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12
T he month-long crisis in Rajasthan Congress ended on Monday after rebel leader Sachin Pilot opted for an “unconditional” truce and his MLAs left for Jaipur from Maneshar in Haryana. The breakthrough was worked out by Congress gen- eral secretary Priyanka Gandhi, who met Pilot two weeks ago. The process of reconciliation was set in motion in that meet- ing. Pilot completed the for- mality of his “home coming” by calling on Rahul Gandhi and later announcing his commit- ment to work for strengthening the Congress. For a “face saver” Pilot was offered a three-member committee that would look into the issues flagged by him regarding the functioning of the Rajasthan Government and Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s style of governance. KC Venugopal, Ahmed Patel and Priyanka Gandhi are part of the committee set up by Sonia Gandhi to address griev- ances of Sachin Pilot and his supporters. Late at night, Pilot and his supporting MLAs, who were camping in a hotel in Maneshar, arrived at Rahul Gandhi’s residence where Priyanka, Congress organisa- tional general secretary KC Venugopal and Ahmad Patel were present. The MLAs are believed to have conveyed their grievance to the Gandhis, who promised to look into them. Talking to the reporters — his first media interaction after he rebelled against Gehlot — Pilot said, “Sonia Gandhiji heard all our concerns and the governance issues that we raised. Formation of the three- member committee by the Congress president is a wel- come step. I think all the issues will be resolved.” Pilot kept repeating that he was only trying to raise issues about governance and func- tioning of the Government and there was nothing person- al in his action against anyone. Throughout his press interaction, he never named Gehlot but expressed dismay on name calling and invectives hurled on him. KC Venugopal said Sachin Pilot expressed his grievances in detail. “They have had a frank, open and conclusive discussion. Sachin Pilot has committed to working in the interest of the Congress party and the Congress Government in Rajasthan,” he said. With at least 5-6 of the 18 MLAs supporting him not ready to risk expulsion and the BJP not in a position to help him achieve his objective to topple the Gehlot Government because of lukewarm response from former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, Pilot has few options but to return “home” unconditionally. Sources said his meeting with Rahul was arranged by Priyanka at Rahul’s residence, where both the Gandhi had “meaningful” discussion with Pilot. Sources said after Pilot left Rahul and Priyanka, met Sonia to discuss the latest develop- ments following which Sonia called on Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot over phone. Gehlot reportedly assured Sonia Gandhi that he will not defy the party irre- spective of the decision it takes on Pilot. He left the matter to Sonia and Rahul to resolve. Continued on Page 2 F ormer President of India Pranab Mukherjee has test- ed positive for Covid-19 and admitted to the Army’s Research and Referral (R&R) Hospital here. “On a visit to the hospital for a separate procedure, I have tested positive for Covid- 19 today,” 84-year-old Mukherjee tweeted. “I request the people who came in contact with me in the last week, to please self-isolate and get tested for Covid-19,” the Congress leader, who was the President from 2012-17, said. Mukherjee on Monday underwent a brain surgery at the Army’s Research and Referral hospital for removal of a clot, sources said. Several leaders wished a speedy recovery to Mukherjee. “We wish former President Pranab Mukherjee a speedy recovery from Covid,” the Congress said on its official Twitter handle. Abhijeet Mukherjee, the son of the former President, also tweeted, “I wish my father a speedy recovery! I appeal to all my countrymen to pray for his speedy recovery & good health.” Several leaders from across the political spec- trum also wished him a speedy recovery. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot tweeted, “I have come to know former President of India Pranab Mukherjee has tested positive for Covid- 19...concerned about his health. Wish him a speedy recovery.” “Wishing Pranab Mukherjee a speedy recovery. I am sure he will be out of this sooner than later,” said Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge. Union Minister Piyush Goyal also wished good health for Mukherjee, and said he is confident that the former President will quickly recover from the virus. Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi said, “Astonishing and matter of concern that former President Pranab Mukherjee tested positive for Covid per press reports. Very active, regular walker, wish him quick recovery and restful convalescence.” A bout 15 per cent students enrolled in Delhi Government schools are not “traceable” since the lockdown was announced and have not been attending the alternative classes conducted online or through phones, said Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. Sisodia, who is also the Education Minister, said efforts are being made to locate these students either physically or telephonically to get them into the system. “We are conducting full fledged teaching learning either online or through phones and teachers have been instructed to ensure personal involve- ment with each student. So far, there are maximum 15 per cent students who are not traceable and are not in contact with their schools and hence not attending the classes,” Sisodia told PTI. “I have been reviewing this personally and we have been able to trace few students, for others either they are not stay- ing at the same addresses or their phone numbers men- tioned in our records are not traceable. I have asked that School Management Committees should be roped in to track these students. There are certain students who have gone to places like Uttarakhand and Bihar but are still con- nected with us and are attend- ing the classes and doing assignments,” he added. There are around 15 lakh students enrolled in over 1100 Delhi Government schools. “We started conducting online classes for class 12 stu- dents from April 6 and sending e-learning material or activities to those enrolled in classes nursery to eighth over WhatsApp or SMS. The Government has also provided a subsidy of 200 for internet packages to all its class 12 stu- dents who had registered for the online classes,” a senior Directorate of Education (DoE) official said. Continued on Page 2 T he Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday questioned actress Rhea Chakraborty, her broth- er Showik, their father Indrajit for the second time in a money laundering probe relating to the allegations of abetment of suicide of film star Sushant Singh Rajput. The trio appeared at the ED’s Mumbai office at 11 am as per the second summons issued by the agency against them, officials said, adding that their questioning contin- ued till late in the evening. Later, Shruti Modi, busi- ness manager of Rhea and Rajput, also joined the probe. All the four accused were also questioned by the ED on Friday. In the second half, Rajput’s friend and roommate Siddharth Pithani also arrived at the ED office for recording his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Pithani’s