Year : 04 Issue : 342 New Delhi Friday, February 21, 2020 Rs. 1/- Pages - 8

E-mail - [email protected] / [email protected] Facebook - www.facebook.com/opensearch.co.in Website - www.opensearch.co.in When Democrats vote... P5 FIRST COLUMN Driver, conductor who died Court asks CBI why Rakesh China ‘firmly opposes’ Amit Shah’s in Coimbatore bus accident Asthana wasn’t put visit to Arunachal Pradesh were heroes 2 years ago through lie detector Kochi, Agency. Lucknow, Agency. Transport Corporation (KSRTC) are in a state of anguish China, which claims Arunachal Pradesh after the loss of two of their colleagues in the accident that as part of south Tibet, on Thursday The staff at the Ernakulam unit of the Kerala State Road district of Tamil Nadu Thursday morning. At least 19 people, Amit Shah’s visit to the region on the occasion of statehood day, saying it took place on the highway near Avinashi town in Tiruppur “firmly opposed” Union Home Minister passengers died in the early morning collision between the violated Beijing’s “territorial sovereignty New Delhi, Agency. A Delhi court on and sabotaged political mutual trust”. including driver VD Gireesh, conductor VR Baiju and other Wednesday came down heavily on the CBI “China’s position on the eastern sector for not conducting psychological and lie Volvoburst, air-conditionedafter which it buscrossed and the containermedian on truck. the Accordinghighway and crashed into the right side of the bus coming from the detector tests on its former special director southern part of China’s Tibet region, to preliminary reports, one of the tyres of the container truck opposite direction. The bus was on its overnight service from ofis consistent the China-India and clear,” boundary, China’s Foreign or the he was recently given a clean chit. Special RakeshCBI Judge Asthana Sanjeev in Aggarwal a bribery alsocase directed in which told reporters in Beijing. “The Chinese Bengaluru to Ernakulam, with most of its passengers hailing Ministrygovernment spokesman has never recognised Geng Shuang the Bassi, to appear before it on February the28 to initial explain investigating the case diary. officer, The Ajay CBI Kumar had registered an FIR against Asthana on the so-calledsouthern part ‘Arunachal of China’s Pradesh’Tibet region and as is firmlyit violated opposed China’s to territorial the Shah’s sovereignty, visit to the businessman Satish Babu Sana, facing undermined the stability of the border basisinvestigation of a complaint in a 2017 from case Hyderabad-based involving meat area, sabotaged political mutual exporter Moin Qureshi. Sana’s allegations trust, and violated relevant bilateral of bribery against Asthana had triggered a agreement,” he added. Beijing also urged war within the CBI, particularly between to “further complicate the border issue”. from Kerala. KSRTC staff fondly remember the services New“The Delhi Chinese to prevent side takingurges theany Indianaction then director Alok Verma and his number two, Asthana. Special Judge Aggarwal asked may further complicate the border CBItest investigatingand psychological officer test Satish ?” Dagar Dagar, replied, “Did of Gireesh and Baiju, especially their generosity towards side to stop taking any action that 22 rounds of Special Representatives which the duo were commended by the KSRTC. The incident you subject Rakesh Asthana to lie detector uphold peace and tranquillity of the passengers on the bus. And one of the striking memories n The Chinese government has never they have is of an incident that took place in June 2018 for a 164 statement (Sana’s statement under issueborder andarea,” takeShuang concrete said. Shah actions is in to “No.”CrPC TheSection judge 164)?” asked, Dagar “Why, said, Sir, “Thereif there is Arunachal Pradesh to attend the 34th recognised the so-called ‘Arunachal had ordered the destruction of talks to resolve the border dispute. was first reported in a community blog of the KSRTC that is no direct interaction in the (Section) Statehood Day function and launch a Pradesh’ and is firmly opposed to Last year, customs officials in China 164 statement.” The court said, “After number of projects related to industry year. On June 3, 2018, Gireesh and Baiju were manning the Shah’s visit to the southern part Arunachal Pradesh and Taiwan as part way into the journey, Dr Kavitha began to experience seizures going through the chargesheet, which and roads. On February 20, 1987, the Ernakulam-Bengaluru overnight Volvo service when a three lakh maps for not mentioningpassenger,and became Dr violently Kavitha ill. Varier, By then, boarded the bus from had reached Thrissur. Hosur Mid- I have done…you have been giving too Arunachal Pradesh became a full of China’s Tibet region as it violated lawsuit against four persons for trying much indulgence to the person…” Special state from union territory. Last year, China’s territorial sovereignty ofto itsexport territory them and to had the decided Netherlands, to file a Judge Aggarwal also said that after going Beijing had opposed Prime Minister according to a media report. Prior and was inching closer towards the Karnataka border. At Narendra Modi’s visit to the area. On to that, China had destroyed nearly opposed to the Indian leader’s visit this point, Gireesh, as recommended by the passengers, Modi’s visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry 30,000 world maps printed in the turnedhis superiors the bus at around Bengaluru to make and its Thrissur, way towards he was the nearesttold to throughcharacter the “M”: chargesheet “You have co-accusedpounced upon Sunil country. A notice issued by China’s Mittal appears like a fictional James Bond boundary.” India, however, asserted hospital. The passenger was hospitalised. When Baiju asked tothat the the East state Section is an of integralthe China-India and duo deposited the admission fees at the hospital. Doctors spokespersonboundary question Hua Chunyingis consistent had andsaid, on March 22 said that the Qingdao yourINX own Media IO (investigating case: officer). Bail to inalienable part of the country, and stayinformed put andthe crewtake thatcare theof thepatient patient. was Thecritical driver-conductor and for “China’s position on the China-India that Indian leaders visit Arunachal General Administration of Customs treatment to begin, someone had to be a bystander. Since six former bureaucrats Pradesh just as they visit other parts of to be “seriously problematic” when clear-cut. The Chinese government India. Both India and China have held Customsthey were officialsexamined. found 28,908 maps has never recognised the so-called thehospital family till ofthey the arrived. patient would take several hours to travel ‘Arunachal Pradesh’ and is firmly opensearch from Thrissur to the hospital, Baiju agreed to stand-in at the Delhi Fire Services revokes Two Dalits brutally assaulted for stealing suspension of The Park hotel licence money, Rahul Gandhi calls it ‘horrific’ New Delhi, Agency. A Delhi court on Jaipur, Agency. Wednesday granted bail to the six former Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) The Rajasthan Police Wednesday arrested seven bureaucrats accused in the INX Media persons in connection with the case where two Dalit youths were beaten up on the suspicion of stealing minister P Chidambaram and his son Karti corruptionare accused. case Special in which Judge former Ajay Kumar finance The matter came to light when multiple videos of Kuhar granted bail to Sindhushree Khullar, moneythe assault from awent two-wheeler viral Wednesday. agency in NagaurThe incident district. Additional Secretary in the Department of on Sunday, as per Panchaudi SHO Rajpal Singh. The Agra, Agency. with the measures.” Delhi Police is tookSHO addedplace thatunder the FIRNagaur’s was lodged Panchaudi Wednesday station after limits EconomicKumar Bagga, Affairs, and former former Officer-on-Special- FIPB director also reviewing its cessation order videos of the incident went viral. “It was lunchtime The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) Duty (OSD) to finance minister, Pradeep on the hotel. DCP, police licencing, and when the staff wasn’t around, the two youths, of the FIPB unit in the Finance Ministry, Asif Mohammad Ali said, “They have Panna Ram and Disha Ram, were allegedly trying to a complaint and lodged an FIR under IPC sections PrabodhAjeet Kumar Saxena. Dungdung; Former thesection then officer under submitted a letter for removal of the steal money from the cash register of the motorcycle secretary in the FIPB unit, Rabindra Prasad, Wednesday revoked the suspensioncessation order… It is under review.” A agency,” SHO Singh said. and former joint secretary (Foreign Trade) of fire safety licence of The statementPark hotel released by the hotel said, In their complaint, the two accused, who are Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention DEA Anup K Pujari were also granted the oncarried Parliament out by the DFSStreet, has concludedwhere a “Wefire had had received a suspension notice also cousins, said that they had gone to the agency forof Atrocities) assault, wrongfulAct,” Singh confinement, said. On the as basis well of as the the relief by the court. “The CBI has not been brokenthat the hotel out is complying Saturday. with An the inspection in Karnu village to get a motorcycle serviced when able to show that the accused/applicants the staff accused them of stealing and beat them persons. Meanwhile, another FIR was lodged by the staff against the two for the alleged theft. “It was a fromWe complied the Fire withDepartment it. Following to undertake which, up. A disturbing video of the assault shows a man videos, the police had identified and arrested seven any reasonable ground for having any safetyFebruary norms 15 due now. to a Theshort fire circuit. had brokenthe Fire Department visited the allegedly dipping a screwdriver in petrol and mob mentality. During questioning they (the staff Around 15 people, including nine certain fire prevention improvements… members) said that they were angry and hence went areapprehension flight risk nor that it they has beenwill tamper able to with show the out in the five-star hotel’s basement onpremises and conducted an inspection then inserting it in private parts of one of the two Norwegian citizens, were injured in the to verify…on 18th February, 2020… youths. As the videos went viral on Wednesday, quite far in punishing the alleged thieves,” the SHO arguments on this line will not justify the Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal said the incident “We had noticed shortcomings in the termed the torture of two young Dalits in Rajasthan’s evidenceapprehension or influence of CBI. No the incidence witnesses. has Mere been Department yesterday, the hotel has shames humanity and that he has sought strict cited that any of the applicant ever made incident. DFS director Atul Garg said, Afterreceived a athorough clearance check and the done Fire Safetyby the Fireaction against the accused. “Initially, both sides had said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday reached a compromise and no complaint was lodged fireFebruary safety 18. measuresThey have andnow complied suspended with us. But once the videos went viral, we received Nagaur as “horrific and sickening” and asked his attemptMP Cabinet to influence clears witnesses. proposal the licence asking them to comply byCertificate has been restored.” party government in the state to take immediate to ensure time-bound The NHAI further added that, “No exemption is available on the useaction toof bring personal the perpetrators to vehicle book. clearances for investors Toll exemption to defence personnel only if they are travelling on duty, says NHAI Chandigarh, Agency. organisation. One such missive addressed to The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has stated that exemption from payment of toll on national highways to defence personnel the Chief of Army Staff requests him to ask the Adjutant General’s branch to “look into the Bhopal, Agency. TO ATTRACT more is available only when they are “on duty”. No exemption is available if they are travelling in a recent toll tax fiasco created by a letter by NHAI investment and to convince potential that armed forces people only on official duties investors, the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet private vehicle while being “off duty”. It is also are facing embarrassment at toll plazas where not available for retired defence personnel. in official vehicles are exempted from paying toll on Wednesday cleared a proposal tax”. The officer adds that because of this they and even movement order in precedence over in New Delhi in reply to queries by The Indian the tollidentity personnel card. are“Another asking recent for leave incident certificate of thatpermissions. will ensure If a time-bound department clearance concerned ExpressThis wasthrough clarified the byRight the NHAIto Information headquarters Act manhandling by toll tax employees with an offails applications to give permission seeking variouswithin that period, the application will be deemed to defence personnel, especially in light of Reacting to the NHAI reply, Major Navdeep to have been sanctioned. Called seekingthe introduction details ofof exemptionFASTags. There from have paying been toll by toll personnel following an argument. While under Indian Toll (Army and Air Force) Act, 1901 is available only to the persons who officerSingh, advocate,cannot be Punjab ignored,” & Haryana it adds. High Court, Madhya Pradesh Time bound Clearance numerous complaints recently where defence Rajasthan where an Army officer was assaultedJune 17, 2014 has clarified that exemptionwho is conversant with the issue said that Act, 2020, the proposal covers 40 personnel have not been allowed to proceed copy of policy letters which govern exemption to defence personnel from paying toll, whether the personnel,” the reply to the RTI application says. the requirement of “duty” is not applicable to permissions and licences belonging to 10 in private vehicles without paying toll by the furnishing the reply to the questions seeking a personnel of the regular forces. “Section 3(a) of departments. Of them, 25 licences and personnel manning the toll plazas even when exemption is “on duty” or “off duty” as well and areThe NHAI ‘on duty’further and added does that, not“No exemption pertain to is retired any policy direction regarding exemption from available on the use of personal vehicle if it is the Indian Tolls (Army & Air Force) Act, 1901, permissions will have to be given in one they produced their identity cards. There provides toll exemption to all personnel of the day, 10 permissions and licences in seven have been contradictory instructions issued at Regular Forces without the requirement of several toll plazas in the states of Punjab and chaired by Chief Minister Kamal Nath Haryana wherein in some instances the defence FASTags,NH fee plaza the NHAIis available cited ato letter defence dating personnel back to notThe exemption used for dischargingis available only any officialon production purpose as per Rule 11 Sub Rule b(i) of the National toll exemption to Territorial Army and NCC daysalso cleared and five the in 15Madhya days. PradeshThe Cabinet Film personnel are allowed to proceed in their 2014 on the issue. “User fee exemption on the and duty even if it accompanies the said official. personnel when on duty. The requirement of private vehicles upon production of identity Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Air Force) Rules, 1942”. Several serving Army being ‘On Duty’ whereas Section 3 (b) provides cards while in other cases they are stopped. Collection) Rules, 2008 as amended. Further, of pass as specified in the Indian Toll (Army and Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways regular forces but only applicable to Territorial Tourism Policy, 2020, hoping to make the ‘duty’Army (TA)is hence and NCC.not applicable to personnel of the state more attractive for film producers officers,through whothe online get harassed grievances on portals toll plazas, of the have and to seek private investment. There has also been an incident near Bikaner in taken up the issue with the Army Headquarters (MoRTH) wide its office memorandum dated 2 | English Daily Open Search | NATIONAL | New Delhi | Friday, February 21, 2020 How-to videos in sign language: Seven KSRTC bus accident : At least 20 killed as Ernakulam without hearing script a start-up story Thiruvananthapuram, Agency. bound bus collides with truck in Coimbatore Two young couples in Kerala have joined hands for a special

