New Delhi, Sunday, 15 August, 2021 DELHI/NCR THE SIKH TIMES 4

Protests against flag-hoisting will be dealt with iron fist: Goa Assam bans sale of beef within 5 km radius CM Pramod Sawant New Delhi. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday condemned an island of any temple, passes Cattle Preservation Bill village's refusal to allow the Indian Navy to organise a flag-hoisting ceremony on New Delhi: The Assam Assembly on Friday trade & transit through Assam, ensuring independence day, saying such "anti-India" (August 13, 2021) passed a bill that prohibits due care of cattle as practised in our activities will be dealt with an iron fist. the slaughter or sale of beef within a 5 km tradition for ages," Assam Chief Sawant also requested the Indian Navy to go radius of any temple. The Assam Cattle Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. ahead with its original plan for flag hoisting Preservation Bill, 2021 was passed amid a "There was an intervening period of 30 at the St. Jacinto island, which is a part of the walkout by the opposition parties in protest days, we were ready to consider Defence Ministry's 'Azadi ka Amrit against the government's refusal to forward amendments but the Opposition could Mahotsav' initiative. the legislation to a select committee. The not come up with proper facts. Cattle "It is unfortunate and shameful that some legislation seeks to ensure that permission Slaughter Prevention bill is nothing but individuals at St Jacinto Island have objected for slaughter is not granted to areas that are an improvement of what was done by to the hoisting of the national flag by the predominantly inhabited by Hindu, Jain, Congress in the late 1950s," Sarma Indian Navy on the occasion of India's Sikh and other non-beef eating communities added. independence day. I condemn this and want or places that fall within a 5 km radius of a He also said, "We have completely banned to state on record that my Government will temple, satra and any other institution as transportation of cattle beyond a district. not tolerate such acts," Sawant tweeted on may be prescribed by the authorities. It cannot go from one district to another Saturday. "I have requested the Indian Navy Exemptions, however, might be granted for district for slaughter. Permission is to go ahead with their original plan and have certain religious occasions. required for farming activities." Sarma assured full cooperation from Goa Police. Transportation of bovines through the state said that the bill had no bad intention and These attempts of anti-India activities shall without valid documents has also been claimed it will strengthen communal be dealt with an iron fist. It will always be sought to be checked by the Bill and all harmony. "The legislation doesn't when we stop respecting other's religions," issued by the registered veterinary officer of 'Nation First'," Sawant also said. On Friday, offences under this new legislation shall be intend to stop anyone from consuming beef, Sarma said. The BJP leader added that it a particular area has been obtained. It further following public pressure, the Indian Navy cognizable and non-bailable. The ruling BJP but the person who eats so must also respect can't be that only Hindus are responsible for says that the veterinary officer will issue a had to back down from its plan to conduct a members shouted 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' and the religious sentiments of others," the maintaining communal harmony, Muslims certificate only if he is of the opinion that the flag-hoisting ceremony on the St. Jacinto 'Jai Shree Ram' slogans and thumped desks Assam CM said. "I would like it more if you must also reciprocate. The Bill was bovine, not being a cow, is over 14 years of island in South Goa, amid accusations from as soon as Speaker Biswajit Daimary (referring to Muslim MLAs in the House) do introduced by Sarma in the House on July 12 age. Also, a cow, heifer or calf may be local villagers and politicians, who alleged a announced the was passed. "I'm sure this not eat beef at all, though I can't stop you and states that slaughter of cattle will be slaughtered only if it is permanently government plot for a 'takeover' of the island. will deal a heavy blow to the illegal cattle from it. I respect your right. Conflict starts prohibited unless a necessary certificate incapacitated. "However, the plan at Jacinto Island had to be cancelled as the same was objected to by the residents. This initiative was taken nationwide to instill a sense of patriotism and Absurd: India on celebrate the run up to the 75th year of Bihar floods: Situation worsens in Patna independence," the Indian Navy had said in a statement. Earlier on Friday, villagers of St. Pakistan's allegations Jacinto island, led by state Nationalist Congress Party president Jose Phillip as water level rises in river Ganga on deadly bus bombing D'Souza, gathered in the church square on the island to protest against the flag hoisting ceremony planned by the naval authorities. ? visited the flood-hit that killed 9 Chinese "Navy officers came here and they said that The water level in river areas of the region." they will hoist the flag on August 15. I want Ganga has increased in the "The electricity to say that whether they are from the Navy, supply in this region At least 13 people including nine government, or any private company, we do last 24 hours leading to a has snapped for the Chinese engineers were killed in the not give this right to anyone (to hoist a flood situation in the state. last few days and the suicide attack in Dasu area of Upper national flag). residents of these ? Sonama panchayat, villages are facing Kohistan district last month Mopa Airport should be named Khaspur, Jethuli and Punadih huge shortage of following which Pakistan had drinking water. Even ordered an investigation into it. after Goa's first CM Bhausaheb panchayat, among others are the state government Bandodkar: Shiv Sena is not distributing New Delhi. India on Friday described as "lies" the most affected places. chlorine tablets to Pakistan's allegations of Indian intelligence New Delhi. Shiv Sena demanded that Mopa purify the water for support to a deadly bus bombing in the Airport in Goa should be named after the first consumption," said Pakistani province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister of the state Bhausaheb Radhe Shyam and said it is an attempt to deflect global Dayanand Bandodkar. Shiv Sena workers led Additionally, the report added that the Sharma, a resident of attention from its role as the "epicenter" of regional instability and a "safe haven" for by party vice president of Goa unit Subhash residents of these villages were seen using Sonama panchayat. "We immediately need proscribed terrorists. Kerkar laid a board with Bandokar's name on New Delhi: The flood situation has worsened boats to buy essential daily needs. "We are government assistance for survival. More At least 13 people including nine Chinese it over the entrance of Mopa Airport. Later, in Bihar’s capital city, Patna after water struggling to buy food and other essential than 35,000 people have been affected by engineers were killed in the suicide attack in leaders and workers of Shiv Sena paid tribute from the river Ganga entered into some domestic items. Our cattle and pet animals the floods," Sharma said. The state’s more localities on Friday (August 13, are at the stage of starvation. The water has disaster management authorities revealed Dasu area of Upper Kohistan district last to Bandodkar on his death anniversary. month following which Pakistan had ordered Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader 2021). entered into our ground floors now," said that over 28 districts have been affected by According to an IANS report, the water level Saroj Kumar, a resident of Khaspur village. floods in north and central Bihar this an investigation into it. Addressing a press Sanjay Barde and All Goa Private Bus conference in Islamabad on the completion Owners Association (AGPBOA) secretary in river Ganga has increased in the last 24 Another villager, Rahul Sharma, said, "Patna season, which also includes Patna. The other affected districts are East and West of the probe, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Sudip Tamhankar were also present at the hours, leading to a flood situation in Sahib MP Ravi Shankar Prasad visited our Mahmood Qureshi accused India's Research Champaran, Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, occasion. Speaking at the occasion, Subhash Didarganj region located on the eastern side village on Thursday but he did not provide and Analysis Wing (R&AW) and Kerkar said, "Dayanand Bandodkar of the state capital. Sonama panchayat, any assurance to facilitate the delivery of Sheohar, Saharsa, Kishanganj, Katihar, Afghanistan's National Directorate of commonly known as Bhausaheb Bandodkar Khaspur, Jethuli and Punadih panchayat, food and other domestic items. But besides Purnea, Vaishali, Gopalganj, Siwan and Security (NDS) of carrying out the attack. was a Bahujan stalwart, who laid the among others are the most affected places. him, no other public representatives have Saran. "We have seen reports on the absurd foundation stone for modern Goa. Goa's comments made by Foreign Minister of political, economical and educational Pakistan on the incident in Dasu," infrastructure was built by Bandodkar. He UPSC Recruitment 2021: Apply for 151 vacancies for Spokesperson in the Ministry of External was a visionary leader who endeavoured to Affairs Arindam Bagchi said. "This is yet provide justice to Kulmundkars." another attempt by Pakistan to malign India, "Bhausaheb was the true leader of the soil. He deputy director in ESIC on upsconline.nic.in, details here in a bid to deflect international attention from represented the Mandrem constituency its role as the epicenter of regional instability belonging to Pernem Taluka in the assembly. New Delhi: The Union Public Service Public Sector Undertaking or and a safe haven for proscribed terrorists," he Since Mopa falls under Pernem taluka, the Commission (UPSC) has invited Autonomous Body can apply for the post said. Bagchi was replying to media queries airport should be named after Bhausaheb applications for the post of deputy The candidates will be short listed on the on the allegations made by Qureshi. "India Bandodkar," added Kerkar. The Shiv Sena director in Employees' State Insurance basis of ORA and the shortlisted has been at the forefront of global efforts leader said there will be statewide protests if Corporation (ESIC), Ministry of applicants will be given a date for the against terrorism in partnership with the the Mopa airport is not named after Labour and Employment. The interview. The shortlisted candidates international community, which is well Bandodkar. NCP leader Sanjay Barde candidates can apply for over 151 will also have to sit for a Computer aware of Pakistan's credentials when it stressed that the buildings and infrastructures vacancies for the post at the official Based Recruitment Test (CBRT). The comes to terrorism," he said. "Such desperate in the state should be named after Goan website of the commission- shortlisted candidate will be required to attempts by Pakistan at peddling lies and leaders. "Why is the stadium at Taleigao upsconline.nic.in. bring the printout of their online propaganda will therefore find few takers," Plateau named after Shyama Prasad The interested candidates need to note application along with other documents he said. PromotedListen to the latest songs, that out of the 151 vacancies, 66 are for at UPSC at the time of the interview. The only on JioSaavn.com In its reaction, China Mukherjee who has no significance in Goa? applicants also need to note that those Public buildings and structures built in Goa the unreserved category, while 23 said it firmly opposes "any force" using vacancies are for SC candidates, 9 for belonging to UR category will have to terrorism to seek "geopolitical gains". In should be named after Goan leaders," the (ORA) for the posts through the ORA ST, 38 for OBC, 15 for EWS and the website. Only those candidates who have a pay an application fee of Rs 25, while response to a question on Pakistan's updates NCP leader stated. Remembering Bandodkar, remaining 4 are for PwBD candidates. The SC/ST/PwBD/Women candidates of any on the probe, Chinese Foreign Ministry AGPBOA secretary Sudip Tamhankar said, degree from a recognised university and applicants can apply for this recruitment have three years’ experience of category will not have to pay any fee. The spokesperson Hua Chunying said that the "India's first motorcycle taxi pilots were drive till 11:59 PM on or before September Administration or Accounts or Marketing or candidates must read the complete Pakistani side's investigation into the regularized by bringing a law in Goa. 2, 2021. The applicants will be required to Public Relation or Insurance or Revenue or recruitment notification to check other terrorist attack has seen "major progress submit an Online Recruitment Application Tax related matters in a Government or details about the post they are applying for. within a short period of time". Multi-layered security arrangements at Red Fort for Independence Day to strike the vital installation for the first stationed at the Red Fort area as part of seen in the areas around the Red Fort during time. India's Olympic contingent will be at security deployment along with intensified Independence Day celebrations. the Red Fort as special guests on August 15. patrolling by police personnel on motorcycle, The Delhi Traffic Police had also issued an Over 350 cameras have been installed and the police said. Patrolling on motorboats will advisory for the Independence Day function their footage is being monitored round the be carried out in the Yamuna river by the at the Red Fort to ensure safe and smooth clock through two-police control rooms Delhi Police to ensure no untoward incident flow of vehicles across the city. Eight roads -- situated in and around the Red Fort area, takes place in the national capital. Security Netaji Subhash Marg, Lothian Road, SP police said. There will be around 5,000 arrangements have also been tightened at the Mukherjee Marg, Chandni Chowk Road, security personnel at the Red Fort and they Delhi borders where thousands of