state- ment was earlier recorded by the Mumbai Police as part of their accidental death case probe under CrPC in the alleged suicide case. The ED confronted the accused with one another as also with discrepancies in their statements relating to Rhea’s income and investments along with their banking transac- tions and IT returns. Continued on Page 2 F ormer IAS officer Shah Faesal, who had launched Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Movement (JKPM) in March 2019, stepped down from the post of the party president on Monday claiming he was not in a position to “continue with political activities”. Shah Faesal was detained in the second week of August 2019 at the IGI Airport in Delhi and was later sent back to the Valley. Thereafter, he was detained under the Public Safety Act, which was revoked in the first week of June 2020. Since then he has remained confined to his home amid speculation that he may resume his bureaucratic career soon as his resignation has not been accepted so far. Faesal had resigned in January 2019 to protest unabat- ed killings in Kashmir and marginalisation of Indian Muslims. The official website of the Jammu & Kashmir General Administration Department says, “The officer has submit- ted his resignation which has been for- warded to the DOPT, GOI for acceptance”. There is no mention whether his resigna- tion has been accept- ed or not. According to the state- ment issued by the JKPM, “The State Executive Committee of J&K Peoples Movement (JKPM) in an online meeting today discussed the ongoing political develop- ments in the State. In the said meeting, the request of Dr Shah Faesal to spare him from the organisational responsibil- ities was discussed.” Continued on Page 2 A two-member National Investigation Agency (NIA) team has gone to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to probe the Kerala gold smug- gling case. The NIA team reached Dubai on Sunday night to investigate the sensational gold smuggling case and is expect- ing the UAE authorities to share more evidence on the involvement of Kerala officials in the scam, many of whom are suspected to have visited that country. The collection of evidence from that country will further help in unravelling the larger racket involving Kerala officials. “The NIA will interrogate one of the key accused in the case — Fazil Fareed — and a couple of more accused who have been taken into custody by the UAE authorities,” agency officials said here. The NIA took over probe into the case on July 10 in which the accused have been booked under stringent provi- sions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 and other offences under the IPC. The key accused in the case include Sarith PS, Swapna Prabha Suresh, Fazil Fareed and Sandeep Nair and others in connection with the seizure of 30 kg of 24 carat gold worth 14.82 crore at Trivandrum International Airport on July 5 by the Customs (Preventive) Commissionerate, Cochin. The said consignment was found camouflaged in diplo- matic baggage from UAE that is exempted from inspection as per the Vienna Convention. The consignment was to be received by accused Sarith PS who had worked in the UAE Consulate earlier as Public Relations Officer. Initial investigation by Customs Department has revealed that Sarith PS had received multiple such con- signments earlier as well. As the case pertains to smuggling of large quantities of gold into India from offshore locations threatening the eco- nomic stability and national security of the country, it amounts to a terrorist act as stated in section 15 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. Initial enquiries revealed that the proceeds of smuggled gold could be used for financ- ing of terrorism in India. T he first five Rafale jets, which came to India last month, have started practice sorties to familiarise them- selves with conditions in Himachal Pradesh, which shares the Line of Actual con- trol (LAC) with China. After a few weeks, these jets are likely to fly in Ladakh where the standoff is on for the last three months between the Armies of India and China. Based at the Ambala air- base after arriving from France on July 29, the five Rafales are going through their paces with intense flying day and night. Continued on Page 2 T hree staffers of the famous Lord Venkateswara tem- ple in Tirumala, governed by the Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), have died of Covid-19 and at least 743 others have tested coronavirus positive since the temple re-opened on June 11 for the public after being close for two and a half months owing to the coron- avirus-induced lockdown. Of the 743 infected, three employees succumbed to the dreaded contagion and about 402 personnel have recovered so far from infection while 338 people were undergoing treat- ment at different Covid care facilities in Tirupati, TTD Executive Officer Anil Kumar Singhal told reporters. Singhal denied reports in sections of the media and on social media that TTD had reopened the hill shrine after the coronavirus lockdown for the public with an intention to fill its coffers. He said the ancient temple was reopened on requests from devotees and entry was allowed by following strict Covid-19 measures. About 22,000 people, including regular and out- sourced workers, are employed with the board. Tests have been conducted on 9,102 of these employees till now. Meanwhile, 2.38 lakh devotees from across the coun- try visited the Tirumala temple in July alone. No devotee, who visited the temple ever since it reopened for ‘darshan’, has test- ed positive for the positive, according to media reports. The TTD board has arranged screening facility for visitors at the foot of the hill and at other points. The board for the richest temple in the country received about 16.69 crore in Hundi collection and about 3.97 crore through e-Hundi. New Delhi: Delhi University’s online open book examina- tions for final-year under- graduate courses began on Monday with many students complaining about receiving two question papers and difficulty in uploading answer sheets. The exams began at 7.30 am and are being held in three shifts. Zubair Khan, a student of School of Open Learning, said, “I had my Hindi exam today according to the date- sheet. When I opened the por- tal for downloading my ques- tion paper, I found that two question papers were uploaded — one of Hindi and another of the paper sched- uled for August 13.” A ctress Rhea Chakraborty on Monday told the Supreme Court the Sushant Singh Rajput death case has been blown out of proportion as elections are due in Bihar and claimed she was being subjected to media trial due to “constant sensationalisation” causing her “extreme trauma”. Chakraborty, 28, also sub- mitted in an additional affidavit filed in the SC she should not be made “scapegoat of political agendas” in the case, and alleged that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is “reported” to be responsible for registration of the FIR in Patna against her. There was no immediate reaction from the Bihar Government. She said the “constant sen- sationalisation” was causing extreme trauma and infringe- ment of privacy of her rights came a day ahead of the next hearing of her plea for transfer of the Bihar police FIR against her from Patna to Mumbai.

