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Home , Agond, Chandigarh, FASTag, Harmohan Dhawan

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the China- border, and through, analysts noted that the ern bank of the Pangong Tso Qian said, noting that the rea- #     jointly maintain peace and location of the disengagement had long been in deadlock, and son some of the recent negoti- tranquility. had been a focus and a core as India attempted to force ations failed to make significant   Incidentally, the Indian issue of the months-long bor- China to make compromise, it progress is the differences at Army in an action in August der faceoff. made provocations on the this location which has been a last year established posts at all The situation in the north- southern bank in August 2020, core issue.  $%& # the strategic hill tops on the southern and northern banks &'  ( of the lake. It put the Chinese troops at a great disadvantage   O    P as the Indians were able to    monitor their every move- ment. &  203 Also, the first face-off in P     May last year started from the he nearly 10-month-old Pangong Lake when the &%  43536 UNSC, Chinese Foreign concerns of all parties,” he Tstand-off at the Line of Chinese and Indian troops Ministry spokesman Wang said. Actual Control (LAC) in exchanged blows leaving sev- hina, which has been told a media briefing here China is part of the per- saw some positive eral injured. The incident Cblocking India’s efforts to that during Tuesday’s virtual manent five (P5) of the UNSC development on Wednesday occurred when the Chinese become a permanent member meeting, the two sides held with veto power has been with the Chinese and Indian stopped the Indian patrol of the UN Security Council, on consultations on Security stonewalling India’s efforts to frontline troops pulling back claiming it was in the Chinese Wednesday reiterated its stand Council issues. become member of UN’s pow- from the flashpoints at the territory. Meanwhile, the on New ’s bid, and called The two sides exchanged erful body for years pointing to Pangong Tso (lake). Chinese reports as mentioned for evolving a “package solu- views on upholding multilat- lack of consensus even though Making this announce- in The Global Times quoted tion” that is acceptable to all to eralism, peacekeeping opera- the other four, US, UK, France ment in , Chinese Qian Feng, director of the reform the top organ of the tions and counter-terrorism, and Russia have expressed defence spokesperson Colonel ed here that the process of dis- armoured elements or tanks After the ninth round of research department at the global body. he said. backing for ’s mem- Wu Qian said the troops from engagement had begun. They from one of the multiple fric- talks, a joint statement issued National Strategy Institute at Chinese Foreign Ministry “As for India’s bid for per- bership. Beijing’s all-weather both the sides started syn- said some tanks were with- tion points in the East Ladakh by both the armies said it was Tsinghua University that after Spokesman Wang Wenbin’s manent membership to the ally is also opposed to chronised and organised dis- drawn and thinning out of sector comes nearly a fort- agreed to push for an early dis- a prolonged nine rounds of comments in response to a UNSC, I can reiterate China’s India becoming a permanent engagement at the south and troops had taken place. They night after military comman- engagement of the frontline record-breaking talks between question came a day after principled position on this member of the UNSC. north banks of the lake. He also also said it was the first step in ders of the two armies agreed troops. They also agreed to fol- the two militaries, particular- India and China discussed a issue. China supports UNSC India and China on said the disengagement com- a long process to restore peace on January 24 to push for an low the important consensus of ly the three most recent rounds wide range of issues relating to reforms in a manner that Tuesday held discussions on a menced “simultaneously and at the LAC. early disengagement of their their State leaders, maintain the of meetings in which both top UN body. increases the authority and wide range of issues relating to systematically.” The Chinese spokesper- frontline troops. good momentum of dialogue sides struck more and more China is a permanent efficacy of the UNSC, increas- the UNSC, the Ministry of However, there was no son said the disengagement This move by both the and negotiation, and hold the consensus and the atmosphere member of the UNSC while es the representation and voice External Affairs said in New official comment from the began as part of the consensus sides was the first such step to 10th round of the Corps became more constructive, dis- India began its two-year tenure of developing countries so that Delhi. Indian side, so far, on the reached in the ninth round of defuse tension at the LAC in Commander-level meeting at engagement became a natural as a non-permanent member small and medium-sized coun- The MEA said the Chinese statement made by the Chinese Corps Commander-level talks Eastern Ladakh which also an early date to jointly advance step. on January 1. In August, India tries have a greater opportunity delegation was briefed about defence ministry spokesperson between India and China on witnessed a bloody brawl on de-escalation. “This event will ease the is scheduled to serve as the to participate in the decision India’s priorities during its and carried by China’s official January 24. June 15 killing 20 Indian sol- The two sides agreed to border tensions and play president of the UNSC. making of the UNSC,” he said. UNSC tenure in the meeting media. The Government was Sources said the partial diers, including the com- continue their effective efforts important role in resuming Asked about the outcome “It should be done through that took place in the virtual likely to make a statement in pullback was a confidence- manding officer. The Chinese in ensuring the restraint of the peace and stability to the region of the meeting and whether the widest possible democra- format. It said both sides this regard in on building measure to break the side also suffered casualties frontline troops, stabilise and as soon as possible,” Qian there was any discussion on tic consultation and seek a agreed to continue their Thursday, it was learnt. persisting logjam. and unconfirmed reports control the situation along the said. India’s candidature for perma- package solution that takes engagement on key issues on Sources, however, indicat- The withdrawal of the pegged the number at 35. LAC in the Western Sector of Calling the move a break- nent membership of the into account the interests and the UNSC agenda.                Q  R             new laws taken away the rights &  203 for the right of free expression    )  available in the old system...?” O  P !" of its users and that it is “active-    He then himself answered say- mid its stand-off with the ly exploring options under ing “ye kanun kisi ke liye band- ACentre, Twitter on Indian law — both for Twitter han nahin hai..this is optional +R   country from 12 pm to 4 pm on Wednesday partly acceded to a and for the accounts that have   * & where you have February 18,” the SKM said. Government order to curb the been impacted”. &  ( benefits...Virodh ka karan nahin   !- Earlier this month, the spread of alleged misinforma- The development comes banta”. The PM speech was dis- protesting farmers had tion and inflammatory content against the backdrop of the rupted by slogan-shouting  " ./0 12 observed a three-hour road around farmers’ protests. The Government on February 4 &  203 Congress leader Adhir Ranjan blockade to press their demand microblogging site said it has ordering Twitter to take down Chouwdhury and his party &%   203 of repealing the three laws. suspended over 500 accounts 1,178 accounts with links to rime Minister Narendra MPs who later stages a walkout SKM leader Darshan Pal and blocked access to several Pakistan and Khalistan sup- PModi on Wednesday once from the House. rotesting farmers on said candle marches, “Mashaal others within India. porters that were spreading again defended the three con- The motion of thanks was PWednesday announced a Juloos” (torch marches) and Twitter, in a blog post, said misinformation and provoca- troversial farm laws and passed by the House after the four-hour nationwide rail other programmes will be held it has not blocked accounts tive content related to farmers’ accused the Opposition of Prime Minister concluded his blockade on February 18 as across the country on February consisting of “news media enti- replied to Twitter through a protest. In all, Twitter has taken “misleading” the farmers while The Prime Minister invit- address. they renewed their strategy to 14 in respect of the sacrifices of ties, journalists, activists and newly-developed homegrown action against over 1,000 calling their protest as a ed agitating farmers to “sit The Sanyukta Kisan intensify their agitation, which the 40 CRPF personnel who politicians” as doing so “would social networking platform, accounts — 500 as sought by “planned strategy” and reiter- across and resolve the issue” as Morcha (SKM) reacted angri- also included a candlelight were killed in a terrorist attack violate their fundamental right Koo, which has been joined by the Government and an equal ating his “andolan jivi” jibe he asserted that the laws offer ly to the PM’s remarks and said: march on February 14 in the in & Kashmir’s to free expression” guaranteed several Ministers, Ministries number that were found by the against the agitators. Upset “one more option” to the agri- “We condemn the charge made memory of those killed in the Pulwama on February 14, 2019. under the country’s law. and prominent rightwingers. company engaging in platform with the PM’s remarks, the culturalists to sell their produce by the PM and we would like 2019 Pulwama terrorist attack. He said the farmers also Twitter’s decision to “Upon the request of manipulation and spam. Congress and the TMC staged and are not compulsory for to remind him that it was In a statement, the will hold events in a show of counter the Ministry of Twitter seeking a meeting with The Government had late walkout from the . everyone to follow. andolan jivi who helped India Samyukta Kisan Morcha, solidarity on the birth anniver- Electronics and IT’s order by the Government, the Secretary last month sought to block 257 “Kisan Andolan” is sacred, Against the backdrop of break free from colonial rulers (SKM) also said toll collection sary of Sir Chhotu Ram — who not cancelling many other IT was to engage with senior tweets and handles in connec- but when “andolan jivi” hijack the ongoing farmers’ stir on the and so we are proud of being will not be allowed in was one of the most prominent accounts and offering a public management of Twitter. In this tion with the agitation by farm- it and show pictures of those borders of Delhi and deadlock andolan jivi. It is the BJP and from February 12 as part of pre-partition farmer leaders explanation through a blog light, a blog post published ers over the new pro-market jailed for terrorism, what pur- in the talks with the its forefathers who have never their week-long protest — on February 16. has not amused the Ministry. prior to this engagement is agricultural laws. pose does it serve, the Prime Government, Modi stressed participated in an agitation plan. The announcement comes The Ministry termed as unusual,” the IT Ministry said Twitter complied, only to Minister said in the Lok Sabha the need to move ahead with against the British. They were The SKM said in the state- on a day Prime Minister “unusual” Twitter’s move to in its response on Koo. The restore the accounts hours later. while speaking on the vote of the farm reforms by breaking always afraid of people’s move- ment that in a meeting on said the publish the blogpost before a Government will share its This led to the Government thanks on President’s address. the long-held status quo in ments and that is why they are Wednesday farmer unions Government and Parliament slated talks with the IT response soon, the post on Koo issuing a non-compliance PM Modi had used the farming which he said has afraid of people’s movements decided to escalate their agita- have great respect for farmers Secretary on the issue, as said. notice and a warning of strin- term “andolan jivi” first during turned “non-remunerative”. even now,” the SKM said in a tion. “There will be a ‘rail who are voicing their views on sought by the US company. In the blog post, Twitter gent penalties and potential jail his speech in the . Modi first asked, “Whether statement. roko’ programme across the the three farm laws. Interestingly, the Ministry said it will continue to advocate terms.      (  ' #$   !%%             ' %   203 inal home in . The PM       & %( was addressing the public on   !     ndia has expedited the Dev Deepawali Mahotsav on       Iprocess of bringing back November 30, 2020.          18th century Maa Annapurna “Every Indian would feel "     L" ##    (   idol from Canada and sought proud to know that an ancient #      quotations from private firms idol of Maa Annapurna is being % & %  203      # & %76- Narinderpal Singh Sidhu and handling artefacts to ferry the brought back from Canada to % &' " #  his supporters arrived there antiquity here. India. This idol was stolen from man, arrested from     % (M n another poll-related vio- and accused Akalis of distrib- An official from the Union a temple of Varanasi (Modi’s Ain connection with the * + , -   Ilence, two men were killed uting liquor. Culture Ministry said around Lok Sabha constituency) and Red Fort violence on Republic        and two others injured in a The Akali workers alleged four firms have submitted the smuggled out of the country Day during farmers’ tractor clash between the Congress that Congress activists ran quotations so far showing inter- around 100 years ago some- parade against the Centre’s       and Akali workers campaign- them over with their vehicles est in bringing back the idol where around 1913,” Modi said. three new agri laws was sent to        ing for the local body polls in when they tried to run away which was said to have been “Mata Annapurna has a 7-day police custody by a Delhi  !"# $" #  Moga on late Tuesday night. from there. stolen from a temple in very special bond with Kashi court on Wednesday. .      The incident, as per the One Harminder Singh died Varanasi and transported to (Varanasi). And the return of Iqbal Singh, carrying a /   -.   . police, took place on Tuesday on the spot while Canada over a century back. the idol is very pleasant for all reward of 50,000 on his arrest,  #      # #  night when the workers of one Jagdeep Singh succumbed “We are in the process of of us. Like the statue of Mata was nabbed from %  both the parties came face to to his injuries in a closing the quotation,” said the Thomas Chase, to India’s High He added that the Annapurna, much of our her- by the Delhi Police’s Special face in Ward No 9, and hospital. official while refusing to share Commissioner Ajay Bisaria, in Archaeological Survey of India itage has been a victim of Cell and brought to the nation-  % %  engaged in an argument over The police said that a case, further details in the matter. a virtual event that was also (ASI) is the nodal agency to international gangs,” he added. al Capital on Wednesday.  %    allegation of distribution of under Section 302 (murder) of Until recently, the antique attended by officials from execute the task, being the The Indian High He was produced before   ",# /  liquor that eventually led to the the Indian Penal Code (IPC), idol was part of the University Global Affairs Canada and official custodian of all such Commission in Canada in a Metropolitan Magistrate       clash. was registered against of Regina, Thomas Chase uni- Canada Border Service Agency. repatriated idols. statement said the university Poorva Mehra, who sent him 0 /    The supporters of SAD Narinderpal Singh Sidhu and versity’s collection in its Initially, it was proposed to The Annapurna, also spelt recently discovered that the for custodial interrogation after    #   were campaigning for their six others. Three men, includ- MacKenzie Art Gallery in be repatriated to India by mid- Annapoorna, known as the Annapurna statue may have the police said his interrogation     # .  candidate Kulwinder Kaur ing Sidhu and one Jasmel Canada. However, it was hand- December last year, but because goddess of food, shot in fame been acquired “under suspi- was required to confront him        while Congress supporters Singh, were arrested, the police ed over by the interim presi- of various unavoidable rea- after Prime Minister Narendra cious circumstances and did with several videos and iden-  .     were campaigning for Paramjit said, adding that two vehicles dent and vice-chancellor of sons, it could not happen, the Modi mentioned about its not conform to current princi- tify other accused persons for      Kaur when the latter’s husband were also impounded. the University of Regina, official said. arrival from Canada to its orig- ples of ethical acquisition”. the violence.    !!"#$#!       

& ,03%2- Wednesday said that the State tion for the budget and would 2021-22. Development Budget for the Meeting held here to approve Development Programme, Rs Atamnirbhar Bharat, during Government has decided to do start a new system of annual The State Government has year 2021-22, said the Chief Draft Annual Development 846.49 crore i.e.. 9 percent for Lockdown and DISCOM, he imachal Chief Minister Jai away with the old system of development budget instead made a provision of Rs Minister while presiding over Budget for the year Scheduled Tribe Development said. HRam Thakur on plan and non plan categoriza- of annual plan from the year 9405.41 crore for the State the State Planning Board 2021-22. Programme and Rs 93 crore Thakur further said the The Chief Minister said i.e. 0.99 percent of total allo- State Government has taken that under the new mecha- cation for Backward Area an initiative to attract private nism all the four sub plans viz. Development Programme. investments in the state and General Plan, Scheduled He said that although the organized Global Investors' Caste Sub Plan, Tribal Sub names have been changed but Meet at . MoUs Plan and Backward Area there have been no decrease in worth Rs 96,000 crores were Sub Plan would now be the allocation for funds for signed by several renowned renamed as General development of Scheduled entrepreneurs. The event was Development Programme, Castes, Scheduled Tribes and a mega success as a ground Scheduled Caste Backward Areas. breaking ceremony of pro- Development Programme, The Chief Minister said jects worth Rs 13,600 crore Scheduled Tribe Development that the world economy was was performed within one Programme and Backward adversely affected due to the month of the meet, he Area Development COVID-19 pandemic and added. Programme respectively. India and He said that steps needed He said that out of Rs was not an exception. The to be taken to create resources 9405.41 cr outlay, Rs 6096.70 Central Government provided to generate income for the crore i.e. 64.82 percent has a financial assistance of Rs state and some harsh steps been allocated for General 7161 crore to the State needed to be taken to check Development Programme, Rs Government during the pan- haphazard expansions. Now, 2369.22 crore i.e. 25.19 percent demic in form of Pradhan the focus must be on strength- for Scheduled Caste Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, ening the existing infrastruc- ture, he added. During the meeting, Power Minister Sukh Ram Chaudhary urged to provide time bound approval to the industrialists to set up their units in the state. He said that steps must be taken to check illegal mining in the state, but at the same time provide mining lease to the people to promote scien- tific mining.