farmers Nishad Raj Marg, Esplanade Road and its will adhere to social distancing norms, they have been protesting for over seven months Link Road to Netaji Subhash Marg, Ring said. The Delhi Police had erected a huge against the centre's new agri laws. The police Road from Rajghat to ISBT and Outer Ring wall of shipping containers decorated with have already carried out anti-sabotage checks Road from ISBT to IP flyover -- will be graffiti for the first time earlier this month at in the area and visited hotels in the vicinity in closed for general public from 4 am to 10 am, the main gate of Red Fort for security search of suspicious elements, officials said, the advisory said. Flying of sub-conventional reasons. The containers have been placed in adding security verification of the residents, aerial platforms like para-gliders, para- such a way that no one will be able to see including tenants and servants, has also been motors, hang gliders, UAVs, micro light inside the premises of the fort when the conducted. On Friday morning, a full-dress aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air prime minister addresses the nation. rehearsal of the 75th Independence Day balloons, small size powered aircraft, Nobody would be able to peek inside the celebrations was held at the Red Fort. quadcopters or para-jumping from aircraft New Delhi. Amulti-layered security cover has buildings, has been placed around the fort from the Chandani Chowk and Personnel from the Army, Navy and Air etc. are prohibited over the jurisdiction of been put in place to secure the historic Red Mughal-era fort, and adherence to social adjoining areas, the polcie said. The move Force marched across the Mughal-era National Capital Territory of Delhi up to Fort from where Prime Minister Narendra distancing norms will be must like last year comes after many protesters driving tractors structure. The security arrangements were August 16. The Delhi Police had seized a Modi will address the nation on the 75th due to the Covid pandemic. According to the reached the Red Fort and entered the stringent and there were traffic restrictions drone flying near Vijay Ghat, the backside of Independence Day on Sunday. police, anti-drone systems have also been monument on January 26 and hoisted a during the rehearsal. The Red Fort has the Red Fort. The Jaguar highway patrolling The security ring, including NSG snipers, elite installed at the Red Fort in view of the recent religious flag. Over 70 police vehicles already been closed for public, officials said. team of north district was patrolling in the SWAT commandos, kite catchers, canine terror attack at IAF station in Jammu airport including PCR vans, 'PRAKHAR' vans and Police personnel have been asked to keep an area on Monday when it saw a drone near units and sharpshooters on high-rise where Pakistan-based terrorists used drones QRT (Quick Reaction Team) vans will be eye in the sky to ensure that no stray kites are Vijay Ghat. New Delhi, Sunday, 15 August, 2021 DELHI-NCR THE SIKH TIMES 5

Independence Day: Traffic restrictions in Delhi on August Fourth time in 2 years, Centre rejects 15, no change in Delhi Metro timings New Delhi. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced that collegium name for judge in J&K Metro Services in the national capital will run normally on Independence Day. However, parking facilities at all the Metro New Delhi. The Centre is learnt to have services were terminated. In March Kashmir, and asked the Law stations will remain closed till 2 PM on returned the Supreme Court collegium’s 2019, the J&K High Court collegium, Ministry to “furnish specific August 15 (Sunday). recommendation to appoint advocate led by then Chief Justice Gita Mittal, information in detail on the basis of "As part of the security measures in view of Moksha Khajuria-Kazmi as judge of the had initiated the process of which the proposal for elevation of Independence Day celebrations, parking Jammu and Kashmir High Court. This is the appointment for four advocates: Shri Nargal has been referred back facilities at the metro stations in the national fourth such instance of the Central Khajuria-Kazmi; Oswal; Javed Iqbal for reconsideration by the capital will not be available from Saturday government returning the SC collegium’s Wani; and Rahul Bharti. Collegium” while it recalled the morning till 2 pm on August 15," DMRC recommendations on postings to the Jammu On October 15, 2019, the SC collegium recommendations of Baig and officials said. However, the metro train services will continue to run, a senior Delhi and Kashmir High Court in over two years. first took up the recommendations of Makroo without stating any reasons. Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) official On October 15, 2019, the Supreme Court Khajuria-Kazmi and Oswal followed According to the Memorandum of said. The DMRC network span is about 390 collegium, then headed by Chief Justice of by Wani’s on January 22, 2019 and Procedure, the document that km with 285 stations, including the India Ranjan Gogoi, had recommended the Rahul Bharti’s on March 2, 2021. governs the process of appointing Noida–Greater Noida Metro Corridor and appointment of two lawyers Khajuria- Wani was appointed judge of the judges, the proposal for Rapid Metro, Gurgaon. The Delhi Traffic Kazmi and Rajnesh Oswal as judges of the High Court in June 2020 while appointment of a judge of a High Police has also issued an advisory for the J&K High Court. Bharti’s file is still pending with the had recommended four advocates and a Court is initiated by the Chief Independence Day function at the Red Fort While the Government cleared Oswal who Centre. Meanwhile, three other judicial judicial officer for appointment as High Justice of a High Court, and the copy of the to ensure the safe and smooth flow of became a judge in April 2020, Kazmi’s file officers recommended after Khajuria- Court judges. Apart from Nargal, Baig and Chief Justice’s proposal is sent to the vehicles across the city. Eight roads- Netaji was pending. Sources told that last month, Kazmi, judges Vinod Koul, Sanjay Dhar and Makroo, the collegium had recommended Governor, and also endorsed to the Chief Subhash Marg, Lothian Road, SP advocate Sindhu Sharma and judicial officer Mukherjee Marg, Chandni Chowk Road, the Law Ministry returned Khajuria- Puneet Gupta have been appointed to the Justice of India and Union Minister of Law Nishad Raj Marg, Esplanade Road and its Kazmi’s file to the SC collegium for High Court. Earlier, the Centre had returned Rashid Ali Dhar. While Dhar and Sharma & Justice. The complete material, including Link Road to Netaji Subhash Marg, Ring reconsideration without stating any reasons. three other recommendations of the were appointed as judges, the Centre the Governor’s recommendation and Road from Rajghat to ISBT and Outer Ring Khajuria-Kazmi is a senior advocate who Supreme Court collegium: advocates Wasim returned the files of the other three members. intelligence reports, are then placed by the Road from ISBT to IP flyover -- will be has served as Additional Advocate General Sadiq Nargal, Nazir Ahmed Baig, Showkat However, in January 2019, the collegium Law Ministry before the Supreme Court closed for the general public from 4:00 am during Governor’s rule in 2016 and later Ahmed Makroo. In April 2018, the SC headed by CJI Gogoi deferred the Collegium which takes the final call on to 10:00 am, the advisory said. continued to serve in the Mehbooba Mufti- collegium, comprising then CJI Dipak recommendation of Nargal, former Senior recommending names to the President for Forced sex in marriage can't be led PDP-BJP government in J&K before her Misra, Justices J Chelameswar and Gogoi, Additional Advocate General of Jammu and appointment of judges. called illegal, says Mumbai Court Luxembourg honorary consul in Kolkata gets Order of Merit Leisures and Lifestyles, e- As floodwaters Quality Productions, among others. He is an recede, Agra admin Z Dalmia is director of Quality executive committee member of Tea Association moves to stop diseases Tea Plantations Pvt Ltd, and is of India; FICCI, New Delhi; and the Indian New Delhi. With at least eight villages also associated with Dalmia Chamber of Commerce in near the swollen Chambal river in Kolkata. Dalmia said, “It’s Agra bracing for a flood-like Real Estate and Dealers, Ishita a great great honour for me. situation, the district administration I thank the Ambassador and is gearing up to prevent vector-borne New Delhi: A Mumbai court on Friday Holdings, Quality Leisures and his entire team at the diseases such as malaria, dengue, (August 13, 2021) observed that forced sex Lifestyles, e-Quality embassy for continuously yellow fever. Though water has in a marriage can't be called illegal. While guiding me to serve in my receded from parts of the district, the hearing the grievance of a woman who release of excess water from reportedly suffered paralysis due to forcible Productions, among others. best capacity in bringing Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and sex by her husband, Mumbai Additional Luxembourg closer to the Haryana has increased the water Sessions judge Sanjashree J Gharat said that eastern part of India and levels of Yamuna, Chambal and the man cannot be held responsible for the Delhi. Announcing the award at an event in look forward to continue Betwa rivers. same. Delhi, Luxembourg’s ambassador to India, fostering strong ties between Luxembourg and Chambal’s water level near the eight "It is very unfortunate that the young girl Jean Claude Kugener, praised Dalmia’s efforts the eastern part of Kolkata”. The award was villages is at 118 metres, nine metres suffered paralysis. However, the applicants in reinforcing bilateral ties between the “conferred by His Royal Highness the Grand (husband and family) cannot be held European nation and West Bengal and recalled Duke of Luxembourg by advice of the responsible for the same. Looking into the New Delhi. Rajat Dalmia, honorary consul of that Luxembourg is the 16th foreign direct Government”, the release stated. The nature of allegations made against the Luxembourg in Kolkata, was on Thursday investor in India. He said some Luxembourg Luxembourg Consulate in Kolkata has applicants, custodial interrogation is not awarded the ‘Order of Merit of the Grand companies have very strong ties in Bengal. jurisdiction over West Bengal, Arunachal required. The applicants are ready to Duchy of Luxembourg’ for his “longstanding Dalmia is director of Quality Tea Plantations Pvt Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, cooperate during the course of the services” for more than 12 years, according to a Ltd, and is also associated with Dalmia Real Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, investigation," the session court's order release issued by Luxembourg embassy in Estate and Dealers, Ishita Holdings, Quality read. The case pertains to the couple who Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim and Tripura. got married in November 2020 following which the woman had complained that her husband had started having sex with her below the danger mark. “At this against her will. She also reportedly alleged point, we are safe from flooding that she had suffered paralysis below her since water levels have come down. waist due to this. In her complaint, the Kerala HC grants anticipatory The roads have been opened up. But woman also stated that her in-laws had put restrictions on her, taunted, abused and had since water had entered many areas, also demanded dowry. However, the the receding water can give rise to husband and his family refuted the diseases. There is a scope for allegations and had claimed protection from infection during this period. Teams arrest. bail to Sreekumar, three others have been sent to villages where medicines are being distributed. Intensive cleaning is also being Delhi police tighten security, Thiruvananthapuram. KERALA HIGH that a foreign power has a hand in persuading found that there was nothing in the allegations carried out by the department Court on Friday granted anticipatory bail to the petitioners, and therefore, I find that the made against the scientists. The court said the concerned,” said Yogendra Singh, issue traffic advisory ahead of former Gujarat DGP R B Sreekumar and three petitioners are entitled to the remedy of accused in the conspiracy case should not be Additional District Magistrate others in a case being probed by the CBI anticipatory bail,” he said. Apart from made to face a similar situation of being (Finance). Medical teams have been Independence Day relating to an alleged conspiracy to implicate Sreekumar, others who got anticipatory bail forced to undergo the ignominy of being dispatched, and people with former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan in are former deputy central intelligence officer incarcerated in prison for interrogation at this symptoms are being referred to the 1994 spy case. P S Jayaprakash, and former Kerala Police old age, after their retirement, for an incident government hospitals. Arrangements The Police also issued a Granting the bail to the four retired officials, officers S Vijayan and Thambi S Durga Dutt. that took place more than 25 years ago. It for anti-rabies injections are also traffic advisory that lists listed as accused in the case, Justice Ashok Opposing the bail applications, Additional observed that some of the documents, being made. Provincial Armed Menon said, “There is not even a scintilla of Solicitor General of India S V Raju, who produced for perusal, indicate that there were Constabulary (PAC) and State the roads that will be evidence regarding the petitioners being appeared for the CBI, argued that the issue certain suspicious circumstances pointing Disaster Response Force teams had closed for the duration of influenced by any foreign power so as to involved criminal conspiracy against national towards the action of the ISRO scientists and earlier been deployed after water induce them to hatch a conspiracy to falsely security.The accused were part of a team that is what made the accused officers to levels rose. Across the state, at least the events at the Red Fort. implicate the scientists of the ISRO with the which had ulterior motives to foil ISRO’s proceed against them. 24 districts have been affected by flooding and high-water levels in New