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Page 1: 5 010516 75˛$2 5˛) ˘ - ’˝˘ . 3234 83578*& *38&2?2?C …...7 hours ago  · Siddharth Pithani also arrived at the ED office for recording his statement under the Prevention of

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The month-long crisis inRajasthan Congress ended

on Monday after rebel leaderSachin Pilot opted for an“unconditional” truce and hisMLAs left for Jaipur fromManeshar in Haryana.

The breakthrough wasworked out by Congress gen-eral secretary Priyanka Gandhi,who met Pilot two weeks ago.The process of reconciliationwas set in motion in that meet-ing. Pilot completed the for-mality of his “home coming” bycalling on Rahul Gandhi andlater announcing his commit-ment to work for strengtheningthe Congress.

For a “face saver” Pilotwas offered a three-membercommittee that would lookinto the issues flagged by himregarding the functioning ofthe Rajasthan Government andChief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s

style of governance.KC Venugopal, Ahmed

Patel and Priyanka Gandhi arepart of the committee set up bySonia Gandhi to address griev-ances of Sachin Pilot and hissupporters.

Late at night, Pilot and hissupporting MLAs, who werecamping in a hotel inManeshar, arrived at Rahul

Gandhi’s residence wherePriyanka, Congress organisa-tional general secretary KCVenugopal and Ahmad Patelwere present. The MLAs arebelieved to have conveyed theirgrievance to the Gandhis, whopromised to look into them.

Talking to the reporters —his first media interaction afterhe rebelled against Gehlot —

Pilot said, “Sonia Gandhijiheard all our concerns and thegovernance issues that weraised. Formation of the three-member committee by theCongress president is a wel-come step. I think all the issueswill be resolved.”

Pilot kept repeating that hewas only trying to raise issuesabout governance and func-tioning of the Governmentand there was nothing person-al in his action against anyone.

Throughout his pressinteraction, he never namedGehlot but expressed dismayon name calling and invectiveshurled on him.

KC Venugopal said SachinPilot expressed his grievancesin detail. “They have had afrank, open and conclusivediscussion. Sachin Pilot hascommitted to working in theinterest of the Congress partyand the Congress Governmentin Rajasthan,” he said.