Bangalore, Chennai, Agency. projecta better future inside for the the government-backedhearing impaired. Along Technopark with three in n The bus was on its way to Thiruvananthapuramothers, they are the thatbrains aims behind to buildDigital an Arts online Academy link to for Deaf (DAAD), which injured in a major accident in Tamil Nadu’s Kerala’s Ernakulam from is being incubated by AtCoimbatore least 20 peopleearly Thursday were killed morning and several after the state government’s a Kerala State Road Transport Corporation Karnataka’s Bengaluru. (KSRTC) bus Kl 15 A 282 collided with a The accident took place in to develop course videos Avinashi town. Keralain sign language Start-up to teach Mission container truck. The bus was on its way hearing impaired. But Avinashi town. A Coimbatore police n A Coimbatore police to Kerala’s Ernakulam from Karnataka’s basicfor this IT team skills of seven, to the Bengaluru. The accident took place in official confirmed to it’s as much professional as it is personal all are official9495099910, confirmed 7708331194 to are The the helpline Indian Express The Indian Express hearing impaired. DAAD thatnumbers 20 forpeople the accident. were killed in the accident. was launched four months ago and has already developed Read this story in Malayalam, Tamil that 20 people were killed in the 20 videos in sign language, most of which explain basic tools Corporation (KSRTC) PRO said both the driver and conductor were among accident. The Karnataka State Road Transport suchDAAD as is Photoshop,a solution toand the skills problems like video-editing. she faced while According trying to to get a technical education. “Despite graduating in Economics, I information from Kerala SRTC says that CEO Remya Raj (36), who worked as a business analyst earlier, thoseboth driver killed and in conductor the accident. have died. “Preliminary The and Saseendran are heading to the spot. Naseeb Mohammed (Thrissur). “All possible Deputy Tehsildar of Tiruppur, Alagarasan care to the accident victims. Procedures to foundcontent it indifficult sign language to get a forbasic the diploma last two inyears. technical While education. engaging Nagar bus station in Bengaluru at 8.15 pm identify the deceased are in progress. with the government of Tamil Nadu and the of Palakkad to provide emergency medical I’vewith had others this in idea our of community, setting up Ia foundfirm for the developing partners for course the Scaniayesterday.” Multi-axle Kerala Transport bus had Minister left Shanthi A K reliefDistrict measures Collector will of be Tirupur,” taken in cooperation ANI quoted Saseendran said, “48 passengers were on said,and medical “The accident staff are took carrying place atout 3:30 the am the CMO as saying. Meanwhile, in another we launched DAAD in November,’’ says Remya, with the help of board. 42 of them are from Kerala, going to today. Over 100 officers including police Some of the dead have been identified new venture. With support from the Kerala Start-up Mission, coming in the wrong direction and rammed asKiran Rossley Kumar, from Haneesh Palakkad, (Thrissur), Gireesh the CEO, the women leading DAAD’s foray are Sulu A Noushad into the bus. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi rescue work.” He also said the container (Ernakulam),was Igni Rafael (Ollur, Thrissur), accident in Tamil Nadu, five people were Priya Raj who works in the firm as an interpreter. Apart from Ernakulam, Palakkad, Thrissur.” The bodies killed in a collision between a private omni have been taken to the Tirupur government Sivakumar (Ottapalam), Rajesh luxury K. bus and a mini-bus, which was on its (26), the finance director, Archana Krishnan (25), a graduate hospital. Kerala ministers VS Sunil Kumar Vijayan has instructed the District Collector (Palakkad), Gismon Shaju (Thuravoor),way to Rajasthan from Kanyakumari. in fine arts, and Priya Aneesh (28), a commerce graduate. Maharashtra government to celebrate centenary India ranks 131 among 180 countries when of Mangaon conference on March 21 it comes to child survival : Study Mumbai, Agency. THE Maharashtra government will organise centenary celebrations of the historic 2004 Amritsar family Mangaon conference, in which suicide case: Ex-DIG, 4 Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj had as the leader of oppressed others get 8 yrs in jail announcedclasses. State Dr BSocial R Ambedkar Justice Minister Dhananjay Munde Amritsar, Agency. said the celebrations will be held on March 21 as part of the were sentenced to eight years of rigorous government’s Dalit outreach Aimprisonment former Punjab by Police an Amritsar DIG and fourcourt others in a programme. According family. Another accused, DSP Hardev Singh, conference in Kolhapur district 2004was sentenced case of suicideto four byyears five behind members bars. of a to officials, the Mangaon In 2004, on intervening night of October 1920, and was organised by 30 and 31, Hardeep Singh along with his was held on March 21-22 in mother, wife and two minor male children against discrimination and local residents in their fight area of Amritsar. Six persons, including a presided over the conference while Shahu untouchability. Ambedkar be set up that will hold discussions with New Delhi, Agency. had committed suicide in Chowk Moni andthe local Guardian authorities Minister in the of district Kolhapur, and the will every year in India, bringing the average daily Amritsar court on Monday. government. Sources in the government Kultar Singh was SSP, Amritsar city, at Maharajwas made was at a the meeting chief guest,on Tuesday. an official The means nearly 8,00,000-8,50,000 infants die former DIG Kultar Singh, were convicted by said some of the plans included recreating it comes to child survival, according to a new the time of incident and Hardeep Singh said. The official further said the decision IndiaLancet ranks Commission 131st among report 180 on countries the state when of had accused him and four of his relatives toll to 2,350. Lu Gram, India Index developer celebration assumes significance as the health of the world’s children. This is despite households still live in extreme poverty, nearly medium. Also, the government might a steep rise in immunisation rates one of the at the Institute for Global Health, UCL, said, conferencecelebrations isof the seen conference as Maratha-Dalit will be Shahu Maharaj and Ambedkar’s visit to the “Inhalf termsdo not of have basic access survival, to improved one-fifth sanitation, of Indian unity,held on the March official 21. Considering added. “The its centenaryhistoric Mangoan conference through audio-visual and over a quarter doopensearch not have access to a of blackmailing him. In the suicide note, years and the infant mortality rate going Hardeephis relatives had and admitted Kultar Singh.to killing Kultar his Singh father importance, the celebrations will be organised by the government and several alsocelebrations invite are the being descendants planned ofin Ambedkarthe keydown contributors faster than the to world child survivalaverage. in recent launched initiatives such as Swachh Bharat, andwas saidsentenced that he under was beingSection blackmailed 306, 388, by 506, 465 and 120(b) of IPC. Section 306 programmes are being planned,” Munde and Shahu Maharaj, the official said. The skilled birth attendant. The government has demand of an SIT probe into the alleged assesses the threat to the health and future of (abetment to suicide) carries a maximum deal with these issues, but it remains to be seen backdropmisuse of power of NCP by police chief in Sharad the Bhima Pawar’s everyThe childreport, and ‘A Future adolescent for the World’sfrom ecological Children’, sentence of eight years. Apart from being department said a committee chaired Janani Suraksha Yojana and MNREGA, etc. to said.by Satej An Patil, official Minister from of theState socialfor Home justice Koregaon and Elgaar Parishad cases. degradation, climate change and exploitative not. In terms of children’s ability to thrive, whetherIndia displays they willsome successfully of the worst tackle indicators them oron child nutrition in the world, as 28 per cent of marketing practices that push heavily children are low birth weight and 42 per cent Haryana Police issue advisory processedwhen it comes fast food,to survive sugary and drinks, thrive alcohol metrics, and are stunted. It also has some of the highest tobaccoit is well aton way children. to beating While its India 2030 ranksemissions 133rd rates of intimate partner violence, with 39 to check FASTag wallet fraud producing 1.84 tonnes CO2 per capita against targets,the highest is on world track toemitters come inproducing under target more of Chandigarh, Agency. than 20 tonnes per capita. More than 40 child per cent of women having experienced IPV the high youth suicide rate, as suicide is the Haryana Police have issued an advisory and adolescent health experts from around the in the past (compared to 11-15 per cent seen of Rs 23,000 was also imposed on him. requesting citizens to be cautious and alert world have unanimously said that no single in high-income countries). Another issue is age group.” Children in Norway, South Korea awardedHardeep Singh’s eight yearssister, inParminder prison, Kaur, a fine while registering or activating their FASTag country is adequately protecting children’s and the Netherlands have the best chance and her husband, Palwinderpal Singh, uncle (electronic toll collection system) wallets as health, their environment, and their future. most common cause of death for the 15-29 fraudsters may try to siphon money from Central African Republic, Chad, Somalia, South Sabreen Kaur, were all convicted under based Centre for Science and Environment Sudan and Sierra Leone face the worst odds. MohinderSection 306, Singh 388, 506 and of his IPC daughter-in-law, with maximum and one of the authors of the report, told The at survival and well-being, while children in Sunita Narain, director general at New Delhi- sentence of eight years under Section 306. K Agrawal on Wednesday said, “Scamsters Indian Express that the report has found that their bank accounts on the pretext of offering emissions into account, the top countries trail have now come up with a new method to health and future of every child and adolescent Hardev Singh was sentenced under Sections help. Director General of Police (Crime) P worldwide is under immediate threat from However, when authors took CO2 per capita and the Netherlands 160. Each of the three They465, 471,will 120(b),also pay 119, a fine 201 of and Rs 21717,000. of IPC. DSP made FASTag mandatory for all private ecological degradation, climate change and He was found guilty of destroying evidence behind:emits 210 Norway per cent ranked more 156, CO2 South per capita Korea than 166, and commercial vehicles for their faster and using his position to save Kultar Singh. dupe citizens after the Government of India the name of FASTag registration. Then they movement at toll plazas. personallure citizens or by financial offering detailsdiscounts or or even cash OTP in Arabia are among the 10 worst emitters, the They are now attempting to draw money exploitative marketing practices that push fast in the case. He has been sentenced to four Bangladesh (143rd) are among 50 countries their 2030 target. The US, Australia, and Saudi or provide their details. As soon as someone food, sugary drinks, alcohol and tobacco beat at CO2 emission per capita targets by 2030, Hardevyears of Singh rigorous was theimprisonment investigative under officer pretext of helping them register and activate at the bottom of the chart when it comes to backshares schemes, details/OTP asking with them the to caller,transfer funds money children. India (131st), Pakistan (140th) and their FASTag accounts. As FASTag service is managing child health in the early years. India report notes. The only countries on track to from bank accounts of gullible people on the Hardev Singh was accused of washing the new, scamsters are trying all means to cheat has an annual birth cohort of approximately name of Kultar Singh from the walls of He added, “Whenever people receive any while also performing fairly (within top-70) Section 119 of IPC, and fined Rs 23,000. citizens.” Explaining the modus operandi, 2.6 crore. The infant mortality rate in the Hardeep Singh’s house where the suicide aresuch call siphoned regarding from FASTag his/her registration, bank they account.” country stands at 33 per 1,000 live births. This on child flourishing measures are Albania, should immediately disconnect it and directly Armenia, Grenada, Jordan, Moldova, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Uruguay and Vietnam. the DGP said, “First, these scamsters send took place. issue, if any. fake messages which appear as if they contact are or visit the nearest bank to resolve the China joins India, US to set new from genuine sources like banks, asking for deadline for Pakistan CAG report : Opposition seeks CBI probe New Delhi, Agency. against Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Thiruvananthapuram, Agency. of the government, which shows that such InEuropean a significant countries development, to send aChina stern and message Saudi Arabia are learnt to have joined India, US and levels of the government,” he said. deals have been endorsed from the higher- to Pakistan to complete its commitments on Afterindicted the the Comptroller state police department and Auditor for General misuse based smart security system Central Intrusion and diversion of funds, and irregularities in actionForce (FATF)against beforeterrorist the financing plenary sessionand money in (CAG) report tabled in Kerala Assembly MonitoringChennithala System also said (CIMS) the state was police’s “illegal CCTV- and launderingJune, including given “conviction to the Financial and prosecution Action Task of top leaders of all terrorist organisations”. led Opposition on Wednesday demanded a police for irregularities in the deal. “At whose CBI probe against Chief Minister Pinarayi dealing with service providers, the Congress- unconstitutional”.behest was the CIMS The project CAG handed report over blamed to recognise) the importance of continuing Diplomatica major shift sources in China’s said position,Turkey waswhich the has only that the state police diverted funds for 2017. A single user of CIMS service had to pay country which held out in the end. This marksinternational community strengthens the Vijayan. Last week, the CAG report found Rs 80,000 towards the maintenance cost of the activities to meet the luxury requirements a firm named Galaxon which was launched in to make joint efforts to ensure that the alwayswill remain backed on Pakistan the FATF at the grey FATF. list, and terrorist groups throughout the world and on strengthening infrastructure for anti-Maoist all district police superintendents, who have Sources said it is now final that Pakistanframework against training, financing (of) securitynow become system. business The DGP promoters has given of a targeta private for appropriate action by June this year. An said in a statement. “In a desperate attempt to of senior officials. The report also picked up will face consequences if it doesn’t take irregularities in purchases, violations of CVC a non-discriminatory basis,” Modi and Xi had Ramesh Chennithala alleged, “State police ambit.” Referring to the government’s decision Thursday. After the second informal summit always been indulging in false and selective guidelines and deals inked in favour of private firm,” said the Congress leader. Meanwhile, officialat Mahabalipuram announcement last isyear, likely the to Ministry be made on firms. Leader of Opposition in the Assemblyprobe and Vijayan’s role should come under its mislead its people and the world, Pakistan has with the connivance of Chief Minister Pinarayi Home Secretary Vishwas Mehta, who was of External Affairs had said Prime Minister asked to look into the references against the chief Loknath Behera indulged in corruptiontowould get the not home accept secretary the home to looksecretary’s into the report issues Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi mediaremained, leaks and of will FATF remain, proceedings. on the grey The list fact of is police department in the CAG report, rejected Jinping were “concerned that terrorism If one goes by the level of corruption reported raised“whitewashing in the CAG the report, deals”. Chennithala “We want the said CBI they to that despite Pakistan’s best attempts, it has probe into all the issues. All the illegal dealings the findings on Wednesday. He said in his continues to pose a common threat”. “As it acts on FATF parameters to avoid being Vijayan who is handling the home department. report arethat used rifles for were operations. not missing as reported countries that are large and diverse, (we FATF. The onus is on Pakistan to ensure that by CAG and luxury vehicles mentioned in the in the CAG report, it is possible that it was done by the state DGP alone. There should be a CBI mentioned in the CAG report had the sanction blacklisted in future. New Delhi | Friday, February 21, 2020 | DELHI/NCR | | English Daily Open Search | 3 2012 gangrape case : Ahead of hanging, convict hits head against wall to injure self National Museum bars non-vegetarian dishes New Delhi Correspondent. gangrape case lodged in Tihar Jail, injured himself after banging from Harappan menu in event on premises Vinayhis head Sharma, against one the ofwall the of fourhis cell convicts on Monday. in the He 2012 sustained Delhi minor injuries on his head and hand, and was treated by the jail Mukesh Kumar Thakur, New Delhi. On why the government cleared and authorities, Tihar DG Sandeep Goel confirmed. The four convicts the OSMS did not discuss the issue in dishes from being served at Historical advertised the non-vegetarian menu Pawan3 at 6 am. Gupta The date(25), was Mukesh deferred Singh twice (32), earlier Vinay due Sharma to the (26)convicts’ and In a last-minute decision, the National indetail. the “Their first Harappan place, Nath menu claimed is very that Akshay Kumar Singh (31) are scheduled to be hanged on March Museum has barred non-vegetarian well researched but they should not remaining legal remedies. Currently, Pawan is yet to file curative Gastronomica,“the Indus dining a weeklongexperience” exhibition- through any case, we had a discussion and were anda fresh mercy mercy petitions. petition. Akshay, Earlier too, cum-event on culinary history that offers haveable to opted avoid forjust thein time non-veg what dishes.could In has expressed an intent to file Harappan culture” on the museum lawn have become an embarrassment.” OSMS anfrom “ethno-archaeological February 19 to 25. kitchen of the thisthe rejection week, of thehis mercy Supreme petition Court Organised jointly by the National dismissedby the President Vinay’s of India.plea APchallenging Singh, Museum, the Ministry of Culture and One dinners. The dishes that are no longer Station Million Stories (OSMS), a private has stopped accepting bookings for the non-vegetarian tasting menu and whosuffering appeared from acutefor convicts mental Akshay illness available include fish in turmeric stew, andand, Vinay,therefore, told thethe court,death “Vinaysentence is cannot be carried out.” The firm, the event’s menu with vegetarian showcased on the museum website and quail/fowl/country chicken roasted in and non-vegetarian dishes, along with Saal leaf, offal’s pot, bati with dry fish, illness, after it perused a medical report prepared by senior analso invitation on social media for online by the booking, government. was Somi Chatterjee, one of the directors of On Tuesday, however, the museum cited meat fat soup, lamb liver with chick- court, however, did not find any merit in Vinay’s claim of mental pea,OSMS, dried did not fish respond and Mahua to phone oil chutney. calls and emails from The Indian Express medicaladded that officer, all the Akesh necessary Narade, documents, on January including 30, which Sharma’s certified thatmedical Vinay report, was was “psychologically placed before wellthe President adjusted”. who The then court unspecifiedthe event. While rules sources and asked in the OSMSMinistry to promotional material, curating the of Culture said that “a couple of MPs” not serve non-vegetarian food during seekingHarappan comment. menu involved According research to OSMS’s in reacted to the menu shared by the identifying ingredients and general “appliedon the night his ofmind” December and rejected 16, 2012, the in mercy a moving plea. bus A in23-year-old South ministry online, additional director the museum’s tradition. So we emailed what others do. This museum has so dietary patterns, and “connecting the physiotherapyDelhi. She died internof her injurieswas gang-raped a fortnight and later savagely in a Singapore assaulted the private organisers yesterday.” On many idols of gods and goddesses, and hospital. Six people including the four convicts, Ram Singh of any “external interference” in the a relic of Lord Buddha. International and a juvenile were named as accused. Ram Singh, the prime general Subrata Nath denied knowledgeand crafts museum, not having any such dignitaries visit this museum. We have dots from material found in the Indus- accused, allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself in the museum, Nath said: “Actually, there curbs, Nath said: “I won’t comment on to consider these sensitivities here.” and Egypt and later traditions”. is no rule as such. But we have to respect other museums, such as IGNCA, NMML Saraswati Valley and its inland and Tihar jail days after the trial began. matter. Asked about the rules cited by foreign trade network with Mesopotamia Blog writing competition held on Vigyan Babri case accused Nyas head, VHP Samagam to inculcate scientific temper vice-chief to lead Ram temple trust New Delhi Correspondent. construction. When the government announced the trust, the two were not The Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra included. Sources said the government Trust, constituted for construction of a did not want to start a controversy Ram temple in Ayodhya, met Wednesday by nominating persons facing serious charges in an ongoing case. The Janmabhoomi Nyas president Nritya for the first time and appointed Ram trust. Incidentally, the Nyas headed by decision,Das has alreadysources merged said, withwas the taken Ram by the Gopalsecretary. Das Nripendra as its Misra, president former and VHP Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust vice-presidentPrincipal Secretary Champat to the Prime Rai Minister, as general and transferred all its assets (including will head the committee for construction pillars carved for the temple and funds of the temple and management of the collected during the Ayodhya movement) 66.7 acres in Ayodhya. construction of the temple may start by to the new trust. Sources said formalities Das and Rai are among those prepared by the VHP. Sources said the of this merger were completed on the named by the CBI as accused in the the trust include Additional Secretary day the new trust was registered. After criminal conspiracy case relating to April.