Delhi: Police in the national capital on intention to stall the activities of the ISRO attempts to develop the indigenous cryogenic Sreekumar, the seventh accused in the case, was with regard to the development of cryogenic engine, he said. Referring to the the joint director with Intelligence Bureau in rivers. In some areas, the Indian Air Saturday (August 14) have stepped up Force had to be brought in for flood security measures to ensure a smooth flow engine.” “Unless there are specific materials circumstances that led to the registration of Thiruvananthapuram in 1994 when the spy regarding their involvement, prima facie, it the spy case, the court said the concerns of case cropped up. The bail application of relief operations. On Friday, CM of events for today and tomorrow’s Yogi Adityanath conducted an aerial Independence day celebration at the Red cannot be said that they were acting against Kerala Police at that stage – in 1994 – cannot former DGP Siby Mathews, the fourth the interest of the country. There is no be said to be without basis. The investigation accused in the case, is pending in the district survey of Ghazipur where 32 Fort. villages are flooded. The Police also issued a traffic advisory that indication or material, apart from the rhetoric into the spy case was dropped after it was court here. lists the roads that will be closed for the duration of the events at the Red Fort. Delhi Police are also checking vehicles and identity cards of commuters as security Navy cancels unfurling of Tricolour on Goa island tightened in the national capital ahead of IndependenceDay celebrations Officials also are conducting searches at several locations with the help of sniffer dogs, news agency ANI reported. The police after locals oppose; CM calls it ‘anti-India activities’ have issued two types of passes for the invitees -- a triangular and a square pass. Panaji. The Navy on Friday cancelled the However, the plan at Jacinto Island had to People fear that the island, brought under Vehicles with a triangle pass will be unfurling of the national flag at Sao Jacinto be cancelled as the same was objected to port limits, will be taken over by government allowed inside the Red Fort complex while Island in south Goa after residents said they by the residents. This initiative was taken authorities and handed over to private parties those with a square pass, will be permitted did not want the Central or state nationwide to instill a sense of patriotism for development, he said. Captain Viriato in the parking lot away from the Red Fort. government to carry out any activities on and celebrate the run up to the 75th year of Fernandes of Goencho Avaaz, an NGO- Delhi Traffic Police will close many roads the island due to their distrust of the independence.” turned-political party, said the islanders’ on August 15 from 4 am to 10 am. These authorities. Early on Saturday morning, Darrell Dsouza, who grew up on Sao Jacinto, distrust is because the draft CZMP and the include Netaji Subhash Marg from Delhi Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant took to said traditionally, the islanders have been Major Port Authority Bill, 2020 shows Sao Gate to Chatta Rail Chowk, Lothian Road Twitter to call this an anti-India activity and hoisting the national flag themselves every Jacinto falling under the jurisdiction of the from GPO Delhi to Chatta Rail Chowk, said, “These attempts of Anti-India year and they were anxious about the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT). “Recently, S.P.Mukherjee Marg from H.C.Sen Marg activities shall be dealt with an iron fist. It Navy’s presence on the island in the light there were protests against the CZMP. They to Yamuna Bazar Chowk, Chandni Chowk will always be Nation First.” depicted the port limit and the jurisdiction of Road from Fountain Chowk to Red Fort, of their opposition to the Coastal Zone He said that he had requested the Indian Navy they were not opposed to unfurling of the Management Plan (CZMP) in Goa and the Sao Jacinto island has come under the port. Nishad Raj Marg from Ring Road to Netaji We have been opposing these port limits. The Subhash Marg, Esplanade Road and its to go ahead with their original plan and flag. They said that the residents of the Major Ports Authorities Bill, 2020, which assured full cooperation from the Goa village would hoist the flag themselves. In a has been passed by Parliament. “We are not island has religious structures dating back to Link Road to Netaji Subhash Marg, Ring Police. “It is unfortunate and shameful that 1731 and we said it cannot come under the Road from Rajghat to ISBT and Outer ring statement, the Navy said, “As part of ‘Azadi at all opposed to the hoisting of the flag. In some individuals at St Jacinto Island have ka Amrit Mahotsav’ to commemorate 75 fact, we told the officers of the Navy who port limit. Since then, people have become Road from ISBT to IP Flyover i.e. objected to Hoisting of the National Flag by very vigilant and with this heightened Salimgarh Bypass. Adequate informative years of Independence, Ministry of Defence came to the island to join us for flag hoisting the Indian Navy on the occasion of India’s has planned unfurling of National Flag in on August 15,” said Dsouza. He explained vigilance, the Navy’s presence made them signages will be displayed for the guidance Independence Day. I condemn this and want more suspicious. The Bill and CZMP have of vehicular traffic destined for the Red Islands across the nation between 13 and 15 that the anxiety among the islanders, to state on record that my Government will August, 2021. A team from Goa Naval Area traditional fishermen, stemmed from their caused distrust and the people are suspicious Fort at all important traffic junctions, said not tolerate such acts,” he tweeted. The about anyone coming to their island. That is Delhi Traffic Police in an official visited islands of Goa including Sao Jacinto fear of the political activities that, they islanders had, however, made it clear that Island as part of this pan India initiative. believe, are against the interest of the island. the root cause. Otherwise, there would have statement. them to panic like this ” said Fernandes New Delhi, Sunday, 15 August, 2021 EDITORIAL THE SIKH TIMES 6 Sports policy should Competition non-negotiable in privatisation Only when divestment is thrown open to foreign firms will there be a likelihood of getting the right price. Limiting it to swadeshi and encourage excellence Indian capital will mean it will be gamed and it will be a trade or negotiated sale. Transferring the asset below its value does a poor job in income distribution and revenue realisation. The second aspect is how the funds realised are used. THE Government of India’s current-year plan not automatically generate economic of privatisation to realise Rs 1.75 lakh crore gains. Though theAgency Theory will comes laced with some real dangers and many suggest that the government owning imponderables. On the anvil are the banks, insurance, airlines is a big no- privatisation of Air India, the BEML, BPCL no because the incentives of the and Shipping Corporation of India. In players are not aligned to that of the addition, two banks and the stake sale of LIC owners (people), the argument that are in the pipeline. Theoretically, why the government should run restructuring the portfolio of public assets is airlines is credible enough, but selling absolutely in order if it is for efficiency gain, an airline for a song is equally revenue realisation and income distribution. abominable. There is a requirement of But the problem is how it is done and where competition, cost-effectiveness and EVERYONE agrees that the Tokyo Olympics have the proceeds flow to. When planned and done better price discovery and not just shown a way forward for Indian sports. But no well, it ensures the transfer of a public asset to meeting the fiscal target. one bothers to ask: Which way forward? There private hands, a process intrinsically sensitive The track record has been sketchy in are two roads that leave Tokyo. One already has a to potential corruption, crony capitalism and terms of adherence to these principles name: TOPS. Let us call the other one BASE. We abuse. Rapid privatisation has not been on top so far. Hiving off IPCL to Reliance must choose which one to take. We cannot leave of the agenda of the government for long. had gone through earlier despite this choice to experts or administrators. This is a After 1991, India has not suffered a severe monopoly concerns and it created a larger civilisational choice. It involves values and macro economic crisis, nor experienced very singular dominance of the latter in vision, policy and politics. high inflation or any prolonged period of many segments of the petrochemical TOPS stands for Target Olympic Podium Scheme, economic stagnation. During the last five market. Will the time-honoured stand an initiative of the Indian government that can years, we have seen the privatisation of IDBI with regard to service sector claim some credit for our medals tally in the Bank and HPCL, which was basically selling redistribution to private hands on the one hand and companies not going to bidders which Tokyo Olympics. The name captures it all: It’s a one PSU to another, resulting in equity swap or cross- wealthy people close to the political class gaining will help them in consolidating their position be adhered sarkari scheme with a clear target of winning holding which is against the goal of privatisation. While through the extractive political institution on the to this time? If a scam takes place, it retards future medals for India at the Olympics. They may not the requisite preconditions of regulatory infrastructure other.Divestment faces two conflicting preferences. The privatisation. We need not suffer from the East India announce it as such, but this is the fulcrum of our and capacity, and implementation of complementary price represents the discounted sum of profits to be Company syndrome any longer. Atmanirbharata and current sports policy. It reflects how the business policies have come in and sequential reforms have been earned by the State; an income stream is replaced by a swadeshi could be value-diminishing in this privatisation of modern sports has systematically reduced the brought in to bring in competition in most sectors, such discounted capital value. The private bidder’s preference, exercise. It is also futile to go against the trend. When space of games in human life. One, myriad and big-ticket privatisation has never been attempted. In the on the other hand, is to buy an undervalued asset which much of the set-up is increasingly getting privatised, be it the open-ended world of infinite variety of games end, more than the ownership change, what matters is the will generate a value much in excess of the value paid. public goods or merit goods, privatisation will happen has now been reduced to a few sports with clear- degree of competition in the process, regulatory The non-negotiable here is competition and not limiting it regardless. But it will have to happen with cut rules, institutional regulations and a definite environment and efficiency gains attained. to a trade sale. Only when it is thrown open to foreign competitiveness in bidding, including permitting format. Two, sports is not just for the joy of the Several authors have said ad nauseam that privatisation is firms will there be a likelihood of getting the right price. participation by foreign firms and arrival at the proper participants, but mainly for the pleasure of the not the all-purpose panacea and a monopoly in the public Limiting it to swadeshi and Indian capital will mean it pricing of the asset. This is not only important for price spectators, mostly TV viewers. Three, each sport sector becoming a monopoly in the private sector is no will be gamed and it will be a trade or negotiated sale. realisation but also for the distributional impact of now is competitive, with clear winners and losers. solution.Another cause for concern is the skill of some of Needless to say that transferring the asset below its value income and wealth, as economist Thomas Piketty said. Four, victory in sports is directly tied to monetary our industrialists in manipulating the State apparatus to does a poor job in income distribution and revenue The spectacularly rapid enrichment of certain rewards and national honour. Just as nation-states reduce competition. According to Arvind Panagariya, an realisation. The second aspect is how the funds realised individuals, like in Russia and Eastern Europe, is not an compete to become military and economic power, economist and former Vice-Chairman, NITI Aayog, the are used. Initially, it was meant to go into the social sector inevitability. It should also be done with transparency so they also vie to be a sporting power. No wonder, experience of privatisation of some infrastructure only but later on, the expansion of the menu meant a as to avert situations like the cornering of the telecom the Indian government wants to launch a scheme projects shows “sub-optimal forms of competitive subterfuge for meeting the budget deficit. Money is sector in Mexico by business magnate Carlos to improve the nation’s medal tally at the bidding; sometimes even the terms of agreement were essentially fungible and the so-called deposit into the Slim.Finally, the proceeds of privatisation should go Olympics, the most visible theatre of drafted and negotiated after the concessionaire was National Investment Funds can go into the social sector, entirely to the social sector, particularly health and professional, competitive and spectator sports zeroed down on. Even the terms of prequalification were other infrastructure projects and helping other PSUs. A education. After all, people are the owners of these that we naively continue to call games. BASE is a so designed that credible bidders often stayed away.” recompense for net income distribution in favour of the enterprises and the proceeds helping 80 per cent of the name I have coined for an alternative, a Broad- Central to privatisation are how the ownership and assets rich can be counteracted to a large extent by putting the population is better than helping just the top 10 per cent. based Approach to Sports for Everyone. Forgive are being valued and how they are being transferred. entire proceeds for education and health where the Then we will have efficiency-enhancing privatisation me for this clumsy nomenclature (TOPS is no less Undervaluation of the State assets leads to net majority of the country will gain. Private ownership does which promotes equity. clumsy, by the way), but I hope it captures the main difference from the modern business of sports as a battleground of national honour. It seeks to keep sports close to the original spirit of Cleansing politics playing games. Games are meant, first of all, to be a source of joy to the participants. Everyone Supreme Court doing its job, but lawmakers reluctant plays, not just a few gifted players. Excellence is nurtured but not by excluding those who may A polity tainted by blood is unacceptable. Two parliamentarians, members of judgments by the Supreme Court seem to suggest legislatures and legislative councils never join the medals race. Spectators are not that the onus of cleansing Indian politics of the without the express approval of high detached and distanced; they are involved and scourge of crime is, unfortunately, the judiciary’s courts. Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, invested. Games are not played mainly for alone. In a scathing judgment, a bench of the apex Uttarakhand — the BJP is in power in external rewards; playing is its own reward. court held most political parties guilty of these — and Maharashtra have already Encouraging a broad-based and inclusive sports contempt because of their refusal to honour rules moved to dismiss such cases without the culture may yield more medals too, but that that mandate the publication of the criminal necessary judicial approval. cannot be the principal objective. We need a antecedents of electoral candidates. Nine outfits The brazenness of state governments can sports policy that chooses between these two have been fined for violating an earlier order that be attributed to the endorsement of paths or offers a third one. What we have in the makes it compulsory to notify the Election crime, a malaise that has gone unresisted name of National Sports Policy is a 20-year old Commission of relevant information about by the people and politicians. This document that packs a lot of angrezi, nods in all candidates. The highest court’s commitment to complicity is borne out by data — the directions and says very little. The first option is the principle of separation of powers is equally court took cognizance of some figures — obvious. The history of modern sports shows that heartening. There is, the Supreme Court that indicate a surge in the percentage of once you have a decent talent pool, excellence is a observed, ground for further intervention but for winning candidates with tainted function of State support, corporate backing and the moment the learned judges have relied on the antecedents. Nearly half of the members media visibility. So, this path from Tokyo would strategy of disseminating information — the EC of the 17th Lok Sabha, it was estimated involve, first of all, creating spectators or has been directed to create a dedicated mobile two years ago, had declared criminal audience for some of these sports, following the application — about pending criminal cases cases against them. The responsibility of Indian Premier League (IPL) route. Given the size against public representatives so that voters can elected governments. In a rap on their knuckles, another punishing crime in electoral politics is of India’s media-consuming class, the demand for make an informed choice. The Supreme Court’s energy to bench of the Supreme Court ordered state governments collective. The court has shown the way; citizens and sport should be able to sustain the business. cleanse politics must be contrasted with the inertia of not to withdraw pending criminal cases against governments must now respon

Reversing climate change

The world needs sustained, committed and honest action by all nations EVERY new report of the UN’s form a key input for climate negotiations. paid for emission reduction countries or invested in Intergovernmental Panel on Climate The next round of climate talks is forestation elsewhere. This brings us back to the failed Change (IPCC) paints a picture grimmer scheduled at Glasgow in November. While idea of ‘clean development mechanism’ and carbon than the previous one. The timeline for scientists are unanimous about warming credits, etc., that were designed to help rich countries reaching the temperature thresholds and its present and future impacts, avoid emission reduction. ‘Net zero’ does not mean real keeps getting shorter and shorter. From policymakers and governments are not on zero emissions. It is a clever carbon accounting system half a century or more, we are now one platform for remedial action. The that most likely will put more pressure on land for talking of a decade or two for single-most key climate action needed to forestation and other carbon sink schemes. For any catastrophic impacts of climate change arrest unbridled warming is deep and meaningful and real emission cuts, energy transition is to unfold. The window of opportunity immediate cuts in the emission of necessary. It has started but is going to be a long tough available for policymakers and greenhouse gases. This needs a transition road ahead. governments to act gets narrower with from polluting sources of energy such as Hopefully, climate diplomats will take a call on the every new report. Climate science gets coal to low- or zero-carbon options like scientific findings and possible mitigation measures more definitive and scientists are surer wind and solar. The energy transition is the needed to halt and reverse warming trends, adaptation is of the temperature changes based on key but also the most contentious because also necessary. The impacts of warming are already datasets from all over the world. Being it is closely linked with the traditional amplified by extreme weather events in India and products of the UN process, every word models of development and economic elsewhere. The changing patterns of the summer in these reports is vetted by all member growth. It also raises questions of equity monsoon have begun to impact the farming and states, leaving no room for quibbling and climate justice. Developing countries livelihoods of millions of farmers. Sea level rise and over data or analysis. The report is a contend that industrialised countries storm surges are affecting communities in coastal areas. synthesis of over 14,000 peer-reviewed responsible for past emissions should take In the hills, a change in the number of cold days and scientific studies. the deepest cuts now and help others in precipitation is hitting cropping systems. All these While scientists are unanimous about warming and its manifestations such as intense rainfall, flooding, and transition to low-carbon pathways. The long-term goal impacts are real and already unfolding. We can’t wait for present and future impacts, policymakers and also intense droughts in several countries. More set under the Paris Agreement talked about achieving a global climate negotiations to reach a point of governments are not on one platform for remedial changes to monsoon precipitation are expected in balance between ‘human-induced emissions by sources agreement on emission reduction. Action on the action. The new IPCC report released this week is future. Warming oceans mean more marine heatwaves, and removals by sinks of greenhouse gases in the second adaptation front is needed urgently. This is where Indian unequivocal in pointing out that the planet is warming ocean acidification and reduced oxygen levels in ocean half of this century, based on equity, and in the context of policymakers should wake up. The ‘action’ in national faster than earlier thought, and that human influence is ecosystems. Sea level rise in coastal areas and storm sustainable development and efforts to eradicate and state action plans is missing. The change in responsible for warming the climate system consisting surges during tropical cyclones — whose frequency, poverty.’ Instead of emphasising deep cuts in emissions, nomenclature of the Ministry of Environment and of the atmosphere, oceans and land. The scale of duration and intensity are going up — would lead to it talked about a balance between emission reduction Forests by adding ‘climate change’ had only been warming and changes in the climate system in recent inundation in coastal areas and erosion of the coasts. and measures such as forestation that help carbon cosmeti Climate change is a global phenomenon but its decades is far greater than the changes that occurred The report has warned that extreme sea level events removal. This ambiguity, combined with the approach impacts are local and it needs action at the local level. over thousands of years. The global surface temperature could occur every year instead of just being once in a of letting countries set their targets, has led to a new idea The temperature rise is not just a matter of little is projected upwards under all emission scenarios, at century occurrence like in the past. of achieving ‘net-zero emissions.’ Many emitters, discomfort that the rich can overcome by adjusting the least till the mid-century. The warming is being If this is the present and emerging scenario and scientists including China and the US, have announced their own thermostat of air-conditioners. The planet has no magic experienced in all regions of the globe, but with have issued a grave warning, all the countries must be ‘net-zero emission’ targets that include reduction in switch that can provide us relief quickly. The world variations. One of the biggest impacts of climate change worried and start taking action. Unfortunately, this does emissions and measures for carbon removal. It could needs sustained, committed and honest action. There are is the intensification of the water cycle and its not happen. Like all previous reports, the latest one will also lead to the offset system in which the rich countries no shortcuts to undo climate change. New Delhi, Sunday, 15 August, 2021 YATRA THE SIKH TIMES 7

Nestled in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal's capital has long been a favourite with backpackers and a base camp for adventurers heading to the Himalayas. Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kathmandu also abounds in artistic and cultural wealth. Whether it's the peaceful Buddhist stupas, the bustling temples or the historic monuments, Kathmandu offers a multitude of experiences.

Mountain flights The world's highest peak Mount Everest is also Nepal's central attraction. Don't be disheartened if you can't make the arduous trek—there are several convenient flights that offer close-up views of Everest and surrounding peaks such as Shisha Pangma, Gauri Shankar and Melungtse. Most local airlines offer daily hour-long flights from Kathmandu in small aircrafts, with all passengers getting window seats. Clearer weather guarantees better views, and the best season for flying is between February and March, and October to November. Everest Skydive The Everest Skydive in Nepal is guaranteed to The top attractions in give you an adventurous high. Divers are taken aboard an aircraft, and then allowed to jump from 29,500 feet (higher than Everest) for a free-fall past the world's tallest peak. An attached parachute ensures a smooth descent and soft landing. Both solo and guided skydives can be arranged. Boudhnath Stupa Situated on the north-eastern edge of Kathmandu, this large white stupa is a major centre of Tibetan Buddhism. It lies on an ancient trade route between Lhasa and Kathmandu, and was an important stop for Tibetan traders travelling to the higher reaches of the Himalayas. Believed to house Kathmandu Durbar Square is worth visiting for its beautiful statues and other historic buildings; such as Newari architecture. It is dominated by the Kumari Chowk, the home of Kathmandu's living medieval Royal Palace, as well as numerous goddess; and Kasthamandap, believed to be the old religious structures such as the Krishna oldest building in Kathmandu. Temple, Bhimsen Temple and the Golden Swayambhunath Temple Temple of Hiranya Varma. Constructed in the Perched on top of a hill, this Buddhist stupa lies on second half of the 17th century, the Royal the outskirts of the city. Thanks to the presence of a Palace consists of three beautifully-decorated large number of monkeys, it also known as the wings. It also houses the well-maintained monkey temple. The central white stupa is topped Patan Museum, which has a good collection of by a golden spire that depicts wood carvings, old Buddha's eyes in all the four photographs, bronze and directions. It is surrounded by stone sculptures, and other beautifully-carved temples, statues of artefacts. deities, fluttering prayer flags and Durbar Square Buddhist prayer wheels. Now a UNESCO World Pashupatinath Temple Heritage Site, this medieval Situated on the banks of the Bagmati square constitutes the core River, the massive Pashupatinath complex is one of Kathmandu's old town. Built between the of the holiest pilgrimage spots in Nepal. It's best- 12th and the 18th centuries, this is the best known for housing a major temple of the Hindu god place to admire traditional Nepalese Shiva, also known as Pashupati. While the present architecture. It comprises of three squares, temple was constructed in the 17th century, its with Hanuman Dhoka or the Old Royal Palace history dates back to 400 AD. It has been built in the being the major landmark. Dating to the 17th pagoda style of architecture, with a two-tiered roof century, the palace encloses a series of rising above the central shrine. Only Hindus are Buddha's relics, it is also among the largest monks chanting their prayers and butter lamps The former capital of an independent kingdom, residential quarters, temples and a museum allowed to enter the temple premises. The central stupas in Asia. The best times to visit are early being lit. Kathmandu's neighbouring town Patan lies across the built around chowks or courtyards. The Durbar point of interest is the black four-headed idol of morning and dusk, when you can observe Patan Durbar Square Bagmati River. Situated in the heart of Patan, this Square is also dotted with a series of temples, Pashupati, and a golden statue of his bull, Nandi.