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#$%& &'  (  &    '(& $'()*+   ,  O   P  %      !" & /0-36-?09?7B+=? armed attacks on SAD workers   3 at Jalalabad and , ith local bodies elections Congress workers would not / # N  O & /0-36-?0 he Budget Session of Wjust a few days away in have got so emboldened and THaryana Assembly will Punjab, the Bharatiya Janata murdered Akali workers in he Government start from March 5, the State Party (BJP) and the Shiromani cold blood like this,” he said.  45+E F/ Ton Wednesday decided to Cabinet decided. The session (SAD) on Asserting that the law and grant exemption in motor vehi- will start at 2 pm on March 5, Wednesday lashed out at the order situation had gone out of : BJP national for Amarinder is clear, so he is cle tax to auto rickshaws and a Government statement said. Congress Government for let- hand, Sukhbir requested the general secretary Tarun Chugh getting nervous and jittery taxis operating within the Delhi- ting loose the goonda raj in the State to intervene on Wednesday minced no and is seeking help of goondas national (NCR). State. and direct the State police to words to say that Punjab Chief and unlawful elements to cow The decision was taken  %%   Elections to eight munici- restore law and order. Minister Capt Amarinder down the BJP,” said Chugh. during a meeting of the state   %/  %  pal corporations and 109 “Action should also be taken Singh has let loose hordes of Reacting to the Chief cabinet held here under the  % % municipal councils and nagar against the police officials who “goondas” in the State to stifle Minister's statement that the chairmanship of Chief Minister 0# # 12     panchayats in Punjab will be are working as Congress work- the voice of the BJP. Chugh, BJP would be wiped out in . An offi-  3  + +  The State Government held on February 14. ers and not allowing people to in a scathing attack on the the wake of the farmer bills, cial statement said the decision approved the proposal of Stating that were exercise their democratic right,” Chief Minister, said that Capt Chugh said that Capt will ensure seamless move- within NCR as per contract ed to grant Rs 5 lakh to them Cooperation Department for paying a very high price for the he said while also requesting the Amarinder has subverted all Amarinder’s “wishful” think- ment of cabs and auto rick- carriage permits issued by NCR as 'preparation money' for bet- providing State government goondaism let loose by the Governor to direct all State democratic norms and has ing has made him blind to the shaws in NCR and provide bet- states other than Haryana -- ter diet, training and capacity guarantee for availing term Congress party, SAD president agencies to stop harassment of unleashed a reign of terror and ground realities. “He is living ter and efficient transport ser- that is , Rajasthan building. This is expected to Loan of Rs 113.03 crore by Sukhbir Badal castigated the Akali workers at the instance of violence in the State in his ner- in a fool's paradise if he vices to people. and NCT of Delhi,' the state- help improve training of play- HAFED from the National State Election Commission Congress legislators, pointing vous run-up to the municipal thinks that the BJP could be The exemption was grant- ment said. ers before the competition and Bank for Agriculture and Rural (SEC) for failing to ensure free that raids were being conduct- elections. wiped out. Many Congress ed as per the contract carriage “Thus, no tax will be will lead to more medals for the Development (NABARD) for and fair elections to municipal ed on business premises of Akali “Congress has been pro- leaders in the past had such permit issued by the NCR charged from such vehicles of State and the Country in the construction of 2.72 lakh MT bodies. At the same time, workers to intimidate them. moting goonda raj in Punjab dreams in their eyes, but the states other than Haryana other NCR states having con- Olympics. capacity godowns at 16 loca- Sukhbir requested the Governor Sukhbir also requested the in the face of its bleak chances BJP has only grown from under the reciprocal common tract carriage permits under the The players, with the help tions in eight districts of the VP Singh Badnore to avert more Governor to dismiss the State of winning in the municipal strength to strength,” said transport agreement (contract NCR reciprocal common of this preparatory money, State so as to further strength- loss of lives as had occurred in Election Commissioner for polls. The writing on the wall Chugh. SR carriage). At present, auto transport agreement while after getting quality training en the storage system. Moga on Tuesday night. failing to safeguard democrat- rickshaws and taxis registered entering and operating in and diet, will excel in sports, These godowns are being Condemning the barbaric ic principles. “It is more than a in Haryana and having con- Haryana,” it said. which will bring glory to the constructed at Bhuna, Uklana manner in which Congressmen fortnight that we have demand- tract carriage permits under State in particular and to the and Hobli in district Fatehabad, ran over two Akali workers — ed that paramilitary forces be him immediately,” he said. Congress workers in Moga the RCTA are not required to &&  %   3 country as a whole, the state- Barwala in district , Hisar, Harminder and Jagdeep — in deployed to ensure free and fair As the civic body polls are district, wherein two SAD pay tax while entering and % & %&  ment said.The Cabinet decid- Kholawas and Bawani Kheri in Moga, Sukhbir said that the elections. We have also inching closer, the state has workers were killed. operating in NCR states -- 4       &  ed to create a separate cadre to district , Kharia and SEC was directly responsible demanded that videography been witnessing several inci- Earlier this month, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and promote sports in the state. For Panniwala Mota in district for these deaths as it had failed be allowed in election booths dents of violence and clashes Sukhbir’s vehicle was alleged- Delhi -- with Haryana being an To encourage sportsper- this, 50 posts of group-A , Indri, Manchuri and to rein in Congress goons besides instant counting of between the Congress and SAD ly pelted with stones when exception. sons of Haryana especially (deputy director), 100 posts of in district , despite repeated complaints votes to avert booth rigging. workers, with attacks on the party workers were attacked by “The decision aims to grant those who are not economically group-B (senior coach), 150 Ladwa and Ajrana Kalan in since more than one week. However, the SEC is sleeping BJP leaders and workers by the Congress members, allegedly similar exemption in the motor weak but have qualified for par- posts of group-B (coach) and district , Nasirpur “Had the SEC done its duty on the matter and behaving like agitating farmers. led by the son of Congress vehicle tax by Haryana to auto- ticipation in the Olympic 250 posts of group-C (junior in district and Sevli in and directed the State Police to a Sarkari Commissioner. On Tuesday, a violent clash MLA from Jalalabad Raminder rickshaws and taxis operating Games, the government decid- coach) have been sanctioned. district . take action in the cases of Action should be taken against broke out between SAD and Singh Awla. +.  $ (     %       , -) ## #. #     (   

&  /0-36-?0 about their future as well as the        retirement benefits like pen- lready facing the protest of sion, gratuity and GPF while     /   -#     &  /0-36-?0 Development Department Aemployees unions over the the residents are concerned would offer Aadhaar enrol- issue of power privatization in that the rates of electricity will      unjab Government has ment facilities for the benefi- Chandigarh, the UT be increased by the private sec-     # ()*+       Pnotified the process to link ciaries, who are not yet enrolled Administration on Wednesday tor, they said. Aadhaar number of beneficia- for Aadhaar and in case there came under fire from two for- Both the leaders opposed !    ries of the Dependent Children is no Aadhaar enrolment cen- mer MPs at the Administrator’s the decision requesting the "   Scheme, getting financial assis- tre located in the respective Advisory Council meeting. Administrator to look into the &  /0-36-?0 he added. shot of vaccination in the city. tance, with their bank accounts Block or Tehsil. Two former Union matter while the latter assured   "  The overall COVID-19 During the meeting which to bring more transparency “Under the Dependent Ministers and ex-city MPs that the decision will benefit hile speaking at the vaccination coverage stands at lasted for more than three and efficiency in the public Children Scheme, the child including Pawan Bansal the Department and employees   WAdvisory Council meet- just 28.7 percent in the city, as hours, Badnore informed that delivery system. below the age of 21 years, and as well. ing, the UT Administrator VP per the data of Government of the Administration has hired a Social Security and whose mother or father or opposed the privatization of Notably, six firms — Electricity Department, thus Singh Badnore expressed con- India. Chandigarh is placed at private consultant to assess the Women and Child both have passed away or par- Chandigarh Electricity Sterlite Power, ReNew Wing clearing the decks for the cern over poor COVID-19 sixth position in the list of scope of extending the lal dora Development Minister Aruna ents regularly absent from Department. Energy, NESCL (NTPC), Administration to go ahead vaccination coverage in the worst performing states /UTs in the city's village. It was also Chaudhary on Wednesday said home or physically or mental- During the Advisory Adani Transmission Ltd, Tata with the process. . in COVID-19 vaccination informed that an India that the use of Aadhaar as an ly incapacitated to look after Council meeting held under Power and Torrent Power — The decision to privatise He said that there are some coverage and is among the list International Centre (IIC) will identity document for delivery the family, is getting Rs 750 per the chairmanship of Punjab have submitted their bids for the Department was taken on unfounded apprehensions in of places having vaccinated be developed at the existing site of services will avoid multiple month. The State Government Governor and UT the privatisation of the elec- May 12 last year after the the minds of certain people less than 40 percent of conference-cum-media cen- documents for identification has been providing financial Administrator VP Singh tricity wing of the UT directions from the Centre. regarding the vaccination. I healthcare workers till tre in the premises of Beant and simplify the government assistance to the tune of Rs Badnore at Hotel Mountview Engineering Department. The An empowered committee was solicit your support in spread- now. Singh memorial in Sector 42 delivery processes. At the same 104.12 crore to 1,56,169 depen- here, the former MPs expressed Engineering Department had constituted to oversee and ing the correct message in this As per government’s data, here. The estimated cost of the time, she said that it will enable dent children up till November concern over the adverse issued the Request for Proposal implement the process, and the regard so that all prioritized 6027 healthcare workers and project is Rs 4.93 crore and it beneficiaries to get their enti- 2020 under the scheme,” she impact of privatization on (RFP) to 20 intended bidders. Administration had assured persons take the vaccines not frontline workers have been would include basement, cafe- tlements directly in a conve- said adding that the child employees and pointed out the Last month, the Supreme the Centre that it would be only to save themselves but inoculated in Chandigarh. On teria, lounge, coffee bat, terrace nient and seamless manner. desirous of availing the bene- continuous protests held by Court had put on hold the stay completed by the end of 2020 also all their near and dear Tuesday, only 431 beneficiaries garden among other features. The Minister categorically fit shall be required to furnish employees against the deci- given by the Punjab and Of the 2.25 lakh power ones and contribute in pro- against the target of 1590 had The work is likely to be com- affirmed that the Social Aadhaar number for authenti- sion. Haryana high court for pri- consumers, 1.75 lakh are resi- viding immunity to the nation, turned up at ten sites to get a pleted by June this year. Security and Women and Child cation. The workers are worried vatisation of the Chandigarh dential users in the city. 0/% ##     .  $'    ))*+P   /+.  

&  /0-36-?0 District Karnal, at a cost of Rs Tarkanwali at a cost of Rs 220 lakh &  /0-36-?0 term for farmers in the Budget said. ping away, the SAD president is busy 55.47 lakh. were also approved. Session of 2013 after suspending Asking AAP’s Punjab unit co- protecting his own turf rather than aryana Chief Minister The construction of roads in The construction of link roads lamming (AAP) nine Congress MLAs to throttle their in-charge Raghav Chadha to apol- protecting the interests of the farm- HManohar Lal Khattar on namely from village district from Urlana to Sfor “shamelessly” spreading voice against these draconian mea- ogize to Chief Minister Capt ers he espouses so brazenly, Jakhar Wednesday gave approval for con- Tarkanwali to Makhosarani Punjab Border leading to Arnetu canards, Punjab Congress president sures,” said Jakhar showing the video for making false pointed out. struction of various link roads in stretching across a distance of stretching at a distance of 1.06-km, Sunil Jakhar on Wednesday asserted clips of the said session while address- allegations against him, Jakhar Throwing an open challenge to the state through HSAMB in fur- 4.22-km at a cost of Rs 170 lakh, Kakheri to Papser stretching at a that it was the ing the media. pointed that the Congress legislators the BJP, Jakhar said that rather than therance of his commitment in the another for construction of road distance of 2.31-km, Dohar to (SAD), led by Parkash Singh Badal, Mincing no words, Jakhar lam- were not part of the proceedings making provoking statements, the last Budget to pave all link paths from village Tarkanwali to Dayora, Jaswanti Road stretching which had passed the nefarious basted AAP for siding with BJP on a during which the questioned Bill party leaders should come to Punjab that connect two or more villages. Gigarani stretching across a dis- at a distance of 3.30-km and Punjab Contract Farming Act in sensitive issue of farmers’ welfare. was passed after the BJP’s Agriculture University, Ludhiana, for Among the various projects, tance of Rs 3.81-km at a cost of Rs Bus Stand to Bhuna 2013 in collusion with the Bharatiya “They have bartered their souls to Manoranjan Kaila seconded the an open debate on three anti-farmer construction of link road stretch- 155 lakh and construction of road Sultania Road stretching at a dis- (BJP). their political bosses in BJP and are Bill, presented by the then Chief agriculture laws and make the farm- ing across a distance of 1.585-km stretching across a distance of tance of 2.50-km in District “It was this SAD-BJP combine only hell bent on defaming our farm- Minister Parkash Singh Badal. ers understand about the benefits of from village Unispur to Bakipur in 5.15-km from village Kagdana to Kaithal. which had dared to introduce a jail ers for their petty political aims,” he Watching his political base slip- these laws.        ! " #  #   $  # %      '      &   '   bout 37,000 migratory Abirds of 75 species have been spotted and they chose to nest at the Sultanpur National    !    ()*+ Park (Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary), located at Chandigarh: Three zoos of migratory birds and Zoo birds samples of the dead birds were Sultanpur village on Haryana have remained closed in the State have been report- earlier sent to the animal dis- Gurugram- highway, to the public for nearly a year ed so far. “Zoos have been ease laboratory in , Gurugram, this winter season, now, earlier due to the Covid- closed due to the twin effects which confirmed the pres- said 19 pandemic and now the of Covid-19 pandemic and ence of the H-5 strain of bird (wildlife) Inspector Rajesh recent scare of Bird flu cases. Bird flu,” he said. flu in crows. “No case of bird Chahal. Haryana Chief Conservator Rajvanshi said that flu among migratory birds “Every year we conduct of Forests (wildlife) ML Haryana has three Zoos in and Zoo birds in the State has bird counting in the park to Rajvanshi said that as of now, , Bhiwani and been reported so far. We are note the number of birds and that the birds arrive during the were seen during the week-long “There are over 600 species of (water dependent birds), ducks no proposal has been sent to Kurukshetra. Apart from this, taking all preventive mea- the species that visit the area. winter migration season from second round of bird watching fauna, including birds, amphib- (require slightly deeper water) the State Government regard- State has two national parks, sures,” he added. This exercise helps us under- about 29 countries between trip held recently. This year, ians and butterflies at the and warblers (prefer reeds). ing approval of reopening the eight wildlife sanctuaries, two "We are maintaining a stand the pattern of migration September and October and 37,000 migratory birds of 75 Sultanpur National Park. There According to State of Zoos for public owing to ongo- wildlife conservation areas, watch on the birds'' enclosure. and the ecology of the park. make a return journey by against 80 species visited the are over 417 species of birds India’s birds 2020, out of the ing Covid-19 pandemic and four animal and bird breeding We have issued instructions During bird counting, the March. Following the ongoing park during the same period that have been reported from 1,220 species of birds found in bird flu. Renovation works centers and one deer park, all to the concerned officers if northern lapwing was spotted Covid-19 pandemic and bird last year. About 45,000 migra- the park. Additionally, there are India, 280 are long-distance are being done in Zoos of the of which are managed by the any unusual behaviour is seen for the first time in Sultanpur flu, the department of forest tory birds were spotted in 16 mammal species, 40 species migrants, while 116 are the State, he added. Haryana Wildlife and Forest in any bird, it will be taken to national park,” he added. (wildlife) has not yet decided to Sultanpur National Park of butterflies, 16 reptile and five subcontinent migrants and the Rajvanshi told department. the isolation ward,” he Talking to ‘The Pioneer’ open up the bird sanctuary for (Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary), amphibian species. Birds trav- remaining species usually stay that no case of bird flu among He further said that the added. SR over the phone, Chahal said visitors. and jheel el around this time of the year within the country borders, he that the migratory bird species The migratory birds had (lakes). and return to the same wetland, added. that were sighted in the park started arriving in the National Some of the resident birds if it suits them once. The ‘Duck Another wildlife officer these birds can easily be spot- of Forest (CCF), Wildlife, ML coming from harsh climates of this year include common coot park much before the onset of that were sighted on the bird Point’ is the most attractive spot said that like always, this win- ted. “Waterlogged fields get Rajvanshi, said that India is Siberia and other parts of the bird, bar headed geese, greylag winter this year. As the park has counting day were white- in the park. Other wetlands in ter too, hundreds of species of more birds than any bird sanc- one of the most favourable world, he said, adding that goose, pintail, northern show- an ideal habitat for birds, every throated kingfisher, red munia the region are also developing rare birds that fly in from tuary in Haryana. It’s because landscapes for varied bird many species like Siberian er, common pochard, painted year a large number of birds fly and black-winged stilt, among to attract more birds.” higher altitudes in search of these birds can easily search for species to breed and nurture in Cranes, Greater Flamingo, stork, spoon bills, open bill millions of miles to these wet- others. We have been spotting He further said that the food and shelter have made food in shallow waters,” he particular seasons. During this Ruff, Blyth’s Reed Warbler, stork, Ibis, common teal among lands for resting and feeding. many rare birds due to less pol- migratory birds that usually fly Haryana one of its favourite added. season, the temperatures in Common Rosefinch and Red- many other species. Chahal further said that as lution this year, he added. into the park can be classified destinations. The State has a When contacted the Haryana make it a suitable breasted Flycatcher prefer The wildlife officer said many as 75 species of birds The wildlife officer said, into three categories: waders plethora of water bodies where Haryana Chief Conservator landscape for migratory birds India during winters.    !!"#$#! )