With at least 5-6 of the 18

MLAs supporting him notready to risk expulsion and theBJP not in a position to helphim achieve his objective totopple the Gehlot Governmentbecause of lukewarm responsefrom former Chief MinisterVasundhara Raje, Pilot has fewoptions but to return “home”unconditionally.

Sources said his meetingwith Rahul was arranged byPriyanka at Rahul’s residence,where both the Gandhi had “meaningful” discussionwith Pilot.

Sources said after Pilot leftRahul and Priyanka, met Soniato discuss the latest develop-ments following which Soniacalled on Rajasthan ChiefMinister Ashok Gehlot overphone. Gehlot reportedlyassured Sonia Gandhi that hewill not defy the party irre-spective of the decision it takeson Pilot. He left the matter toSonia and Rahul to resolve.

Continued on Page 2

���� 234��3*,5

Former President of IndiaPranab Mukherjee has test-

ed positive for Covid-19 andadmitted to the Army’sResearch and Referral (R&R)Hospital here.

“On a visit to the hospitalfor a separate procedure, Ihave tested positive for Covid-19 today,” 84-year-oldMukherjee tweeted.

“I request the people whocame in contact with me in thelast week, to please self-isolateand get tested for Covid-19,”the Congress leader, who was the President from2012-17, said.

Mukherjee on Mondayunderwent a brain surgery atthe Army’s Research andReferral hospital for removal ofa clot, sources said.

Several leaders wished aspeedy recovery to Mukherjee.“We wish former PresidentPranab Mukherjee a speedyrecovery from Covid,” the

Congress said on its officialTwitter handle.

Abhijeet Mukherjee, theson of the former President,also tweeted, “I wish my fathera speedy recovery! I appeal toall my countrymen to pray forhis speedy recovery & good health.” Several leadersfrom across the political spec-trum also wished him a speedy recovery.

Rajasthan Chief MinisterAshok Gehlot tweeted, “I havecome to know former Presidentof India Pranab Mukherjeehas tested positive for Covid-19...concerned about his health.Wish him a speedy recovery.”

“Wishing PranabMukherjee a speedy recovery.I am sure he will be out of thissooner than later,” saidCongress leader MallikarjunKharge. Union Minister PiyushGoyal also wished good healthfor Mukherjee, and said he isconfident that the formerPresident will quickly recoverfrom the virus.

Congress leader AbhishekSinghvi said, “Astonishing andmatter of concern that formerPresident Pranab Mukherjeetested positive for Covid perpress reports. Very active, regular walker, wishhim quick recovery and restfulconvalescence.”

������������'�� ��234��3*,5

About 15 per cent studentsenrolled in Delhi

Government schools are not“traceable” since the lockdownwas announced and have notbeen attending the alternativeclasses conducted online orthrough phones, said DeputyChief Minister Manish Sisodia.

Sisodia, who is also theEducation Minister, said effortsare being made to locate thesestudents either physically ortelephonically to get them intothe system.

“We are conducting fullfledged teaching learning eitheronline or through phones andteachers have been instructedto ensure personal involve-ment with each student. So far,there are maximum 15 per centstudents who are not traceableand are not in contact withtheir schools and hence notattending the classes,” Sisodiatold PTI.

“I have been reviewing thispersonally and we have beenable to trace few students, for

others either they are not stay-ing at the same addresses ortheir phone numbers men-tioned in our records are nottraceable. I have asked thatSchool ManagementCommittees should be roped into track these students. Thereare certain students who havegone to places like Uttarakhandand Bihar but are still con-nected with us and are attend-ing the classes and doingassignments,” he added.

There are around 15 lakhstudents enrolled in over 1100

Delhi Government schools. “We started conducting

online classes for class 12 stu-dents from April 6 and sendinge-learning material or activitiesto those enrolled in classesnursery to eighth overWhatsApp or SMS. TheGovernment has also provideda subsidy of �200 for internetpackages to all its class 12 stu-dents who had registered forthe online classes,” a seniorDirectorate of Education (DoE)official said.

Continued on Page 2

���� 234��3*,5

The EnforcementDirectorate (ED) on

Monday questioned actressRhea Chakraborty, her broth-er Showik, their father Indrajitfor the second time in a moneylaundering probe relating to the allegations of abetmentof suicide of film star SushantSingh Rajput.

The trio appeared at theED’s Mumbai office at 11 am asper the second summonsissued by the agency againstthem, officials said, addingthat their questioning contin-ued till late in the evening.

Later, Shruti Modi, busi-ness manager of Rhea andRajput, also joined the probe.All the four accused were also questioned by the EDon Friday.

In the second half, Rajput’sfriend and roommateSiddharth Pithani also arrivedat the ED office for recordinghis statement under thePrevention of MoneyLaundering Act. Pithani’s state-ment was earlier recorded bythe Mumbai Police as part oftheir accidental death caseprobe under CrPC in thealleged suicide case.