he largest hot desert in the world, the incredible pictures are alluring to say the least. Sahara Desert, surprised the world early Bouchetata in a statement has mentioned, T today as pictures of snowfall emerged on "Everyone was stunned to see snow falling in the When snow rested on the mighty the internet. The captivating images were taken by desert, it is such a rare occurrence. It looked amateur photographer Karim Bouchetata on amazing as the snow settled on the sand and made December 19, from near the desert town of Ain a great set of photos. The snow stayed for about a Sefra in Algeria. This extraordinary occurrence day and has now melted away." supposedly last took place in Ain Sefra in 1979, Ain Sefra, which is also known as the “Gateway to when a snowstorm for half an hour halted traffic in the Desert,” was founded in the year 1881 as a Saharan sands the town. French garrison town. The place has recorded an The second time in living memory, this year’s average of 37 degree Celsius in summer, while as -10.2 degree Celsius. But such an occurrence satisfaction, to see the cold winter snow rest imagine the unexpected luck of people who Sahara snow happened almost after 40 years. The during winter months the temperature can go as low is never expected in this region. on the sands of the mighty Sahara, mixing up happen to be passing by the desert during such a time. We can only hope that your travel luck is The pictures evokes a peculiar sense of in each other, creating a surreal imagery of deep orange and white. One can only as blessed as the amateur photographer Karim Bouchetata’s. New Delhi, Sunday, 15 August, 2021 WORLD THE SIKH TIMES 8

Mysterious 'kill list' rattles UN chief says Afghanistan spinning out of control, Pakistan; Parliamentary Panel orders probe calls on Taliban to immediately halt offensive Islamabad. APakistani parliamentary committee has ordered for a probe into a so- called "kill list" that mentions a number of WORLD. UN Secretary-General Antonio through military force is a losing public figures in the country, days after a Guterres has called on the Taliban to proposition. That can only lead to prolonged former Taliban operative verified its immediately halt the offensive and said that civil war or to the complete isolation of existence and a leading British newspaper seizing power through military force is a Afghanistan,” Guterres said. The UN chief reported it. The Committee, headed by "losing proposition" and can only lead to said directing attacks against civilians is a Opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) prolonged civil war and the complete serious violation of international leader Shazia Marri, has directed the isolation of the war-torn nation. humanitarian law and amounts to a war Interior Secretary to have an urgent meeting "Afghanistan is spinning out of control. crime, calling for perpetrators to be held with senators Farhatullah Babar and Even for a country that has tragically known accountable. The UN chief added that he was Afrasiab Khattak for their inputs in the generations of conflict, Afghanistan is in the “deeply disturbed" by early indications that probe, reported the Dawn newspaper on throes of yet another chaotic and desperate the Taliban are imposing severe restrictions Friday. The names of both senators figured chapter an incredible tragedy for its long- on human rights in the areas under their on the "kill list". suffering people," the UN chief said on control, particularly targeting women and The panel has forwarded a month-old Friday. journalists. “It is particularly horrifying and Facebook post of former Taliban The Taliban has captured Herat and Kandahar, heartbreaking to see reports of the hard-won spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan, in which the country’s second and third largest cities. rights of Afghan girls and women being the "kill list" is clearly mentioned. In the As the Taliban insurgents increasingly gain ripped away from them.” Guterres said that post, Ehsan said he was asked to lead a ground in Afghanistan, some accounts state in the last month alone, more than 1,000 "death squad" to eliminate "some that 60 per cent of the country’s territory is people have been killed or injured from infrastructure being destroyed, Guterres said The UN chief said he hoped that discussions in individuals". The “kill list”, according to under their control. There is growing indiscriminate attacks against civilians, every day, the conflict is taking an ever Doha between representatives of Ehsan, included the names of former concern that Kabul too could fall into the notably in Helmand, Kandahar and Herat bigger toll on women and children. Afghanistan and the Taliban will restore the senators Farhatullah Babar, Afrasiab hands of the Taliban soon. provinces. “The fighting between the “Continued urban conflict will mean pathway to a negotiated settlement to the Khattak, Syed Alam Mehsud and Mufti ‘Negotiate In Good Faith’ Taliban and Afghan security forces in urban continued carnage — with civilians paying conflict. “Only an Afghan-led negotiated Kifayatullah. Farhatullah Babar said: The UN chief called on the Taliban to environments is causing tremendous harm,” the highest price,” he said calling on all political settlement can ensure peace,” he "Ehsanullah Ehsan is no ordinary person. immediately halt the offensive and he said adding that at least 241,000 people parties to take heed of the conflict's heavy said, adding that the United Nations is He is a former spokesperson for Tehreek-i- “negotiate in good faith” in the interest of have been forced to flee from their homes toll and its devastating impact on civilians. determined to contribute to such a Taliban Pakistan (TTP) who later formed a Afghanistan and its people. “The message and humanitarian needs are growing by the Read Opinion: The case for sanctioning settlement, promote the rights of all Afghans splinter group, Jamaatul Ahrar, both from the international community to those hour. With hospitals overflowing, food and Pakistan over Taliban advances in and provide life-saving humanitarian help to designated as terror outfits. He has claimed on the warpath must be clear: seizing power medical supplies dwindling, roads, bridges, Afghanistan the ever-increasing numbers of civilians in responsibility for a number of deadly schools, clinics and other critical On The Way Forward... need. attacks in Pakistan." The parliamentary committee was informed that in April 2017 Ehsanullah Ehsan turned himself in to the security agencies and transformed from a "terrorist into a confidant of the agencies". US issues new terrorism threat With freedom to interact with the media, Bad handwriting foils man's Ehsan recently made some startling disclosures. In an interview to Al Jazeera robbery bid in UK's Sussex news channel, Ehsan details how he left the high-security detention centre. He claimed WORLD. Aman entered a bank in warning ahead of 9/11 anniversary the UK's Eastbourne and handed that his release was the result of an agreement that granted him full legal over a threatening note to the immunity, a personal monetary stipend and Washington. The US Department of across the United States as a rationale to cashier. However, the cashier could a guarantee that he would be allowed to live Homeland Security issued a new terrorism conduct attacks," the DHS advisory said, not decipher the note due to its poor as a ‘peaceful citizen’. threat advisory on Friday ahead of the adding that "pandemic-related stressors... may handwriting and the man had to anniversary of the September 11 terror contribute to more violence this year." Despite leave empty-handed. attacks and amid a resurgence of the a rapid vaccination program, coronavirus case The man, retiree Alan Slattery, 67, Gupta family was ‘ensconced’ coronavirus pandemic. The National numbers have increased sharply in recent has been jailed for robbing one TerrorismAdvisory System Bulletin said the months in the United States due to the spread bank and attempting to rob two in state capture: South African United States faces a "heightened threat of the Delta variant, prompting new health others in East Sussex, the Sussex President Ramaphosa environment" from both domestic terrorists measures. The advisory, which expires on Police said in a statement. "and those inspired or motivated by foreign November 11, also noted that in the lead-up to According to Sussex Police, Alan Slattery entered three banks in Johannesburg. South African President terrorists and other malign foreign the 20th anniversary of the September 11 Hastings and Eastbourne in the Cyril Ramaphosa has conceded for the first influences." from anti-government and racially motivated attacks, the Yemeni branch of Al-Qaeda, Al- It cited increased use of "online forums to extremists, often stirred up by online influence Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), had space of two weeks, and used time that divisions within the ruling written notes to ask the cashiers to African National Congress prevented influence and spread violent extremist from abroad. The bulletin had already been put out an English-language version of its narratives and promote violent activity." The amended in May, with DHS warning violent propaganda "Inspire" magazine for the first hand over money. In his first appropriate action against the influential attempt, Slattery went to the Gupta family from India for their alleged new advisory updated a January alert extremists could exploit the easing of Covid- time in over four years. This "demonstrates following the attack on the US Congress by 19 restrictions to conduct attacks. "Extremists that foreign terrorist organizations continue Nationwide Building Society in involvement in massive state capture. Terminus Road on March 18 this supporters of then-president Donald Trump, may seek to exploit the emergence of Covid-19 efforts to inspire US-based individuals While appearing before the State Capture year. He handed over a handwritten Commission on Thursday as the deputy when DHS said the country faced variants by viewing the potential re- susceptible to violent extremist influences," establishment of public health restrictions note to a staffer in the bank asking president and president of South Africa, "increasingly complex and volatile" threats DHS said. for money but due to poor Ramaphosa, while referring to the Gupta handwriting, the employee was family, said key people were strategically unable to read it. Slattery left the placed and that played a role in fully Explained | Why the US allowed extra Covid-19 vaccine doses for some branch empty-handed. Staff at the capturing the state. “They had ensconced bank later managed to read the themselves quite neatly into the various medications or have diseases that note, which said "your screen structures. They had acceptance; they had tamp down their immune systems won’t stop what I’ve got, just hand approval, and they had access; so yes, the generally get less benefit from the over the 10s and the 20s. Think red flag having been raised, it was not Z Americans at high risk standard two doses. The CDC cited about the other customers". They heeded. We should say that,” Ramaphosa one study suggesting about 40 per then rang police, who attended and said, referring to the relationship between from Covid-19 because of cent to 44 per cent of people seized the note and CCTV footage former president Jacob Zuma and the three hospitalized for a so-called from inside the bank. In his second Gupta brothers accused of siphoning severely weakened breakthrough case — infection after attempt on March 26, Slattery billions of rands from state entities and vaccination — are among the entered the Nationwide Building provincial governments. Ramaphosa immune systems are now immune-compromised. Those Society branch in London Road St admitted before the Commission that there hospitalized patients “did all the right Leonards. This time, his had been attempts by some party members allowed to get a third things -- they’re just suffering from a handwritten note worked as the to caution the African National Congress vaccination in hopes of lack of good vaccine protection,” said cashier, in fear for her safety, (ANC) about the relationship. “Yes, I think Dr Camille Kotton of Massachusetts handed over £2,400 in cash to him. a red flag was raised and the level of lying to get another dose. About 1.1 million General Hospital, one of CDC’s advisers. Police attended and viewed CCTV better protection. Here people already have gotten at least a third dose alertness should have been there. I think WHO QUALIFIES? from the bank and surrounding of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines on their own, that with the Gupta family, we were blind- are some things to know. Roughly 7 million American adults are classified businesses, which showed Slattery sighted by the fact that this family were the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention boarding a bus moments after the revealed, although it’s not clear how many did s immune-compromised, but the FDA singled friends to the ultimate leader of our party. robbery. Enquiries with the bus so because they had weakened immune out transplant recipients and others with similar “But there were occasions when for company identified Slattery from systems. levels of immune suppression. The FDA didn’t instance Transport Minister Fikile spell out exactly who falls into those other the picture on his bus pass, which Advisers to the CDC grappled with exactly who (Mbalula) mentioned it in the National categories, but in new guidance to doctors matched that as the person seen in Washington.Americans at high risk from Covid- qualifies before unanimously endorsing the Executive Committee (of the ANC). issued Friday, the CDC listed several the bank’s CCTV. Slattery then 19 because of severely weakened immune FDA’s decision. It’s “an important step in categories of people who could qualify, tried robbing NatWest bank in systems are now allowed to get a third ensuring everyone, including those most including people with advanced or untreated Havelock Road, Hastings on April US withdrawal from vaccination in hopes of better protection, a vulnerable to Covid-19, can get as much HIV infections and those with cancers who are 1, but was met by a defiant cashier policy change endorsed Friday by influential protection as possible from Covid-19 receiving certain chemotherapies. who refused to hand him over the Afghanistan a mistake: UK government advisers. The Food and Drug vaccination,” CDC director Dr Rochelle money. Slattery had to return Administration ruled that transplant recipients Walensky said in a statement after signing off ARE THERE AGE RESTRICTIONS? Defence Secretary and other similarly immune-compromised on the recommendation. Here are some things For now, the new policy allows a third dose of the empty-handed. This time, the patients can get a third dose of either the Pfizer to know: Pfizer vaccine for children as young as 12 who police officers attended the last Kabul. UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace or Moderna vaccine. But the decision offers an also meet the high-risk requirement, but adults known address for Slattery and said the US decision to pull its troops out of WHY DO SOME PEOPLE NEED AN identified him walking in the extra dose only to those high-risk groups — not EXTRA DOSE? only for a third Moderna dose. That’s because Afghanistan was a "mistake", which has the Pfizer vaccine currently is the only vicinity. He was arrested on the general public. These patients have been The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines offer powerful handed the Taliban a "momentum" in the authorized option for Americans under 18. That suspicion of robbery and two clamouring for months for better protection, protection for otherwise healthy people, but country. Speaking to Sky News on Friday, could change if Moderna’s vaccine eventually counts of attempted robbery. some of them traveling across state lines or many who take immune-suppressing Wallace said the withdrawal agreement is allowed for teens. negotiated in Doha, Qatar, by the administration of former US President Donald Trump was a "rotten deal", reports Xinhua news agency. Afghan women fear return to dark days amid Taliban sweep "At the time of the Trump deal with, obviously the Taliban, I felt that was a mistake to have done it that way. We will A sense of dread appears to be omnipresent, particularly among Afghan women, as all, in the international community probably pay the consequences of that," Taliban forces take more territory each day. Wallace said. "I've been pretty blunt about Kabul. It was early evening and Zahra, her over the past several days, the Taliban now travel outside their homes without a male it publicly and that's quite a rare thing when mother and three sisters were on their way control more than two-thirds of the relative to accompany them. The Taliban it comes to US decisions, but strategically to dinner at another sister’s home when country, just two weeks before the U.S. also carried out public executions, chopped it causes a lot of problems and as an they saw people running and heard plans to withdraw its last troops. And they off the hands of thieves and stoned women international community, it's very difficult gunshots on the street. “The Taliban are are slowly closing in on the capital, Kabul. accused of adultery. There have been no for what we're seeing today. "Of course I here!” people screamed. In just a few The U.N. refugee agency says nearly confirmed reports of such extreme measures am worried, it is why I said I felt this was minutes, everything changed for the 26- 2,50,000 Afghans have fled their homes in areas the Taliban fighters recently seized. not the right time or decision to make year-old resident of Herat, Afghanistan’s since the end of May amid fears the But militants were reported to have taken because, of course, Al Qaeda will probably third-largest city. Taliban would re-impose their strict and over some houses and set fire to at least one come back, certainly would like that type Zahra grew up in a mostly Taliban-free ruthless interpretation of Islam, all but school.At a park in Kabul, transformed since of breeding ground," the Defence Afghanistan, where women dared to eliminating women’s rights. Eighty last week into a shelter for the displaced, Secretary added. Talking about the dream of careers and girls got an The Associated Press chose not to identify percent of those displaced are women and families told the AP on Friday that girls withdrawal of British troops from the education. For the past five years, she has her by her full name to avoid making her a children. Also See: Taliban tighten grip on riding home in a motorized rickshaw in the country, Wallace said the UK had no choice been working with local nonprofit target. “I am in big shock,” said Zahra, a Afghanistan as all eyes turn to capital Kabul, northern Takhar province were stopped and but to pull its forces out, because the organizations to raise awareness for women round-faced, soft-spoken young woman. govt says it 'stands firm' The fundamentalist lashed for wearing “revealing sandals.” A international community had to act and press for gender equality. Like most “How can it be possible for me as a woman group ruled the country for five years until schoolteacher from the province said no one together. "When the US as the framework who has worked so hard and tried to learn the 2001 US-led invasion. During that time, was allowed to go out to the market without a nation took that decision, the way we were other residents, Zahra, her parents and five siblings are now hunkering indoors, too and advance, to now have to hide myself and it forbade girls an education and women the male escort. Some 3,000 families mainly all configured meant that we had to leave," stay at home?” Amid a lightning offensive he said scared to go out and worried about the future. right to work, and refused even to let them from northern provinces recently.