! #$  0   1 (  $4"5!6  !    Q  77+(      &'(  R  /  &  203 to “mann ki baat” of farmers even before the Covid crisis. protesting at Delhi’s borders, Sibal also took critical stock harging the Government saying their demand was of AtmaNirbhar Bharat and &  203 Accusing the government Cwith ignoring the poor in Minimum Support asked if the Sc and St besides of ignoring the crisis instead of the Budget for the next fiscal, Price(MSP), which is a mini- minorities have become self- n the Lok Sabha, initiating recognising that there is one at the Congress leader Kapil Sibal mum thing that they are ask- reliant. The Congress leader Ithe debate on the Budget, the border with China, Tharoor on Wednesday said in the ing for unlike big corporates. further said the government Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said the Centre seems to have Rajya Sabha the NDA regime Cautioning the govern- was not focussing on job loss- slammed the Government for overturned the slogan “Jai in last six years “mismanaged ment against the farm laws to es. He said 120 million jobs ignoring the “aam admi” and Jawan, Jai Kisan” into “Na economy” and encouraged bring in reforms in the agri- were lost due to Covid-19 pan- showing insensitivity towards Jawan, Na Kisan”. The budget, “crony capitalism” by favouring culture sector, Sibal said such demic but the allocation for agitating farmers in the budget he said, did nothing to assuage “three or four big boys.” experiments in the US and MNREGA has been reduced. proposals. “The aam aadmi the concerns of the agitating Rejecting his claim, BJP Europe led to corporatisation. Terming that the Budget has been let down totally in the farmers with regard to the leader Sushil Kumar Modi Claiming that the number of 2021 was “jugglery of data”, last seven years...And the bud- minimum support price &  203 entire stake in debt-ridden air- full time and contractual termed the Budget as “bold and small farmers had reduced in Sibal said the government was get has betrayed his most fun- (MSP). line. employment which was 74,887 reformist” and said it took the US due to these measures, “perpetuating a rigged eco- damental aspirations,” said Countering the he Centre and States owe “The total amount of out- as on 31 March 2020 fell to care of all sections of the soci- he said the suicide rate was nomic system” besides doing a Tharoor, accusing the Finance Opposition, BJP MP TAir India 498.17 crore as standing dues owed by the 67,906 as on 30 September ety. He also listed out several more in rural areas of the US “loot bank politics” as more Minister of “running out of said due to on December 31, 2020 for Central and State Governments 2020. welfare measures taken to reach and compared to urban centres. development works have been ideas”. the efforts of the Narendra VVIP travel, evacuation oper- to Air India for VVIP travel, In a written reply to Rajya out to the poor during the lock- Noting that subsidies given announced for poll-bound The finance minister has Modi government, the country ations, travel of foreign digni- evacuation operations, foreign Sabha to a asked by ND Gupta, down period last year. to farmers were lower in India states of , neither played defensive nor hit has come out of the “fragile taries among other services. dignitaries travel and other Union Civil Aviation Minister Listing some of the big compared to China, the US and and others. the ball, he said, adding, “She five” economies. Today, India is The Governments in states outstanding dues as on said that steps, the newly elected MP to Europe, the Congress leader While every budget has has just run out of ideas. You among the top five economies and at the Centre owe the air- 31.12.2020 is 498.17 crore,” airline carriers have been severe- the Upper House said in his said “In the US, every farmer twin objectives of growth and cannot cross the sea but just in the world, she said, adding line 84.57 crore for VVIP Puri stated. ly affected due to restrictions on maiden speech, the next year gets from the Government equity, the government has keep staring at it.” Tharoor said that the finance minister is now travel,  12.61 crore for foreign In reply to another ques- domestic and international will see more than 100 crore about USD 62,000 aa year. You preferred growth and forgotten the budget has reduced expen- talking about a double-digit dignitaries’ travel, 9.67 crore tion, Puri said that amid coro- passenger movements. infused into the infrastructure are not willing to give our farm- the poor people of the country, diture on defence and health- growth rate. for evacuation operations and navirus pandemic, domestic “Domestic air cargo handled fell sector to boost the economy. ers MSP. Farmer does not ask while also promoting “crony care, and “delivered a blow to The economy is projected 391.32 crore as other out- passenger traffic fell from from 1.15 million metric tonnes Modi also said disinvestment for more, your corporates do...” capitalism”, he alleged. the economic system”. to grow at 11 per cent during standing dues, Union Civil 11,99,45,632 during March- (MMT) during March- was needed to raise money and When corporates ask for tax Sibal, without naming any- Although the nation suffered a 2021-22 after a likely contrac- Aviation minister Hardeep December 2019 to 3,77,79,592 December 2019 to 0.72 MMT make the economy vibrant. relief and exemptions, the gov- one, said one big corporate was lot because of the stringent tion of 7.7 per cent in the cur- Singh Puri told Rajya Sabha in during March-December 2020, during March- Initiating the debate on ernment gives them, he added. all over in all sectors from lockdown in the wake of the rent financial year as a result of a written reply to a question. while international passenger December 2020, while the budget presented Finance Terming the Budget as ports to airports to gas and rail- COVID-19 pandemic, the gov- the impact of the coronavirus The national carrier traffic fell from 1,96,64,179 to international air cargo handled Minister Nirmala Sitharaman “vote bank politics,” he said ways. ernment’s response to deal pandemic. After saving lives, the incurred a provisional loss of 18,55,033.Similarly, Revenues fell from 1.74 MMT to 1.19 on February 1, Sibal said the while it talks about growth it The projects were e given with the sufferings of people focus is now on promoting 7,982 crore in 2019-20 as of major Indian scheduled car- MMT.Deccan Charters Pvt. Ltd. Budget document was “jug- completely ignores the people to them overriding think-tank “showed no sensitivity”, he livelihood, which the budget has compared to the net loss of riers fell from 46,711 crore and M/s. Air Aviation glery of data.” of the country. Sibal said sev- Niti Ayog and Finance said,adding, “Bharat should tried to do, Lekhi said, adding 8,556 crore in 2018-19, Puri during April-September 2019 to Pvt. Ltd. have ceased operations He also questioned the eral indicators have shown that Ministry’s objections, he become aatmanirbhar (self- that the allocations for most of said. The Government is cur- about Rs 11,810 crore during from 24 July 2020 and 30 July Government for not listening the economy was in shambles claimed. reliant) and not Bharatvasis.” the sectors have been doubled. rently in the process to sell its April-September 2020. Their 2020 respectively”, Puri said. &     * # /0 1            *  + , !!    #         1(   O : &  203 0   &%   203 animal is man-eater it could be n a big relief to highway $    &  203 ascertained from the DNA Icommuters, the National he Supreme Court on reports, hair and nails remains Highways Authority of India &  203 “ National he Defence Geoinformatics TWednesday issued notice in the intestines, which last for on Wednesday said it has Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) TResearch Establishment has on a plea seeking contempt more than six months. decided to do away with the he Ministry of Housing will be temporarily housed in issued a level-2 danger (low) in action against “The tigress which was requirement of maintaining a Tand Urban Affairs has the refurbished Janpath Hotel terms of avalanche outlook for principal secretary Vikas killed, her stomach was minimum amount in FASTag said that the heritage building building and will finally be in Ladakh and Lahaul-Spiti Kharge and eight others for empty,” she claimed. wallet to ensure seamless of National Archives will be shifted to a new building to be and in Himachal Pradesh rewarding people who had She said that forest offi- movement at electronic toll retained while the National constructed at Jamnagar till Thursday evening. This is killed an alleged 'man-eater' cials of the state ordered killing plazas. Museum will get shifted to House plot”, he said in a writ- replete with partly unsafe con- tigress ‘Avni' in Yavatmal dis- ‘Avni' on the ground that it had It has been decided that retrofitted North and South ten reply to a starred question ditions with possible small size trict in 2018. killed thirteen persons in the the users will now be allowed Blocks. As per plan, Indira asked by MP KC Venugopal triggering along a few extreme A bench of Chief Justice area and was a man-eater. to pass through the toll plaza, Gandhi National Centre for in Central Vista slopes. Valley movements are Bobde and Justices AS “The killers of tigress were if the FASTag account/ wallet the Arts (IGNCA) will be Redevelopment Project. generally safe while movements Bopanna and V awarded by the state and there balance is non-negative. After user in addition to the secu- said adding this was resulting temporarily housed in the “Clearance of Heritage along slopes need caution. Ramasubramanian was told by was celebration, which was in crossing the toll plaza, if the rity deposit for the into unwanted hassles and refurbished Janpath Hotel Conservation Committee has Meanwhile, the India animal rights activist Sangeeta violation of the top court's account balance becomes passenger segment avoidable delay at toll plazas. building and will finally be been obtained on 11.01.2021 Meteorological Department Dogra that the tigress was order”, Dogra said. negative, the bank can recov- (Car/Jeep/Van),” NHAI said With more than 2.54 shifted to a new building to be for construction of New has predicted dry weather in not a man-eater as was evident The bench said that it er the amount from the secu- in a statement. crore users, FASTag con- constructed at Jamnagar Parliament Building and for till February 14. from the post-mortem report cannot control celebration but rity deposit, which should be It said issuer banks were tributes 80 per cent of the House plot. Central Vista Avenue Projects According to the IMD, an of the animal. it can issue notice if people replenished at the time of the unilaterally mandating some total toll In a reply to Rajya Sabha, on 02.02.2021. For other pro- incoming western disturbance “Issue notice returnable were rewarded flouting the next recharge by the user. threshold amount value for collection. Daily toll collec- Union Housing and Urban jects, it will be obtained, has moved in closer in the within two weeks. In the Supreme Court order. “In order to increase the the FASTag account/wallet, in tion through FASTag has Affairs Minister Hardeep wherever necessary’, Puri said. form of a cyclonic circulation meantime, necessary docu- The top court also asked FASTag penetration to ensure addition to the security crossed Rs 89 crore mark. Singh Puri said that as per The Centre last week held to the hills of North-West ments will be filed,” the bench Dogra to file additional doc- seamless movement of traffic deposit amount. As payment on toll plazas Central Vista Development/ the bhoomi poojan for laying India as it lay this (Wednesday) said. uments to substantiate her and to reduce avoidable As a result, many FASTag through FASTag will become Redevelopment Plan evolved the foundation stone of the morning over North Pakistan During the hearing, the claim that the tigress was not delays at the toll plazas, NHAI users were not allowed to mandatory from February 15, so far, heritage building of redeveloped and restructured with an overarching trough bench asked Dogra as to how a man-eater and said, “We has decided to remove the pass through a toll plaza, in 2021, NHAI is targeting to National Archives will be Central Vista Avenue—the over Central Pakistan. It has one can identify from the want clear finding that the mandatory threshold amount spite of having sufficient bal- achieve 100 per cent cashless retained. National Museum next phase of the Central already started influencing post-mortem whether the ani- tigress was not a man-eater for the FASTag account / wal- ance in their FASTag tolling at the toll plazas across will get shifted to retrofitted Vista redevelopment plan. weather over North-West mal was a man-eater or not. and reports on nails, hairs and let, which was paid by the account/wallet, the statement the country. North and South Blocks. India. Dogra replied that if an teeth”.        8+    9    =# GH>                     .     .        &  203 the accused diverted the sanc-  (    &  203 tioned facilities by falsifying he Supreme Court on books of accounts and issuing TWednesday asked the he CBI has registered two bogus invoices/bills and there- Centre and some States to &  203 asymptomatic cases were Tseparate cases related to by causing loss of 182.37 respond to a plea which has found as part of post-exposure bank fraud worth about 225 crore to SBI. sought direction to repeal the linicians should have a screening, reported Gili crore and conducted search- Searches were conducted provisions criminalising beg- C“high level of suspicion” Regev-Yochay, M.D., of &  203 es on Wednesday at eight at () and ging saying it leaves people about possible Covid-19 symp- Harvard and Chaim Sheba locations in Delhi, (Haryana) at the with “unreasonable choice” of toms in the two weeks follow- Medical Center, in Israel. he Central Government Ahmedabad, premises of accused which led committing crime or starving. ing vaccination, results of a new The takeaway? “Clinicians Twill be increasing the num- and Gurgaon. to recovery of certain incrim- A bench of Justices Ashok study in healthcare workers has should not dismiss post-vac- ber of inoculation sites to The first case was regis- inating documents including Bhushan and R S Reddy issued suggested. cination symptoms as vac- 75,000 in a couple of weeks tered against a private com- foreign currency of various notices and sought replies from While the study that was cine-related and should from now as a part of a massive pany Archon Engicon countries, details and keys of the Centre as also Maharashtra, &  203 ly in high intensity violence the- published in the journal promptly test for Covid-19,” capacity building exercise Ltd.based at Ahmedabad oth- lockers; details of investment Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana and atres. Consequently, CRPF is Emerging Infectious Disease Regev-Yochay and colleagues ahead of the Covid-19 vacci- ers including its Directors in securities, mutual funds on the plea which he CRPF on Wednesday required to maintain a high level based its conclusion following wrote. nation roll out for the people Chandrashekhar Balkrushan and other investment and claimed that sections of the Treleased “Warrior’s Creed- of readiness, regardless of the patients outcomes in a worker The Pfizer-BioNTech vac- above 50 years Panchal, Nehal cash of  42 lakh. statutes criminalising begging Our doctrines” at a function at terrain or the weather. Counter vaccination programme at a cine is not likely protective This was stated by Dr N.K Chandershekhar Panchal, Ajit The second case was reg- is violative of Constitutional CRPF Academy Gurugram. Insurgency Ops have, over the large Israeli hospital where against clinical disease the Arora, Head, Operations Raina, Devendra Singh and istered on a complaint from rights. The document is a collation of years, become far more complex they were given the first doses first days after the first dose is Research Group, National Sunil Mishra besides Indian Overseas Bank against “Issue notice returnable in CRPF’s operational philosophy and challenging, necessitating of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine given, according to results of COVID-19 Task Force at a vir- unknown public servants/per- a Delhi-based private firm six weeks,” the bench said, and mores aimed at providing the need for an intellectual given December last year, such clinical trials. Although pro- tual event on Wednesday. sons on a complaint from Goyal Engineering Polymers while hearing the petition filed the future leaders with guiding study framework, which should cases have emerged in India too tection increases to 52% a “In the next couple of State Bank of India. Pvt. Ltd. and others including by resident Vishal principles for administrative be coherent enough to provide where healthcare workers are week after the first dose, pos- weeks, the number of immu- It was alleged that the its Directors Pawan Goyal, Pathak. and operational imperatives. guidance and flexible enough to being given Covishield and itive Covid-19 test results have nisation centres will be said company was in the busi- Usha Goyal, Gunjan Goyal, The plea, filed through A brain child of Director be adapted to given scenarios,” Covaxin. been found among vaccine increased from 50,000 to ness of construction, erec- Seiji Itagki and Yogi Sakai advocate H K Chaturvedi, has General of CRPF, Dr A P the CRPF said in a statement. For instance, five doctors in recipients even early after the 75,000 and we would be able to tion and commissioning of besides other unknown per- referred to the August 2018 Maheswari, the compilation of Speaking on the occasion, Chamarajanagar district in second dose. vaccinate about 5 to 7 million power transmission and tele- sons/public servants on the verdict of the the doctrine was undertaken DG CRPF reiterated that the in India tested pos- “Thus, during a large-scale people everyday,” he said. Arora com towers since 2004. allegations that the said which had jointly by the CRPF Academy Warrior’s Creed is not meant to itive for Covid-19 a week after immunisation campaign coin- added that the country has the State Bank of India, accused had defrauded the decriminalised begging in the and the Operations Directorate be sacrosanct or timeless, they they got the first shot of the ciding with rapid national capacity to inoculate 1 crore Ahmedabad Branch had sanc- bank by giving improper national capital and said that of the Force’s headquarters here. will continue to evolve with vaccine in January last this year. increase in Covid-19 cases, people everyday. “We have the tioned various credit facilities information and falsification provisions of the Bombay The document has recorded changing times and challenges. The Israeli study had some immunised persons like- capacity to vaccinate 10 million to said company represented of documents. Prevention of Begging Act, and codified the doctrines They will not act as iron tight excluded workers who already ly will develop clinical disease,” individuals per day,” he said. by its Managing Director, It was further alleged that 1959 which treats begging as an which will also go a long way in procedures or diktats but as a had recovered from Covid-19. the authors of the hospital Meanwhile, on Wednesday Directors/ Promoters along the firm carried out substan- offence cannot sustain consti- ‘fostering initiative’ and ‘stimu- guide to help commanders to Among more than 4,000 study concluded. the total number of people who with SBI (lead Bank), other tial wrongful transactions with tutional scrutiny. lating creativity’. think, within the parameters of vaccinated hospital staff mem- Health experts have called have received Covid-19 vacci- banks including Bank of sister concerns/associates “The provisions of the “It is for the first time in the our charter of duties, and exe- bers, 22 developed Covid-19 for the need to practice pre- nations in the country reached Baroda, Bank of India, Dena showing wrongful use of bor- statutes criminalising the act of history of CRPF that such a key- cute operational tasks in the best from one to 10 days following cautions like wearing masks, 68,26,898, said Union health Bank and IDBI Bank had rowed funds and diversion of begging puts people in a situa- stone document has been pro- possible manner. immunisation (a median 3.5 social distancing norms, hand ministry joint secretary sanctioned credit facilities to funds to sister concerns, tion to make an unreasonable mulgated. This work has been He also stressed that days). Thirteen workers were washing and avoiding crowd- Mandeep Bhandari. As many the company under consor- thereby causing loss of 42.72 choice between committing a inspired by the vision of Dr A Doctrines are always ‘unfinished tested after showing symptoms ed areas. as 2,15,113 jabs were adminis- tium banking arrangement. crore to the Bank. crime or not committing one P Maheshwari, DG CRPF. products’ being ‘Evolving in (typically including fever, Those who have received tered on Wednesday till 6 pm. It was further alleged that Searches were conducted and starving, which goes against CRPF, the nation’s lead Counter nature’, for ready reference as chills, cough, headache, mus- both shots of the vaccine Out of the total, the num- during the period from 2014- at the premises of accused at the very spirit of the Insurgency force, is deployed ‘Distilled wisdom’ and a cle aches and sore throat). Two should follow all precautions ber of healthcare workers who 15 to 2016-17, the accused three places in Delhi yielded Constitution and violates Article across the country, performing ‘Referral document’ for the pol- others were tested due to until a significant percentage of have been inoculated stands at entered into conspiracy and in recovery of incriminating 21 i.E. Right to Life,” the plea myriad duties, with 90 % icy makers, CRPF personnel exposure to confirmed or sus- the population has been vac- 56,65,172 and the number of after availing the said limits, documents. filed in the top court said. strength deployed continuous- and the academia. pected Covid-19 cases, and cinated, as per health experts. frontline workers are 11,61,726.    !!"#$#! -

$ +:     ( !  )*+     (  #(  '     &%  >72>-"- castes, religions, Bengalis and non- + "M-'&6)7-) English and other channels) were      Bengalis to ignite riots and garner ),-6 +E- :-7 + being framed by the Government. he BJP will get a “crow-bite” for votes,” Banerjee said reminding -++),$7)!E.,-")!)- “They are not even sparing the (UP): The district Tthe lies it peddles, Bengal Chief how “BJP makes fake videos --- by )-<)$-7E")!)- ) journalists who are being falsely administration in Saharanpur Minister Mamata Banerjee on imposing clippings from -),-+"" +-)$,! implicated in the farmers’ move- imposed Section 144 ahead of the Wednesday said once again staking and even Bangladeshi films --- of !# N ""!#!# !)- ment in Delhi,” she said.  ) Kisan panchayat that was to be her personal charisma to charm the women in Bengal being pulled by Taking a dig at the BJP leader- .$,".,> $ -M!#  addressed by Congress general sec- voters ahead of the Assembly elec- their sarees to fan communal riots.” )!.$,".!# N ship for taking out Rath Yatras in Saharanpur (UP): Congress general sec- patriots,” the Congress leader said. retary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the tions. She said “the BJP will come to Bengal “spending crores of ill-got- retary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on The Congress leader also flayed afternoon. She asked the electorate to you with cash … take them as this ten rupees” she said the “we only Wednesday promised that his party will Prime Minister Narendra Modi while District Magistrate Saharanpur “ignore who is contesting from a is your money … but do not vote BJP. know about Rath Yatras Lord repeal the three “black” central farm laws reminding the audience that the BJP had issued an order citing various rea- given seat … only think that for them … do not allow the out- “We will not allow the BJP to Jagannath who is our revered deity and ensure MSPs for different crops as promised to clear sugar cane dues sons including upcoming festivities, Mamata Banerjee is fighting from side ideas to ruin Bengal,” adding loot the farmers of Bengal like they … but today the BJP leadership soon as it returned to power at the Centre. totalling Rs 15,000 crore within 15 days the spread of Covid-19 pandemic all the (294) seats,” prompting her Bengal will not be ruled by Gujarat have done to those of the other thinks that it is equal to Lord “When the Congress comes to power of coming to power at the Centre. and the possibility of violence by critics to wonder whether the rul- “Bengal will only be ruled by States… we will stop them at any Jagannath and so they are riding again, we will immediately repeal these “Instead, the Prime Minister bought anti-social elements in the State. The ing Trinamool Congress was in Bengal.” cost,” the Chief Minister said Raths,” reminding how even the farm laws. We will also ensure MSPs for two planes worth Rs 16,000 crore for him- restrictions have been imposed till short supply of credible faces or The BJP leaders have been adding how her Government demon king Ravan had also ridden all farmers,” she said while addressing a self and conveniently forgot about the April 5. “whether it has lost all credibility as “falsely propagating against the pulled the farmers out of the a Rath while abducting Mother Sita. 'Kisan Panchayat' in Chilkhana in famers' money,” she quipped. Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi a political unit.” Bengal Government that we have Amphan crisis and how her Meanwhile, BJP national pres- . “When a farmer's son becomes a Vadra reached on Addressing a huge rally in stalled central schemes for farmers Government was providing free ident JP Nadda hit back at the Chief Priyanka also urged the farmer not jawan, he provides security to the Prime Wednesday morning and is on her Malda, Banerjee quoted from a whereas we have given them the ration to the people of the State and Minister for perpetrating a dicta- to step back from their ongoing agitation Minister but the latter does not recognise way to Saharanpur where she will famous Rishi Kapoor-Dimple names and answered all the queries how “even the mid-day meal for torial rule in the State. across many states in support of their what lies in the hearts of farmers.” first offer prayers at the Kapadia number warning “Jhoot … now why are they not paying the students is being reached door-to- “Didi came to power riding the demands and assured that the Congress “They claim that those protesting on Shakumbhari Devi temple, before Boley Kaua Katey … (you liars will farmers (under Kisan Sanman door as the schools are closed now- slogan of Maa-Mati, Manush but would stand with them in “their fight the Delhi borders are not farmers but addressing the Kisan panchayat. get the crow-bite) … for all the lies Nidhi),” Banerjee said adding how a-days.” today she is pursuing a policy of against the black laws”. anti-social elements. Why do they have Congress Leader Priyanka the BJP is peddling.” the farmers of Uttar Pradesh, Claiming that even the media appeasement, dictatorship and “There should be no politics with to ridicule the farmers? And what do they Gandhi visits Khanqah The saffron outfit is a “factory Punjab, Haryana, Bihar and was not safe under the BJP extortion,” Nadda said from a farmers. Those who do not respect the mean by using the term 'andolanjivi'?” she Dargah in Saharanpur on 10 febru- of liars whose only job is to create were crying and Government Banerjee said how the meeting at Kalaikunda in West sentiments of farmers cannot be called asked. IANS ary 2021. IANS division among the communities, repenting for having voted the senior journalists (of various Midnapore. 2 1       .  .  ##    /(     