(Kashmir), Government Ministry officials of Home appointed Affairs, to the meeting Wednesday, Champat Rai the demolition of the Babri Masjid in said: “The inspiration that led Sardar Vijay Kumar, New Delhi 1992. They are out on bail and the case is being heard before a special court GyaneshAvneesh Awasthy; Kumar; and Ayodhya Additional District Chief temple constructed inspired people to exhibition of India is organised by The Department SecretaryMagistrate Anuj (Home), Kumar Jha. Uttar There Pradesh,were Vallabhbhai Patel to get the Somnath Vigyanof Atomic Samagam, Energy the(DAE), first globalDepartment caravan of megaScience science and acrimonious exchanges when Mahant Technology (DST) and curated by National Council of in Lucknow. The 15-member trust,Dharam Das arrived uninvited and founder trustee K Parasaran, appointed free the Ramjanmabhoomi… We thank Science Museum (NCSM) with an objective to spread operating from its office at the Greaterthreatened legal action if he was not theand Centrefor the and success the UP they government had in for awareness and enthusiasm among a large spectrum Kailash-I house of senior lawyer andincluded in the trust. Ever since the working towards this with alertness, Supreme Court ruling in favour of the to understand their point of view in a Govinddev Giri of Pune as treasurer Hindu parties to the Ayodhya dispute, manner that the entire country accepted At the meeting, it was decided to build getting influential people of society of audience, including schools, colleges and University and decided to open a bank account there was speculation that Das and the SC judgment with pleasure.” the temple in accordance with a model students, allowing them to take a deeper peek into the with the State Bank of India in Ayodhya. Rai would be given roles in temple scientific research that is redefining the boundaries of opensearch humanorganized knowledge. in Parag Bharti In accordanceSchool, New toDelhi. spread This awarenessalso abouthelped to Vigyan inculcate Samagam,a basic concepts blog of writingScience at competition the school was level, engaging the students with their counterparts as well as sensitize the students about how India is prospering in Jamia footage out, probe team this arena. Above 300 students from 4th to 10th standard calls for duty roster of policemen tookto help part them in understand the competition. the core They messaging were briefed and prepare about Vigyandiligently Samagam, for the blog its objectives writing competition. and vision well in advance New Delhi Correspondent. Judging the competition, Mrs. Seema Saini wastruly impressed reading the submitted content of the students and explained how the students very intelligently the role of its own personnel in connection with the penned down their understanding of the objective of InDecember the first 15 indication violence thatat Jamia Delhi Millia Police Islamia, is looking a special into

9th Standard and Shruti Deswal 5th Standard grabbed police stations in the South East district for duty rosters of Vigyanthe 1st position Samagam. and AmongDhruv studying them, in Bhumika Class 4 secured Pandey of investigation team (SIT) is learnt to have asked SHOs of videos emerging over the past few days showing police watching such eagerness among her students, she said that day. The move comes against the backdrop of several the 2ndposition. Principal RenuLakrawas over joyed assaultingExpress, the people university inside estimates the Jamia police library action and caused breaking thatthem such to explore competition career willoptions help inthe future. students Students take andinterest handed over to all participants and active members of the adamage CCTV tocamera the tune and of furniture. Rs 2.66 crore. As reported by The Indian in scientific discoveries and planetary science and inspire Police have maintained that some of the video footage they were stationed when police personnel entered the were enlightened about the importance of science and appeared edited and that they had entered the campus in college premises as well as the library. “As of now, we are teachersIndia’s contribution were briefed in the aboutinternational Vigyan science Samagam. projects. They school.activities In at order different to populate schools science across andNew develop Delhi. Thescientific idea hot pursuit of “rioters”. On Monday, Special Commissioner collecting information about all police personnel deployed temperament,behind this exhibition Vigyan Samagamis to demonstrate has been the organizingtechnical of Police (Crime Branch) Praveer Ranjan said the SIT probing the December 15 violence will analyse all clips personnel seen in the footage,” sources said. Sources said Through this first-of-its-kind science exhibition, students to establish the sequence of events. “Once the sequence on December 15, and will later ask them to identify willscience be bestowedand technology with innovativespare. Therefore, scientific DAE thoughts and DST and ability and scientific acumen of Indian Scientists in global is established, we will identify all those involved in the Police headquarters that footage from the library could approaches,urges school making administration the future to Indiaencourage flourish participation in advanced megafor public science till March projects 20 at the like National CERN, Science FAIR, INO, Centre, ITER, New LIGO, theywarrant had an verbally FIR against conveyed the personnel to senior involved, officers atbut Delhi no of students in this mega event. The exhibition is now MACE,Delhi. TheSKA exhibition and TMT. will Vigyan remain Samagam open on allis dayscurrently from open live at National Science Centre, New Delhi. Students and 10:00 AM till 06:00 PM including holidays. For additional violencethe footage and days action after asthe per case law was will transferred be taken,” to them he said. academic members were encouraged to visit the exhibition details, science lovers are requested to visit the website Thoughin December, the inter-state the recent cell move of the appears Crime toBranch have receivedbeen decisioncollecting hastechnical been takenevidence,” in this sources regard. said. “Before In a videodeciding www.vigyansamagam.inand its social media handles. They toreleased lodge anMonday, FIR, SITuniformed officers arepersonnel taking canlegal beopinion seen and can also download and installed the specially created App Indian Express that personnel from two police stations in toSamagam witness and the the majorprojects fundamental displayed at the breakthroughs exhibition were in promptedSouth East districtby the werefootage approached being leaked.by the CrimeSources Branch told The modern science. Informative materials about Vigyan enteringout, after whichthe room students after start breaking running tothe the door door. barricaded by Vigyan Samagam for further inputs. desks. A woman security guard of Jamia is allowed to walk on Wednesday and asked to provide details of where Now Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit speaks Delhi High Court Bar protests transfer of Justice Muralidhar up on leadership : ‘Who will bell the cat?’ New Delhi Correspondent. delivery of justice by the Hon’ble Bench.” The Collegium, headed by Chief Justice Chanchal Singh, New Delhi The Supreme Court Collegium has of India S A Bobde, met on February 12 recommended the transfer of Justice He ripples in the Congress caused by yet another where it also decided to recommend the ispresident. that madam So let us (Sonia)respect his Gandhi position is and an carry interim election defeat are refusing to subside. Arguing on. If the Congress party at some point feels that pronouncements on communal violence that the biggest challenge the party faces is the president, Mr (Rahul) Gandhi doesn’t want to be the Bombay High Court to the Meghalaya Sand Muralidhar,personal liberty, known from the for his bold High Court and Justice Ravi “leadership question”, former Delhi Chief Minister Delhi High Court to the Punjab transfer of Justice Ranjit V More from Mr. Gandhi has to come back or wants to come and Haryana High Court. This back,He recalled opportunities how (former will Haryana always beCM) there. Bhupinder It has recommendation, which comes Sheilaa new Dikshit’sPresident sonafter and all ex-MPthese months Sandeep because Dikshit Vijaykumar Malimath from the happened across other states also,” Dikshit said. a year after a similar move to Collegium statement simply Wednesday accused senior leaders of failing to find transfer Justice Muralidhar Karnataka High Court to the Uttarakhandlisted the names High of the Court. three The Singhsaid “it Hooda is not that and the Sheila party Dikshit will not were use its brought good was discussed but stalled, was judges and their postings. It theythe Congress are “scared who whoare capable will bell of theleading cat”. theSpeaking party to back to leadership positions in their states and condemned “unequivocally did not give reasons for the The Indian Express, Dikshit said there are many in leaders to select a new president but they failed. and in the strongest possible saying “sometimes you want inaction because you the evening of their politics, they probably have leaders”. Dikshit said Rahul had asked senior terms” Wednesday by the Delhi new practice of not disclosing “atdon’t least want six-eight” a certain action and attacked to happen”. senior leaders High Court Bar Association But what are the rest of the 30, 40, 50 (leaders) transfers,reasons. In keepingOctober 2017, with the the “I’m actually feeling rather dismayed by our doing? You have been given a challenge. Our then which said lawyers would abstain senior leaders. They must come up. Most of them, time for them to intellectually contribute…they “It’s very easy to put your finger on any one leader. Collegium had started stating reasons anothercan go into four the or processfive years of leadershipto go. I think selection, this is apresident has said that he’s no longer willing to be for appointments, transfers of judges a those who are in Rajya Sabha, those who have been president. Now the challenge for you was to get resolution, the DHCBA, while urging former Chief Ministers, even some of our current either at the centre or in states or elsewhere,” he practice it discontinued in October last together, put people together, build a consensus fromthe Collegium work to Thursday revisit and in recall protest. its year. In aCurrently the third most senior and get a new Congress president. What this just recommendation, said: “Such transfers judge of the Delhi High Court, Justice to come up and go the extra mile for their party. are not only detrimental to our noble said.Manish Dikshit Tewari is hadnot arguedalone in that questioning the party needsthe state to Muralidhar will be the second most CMs who are very senior, I think it is time for them any decision…Is it that the Congress doesn’t have institution but also tend to erode and Nath…why don’t they get together, get other people of affairs. Earlier this week, former Union minister senior judge of the Punjab and Haryana shows is that at any level, we are scared of taking dislodge the faith of the common litigant High Court if the government approves Therearound? is There Amarinder is (A K) Singh, Antony, Ashok (P) Chidambaram, Gehlot, Kamal which continues to be “fairly socialistic” and bring clarity on the question of secularism and in the justice dispensation system. Such the transfer recommendation. Salman (Khurshid), (Ahmed) Patel…all of them think about reorienting its economic philosophy transfers also impede free and fair have done great for the Congress. They are in its brand of nationalism. “The current position leaders, we don’t have new people?” Sonia Gandhi made a comeback for the party but why aren’t the others performing, asked Dikshit. 4 | English Daily Open Search | EDITORIAL | New Delhi | Friday, February 21, 2020 Open Search Integrated Nutrient Management: Soil health EDITORIAL cards for sustainable agriculture The test protests face Alka Bhargava The Indian people have risen. Resolute both in their At the dawn of Independence, India was solidarity and their resistance, in cities and towns, and even villages across the country, people of various on imports to feed her people. Faced faiths and identities have spilled out in hundreds of awith food famines, deficit nation,stagnant largely production dependent thousands. With no single leader, at the vanguard and rising imports, the adoption of the

of this rising are young people and working-class Green Revolution in the mid-sixties was andMuslim the women.Constitution. Its icons The arenational Mahatma anthem, Gandhi sung and inevitable.varieties that It wereentailed responsive introduction to increased of high- rousinglyBabasaheb in Ambedkar every protest, and itshas symbols become thea protestTricolour yieldingapplication semi-dwarf of fertiliser wheat and water. and paddyThe leveraging of agricultural research and technology proved successful. India, in celebratingchant. With our fear solidarity and silence and freedom,broken, voicesthe country of dissent andring theout. Constitution.We are stirred It byis adefiant movement poetry without and slogans (mt) of foodgrains roughly 3.5 times precedent in the journey of the republic. But many 2018-19, produced 284.95 million tonnes wonder if the movement will succeed, whether it will included 23.40 mt of pulses. Moreover, weary and whimper out, whether it will be crushed, the pre-Green Revolution level and that so that production of horticultural crops our(fruits agriculture and vegetables), has diversified, at 313.85 somt muchin aand grave where error it willto view finally this lead. merely Those as who a battle worry against about success mistake the character of the resistance. It is up to the two phases, model villages are for Sustainable Agriculture under India’s 2018-19, exceeded that of foodgrains! now being developed, one in each of the National Action Plan for Climate Change. theythe CAA-NRIC-NPR belong. It is a warning trinity. thatIt is thea rebellion government against must the TheHowever, country the is abovetoday outputself-sufficient increases in all listenaudacity to its of people. a government It is a spontaneous asking citizens rising toagainst prove majorhave also agri-commodities, come at the cost barring of our naturaloilseeds. fear, hate, discrimination and violence, and the at individual holding level is being done, category of products with potential to resources, especially soil and water. reduce the requirement of urea and dangerous project of militarist Hindutva nationalism. The Mitti ke Doctor country’s 6,954 blocks. Further, testing Nano-fertilisers are another emerging Keeping in view the deleterious effects other conventional chemical fertilisers. It is an uprising against a government which of Jharkhand, of the rampant and imbalanced use of demonises students, dissenters and minorities. It is asof application against grid-based of fertilisers analyses and farmers’ so far, chemical fertilisers, a unique programme alongfairs for with raising SHC-based awareness. demonstrationThe SHCs are copper introduced by the Indian Farmers’ the rejection of its failures to address the hopeless mainly comprising of Soil Health Cards (SHC) was launched realities of everyday life, of joblessness, farm distress, The nano-nitrogen, nano-zinc and nano- rural women, are by the Central government on February and production of safe and nutritious 19, 2015, laying the foundation for apparent that the movement has already succeeded revolutionising onlyfood. theThe first receptivity link in ensuring of farmers healthy to thesoils Fertiliserthat allow controlled Cooperative release recently of nutrients. for on- programme has led to the emergence of field trials are examples of such fertilisers inviolence numerous against ways. women Its paramount and a broken success economy. is that It isit the delivery of soil management in Indian agriculture. The testing and other evidence-based integrated nutrient Theseinto groundwater can significantly and water increase bodies nutrientin the laid emphasis on the balanced use of all ‘Mitti ke Doctor’ (soil health specialists) use efficiency and bring down their runoff us.is theIndeed, first it nationalis a movement movement for the for unity Hindu-Muslim of people interventions at the latest Union Budget for 2020-21 has also ofunity various after religious Mahatma and Gandhi caste identities. was taken When away poor from and even women’s self-help groups that doorstep of farmers, The SHC programme, implemented undertakeBharosa Kendras soil testing(farmers’ at trust village centres)’ level. vicinitywhich also of fields. converges Another with potential the National tool for kinds of fertilisers. prepare langar with desi ghee for their protesting to encourage Andhrathat offer Pradesh integrated currently testing has facilities, ‘Raithu water and soil conservation is ‘biochar’, fertility in terms of the availability produced by pyrolysis (decomposition at Sikh farmers camp cold nights in Shaheen Bagh to them to switch to over the last five years, assesses soil in our civilisational traditions. “We have seen the Bamboo Mission. This high-quality charcoal balanced fertiliser phosphorous and potash) as well as includingwomen, are ofrevolutionising soil. The the Mitti delivery ke of Doctorin the absence of oxygen can be used either sufferingsisters, it of represents 1947”, one the says. triumph “We want of whatto ensure is finest ofsecondary key (sulphur) nutrients and primarymicro (iron, (nitrogen, that this never happens again”. A second success ofsoil testing Jharkhand, and other mainly interventions comprising at the ruralelevatedas such or temperatures) mixed with organic of ‘waste’ additives bamboo in and pesticide zinc, copper, manganese