New Delhi, Sunday, 15 August, 2021 BUSINESS THE SIKH TIMES 18

Mahindra XUV 700 to launch today at 3 pm: Check how to Ola Electric scooter price revealed livestream and more New Delhi. Mahindra XUV 700, the much- touted SUV is scheduled to launch today, August 14, 2021, at an event in Chennai in Tamil Nadu. Anand Mahindra took to ahead of its launch on August 15 Twitter to announce the launch of XUV 700 and said," Mahindra and Mahindra claim New Delhi. In a surprising incident, Ola that this SUV 700 will be launched with Electric’s marketing team managed to much fanfare and it is said to be the first Ola Electric scooter is stop CEO Bhavish Aggarwal from SUV to have integrated AlexaAI. bringing out the price of the Ola e- In terms of other features, XUV 700 is expected to offer a range of scooter. Ads byIt basically started when supposed to be equipped with offline Ola Electric posted a teaser of its functionality for commands, including 150 km on a full charge and upcoming e-scooter on Twitter, to which Aggarwal was going to quote the exact controlling the sunroof and windows, the company has previously price of the vehicle, but he was stopped switching to a USB or Bluetooth-connected then and there with a message saying, smartphone and adjusting the climate disclosed that the bike is "You really thought we'd let him do that?" setting. The 7-seater SUV, Mahindra expected to run for about Aggarwal via this video said that Ola XUV700 will come up with a new 2.0-litre Electric is ready to spill out all the details mStallion petrol engine with 200bhp, and a 75 km on an 18-minute of the upcoming e-scooter on August 15 2.0-litre mHawk diesel engine developing at 2:00 pm. 185bhp. "The new Mahindra SUV logo, to charge. He asked people to watch the launch event be seen first on the Mahindra XUV700, is In July, Ola Electric opened of the e-scooter on YouTube or on Ola more than just a mark. It is the new us. Electric's official website. Aggarwal also Watch the logo reveal film narrated by its booking and so far the confirmed the name of the upcoming e- scooter which would be called the 'S1 Naseeruddin Shah with music by Ehsaan about the scooter! In the meantime, tell previously disclosed that the bike is Noorani, Loy Mendonsa here company has witnessed a Scooter'.Ola Electric captioned, "Scooters are coming on Sunday! Our me what do you think the price is? expected to run for about 75 km on an 18- http://bit.ly/3CutPQB," Mahindra phenomenal response from # J o i n T h e R e v o l u t i o n minute charge. In July, Ola Electric Automotive had tweeted while unveiling CEO Bhavish said, let's put out the price the customers. today! So, here goes..". Retweeting the @OlaElectric".Recently, Ola Electric opened its booking and so far the the new logo. In terms of AI features, video, Bhavish Aggarwal jokingly wrote revealed that the electric two-wheelers company has witnessed a phenomenal XUV700 owners with the help of Alexa can As of now, Ola is taking Rs that Ola Electric's marketing team is are expected to launch in three colour response from the customers. Within 24 control various vehicle functions. This using tricks again. He added, "Join me on schemes: matte, metallic and pastel. In hours of the launch, Ola Electric had would include setting windows and cabin 499 as a booking advance. Sunday 15th August at 2pm on terms of features, the Ola Electric scooter claimed that it had received over 100,000 temperature, play music, listen to http://olaelectric.com to know more is expected to offer a range of 150 km on a bookings.As of now, Ola is taking Rs 499 audiobooks, get directions, check traffic, full charge and the company has asabookingadvance. manage their smart home, find parking, and more. Mahindra and Mahindra have not yet made any kind of announcement regarding the prices. Vehicle Scrappage Policy launched by PM Sensex at 55K: Retail Tesla says Elon Musk’s 2020 investors drive rally amid compensation was nil Modi: Here’s a look at its key features high valuations New Delhi. The Sensex on Friday New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi commercial vehicles. -The new vehicle crossed the 55,000-mark and hit a launched the much-awaited vehicle scrappage policy proposes Private record high on sustained buying scrappage policy today. He said that the Vehicles to be de-registered after 20 years support by retail investors and new policy will help in phasing out the if found unfit or in case of a failure to mutual funds. Led by tech stocks, unfit and polluting vehicles across the renew registration certificate. As a the benchmark index shot up 593 country and promote a circular economy. disincentive measure, increased re- points,or 1.08 per cent, to close at Urging the youth and start-ups to join this registration fees will be applicable for 55,437.29 and the Nifty50 rose by program, the prime minister said the policy private vehicles 15 years onwards from the 165 points, or 1.01 per cent, to will provide a new identity to the mobility date of initial registration. For commercial 16,529.10, even as experts and auto sector in India. Modi said that the vehicles, the de-registration process starts cautioned retail investors to be vehicle scrappage policy will provide a after 15 years in case of failure to get the extra vigilant and advised against new identity to the mobility and auto sector vehicle they buy. -The scheme will provide fitness certificate. – In addition, the putting money in stocks when in India and it will play a major role in incentives to the owners of the old vehicles to registration fees may also be waived for the valuations are high. New Delhi. Tesla says Elon Musk’s 2020 modernising the vehicular population on our purchase of a new vehicle against the The equity market rally raged compensation was nil Tesla Inc said on scrap their unfit vehicles through registered city roads and will also help in reducing scrapping centres, which shall provide the scrapping certificate. – Mandatory fitness through the frontline indexes and Friday Chief Executive Officer Elon pollution in the cities. testing of commercial vehicles is likely to start the major sectors amid the Musk’s total compensation for 2020 was owners with a scrapping certificate. -The Here’s a look at the key features of the new from April 1, 2023, while for personal vehicles optimism on future earnings and nil, compared to $23,760 in 2019. policy advises automobile manufacturers to policy: provide a discount of 5 per cent on the purchase it is expected to begin from June 1, 2024, in a the recovery on the economic front. The electric-car maker also said in a -When an old vehicle is scrapped, the owner of phased manner. The Ministry of Road The current week saw the Nifty and regulatory filing that finance chief of a new vehicle against the scrapping such vehicle will receive the scrap value given certificate. -The new policy also advises Transport and Highways (MoRTH) earlier this Sensex touching all-time highs, Zachary Kirkhorn’s total compensation by the scrapping centre, which is around 4-6 year had also introduced a draft notification inviting even those on the side- was $46.6 million, versus the $21.2 offering a road-tax rebate of up to 25 per cent per cent of the ex-showroom price of the new for personal vehicles and up to 15 per cent for proposing a hike in the renewal. lines to join the rally. TCS shot up million he got in 2019. The pay package of by 3.22 per cent. However, mid-and Musk, who is also a major shareholder and small-cap indices remained CEO of rocket maker SpaceX, requires sluggish. The IT index gained 1.54 Tesla’s market capitalization and financial per cent, capital goods 1.8 per cent growth to hit a series of rising targets.As of SpiceJet Q1 net loss widens to Rs 729 crore and capital goods 1.58 per cent. April, Musk had qualified for Tesla options Meanwhile, the rupee reversed its in his 2018 pay package that are now worth intra-day losses to close almost flat over $30 billion. Tesla added “Technoking at 74.24 against the US dollar on of Tesla” to Musk’s list of official titles in a Friday, tracking a strong rally in regulatory filing in March that also named domestic equities. Besides, a weak Kirkhorn “Master of Coin”. Earlier this ? The passenger segment greenback against its major rivals month, Reuters reported that Musk will be and lower crude prices also helped also subject of a biography by Walter saw a revenue of Rs 621 the rupee to recover. Retail Isaacson, the US author who penned a investors and mutual funds are best-selling tome on Apple co-founder crore in the first quarter of driving the ongoing bull rally, Steve Jobs. analysts said. The retail holding of 2021-22 NSE-listed companies hit a record high of 7.18 per cent in the June Adi Godrej to step down as quarter, in line with the sharp rise in new investor accounts over the last Godrej Industries' chairman, New Delhi. Budget carrier SpiceJet’s net loss 18 months and a jump in retail rose to Rs 729 crore in the first quarter of the participation in both secondary and Nadir Godrej to take over current fiscal despite a substantial rise in primary markets. It stood at 6.42 revenue during the quarter as the airline said per cent in December 2019. “Retail New Delhi. Veteran industrialist Adi its business continued to face headwinds investors are buying stocks without Godrej will step down as chairman as well because of the Covid-19 restrictions. The no- any serious consideration for value. as from the board of directors of Godrej frills carrier had reported a net loss of Rs Now, we don’t know when and how Industries Ltd (GIL), passing on the baton 593.4 crore in the corresponding quarter last 349 crore in the same quarter last year. previous fiscal. Its revenue from operations this rally will end. But we know it to his younger brother Nadir Godrej, year. Total income for the quarter under SpiceXpress, the cargo service arm of was up 52.72 per cent at Rs 19,919.40 crore will end … and when it does, the effective October 1. The 79-year-old review increased 80 per cent to Rs 1,265.85 SpiceJet, reported a rise of 285 per cent in during the quarter under review against Rs new retail investors who have industrialist will continue to serve as the crore against Rs 704.56 crore in the same revenue at Rs 472.79 crore during the 13,043.51 crore a year ago. flocked to market recently will be chairman of the Godrej group and quarter of the previous year. Total revenue reported quarter against Rs 165.86 crore in the Akzo Nobel recovers hit hard,” said V K Vijayakumar, chairman emeritus of GIL, said the from operations grew 112 per cent to Rs same quarter last year. Aditya Birla Group Paints major Akzo Nobel India on Friday chief investment strategist, Geojit statement. “It has been a privilege to serve 1,089.73 crore from Rs 514.69 crore in the firm Grasim Industries Ltd on Monday Financial Services. On the other reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 75.91 hand, aided by new fund offers and Godrej Industries for over four decades, year-ago period. Operating expenses grew to reported an around four-fold jump in its crore for the first quarter ended June 2021 during which we have delivered strong bullish stock markets, equity Rs 1,995 crore during the quarter against Rs consolidated net profit at Rs 2,447.97 crore amid disruptions due to the second wave of results and transformed our company,” mutual funds saw record inflows 1,298 crore in the year-ago period. The for the first quarter ended June 2021. The the pandemic. The company had posted a net said Adi Godrej. worth Rs 22,583.52 crore in July, passenger segment saw a revenue of Rs 621 company had posted a net profit of Rs 616.99 loss of Rs 20.26 crore in the corresponding “I am very confident that our best years are compared to Rs 5,988.17 crore in crore in the first quarter of 2021-22 against Rs crore during the April-June quarter of the quarter year ago. ahead of us, and I look forward to Nadir June. and our team achieving our exciting aspirations,” he added. In the statement, Nadir Godrej thanked his brother for his Gold Price : Gold reaches at 5-month low, may cross Rs 50,000 mark vision and leadership, which shaped the company. “On behalf of our team at Godrej Industries and our board, I want to thank Z New Delhi. Gold in India saw its In terms of value, the gold our chairman for his vision, values and In terms of value, the lowest prices in the last five demand saw 23% growth exceptional leadership that has guided and gold demand saw 23% months at the start of this week during April-June quarter at shaped our company. On August 4, Adi growth during April- as the prices stood at Rs Rs 32,810 crore. Godrej announced his decision to step 46,000-46,500-range, which Meanwhile, the 22-carat gold is down from the board of the group’s FMCG June quarter at Rs is almost Rs 10,000 down priced at Rs 46,310 per 10 arm, Godrej Consumer Products Ltd 32,810 crore. from the all-time in the entire gram and 24-carat gold is (GCPL), effective next month. In GCPL, Z The 22-carat gold is week. An improved US priced at Rs 47,310 per 10 he had already passed on the baton to his priced at Rs 46,310 employment data and stronger gram. In Delhi, the 22-carat younger daughter Nisaba Godrej in 2017 US dollar led to the decline in gold is priced at Rs 46,300 and as chairman. But he will remain as per 10 gram and 24- gold prices, analysts showed. 24-carat gold is priced at Rs chairman emeritus of the FMCG firm. Adi carat gold is priced at Spot gold prices have come 50,510. In Mumbai, the price Godrej was born in 1942 and Nadir in Rs 47,310 per 10 down by Rs 2,100 in August of 22-carat gold is Rs 46,310 1951. Their father Burjorji Godrej was the so far. per 10 gram whereas 24-carat nephew of Ardeshir Godrej, founder of the gram. The demand for gold in the gold is priced at Rs 47,310. In group. As Ardeshir was childless, the vast Z In Mumbai, the price country surged by 19.2% to Chennai, the 22-carat gold is industrial estate created by Ardeshir was of 22-carat gold is Rs 76.1 tonnes during the April- priced at Rs 44,350 and Rs inherited by his three nephews. Adi and June quarter this year and this 48,380. The 22-carat gold in Nadir’s first cousin Jamshyd Godrej is the 46,310 per 10 gram happened due to low base Bengaluru is priced at Rs chairman and managing director of Godrej whereas 24-carat gold effect, as per the report by the 44,000 and 24-carat gold is & Boyce. Nadir Godrej is also the World Gold Council (WGC). priced at Rs 48,000. chairman of Godrej Agrovat. is priced at Rs 47,310. New Delhi, Sunday, 15 August, 2021 SPORTS THE SIKH TIMES 19

