ust like tiny saplings require Anulom Vilom, Kapal Bhati, away from them. asanas and practise them at least    proper sunlight, good soil and Brahmari pranayama are some Your fingers should point forward, thrice a week for minimum 20-30 Formation of the posture Ja healthy environment in of the breathing techniques that spread apart. minutes each. Begin in samasthithi. order to grow into big, strong can be done. Bend your elbows slightly and Exhale and gently drop your upper trees, similarly, children need place your knees just below your   body bending forward from the proper nutrition and nourish- Steps to do Brahmari armpits. Formation of the posture hips. ment for both, the body and Pranayama: Lean forward in such a way that all Lie on your stomach with your Keep your head, shoulders and mind to grow to become a Sit in any comfortable pose your body weight shifts to your palms under your shoulders. neck relaxed. wholesome individual. Yoga with (such as Sukhasana, arms. Inhale and lift up your body and Try to place the palms on either its ancient and traditional knowl- Ardhapadmasana or Find your balance and slowly lift keep your knees straight. side of your feet. edge is a powerful tool to mould Padmasana). both your feet off the ground. Bring Bring your knees, pelvis and spine You can bend your knees initially the child from a primitive stage. Straighten your back and close your feet together. into one straight line. to make this possible. With the help of yoga, you can your eyes. Straighten your arms as much as Place your wrists below your With practise, slowly straighten impact a young mind positive- Place your palms on your possible. shoulders without bending your your knees. ly. It is a holistic tool through its knees facing up (in Prapthi Focus at a point and hold this asana arms. Yoga can play an important role various practises of yoga asanas, Mudra). for a while. in a child’s overall development as it pranayama, chanting, meditation Place your thumbs on the   builds a healthy and positive dynam- etc. It enhances physical health; ‘Tragus’, the external flap outside  - Formation of the posture ic for the child. It lays a strong foun- improves mental well-being and on your ear. Yoga asanas are influenced by Begin in samasthithi. dation for children to grow physical- guides the child onto an upward Place your index finger on your nature making them easy to remem- Lift and place your right foot on ly, mentally and spiritually. Help your path of goodness. forehead; your middle finger on ber. Postures have names such as dog, your lift inner thigh as close to your child start asanas, pranayama and the Medial Canthus and ring ic asanas such as Bakasana, cat, cow, crocodile, crane, crow, groin as possible. meditation from an early age as this   / finger on the corner of your nos- Chakrasana, Shirshasana,  eagle, lion etc. There are also asanas Balance here. ensures overall well-being.  tril. Dhanurasana etc. Formation of the posture to represent trees, lotus, warrior, sol- Join your palms in Pranam Mudra (The writer Grand Master The dynamic process of yoga Then inhale and fill your lungs Here are a few yoga postures that Begin with samasthithi. dier and many other interesting at your heart chakra and slowly lift Akshar is a yoga master, philan- gives you innumerable physical with air. are recommended to improve his/her Lean forward and place your palms concepts. it up. thropist, spiritual guru and lifestyle benefits. Asanas or postures are As you exhale, slowly make a concentration. flat in front of your feet but slightly Follow these simple and fun Repeat with the other leg. coach.) practised with awareness on buzz sound like that of a bee. breath. This boosts immunity, Keep your mouth closed the builds concentration, while mak- entire time and feel the vibration ing the body strong and flexible. of the sound disseminate Postures stimulate the central throughout your body. nervous system, endocrine sys- tem, circulatory system, respira- 0    tory, cardiovascular and digestive Yoga leads to better class system etc. Therefore, yoga plays participation and social skills. a very strong role for the over- This is why it is used to manage all physical development of the and treat disabilities such as child. Some of the flows that can ADHD/ADD, developmental be practised for good physical and cognitive delays, down syn- health include Surya Namaskar, drome and specific learning dis- Chandra Namaskar, Vayu abilities such as dyslexia. It syn- Namaskar, Jal Namaskar and chronises brain waves between Prithvi Namaskar etc. the different parts of the brain which induces relaxation. This  -/  affects a child’s intelligence and  ?