%  %  %=%4-3 accordance with the law. for which no permission of tions involving at the bungalow.   !   The Judge also ruled that       %   MCGM was required, or sim- The BMC, which had n a fall-out of an order passed no coercive action be taken by ply matters of interior decora- served a notice on the actress Iby the Bombay High Court the BMC till it considers and tection against coercive action “ignored” its statutory provi- tion and work for which no on September 7 about the     in a litigation between her and decides on the actress’ regu- for another six weeks to enable sions and guidelines of the planning permission is alleged “illegal” constructions the Bombay Municipal larisation application and for her to file an appeal before the Courts as well as of its own cir- required, or were authorized at the bungalow, followed it up   5-3+=? Zindabad' in protest against the Corporation (BMC) in two weeks thereafter to enable high court. culars and the said action is an having regard to the approved with demolition on September three farm laws. November last year, Bollywood her to appeal in case of an While quashing and setting abuse of power and authority. plans, the Petitioner shall be 9 after rejecting the reply pro- or the first time in inde- The CPI(M) leader con- actress has adverse order on her regulari- aside the latest notice dated “The Petitioner therefore is within her rights to recon- vided by the actress’ lawyers Fpendent India, the Preamble tinued to create a ruckus in the decided to unconditionally sation application. September 7 2020 and the sub- fully justified in approaching struct the same,” the judges and pasting a response at the of the Constitution and the well of the House and the withdraw her suit against the He said this case which the sequent oral demolition order, this Court for redressal of her said. door of Kangana’s fundamental duties were read Governor kept reading the BMC in the Bombay High actress is planning to withdraw the HC bench had on grievances and the protection “In case they (Kangana) bungalow. in the Assembly by Governor address. Court over a 2018 demolition relates to her property in November 27, 2020 allowed of her rights,” the judges require a planning permission On the portion that has not Kalraj Mishra before the start Many Congress leaders, notice issued to her for certain Orchid Breeze building at Khar Kangana to take such steps as observed. and none exists, the Petitioner been demolished by the BMC, of his formal address to the including party whip Mahesh alleged irregularities at her in which the BMC had served were required to make the said On the issue of allowing may apply for such permissions the high court said: “As regards sixth session of the 15th Joshi and state Parliamentary bungalow at Khar in north- a demolition notice in 2018 for bungalow “habitable” so that Kangana to reconstruct the and the MCGM shall be bound the area, which is not demol- Rajasthan Legislative Assembly Minister Shanti Dhariwal, came west . certain unauthorised con- the Petitioner can immediate- demolished portion, the HC to deal with such application in ished by the MCGM, if the on Wednesday. to pacify Left leader Poonia In a submission made structions. ly start occupying and using the bench said: “As regards allow- accordance with law,” the MCGM proposes to take any Mishra introduced this who was joined by other lead- through her lawyer advocate In 2018, the BMC had same. ing the Petitioner to recon- judges noted. action, it may issue a notice giv- new tradition before his ers who raised slogans in favour Birendra Saraf before the high served a demolition notice to The HC bench said that in struct demolished portions of It may be recalled that on ing 7 days time to the Petitioner address. While reading the of farmers saying 'Jai Kisan' court, the actress said that she Kangana for various unautho- the event of Kangana filing an the property, we record that September 9, the demolition to respond to / comply with the Preamble and duties of the con- while BJP MLAs continued would withdraw her case with- rized construction in the application for regularisation of though parties have taken con- squad of the BMC pulled down same. .... the Petitioner shall stitution in the Legislative chanting 'Jai Shri Ram.' in the next four days uncondi- premises, which involved any unauthorised but demol- trary positions about the autho- a portion of Kangana Raut’s also be at liberty to make an Assembly, the MLAs repeated Later, the Congress leaders tionally and she would apply merging three apartments on ished portion of her bungalow rized or unauthorized offend- bungalow at Bandra in north- application seeking regular- them after him. convinced Poonia to come out for regularisation of alleged ille- the 5th floor, constructing making an application to the ing portions, we have not been west Mumbai, which housed ization of the works already After administering the of the Assembly and took him gal portions in her structure more than permissible limits, BMC, the BMC would decide shown any material to justify the office of her film produc- carried out but not demolished oath to all legislators to pro- out as the Governor continued within four weeks. and availing 50 per cent on the application within four either of the contentions. We tion company, Manikarnika under section 53 (3) of the mulgate the constitution and his address. Allowing the Kangana to or area of the uninhabited weeks of the receipt of the have, accordingly no occasion Films Pvt Ltd. MRTP Act, 1966”. the fundamental duties, the After reading the speech withdraw the appeal, a HC sin- floor space. application/plan. to decide one way or the By the time Bombay High “In case any such applica- Governor read the complete for nearly 45 minutes, the gle-judge bench Judge Justice The Dindoshi civil court In its ruling on the much- other” Court stayed the demolition of tion is made no further steps in address. Governor left the Assembly. Prithviraj K Chavan said “The on December 22, 2020, dis- discussed on the Kangana “We must accordingly leave the process of Kangana’s bun- response to the notice shall be Meanwhile, as the Earlier, Congress MLA appellant (Kangana) is per- missed a notice of motion filed demolition case, the HC bench the parties to their positions in galow, the BMC employees – taken by the MCGM before Governor continued his Indira Meena came to the mitted to apply for regularisa- by Ranaut against a 2018 BMC had held the action by the Shiv law. If, and to the extent the who had come armed with big disposal of such application address, Communist Party of Assembly driving a tractor to tion before the BMC within a notice for alleged violation and Sena-ruled BMC as “ex-facie demolished portions were orig- drill machines, hammers, and a copy of the order pro- India (Marxist) MLA Balwan show her support for farmers period of four weeks”. He said irregularities at her Khar bun- illegal, arbitrary, unjustified inally created / constructed in sledgehammers and crowbars vided to the Petitioner as well Poonia created an uproar rais- protesting against the three that the BMC shall decide the galow. The civil court had, and highhanded and mala fide” accordance with law, that is to and a JCB machine – pulled as her Advocate,” the judges ing slogans like 'Andolankari farm laws. same expeditiously and in however, extended interim pro- and said that the BMC had say, either as tenantable repairs down the allegedly illegal por- had ruled. $  3              4    F4     %  %  %=%4-3      procure M-4 rifles as an annu- Vishram Baug Police Station in al supply and four lakh rounds connection with the Elgar    &J  #    ona J. Wilson, one of prime Arsenal Consulting has claimed 2018 ahead of the arrest of of ammunition. Parishad organised on Raccused in the sensitive that not only Wilson’s comput- Wilson and other accused in the Among other things, the let- December 31, 2017 by the left- &  203 charge-sheeted accused in Bangladesh) to radicalize, Bhima-Koregaon case, on er was ‘attacked and compro- case. ter states: “Modi-led Hindu fas- ist outfit Kabir Kala Manch another NIA Case related to recruit and provide training in Wednesday moved the Bombay mised’ from June 13, 2016 for On the basis of one of the cist regime is bulldozing its way (KKM) and Republican he NIA special Court, Bodh Gaya Blast in Bihar, in arms and explosives to its mem- High Court seeking formation over 22 months, but similar mal- allegedly incriminating letters into the lives of indigenous adi- Panthers Party ahead of the TKolkata on Wednesday con- January, 2018. bers in India for committing of a Special Investigation Team ware attacks were made on even seized from Wilson’s computer, vasis, in spite of big defeats like January 1, 2018 Bhima- victed the head of JMB (Jamat- The background of the case terrorist acts and waging war (SIT) to look into the “fake evi- other accused in other high-pro- the police had claimed that Bihar and West Bengal. Koregaon riots. The FIR, origi- ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh) in is that on October 2, 2014 at against the democratically dences” planted into his com- file Indian cases. the CPI (Maoist) had hatched a Modi has successfully estab- nally registered u/s 153(A), 505 India, Kausar alias Boma Mizan about 12:15 hours, a powerful established Governments of puter ahead of his arrest in the The hacker, who has not “conspiracy” to “overthrow” the lished BJP govt in more than 15 (1)(b), 117 and 34 of the Indian under the Unlawful Activities bomb (IED) blast had taken India and Bangladesh. case, and dismissal of the case been identified, had used the Government and “target” the states. If this pace continues then Penal Code (IPC), was made a (Prevention) Act and IPC place at the first floor of a rent- A large number of IEDs, against him. malware to create hidden fold- country’s highest political func- it would mean immense trouble conspiracy case in March 2018 Sections in connection with the ed house in the busy explosives, hand grenades, In an application filed ers where the 10 incriminating tionary. for the party on all fronts. and now has sections of the Burdwan Blast Case Khagragarh locality of Burdwan training videos were recovered through his lawyer R. letters were sent using an The letter, written by “R” Greater suppression of dissent Unlawful Activities Prevention for 29 years and a fine of Rs district of West Bengal. during the investigation of the Sathyanarayanan, Wilson cited advanced version of MS Word (which the investigators sus- and more brutal form of Mission Act (UAPA) added to it. 35,000. The IED had accidentally case,” the NIA said in a state- a report prepared by a US- which was not available on pected might be Rona Jacob 2016 (OGH). Com. Kisan and It may be recalled that on Kausar is a resident of gone off at the time of its fab- ment. based digital forensic firm Wilson’s laptop. himself) and addressed to one few other comrades have pro- January 1, one Rahul Phatangale Shekharbhita village under rication by the members of After extensive investiga- Arsenal Consulting which has The US firm’s report further comrade Prakash, states: “We are posed concrete steps to end (28), a Dalit, was killed and Jamalpur Police Station, banned terrorist organization tion, a total of 33 accused were said that a Wilson’s laptop was said that it found no evidence thinking along the lines of Modi-raj”. another 40-odd vehicles and Jamalpur district of JMB. Two terrorists had suc- charge sheeted by NIA for hacked and 10 letters planted in suggesting that Wilson ever another Rajiv Gandhi-type inci- “Defeating Hindu fascism some other property were dam- Maymansingh division, cumbed to their injuries due to commission of various offences it ahead of his arrest. interacted with the top 10 most dent. It sounds suicidal and has been our core agenda and a aged after some miscreants Bangladesh and was convicted the bomb blast. The case was in this case. Out of 33 accused, It may be recalled that the important documents used to there is a good chance we might major concern for the party.... attacked Dalits celebrating the for offences under IPC Sections initially registered by West 31 were arrested. Earlier, 30 Pune Police and later the NIA prosecute him, and said he had fail but we feel the party must We are trying to consolidate ties January 1, 1818 victory of British relating to criminal conspiracy Bengal Police, which was sub- accused persons were convict- had used the letters allegedly in fact never opened those doc- deliberate over our proposal. with like-minded organisations, troops over Peshwa Bajirao II's and various Sections of the UA sequently taken over by NIA on ed and sentenced, to various recovered from the computer of uments. Targeting his road shows could pol. parties, representatives of army at Bhima-Koregaon in (P) Act, Sections of Arms Act October 10, 2014 for investiga- terms, by the NIA Special Human Rights activists Rona The scanned copies of letters be an effective strategy. We col- minorities across the country,” Pune district of western and provisions of the Foreigners tion. Court, . The trial against Wilson Jacob to make out a case were among the virtual and lectively believe that survival of the letter stated. Maharashtra. Following the inci- Act. “Investigation by NIA the remaining two absconding against him other activists arrest- physical documents recovered the party is supreme to all sac- The arrests of five “Maoist- dent, Maharashtra had wit- He JMB is a proscribed revealed a conspiracy by JMB charge sheeted accused persons ed in the famous Bhima- by the investigators during their rifices”. linked” activists were made nessed large-scale Dalit protests organization. He is also a (Jamat-ul-Mujahideen continues, it added. Koregaon case. simultaneous raids conducted by The letter also talks about under the FIR registered on which turned violent at some Among other things, the investigators on April 17 the requirement of Rs 8 crore to January 8, 2018 at the Pune’s places. =+F2 K        ? IF+ ?      /      #          : The Government is aimed at making the roads safer. Parliament, Gujarat was one of ##      (Uttar Pradesh): The considering softening the impact “We have done homework the first states to implement it Special Protection of Children of the amended Motor Vehicles on the Motor Vehicle Act. For and notify the rules, but only : Information and Public from Sexual Offence (POCSO) (MV) Act, which mandates any offence, the law has given a after reducing the new fine Relations Department court has convicted a man to life hefty fines and penalties for traf- zone of consideration in fines structure. Other state govern- Commissioner Mahendra Soni imprisonment for raping his fic violators. from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000. So, ments like Uttarakhand and directed the newly appointed minor daughter. In the wake of severe criti- from Rs 100 at present the fine Karnataka have also tweaked Public Relations Officers to The court also slapped a fine cism of the poor road infra- will go up to Rs 500,” Godinho and lowered the quantum of ensure proper publicity and of Rs 1.75 lakh on the accused structure as well as the Goa said. fines listed in the central law. publicity of public welfare and dismissed his plea for min- Legislative Assembly elections Other traffic offences, for According to a Goa schemes of the State imum sentence, as there was no slated for early next year, the which fines have been hiked to Minister, the steep fines in the Government. one in the family to take care of State Government has decided between Rs 1,000 and Rs 8,000, amended law were unpopular Soni, while addressing the his elderly mother. to revise the traffic rules, sources they have been limited to Rs and to impose such fines with officers on Tuesday at the head- According to reports, the said. 1,000, he added. “We have kept the state assembly elections quarters of the Information and accused, labourer by profes- After delaying the imple- the fines at the minimum, around a year away would incur Public Relations Department, sion, had raped his 12-year-old mentation of the modified cen- because we do not want to fine the electoral wrath of the pub- apprised them of the depart- daughter for 10 days in 2015, in tral act, first due to the onset of people a lot,” Godinho said. lic. mental functioning. the absence of his wife, who had the pandemic and secondly due While a formal cabinet deci- “People are not used to Soni informed the officers gone to attend to her sister who to a lack of consensus in the State sion vis-a-vis implementation of paying such fines. It would not about all the cells of the depart- was recuperating after a surgery. Cabinet, Goa's Transport the MV Act has not been taken make political sense to imple- ment. He also explained about The matter came to light Minister Mauvin Godinho has yet, Goa is not the only Indian ment such a law with elections press note writing. Discussed in when the girl's mother returned said that the State rules for the state to have taken a minimal- around the corner. Such fines detail about the and home and found her daughter amended MV norms would be ist view as far as imposition of would come as a shock to the style of advertisements to be depressed and silent. After learn- put in place soon, but fines the steep fines, which the law people of Goa, especially when released by the department. ing about the incident, she imposed would be the mini- that was amended in 2019, Covid-19 has already caused Also instructed the officers to lodged a police complaint at the mum as prescribed under the mandates. economic hardship to the peo- understand the platforms of Jagdishpura police station in amended legislation, pushed by Soon after the amended ple,” a Minister said on condition social media and use digital tools Agra on June 10, 2015. IANS the road transport ministry and MV Act was passed in the of anonymity. IANS more and more. $       2  3  +9    !!"#$#! .