The ED confronted theaccused with one another asalso with discrepancies in theirstatements relating to Rhea’sincome and investments alongwith their banking transac-tions and IT returns.

Continued on Page 2

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Former IAS officer ShahFaesal, who had launched

Jammu & Kashmir PeoplesMovement (JKPM) in March2019, stepped down from thepost of the party president onMonday claiming he was not ina position to “continue withpolitical activities”.

Shah Faesal was detainedin the second week of August2019 at the IGI Airport in Delhiand was later sent back to the

Valley. Thereafter, hewas detained underthe Public Safety Act,which was revoked inthe first week of June2020. Since then hehas remained confinedto his home amidspeculation that he may resumehis bureaucratic career soon ashis resignation has not beenaccepted so far.

Faesal had resigned inJanuary 2019 to protest unabat-ed killings in Kashmir andmarginalisation of IndianMuslims.

The official website of theJammu & Kashmir GeneralAdministration Departmentsays, “The officer has submit-

ted his resignationwhich has been for-warded to the DOPT,GOI for acceptance”.There is no mentionwhether his resigna-tion has been accept-ed or not.

According to the state-ment issued by the JKPM,“The State ExecutiveCommittee of J&K PeoplesMovement (JKPM) in anonline meeting today discussedthe ongoing political develop-ments in the State. In the saidmeeting, the request of DrShah Faesal to spare him fromthe organisational responsibil-ities was discussed.”

Continued on Page 2

���� 234��3*,5

Atwo-member NationalInvestigation Agency

(NIA) team has gone to theUnited Arab Emirates (UAE) toprobe the Kerala gold smug-gling case.

The NIA team reachedDubai on Sunday night toinvestigate the sensational goldsmuggling case and is expect-ing the UAE authorities toshare more evidence on theinvolvement of Kerala officialsin the scam, many of whom are suspected to havevisited that country.

The collection of evidence

from that country will further help in unravelling the larger racket involvingKerala officials.

“The NIA will interrogateone of the key accused in thecase — Fazil Fareed — and acouple of more accused whohave been taken into custodyby the UAE authorities,” agencyofficials said here.

The NIA took over probeinto the case on July 10 inwhich the accused have beenbooked under stringent provi-sions of the Unlawful Activities(Prevention) Act, 1967 andother offences under the IPC.

The key accused in the case

include Sarith PS, SwapnaPrabha Suresh, Fazil Fareedand Sandeep Nair and others inconnection with the seizure of30 kg of 24 carat gold worth�14.82 crore at TrivandrumInternational Airport on July 5by the Customs (Preventive)Commissionerate, Cochin.

The said consignment wasfound camouflaged in diplo-matic baggage from UAE thatis exempted from inspection asper the Vienna Convention.The consignment was to bereceived by accused Sarith PSwho had worked in the UAEConsulate earlier as PublicRelations Officer.

Initial investigation byCustoms Department hasrevealed that Sarith PS hadreceived multiple such con-signments earlier as well.

As the case pertains tosmuggling of large quantities ofgold into India from offshorelocations threatening the eco-nomic stability and nationalsecurity of the country, itamounts to a terrorist act asstated in section 15 of theUnlawful Activities(Prevention) Act, 1967.

Initial enquiries revealedthat the proceeds of smuggledgold could be used for financ-ing of terrorism in India.

���� 234��3*,5

The first five Rafale jets,which came to India last

month, have started practicesorties to familiarise them-selves with conditions inHimachal Pradesh, whichshares the Line of Actual con-trol (LAC) with China. Aftera few weeks, these jets arelikely to fly in Ladakh wherethe standoff is on for the lastthree months between theArmies of India and China.

Based at the Ambala air-base after arriving from Franceon July 29, the five Rafales aregoing through their paces withintense flying day and night.

Continued on Page 2

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Three staffers of the famousLord Venkateswara tem-

ple in Tirumala, governed bythe Tirupati Devasthanams(TTD), have died of Covid-19and at least 743 others havetested coronavirus positivesince the temple re-opened onJune 11 for the public afterbeing close for two and a halfmonths owing to the coron-avirus-induced lockdown.

Of the 743 infected, threeemployees succumbed to thedreaded contagion and about402 personnel have recoveredso far from infection while 338people were undergoing treat-ment at different Covid carefacilities in Tirupati, TTDExecutive Officer Anil KumarSinghal told reporters.

Singhal denied reports insections of the media and onsocial media that TTD hadreopened the hill shrine afterthe coronavirus lockdown forthe public with an intention tofill its coffers.