/ creativity as it stimulates think- Meditation and pranayama ing capacity and mental energy. techniques have a calming effect on the child’s brain. When yoga   is performed regularly it can      eliminate stress. This in turn  / improves learning, and also Mediation and even certain increases the ability to retain asanas can help children build knowledge. Pranayama chan- their focus. For example, Tratak nels energies towards positivity meditation done on a flame, sun, which increases a child’s acade- and moon or on a black dot can mic and behavioural perfor- be beneficial. It is recommend- mance. Bhastrika pranayama, ed that children practise specif- /  ,A   *    "&!("&$O.(! (    <= ''$( $  &$"'$("  "'(("

few days back, the visuals of ies should be added to the school Ateenage girls pulling the curriculum. ploughs, were all over the inter- Farming should be a compulso- net and media. Being a teenager ry subject at a primitive level. The myself, the visuals still reverber- younger generations must learn ate and haunt me. about agriculture properly since The state of the children in a they are better equipped with country portrays the state of the technology. The combination of society they live in. It is important novel technology with older, more to address how national or inter- traditional methods could be national issues affect the lives of effective. children and youth of a country. Awards should be instituted The new farm laws have from the national level to school stirred up hotbeds of controver- level. sy, bringing up various issues Like the mandatory solar panel across the country. Laws meant to system, a terrace garden should be ‘improve’ farmers’ lives have made mandatory. If 10 square feet ended up causing them to protest. of ground is enough to produce Across the country, we see farm- a meal for one family, one terrace ers marching to major cities to can be used to produce meals for protest. a family throughout the year. This What has forced them to would inculcate a farming culture resort to such extreme measures? and will also the enhance food Well, here are some reasons: quality. In metropolitan cities Many farmers fear that the like Delhi, Mumbai and beyond, removal of the APMCs will force this could help reduce pollution them to sell their crops to corpo- and the effect of soaring heat. rates for prices far below. As Booker T. Washington Agitations of farmers over the said, “No race can prosper until past few years, like rejected insur- it learns there is as much dignity ance claims, droughts, underval- in tilling a field as in writing a uation of crops, and corruption, poem.” have piled up. Finally, the book for the fort- The nerfing of the Minimum night: It would be Barack Support Price, so that the full MSP Obama’s A Promised Land. will not be paid was the final Altogether, an excellently woven straw. autobiography, detailing his life It is important for us to look and trials in his journey as the at a farmer with the same digni- President of America. It has a ty with which we see other pro- very friendly feel, as though he’s fession such as law, teaching, etc. there, talking to us in person, and To bring this about, we need to inspiring the reader that anyone educate our newer generations as could dream to become a global well as the existing farmers. leader. I would like to propose three (The writer is a teenage policy ideas for the government activist and founder of Voice of to make farming a more attrac- Kids. He is also a winner of inter- tive, rewarding occupation. national prizes in creative writing Farming and agricultural stud- and English Olympiad.)  D    !" # # =?< 2= 2/ @><&

tier league 11 team competition. While & Mohun Bagan merged with three-time champions ATK, found new ""  identity with SC East Bengal.