       .  9 #  8" +     9 # 9 #+",-*#((-.! 4  !  *   0 #       (   ' !     !   1  5 $%&'"(($          F    (                  $  / -    /S      !  6         "                                              P  Q #               . "                     F %  C       n the first couple of months  C               +      . of 2020, your columnist  *                     .  made two trips to the West                      ICoast of the United States. Each time he boarded flights         =   /   O that took over 14 hours, a cou-           H5$    ple of flights even passed over,    / @32?      $/(   O as near makes no difference, the       1,  S   North Pole. Travel that once         /    took days and several transfers with the potential of lost luggage   :  ;      *      277?   and what not, now took just one, $  / $0   ! "    maybe two flights, in relative H  0       F   luxury even in Economy Class,       )        4  thanks to inflight WiFi and a better choice of movies than  :4 ;    %    0   most streaming platforms.            .  Sure, the food still could   )      taste bland but that possibly had        #   ( more to do with the human body’s physiology at higher alti-               )   tudes where taste buds often go )                   ( for a toss. But the most fascinat-                .  /  ing thing was that in early 2020, C O        4 . O         these ultra long-haul flights had become almost ordinary. Indeed, has to understand that there nations having different rules demic has made us all realise                    # while rumours of an impending are different types of air trav- for transit passengers. that working from home is an          S         /$    pandemic started to filter out, el. It is evident from the num- While this might again option for many people.             P)           global air travel was on a mas- bers emerging that the Indian change going forward, partic- Work travel and large confer-  :CS;          Q /  0     sive high. It was growing at an economy is on the upswing ularly as a vaccine is deployed, ences are not going to go unprecedented pace and a short- and local business travel will this fundamental change, cou- away, but will big shows such  $/              C    -  age of aircraft after the ground- almost certainly recover. Once pled with the emergence of as motor shows take place or /  5',     :/   %  -/;  @33A      ing of the Boeing 737 MAX was all the States fully open up, one modern aircraft, will pose an will the ‘2020 Auto Expo’ at       0          %    C  the biggest concern. can expect air travel to regain existential threat to airlines Greater Noida go down in                      Now, while it is far too soon some normalcy by the middle that have for years survived history as the “last big show”?    $         P. /Q $  to sound the death knell for very of 2021. Of course, there are primarily thanks to connect- The huge trade shows, even long-haul flights as Air India has other factors: While evidence ing passengers. for the airline industry such               E        just started a Bengaluru to San points to a decreasing caseload 7?>"?-@2 There is also the likeli- as the events in Farnborough  P    Q       /  C      Francisco flight, something that of COVID-19 and the vaccina- -2-?6 hood of a “vaccine passport”. and Paris, might never be the   P  " Q      .         ( would have been technological- tion rollout has been impres- Anyone travelling to Sub- same and that will take a toll                      ly impossible just a decade ago, sive in India, the emergence of /7?/,-? Saharan Africa or certain on business-class travel. Low- global air travel is today in a new variants, particularly in Latin American countries cost international leisure trav-            +           quagmire. Thousands of planes Brazil and South Africa against 7"6736"767 needs to show that they have el might come back roaring are grounded across the world which existing vaccines are less - -*4=" 322 taken a yellow fever shot; now thanks to the introduction of with demand having collapsed effective, is alarming. If one of 436,07 ,,=/0 this requirement will likely be new aircraft such as Airbus’s (!"#$ in the wake of the pandemic. these variants is able to spread global. Popular destinations, A321XLR, of which several International travel, which had inside India, it could again lead -,%7"7?,07 , like in South-East Asia, have are on order by India’s largest been truly democratised with to havoc. That said, domestic "->+2-/ travellers from many coun- airline, IndiGo. lower fares and increased con- air travel will emerge healthi- tries and preventing them But we do not really know nectivity, is now on life support. er post-pandemic, not just 7? 322"0 from interacting is impossi- how we, air passengers who It isn’t as if there are no more because of business demand N&'&'-="7M+7E ble. While COVID-19 rages love travelling, will react in a flights; with strict quarantine but also leisure demand as on in North America and few months, once a consider- measures and several countries travellers after a year of being -"6?-"?73- Western Europe, the only way able number of people have restricting travel to citizens and cooped up at home will want 677 3 to protect both citizens and been vaccinated. We still don’t legal residents, travel has to travel and, with foreign tourists from bringing in the know whether nations will become essentially one for emer- destinations closed off, domes- 03,"7?*-,"0 virus is some sort of vaccine have quarantine rules up in gencies and repatriation. Of tic tourism is bound to pick up. N2-,"436,07 OA passport. This might actual- place if the virus evolves into course, there are some who But as for international air ly be a good time for India to a deadlier form. But one thing have to travel for business, par- travel, it could be several explore the opportunity to is certain, aviation is in a dark ticularly in an age of globalised months, even a year or two, embed its passports with place right now and it could workforces, but that is now before things come even close RFID chips that can store vac- be another year before there being done without families. to recovery. There are howev- cination information. is any hope of recovery. Will air travel recover from er a few trends that might Then, of course, there (The author is Managing this devastating hit? There are change, the first being more comes the very concept of Editor, The Pioneer. The views many ways to look at it, but one direct connectivity thanks to necessary travel. This pan- expressed are personal.) $ /#0(/$ SOUNDBITE $ 9  $+        /  Sir— This refers to the editorial ‘Serious         #  business’(February 10). Ever since he    / 0 ,    .     4    #  assumed charge, US President Joe Biden  #     .          has made it clear that he will keep       3  R  !  4  R .   !  American interest above all. He is likely to  #       N  K          %   ,## +  work out the political equations keeping       0            this in mind. Biden will not give any spe- 3               ", / #       S       S                 cial privilege to India unlike his predeces- )!#$++ "$ sor Donald Trump, who shared a very cor-     #     K+  . 6       )               (    ( dial and friendly relationship with Prime        "       )                        .   #    #   -.#    Minister Narendra Modi. Biden, who had recently unseated his       ,    K =        "          )S "                     K                             arch-rival Trump in the bitterest political        battle in the history of America, is likely       +    6                              ( to reverse the decisions or policies of               *     S     Trump. This will prove antagonistic to the      #  # K   *  # #                  interests of India and will give opportuni-      >   .     #   / #        #  ty to countries like China to extend their "6         ,  ?#     #    +      #          +  ( ? / ?          K    #  ?,-6$- $A!$  influence in the region. The Indo- K-  5%          *    ( American ties need to be revisited as the   4    # -     .#     .  ,  $        )   -  circumstances have changed with the   K            #   "       #    .      I      .   # K " @  E  #    .      /  change of regime in America. 3  K However, this bodes well that PM Modi              # #   0    *       #  , 6     #   ( $,! 7.       and President Biden have acknowledged    .   )S                the significance of continuing the close   #          1      cooperation between the nations to pro- 233 #          4  mote a free and open Indo-Pacific, in their Though storms, downpours and floods politics will provide new dimensions to the    .#  can be predicted soon and forewarnings politically sensitive State. Her journey    #            S     very first conversation. It’s good that both can be made to evacuate people to safer between Bengaluru and was 6-)$  5 !    )     the leaders have shown their commitment for resuming the democratic process in zones, there are still some natural events interspersed with welcoming events, so K, ,

6  )         Myanmar which is now under military like lightning and thunderstorms that much so that she reportedly made at least sometimes strike and cause severe damage 30 pit stops. She was welcomed with var- $        #     . rule. India can play a lead role in it and thus   3     establish close ties with America which will and casualties. A number of States in India ious events on the way, including drone  " 3        5 27     like Odisha, West Bengal, and show, firecrackers and floral reception.   8 P)              eventually be in its interest.  @  >   K Azhar A Khan | Rampur Bihar witness thunderstorms and lightning Her popularity will surely worry her E          :)    )         between April and June. political rivals as she might be a game " E   3                       ;Q 6         It is really good to know that the India changer in the State’s politics. Senior lead-      #  . Sir —Natural calamities are common but Meteorological Department (IMD) plans ers of the AIADMK are still under the              P   Q          P   S  to set up the first-ever thunderstorm and impression that it is only some disenchant-         Q 6   0        =   7  at times these turn fatal and cause huge ' 7 6 !+?$!-$ damage to property. The recent calamity lightning research centre in the country in ed elements who may cross over to K*  4 .      " 8 P)   > 1 ?@2        233 in Uttarakhand reminds us that nature is Balasore district of Odisha. It will provide Sasikala’s camp. #       % +   > AA        BB  mighty and can ruin human settlements important scientific information, data and They feel that the party’s rank and file           B -     BQ #   ( C )     within seconds. It also teaches us not to updates that will help in saving lives. But will rally behind Chief Minister Edappadi  .   we must stop playing with nature before it’s K Palaniswami and Deputy CM O 6           0 P#     #    Q  PD exploit nature and its resources for our benefit and in the name of development. too late. Panneerselvam. They must keep in mind 3   /    S         QE   $           We must remember that despite all the M Pradyu | that her popularity shows that Sasikala is    #K a force to reckon with. #       #            )S   8 PD     progress modern science has made, some-         times our scientists fail to predict the CKR Nathan |       #    6      Q  P+           Q -  Sir — The return of VK Sasikala, the for-                      impending danger and then the loss to life and property becomes inevitable. mer aide of late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa,    / - - ?-+?):+?$+)!   S        S    after her long stay in prison to --$+-)?)!$@#7 *6)7 K +     !!"#$#! 1

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xperts believe that there will be a surge in cases of mental illness in the aftermath of the ECOVID-19 pandemic due to the lasting )*((+ 0%$ mental and emotional impact of physical distanc-   !  $           ing, quarantine and socio-economic factors.  B # -  $     B # "      According to the World Health Organisation ) (WHO), every 40 seconds a person dies by suicide.        S        !  A paper by the Indian Council of Medical Research $             I3 !   ( showed that in 2017, a whopping 197 million            $    Indians were suffering from mental disorders, of #            6   #  S   whom 46 million had depressive disorders and 45               # S ! $ million had anxiety disorders. The spread of the  ,  !             Coronavirus only aggravated the situation. So deep     #   P        is the fear of the virus that people with no history ! Q      P)           of mental illness have developed serious psycholog- ical problems for the first time, including border-           Q        S line personality disorder, psychosis, mood disorder,       #      depression and psychotic episodes, as a result of the     H  5 A          social distancing and quarantining that is required.  -  $           Anxiety, irritability, anger, insomnia, stress and emo- 360"36  -              tional exhaustion stand out as being very common "0/7@3KJ  6     #           during the pandemic as evidenced by the increased /?3,3,-"0 -    #               H number of suicides across the world. India is no %"-20-2"0 exception to this crisis. 7,"0-"3"0-,  S       -   !  $   The prolonged and unprecedented countrywide 4?7=60" 3"03"   .  !      =   J        lockdowns, restricted movement and limited avail- ,,"3-22*       5 ?        ability of public services led to increased loneliness, ?P=3?,- stress and anxiety, stranding many people in rental 0723,"3/ children have been able to go back reacting to psychiatric disability with dents who reported feeling depressed, apartments or boarding houses away from home. -++?7-/0 to school, the younger students are anger and believing that help is not social media use was higher at 92 per According to a survey conducted by the Indian "0-",=3/3"2* still stuck at home. The digital divide deserved. Sadly, public stigma trans- cent. These figures show that people Psychiatric Society, within a week of the lockdown, 3"6?-", also led to feelings of deprivation, lates into self-stigma where an indi- in India are dealing with dual pan- the number of reported cases of mental illness in 3?-,"?=/"=?-2 resulting in increased incidents of sui- vidual's self-confidence is eroded due demics. India rose by 20 per cent. A report by the WHO ,7/3-2 cides among students. People with to constant exclusion and fear and The significance of ensuring reveals that 7.5 per cent of the Indian population disabilities and senior citizens too are they start harming themselves. This dissemination of correct information suffers from some form of mental disorder and it 40-@37=?-2- feeling vulnerable to the virus and results in suicides and sometimes and dispelling myths and pseudo-sci- accounted for nearly 15 per cent of the global men- +,*/072763/-2 fear gaps in healthcare, isolation and murders of others in extreme cases. entific practices cannot be empha- tal, neurological and substance abuse disorder bur- -,+/","7 dependency on their loved ones. Stigma results in reluctance to seek sised enough. At the same time, glob- +?+-? 1 +    !       .   den. Before the pandemic, the WHO had predict- Hence, India’s mental health burden help or treatment, lack of under- al grassroots policy experiences sug- ed that by 2020, around 20 per cent of India's pop- 7?-* is set to increase. standing by the family, , co- gest that in a country like India,        !  1C -       ( ulation would suffer from mental illnesses. Now, %?6/* Sadly, mental health treatment is workers or others, fewer opportuni- health-related information alone  !          P   Q with the country in the grip of the contagion, this ?,+7, expensive due to a huge gap in ties for work, school, social activities, helps little. It is imperative to bring  #         #  S  number is expected to go up. India's National demand and supply of qualified trouble finding housing, bullying, behavioural changes to reap maxi-  8 2?I           A2  # ( Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences professionals for those seeking help. physical violence or harassment. mum benefits from public health            !  /   #  (NIMHANS) reveals that nearly 150 million Even health insurance does not ade- The stereotype attached with the interventions. To what extent such %     #             Indians need active intervention, whereas fewer than quately cover mental illness treatment treatment of mental illness — where changes can be brought about in a               30 million get it. despite the existence of the Mental it is believed that everyone with a short period is debatable, yet remains Different people were affected differently by the Healthcare Act, 2017, where offering mental disorder has to be admitted critical as the outbreak is expected to  !           277  22 %     pandemic. Many were stuck at home with disori- insurance for mental health ail- to a mental asylum — is stopping linger till the end of this year.   -        5        ented families or abusive relationships. This can be ments has been made mandatory by people from seeking proper treat- Social and behavioural change    K(       6      juxtaposed with several others who were able to law. Outpatient treatment, thera- ment. The most worrying factor is communication (SBCC) may be                  H   reconnect with their families and loved ones bet- pies and counselling cost thousands, that people in India are dealing with employed as a potential strategy to         !  -      ter during the lockdown, yet the consequences of which effectively excludes the mid- two pandemics. One is the virus, the increase awareness of the effective-          ((     the pandemic like loss of jobs, fear of death and so dle and lower income groups. other is the “infodemic” that has ness and the necessity of preventive     1C -   # !      -   on, led to anxiety. According to the Centre for Moreover, there exists inadequate dominated all social media platforms measures. SBCC employs mass Monitoring Indian Economy, there has been a sharp knowledge or awareness about the and has resulted in increased time media, community-level activities,              )      rise in unemployment to 27.11 per cent with daily subject, which makes the situation spent online. Increasingly new interpersonal communication, infor-       %       # S    wage workers (urban poor and migrant labourers) dire. Plus, India has the added chal- crimes, trends and terms are being mation and communications tech-                 being the worst hit. According to a survey conduct- lenge of stigma attached to mental identified due to the extreme use of nology and new media to carry out H  S             ed by Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI), health that can be classified into two: social media. The lives of people are its objectives. Such evidence-based ) S       #         ( 56 per cent of the urban poor were found to be anx- Public stigma and self-stigma. being run by social media which communication programmes can                       ious about their financial future. This was not only Public stigma involves the prej- encourages jealousy, hatred and is help enhance knowledge, shift atti- H              !  limited to individuals, even families committed sui- udices and beliefs endorsed by the breeding a judgmental group of tudes and change public behaviour. cide due to financial stress. Frontline healthcare common man. This, in general influ- people. According to a study con- Fighting the COVID-19 crisis and $      +          ( workers experienced stress and burnout due to the Mishra is Administrative ences personal feelings. Public stig- ducted by the Population Foundation the mental health woes that it has          +         ( shortage of supplies and rapidly increasing cases. Advisor and Gupta is ma such as fear, exclusion and of India, among the youth of three brought with it essentially requires a S                  Delayed payments and reduced incomes are adding Assistant Director, Impact authoritarianism lead to the exclusion States during the lockdown and holistic approach that sufficiently and Policy Research #         PQ        to the stress. With schools closed for nearly ten Institute. of mentally ill people from main- subsequent reopening of the econo- integrates infrastructural, social,                months the lives of millions of students in India are The views expressed stream society. Research has shown my, 68 per cent respondents in Uttar behavioural and psychological               6      ( in a limbo, leading to lack of personal space and sep- are personal. that people are less likely to pity per- Pradesh reported an increase in aspects to prepare for any emergency        !           aration from their friends. Even though the senior sons with mental illness, instead social media use. Of those respon- response.    O         #     # S        #      )S                S  POINTCOUNTERPOINT      +S       B D   S       /         O P  % ( % %& %%*   &  O P*   (     @3@@          (%  % & &  & %% %4 %% O P          !  $       % %  % *  %    *   @3@? # S     #                      L&   % L   :                    &        ! "  #       !; <  !    !)  # !                          D     E

ne point that supporters from the prestigious Oxford his youth as a socialite in known usage dates back to intellectualism was active in and derided it as a of Prime Minister Imran University, he is more articulate London. Indeed, whereas the 1881 in England, when science various regions. Communist destructive force that had used OKhan really like to assert when speaking about cricket — Bhutto and Sharif offsprings and ideas such as the “separa- regimes in China, the Soviet its ideas of secularism, democ- is that, “he is a self-made man.” a sport that turned him into a were born into power which is tion of religion and the State”, Union and Cambodia system- racy, economic progress, science They insist that the country star — than about anything aiding their climb in politics, and the “supremacy of reason” atically eliminated intellectuals and reason as tools of subjuga- should be led by people like him related to what he is supposed Khan’s political ambitions were had gained momentum. This after describing them as rem- tion. “Post-colonialism” or the and not by those who were to be addressing as the country’s carefully nurtured by the mili- triggered resentment in certain nants of overthrown bourgeoisie critique of the remnants of “born into wealth and power.” (",++ $# Prime Minister. tary establishment. sections of British society who cultures. In Germany, the far- Western colonialism was very According to the American But many of his supporters Nevertheless, perhaps con- began to suspect that intellectu- Right intelligentsia differentiat- much a product of postmod- historian Richard Hofstadter, do not have a problem with this, scious of the fact that his person- als were formulating these ideas ed between “passive intellectu- ernism as well. such views are largely aired by especially in contrast to his ality is not suited to support an to undermine the importance of als” and “active intellectuals.” Imran Khan is a classic the middle-classes. To equally well-educated oppo- intellectual bent, Khan has posi- theology and long-held tradi- Apparently, passive intellectuals example of how “postmod- Hofstadter, this view also has an nents, Bilawal Bhutto and tioned himself as a self-made However, Khan does appeal to tions. According to the were abstract and thus useless ernism” and “post-colonialism” element of “anti-intellectual- Maryam Nawaz, who sound a man who appeals to the ways of that particular middle-class dis- American historian Robert whereas the active ones were have become cynical anti-intel- ism.” He says that, as the mid- lot more articulate in matters of the common man. He doesn’t. position that Hofstadter was Cross, as populism started to “men of action.” Hundreds of lectual pursuits. Khan often dle-class manages to attain polit- politics. To Khan’s supporters, For example, wearing the writing about. When he become a major theme in passive intellectuals were reminds us that social and eco- ical influence, it develops a these two are “dynastic elite” national dress and using com- attempts to sound profound, his American politics in the early harassed or killed in Nazi nomic progress should not be strong dislike for what it sees as who cannot relate to the senti- mon everyday Urdu does not views usually appear to be a 20th Century, some mainstream Germany. undertaken to please the West “political elite.” But since this ments of the common man. It’s cut it anymore. It did when ZA mishmash of theories of certain politicians politicised anti-intel- According to the US histo- because that smacks of a colo- elite has more access to better another matter that Khan is not Bhutto did the same. But years Islamic and so-called “post- lectualism as a way to portray rian of science Michael Shermer, nial mindset. So, as his regime avenues of education, the mid- the kind of self-made man that after his demise in 1979, such Colonial” scholars. The result is themselves as men of the peo- a more curious idea of anti- presides over a nosediving econ- dle-class also develops an anti- his supporters would like peo- populist antics have become a rhetoric that actually ends up ple. For example, US Presidents intellectualism began to devel- omy and severe political polar- intellectual attitude, insisting ple to believe. He came from a cliche. The difference between smacking of anti-intellectualism. Theodore Roosevelt and op within Western academia as isation, Khan was recently that, as a ruler, a self-made man well-to-do family that had roots the two is that Bhutto was a So what is anti-intellectual- Woodward Wilson insisted that “postmodernism” had begun to reported as discussing with his is better than a better educated in the country’s military- bonafide intellectual. Even his ism? It is understood to be a “character was more impor- hijack various academic disci- Ministers whether he should The views expressed are man. Khan’s core support comes personal. bureaucracy establishment. He idea to present himself as a “peo- view that is hostile to intellec- tant than intellect.” plines in the 1990s. mandate the wearing of the from Pakistan’s middle-classes. Courtesy: Dawn went to prestigious education- ple’s man” was born from a rig- tuals. According to Walter Across the 20th Century, Postmodernism emerged in the dupatta (a stole) by all women And even though he graduated al institutions and spent most of orous intellectual scheme. Houghton, the term’s first the politicised strand of anti- 20th Century as a critique of TV anchors. Go figure.    !!"#$#!  !3