and boron) doorstep of farmers, to encourage them to a suitable ratio. Biochar can enhance crop application for and physical parameters (electrical switch to balanced fertiliser and pesticide students in universities across India. For too long, conductivity, pH and organic carbon). The mostof the universities movement had has become been sterile the re-politicisationsites deprived of sustainable application for sustainable agriculture SHCs issued to individual farmers also without compromising productivity. yields by 5-40%, friendly mycorrhizal fungi agriculture without carry a prescription of the right dosage are teaching their elders not to hate, showing the The SHC programme has also attracted byIt would, 40%, thereby, nutrient reduce retention the requirement by 50% and wayof both to politicala more andcaring ethical and reflection.equal country. Today A students third compromising global attention. India is assisting Nepal waterof irrigation retention and capacity promote of resistance soils by 20%. to crops grown in the soils of their particular various fungal and nematode diseases. accomplishment is the reassurance to India’s Muslim productivity. of nutrients based on both deficiency and people. For Muslims, the past years have been capacity building for integrated nutrient By enduring in the soil for thousands of 17), 10.74 crore cards were distributed, in setting up soil-testing facilities and years, biochar also helps in mitigation of harrowing and terrifying. Muslims were rendered area.with Inanother Phase I11.45 of the croreprogramme being (2015-issued politically irrelevant, and were treated as a political climate change via carbon sequestration. liability to every party. Bigotry, hate speech and management and certified organic In a nutshell, the judicious application of basically advocates judicious use of farming.focusing Theseon African also figurecountries. in India’sThe fertilisers based on SHC prescription has lynching became an acceptable part of everyday life. inchemical Phase fertilisers, II (2017-19). together The with programmeorganic I have travelled to protest sites in every corner of the initiativesFertiliser (Control) in South-South Order 1985 Cooperation has been country. In protests inspired by Shaheen Bagh led by amended from time to time to register new soil health, safe food and mitigating climate improve the health of the soil and its nutrient products and formulations. With multifold benefits in terms of improved manureproductivity. and The bio-fertilisers, crucial infrastructure in order to growing demand for organic produce, reduced water consumption, while at the requirement for the programme has change.same time Balanced protecting use water will also bodies reflect from in Muslim women, I find the mood electrically festive. been provided through the setting up A Force For Global Good of 429 new static soil testing labs (STL) the FCO is now also incorporating bio-balanced fertilisation is being stepped opensearchand strengthening of 800 existing ones, Tien Chung Kwang fertilisers,chemical fertilisers. organic The fertilisers main sources and of non- run-offup through pollution. the coordinated Farmer awareness efforts of aboutthe edible de-oiled cakes, in addition todepartments of agriculture, cooperation On January 11, the Republic of China (Taiwan) & farmers’ welfare and fertilisers, besides held its seventh direct presidential election since apartresult, fromthe total 102 soilmobile testing STLs, capacity 8,752 hasmini- bio-fertiliserssolubilising bacteria are microorganisms and mycorrhizae such 1996. Despite intimidation, disinformation and STLsincreased and from 1,562 1.73 village-level crore to 3.01 STLs. crore As a meddling from the People’s Republic of China nitrogen-fixing azotobacter, phosphate- samples per year. The programme itself by plants. The contribution of chemical theKendras. network Farmer of can, the thus, Indian be enabled Council to of has evolved into a mission mode project, fungifertilisers that to promotegreenhouse uptake gases ofis an nutrients Agricultural Research’s Krishi Vigyan to instill belief among farmers in the important reason for inclusion of organic of 8.17 million votes, representing 57 per cent of (PRC), President Tsai Ing-Wen won her second prescriptions and application of fertilisers farming within the National Mission fulfill the mantra of ‘Swasth Dhara, Khet termthe popular in office vote. decisively, The turnout with reached a record a historic majority new high of 74.90 per cent of the electorate. Hara’ (if the soils are healthy, the fields shall be green)! Her Democratic Progressive Party also retained as per the SHCs issued to them. As a follow- President Tsai’s victory was seen as a blow to Misreading the Mahatma theChina, majority as well (62)as a intotal the rebuff 113-seat of PRC’s parliament. “one country, two systems” model by the people of Shrikrishna Kulkarni Taiwan. These smooth and successful elections are away citizenship of any Indian citizen of not only testament to Taiwan’s vibrant democracy 2014.any religion; The the amendment amendment does does notnot take but also a manifestation of Taiwan’s sovereignty with increasing distress the violent opposition to the Citizenship and independence. “Taiwan has once again Over the past few weeks, I watched for Indian citizenship; the amendment demonstrated the strength of its robust democratic existent National Register of Citizens. take away the right of anyone to apply AmendmentMisinformation Actand misrepresentation(CAA) and the as yet non- is close-ended.The CAA, therefore, secretary of state, Michael Pompeo, had said in his system and makes it a model for the Indo-Pacific supportsa government the wishesto put aside of Gandhiji political in congratulatory statement. The Republic of China region and a force for good in the world,” the US lettercalculations and spirit.and Ithave took the 72 courage years for (Taiwan) has been an independent sovereign areour beingdemocratic used tosystems. inflame insecurities.What is particularly distressing is that not even country since its founding in 1912. Following Every trick is being used to game population is growing by more than the civil war and the inception of the PRC in to15 million implement per year. Gandhiji’s No government wishes. in Our mainland China in 1949, Taiwan and the PRC the world can provide the resources and inciting violence. Those opposed have established their respective governments Mahatma Gandhi has been spared in this and jobs to support such increases in to the inherently humane CAA law have and separate constitutions with jurisdictions diabolical game of inflaming passions the population. It is the primary duty mangled and distorted the real views independent from each other between the Taiwan of any responsible, elected government strait. The government of Taiwan exercises its of Bapu to build a case for their bigoted world view. I wonder if silence is a sovereign rights and establishes diplomatic population. A national register of virtue anymore. In sharing my views, I relations with friendly countries. It is crystal citizens (NRC), in my view, is therefore a have collated facts that should help the won 87 per cent of the reserved seats and every other religious minority were to make an accurate estimate of its clear that Taiwan has never been under the PRC’s must. A united India is a prerequisite to reader assess the need for the CAA and (429/492). The overwhelming majority equal citizens. We are the people who rule for a single day. Therefore, the PRC’s claim a “strong India”. NRC and also bring out the real views of Muslims in undivided India voted that Taiwan is her internal affair is mendacious As I see it, destroying the “politics of the Mahatma. In 1906, the Muslim for the Muslim League and its demand for a separate nation for Muslims. that the minorities of India have been 70 years, Taiwan has weathered numerous League was founded to promote Muslim proclaim “Sarve bhavantu sukhinah”. It is,deprived. therefore, September difficult 26, to accept1947 (page claims and qualifies as disinformation. Over the past consolidated its political position by 39) on injustice not being tolerated: ofthe objection appeasement” to CAA will is be the weaponised unfinished threats from PRC, and has become a progressive Minto heard a delegation of 35 Muslim leaders from various Indian provinces Afterappeasing 1947, the theMuslim leadership majority. in This Pakistan Gandhian agenda. To keep India weak, challengesand democratic and country. setbacks, With in the particular, determined constant interests. In October 1906, Viceroy Lord was done by reinforcing the role of the of all warfare. But if there was no other existent NRC. These forces will also and concerted efforts of its people, Taiwan has who demanded separate electorates for Holy Quran, Shariat and Sunnah in the “He (Gandhiji) had been an opponentby clubbing it with an as yet non- achieved both economic miracles and peaceful affairs of the state. Here lie the roots democratisation. The people of Taiwan cherish and reserved seats in the Imperial proved error and continued to minimise weaponiseunderstand Gandhijihis roots. by Beware misinterpreting of the their freedom, values and democratic way of life. MuslimsCouncil. In in 1909, Muslim-majority the parliament provinces of the way of securing justice from Pakistan, if Pakistan persistently refused to see its him.intermediaries We must who understandclaim expertise Gandhiji, on have to go to war against it.” In 1973, that hit the streets of Hong Kong in March 2019, of the subsequent genocide of the non- the people of Taiwan empathised with and were UKreserved passed forthe IndianMuslims, Councils where Act. only Muslim religious minorities of Pakistan. it, the Indian Union Government would In the wake of the pro-democracy demonstrations which proclaimed it to be an Islamic Gandhian thought but, in reality, are supportive of Hong Kong’s people movement MuslimsFor the would first be time, polled. seats It was would this be Gandhiji had much to say about the nation. The ethnic cleansing of the in opposition Gandhiji’s worldview. to protect their freedom and democratic way of patronage of the Muslim League by the post-Partition plight of Hindus and Pakistan adopted a new constitution Sikhs in Pakistan and the need to secure Gandhijiwas a “spiritual was rootedaspirant”, inthrust sanatana into unity of India. Fast forward to 1946. In justiceDelhi Diary, from which Pakistan. contains Here his speeches I share hisunfolded in front of the whole world. dharma and the Bhagwad Gita. He support the Shaheen Bagh protests? January 1946, elections were held for the own words, chosen from Gandhiji’s non-MuslimThe government minorities of independent in PakistanIndia life.and Unfortunately,violent actions theagainst government them — ofall Hongof which Kong British that would eventually break the A protest rooted in fear mongering, provincial and central legislatures in 17 September 25, 1947 (page 35), on did nothing to help these unfortunate a socio-political role. Would Gandhiji rejectedthe PRC leadership its people’s turned demands a blind and eye tookto. This ruthless is a bigotry and untruths about the CAA provinces. While the Congress claimed and first hand accounts of his views: people. On December 11, 2019, the complete failure of the “one country, two systems” To ensure the safety of the Hindus and CAA was passed by our Parliament. and NRC? Absolutely not. We have a model in Hong Kong: It simply attests to the fact that it represented all of undivided India’s population, the Muslim League the duty of the Union government: “…The amendment dilutes the citizenship that the people of Taiwan have rightfully rejected manufactured, sponsored distractions. contended that it was representing China’s “one country, two systems” model since We must ensure that the CAA and NRC all its Muslims. The dominant issue of Sikhs in Pakistan was the duty of the nation to build. We can ill-afford such its inception in 1997. A rising China, using its are implemented. The CAA can help heal these elections became the contention Indianhand and Union should Government. receive the But full for andthat requirementsBuddhists, Jains, for Parsis those and non-MuslimChristians, might and any possible means, has never stopped wounds and reconcile our past. And, the that Hindus and Muslims are two thesincere Government cooperation should of everybe given Indian.” a free minorities, specifically Hindus, Sikhs, suffocating Taiwan’s international space over the NRC will set the foundation on which we different nations and can never stay Mother India, whose life breath is Bangladesh and Afghanistan, who past 70 years. can secure our present and our future. in one country. The Muslim League Sanatana Dharma, ensured that Muslims fromentered the India Islamic before republics December of Pakistan, 31, New Delhi | Friday, February 21, 2020 | INTERNATIONAL | | English Daily Open Search | 5 FIRST COLUMN Japan lets Diamond Princess cruise passengers walk free Is that safe? Donald Trump picks pardon Yokohama, Agency. at high risk of exposure.” Iwata said in an requests from wealthy pals interview that Japanese health authorities and GOP donors Even as infections aboard a cruise ship had taken only “half measures” to prevent contaminated by the new coronavirus infection and “did not protect” the 3,700 continued to climb, Japan declared on passengers and crew members. Of the people who disembarked on Wednesday, he said, the terms of a two-week quarantine and let “I would not be surprised if they spread Wednesdaythem walk free. that Much 443 of the people world hadseemed satisfied infections.” Iwata said part of the problem was far from reassured. The United States, that Japan’s response had been conducted by Australia, Canada and South Korea have said public servants who did not necessarily have expertise in infectious disease. The country chartered planes will face an additional two- does not have a government agency that Washington, Agency. There’s a common thatweek the quarantine, passengers some they areon flyingmilitary home bases on thread among the 11 felons who found specializes in disease control. evidence that those countries do not believe “They want to handle the case based favor with President Donald Trump this the shipboard quarantine worked, and that week all who were pardoned or set free had a red suitcase. The Japanese government would mingle and eat together, he said, while on a successful plot that the bureaucrats more people could later test positive. said that the passengers coming ashore had some wore full protective gear and others created, and they just want to follow it,” he advocates among the president’s wealthy At the Yokohama port, Japanese workers friends and political allies.In at least some tested negative for the coronavirus and were did not a violation of typical procedures. said. “Without setting an objective or goal, safe to ride public transit and go home to Iwata, who said he had feared contracting they just want to show they are trying hard cases, including former Illinois Gov. Rod disembarking were virus-free. Drivers of Blagojevich and 80s junk-bond king Michael their families. But experts expressed alarm the coronavirus himself while on the ship, enough, even if they end up with many alsothe buses did notthat appear ferried confidentthe passengers that those to over the quarantine protocols. The number is now in a self-imposed quarantine away Milken, Trump has personal relationships airports and train stations were blocked with those he granted clemency. In three from his family. The U.S. government came their decisions. In remarks to reporters on off by plastic sheeting and tape. Workers 621 on Wednesday as 79 new cases were to a similar conclusion about the infection Wednesday, Yoshihide Suga, the chief Cabinet others he drew on the recommendations of walked around the terminal in hazmat suits. infections.” Japanese officials defended a Tennessee grandmother he’d previously ofannounced. confirmed It infectionsis the largest on outbreakthe ship ofreached the control measures when, in an apparent secretary to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, said Local taxi drivers who would ordinarily meet virus outside the epicenter in China. In videos reversal of its early advice to passengers that the country’s authorities had “made the granted clemency at the urging of reality- arriving cruises said they were avoiding the TV star Kim Kardashian West. “I rely on posted on YouTube, a Japanese infectious they should stay isolated in their cabins to maximum consideration to secure the health ship. For those leaving the ship, the Diamond disease specialist at Kobe University said he minimize the risk of infection, it decided to of passengers and crew.” Gaku Hashimoto, recommendations, very importantly,” Princess, it was a long-awaited end to a 14- Trump said Tuesday as he announced his had visited the ship on Tuesday in the hope evacuate hundreds of its citizens on Monday. the vice health minister, said on Twitter that decisions. But, as with other aspects of In a letter to American passengers on Sunday, upon discovering Iwata on board the ship on to prevent the further spread of infection. the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo wrote that because Tuesday, he asked him to leave. Hashimoto Trump’s presidency, the president has veered daya bright ordeal. blue Over sky. theOne course of the of earliest five hours, to from institutional norms. Historically, those ofThe advising specialist, public Kentaro health Iwata, officials described on how of mounting infections on the Diamond said the health ministry was “currently thedisembark, first set a woman of passengers wearing emergeda conical underrice the infection control measures on board Princess, “the Department of Health and receiving help from many experts both within recommended for presidential pardons are hat and a heavy-duty face mask with a strap vetted through a formal process in which as “completely chaotic.” Health ministry Human Services made an assessment that and outside of the ship, and is conducting an hanging loose, was mobbed by journalists passengers and crew members on board are extraordinary quarantine.” their petitions are reviewed by a team of as she walked out of a guarded gate, pulling Justice Department lawyers. In those past cases, typically there has been either strong officials, crew members and psychiatrists evidence of wrongful conviction or the offenders have expressed remorse for their When Democrats vote, Donald Rivals take pre-debate shots as crimes and spent decades making amends. Tuesday’s announcement from the White Michael Bloomberg faces major test House instead often sought to minimize the severity of the crimes that had been Trump is never far away Las Vegas , Agency. committed, and listed the names of GOP mega-donors, celebrities and Fox News Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders hours before the debate began, personalities who had advocated for the Las Vegas, Agency. all day. Journalists were not invited to raising the likelihood of a raucous affair just three days before Trump’s campaign