He said the ancient templewas reopened on requests from

devotees and entry was allowedby following strict Covid-19measures.

About 22,000 people,including regular and out-sourced workers, are employedwith the board. Tests havebeen conducted on 9,102 ofthese employees till now.

Meanwhile, 2.38 lakhdevotees from across the coun-try visited the Tirumala templein July alone. No devotee, whovisited the temple ever since itreopened for ‘darshan’, has test-ed positive for the positive,

according to media reports. The TTD board has

arranged screening facility forvisitors at the foot of the hilland at other points. The boardfor the richest temple in thecountry received about �16.69crore in Hundi collection andabout �3.97 crore through e-Hundi.

New Delhi: Delhi University’sonline open book examina-tions for final-year under-graduate courses began onMonday with many studentscomplaining about receivingtwo question papers and difficulty in uploading answer sheets.

The exams began at 7.30am and are being held in three

shifts. Zubair Khan, a studentof School of Open Learning,said, “I had my Hindi examtoday according to the date-sheet. When I opened the por-tal for downloading my ques-tion paper, I found that twoquestion papers wereuploaded — one of Hindi andanother of the paper sched-uled for August 13.”

�� �� 234��3*,56���8&5

Actress Rhea Chakrabortyon Monday told the

Supreme Court the SushantSingh Rajput death case hasbeen blown out of proportionas elections are due in Biharand claimed she was beingsubjected to media trial due to“constant sensationalisation”causing her “extreme trauma”.

Chakraborty, 28, also sub-mitted in an additional affidavitfiled in the SC she should notbe made “scapegoat of political

agendas” in the case, andalleged that Bihar ChiefMinister Nitish Kumar is“reported” to be responsible forregistration of the FIR in Patnaagainst her. There was noimmediate reaction from theBihar Government.

She said the “constant sen-sationalisation” was causingextreme trauma and infringe-ment of privacy of her rightscame a day ahead of the nexthearing of her plea for transferof the Bihar police FIR againsther from Patna to Mumbai.

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Washington: A group ofIndian-Americans from in andaround the national capitalheld a protest here againstChina's aggression towardsIndia and the human rightviolations of Uyghur minoritygroups in the country's restiveMuslim-majority Xinjiang

region.Maintaining social dis-

tancing and wearing masks, thepeaceful protestors on Sundaygathered at the historic nation-al mall facing the US Capitoland displayed anti-Chinaposters, banners and raisedslogans against the Communist

Party of China and its leaders."This summer while the

world was fighting coronavirus,China was trying to encroachupon other's land. It's not onlyin Ladakh in India but alsoagainst it's other neighbours aswell. It's time that the worldunites against this Chinese

aggression," said Adapa Prasadfrom Overseas Friends of BJPUSA.

Indian and Chinese troopshave been locked in a bitterstandoff in several areas alongthe Line of Actual Control(LAC) in eastern Ladakh sinceMay 5.

The situation deterioratedafter the June 15 Galwan Valleyclashes in which 20 Indian

Army personnel were killedand an unconfirmed number ofChinese soldiers died.

"China's Communist partyhas infringed on the religiousrights of the Uyghur commu-nity and violated human rightsof people of Hong Kong,”Puneet Ahluwalia, who is anIndian-American Republicanand founder of the ProudAmerican Political Action

Committee, said.Ahluwalia, who is explor-

ing to run for the post ofLieutenant Governor ofVirginia, said US PresidentDonald Trump's hard mea-sures against China was in theright direction.

"China has to play inter-national rules," he said.“We have seen what they havedone in Africa. We have seen

that they are doing in Iran….Most importantly, they recent-ly backstabbed India,”Ahluwalia said, alleging thatChina is spying on Americansthrough various social mediaapplications and by stealingdata and information.Sunil Singh, an eminent

Indian-American from theGreater Washington DC area,praised Prime Minister

Narendra Modi for banningChinese applications in India.

Noting that peopleof India have stopped buyingChina made goods, he saidthere was also a need for theAmericans to make a similarmove.

This was the second majoranti-China protest by Indian-Americans here in WashingtonDC. PTI

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Jerusalem: Israeli PresidentReuven Rivlin on Mondaywished his former Indian coun-terpart Pranab Mukherjee aspeedy recovery after the latterwas detected positive forCOVID-19.

"Sending our best wishesand prayers for the speedyrecovery of former PresidentPranab Mukherjee,” Rivlintweeted in English and inHindi.

His tweets came hours after84-year-old Mukherjee saidthat he has tested positive forCOVID-19. He was admittedto the Army's Research andReferral (R&R) Hospital inNew Delhi.