England vs India, 2nd Test: In- form KL Rahul backs struggling Brentford stun Arsenal 2-0 to make dream start in teammates Pujara and Rahane to end their slump Premier League, register first win in top flight since 1947 New Delhi. India opener KL Rahul backed his struggling teammates Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane to come out of Brentford marked their first game in the top flight for 74 years and their first in front of fans at their new stadium with an their slump in form in the ongoing second emotional 2-0 victory over a ragged Arsenal. Sergi Canos and Christian Norgaard scored for the newly-promoted side. Test at Lord's against England. In his last 10 Test innings, Pujara has been without a fifty, looking a shadow of the New Delhi. Brentford made a dream Premier performance and a worrying start. The team only player who was the architect of India's 2019 League debut by stunning Arsenal 2-0, in their finished eighth last season and showed little sign Test series victory in Australia. On the other first game in the top flight for 74 years and their of having sorted out its previous problems. With hand, Rahane has now gone seven innings first in front of fans at their new stadium, on strikers Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and since his last fifty, scoring five and one in Friday. Sergi Canos put Brentford ahead in the Alexandre Lacazette both missing — Arteta said his two innings in the five-Test series. 22nd minute and Christian Noergaard headed in they were feeling “unwell” — Arsenal again Moreover, captain Virat Kohli has also not the second in the 73rd after Arsenal failed to deal struggled to create any kind of clear scoring been at his prolific best either in the series, with a long throw-in, handing the promoted club chances despite dominating possession for but he showed signs of regaining his form a perfect start to life in the Premier League in stretches of the game. Brentford's opener came with a fluent 42 in the first innings of the front of nearly 16,500 fans at the Community after right-back Calum Chambers hacked the ball ongoing second Test at Lord's. "Pujara and Stadium. off the byline, only for it to come back via Ethan Ajinkya are fabulous players and they've The win was well deserved as Brentford, revelling Pinnock to Canos, who cut inside the defender done the job for Team India every time the in their chance to take on the big boys, took the and buried a low shot inside Bernd Leno’s near team was in trouble. They are world-class game to an Arsenal team who looked disjointed post. For the second goal, Arsenal's defenders players. I'm sure they are hungry to go out and toothless in the absence of "unwell" strike allowed a long throw from Mads Bech Sorensen there and score some runs and do the job for duo Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre to bounce in the six-yard box and Norgaard the team", said Rahul after England Lacazette. In a satisfying symmetry, the teams’ arrived at the far post to head into an empty net. reached 119-3 in their first innings on last meeting was a 1-0 win for Arsenal at the old Arsenal's academy striker Folarin Balogun was Friday. Rahul continued his stellar 84 in the Griffin Park in May 1947, Brentford’s last game handed his first Premier League start but was drawn Nottingham Test with an elegant 129 in the old first division as they were relegated taken off before the hour mark. He was replaced at Lord's, where India were cruising at 267- never expecting it would take them 74 years to by Bukayo Saka, who was given a standing 2 before the middle order caved in and they get back. It has been a tough road too, with a ovation from the Brentford fans after being were all out for 364. He said facing the record nine playoff failures before they finally subjected to racist abuse following his penalty swinging ball in English conditions was not triumphed last season. For Mikel Arteta's miss for England in the European Championship an easy task but was optimistic Pujara and Arsenal, it was another disappointing final loss to Italy. Rahane would find ways to master the challenge. "They are experienced players, they know how to come out of a couple innings where they have not scored runs," said Rahul. "We need to accept that in Bajrang Punia risked breaking leg in Olympic bronze IPL 2021 will be ideal England, we'd get good balls, and we're not going to go out and score runs in every preparation for Australia inning and in every game”, he added. medal match: It's fine if it breaks, medal is important Mirabai Chanu’s inspirational before ICC T20 World New Delhi. Bajrang Punia said that he was semi-finals of the Ali Aliyev tournament in journey: From taking lift in ready to suffer a broken leg in his pursuit of Russia against local wrestler Abulmazhid Cup, says batting legend winning a medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Kudiev, the Under-23 European silver truck for training to Olympics Bajrang, 27, won bronze in the 65kg weight medallist. He said that while he was nervous Ricky Ponting category at the Olympics. While he wrestled because of the injury, he never let pressure silver medal in Tokyo with tapes on his right leg on the first day, affect him during the Olympics. "There are New Delhi. Former Australian captain which ended with him losing in the semi- lots of (Indian) athletes who could not Ricky Ponting said the Indian New Delhi. Mirabai Chanu became only the finals, Bajrang had no tapes on for the bronze perform well and that is because of pressure. Premier League (IPL) will be an second Indian after Karnam Malleswari to medal match, in which he beat Kazakhstan's I try not to feel pressure. There was one time ideal preparation for the out of form clinch an Olympic medal in weightlifting in 2019 World Championships silver-medallist when I let that affect me and I just could not Australia cricketers before the ICC over two decades and said that her initial Dault Niyazbekov 8-0. "My movements were understand what I was doing and that day I T20 World Cup. Batting mainstays journey was challenging. Chanu opened the very restricted on that first day because of the decided I am not going to let myself be Steve Smith and David Warner as country's account with a silver in the tapes which the physio had asked me to wear. ok, the worst that can happen is that I will break affected by pressure," he said. "I was well as pace spearhead Pat women's 49 kg category at the Tokyo But on the second day during the medal bouts, I my leg and will need surgery. It's ok if there is a nervous only because I was away from the mat Cummins are among several first- Games to become the first Indian to clinch a decided I am not wearing any tape. It was the fracture, we will get a surgery done, medal was for some time before that because of an injury. choice players who skipped the medal for the country on the first day of the first time I was having to do anything like that, I the important thing. I wanted the medal That was there in my mind, not the pressure of recent tours of West Indies and Olympics. normally never get injured before a because then I will have some success after all getting a medal. 65kg is the most competitive Bangladesh. "This journey has been good for me. It wasn't tournament," Bajrang told Aaj Tak at the Jai Ho the hard work," he said. Bajrang had injured his weight class in the world but I never thought Australia's Twenty20 squad suffered easy in the beginning. I worked for the conclave. "The doctor said wear it but I said it's right knee in late June while competing in the that I cannot win a medal. identical 4-1 defeats on both tours, Tokyo Olympics for five years. After the low point being bundled out for failing at the Rio Olympics, my only aim 62, their lowest score in this format, was to win a medal at the Tokyo Games," by Bangladesh. "It just goes to show Mirabai told Aaj Tak at the Jai Ho conclave. the depth around Australian cricket The diminutive iron lady from Manipur lifted Tokyo 2020: Ravi Dahiya opens up on being bitten by right now is not where it needs to be. a total of 202kg (87kg+115kg) to better There's work to do there," Ponting Karnam Malleswari's bronze in the 2000 said on SEN radio. "The T20 World Sydney Olympics. With this, she exorcised Nurislam Sanayev says he did not want any controversy Cup is not far away (but) with the ghosts of the 2016 Games, where she everyone fit and healthy in the UAE, had failed to log a single legitimate lift, I still think the Australian team can leaving her shattered. "There was a lot of push really hard to win that title trouble at the beginning of my career. For that's eluded us." IPL will host its training, I had to take in the truck. But, there remaining 31 games between was this zeal to train, and because of that, > September 19 and October 15 just there was no fear. I didn't want to miss Wrestler Ravi Kumar Dahiya before the T20 World Cup which training," she said. "In the beginning, the won silver in men's 57kg starts from October 17 Skipper family members were also scared. But later, Aaron Finch, who underwent a knee the mother also spoke to the truck driver freestyle on Olympic debut in surgery on Thursday, is expected to and told him to take care of me. After a lead the side in the tournament while, the same truck driver used to wait in Tokyo scheduled in October-November. front of the house. I have got a lot of support > Ravi Kumar Dahiya is the 2nd Most of the Australians also play in from people," Mirabai Chanu said. the IPL, which has now been Indian wrestler after Sushil rescheduled to take place in the IPL in UAE ideal preparation for Kumar to win an Olympic silver UAE and this will serve as ideal preparation for the returning T20 World Cup, Ricky Ponting > Ravi Kumar Dahiya trains at the players, Ponting said. "Those guys that haven't played for three or four tells Australia players Chhatrasal Stadium in New Delhi months now, they need to get back right bicep. “I did not want controversy. My Valentinov Vangelov (14-4) in the quarter- into the groove of playing high- Melbourne. Batting legend Ricky Ponting focus was on the game. The next day, that finals. However, the 23-year-old is not quality cricket against the best has backed Australian players to feature in wrestler came and apologized to me. Friends, satisfied with his medal as he wanted to win players in the world," said Ponting, the rescheduled Indian Premier League in because of this I did not complain,” Ravi gold at the Tokyo Olympics. "I do feel good for who coaches Delhi Capitals in the the UAE, saying it would be an ideal Dahiya toldAaj Tak on sports conclave. the silver but I could have done better. I tried IPL. Riley Meredith, Dan Christian, preparation ahead of T20 World Cup in The fourth seed Indian trailed 2-9 after Sanayev my best to win the gold but missed out by a Moises Henriques, Mitchell Marsh, October. New Delhi . Ravi Dahiya became only the effected a few ‘fitley’ (leg lace) but as the small margin," said Ravi Dahiya. Ravi rose to Adam Zampa, Andrew Tye and Josh The IPL will squeeze its remaining 76 games second Indian wrestler to win a silver medal at clock ticked away, Dahiya regrouped and got prominence when he qualified for the Tokyo Philippe were all part of the side that between September 19 and October 15 the Olympic Games after he lost the men’s hold of his rival with a double leg attack that Games with a bronze medal-winning effort at toured the Caribbean and while the T20 World Cup will be held just freestyle 57kg title clash 4-7 to reigning world resulted in a ‘victory by fall’. Despite a huge the 2019 World Championship in Nur Sultan. Bangladesh, and all hold IPL deals. after that from October 17 to November 14. champion Zavur Uguev. Ravi Dahiya endured deficit, Dahiya did not panic, showing Ravi started wrestling at the Hansraj Marsh and Philippe had opted out of Both tournaments will be held in the UAE. tremendous mental strength and dramatically Brahmchari akhada in the Nahri village and the first stage of the IPL tournament "Those guys that haven't played for three or a painful bite on his biceps from opponent Nurislam Sanayev during the Tokyo Olympics turned the bout in his favour. The wrestler later shifted to Chhatrasal Stadium in New that was held in India. Nathan four months now, they need to get back into from Nahri village in Haryana had outclassed Delhi.Nahri village is home to two Olympic Coulter-Nile, Chris Lynn and Ben the groove of playing high-quality cricket semi-final. After Ravi Dahiya scripted one of the greatest comebacks on the mat, the Colombia’s Tigreros Urbano (13-2) in his wrestlers, Mahavir Singh (1980 Moscow) and Cutting - none of whom are in against the best players in the world," Amit Kumar Dahiya (2012 London). Australia's. Ponting was quoted by cricket.com.au as pictures revealed the deep bite mark on his opener and then outwitted Bulgaria’s Georgi telling Australia Test captain Tim Paine in a conversation on SEN radio. "No doubt it's their best preparation to be in those exact WI vs PAK, 1st Test: Kraigg Brathwaite misses century by whisker as West Indies take 34-run lead over Pakistan conditions, playing in probably the strongest domestic T20 tournament in the world," said Ponting, who will head to Dubai as head West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite fell short of a well-deserved century but still steered his side to a 34-run coach of IPL side Delhi Capitals. Fast bowler Pat Cummins, who skipped the West lead over Pakistan before bad light brought a premature end to play on the second day of the first test on Friday. Indies and Bangladesh tours to spend the time with his pregnant fiance, is not New Delhi. West Indies skipper Kraigg scored, an lbw decision being against SouthAfrica. The West Indies expected to return to the IPL with his first Brathwaite (97) led from the front and overturned when television reviews began the day at 2-2 and were 251-8, a child due in the middle of the rescheduled put on a 96-run partnership with showed Shaheen Shah Afridi's lead of 34, when stumps were drawn tournament. "For second half of this season former captain Jason Holder (58) delivery