breakfast, but a New Nevada voters decide the third contest of the Democratic felons to get a break. Former New Jersey President Donald Trump is not exactly Gov. Chris Christie said his client, former York Times reporter was dining in the Party’s turbulent 2020 primary season. Bloomberg won’t be a fan of life on the road. He agreed to a restaurant as a guest. In the hotel, the on the ballot Saturday, yet he was expecting to face intense Symplicity Corp. CEO Ariel Friedler, was four-day Western trip this week on the pardoned after he personally vouched for president took aim at CNN and MSNBC condition that he spend every night at for reporting on the polls, but saved his relatively little in his surprisingly swift rise from nonpartisan the businessman during a call with Trump the Trump International Hotel in Las special contempt for Comcast, which scrutinymegadonor on tonational top-tier television contender. for “He the is firstgoing time, to have having a giant faced on Friday. A former federal prosecutor and Vegas. And that location had another cable-news regular, Christie said it was the owns NBC Universal. target on his back from all sides,” said Democratic strategist attraction: It placed him at the current Trump called the media Brian Brokaw. “It’ll either all come only time he discussed Friedler’s case with center of the 2020 presidential race Trump. “‘Are you convinced he’s a really good hotel before he left for a high-dollar conglomerate “corrupt” and a “disgrace together brilliantly or could fall Nevada, where Democrats will vote fundraiser in Palm Springs, California. to this country.” In his remarks to apart very quickly.” The attacks guy?’” Christie, a Republican, says Trump Saturday in caucuses that could reshape asked him, recounting the conversation The president then set off on a hectic supporters and later on Twitter, the began before the debate’s 9 p.m. the campaign. The trip was meant to schedule that had him hopscotching president was reacting to several EST start. On CNN early in the day, Tuesday in an interview with NJ Advance showcase the president’s aggressive Media. Friedler pleaded guilty in 2014 to around California and touching down recently released polls, including one Sanders’ national press secretary reelection push to drum up funds in Phoenix for a “Keep America Great” by NBC and The Wall Street Journal, Briahna Joy Gray tried to rebut conspiring to hack into the computer systems from high-dollar donors in California, of one of his business competitors, serving rally before returning to Las Vegas for that show him trailing several possible questions surrounding the Vermont a Democratic state where Trump is the night. And he will hold two other Democratic opponents, including Sen. senator’s health by pointing to two months in prison. “Yes, Mr. President,” widely unpopular but enjoys some Christie says he replied. “Mr. President, he got rallies before returning to Washington Bernie Sanders of Vermont. “Internal Bloomberg, who she said had also concentrated pockets of support. on Thursday in Colorado Springs, REAL polls show I am beating all of “suffered heart attacks in the past.” treated wrong and you can help right it.” Also But the president believes that on the pardon list was Edward DeBartolo Colorado, and on Friday in Las Vegas. the Dem candidates,” Trump tweeted Sanders suffered a heart attack wherever he goes, he can force the Both in private and in public, it was shortly before leaving for Rancho last fall and released letters from Jr., the former owner of the San Francisco news cycles and political fortunes 49ers pro football franchise, convicted in a clear that Trump did not want to cede Mirage, California, near Palm Springs, doctors attesting to his health. But any political spotlight to Democrats for a private fundraiser. “The Fake News Bloomberg has never suffered a riverboat gambling licensing scandal. In its opportunity to do that was Wednesday media release, the White House touted the on the debate stage. “You know, we Polls (here we go again, just like 2016) heart attack; he released a doctors’ tonight, turn when Democrats in his were favor.And scheduled the have first internal polls that say we beat show losing or tied.” One Democrat, letter last year that said he did undergo coronary stent surgery “unprecedented 13 division titles and 5 Super to hold a debate in Las Vegas. “Should Bowl Championships” won by Debartolo’s every candidate,” the president told the in particular, has held the president’s in 2000. Gray later walked back her statement, saying on Twitter I go to that debate?” Trump asked a crowd at his hotel, a theme he sounded attention: Michael Bloomberg. that she “misspoke” about Bloomberg’s health. Separately, the teams as well as the money the billionaire group of volunteers gathered at his has given to charity. Biden campaign took on Bloomberg over ads that feature him opensearch working closely with former President Barack Obama. The Boeing, crash victims’ lawyers Biden campaign posted a video on social media highlighting White House denies claim that EU leaders to clash over money past comments Bloomberg made criticizing Obama on health Donald Trump offered pardon negotiate over access to 737 care and climate change and accusing him of failing to address as Brexit blows hole in budget MAX documents racism during his term. The video also includes a clip of deal to Julian Assange Brussels, Agency. Bloomberg declaring “I’m a friend of Donald Trump’s, he’s a New York icon.” Bloomberg is avoiding the earliest primary Washington, Agency. The White House on European Union leaders will clash this week over the EU’s 2021- states, focusing instead on campaigning in the 14 states that Wednesday denied an allegation that President 2027 budget as Britain’s exit leaves a 75 billion euro ($81 billion) vote in the March 3 Super Tuesday primaries. And his massive Donald Trump had offered to pardon Julian campaign with over 2,000 staffers nationwide and over $400 becoming carbon neutral by 2050. million spent on ads already has given him enough of a boost extradition to the United States, if he absolved holeThe budgetin the bloc’s is the finances most tangible just as it faces costly challenges such as Assange,Russia of thehacking WikiLeaks Democratic founder emails who duringis fighting expression of key areas on which in the polls. With much of the attention on Bloomberg, there the 2016 campaign. Assange’s legal team the EU members must focus over tois winincreasing high-profile fear from endorsements establishment-minded and double-digit Democrats support told a court in London on Wednesday that the next seven years and their Trump had made the offer in 2017 through willingness to stump up. For the the top in Iowa and New Hampshire, polls suggest the self- Dana Rohrabacher, who at the time was a coming seven-year cycle, the Chicago, Agency. Boeing Co and lawyers aboutdescribed Sanders’ democratic strength socialist in is the poised race. for Afteranother he strong finished at Republican congressman from California. starting point for talks is 1.074% representing families of victims of a 737 MAX showing in Nevada’s caucuses on Saturday. With just six Stephanie Grisham, the White House press of the bloc’s gross national income crash agreed in court on Wednesday to hold secretary, dismissed the accusation. “The (GNI), or 1.09 trillion euros. By a conference call with U.S. government crash that initially featured 20 on stage, the stakes were high for president barely knows Dana Rohrabacher, contrast, EU national budgets claw in 47% of annual output (GDP) probe authorities over access to documents candidateseveryone. Longtime in the debate,establishment the smallest favorite group Biden, tothe date former in a field other than he’s an ex-congressman,” Grisham on average. Still, disputes over hundredths of percentage points related to the now-grounded aircraft’s design, told reporters. “He’s never spoken to him development and two fatal disasters involving on this subject or almost any subject. It is a and many diplomats remain sceptical that a deal will be reached on it. Boeing has resisted sharing documents Obamamoderate vice muddle president, behind is fightingformer South to breathe Bend, new Indiana, life intoMayor his complete fabrication and a total lie.” It is not haveThursday kept and EU Friday,and government when leaders officials meet inbusy Brussels. for the “Tomorrow’s last two years sought by lawyers representing families of flailingPete Buttigieg campaign, and which Minnesota enters Sen. the Amy night Klobuchar. at the bottom Sanders, of a a new revelation that the congressman tried summit is a complex and complicated summit because the proposal victims of an Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX a Vermont senator, has emerged as the progressive wing’s to broker a deal in which Trump would make we have received does not meet our expectations”, said Italian crash on March 10, which killed 157 people preference after two contests as Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Assange’s legal troubles with the United States Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. Italy is one of the net contributors Warren struggles to regain energy for her campaign. Some go away if he provided evidence disproving to the common EU pot. The EU budget gets money from customs in which 189 people died. The lawyers, who Democrats fear that conditions are ripe for a bare-knuckles duties on goods entering its single market, a cut of sales tax, brawl on national television that could carve new scars into that the Russians had hacked the Democratic five months after a similar Lion Air disaster emails WikiLeaks published. But the claim, a divided party that must ultimately come together this fall contributions. It spends money on subsidies for EU farmers, on if it hopes to deny the Republican president a second term. which came the day after Trump pardoned arefor assessingasking why liability the MAX by Boeingcontinued and flying punitive after equalising living standards across the bloc, border management, Bloomberg’s rivals already indicated they would lean into his antitrust fines imposed by the EU on companies, and from nationalthedamages. first crash, “They’re say thehot materialsdocuments,” are Robert critical grabbed attention because a lawyer for research, security and various non-EU aid programmes. Some net Clifford, lead counsel for the plaintiffs, told explosive comments on race and gender in addition to their numerousAssange portrayed high-profile Rohrabacher white-collar as actingcriminals, on contributors the “frugal four” of the Netherlands, Austria, Sweden reporters, saying some show what and when charge that he’s using a fortune earned from a career on Wall Trump’s instructions. and Denmark want to limit the budget to 1.00% of GNI. Boeing knew about factors that played a role in Street in an effort to buy the presidency. the Lion Air accident. Debate night brawl : Mike Bloomberg At Democratic debate, Mike Bloomberg says India bigger carbon emitter than China Bernie Sanders attacked by rivals New Delhi, Agency. During the Democratic debate in Las Vegas Las Vegas, Agency. lesbians.” She wasn’t alone. Sanders lashed out Thursday, US presidential candidate Mike at Bloomberg’s policing policies as New York City From the opening bell, Democrats savaged New Bloomberg said he was willing to work with mayor that he said targeted “African-American and India to tackle the carbon emission crisis, York billionaire Mike Bloomberg and raised Latinos in an outrageous way.” And former Vice pointed questions about Bernie Sanders’ take- adding that the problem of greenhouse President Joe Biden charged that Bloomberg’s gas emissions in India was bigger than no-prisoners politics during a contentious “stop-and-frisk” policy ended up “throwing 5 debate Wednesday night that threatened to in China. The billionaire businessman, million black men up against the wall.” Watching who has heavily invested in China, was further muddy the party’s urgent quest to defeat from afar, Trump joined the Bloomberg pile on. “I President Donald Trump. Bloomberg, the former responding to a question during a debate hear he’s getting pounded tonight, you know he’s on climate change policy and on what he ninth debate cycle. According to a fact New York mayor who was once a Republican, was in a debate,” Trump said at a rally in Phoenix. After check done by The New York Times, forced to defend his record and past comments intensify. Nevada votes on Saturday and South would do to force Beijing the number one the debate, Warren told reporters: “I have no doubt producer of carbon emissions in the world Bloomberg’s statement was incorrect in related to race, gender and his personal wealth in Carolina follows on February 29. More than a that Michael Bloomberg is reaching in his pocket terms of China having slowed down its an occasionally rocky debate stage debut. dozen states host Super Tuesday contests in to tackle the crisis. right now, and spending another hundred million “We’ll never be able to solve this emissions. NYT writes: “China’s emissions Sanders, meanwhile, tried to beat back pointed less than two weeks with about one-third of the dollars to try to erase every American’s memory of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse questions about his embrace of democratic delegates needed to win the nomination at stake. problem without China and India, western about what happened on the debate stage.” On a Europe and America,” Bloomberg said on gas, rose last year from 2018, according to socialism and his health following a heart attack night that threatened to tarnish the shine of his the International Energy Agency. In fact, last year. The ninth debate of this cycle featured the for survival and stood out with repeated attacks on carbon emissions. “(We) have to negotiate carefully constructed TV-ad image, Bloomberg with (China) and convince them that their emissions have risen each year since 2017, MassachusettsBloomberg. She Sen. sought Elizabeth to undermine Warren was him in awith fight faltered when attacked on issues related to race after having declined in 2015 and 2016. the Democrats’ yearlong search for a presidential core Democratic voters who are uncomfortable people will die as well, and then work together. “In all fairness, the Chinese have Experts say China had been stimulating most aggressive sustained period of infighting in with his vast wealth, his offensive remarks about about his wealth and how he has used it to its economy to try to keep up growth among candidates and party leaders that the policing of minorities and demeaning comments slowed down. It’s India that is an even andeffect gender.change Butimportant he was to firmDemocrats. and unapologetic He took rates. Industrial coal-burning is the largest nominee. The tension reflected growing anxiety about women, including those who worked at his bigger problem. But (carbon emissions) particular aim at Sanders and his self-description is an enormous problem. Nobody’s doing source of greenhouse gases in China, struggle to build a winning coalition in November company. Warren labeled Bloomberg “a billionaire as a democratic socialist. which remains the world’s largest emitter.” nominationto beat Trump. fight The could campaign yield is aabout candidate to quickly who whowill calls people fat broads and horse-faced anything about it,” he added, during the 6 | English Daily Open Search | SPORTS | New Delhi | Friday, February 21, 2020 World Test Championship points system unfair : Kane Williamson

Wellington, Agency. “Every team wants to beat us but I can tell you there would be no spite and that’s why I could New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is not a sit with Kane Williamson mid-game and have fan of the points system used for the World Test a conversation on life and not cricket,” Kohli Championship where a team gets a maximum had said. Williamson couldn’t agree more of 120 points irrespective of the length of the about the conversation beyond the boundary series. As per points system, the value for each during a recent T20 game from which both sat Test match win in the upcoming two-match out. “It was really interesting the other day to series is 60 points per game. However if it’s an Ashes series, the value of a Test match win is and share a lot of thoughts that we had and sita lot down of similar and have views a quiet on the chat game,” on the the outfield New an interesting one. I guess there’s an element Zealand skipper said. While their approach reducedto it that isn’t to 24 fair. as But there I guess are there five matches. is an effort “It’s might be different but Kohli’s outlook on the in bringing context to Test cricket which wasn’t game earns nothing but respect from one of his there. So I mean the World Test Championship peers. “We have slightly different approaches is a step in the right direction. which was really refreshing but that is very inspiring from a guy that’s leading the way year or two of it, there’ll always be efforts in his tenacious and competitive attitude but to “It’scontinue not perfect to make but itI guessa better after product,” the first his outlook on the game and what he does Williamson was guarded in his criticism on in and around it,” Williamson said. Kohli and

that points distribution system needs to have an U-19 bilateral series and then in the 2008 a relook. “It is a step in the right direction but the eve of the first Test. But he did mention Williamson first played against each other in there are so many parts to it that some teams won. Eleven years later, both were part of Junior World Cup semi-final which the former difference in countries, there is just heaps of where Williamson had the last laugh. “We go different parts to it that don’t quite make the playing five, some teams playing two, the anotherquite a long semi-final, way back this really, time to ourin the under-19s, main event points of equal measure,” said the Kiwi skipper. of the points system. “There are probably still when we had nothing,” Taylor had said during Kohli and the mostly calm Williamson admire and played against each other in different “But we have all signed up for it and we are a few teething issues to go with the points his interaction earlier this week. Chalk and and respect each other as cricketers and more competitions as well, the international arena all keen to see how it unfolds and I’m sure system but it has brought context to cricket cheese they might be when it comes to their importantly as human beings. “If we had to and the IPL. “I have always admired Virat in it’ll develop over time,” he said. Williamson’s which is probably what ICC were after. Is it share no.1 spot, it would be New Zealand,” a lot of ways for setting benchmarks in the sentiment was also echoed by one of his senior the ideal situation at the moment? Probably the way of Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson skipper Kohli said during a dinner hosted by international game,” Williamson said. teammates Ross Taylor, who was also critical not. But it’s a lot better now than it was before on-field personas but that has not come in the Indian High Commissioner on Wednesday.