Mukherjee, who was thepresident from 2012-17, visit-ed Israel in October 2015,becoming the first Indian pres-

ident to visit the Jewish state. Rivlin visited India at

Mukherjee's invitation inNovember 2016. The visitspaved the way for the histori-cal exchange of PrimeMinisterial visits that elevatedthe status of bilateral relation-ship to "strategic partnership".

Describing Mukherjee "agood friend" of Israel, theMinistry of Foreign Affairs(MFA) also wished him goodhealth.

"Wishing a speedy recov-ery, good health & long life toformer President of #India,and a good friend of #Israel,The Hon. Pranab@CitizenMukherjee", deputyDirector General of Asia andPacific Division at MFA, GiladCohen said in a tweet.

PTI

Beijing: China and India joint-ly safeguarding peace and secu-rity along the borders and thetwo countries together main-taining sound development ofbilateral ties is one of Beijing'sfuture diplomatic priorities, asenior Chinese official saidhere on Monday.

Asked about China's diplo-matic priorities in future as theinternational landscape isundergoing changes unseen ina century due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese foreignministry spokesman ZhaoLijian outlined Beijing's plansto enhance bilateral ties withthe US, Russia, the EuropeanUnion, Japan and India.

Zhao was responding to aquestion by China's officialXinhua news agency at a reg-ular foreign ministry briefing.

"We will continue toimprove relations with neigh-bouring countries,” he said.

"For the China-India rela-tionship, the two sides shouldjointly safeguard peace andsecurity in the border areas andmaintain a steady and sound

development of bilateral ties”,he said. Zhao's commentscame in the backdrop of theborder row between India andChina in eastern Ladakh.He said China will continue todeepen strategic mutual trustand expand shared interestswith its neighbours and otherdeveloping countries.

"We have actively plannedand developed our relationswith other major countries,responded rationally to theunreasonable pressure theUnited States has piled onChina, made new progress inadvancing China-Russia rela-tions under the strategic guid-ance of the two heads of stateand sustained cooperation asthe main tone of China-EUrelations,” he said.

The spokesman also saidthat China will also undertakecooperation in drug and vac-cine research and develop-ment, provide assistance tocountries in need to the best ofits ability and improve globalpublic health governance.

PTI

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Aday after unveiling thenegative import list to

boost the Indian defence indus-try, Defence Minister RajnathSingh on Monday launched theinitiatives of a number of mod-ernisation and up-gradationof facilities as also new infra-structure creation by DefencePublic Sector Undertakings(DPSUs) and OrdnanceFactory Board (OFB), throughdigital link here. This move ispart of the of the AtmanirbharWeek celebration of the defenceministry.

Launching the new drive,he said the government hasmade timely and thoughtfulinterventions during Covid-19 times like issuing negativelist for import, increase in FDIlimits, separate budget fordomestic capital procurementand emphasis on indigenisa-tion.

“The ban on imports of101 items is a big step towardsan Atmanirbhar Bharat. Thislist of negative items containsnot only small items butweapon systems of high and

critical technology. More suchitems will be added to this listshortly which will save crores of rupees in imports,” headded.

The minister said the gov-ernment will take more stepstowards, indigenisation, invest-ment in defence infrastruc-ture and expansion in defencemanufacturing capability.

Under upgradation of facil-ities, Pinaka Rocket Complex atOrdnance Factory (OF)Chanda has launchedMaareech integration facility tomanufacture 12 Maareech sys-tems per year to meet theenhanced requirement ofPinaka and other rockets aswell as the assembly and test-ing facility for SRCG at OF,Trichy all of which are criticalrequirements towards defencepreparedness. Modernisationof facilities at OLF Dehradunwill serve the purpose of man-ufacturing of high-endOptoelectronic products forT-90 Tanks.

The DPSU BEML has setup the Mission and IndustrialDesign Centre at Bengaluru aspart of its new infrastructurecreation. The Centre is first of

its kind in India, focusing onimplementing factors ofIndustrial Design & HumanFactors as a part of develop-mental strategies for setting theglobal benchmarking inIndustrial Design andErgonomics in Products. It isproposed to develop this facil-ity further as a national facili-ty and would be offered to theindustry in the next stage.

Under modernisation offacilities, Garden ReachShipbuilders and EngineersLimited (GRSE) has enhancedthe capability at its Raja BaganDockyard to meet the produc-tion requirement for the ongo-ing prestigious P17A project.

New infrastructure hasbeen created in the defence sec-

tor in the shape of foundationlaying of Seeker Facility Centre(SFC) at Bharat DynamicsLimited (BDL), a new modu-lar facility for manufacturing ofMissile System (RF Seeker)that will reduce import depen-dence for seekers andFoundation Laying forWarheads Production Facilityat BDL for manufacturing andtesting of indigenously devel-oped warheads required forKonkurs-M, Invar, Akash,Astra missiles, etc. The facili-ty being modular will cater toall futuristic missile warheadswith incremental modifica-tions.