"*"&(  . NO BALLON D’OR For the first time &  $"' since its creation in 1956, Ballon d’Or was can- ("I$$$" celled in 2020 because of the coronavirus pan- &"'"(" demic’s impact. The award, presented by B8B8+;$ France Football, is given to the best player each year, " "'!78 counting club and international play. $' " "'!  (+ <- <-    EURO 2020 IN 2021 NOW $&!'' The European championship, due to be played in June and July in 2020, was been $$"&$& postponed until 2021 because of the pan- demic. UEFA said the new proposed dates CHAMPIONS OF ENGLAND for the tourney were June 11 to July 11 next The 30-year wait is over. Liverpool is year, but despite being postponed it will con- champion of England again. tinue to be called Euro 2020. Liverpool clinched its first league title since 1990 on June 25, ending an agonizing PRODIGAL SON RETURNS title drought without the players even hav- <   = @    # <              E7,?;E7    %  ;     1# In the summer transfer window of 2020- ing to take the field. 21 season, Real Madrid’s Welsh winger Instead, the Premier League crown was league was abruptly halted in March as the For the first time since 2007-08 season, He has since then been linked to Gareth Bale makes surprise loan move to his secured when Chelsea beat second-place country was forced into lockdown to con- Barcelona failed to win any silverware in the potential moves to Manchester City and former Premier League side Tottenham Manchester City 2-1, a result that meant City tain the spread of Covid-19. entire season. After losing La Liga title to Paris Saint-Germain after end of his current Hotspur, seven years after leaving them to could no longer catch Liverpool with seven Real Madrid, Catalan club suffer embarrass- deal in 2021 summer. play for Spanish giants. games remaining. LEEDS BACK IN BIG TIME ing 2-8 defeat against Bayern Munich in one- Other prominent summer moves Overall Jurgen Klopp led Liverpool win legged Champions League quar- 5 SUBSTITUTES include Timo Werner and Kavi Havertz leav- 32 matches from 38 fixtures, in a strange terfinal. They also sacked two Football teams were allowed to use five ing Bundesliga to shift base at Stamford 352-day long Premier League season. coaches — Ernesto Valverde and substitutes when play resumed after the Bridge. David Silva’s decade old stay at For the city of Liverpool, this has been Quique Setién. coronavirus pandemic. The International Etihad comes to an end as he makes a move a party three decades in the making, and Football Association Board agreed to a pro- back to Spain to play for Real Sociedad. even the restrictions caused by the coron- League, UEFA Super League and DFL- MESSI SURPASSES posal by FIFA for a temporary change to 2014 World Cup Golden boot winner avirus failed to prevent fans from gathering Supercup and won all five. Polish striker PELE’ FEAT the rules “to protect player welfare”. James Rodriguez makes permanent move to celebrate outside Anfield. Robert Lewandowski was the star for The Lionel Messi beat to Everton, Bruno After a dominant campaign that was Bavarians during the entire duration and Pele’s record of goals for IN ISL Fernandes & Edinson interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, won individual honours which includes a single club when he India’s two most decorated football Cavani joined Liverpool became England’s earliest-ever UEFA and FIFA men’s player of the year. scored his 644th for Manchester United, champion — and the latest. No team since Leeds United were promoted to the Barcelona in a 3-0 win Luis Suarez, Arturo the inception of the country’s league system Premier League after winning the 2019-20 CRISIS IN BARCELONA over Valladolid in La Liga Vidal and Ivan in 1888 has clinched the title with seven Championship title and ended their 16-year clash on December 22. Rakitic exit Barca games remaining. And no team has been exile from the top-flight. Premier League for Atletico Madrid, crowned Premier League champion in June. football returns to Elland Road in 2020-21 END OF MESSI AT Inter Milan and The title itself had hardly been in doubt season as Marcelo Bielsa’s side renew old BARCA? Sevilla respectively. since December, with Klopp’s team quick- rivalries with Manchester United and Lionel Messi who is at Former ly building a massive lead with a rampant Chelsea. Barcelona from his youth Bayern Munich attacking style of play. career days, openly wanted to winger Arjen For a while, though, it seemed the coro- BAYERN 5 TROPHIES leave Camp Nou in the sum- Robben makes navirus could still prevent Liverpool from Bayern Munich participated in five mer and was only stopped in return from ending its drought. competitions in 2020-21 season — the end by the threat of pro- clubs Mohun Bagan and East Bengal move retirement to play The club was 25 points clear when the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal, UEFA Champions longed legal battle. to making India’s top for FC Groningen. &    ;    