forming a mutual admiration club. The fierce FIRST COLUMN Ranji Trophy: Goa ready to rub Rishabh Pant needs to accept that he is Bengaluru FC go down 1-2 to shoulder with the big boys going through a rough patch : Rahane Maziya in AFC Cup play-off New Delhi, Agency. Wellington, Agency. “Forget about the nine league matches that you’ve played. It’s Rishabh Pant needs to accept that he is going through a rough patch Amit Verma used these words to address his teammates following and remain focussed on improving these three remaining matchestheir that innings will and define 211-run you.” win Goa over captain as a cricketer, said India vice-captain Mizoram in Kolkata last week. The Ajinkya Rahane on Thursday. The victory, in essence, was a watershed moment in Goa’s cricketing history, Male, Agency. Without their talisman 22-year-oldwicketkeeper-batsman Pant, who across till five Sunil Chhetri, Bengaluru FC saw their AFC monthsformats, has ago lost was his India’sspot in limited first choice as this was the first time they had overs cricket to KL Rahul and red Cup qualifying campaign hit a roadblock qualifiedupset the applecart for the in the Ranji knockouts Trophy as Maziya S&RC beat the Indian club 2-1 in ball place to a much accomplished quarterfinals.and carry the J&Kunderdog and Goa element will aim in to Wriddhiman Saha. Male on Wednesday. Goals from Ibrahim the business end of the tournament. Mahudhee (64th) and Cornelius Stewart For Rahane, who too has also If it was veteran all-rounder Parvez endured rough end of the stick as far (80th) on either side of a Nili Perdomo Rasool who has been instrumental (71st) spot-kick for the Blues gave Maziya selection matters go, had a word of the advantage ahead of the second leg advice for his young colleague. have pinned their hopes on their captain, Verma. The 32-year-old “It’s important to accept whatever in Bengaluru next week. Carles Cuadrat is very much a domestic workhorse,in J&K’s as much quarterfinal as he’s a journeyman, march, Goa chopped and changed his eleven yet again you are going through. Be positive, as Bengaluru began the game with Leon try and learn as many things as He made his debut for Karnataka in 2007 and was a regular with possible from any of the players. Not needs on a particular game, you have that an opportunity could come his havingthem till ploughed their 2013-14 away for Ranji 12 seasonsTrophy triumph.with three But first-class the emergence teams. saying it has to be senior or junior,” got to accept that. I think acceptance way anytime. “You should try and for the team. With Suresh Singh Wangjam of Karun Nair and KL Rahul meant that opportunities with the serving a one-game suspension and Chhetri is really important talking about focus on what he can control as player Augustine on the flank, making his first start domestic superpower would be too few and far between. He took a Test against New Zealand. Asked that particular individual. Focus on and keep visualizing that you will get injured, Semboi Haokip was given the task NOC in 2014 and shifted to Assam under his mentor Sanath Kumar. of leading the line while Ashique Kuruniyan Rahanehow one saidcan internalize on the eve rejection of the or first controllables, keeping working hard an opportunity. You know what your played down the left. Maziya were dealt an failure, Rahane said introspection and improve as a cricketer.” Rahane, role is. For Rishabh, he bats at No 6 or early blow when striker Asadullah Abdullah becomes key and that starts with who was dropped from the Test 7, so keep visualising about what if he Afterstopped two taking fruitful in professionalyears, including cricketers. one where Assam qualified for acceptance. “See no one likes to sit playing XI during the 2018 tour of gets an opportunity and what his role went down injured and had to be replaced the Ranji Trophy semis, he finally made Goa his home after Assam with less than ten minutes on the clock. outside but whatever your team South Africa, wants Pant to visualise is. Keep it simple,” said Rahane. Maziya had a chance to break the deadlock opensearch in the 40th minute when Ibrahim Aisham found himself onside and in possession. INDvNZ 1st Test: In Playing XI, eight Sanjeev Chawla not here Manchester City could be for picnic at Tihar : ASG in next year’s Champions in race for four slots New Delhi, Agency. League if ban frozen New Delhi, Agency. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday stated before the The injury to Rohit Sharma means India will have a new Delhi High Court that they would not violate the assurances given to Manchester, Agency. Manchester City could the United Kingdom government for the extradition of Sanjeev Chawla, play in next season’s Champions League opening pair. While Mayank Agarwal is a certainty, a call despite a two-year UEFA ban from European needs to be taken between Shaw and Gill for the second opener’s slot. It looks like Shaw is likely to pip his 2018 South African captain Hansie Cronje. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) competition if they ask for the suspension Sanjay Jain, appearing for the to be frozen by the Court of Arbitration U-19 World Cup mate, after Gill had two low scores in the key accused in the 2000 cricket match-fixing scandal involving late the practice match in Hamilton. Captain Virat Kohli also MHA, submitted before Justice Anu for Sport (CAS) during their appeal, sports Malhotra, that Chawla would be in law experts say. UEFA ruled on Friday that hinted at including Shaw in the XI. “Prithvi is a talented player and he has his own game and we want him to Tihar jail and he will be questioned City had committed “serious breaches” of inside the premises. Only if there Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations and follow his instincts and play the way he does. These guys have no baggage.” In that case, Shaw will was an ’emergent situation’ would failed to cooperate with its investigation, Chawla have to move out of the handing them a European ban and a 30 be making his return to Team India after his debut series against West Indies in October 2018. Ashwin has a better in a Ranji Trophy match in December. The Delhi pacer, Tihar jail, that too after taking prior permission of the court, the ASG have denied any wrongdoing, said they the latter has stolen a march in recent times. So much so added. “He (Chawla) has not been millionintended euro to appeal ($32.38 the million) decision fine. to City,CAS inwho brought here for picnic at Tihar. He Switzerland and when they do they could recordthat whenever than Jadeja. India Butplays it’s just batting one spinner, and fielding Jadeja where gets however, cleared the fitness test just in time to board the preference over Ashwin. It may be the a similar case flighta tussle to forNew the Zealand. third seamer As things between stand, Ishant Jasprit and Bumrah Yadav. and has been extradited to corroborate ask for “provisional measures” which in with the evidence and to unearth the effect would suspend the ban until a full at Basin Reserve. On one hand there is Saha, a genuine MohammedGoing by current Shami form, will it be would the befirst-choice a tad unfair seamers, to leave with wicketkeeper with the ability to play courageous knocks Yadav out of the playing XI, as he was in red hot form in the hearing into the case is heard. The Premier contended. Senior counsel Vikas Pahwa and advocates Vineet Malhotra League champions have not indicated if they under tough conditions lower down the order. On the other, Bangladesh series accounting for 12 scalps in two Tests. there’s Rishabh Pant, who has been seen mostly ferrying Ishant, though, with his wealth of experience, could just entireand Hemant conspiracy Shah, appearing of match-fixing, for Chawla, involving opposed other the co-accused,” same and submitted the ASG will ask for such measures and CEO Ferran that, while seeking extradition, “diplomatic assurances were given by the Soriano said in a statement on Wednesday drinks. He didn’t get any opportunity on the limited-overs get the nod. Kohli seemed to suggest so in his pre-match leg of this tour, since KL Rahul was performing a dual role. press conference on Wednesday. “Ishant looked pretty Government of India to the Government of UK”. “As per Letter of Assurance that he hoped for a swift end to the case. of Government of India, the accused has to be kept at Tihar Jail Complex “We are looking for an early resolution However, Pant looked on song in the practice match, where normal and pretty similar to what he was bowling before he notched up a half-century. But for the series opener, the ankle injury. He is hitting good areas again and he has during the pre-trial detention and in the event of prison sentence upon obviously through a thorough process and conviction,” Pahwa argued. Opposing the same, ASG Jain argued, it (the a fair process so my best hope is that this the team management is likely to adopt a conservative played (Test cricket) in New Zealand couple of times, so approach and bank on Saha’s experience. Ishant looked his experience will be useful to us. It was really good to see government) never gave any assurance to the UK authorities that no out of the reckoning for this tour after twisting his ankle him bowling with pace and in good areas.” further investigation will be carried out in the case. He contended that the summer and until then for us, it is business purpose for which he (Chawla) has been extradited would not be met. willas usual. be finished before the beginning of the Mumbai-born Ajaz Patel plotting India’s Bengal start favourites against Odisha in Ranji quarterfinal Cuttak, Agency. After taking charge as Bengal’s head coach downfall against New Zealand this season, Arun Lal took a leaf out of Wellington, Agency. and it takes a long time. I knew his fast bowling Bishan Singh Bedi’s book. His stint as team would not have taken him anywhere, there were mentor last term had convinced Lal about Growing up in Auckland, Ajaz Patel never so many better kids than him,” he remembers. the need to change the team culture. Tough dreamt of becoming a cricketer. His parents However, it wasn’t as easy as just switching on a love was the need of the hour. On the eve of had just shifted with him and his two sisters light. It meant more hard work than before, but to the city from Mumbai and there were more Ajaz was willing to slog. “Once he got a hang of Odisha at Tangi near Cuttack, Lal chose to to this side. Back-to-back outright wins pressing livelihood issues to grapple with. His it, he was unstoppable. He would keep bowling Bengal’sbe anecdotal. Ranji “Once Trophy Bishan quarterfinal did this against to the away from home – against Rajasthan and father, Yunus, then a refrigerator mechanic, had throughout the day. Sometimes I had to force him Punjab – have given Bengal the required just opened a shop and young Ajaz was getting to take a few days’ break. But he wouldn’t listen 200 boys turned up. accustomed to the new country and new life. and wanted to make up for lost time. He had set an PunjabHe made boys. themOn the run. first Even day ofif someonethe camp, on their home patch, on a rock-hard pitch, Cricket, thus, was merely an afterthought. “I was individual goal of bowling a particular number of threw up, he said, ‘OK, now run’. Next with a tinge of green, at the DRIEMS more of a school and home guy. confidence. Of course, Odisha are playing deliveries a day,” Dipak remembers. It was never day the number came down from 200 to College ground, where they have won I did not have too many friends to play the game College alongside future Black Caps Martin Guptill below 1,000. At the same time, Dipak didn’t want 120. At the end, there were only 40,” he three matches with bonus points – with in the streets or the nearby ground and we were success,and Jeet and Raval. was aBut first-choice the U-19 seamer World for Cup Avondale snub to hurry Ajaz’s transformation. He wanted to do it recalled. “People criticised when I was four seven-pointers in the group stage in prompted a rethink and he decided to have a frank in an organic way and made him play as many club making the Bengal boys run. When you are play cricket when I was a child in Mumbai with my chat with Auckland U-19 coach and former New games as possible. Though he was among the top feeling down and still running 25 rounds, Elite Group C, and on paper cannot match justcousins finding and friendsour feet in inschool,” the new he told country. New Zealand I used to Zealand off-spinner Dipak Patel. “Do you think I it makes a difference. I said ‘if you get Herald before making his debut two years ago. But total. But they qualified from the weaker am good enough? Should I switch to batting or Then again, this could be a banana skin that’s when his aunt intervened and put him at a bowling spin? I sometimes bowl spin in the nets team, as Auckland’s spin bowling department was year, they will understand. Look at (Ishan) for the visitors and they need to guard cricket club along with her children. Naturally left- five wicket-takers at club level for two years in a Bengal’s firepower, at least bowling-wise. and a few times for the club (New South Lynn).” At sorted. So he decided to make a switch and joined unfit,Porel. Lastgo home’. year, I calledWhen himthey an will old woman.do well thisagainst complacency. Maybe, that was the handed and tall for his age, Ajaz was groomed to be row, he found it difficult to break into the domestic the end of the conversation, Dipak took him to the the Taradale Club in Napier, so that he could push This year, he is India material,” Lal took reason even the fast bowlers were made a fast bowler. Not the tearaway types but more the nets and asked him to bowl spin, before he went for getting picked for Central Districts. It meant pride in his old-school approach. Not often to go through their paces on the eve of a guy who probes batsmen with a tight line and nails to watch him at a club game. “I was impressed, staying away from home, which he had never done do Bengal go to a Ranji Trophy knockout them with his natural angle away from the left he’s got that ability to spin the ball and from in his life, and felt terribly homesick in the more handers. At age-group level, he reaped reasonable there on it’s all about the art. It’s about learning back-woodsy Napier. methods have brought a positive change five-dayfast bowlers. game. Optional practice sessions fixture as overwhelming favourites. Lal’s before multi-day fixtures, especially for New Delhi | Friday, February 21, 2020 | BUSINESS | | English Daily Open Search | 7 FIRST COLUMN Second Hong Kong Sunil Mittal, K M Birla meet FM on coronavirus death as it awaits stranded cruise passengers telecom crisis as AGR deadline closes in New Delhi, Agency. a few options to the Union government for consideration. This includes creating Almost three weeks after the Union Budget, a telecom fund to give soft loans to the two top representatives of India Inc visited service providers and extending the payment timeline. A relaxed AGR law Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday. Bharti was also suggested to bring some relief in theAirtel North chairman Block Suniloffice Mittal of Finance and Vodafone Minister the sector. SC on Monday had dismissed Idea chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla were Hong Kong, Agency. Hong Kong reported Vodafone Idea’s petition seeking relief not there to talk about issues related to the from invocation of bank guarantee by its second death from the new coronavirus Budget, but to seek relief for the deeply on Wednesday as authorities drew up plans DoT in case it failed to pay its AGR dues stressed telecom sector. For Birla, this was in the stipulated time. According to the the second straight day of reaching out to stranded on a virus-stricken cruise ship the government. or DoT can invoke bank guarantees and toin Japan.fly home The hundreds 70-year-old of city man residents who died On