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& *-67 restored to Suu Kyi’s deposed ciliation. The military, which civilian government. They’re held power directly for five      rowds demonstrating also seeking freedom for her decades after a 1962 coup, Cagainst the military and other governing party used deadly force to quash a takeover in Myanmar again members since the military massive 1988 uprising and a Baton Rogue (US): Republican about the issue at hand,” Cassidy how I will vote,” he said. defied a ban on protests detained them after blocking 2007 revolt led by Buddhist Senator Bill Cassidy of said after the vote on Tuesday. Trump is the first president Wednesday, even after securi- the new session of Parliament monks. Louisiana joined Democrats Still, the senator said his to face impeachment charges ty forces ratcheted up the use on Feb. 1. In Naypyitaw and in voting against ending decision to move ahead with after leaving office. The House of force against them and raid- The military says it acted Mandalay on Tuesday, police Donald Trump’s impeachment the trial shouldn’t be taken as accused him of inciting an ed the headquarters of the because November’s election, sprayed water cannons and trial, a surprise reversal that a sign he will later vote to con- insurrection for his role in the political party of ousted leader which Suu Kyi’s National fired warning shots to try to Cassidy said was a response to vict the former president. In Jan 6. Siege on the U.S. Capitol. Aung San Suu Kyi. League for Democracy won in clear away protesters. In the former president’s lawyers recent calls with reporters, Hundreds of rioters ransacked Fresh protests were report- a landslide, were marred by Naypyitaw, they shot rubber doing “a terrible job” of argu- including one Tuesday morn- the building to try to stop the ed in Yangon and Mandalay, irregularities. The election bullets and apparently live ing their case. ing, Cassidy has refused to say certification of Democrat Joe the country’s two biggest cities, commission had refuted the rounds, wounding a woman Cassidy was among six whether he believes Trump Biden’s victory, a domestic as well as the capital Naypyitaw allegation. protester, according to wit- Republican senators who sided committed an impeachable attack on the nation’s seat of and elsewhere. The growing protests and nesses and footage on social with Democrats on the question offense. government unlike any in its The protesters are '      1 '    the junta’s latest raid suggest media. The reports could not be of whether a former president “I have not yet decided on history. Five people died. AP demanding that power be      ; (# 3  $+ there is little room for recon- independently confirmed. can be tried after leaving office. The Louisiana senator’s position     was a switch from January,  ) ,   ,  )P     when he voted to end the pro- +     +#<  11 ceedings on the grounds that           they were unconstitutional.     The vote drew swift criti-   <        + 7 . "+ .  O,#  cism from Republicans in the Washington: Prosecutors seek- The US Senate on Tuesday     /        senator’s deeply conservative ing to impeach Donald Trump confirmed the constitutionali- Kathmandu: Chairperson of of Parliament. will surround Singhdurbar,       state. But Cassidy said Trump’s for a historic second time on ty of Trump’s impeachment the Nepal Communist Party’s “Prime Minister Oli has that houses Prime Ministers’ Dhaka: A special anti-terror-          attorneys didn’t make their Tuesday invoked the trial of trial by 56-44 votes splinter faction Pushpa Kamal committed a huge crime by Office, and Baluwatar, the offi- ism tribunal in Bangladesh on        case. While the Democrats’ Warren Hastings, the first following presentation from Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on killing the constitution and cial residence of the Prime Wednesday sentenced to death   L   impeachment managers were British Governor-General of both sides — House impeach- Wednesday warned that a mil- people have now understood it Minister. eight Islamic militants, includ- I M         #     “focused, they were organized,” India, by the House of Lords in ment managers and lawyers lion people would be forced to very well,” Prachanda told the He also warned Prime ing a sacked military officer, for   #   relying on precedent and legal the 18th century after he had representing the former presi- picket Singha Durbar and rally organised by his faction at Minister Oli against deceiving killing a publisher of books on scholars, Trump’s team “was left office, to rebut the former dent — paving the way for the Baluwatar if Prime Minister K Bhrikutimandap in the people by making false secularism and atheism at his ))7.), 2 .    disorganised, random, had US president’s stand that the historic impeachment trial of P Sharma Oli failed to correct Kathmandu. statements and threatening office in 2015.   #   %  nothing,” he said. trial by the Senate was uncon- the 45th President of the his mistakes, as thousands of Prachanda warned that in Election Commission and Islamist militants hacked    /  KJ    “They talked about many stitutional as he was no longer United States who left office on people staged a massive rally in the next protest rally he will influencing other constitutional to death publisher Faisal Arefin #    things, but they didn’t talk in power. January 20. PTI the capital against dissolution mobilise a million people who bodies. PTI Dipon, the owner of Jagrity         Publishers, at his office at cen-  #   +  tral Dhaka’s Shahbagh area on %  %   ? I # .   November 31, 2015. Anti-    #   =      9 #     ! Terrorism Tribunal Judge N     .  Mohammad Mojibur Rahman +   announced the sentence as six of 66$ E ! F6  O#    #   #   !      "#" ! "! $% & eight convicts, all belonging to  #      outlawed Ansar Al ter- .      & =4-3 attack. Saudi officials did not "$) "! $! * rorist group, also known as /7@3KJ  #   immediately respond to     #   - Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT),      emen’s Houthi rebels requests for comment Paris: France’s Government but exceptions would be made were present in the court. PTI Yon Wednesday targeted Wednesday. Warsaw: Independent media new, exceptionally heavy bur- wants to set the age of sexual for teenagers having consensu- Abha International Airport Col. Turki al-Maliki, the outlets in Poland suspended den on the media,” they wrote. consent at 15 and make it easi- al sex, he said. in southwestern Saudi Arabia, spokesman for the Saudi-led news coverage on Wednesday The US threw its support er to punish long-ago child sex- The change would still need causing a civilian plane on military coalition, said coalition to protest a planned new adver- behind the media companies, ual abuse, amid growing public to be enshrined in law, but the the tarmac to catch fire, the forces intercepted and tising tax that they view as an with Chargé d’Affaires Bix Aliu pressure and a wave of online announcement is a major step kingdom’s state television destroyed two bomb-laden attempt by the right-wing gov- calling free media “a corner- testimonies about rape and other after years of efforts to toughen reported. drones launched by the ernment to undermine press stone of democracy” in a tweet sexual violence by parents and French protection for children The state-owned Al- Houthis toward the kingdom. freedoms. and saying “the United States authority figures. victims of rape and sexual vio- Ekhbariya TV said that fire- He condemned the assault as a The government says the will always defend media inde- Calling such treatment of lence. A push to set France’s first fighters have brought the blaze “systematic and deliberate tax will raise money after state pendence.” children “intolerable,” the justice age of consent 3 years ago in the under control. The initial attempt to target civilians in the finances have been badly Gazeta Wyborcza, the ministry said in a statement that wake of the global #MeToo reports offered no word on any southern region” of Saudi strained by the coronavirus country’s leading newspaper “the government is determined movement failed amid legal com- possible casualties from the Arabia. pandemic. and a liberal critic of the pop- to act quickly to implement the plications. But the effort has A letter signed by 45 media ulist government, called the changes that our society gained new momentum since companies said the tax would advertising tax “a powerful expects.” accusations emerged last month be extremely burdensome, not- blow to free media.” In place of “An act of sexual penetra- of incestuous sexual abuse involv- ing that they already pay many the usual news items on its tion by an adult on a minor ing a prominent French political taxes, and said it could push webpage was a black screen and under 15 will be considered a expert, Olivier Duhamel. That some to collapse. a warning that if the tax is rape,” Justice Minister Eric unleashed an online “We strongly oppose the passed, it could lead readers to Dupond-Moretti said Tuesday #MeTooInceste movement in use of the epidemic as an one day lose access to inde- on France-2 television. Consent France that led to hundreds of excuse to introduce another pendent news. AP would no longer be able to be similar testimonies. AP cited to diminish the charges, (  #  !         ,   ,   !  >4

Beijing: A Chinese spacecraft Viking missions. A lander and entered Mars orbit on rover are in operation today. Wednesday on a mission to land All three Mars missions a rover and collect data on launched last July to take advan- underground water and possi- tage of the planet’s close align- ble signs of ancient life, state ment with Earth that occurs media said. only every two years. “China’s probe Tianwen-1 The Chinese mission is its successfully entered the orbit most ambitious yet. If all goes around Mars on Wednesday as planned, the rover would sep- after a nearly seven-month voy- arate from the spacecraft in a age from Earth,” the Xinhua few months and attempt to News Agency said in a brief touch down. If all goes as report. planned, China would become The orbiter-rover combo only the second nation to do so became the second spacecraft in successfully. AP two days to reach the red plan- et. An orbiter from the United Arab Emirates led the way on Tuesday. Next week, the U.S. Will try to land its Perseverance rover on the Martian surface. Only the U.S. Has successfully touched down on Mars — eight times beginning with two    !!"#$#!  4

$)+7!#3 #3#%R1 76 )  !%#) #   (&'$(+    % #      4 3G%     H  8'     :  ";/.0   6-323 2      , +   -  #  ,   - ,+,0- 36M  3   2  3M#   #  #  36M  16# !' N    HQN  . 3 6  2  36M Mumbai: Pencilling in a GDP growth in third and fourth     (% H  & % ( (   '0 "'   6            quarters, SBI Research on Wednesday revised its con- &  203 oil prices bounced back. Retail             9       traction forecast for the current petrol price have risen by 6   9#     #  //, &%   203 deficits and a slower consoli- of the likely impact of pan- fiscal year to 7 per cent. The ven as the oil prices are 18.01 per litre since mid- + ?JG& "        #  dation path will make India's demic on public finance. agency had earlier forecast a 7.4 Esoaring, Petroleum Minister March 2020 and diesel rates      N            itch Ratings on Wednesday medium-term growth outlook " The budget's deficit pro- per cent contraction in 2020-21 Dharmendra Pradhan on have gone up by 15.44.    "6            Fsaid India’s high fiscal deficit take on a more critical role in jections for the fiscal years GDP numbers. In April- Wednesday ruled out any cut in Replying to questions on ris-       #  ##        would pose a challenge in low- our analysis, Fitch Ratings said ending March 2022 (FY22) to September, the economy con- the excise duty, for now, to give ing fuel prices, Pradhan said     ##        9    ering the debt to GDP ratio, in a statement. FY26 are about 1pp (percent- tracted 15.7 per cent but the relief to consumers. retail pump rates are governed by        which is expected to rise above It now expects public age point) a year above our second half may see a surprise Making this assertion in international prices as India is 85 90 per cent in the next five debt/GDP to rise above 90 per previous estimates between, 2.8 per cent growth, if the SBI the Rajya Sabha, he said “There per cent dependent on imports  & %' & 1G% 0I 4J years. cent of GDP over the next five which could make it more analysis turns out to be correct. is no such proposal at present.” for meeting its need. Both cen-   6-323 2     (Q     It said India entered the years, based on the revised challenging to put debt/GDP Soumya Kanti Ghosh, This reply came when he was tral and State Governments rely H(:  K K (:  P&*& +   "  pandemic with little fiscal budget targets. However, recent on a downward trajectory," group chief economic adviser asked if the Government was heavily on collections from taxes +4"   &'# :    HH' headroom from a rating per- reforms and policy measures, Fitch said. at State Bank of India (SBI) said looking at cutting taxes to cool on these products for meeting   P&*& "+   " +-"   &'# spective. Its general govern- including those announced in India has exceeded its fis- of the 41 high frequency lead- off prices. Petrol price crossed their developmental and welfare  ;G  P(   &;'  P&*& 4 #   ment debt/GDP ratio stood at the budget, could also influence cal deficit target of 3.5 per cent ing indicators, 51 per cent are the 94-mark in Mumbai and priorities, he said.     #    #  #   72 per cent in 2019, against a the rating agency's growth in the current fiscal by a wide showing acceleration which diesel soared to 84.63 per litre “They need some    I   P(  #   P&*& " median of 42 per cent for expectations and its debt tra- margin due to higher spend- should help the economy turn on Wednesday. Retail pump resources... (and) this (taxing +  +   #  ;#   6  'BBB' rated peers. jectory forecasts. ings to stimulate the economy around to the green from the rates have not seen a reduction petrol and diesel) has been a "   # 6 % . (# 2+6 Fitch said the budget points Fitch estimated India to amid the pandemic. third quarter with a 0.3 per- in almost 11 months. proven and substantial route by "   (# +   ,   #  to a loosening of fiscal policy clock a 11 per cent growth in The fiscal deficit — the centage point growth which is International benchmark all the Governments, whether 2 N 0    ,  to support the country's ongo- the fiscal beginning April and excess of government expen- likely to surprise positively rates had plunged to decade the State Governments or the ing economic recovery from then grow at 6.5 per cent a year diture over its revenues — has when the final numbers are out. lows in April. The Government Central Government,” he said.  %4J (01& %13 the pandemic and will conse- through to 2025-26 fiscal. been pegged at 9.5 per cent of In April-June, the Indian had hiked excise duty on petrol The current rally in fuel ,$,#$ 7 ?3",2 ,F?3",4,FH;HH:  quently lead to a rise in public The agency had in June last the gross domestic product economy contracted by a by a record 13 per litre and on prices is because crude oil " # 3 /       #  debt. The debt/GDP trajectory year revised India's 'BBB-' rat- (GDP) in the current fiscal record 23.9 per cent, but dra- diesel by 16 a litre to mop up prices have touched $61 per #                 is core to our sovereign rating ing outlook to negative from ending March 31, as per the matically improved to -7.5 per gains arising from the fall in barrel mark for the first time in P    %    ( &'&' " assessment, meaning higher stable based on its assumptions revised estimate. cent in the second quarter.PTI rates but did not cut taxes when more than a year.      P(*&     ;'    ::(  P(*&'    #           N  ##   #  J'    0 !      #    #    ,   #   +     ,9             ;;J  P(*&    :&'  P(*&' 43"-  +-"   HJ   'H         &;   H' #  P(*&'  &  203 Post-Covid Economy: China,” the report said. It asked administrative procedures like Challenges and Opportunities the Centre to enter into more registration and land use con-  P&  % ( &   .   he Parliamentary Standing for India”, welcomed the poli- international trade agreements version. Further, the possibili-   23/#    #    .   TCommittee on Commerce cy changes and incentive that are beneficial to the coun- ty of having a land bank that  #   #      #    &  203 Modi government took over. on Wednesday recommended a schemes brought in by the try in order to boost its inter- will be made readily available       .     . #  Now we need to work towards slew of measures, including Centre to overcome the chal- national trade relations. for developmental projects may     '      &'&'K ith the production of meeting requirement which is changes in GST rates of certain lenges. Stressing the need to Consensus on land reforms be discussed with concerned &'& "            Wpulses gone up from 14 likely to go up to 32 million commodities, to improve the sensitise the State machin- The panel said a long-term stakeholders,” the report said.       #        million tons to 24 million in the tonnes by 2050. We have focused investment scenario in the ery/administration towards the solution should be worked out For boosting domestic   +    #    23/#   #  last 5-6 years, Union Agriculture heavily on cultivation of pulses. country. The panel, headed by importance of investment and in a structured manner to the demand in automobile sector,    E       E  3 3  Minister Narendra Singh Tomar This has reduced the import of YSRCP leader and a Rajya business, the report said coun- land issue. It suggested that the the panel suggested that the rate        '# .   on Wednesday said that the pulses drastically,” Tomar said. Sabha member V Vijayasai tries are competing to attract Centre constitute an of GST should be reduced from  #  #  #        Government has saved 15,000 He said that the government has Reddy, said the main challenges foreign investors. Empowered Committee of State 28 per cent to 18 per cent for all annually reducing the depen- promoted cultivation of pulses faced by the country presently “The Committee recom- Ministers and the concerned categories of vehicles and auto (  %  %  % dence on imports for pulses. "In by purchasing pulses at mini- included administrative and mends that the Department Central Ministers to discuss components. It also recom-   -      #    4  the last five-six years, due to the mum support price (MSP). “We regulatory hurdles, inadequate (the Department for issues regarding land acquisition mended an incentive-based vehi-       -          tireless hard work of farmers, have increased MSP of pulses by and costly credit facility, tedious Promotion of Industry and and build a consensus on land cle scrappage scheme that should   2 6  /"  ##    4  scientists and farmer-friendly 40-73% in last 6 years. The pay- land acquisition procedure, Internal Trade) should look reforms, in consultation with be introduced at the earliest.  &'&K&&       :G(    #  policies of the central govern- ment to pulses farmer has gone inadequate infrastructure facil- into the policy changes brought industry and other stakeholders. To help the pharmaceutical # I  :G;J  -     #   ment, the country has increased up by 40 times to 10,530 crore,” ities, high logistics cost and large in by countries such as “The Empowered industries during periods of #    .      # - its pulses production from 140 the minister said. unorganised manufacturing Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand, Committee should look into high demand, the panel said an ,              #    lakh tonnes to 240 lakh tonnes. The sowing of pulses in this sector, among others. etc that made them more issues relating to land acquisi- increase in 15 per cent over the # I   %?/      + K3@ Now we also have to pay atten- winter season has gone up by 3% The panel, in its report attractive to the companies tion policies, digitisation of approved pollution load may be    ?   K4   K         =? tion to future requirements,” to 16.73 million hectares. The titled “Attracting Investment in shifting their bases from land records and simplifying allowed for a particular month. K33   0-3  Tomar said while addressing on acreage in summer season was also the occasion of world pulses day. up by 5% to 14 million hectare. “We are working towards “The production is likely to cross achieving self sufficiency in 24 million tonnes this year also 1   pulses production since the meeting the needs of the country.  * 8"& 6(   Mumbai: Equity indices closed with mild loss- es for the second straight session on Wednesday, weighed by selling in banking counters, as domestic sentiment remained subdued despite a bullish trend overseas. After swinging 666.64 points intra-day, the 30- share BSE Sensex settled 19.69 points or 0.04 per cent lower at 51,309.39. Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty slipped 2.80 points or 0.02 per cent to close at 15,106.50. Index heavyweight HDFC Bank was the biggest laggard in the Sensex pack, shedding 1.77 per cent, followed by , Axis Bank, ONGC, Nestle India, L&T, and SBI. On the other hand, Bajaj Finserv, M&M, Bajaj Finance, TCS and Reliance Industries were among the gainers, spurting up to 2.96 per cent. PTI 2# !  #  #     ,;?@    