- " ;   Bumrah.  1   Besides being named captain of Test =    !  ! team, Kohli is the only player in the world to have been voted in the teams of the decade  #   '  in all formats.          P  The teams of the decades were  1  announced by the ICC ahead of the Awards  <1- Nathan Lyon while trying to of the Decade ceremony, to be held in vir- 3( )4 sweep him from outside off- he legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni tual mode on Monday. jinkya Rahane played a 5  6#'%( stump after he had added 52 Twas on Sunday named captain of ICC’s The top awards, including ICC male captain’s knock, a work- ./0(+/2341 %5 runs for the fourth wicket with ODI and T20I teams of the decade while cricketer as well as female cricketer of the Amanlike century that his captain. Virat Kohli stamped his pre-eminence in decade, men’s Test, ODI and T20I cricketers steered India into a dominant In came Pant and despite world cricket after being voted the skipper of the decade, women’s ODI and T20I crick- position and took the sting out the constant scrutiny around of the Test team. eters of the decade, will also be announced of Australia’s potent bowling him, the wicketkeeper-bats- Indians dominated the limited-over on Monday. attack in the second Test here man showed no nerves and teams by having three and four players in Kohli is also in the running for four on Sunday. confidently went about playing the ODI and T20I respectively while awards in the men’s section. Trailing 0-1 in the four- his strokes. England have maximum number of play- Among women, Harmanpreet Kaur and match series, India ended the If Rahane managed to blunt ers — four — in the Test side. Poonam Yadav made it to the T20I team of second day at 277 for five for a the opposition bowlers with his The 39-year-old Dhoni, who retired the decade while Mithali Raj and Jhulan handy 82-run lead after bowl- defensive approach before from international cricket earlier this year, Goswami were picked for the ODI team. ing out Australia for 195 at the opening up, Pant’s aggression was one of the three Indians in the ODI team The nominees for each of the categories Melbourne Cricket Ground. forced Australia to change their of the decade, the others being Rohit have been determined by the Awards At stumps, which was attacking tactic. Sharma and skipper Virat Kohli. Nominations Committee according to on- brought early owing to rain, But just when Pant was Dhoni has three other compatriots in field performances and overall achievements Rahane was going strong on beginning to pose a treat to the the T20I team — Rohit, Kohli and Jasprit for at least five years during the period 104 and giving him company hosts, Starc forced an edge to was Ravindra Jadeja on 40, the bring the match back on even two having added what might keel. It was Paine’s 150th dis- "!"' prove to be a game-changing missal and wicket number 250 A      !  ; 104-run partnership for the for Starc. $! sixth wicket. The second session saw   <1  1 1  This was Rahane’s 12th India score 99 runs after they '","' Test hundred and his second at managed just 54 in the first, ane Williamson’s tireless the iconic venue, after a fine 147 during which they also lost two Melbourne: Star Australian Kquest for runs continued on during the 2014 tour. wickets in as many overs to the opener David Warner is still Sunday as he batted New A day after earning rich relentless Cummins. struggling with his groin injury, Zealand into a commanding praise for his tactical acumen Resuming on 36 for one, coach Justin Langer said on position on the second day of the while marshalling the bowlers, India started cautiously before Sunday, rendering him doubtful second Test against Pakistan. Rahane shone bright with the losing both their overnight for the third Test against India Williamson made 129, his bat and was spot on with his batsmen — debutant Shubman starting January 7. 23rd test hundred, and shared reading of match situations Gill and the seasoned The 34-year-old had missed century partnerships with Ross during his stay in the middle. Cheteshwar Pujara — in the the last ODI, three T20Is and the Taylor and Henry Nicholls as He got a life when Steve space of 11 balls to reach 90 for first two Tests against India due New Zealand made 431 batting Smith dropped him on 73 at three at lunch. to the injury. first after losing the toss.  ( )4 second slip in Australia’s first The 21-year-old Gill “There’s no one more pro- At stumps Pakistan was 30- 5  #'%( over with the second new ball, impressed on his debut with a fessional and he’s doing every- 1 after 20 overs with Abid Ali 19 6*/.+* the unlucky bowler being fluent 45 and played some fine thing possible,” Langer told not out and nightwatchman Mitchell Starc, who was taken   ) 1' $         ,E2   shots during his 65-ball knock Ricky Ponting during an inter- Mohammad Abbas 0. haps the toughest conditions around which New Zealand off the attack after just two overs      = '       E 2   at the Melbourne Cricket view on Seven. Shan Masood was out for 10 New Zealand has faced so far built it’s innings. with the shining red cherry. 1    $     1# Ground. While Pujara made 17, “We saw him bat the day just before stumps, caught down this summer. Taylor’s 70 in his 10th cen- That particular phase was having faced 70 deliveries. before the game, he’s batting the leg side by wicketkeeper BJ He came to the crease when tury stand with Williamson and crucial from both the team’s been but as the day progressed, “He (Rahane) has batted The first to go was Gill, again this afternoon at the Watling from the bowling of New Zealand lost opener Tom Nicholls’ 56 in his third provid- point of view and by not losing he went on to play some sump- really well there, he took his who perished when he edged MCG, so in terms of his batting Kyle Jamieson. Latham to only the fourth ball ed the substance of the innings. a wicket to the second new ball, tuous shots and one of his chances and we probably could Cummins for Paine to take a he’s flying, it’s just trying to ... He’s In his last 10 tests in New of its innings. Williamson bat- But wicketkeeper Watling made India ensured they finished day’s best was the classic off- have got him out three or four regulation catch behind the still having some trouble with his Zealand Williamson has made ted for all of the rest of the first a vital contribution with his 73 the day ahead of Australia, in drive against Pat Cummins. or maybe five times before he stumps. groin and we know how dynam- two double centuries, Sunday’s day and was 94 not out late in the innings. terms of runs as well as psycho- Australian speedster got a hundred, but he’s run his Australia were soon cele- ic he is.” century and three fifties. His overnight. Watling’s 66-run partner- logically. Mitchell Starc rued the chances luck there and scored a good brating again as Cummins Langer said he is still hope- solidity has been central to New He took 13 balls to score his ship with Jamieson, who made Rahane got another his team squandered. hundred. Well done to him.” picked up the big wicket of ful that Warner would come Zealand’s recent rise to join first runs of the second day, then 32, took New Zealand within reprieve when substitute field- “It (the knock by Rahane) Earlier, Rishabh Pant (29) Pujara after straightening him good and make it to the third Australia on 116 points atop the went to his century with a copy- sight of 400 and Neil Wagner’s er Travis Head put one down was pretty good. He absorbed and Hanuma Vihari (21) frit- up with a brilliant delivery that Test. official world test rankings. book cover drive from the bowl- 19 took them past that mark. after diving forward from gully, some pressure there and sort of tered away promising starts angled in and moved just “His running between the Williamson’s toughness, his ing of Naseem Shah. When he For visitors, Shaheen Afridi but that was after he had got to steadied the ship for them, at (a after doing all the hard work, enough to induce an edge. wickets, his movements all the concentration and technical finally was out before lunch he put in a big shift, bowling 36 the three-figure mark. time) when they were still but Jadeja was determined not Paine complemented his time, so he’s getting closer and excellence were evident again in had batted 476 minutes or overs and taking 4-109. Leg- To start with, Rahane was behind our score,” the to do anything of that sort. top fast bowler by completing we’re hopeful he will come his performance on the first two almost eight hours and again spinner Yasir Shah took 3-113, more watchful that he had ever Australian pacer said. Vihari fell to off-spinner a fine diving catch. good.” PTI days of the current match in per- had been the firm anchor including Williamson’s wicket.