Tuesday, he along with Vodafone Idea had underlying illnesses and was one of 62 unifiedconvert licencethe same agreement, into cash thesecurity licensor if the service provider violates any term of the Department of Telecommunications of the licence. On February 14, SC had Princess Margaret Hospital spokeswoman CEO(DoT), Ravinder including Takkar secretary had met Anshu top officialsPrakash, confirmedsaid. In addition cases toin thosethe Chinese-ruled cases, 52 Hong city, a seeking relief from coercive action if the Kong residents have tested positive for the of Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea company failed to pay up the dues linked seeking relaxed payment scheme for coronavirus on the cruise ship Diamond to adjusted gross revenue (AGR). After rejected the modification applications Princess in Japan. There are 352 Hong Kong the AGR dues. The apex court directed meeting the FM on Wednesday, Mittal the companies to make payments residents on the ship. The ship has been told reporters that the AGR issue was not said. He also met the telecom secretary on Vodafone Idea, which has maintained that quarantined in the port of Yokohama since immediately. The issue dates back to discussed. He said the telecom sector was Wednesday. Mittal said Bharti Airtel had it would be tough to continue as a going 2003 when the AGR dispute had started. Feb. 3 after a man, who disembarked in under stress for the last three-and-a-half already announced plans to pay the dues concern, has paid Rs 2,500 crore and has Hong Kong before it travelled to Japan, was On October 24, 2019, the SC ruled years and that the government should focus arising from the Supreme Court ruling and committed to pay another Rs 1,000 crore that AGR for telcos should include all diagnosed with the virus. More than 540 on its sustainability. “The only thing the was currently calculating its liability. The this week. Vodafone Idea’s AGR dues work people have tested positive for the virus revenues accrued to carriers, including government needs to do is to focus on how company has paid Rs 10,000 crore out of out to more than Rs 50,000 crore. It is that from non-core activities, upholding on the liner - the biggest concentration of to ensure sustainability of the sector,” Mittal its estimated liability of Rs 35,500 crore. learnt that the two telcos have proposed infected people outside China. Speaking in the DoT’s stance. Hong Kong’s Legislative Council, Security Secretary John Lee said 200 out of the 352 Hong Kong residents on the ship, which is Coronavirus outbreak to have limited operated by Carnival Corp, were willing to impact on India, says RBI Governor The government was trying to convince SBI Cards IPO to open for take free, government charter flights home. New Delhi, Agency. coming back would be required to undergo Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das has said the14 days rest toof boardquarantine the flights, upon arrival.he said. “We’ve Those urged the Japanese government to prioritize that the coronavirus outbreak will have limited impact on India, subscription on March 2 our cases,” Lee said. “We wouldn’t rule out but global growth will be hit. India’s pharmaceutical and electronic New Delhi, Agency. the possibility of sending more charter manufacturing sectors are dependent on China for inputs and they may be impacted, said Das. “Most of the large pharma companies, The 9,000 crore initial public offering (IPO) of SBI Cards according to information that we have, always keep stock for three- and Payment Services, the credit card arm of State Bank four months. Therefore, they should be able to manage and also flightsto return but to we’ll Hong try Kong our beston Thursday. to handle The all of of India (SBI) , will open on March 2, according to its those provinces from where these themUnited in States one day.” evacuated The flights more are than expected 300 prospectus. SBI Cards is the second-largest credit card pharma intermediates are sourced nationals on Monday on two chartered issuer in India with an 18 per cent market share. The have not been impacted by the virus company plans to issue new shares worth 500 crore outbreak. Therefore, there is an and will offer up to 130.5 million shares for sale, the expectation that the supply of pharma flights and six South Koreans and one prospectus, dated February 18, showed. The bidding raw materials will be maintained,” he Japanesealso plans spouse to evacuate flew to169 South people Korea to its on process will close on March 5. SBI Cards will offer up to Wednesdaynorthern city on of a Darwin, chartered where flight. they Australia will be 130,526,798 equity shares through offer for sale route. needs to be closely monitored by every quarantined for 14 days. This will include up to 37,293,371 share sale by SBI and policymaker whether in India or any said. “It is definitely an issue which up to 93,233,427 shares on offer by Carlyle Group. In other country. Every policymaker, addition, the company will also issue fresh equity shares every monetary authority needs to RBI gives final nod to of 500 crore. SBI holds 76% in SBI Cards and rest of the keep a very close watch. So coronavirus stake is held by Carlyle Group. Kotak’s plan for diluting issue needs to be closely watched,” he said. The RBI governor said Kotak Mahindra Capital, Axis Capital, DSP Merryl that the coronavirus outbreak appears to be larger than SARS and Lynch, Nomura Financial Advisory, HSBC Securities and promoter shareholding this time China’s share in world GDP and world trade is much SBI Capital Markets are the book-running lead managers of the issue. SBI Cards was launched in October 1998 global GDP and global trade,” he said. The Japanese yen had hit a by the State Bank of India and GE Capital. In December nine-month low over the news of the spread of coronavirus (now higher. “So, the coronavirus will definitely have an impact on the 2017, State Bank of India and The Carlyle Group acquired known as Covid-19) across the countries in the world. The outbreak of more than 130 cities in India. For the six months to GE Capital`s stake in the Company. The company offers is expected to shave up to 0.2 percentage points off Japan’s economic last September, SBI Cards reported revenue growth of Indian consumers access to a wide range of value-added growth this year as it hits exports, factory output and tourism, a payment products and services. With a customer base Reuters poll of analysts showed last week. 78% to 1,034.58 crore during the period. of over 9 million, SBI Card operates through a footprint opensearch 36% to 4,363.9 crore from a year-ago. Its profit jumped Mumbai, Agency. Kotak Mahindra Bank on Wednesday said the Reserve Bank of

the lender’s proposal to dilute promoters’ Indiashareholding (RBI) has in granted the bank. final “Further approval to our to Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea intimation dated 30 January, 2020, please note that the Reserve Bank of India has

18 February, 2020 in the matter relating grantedto dilution its offinal promoters’ approval shareholding vide its letter in dated oppose Trai’s tariff transparency drive the Bank,” the lender said in a notice to stock exchange. On 30 January, the private Kolkata, Agency. incumbents saying that some retain subscribers, and they also wouldn’t be sector lender had said RBI has agreed to offers, especially counter- bound to report those to the regulator or make its proposal to reduce promoter stake to Reliance Jio and older incumbents, Bharti Airtel offers to retain users, had to them public. The Big 3 telcos now appear to 26% from the current 29.96% over the next have buried their differences in their latest six months. It also said promoter voting page on a key issue concerning transparency competitive advantage. Mukesh submissions, in response to Trai’s recent paper in tariff plans. All three telcos have strongly rights will be capped at 20% of the paid- and Vodafone Idea are finally on the same beAmbani-led kept confidential Jio had to then protect on ways to boost transparency levels in all tariff- up voting share capital until 31 March and discouraged the sector regulator on the need batted for all plans to be made related communications of phone companies to will be further capped at 15%, effective 1 to publish details of all plans, including those public on a common platform. protect consumers. April. Kotak Mahindra Bank had added that not on offer but active. They said publication Subsequently, in December On Trai’s call for a standard template for promoters will not purchase any further of withdrawn offers, active only among a few 2018, the Telecom Disputes publication of tariffs, Jio said any “further “paid-up voting equity shares” of the bank users, would create confusion, leading to a surge Settlement & Appellate intervention by the Authority” would till promoter shareholding reaches 15%. in customer complaints. In its submissions to Tribunal (TDSAT) set aside a tantamount to micro regulation, and would With this settlement, the bank has decided Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), rule in Trai’s earlier predatory “irreversibly affect the well turned out policies Jio said if plans not available for subscription pricing regulation that required of forbearance and light-touch regulations”. Bombay high court after RBI struck down its to new users are published alongwith all plans big telcos to report all tariffs in Airtel said “any intrusive regulatory framework available, there’s “liable to be confusion for a toproposal withdraw to issue the writ perpetual petition non-convertible filed in the the interests of transparency on publication of tariff offers would create preference shares to comply with promoter customer, leading to unwanted complaints”. and non-discrimination. It had unnecessary hindrances, be counter-productive shareholding norms. Promoter Uday Kotak It added users “might like an unavailable of services at telco call-centres” if awash with then ruled that segmented offers and discounts and restrict the ability of telcos to carry on their will now sell 4% of his stake worth 12,500 plan, and complain to the Authority” if unable to queries about plans no longer available for offered in ordinary course of business to business”. The telcos, in their submissions, crore over the next six months, ending the subscribe to the same. The limited set of existing subscription. Vodafone Idea backed their views, existing customers without any discrimination have also told Trai that publication of tariffs via dispute between the regulator and the bank users availing of such plans not otherwise on saying publishing details of “many withdrawn within the targeted segment did not amount alternate channels such as Facebook, Whatsapp, over dilution of promoter stake. Shares of offer to new users it said, are “fully aware of plans” would end up “consuming a lot of to a tariff plan and needed no reporting in Twitter, service provider apps would have Kotak Mahindra bank rose 1% to 1,709 after space, cost, and cause unnecessary confusion the manner prescribed for regular tariff plan. serious limitations like screen size, character Mirroring Jio’s views, Airtel said “display of all for consumers”. Less than three years ago, The telecom tribunal’s verdict had allowed limitation, which need to be considered approval from RBI. applicableplans, including benefits, those not terms on offer,” and would conditions”. make the older carriers had sparred with Jio on the the then dominant players Airtel and VIL to while disseminating critical information “customers unhappy” and also impact “quality the news came the bank had received final matter of transparency of tariff plans, with the continue offering customised discounts to to consumers. Taking Stock : Bulls regain control after 4-days Govt probe finds no major irregularities in Indiabulls group : Report of pain, Nifty reclaims 12,100 levels Mumbai, Agency. New Delhi, Agency. 1.6 percent). Volume spike of 100-600 percent was seen in Wipro, Idea Cellular, HUL, Voltas, in the operations of the Indiabulls group, according to people familiar with the matter. Bulls managed to push the benchmark indices Torrent Pharma, and Aurobindo Pharma. Long AnThe Indian companies’ government shares investigationjumped. The registrarhasn’t found of companies any significant in its thirdfinancial inspection irregularities report above crucial resistance levels on February 19 buildup was seen in stocks like Torrent Pharma, has said all transactions between various units of the group have been at arms’ length, thanks to positive global and domestic cues. The Voltas, Adani Power, and Aurobindo Pharma Nifty50 is back above 12,100 while the S&P BSE Short Buildup was seen in stocks like Apollo report isn’t public. It also found that loans it had been Sensex rallied more than 400 points to reclaim Tyres, Tata Motors Stocks in news. theprobing people - to said,DLF Ltd., asking Americorp, not to be and identified Anil Ambani’s as the 41,300 levels.The market rallied on hopes that the Vodafone Idea share price surged 38 percent Reliance Group - have all been repaid while those government may consider some relief measures after company’s Chairman Kumar Mangalam given to the Vatika and Chordia groups are standard for the ailing telecom players, as well as, crucial Birla met Telecom Secretary Anshu Prakash on accounts. India’s ministry of corporate affairs had announcements from the Cabinet meeting on the Tuesday. ARSS Infrastructure Projects share price been investigating the Indiabulls group for more than agricultural sector. Cabinet approved Rs 4,460 cr jumped 15 percent after the company bagged a year after initial inquiries found cross-holdings for dairy farming and has approved tweaks to the an order worth Rs 130 crore. Man Industries crop insurance. share price rose 3 percent after the company of their subsidiaries, raising the possibility of the On the global front, new coronavirus cases received a new export order of approximately betweenexistence theof shell firms companies. and common The Delhiaddress High for Court several have decreased and close to 80 percent of Chinese the S&P BSE Smallcap index gained 1.4 percent. Rs 300 crore from the MENA region. SpiceJet on Feb. 28 will hear a petition to probe Indiabulls on factories have resumed work. Let’s look at the Top Nifty gainers include names like ZEE share price advanced more than 4 percent similar allegations. Shares of Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd. surged 14.4% as of 12:08 Entertainment, Coal India, Grasim Industries, after reports made rounds that the company is p.m. in Mumbai on Thursday, compared with a 0.1% advance in the benchmark index. 428 points to 41,323 while the Nifty50 closed and Bharti Infratel. Top Nifty losers include Indiabulls Ventures Ltd. rose 7.5% and Indiabulls Real Estate Ltd. gained 4%. The probe finalwith gainstally ofon 133 D-Street points – to the 12,125. S&P Sectorally,BSE Sensex the rose names like Sun Pharma, JSW Steel, and Tata Pharma share price gained 20 percent after the found a few compoundable offenses, such as improper implementation of accounting action was seen in Energy, Healthcare, oil & gas, Motors. Sectorally, the action was seen in the goingcompany to launch received new an domestic establishment flights. inspection Aurobindo standards, and appropriate action would be taken in these cases, the people said. A FMCG, consumer durables, and power indices. S&P BSE Energy index which rose 2.3 percent, report (EIR) with voluntary action initiated spokesman for Indiabulls declined to comment while two calls made to the ministry’s Broader markets outperformed frontliners as followed by the S&P BSE Healthcare index (up (VAI) status from the United States Food and spokesman were not answered. This story has been published from a wire agency feed the S&P BSE Midcap index rose 1.3 percent and 2.1 percent), and the S&P BSE Oil & Gas index (up Drug Administration (USFDA).