Mumbai: The rupee firmed up by 3 paise to set- tle at 72.84 against the US dollar on Wednesday in a restricted trade amid muted trend in the domestic equity market. At the interbank forex market, the local unit opened at 72.87 against the greenback and wit- nessed an intra-day high of 72.81 and a low of 72.88. It finally ended at 72.84 against the American currency, registering a rise of just 3 paise over its previous close. PTI

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alentine’s day is on the hori- zon and it falls by the end Vof this week where people express their love in a fanciful way to their kindred souls. But many find themselves on the horns of dilemma and wonder what would be the perfect gift for someone who loves being cosy. If you plan not to bore your Valentine by giv- ing typical gifts like chocolates, cakes and flowers, and instead want to charm them by going out    <  of the ordinary way? Here are five gifting ideas to s the 93rd Academy Awards surprise your partner who loves Aannounced the first shortlisted being cosy this Valentine’s week. A candidates for the Short Film in Live smooth move which will set your Action Category, Indian Women loved one on a promenade to the Rising’s first project Bittu emerges cosy dreamland. among the Top 10 candidates for the Oscars. Ayurvedic Mattress: Everyone After recently bagging the hon- deserves a good undisturbed sleep our of Best Asian American Student everyday. It makes you active Filmmaker Award in East Region by throughout the day. If your part- the Director’s Guild of America’, ner is not getting enough sleep, an Karishma Dev Dube’s Bittu is now eco-friendly ayurvedic mattress is inching closer towards the Oscars the best gift to make your partner race. Competing among 174 films feel loved. Moving beyond harm- from across the globe, Bittu has ful, artificial materials, Livepure’s gifting a comfortable calling it the “famed qualified for the top 10 after the first crew, all of whom I’m so grateful for. mattresses are made from materi- pj set is the best vinyl revival.” The round of voting and will now be sub- I’m just very happy that Bittu is able als like plant & nut-based oils and option. Sneaking real appeal of lis- jected to the votes of members of the to represent this team and my coun- sandalwood infused latex. The into your pyjamas tening to a Vinyl short films and animation branch to try at this platform.” memory foam is made from plant- and having a cozy cof- record is undeni- determine the shortlists and the The film has been presented by based oils and latex is obtained fee date at home would ably the sound. nominees. Ekta Kapoor, Guneet Monga and from rubber plantations. be very relaxing for most The differences The second round of voting Tahira Kashyap under their Indian Best part is the lavender infused of the couples. Zivame in listening to a begins on March 5 that would Women Rising initiative. They, in a cover which releases a faint laven- has a wide variety CD or Digital decide the top five films across the joint statement, shared, “Exhilarated, der scent when you touch the fab- of nightwears music com- globe, making it to the final nomi- proud and overwhelmed to witness ric. in their col- pared to a vinyl nations to be announced on the the journey of Bittu unfold so grace- lection. Buy a record are enor- March 15. fully. Karishma’s excellent story- Eye Pillow: Eye pillow plays a quirky yet cute mous. Your The short film is inspired by the telling compelled us to come on very important role in the sleep nightwear set partner will def- infamous school poisoning of 2013 board for the project and now as the experience. If your partner works to light up the initely get wrapped and explores the close friendship world is recognising and appreciat- day to night in front of screens, a Valentines evening. up in it because the between two school girls on this ing the efforts, we are nothing but good lavender eye pillow is one of music through a vinyl seemingly normal day at school. Set proud of the film and the entire team the best gifting options for Vinyl Record Player: Gifting record will sound vivid, and real. in the picturesque locations against that made it possible to achieve this him/her. Yogasya’s lavender eye pil- music to your partner is always a Wockoder’s latest model is pure the backdrop of , it fol- feat. We are all geared up for the next low will help anyone slip into deep great way to surprise and express vintage style and will certainly take lows the story of an eight-year-old steps that lay ahead of us in this jour- relaxation with the subtle scents of your love through songs. And if you back to a classic design and a who must take matters into her own ney and look forward to continued lavender. One can use this pillow forget to carry aroma essential oil ment anywhere. This will surely you are doing that then you might great setup that will elevate the lis- hands when her community fails to support we received so far. Truly during yoga, before bed or any diffuser as a gift to your partner’s make your day romantic and stress want to do it in a classy way. Vinyl tening experience. Also don’t let protect its most vulnerable. humbled.” time you want to feel relaxed. place. Shoppoworld Electronic free. record players are purely classy the vintage design fool you because Karishma said, “It’s every film- The film has been screened at Ultrasonic Aroma Essential Oil from the design aspect. These inside, this model is packing some maker’s dream to be recognised by several prestigious film festivals like Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser can be a good choice. It Comfy Pj’s: If you and your music machines had gone out of great modern features including the academy, and I’m overwhelmed BFI London Film Festival, Telluride, Diffuser: If you are planning to provides pleasant aromas and partner are deciding to go low key fashion in the 2000s due to the wireless capability. Hence, it would by the gratitude. This recognition, Palm Springs Shortest, Dharamshala spend a cozy time with your lover colour-changing mood lighting on this Valentine’s day and have arrival of CDs Players. And today be one of the best gifts for your however, is not mine alone. I made Film Festival and the HollyShorts at your home on V-Day, then don’t to create a calm, relaxing environ- decided to celebrate indoors, then it has come back and people are Valentine. this film with an incredible cast and Film Festival. & R   !- ! 3  R 6   *  7 <  700

ith Valentines Day round the Wcorner, romance is in the air and on OTT platforms too. From new-age love stories to heartbreak- ing saga, there are many romantic titles lined up for release. Here are the titles releasing around February 14, which promise to take you on a ride full of emo- tion. -             The final film in the romantic franchise, To All The Boys, will release on February 12. The fran- ctor Rahul Bhat had to shoot in ber an entire pros from the ‘Soul of chise featuring Noah Centineo and Aminus clothes for the forthcom- Lilith’ and perform the monologue in Lana Condor is based on Jenny ing film titled Man Naked. He says the middle of the single shot in one Han’s bestselling trilogy following the challenge lay in the fact that the take,” said Rahul. high schooler Lara Jean’s romantic two-hour film was canned as a sin- Director Kaul said: “I wanted to entanglements. The final part shows gle shot project. portray an actor struggling to crack Condor’s Lara Jean preparing for Man Naked revolves around a the formula for success and take his the end of high school, as she re-  of relationships, the series will 40-year-old struggling actor named talent to the world. The film follows imagines what life with her family, The science-fiction rom-com explore the everyday lives of four Ronnie who realises that his career him over the course of one night in friends, and Peter (played by follows the story of two teens who students, as they come together to is finished. He gets drunk and pass- Mumbai and how his life changes Centineo) will look like after grad- are stuck in an endless loop, and fall deal with their own personal issues. es out naked, only to hear the door- after an incident.” uation. The film will release on in love with each other. It stars Kyle The show features Srishti bell ring in the middle of the night. He added, “The idea of shooting Netflix. Allen and Kathryn Newton. It will Shrivastava, Shreya Mehta, Ahsaas In a bizarre turn of events, his des- the film entirely in one shot came be released on Amazon Prime Channa, Parul Gulati and Simran tiny changes as his nude video clips from the need to be with our protag-      Video on February 12. Natekar in lead. It will be released go viral and Ronnie becomes a star. onist at every step and get intertwined The film follows 17-year-old on SonyLIV on February 19. The film is directed by debutant in his environment just as he sees it.” Daryn who finds out that his girl-   Sanjeev Kaul, who carved his niche The film has been screened at friend is dying. He sets out to give The Netflix series follows six  in theatre. several film festivals. It was a finalist her an entire lifetime’s joy in the last engaged couples as they plan their The series tells the tale of four It is rare for an actor to bare all at Tokyo International Film Festival year that she has left. Directed by lavish dream weddings. The series siblings, who were separated at a in Indian films, and the unit had to and a semi-finalist at Montreal Film Mitja Okorn, and written by Jeffrey promises all the revelry, dance and very young age after their parents undergo several mock shoots with Festival. The film is an official selec- Addiss and Will Matthews, the emotions, while taking a look at died in a horrible crash. It’s a story real camera and technicians to get it tion at Venice Shorts, Cannes film stars Cara Delevingne, Cuba India’s multibillion-dollar wedding how their lives are interconnected. right in a single shot. Independent Film Festival, Goa Film Gooding Jr, and Nia Long. It pre- industry. It will be released on rates an interracial romance with Okojie. It will be released on The show stars actors Aditi Sharma, “The challenge of doing this part Festival and a winner in the cate- mieres on Amazon Prime Video on February 14. humorous and heart-wrenching Valentine’s Day on Netflix. Anushka Sen, Zain Imam, Kunj was not only that it was a single shot gorised of Best Film, Best Actor and February 14. hiccups. Directed by Hamisha Anand and Rohan Mehra. It will film but also I had to be totally naked Best Director at The Next    Daryani Ahuja, the film stars     release on February 14 on Alt in most of it and also I had to remem- International film festival.     The Indo-Nigerian film nar- Ruslaan Mumtaz and Ini Dima- From romance to complexities Balaji and Zee5. $&0 '5$ -&'$+&''"&  .%&'+,  N% % I.     N3 O .3   ++(#%$*'%    3   .R-            !/(+0!*+"-     .        % -  &        # I       "       K ?  .      ON       3O   5 2 #  7   L?  .   # #     O  .K    .     #  &'&         .                O      R3      #      O 4    3O "                      .           +    % ;              . J:&   3 >                        #  3O   &'&&  3       #    %   #  # "           3O      ? I>          K           .      RM      O    O     K 4      /7@3 #     !!"#$#! *

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eople have been visiting the Agriculture, Sudhanshu Pandey, am pleased to note that TRIFED has Tribes India Aadi Mahotsav at Secretary, Department of Food & actively taken up the cause to promote PDilli Haat to get a peek into the Public Distribution, P K Tripathi, GI tagged products and transform into rich tribal culture of our country. The VOCAL FOR LOCAL Secretary, Ministry of Steel, and Leena a brand, thus empowering tribal arti- festival is TRIFED’s attempt to famil- Nandan, Secretary, Ministry of sans.” iarise the people with the rich and Consumer Affairs among other dig- The stall features renowned, diverse craft, culture and cuisine of "   !-7+,Q nitaries attended the festival. exquisite items such as Rajasthan’s blue tribal communities across the coun- Other scintillating art forms on pottery, the Kota Dariya fabric, try at one place.           display during cultural performances Madhya Pradesh’s Chanderi and A major attraction of the festival on Saturday evening included Baigi Maheshwari silk, Bagh print, Odisha’s 3 .         ($$P has been the cultural programmes,    2   parondha nritya from Madhya Pattachitra, Karnataka’s Bidriware, 2 $         $99  which showcase the diversity and Pradesh, Kharsawan Chhau from Banarasi silk from Uttar Pradesh, 9  )    C" <59  variety of Indian tribes. This was a Jharkhand; Sambalpuri nritya from Darjeeling tea from West Bengal,    >%% =5  $   highlight especially on day six, as peo-       Odisha; and Jaunsari nritya from Kala jeera from Himachal Pradesh, the   53 C%  ( ple enjoyed cultural programmes in Uttarakhand. extremely spicy Naga chilli, and the =     5$  I the evening. One striking aspect of the exquisite accessories like jewellery Deepak Khandekar, Secretary, Apart from this, a special focus is large cardamom from the North East. 7=           programme was a tribal fashion show from the North East and dhokra jew- Department of Personnel and on the stall dedicated to 50 tribal GI Besides these GI products, one can    3 +   E3+F =  that featured designs and clothes ellery and bags. Training; R.P. Gupta, Secretary, products. They occupy a prominent also find other ethnic tribal handicrafts  I    2 $  E$F59 handcrafted by tribal master crafts- “The Aadi Mahotsav showcases Ministry of Environment and Forest place and all visitors have been visit- and products and organic items —    +  !%%   men and curated by the tribal artisan traditional art and handicrafts and the and Climate Change; Ajay Tirki, ing this stall with much interest. One from the natural and immunity-    E!>%%7$ 9  ) I!%%7$$99 F  Ruma Devi and the renowned fashion rich, diverse cultural heritage of our Secretary Ministry of Rural notable visitor was Bhaskar Khulbe, boosting tribal produce such as organ-  (I     = 5 designer Rina Dhaka. The resplendent tribes. Their close connection with Development; Richa Sharma, Joint Advisor to the PM. He visited the event ic haldi, dry amla, wild honey, black weaves and fabrics came to life in the nature and simplicity can be seen in Secretary, Ministry of Environment on Sunday and took a look at the Van pepper, ragi, triphala and lentil mixes crafted designs that reflect the close their weaves, clothes, fabrics and art- and Forest and Climate Change; Ms Dhan demo centre, stalls featuring such as moong dal, urad dal, white connection tribals have with nature. forms. I am happy that TRIFED is Manju Pandey, Joint Secretary, tribal handicrafts and expressed his beans, and dalia to artefacts and The show featured tribal weaves popularising tribal culture,” said Pravir Ministry of Environment and Forest appreciation for the focus that the GI paintings in various styles. from various parts of the country — Krishna, Managing Director, TRIFED. & Climate Change; Neerja Adidam, products have been given. (The festival is on at Dilli Haat till saris, kurtis, tops, shawls, stoles and Senior IAS officials such as Joint Secretary, Ministry of On the occasion, Khulbe said, “I February 15 from 11 am to 9 pm.) -7  ICAR-CRIJAF celebrates 68th foundation day                    CAR-Central Research Institute institute is becoming much popu-  (+       Ifor Jute and Allied Fibres celebrat- lar among the extension workers,                  n February 3, 2021 Indian Railway ed its 68th foundation Day on field functionaries and other stake-   59,' $    OFinance Corporation Limited priced Tuesday. On this occasion a “Field holder for proper identification of                its USD 750,000,000 bonds based on a Rule Day-cum-Demonstration-cum- pests and diseases and their timely ,'$  !"59 (       144A/Regulation S offering format under Exhibition for showcasing the management. JAF-Kisan App devel-  (C%(%%%      A(C!(%%%5$  IRFC’s recently updated USD 4 billion ICAR-CRIJAF proven technologies oped during the pandemic time        (       global medium term note programme. to wider group of stakeholders” was helped in collection of real time     >>5C  >45C 5,'$   8  The bonds were issued on February organised in the institute campus at information on jute cultivation,     .      5 10, 2021 for a tenor of 10 years at a fixed Barrackpore. The programme was various problems faced by the farm- 9     5# >@%%    rate of 2.80 per cent. The bonds carry semi- attended by delegates from Industry, ers and delivering the solution    #) (+ 7'  annual interest payment and bullet prin- Govt. Institutions (NJB, JCI, IJIRA, through filed functionaries. Besides +# 0   5 cipal repayment. Govt. of West Bengal etc.), ICAR he emphasised the importance and L+E$  F Commenting on the issuance, Institutes, Regional Stations and special initiatives of the institute in Amitabh Banerjee, Chairman and Media persons and farmers. The facilitating formation of jute- based Managing Director, IRFC, said, “The proven technologies were show- Self Help Groups and Farmers’ amount is a part of our USD 4 billion glob- cased in different exhibition stalls Producers Organisation and train- al term note programme. We will be look- for the knowledge of all the stake- ing on manufacturing of value ing to raise the rest of the amount by the holders and farmers. added jute diversified products that end of this fiscal. Our credit ratings are Prof. Swapan Kumar Datta, is going to encourage entrepre- similar to the sovereign rating of the coun- Vice Chancellor of Biswa Bangla nologies developed by the institute ology. Hence, the institute has neurship and ensure higher income       #$   try which help us in getting competitive University and former Deputy to resolve the bottlenecks and prob- developed pond-based in situ retting of farmers and other stakeholders ,  9 (      (  rates with suitable tenors.” Director General (Crop Science), lems faced by the farmers in the cul- based self-reliant eco-farming tech- engaged in jute sector.     + 8 +  (8.  “IRFC launched its USD 750 mn ICAR, New Delhi graced the occa- tivation of jute and allied fibre nology mediated through microbial Dr. Prateek Satya, Principal 8$(             144A/Reg S USD Bonds under the 4 bil- sion as the chief guest. A. K. Jolly, crops vis a vis enhancing the pro- consortium for better fibre quality Scientist of ICAR-CRIJAF also high-           59  lion GMTN programme on 3rd February, Managing Director, Jute ductivity and profitability through even if the retting is conducted in lighted overall activities of the insti-  $((0  (;   2021. The bonds received overwhelming Corporation of India, Dr. B. K. Das, yield and quality improvement and stagnant water. This technology tute during past one year. The 58. $    .        response from diverse set of investors. The Director, ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore reduction in cost of cultivation. He ensures better quality fibre, reduced Foundation Day Awards in differ-     +   >%>%    5 fact that IRFC has been able to achieve a and Dr. D. B. Shakywar, Director, highlighted the role of these crops retting duration and enhanced ent categories were awarded. pricing even below the price at which its NINFET, Kolkata were the guests of beyond fibre yielders as ideal can- income for jute farmers. This type More than forty farmers attend- $     own secondary paper was trading in the honour. The guests inaugurated didate crop for ecosystem service, of model for jute retting is very ed the exhibition and farmers-sci-    8< international market, is a remarkable the exhibition stalls displaying nutraceuticals and other by prod- much climate resilient which entist interaction in which the sci- '( achievement,” he added. proven technologies developed by ucts. ensures not only clean retting entists addressed the problems 3   The bonds will be listed on the CRIJAF and other ICAR institutes, Increasing labour cost, scarcity process there by reducing pollution faced by jute farmers. The guests      Singapore Exchange Securities Trading industries and SHGs. of water during the retting season but also multiplies the net income and farmers also visited the muse- C5 Limited, India International Exchange In his welcome address Dr. have made the quality retting a dif- of farmers from unit area of jute cul- um and research field of the insti-   (IFSC) Limited and International Gouranga Kar, Director, ICAR- ficult task for the farmers. Dr. Kar tivation. tute to get acquainted about the )..(# Securities Market of the London Stock CRIJAF mentioned about the major told that the quality of jute fibre He further highlighted that mandated fibre crops and technolo- E8. F#)(#E8. F58.) ( Exchange. achievements, varieties and tech- largely depends on retting method- JAF-Safe App developed by the gies demonstrated in the field. 8#            .   58.7(, #E$5F =  5$ (09      ($#     P&!"-!"&$(6%+&!/(&Q  5 %9&9A <7<2% -#     R #    !  R #                  .