pitching just outside leg early due to bad light. Joshua da Silva it's going to be really tough to get over which guided the hosts to a first- stump. was 20 not out. Roston Chase and there," Cummins said in a vlog on his innings lead over Pakistan on the Brathwaite defied the Pakistan bowlers Jermaine Blackwood steadied the YouTube channel. "We'll see how it plays second day of the first test at Sabina for just over six hours before he innings at the start of the second day, out but at this stage it might be a bit too hard, Park, Kingston, Jamaica, on Friday.misjudged the chance of a second run. putting on 49 for the third wicket but with the World Cup straight after that, Brathwaite was run out for 97 shortly Brathwaite, showing some before Chase, on 21, was caught I'm hoping to be good to go for that." before the close as the hosts finished anxiousness in the 90s, attempted a behind by Mohammad Rizwan from Australia captain Aaron Finch this week had the day on 251 runs for eight wickets needless second run off the bowling the bowling of HasanAli. Blackwood surgery on his right knee to repair cartilage in their first innings, having resumedof Yasir Shah as he approached his carried on, making 22 and helping the damage he suffered in the West Indies. on their overnight score of 2 for 2. century and was caught well short West Indies to 100 before he was While the surgery was a success, he faces a With West Indies in trouble afterwhen Hasan Ali’s direct throw hit the caught by Abbas at mid-on from the 10-week recovery period, which will leave being reduced to 100-5, Brathwaite stumps. Brathwaite’s innings still bowling of Shahid Afridi. Kyle him sidelined right up until Australia's anchored a rescue mission during a marked an important return to form. Mayers fell next ball to Afridi, opening match of the Super 12 stage of the 96-run sixth-wicket partnership withWhile he made 126 and 85 in the leaving the West Indies 100 for 5 and World Cup. Finch has previously said he Jason Holder. Their effort took the second test against Sri Lanka in putting pressure on Brathwaite and believed a return to the IPL would be "hard Windies close to Pakistan’s firstMarch, he managed only 28 runs in Holder to rebuild the innings in the to justify" for players who had skipped the innings tally of 217 after Holder was four innings in two subsequent tests face of accurate bowling from winter tours citing the fatigue. given a reprieve before he had even Pakistan. 20 New Delhi, Sunday, 15 August,Independence 2021 INDEPENDENCE Day SPL. THE SIKH TIMES IndependenceIndependence DayDay ofof IndiaIndia

NATIONAL FLAG OF INDIA

INDIAN FLAG The national Flag Code of India governs the The National Flag of India is a national symbol usage of Indian flag (with any other national or designed in horizontal rectangular shape. It is non-national flags) as well as laws related to the designed using three colours such as deep national emblems. The use of National flag is saffron (top most), white (middle) and India totally prohibited by the private citizens (except Independence Day of India green (lower most). The middle white colour national days). However, on the request of Independence Day is an annual observance celebrated every year on 15th of Symbol and Significance of contains navy blue Ashoka Chakra (means Naveen Jindal (a private citizen) in 2002, the law August. It is a day of great significance for the people of India. At this day India Wheel of Law) in the centre having 24 spokes has been altered for limited usage of Flag by the Government of India (Union Cabinet of India) got freedom from the British rule after long years of slavery. It has been declared in the wheel. The present form of the national Independence Day in India flag was adopted in the meeting of Constituent on the order of Supreme Court of India. It was as the National and Gazetted Holiday all across the India in order to Assembly on 22nd of July in 1947. The present again amended in 2005 for some additional use independently commemorate the independence of country from British Empire The kite flying sport in India symbolizes the Indian Flag was declared as the official flag by of Flag. on 15th of August in 1947. MEANING AND SIGNIFICANCE OF Independence Day. The sky all over India becomes full the authority of India. As Indian Flag contains It was not so easy for the India to get freedom from the Britishers however; three colours, it is also INDIAN FLAG of countless kites (flown from rooftops) of various various great people and freedom fighters of India made it a truth. They had called as Tiranga. It is The national flag of India sizes, shapes, styles, and shades. Some of them become sacrificed their lives in attaining the freedom for their future generations without based on Swaraj flag is also known as Tricolour tricolor symbolize India’s flag. Another symbol of (means flag of Indian Flag means Tiranga as it worrying about their comfort, rest and freedom. They planned and acted upon independence day is the Red Fort of New Delhi where National Congress, contains tricolours. Indian various Independence Movements including violent and nonviolent resistance to the first Indian Prime designed by Pingali flag is designed- get complete freedom. However, later independence Pakistan was partitioned Minister, Jawahar Lal Venkayya). horizontally using three from India which was accompanied by violent riots. That horrible riot was the The Flag of India means a colour, wheel in the centre Nehru, unfurled the reason of mass casualties and dislocation of people (more than 15 million) from lot to the people of India. It and Khadi clothe. The Indian flag on 15th of their homes. is of great significance and national flag was adopted August in 1947. on 22nd of July in 1947 in At this day, all the national, states and local government’s offices, banks, post honour to the Indian public. Independence day is Indian Flag is made using a the wake of Indian offices, markets, stores, businesses, organizations, etc become closed. However, celebrated to special type of clothe called independence from British public transport is totally unaffected. It is celebrated in the capital of India with commemorate the Khadi (hand-spun cloth popularized by the rule. Indian Flag was designed and adopted as a big enthusiasm however it is also celebrated in the schools, colleges and other Mahatma Gandhi). Bureau of Indian Standards symbol of the nationalism and freedom.Indian freedom of India from educational institutions including public community and society. is responsible for the manufacturing and flag means a lot for us. It is our symbol of unity the British rule in designing process of the flag however, Khadi to lead us on one common way of Dharma even 15 August 2021 1947. 15th of August is the day of re-birth of the India. It Development and Village Industries after being of different faiths and religions of Independence Day of India would be celebrated by the people all over the India is the day when Britishers left India and handed over the Commission has right to manufacture the flag. Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, Islam and on 15th of August 2020, at thursday. This year in 2020 India would celebrate its country to its leaders. It is the most significant day in the Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sikhism. The tricolour and Ashoka Chakra 75th Independence Day. The first Independence Day was celebrated in India on history of India and celebrated every year with great Sangha has been a sole manufacturer of Indian (means Wheel of Law) of the Indian flag reveals flag in 2009. some meanings which are as follows: 15th of August in 1947. enthusiasm by the Indian people. History of Independence Day of India Hindu and Muslim

Indian subcontinent was outpost by “Tryst with destiny”. He said Independence Day Celebration some European traders during 17th during his speech that “Long century. It was again slaved by British years ago we made a tryst governmental institutions, educational East India Company because of his big with destiny, and now the institutions, some of the private military strength. They established time comes when we will institutions all through the country. In the their local kingdoms and effective redeem our pledge, not schools and colleges the national flag is forces all through the India during wholly or in full measure, but hoisted by the school or college Principal 18th century. A great independence very substantially. At the and parade and cultural events are carried revolution was started by the people of stroke of the midnight hour, out by the students. At this day, India against the British rule in 1857. when the world sleeps, India government offices, buildings, etc gets That Indian Rebellion is called as will awake to life and adorned with the electric lights, flowers Great Rebellion, the Revolt of 1857, freedom. A moment comes, and other decorative things. Different Independence Day is celebrated all over the the Indian Mutiny, the Uprising of which comes, but rarely in sizes of the national flags are used by the India as a National holiday of India. It is 1857 and the Sepoy Mutiny. It was history, when we step out people to symbolise faithfulness and observed every year in every Indian states started against British East India from the old to the new, when commitment to the country. and union territories with great enthusiasm. Company’s army at Bengal an age ends and when the soul There is a big risk of terrorist attacks while President of India gives a speech every year Presidency on 10th of May in 1857. were continued fighting and then Britain of a nation, long suppressed, finds celebrating the Independence Day in order to “Address to the Nation” on the Through that Rebellion (Government of India decided to free India from the rule however utterance. We end today a period of ill especially in the major cities like Delhi, evening of a day before the Independence Act 1858), Indian freedom fighters made Hindu Muslim violence took place after the fortune, and India discovers herself Mumbai and Jammu and Kashmir. That’s Day. It is celebrated with big passion in the British Crown realized to free the control over independence of India (on August 15, 1947) again.” Speech on 15 August 1947 by why no-fly zone is declared around the Capital of country on 15th of August where India. which separated India and Pakistan. Nehru Red Fort to prevent aerial attacks. For the prime minister of India hoists the Indian The Revolt of 1857 was effective rebellion after Muhammad Ali Jinnah became the first After that, all the Assembly members more security reasons additional police flag on the Red Fort, Delhi. After the flag which various civic society were emerged all Governor General in Karachi Pakistan. took pledge of being loyal in offering their forces are positioned all over the cities. hoisting, National Anthem song is sung and across the India. One of them was the Indian However, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru became services to the country. National flag was Live broadcasting and webcasting is twenty-one gun shots are fired to salute and National Congress Party which formed in the the first prime minister of independent India. officially presented to the assembly by a carried out by the media and government honour the Indian flag and solemn year 1885. The period of dissatisfaction and An official ceremony was held in the capital group of Indian women. Finally India websites in order to provide live casting of occasion. unhappiness has raised non-violent movements of country, Delhi where all the great leaders became an independent country the celebration of the event to the people (non-cooperation and civil disobedience) all and freedom fighters (Abul Kalam Azad, B. officially, and Nehru and the viceroy, The prime minister of India highlights over through the nation which was led by the R. Ambedkar, Master Tara Singh, etc) took Lord Mountbatten, became the first prime all the achievements of past year, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. part to celebrate freedom. minister and first governor general important social issues and In the meeting of Indian National Congress in During violence of partition mass of people respectively. Mahatma Gandhi was not solutions, further development 1929 at Lahore, India was declared as Purna from both sides were died while people in involved in the cel in the country, educational Swaraj. Earlier, 26th of January was declared as other regions were celebrating Independence ebration. He stayed matters, etc during his speech on the Indian Independence Day between 1930 and Day. The fifth meeting of the Constituent in the Calcutta and the Independence Day after 1947. Indian citizens were requested by the Assembly was held at 11 pm on 14th of marked the paying tribute to the freedom Indian National Congress to civil disobedience August at Constitution Hall, New Delhi under Independence Day fighter and leaders of the Indian as well as follow the timely instructions issued the leadership of president, Rajendra Prasad with his 24 hours independence movement who until complete independence of India. where Jawaharlal Nehru proclaimed his fast in order to had sacrificed their lives. A grand After World War II, in 1947 British government speech. encourage the march past takes place by the get ensured that it no longer could show its In the midnight of 15 August peace between Indian Armed Forces and power on the India. Indian freedom fighter 1947, India was proclaimed as paramilitary forces. The celebration of all over the country. independent independence day takes place in different It is also celebrated by the people with country by the states of diverse cultural traditions where family members, friends and neighbours Pandit Chief Ministers of individual states hoist by going at dinner, picnic, park, garden, Jawaharlal the national flag flowed by various cultural mall for shopping or seeing film, etc. Nehru where activities by the participants. Some people do flying or sing patriotic he gave his Flag hoisting, National Anthem song play songs. At this day, kids of the home take a speech over and parade ceremonies including other small flag in their hand and go outside by cultural programmes takes place in almost saying “jai Hind”, “Jai Jawan or Jai all the governmental and non- Kisan” and other popular saying.