without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. 8 | English Daily Open Search | ENTERTAINMENT | New Delhi | Friday, February 21, 2020 FIRST COLUMN There’s life beyond movie Taapsee Pannu: I understood the meaning posters, where real struggle lies, says Sanjay Mishra of patriarchy after I started working Mumbai, Agency. will listen to you. In this day and age, who has fabulous work but why am I supposed to be the time to even do that? If you have been known by his name’?” she said. Ayushmann Growing up in an environment where she given that kind of power, then you can use could question anything and everything, that power in the right direction sometimes,” not become a reason for her being called his the true meaning of patriarchy came home she said. But with great power comes greater choosingfemale version, to do Taapseedifferent argued. kind of “So films I tweeted should to her only when she started working in responsibility, the actor said. and that became huge. I guess, as women, we Bollywood, says actor Taapsee Pannu, whose “When, in the beginning, I managed one or have been seen through male benchmarks latest Thappad closely examines the issue of so much that whenever something like this domestic violence. The actor, who has pushed were listening and the movies had started a twodiscussion, issued-based I realised films ‘this and is saw power, that and people one Mumbai, Agency. For every dream of Saand ki Aankh and now plays a woman who should use it in the right manner’.” There and said it has taken her a while to reach a refuses to accept even one slap from her happens, our antenna is up.” With five more stardom that is realised, there are many that the envelope with films like Pink, Mulk and was some controversy when producer Tanuj films in the offing, Taapsee is busier than ever perish on the wayside, believes actor Sanjay husband, said she is happy she is in a place Garg called Taapsee “Bollywood’s female to. “I am not ready to leave a single of these where audiences can view change through Mishra, who like any artiste, grapples with version of Ayushmann Khurrana” on Twitter, place where she can do the films she wants questions of recognition and oblivion. The her work. “I have understood the meaning of to which the actor sportingly replied, “What level where people today are ready to wait the word patriarchy in recent years… like if highs and lows are part of an actor’s life but generation will not see the difference but the about calling me Bollywood ki pehli Taapsee films.for me. I haveI am notworked ready really to leave hard any to ofachieve these a what worries Mishra are things beyond the the father says you cannot go out, you don’t generation next to us will,” she said. Thappad, Pannu?” Asked about her response to the screen his installments, striking a work- question that. Your mother may agree with which releases on February 28, happened controversy, the actor said Tanuj, who is have these movies and say they are mine,” she you but she is just running the house, so it family balance and dealing with the death of after she told director Anubhav Sinha during films because I have waited for a long time to close ones. The constant restlessness is why does not matter. You have to be in the house by the making of Mulk that she would now like a remake of Run Lola Run, is a good friend Taapsee is someone who does not hide her 8 pm because guys can’t control themselves,” producingand someone her who upcoming has supported film Loopher for Lapeta, a said.opinions. Unlike While other that stars leads in the to filmcontroversies industry, an ode to character artises in Hindi cinema, Taapsee told PTI in an interview. The long time. “I know that Tanuj’s intention was sometimes, it comes from a space of clarity, realisation that this is not okay comes after theresonated script of with his theupcoming actor so film much. Kaamyaab, “I face to work on a film dealing with the everyday good. He is the producer of ‘Run Lola Run’ she explained. “I have a clear mind. I have professional struggle and tackle it every time. a lot of questioning, she said, adding that she problemplaying a ofhousewife domestic whose violence. world The comes film is and he has been very supportive of me for rarely had grey areas in my life where you are But the struggle of living life, of thinking understood how to make changes in her own setcrashing in an around affluent her Delhi after family her husband with Taapsee slaps years now. I know his intention but I have confused about what you want to do. I don’t about paying installments, dealing with life. “Small things about gender parity and her in a party. Film stars, Taapsee said, are been hearing a lot from people recently ‘you know where it comes from but this has really deaths, going through ups and downs, is pay parity… But you cannot change that by worshipped in a cinema-obsessed country helped me in the long run. “This is why when constant. There is a life beyond movie posters just shouting that ‘this is not right’. You have like India and can sometimes use the power You are the female version of Ayushmann’. I have to criticise something, I don’t do it for to ensure that people start to recognise that and that’s where the struggle is,” Mishra told in the right direction. “People listen to you. choose“I’m like your ‘wonderful films the that way thisAyushmann guy is doing does. the wrong reason. I don’t target people. PTI in an interview. The actor, who has been change through your work. Maybe the new They may agree or disagree with you, but they

introspective about life after the untimely indeath the offilm his industry father over for 25 a decade years, becameago. It came as a shock to Mishra and changed his outlook Bhoot The Haunted Ship box office prediction Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan is Vicky Kaushal to have another hit to his credit not specifically about homophobia or towards things, including his film work, which hehim gave the upcomedy briefly. All He The was Best. pulled “‘Dhondu back into just New Delhi, Agency. acting by filmmaker Rohit Shetty, who offered homosexuality: Director Hitesh Kewalya but I’d say that line on set and cry in the Vicky Kaushal gave the year 2019 a perfect start with his military drama New Delhi, Agency. chill’corner. from I used the tofilm miss became my father a popular so much, dialogue I’d keep crying between takes. I’d feel ‘Let me call opening of Rs 8.20 crore, and it went on Hitesh Kewalya is all set to make his directorial debut him up and ask something’ and remember with Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan. In an interview with he’s no more. I still have his number saved Urito become The Surgical one of theStrike. highest The grossersfilm got an on my phone. You can never delete it,” the of the year with Rs 245.36 crore in actor recalled. Directed by debutante Hardik its kitty. Now, Kaushal is returning to the big screen with the horror drama indianexpress.com,starring Ayushmann KewalyaKhurrana saidand Bhumi that the Pednekar. idea of “When the film Mehta, Kaamyaab had its world premiere at popped up after he finished writing Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, the Busan International Film Festival, and also Bhoot: The Haunted Ship, and trade pundits are expecting him to set the features Deepak Dobriyal, Sarika Singh and weit was finished talking about writing an aspect Shubh of Mangal men’s sexuality, Savdhaan which (2017), is not we Isha Talwar. cash registers ringing yet again. Film trade analyst Girish Johar is expecting knewtalked weabout had openly. a script, When and we it werewas in done a difficult with the space script, because it Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan with the audience. That is when we thought, what if we take the franchise forward? During the discussions, we gave it a aintriguing good start and for scary. Bhoot at the box office. had something that gave us confidence that it will work well thought that why not talk about homosexuality? It was also will encourage parents to have a He Thesaid, audience “The trailer will of get the to film watch is quite a the time when the conversations (on homosexuality) were conversation on homosexuality and it is backed by a well-established However, along with Bhoot, Shubh both youth and families. So, Bhoot on because during that time PILs (public interest litigation) hardcoreactor like Kaushal.horror film So, theafter chances a long of time,it Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, which has will be impacted by the Ayushmann performing well at the ticket counters the most bankable star of Bollywood, Khurrana starrer. Since two decent Hitesh Kewalya agreed that after Supreme Court’s verdict to Ayushmann Khurrana headlining the weredecriminalize being filed Article to decriminalize 377, which considered Article 377,” same-sex Kewalya love shared. as day collection at Rs 4-5 crore, he star cast, also releases this Friday. the audience will be divided on the a punishable offence, telling “stories about a very basic aspect of human nature without feeling hindered” became easier. areadded, high.” “Vicky Pegging Kaushal the has film’s a good opening fan And, it being a family entertainer filmsbasis of are their releasing preferences,” on Girish the sameJohar day, following and he is coming after a gap might hamper Bhoot’s earning a bit. suggested. Directed by Bhanu Pratap He said, “Films on homosexuality were always being made. of more than a year. Also, he will be seen “Bhoot will have a limited target Singh, Bhoot: The Haunted Ship is However, your take or the point of view changes because in a completely different avatar. His audience. It would be luring the youth you cannot go against the law. Even if the law is not anymore fans and fans of the horror genre are to the cinema halls whereas Shubh Bhoot franchise. It also stars Bhumi relevant in the current times, you cannot really take a call on Mangal Zyada Saavdhan is targeting saidPednekar. to be the first installment of theit. When Supreme Court decriminalized Article 377, it gave validation to the fact that you can tell your stories about a Mumbai, Agency. After starring in Kangana opensearch definitely looking forward to the film.” Ranaut’s Panga, Neena Gupta will be back on screens with Shubh Mangal Zyada Thappad is not a male-bashing film, says Pavail Gulati Saavdhan. The actor plays the mother of

talking about her role in the Ayushmann JitendraKhurrana-starrer, Kumar’s character Gupta told in indianexpress. the film. While films as we often prioritise one part and show it as good and com, “I played a mother in Badhaai Ho, bad.dynamics It is notaround a male-bashing them,” the actor film. toldIt is PTIa balanced in an interview. film. The and in this one, I play a mother to Jitender filmPavail is saidabout it awas relationship challenging between to play a thiscouple role and because the social he Kumar’s character. My character is very different to what I played in Badhaai Ho.” I was not brought up this way. I had to think of the reasons couldn’t relate to it. “It was difficult to play this part because be seen as the mother of a gay character. justify what I was doing. Anubhav Sinha sir guided me a lot. ThisWhen is we the asked first time if her that opinion Neena on Gupta same-sex will whyThe idea my characterwas that people is behaving should this relate way. with It wasthe part. difficult “We to love changed after Shubh Mangal Zyada want people to come to theatres, especially men and think Saavdhan, the actor agreed and mentioned if they have done something like this or taken things for that even before she got on board for the granted. Normalising a slap has been done for the longest Hitesh Kewalya directorial, she never looked time in our lives, now let’s normalise talking about it. People Mumbai, Agency. are shy to talk about it. Let’s go one step at a time. Let’s chat very basic aspect of human nature without feeling hindered in any way.” When we asked him if he is targeting the audience with it because my daughter has many gay At the outset, Thappad appeared a “one-sided” story to actor atfriends. it (homosexuality) Even I have friends as a taboo. who “Iare was gay. fine For and he said he was waiting for the right opportunity to come who are still homophobic, Hitesh Kewalya said Shubh Mangal Pavail Gulati who was unsure about taking up the social his way. He revealed that it was his Ghost Stories director Zyada Saavdhan belongs to everyone who is or has been in me, it was okay. It was not a taboo. But I am drama. But the actor boarded the Anubhav Sinha directorial and debate about it,” he said. This is Pavail’s first lead role sure if tomorrow my son or my daughter Anurag Kashyap who broke the news to him. “I had been doing such roles for the longest time and I believe there not just for people who are homophobic. There are all kinds confesses to being gay, it would be a matter normalisation of domestic violence. Pavail, best known for of concern. I think it will take a long time love.of people, “We areand targetingwe need toeveryone. have a placeThis forfilm everyone is for everyone to come and afterweb series he realised such as that Made the in film Heaven addresses and Ghost a larger Stories issue and of happened very quickly. and discuss any issue, especially if it is relevant to humanity or to understand and for that reality to sink TV show Yudh, featuring megastar Amitabh Bachchan, stars is a role that is made for you and you just do it. This film human emotions. When we talk about the basic feeling of love, Stories’. “Anubhav sir saw my test and liked it. He had spoken there is no one who is away from it. Everyone has experienced parents like us to have a conversation on Taapsee essays the role of an educated, upper middle-class in.homosexuality,” I also think our the film Mulk will actor encourage said. She I tested for it and then flew to London to shoot ‘Ghost oppositewoman who Taapsee is forced Pannu to takein Thappad. stock of Inher the relationship upcoming afterfilm, ‘Ghost Stories’. Anurag sir broke the news of ‘Thappad’ to me. homosexuality. It is about the feeling of love, and we want further spoke about the lack of choices in the being slapped by her husband, played by Pavail. “Looking at roles offered to her. When we asked if she is toThey Anurag both tried sir as to the change dates my of dates this filmand it were all worked clashing out.” with On love.everyone So, ourto come film isto not the specifically theaters and about experience homophobia it,” the or the release of the trailer, Thappad was being considered an writer-director concluded. Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan bothered about the fact that only roles of a and the story goes on from there, I was a little reserved mother are coming her way and if she ever answer to Kabir Singh by many on social media. Directed by stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Jitendra Kumar in the lead theabout one-line being aof part the of film it. about a husband who hits his wife Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the Shahid Kapoor-starrer was one of felt like rejecting such a role, the actor said, It felt like a one-sided story but when I started reading “I cannot even do that because I am offered and Gajraj Rao, who play parents to Jitendra’s character. Shubh the script, I was sure I wanted to do it. “It’s a well-written misogynistic gaze and normalising violence in a relationship. Mangal Zyada Saavdhan releases on February 21. only mother roles. script which shows both points of view. This is very rare in roles. The film brings back Badhaai Ho actors Neena Gupta the biggest grossers of 2019, but the film received flak for its For those with an appetite for horror, here’s our top five new age scare-fests Mumbai, Agency. reaction of most Bollywood-goers. Perhaps, have seen these. In any case, pop the popcorn homes is enough to send the terrorising female that’s why horror has always been a niche and revisit them for the shocks and thrills. It ghost away, postponing the moment of horror. Vicky Kaushal, who has been quite a man about genre, explored from time to time by only a takes conviction and a little madness for an Director duo Raj & DK, credited with Saif Ali town since last year’s Uri: A Surgical Strike’s handful of risk-takers. In mainstream, Vikram A-list star to headline a scare-fest. The bubbly Khan zombie thriller Go Goa Gone, subvert unexpected success, is back in the cinemas to Bhatt comes to mind with his B-movie spooky Anushka Sharma, who gave a hard-hitting the genre with this Rajkummar Rao-Shraddha give you the creeps. The much-awaited Bhoot: aesthetics whereas there was a time when performance in the road trip slasher (mired in Kapoor crowd-pleaser. Immensely enjoyable, The Haunted Ship, a horror-fest reportedly the maverick Ram Gopal Varma was showing a miasma of North Indian machismo) in NH10, the Amar Kaushik-helmed ghost comedy based on a true incident that occurred in unnatural interest in all things-bhoot. Before he takes the giant leap to satanic horror with blends horror with satire on crimes against lost the plot, RGV set new precedents with smart women. The stree may not come tomorrow In one recent media interview, Kaushal, while horrors like Kaun?, Bhoot and Darna Mana Hai. mythology, which is what makes Pari novel. but bros, prepared to be spooked. Offering talking about Bhoot’s haunted setting, invoked Mumbai, is his first release of 2020. Ekta Kapoor has also tried to milk the genre Pari.With itsRare breathtaking for a Hindi visuals film andto drawcutting-edge from Islamicaudiences well-deserved respite from the Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining which famously in recent years, as the saas-bahu era drew to a suspense, Rahi Anil Barve’s racy debut is a rain- perennial shower of kisses, lover-boy Emraan made use of the abandoned Overlook Hotel to close and stopped being the cash cow it once soaked delight through and through. Set in pre- Hashmi, for a change, plays a magician haunted corner its characters (including frontman Jack was. Yet, the one name that’s most synonymous Independence Western Maharashtra, the period by hallucinations. What could they be? When Nicholson as a writer slowly losing his sanity) with Indian horror is the Ramsay brothers who piece takes Mahatma Gandhi’s famous quote on things get bad, he seeks psychiatric help to into unspeakable isolation and psychological made spooking unsuspecting audiences their end of the genre. Those adventurous viewers ‘greed’ and turns it on its head the ill-fated story reconnect with his past. There may be a daayan tension. While The Shining seems to be his life’s mission. But Shyam Ramsay’s death last queuing in for Bhoot: The Haunted Ship might of one family, a fallen god and a gold treasure at (witch) haranguing him from childhood. favourite, like millions of viewers who continue year was an end of an era, the indisputable just as well have an appetite for the concise the bosom of the earth below the old, crumbling Konkana Sen Sharma, Huma Qureshi and Kalki to revere the terrifying Kubrick masterpiece, zombie king taking his soft-core secrets to list below. (We aren’t going as far as Mahal to mansion. Looking for some spine-chilling Koechlin, who’s the witch? No spoiler alert: we Kaushal claimed in the same breath that he is the grave all the way down ‘do gaz zameen ke make the list more recent and less history). action tonight? You are at the right address. aren’t telling except that Hashmi’s situation neeche.’ That loss, however, does not spell the Bet, many hardcore horror fans already might gives you the chills and thrills.

“too scared to watch horror films.” That’s the “Aye, stree, kal aana.” That graffiti on Chanderi Owner, Printer, Publisher & Editor Vijay Kumar Printed at Aditya Graphics, Pratap Bhawan, 5 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, I.T.O. New Delhi-110002 and Published at 1536/108, Ganesh Pura Road Tri. Nagar, New Delhi-110035 RNI No. DELENG/2016/67075 (Phone : 011-27380260 Moble :9210092542 ) E-mail : [email protected] , Websit : www.opensearch.co.in