hy is there so much protest by produce market increases uncertain- a student of economics too. We sim- ket. The former ensures that investor Wthe farmers at the Delhi border? ty involved in predicting the market ply have to conjecture about the confidence is not wavering while the Why isn’t the government preserving structure when private players com- potential benefits to the government latter makes the risk of market uncer- its rural vote-bank? What makes pletely replace the existing system. when these farm laws are operational. tainty public. them uphold the farm laws and pro- Will the market be a private monop- Again, this is merely a thought exper- Why did these companies wait till mote their “reform agenda?” I teach oly where farmer have lesser say in iment which we all must do. 2020 to take part in private agricul- the power of incentives in undergrad- their incomes or can the farmers dic- It is entirely possible to conjecture tural markets? Agriculture in the late uate economics. I urge my students tate private companies and bargain a about the political benefits of creat- 50s and early 60s was ridden with to uncover the underlying incentives higher price for their produce? This ing newer and more lucrative markets production uncertainties — crop in economic activities by producers, is anybody’s guess. — private procurement market in this failures, rainfall dependence etc. It 1+  ,    7 ( ,     consumers, and the government alike Second, when private companies instance. Corporate electoral support was only after government interven-              — promising them that these incen- are allowed to buy farm produce and potentially larger contribution in tion through the green revolution that  <1 +  !%#    tives will lead them to uncover rea- directly, will they ‘jump’ at this offer? GDP for the agrarian sector. However, private production could sustain and  5+  ,    7  1   sons for their actions. In this piece, I They will enter the produce market the flip side of this potential benefit generate a food surplus. The presence ?   8 P#   3 P 3   explore the theory behind this gov- only if they find it lucrative in com- is the threat to vote banks dominat- of this surplus meant that production      "%    ernment’s position on the farm parison with other markets to which ed by farmers. For India, it becomes issues were systematically reduced by )  +   1   59   protests — potential conjectures they could potentially expand. When tricky. Since a major part of the pop- government intervention. With suc-           (  which dictate their stance and help us they enter, the assumption is that their ulation is still either directly or indi- cessive improvements in farming   "%(%%%J(      understand this deadlock. increase in profits would also bene- rectly dependent on the agrarian sec- (debatable), fluctuations in agricultur-  5 The economic motivation for fit the farmers who might receive far too much uncertainty to predict tor, the threat of persisting with al production stabilised and it became introducing the laws is that the exist- higher incomes. These benevolent the implication of these laws on farm laws could be a great electoral lucrative to enter these markets. ing agricultural commodity mar- companies will share their profits. farm incomes. Then why should risk. The crucial question then is kets, controlled by the government, Then why is there so much protest? there be no protests? If we face the If the net benefit is positive and whether potential entrants into the are inefficient. This inefficiency hurts We assume that when these com- possibility of getting a salary reduc- significant, then it is prudent to take produce market could predict this farm incentives and prevents growth panies enter the market, they do not tion, we agitate and fight with human the decision in favour of thrusting agitation. Perhaps they could and per- in farm incomes. Hence the idea is distort the market in any way possi- resources. When farmers agitate, these laws within the ambit of a par- haps they believe that political moti- that these laws would remove these ble. The protest is wary of the possi- they are fighting this very uncertain- liamentary democracy. The metric is vations of this government in terms inefficiencies and promote farm bility that these markets would no ty. In fact, most developed world — simple and indicates a potential pos- of electoral certainty through finan- incomes, eventually make farmers longer remain competitive. Farmers US and EU especially have systemat- itive and sizable net benefit. One cial support could incentivise the gov- better off. Then why is there so much will be at the whims of private pro- ically kept agriculture protected with could also examine the observed ernment to stand firm. In theory, protest? curement companies, who could farm subsidies and tariff barriers to response by the government to infer while the economics underlying these This logic is based on two crucial eventually gain control of the prima- overcome this uncertainty. about their motivations. The spikes laws is as unpredictable as the weath- presumptions. First, if a market is left ry produce market. In fact, it is rare The thrust with which these laws around the farmers protest and their er, the motivations for persisting to private players, it will be more effi- to see markets remain competitive were introduced in the parliament intent to hold ground on the laws with these laws seem to favour polit- cient than one operated by the gov- over time. A company’s growth (in indicate that it is in the political inter- indicate their clear choice. ical certainty. But this is still just a the- '9        ernment. Does the government admit stock prices or its acclaim) is tied to est of the government to push this Has this been done before? Yes. ory and we have to start asking ques-                its own inefficiency? Is this a case of how it increasingly captures more and reform agenda. Surely none of us Historically, there have been cases tions.             improving existing institutions with- more market space. believe that “reform legacy” is the key where government either erects legal (The writer is Assistant Professor  59 !>"'9   , 0   out necessarily a need to change the This brings us back to the under- motivation behind government’s push or administrative institutions to of Economics at Jindal School of ' 5?  H         market structure? Perhaps it is. A lying economics of these farm laws. for these farm laws. It should be pure- ensure that private markets function Government and Public Policy. Views              5 move towards privatisation of the Even economists agree that there is ly political and entirely perceptible to properly or directly enters the mar- expressed are personal.)    !!"#$#!    

(-!$/+( ATLETICO-CHELSEA MATCH MOVED TO ROMANIA 7.8+"#((+(*-#9.+*+(* Nyon: "/ # 2  -  %     /     . #   ?         #   K              "       K: , 7 . T 0 #     . - @ >     #    #     -        4  &(    %     & %247=? =- /# ) A  KRUNAL PANDYA TO LEAD BARODA ight-time champion Novak : 3  K  > +     Djokovic was made to sweat 4  N  @ I 0  " #   Eat the Australian Open on #  . !    &' >   4      , Wednesday, as Serena Williams % N -  " #          made serene progress in her bid   E K K     E for a record-equalling 24th Grand Melbourne: India endured a sec- Bopanna’s sharpness. McLachlan,    4    #      6 # -    Slam singles title. ond successive disappointing on his part, struggled to negoti-   73       6I   As Major winners Stan result at the Australian Open with ate volleys and that hurt them. /   0   " #   6  Wawrinka, Bianca Andreescu Rohan Bopanna and Ben Bopanna had spent 14 days and Petra Kvitova were second- McLachlan bowing out after a in his room and came out only on IYER NAMED MUMBAI SKIPPER, SHAW DEPUTY round casualties, Djokovic close opening-round defeat to Ji January 30, jumping into the Mumbai: 3     ,  3    dropped his first set of the event Sung Nam and Min-Kyu Song in tune-up event, only to lose his  , % N- " #     before grinding past America’s the men’s doubles event, here on opening round with Frederik      I         Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 6-7 (3-7), 7- Wednesday. Nielsen.  #    %        @ I  0   6 (7-2), 6-3. Bopanna and his Japanese The Indian did not get " #  3  # +   ,      K “I was fortunate to get partner lost 4-6, 6-7(0) to the enough competition time to be  #  %   %   #  through the third set today, it was Korean wild card pair in one hour ready for the season’s first major.     6 #       %     anybody’s game,” said the defend- and 17 minutes. India now have 0   +  ? I     +  ing champion, after his win in hot Not having enough court (men’s doubles) and debutant %   #     5 # conditions on Rod Laver Arena. time due to hard quarantine Ankita Raina (women’s doubles) The top seed looked in con- seemed to have an effect on left in fray. PTI BANGAR APPOINTED RCB BATTING CONSULTANT trol after taking the first set, but Bengaluru:    3     , I  4   lightning-quick Tiafoe, who       ##        reached the quarter-finals two However, reigning US Open Mannarino, the 32nd seed who 3+2 ?  / 4       years ago, refused to go quietly. champion Dominic Thiem, run- swept past Serb Miomir #    4        The American bounced back ner-up to Djokovic last year, was Kecmanovic 6-1, 6-2, 6-4.   3  E            to take a close second set but all smiles as he beat Germany’s Volatile Australian Nick &'; &'J  /# 0 I % .0  imploded as tensions rose in the Dominik Kopfer 6-4, 6-0, 6-2. Kyrgios, meanwhile smashed a     . #   ?/4  ,  fourth, receiving a code violation  '.   ((  9      $ < #  3 $+ “It was great, to be honest,” racquet, delivered underarm >     $  for an audible obscenity as the Austrian said of his perfor- serves, ranted at the umpire and Djokovic took charge. " / 9: “I stayed focused throughout ankle in the first set against Sara mance on Margaret Court Arena. saved two match points on his The Serb is targeting a the match and I tried to play Errani before hobbling through a “I really love this court and way into the third round. record-extending ninth title and # ;8&! within myself,” Osaka, who hit 23 6-1, 6-0 defeat. have pretty good stats on it, so The 25-year-old drew a rau- his 18th Grand Slam trophy over- (.!2*+!45 (-6 winners, told the crowd at Rod And Andreescu, the 2019 super happy to be back.” cous, socially distanced crowd to all as he snaps at the heels of Laver Arena. US Open champion who missed Eighth seed Diego his favoured John Cain Arena and Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, in just 69 minutes on Rod Laver The three-time the entire 2020 season Schwartzmann also hurried into kept them highly entertained, who top the all-time list with 20 Arena. Grand Slam winner is with a knee injury, saw the last 32, brushing aside with the atmosphere electric in a each. Williams hit 27 winners in riding a 16-match her comeback come to an Frenchman Alexandre Muller 6- gripping clash with Frenchman He avoided the fate of 2014 her 101st Australian Open match unbeaten streak — abrupt end, losing 6-3, 6- 2, 6-0, 6-3 in 1hr 32min on Ugo Humbert. winner Wawrinka, who blew while again sporting her unique, including the US Open 2 to Chinese Taipei’s Show Court 2. He eventually came through three match points in the fifth-set one-legged catsuit inspired by final — dating back 12 Hsieh Su-wei. Sixth seed Alexander Zverev 5-7, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 after tiebreaker in his four-hour epic track legend ‘Flo-Jo’. months, and is building “You need to find a ground past Maxime Cressy but 3hr 25min against the 29th seed with Hungary’s Marton In the evening session, momentum having not played way to get through and the crowd he made heavy weather of oust- to set up a blockbuster clash with Fucsovics, who won 7-5, 6-1, 4- Japanese sensation Naomi Osaka before arriving in Australia since helped me fight,” said Hsieh, ing the qualifier. third seed Thiem. 6, 2-6, 7-6 (11-9). thwarted Caroline Garcia with an her triumph in New York. after beating the Canadian, who The German, a semi-finalist Women’s second seed Simona “I had some chance to finish effortless straight-sets victory, as Osaka is eyeing redemption was coming off a draining three- last year who is gunning for a Halep was rattled by big-hitting the match, I didn’t finish,” said the she stormed into the third round, after her title defence last year setter against Mihaela maiden Grand Slam title, strug- Alja Tomljanovic, another 35-year-old Swiss, a three-time where she will face 27th seed Ons ended with a shock loss to Buzarnescu. gled to snap the American’s resis- Australian, but won five games in Grand Slam winner. Jabeur. American teenager Coco Gauff in Elsewhere Kvitova, the for- tance in a tight first set. a row to survive a major scare and Earlier, the 39-year-old The third seed, faced a tricky the third round. mer Wimbledon champion and He finally made a break- reach the third round. Williams continued her quest to contest against the Frenchwoman, Melbourne runner-up in 2019, through in the 11th game to seal The two-time Grand Slam equal Margaret Court’s all-time who was ranked a career-high of ‘CROWD HELPED ME FIGHT’ committed 44 unforced errors in the set and went onto win 7-5, 6- winner was pushed to the brink mark of 24 tennis Grand Slams fourth in late 2018 but never gave Williams’ older sister Venus, her 6-4, 1-6, 6-1 defeat by 4, 6-3 in 2hr 4min. in a see-saw clash before finally with a 6-3, 6-0 romp past 99th- her a sniff in the 6-2, 6-3 victory 40, however, was a major casual- Romania’s Sorana Cirstea as the His reward is a tricky clash prevailing 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 in 2hr ranked Serbian Nina Stojanovic in 61 minutes. ty when she painfully rolled her big names tumbled on day three. against France’s Adrian 34min.

after scoring 287 on debut for England against FIT AXAR 8   9  Australia in Sydney. Others to gain for the West Indies include captain BACK IN NETS &%  =4-3 first time since November Pat Cummins. Kraigg Brathwaite (up eight 2017, Root is now 36 points Formerly top-ranked places to 53rd) among bats- &%   203 ndia skipper Virat Kohli behind top-ranked Kane James Anderson is up to third men and the spin pair of Iwas on Wednesday pushed Williamson and trails Steve from sixth and only four Jomel Warrican (up 14 ndia could go for one change to the fifth spot by his English Smith by only eight points. points behind compatriot places to 62nd) and Ito their playing XI in the sec- counterpart Joe Root, who With Marnus Labuschagne Stuart Broad, a fellow-mem- Rahkeem Cornwall (up six ond Test against England start- rose two rungs to third in the also in the mix, competition ber of the 500-wicket club. places to 65th). ing Saturday with Jharkhand latest International Cricket for the top five slots is intense The 38-year old James For Bangladesh, captain left-arm spinner Shahbaz Council (ICC) Test rankings with all of them above 850 rat- Anderson is at his highest Mominul Haque's 10th Test Nadeem making way for fit- for batsmen, even as Jasprit ing points. ranking since the start of the century has lifted him eight again all-rounder Axar Patel Bumrah and R Ashwin moved For India, Rishabh Pant's ICC World Test places to 33rd. All-rounder after his poor show in the series- up in the bowlers’ chart. knock of 91 in the first innings Championship while spinners Shakib Al Hasan has gained opener in Chennai. Kohli, who had had scores has helped him become the Jack Leach and Dominic Bess four slots to reach 30th While Nadeem’s replace- of 11 and 72 in the opening first full-time wicketkeeper are both at career-best rating position among batsmen ment will be decided by Friday, Test against England, has 852 from his country to reach points, moving up to 37th and while off-spinner Mehidy one can expect Patel to replace points and down one spot in 700 rating points as he 41st positions, respectively. Hasan has progressed from him after his debut was put on the latest chart issued on retained the 13th position West Indies batsman Kyle 28th to 24th position. hold by an injury. couldn’t keep up the pressure his place in the playing XI. Wednesday. among batsmen. Mayers, whose scores of 40 Pakistan completing a 2- “Axar had a minor knee nig- that was created by Jasprit Veteran spinner Ashwin Opener Shubman Gill and 210 not out helped script 0 sweep over South Africa is gle and has already started bat- Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and ASHWIN HURT BUT IS OKAY and pacer Bumrah have progressed seven places to an epic win in the first Test followed with good news ting at the nets. He is expected Ravichandran Ashwin. A welcome news for India jumped a rung each to be sev- 40th position while all- against Bangladesh in from the rankings perspec- to start bowling during the next Nadeem had four wickets in will be that Ashwin is doing fine enth and eighth respectively. rounder Washington Sundar Chittagong, has entered the tive as well, especially with couple of days,” a senior BCCI all but gave away 233 runs in 59 after he sustained a painful Root, who helped his team is 81st after moving up two rankings in 70th position with regard to fast bowling. source said on Wednesday. overs across two innings with an blow from a Jofra Archer short to a memorable 227-run vic- slots. Left-arm spinner 448 rating points. Player of the series “He was always the first economy rate of close to 4 runs ball during the Indian second tory in Chennai that kept Shahbaz Nadeem too has It is the best by a West Mohammad Rizwan has choice to play the opening Test per over. And if that wasn’t innings and needed immediate England in contention for the gained two places to reach Indian batsman on debut and attained a career-best 16th but it will depend on skipper enough, as a slow bowler, a total attention from the physio Nitin ICC World Test 85th position among bowlers. the second-best ever on debut place after scores of 26 and Virat Kohli, head coach Ravi of nine no balls at the Test match Patel. Championship final, has Opener Dom Sibley is after RE Foster, who was on 115 helped him make a leap Shastri and bowling coach level can be considered criminal. India’s best bowling per- reached 883 rating points. another England batsman to 449 rating points back in 1903 of 19 places in the list. Bharath Arun,” he added. Washington bowled 26 former in Chennai wasn’t It is his highest position gain in the latest rankings Indian captain Virat Kohli overs for 98 runs in the first required to go for any precau- since September2017 after a update, his knocks of 87 and didn’t hide his disappointment innings and got a solitary over tionary scans which will certain- fabulous run in the sub-con- 16 helping him rise 11 places when it came to Nadeem’s per- in the second innings. ly be a relief for Kohli as he tinent saw him accumulate to 35th, while their players formance during the post-match However, Washington, who expects a friendlier pitch during 684 runs in three Tests, two of also made the way up in the presentation where he said that was impressive with the bat in the next Test starting from which were in Sri Lanka. bowling rankings presently he and Washington Sundar the first innings, is likely to retain Saturday. Ahead of Kohli for the led by Australia fast bowler .    0   >        !8 & %-/0,"? le Gunnar Solskjaer warned & 2-07? O“wasteful” Manchester United to be “more clinical” after akistan are hoping to turn they edged into the FA Cup Ptheir T20 fortunes around quarter-finals with a hard-fought when they take on a depleted 1-0 win against West Ham on South Africa in a three-match Tuesday. series starting in on Solskjaer’s side were well Thursday. below their best in a scrappy fifth The hosts have won just round tie at freezing, snow-dust- one of their last eight T20 ed Old Trafford. But a fine fin- series, with victory coming ish from Scotland midfielder against lowly Zimbabwe. Scott McTominay ensured But they are seeking a Rassie van der Dussen, Kagiso United advanced to the last return to the form that saw Rabada and Lungi Ngidi. eight for a seventh successive them win 11 series in a row They returned home as season. sive West Ham until While the loss was embar- from September 2016 to scheduled after the second United last won the FA Cup McTominay and Bruno rassing, it will be forgotten if November 2018, lifting them Test to prepare for a tour by in 2016 and McTominay’s third Fernandes were introduced as Dyche ensures Burnley retain to the top of the world rank- Australia, but that has now goal in three games kept them second half substitutes. their Premier League status. ings. been postponed because of in the hunt to lift the trophy for Burnley are currently 17th Pakistan’s spirits are riding the critical coronavirus situa- the 13th time. CHERRIES SHOCK BURNLEY in the Premier League, sitting high after beating South Africa tion in South Africa. After the frustration of the In Tuesday’s other fifth eight points clear of the relega- by 95 runs in Rawalpindi on Still, Pakistan’s bowling late Everton equaliser that dent- round tie, Burnley suffered a tion zone. Monday to take the two-match coach Waqar Younis refused to ed their Premier League title surprise exit as second tier It could have been an even Test series 2-0 — their first win take the new-look South Africa challenge on Saturday, this was Bournemouth won 2-0 at Turf more chastening night for over South Africa since 2003. side lightly. an essential result to lift the Moor. Burnley, who initially included South Africa will be with- “They are an internation- mood at United. Sean Dyche’s side fell behind the ineligible Erik Pieters in the out regular skipper Quinton de al team and we need to play to It was hardly an eye-catch- to Sam Surridge’s first half goal team before being alerted to the Kock, as well as established our potential to finish a perfect ing performance however, with and Junior Stanislas finished issue by Bournemouth’s media stars such as Faf du Plessis, season,” he said. United labouring against defen- them off with a late penalty. chief.