Rajnath unveiled thesefacilities by pressing a remotebutton through digital links.

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From Page 1This is part of the drill to make

the versatile planes operationallyready, sources said here onMonday.

Though the jets will be for-mally inducted into the “GoldenArrow” squadron later this month,planners are keen to expose the jetsto all kinds of Indian conditionsand therefore a batch of at least 12pilots are engaged in intense flying,they said.

Given the volatile situation atthe border in Eastern Ladakh, theIAF has already mobilised most ofits other frontline fighter jets,including SU-30, Jaguars and MIG-29, to forward bases all along the4,000 km long LAC stretchingfrom Ladakh to Himachal Pradesh,Uttrakhand and ArunachalPradesh.

In fact, the newly inductedApache attack helicopters are fly-ing regular operational sorties near

the LAC in Ladakh and Chinookheavy-lift helicopters practicingruns to ferry troops and equipmentin the region. This deployment isto boost the Indian Army whichhas bolstered its troop strengthbesides bringing forward heavyguns and tanks. This measure wasundertaken at the Chinese scaledup their strength at all four “fric-tion points.”

Realising the sensitive nature ofthe LAC at present, the planes arenot flying very close to the LAC inHimachal Pradesh and will followthe same routine in Ladakh,sources said. India and China havean agreement about “no-fly” zonewhere in fighter jets of two sideshave to conduct sorties at least 15km from the LAC in their respec-tive regions. The ongoing intensivepractice sorties are also testingIndian specifications fitted into theRafales. The 13 India SpecificEnhancements (ISE) are part of theRs 60,000 crore deal for 36 Rafalejets.

The ISE include Israeli helmet-

mounted displays, radar warningreceivers, low-band jammers, infra-red search, and tracking systemsamong others. In addition, theRafale is armed with the Meteormissile considered a game-chang-er in the region with a range of over150 km, SCALP long-range stand-

off attack, air-to-ground missile,and MICA multi-mission air-to-airmissiles. The IAF is also arming theRafale with HAMMER (HighlyAgile Modular Munition ExtendedRange) medium-range air-to-ground missiles being procuredthrough the emergency route.

From Page 1Rhea (28), the prime

accused in the case, was ques-tioned for about eight hours onFriday. The ED also had earli-er questioned Rhea’s charteredaccountant (CA) Ritesh Shah.

Apart from her businessdealings and investments inconjunction with the late actor,the ED has so far grilled theactress on her income, invest-ments, business and profes-sional deals. During the ques-tioning on Monday, the mis-match between her income,expenditure and investmentswas prominently emphasised,sources said.

A property located at Khararea in Mumbai and another inNavi Mumbai, both linked toRhea, are being probed for thesource of funds and ownershippatterns, officials said.

Confronting Rhea with herIncome Tax Returns for the lasttwo fiscals showing an annualincome in the range of about Rs14-18 lakh, the officials soughtanswers on the source of fundsfor acquiring the propertiesthat are much higher in value.

Rhea told the agency thatshe had made the propertyinvestments from her income,savings and bank loans.

The ED, during the ques-tioning sessions, is learnt tohave confronted Rhea, Showikand Modi with certain bankstatements that purportedlyshow transfer of small amountsinto Showik’s accounts fromthose of Rajput and the accusedactress.

Rajput’s father KrishnaKumar Singh had on July 25filed a complaint with thePatna police against Rhea, herparents (including motherSandhya Chakraborty),Showik, Rajput’s managerSamuel Miranda, Shruti Modiand unknown persons accusingthem of cheating and abetting

his son’s suicide.The CBI had re-registered

the Patna police FIR as a freshcase on Thursday and namedas accused the same six personsnamed in the original case.

The late actor’s father alsoalleged financial irregularitiesin bank accounts of his son. Inthe complaint, Singh allegedthat an amount of Rs 15 crorewas siphoned off from Rajput’sbank account in one year toaccounts of persons not knownor related to the late actor.

The ED is also probing twocompanies linked to Rajput andsome financial deals involvingRhea, her father and Showik,who are said to be directors inthese firms and their ques-tioning revolved around theseaspects, the sources added.

From Page 1Sources said that no action

will be taken against rebelMLAs. It has also beenpromised that the rebelMinisters of the Pilot camp willagain be given the ranks ofMinisters. Even if not imme-diately, Cabinet expansion willbe done soon.

Sources said Pilot duringthe last few days had madeback channel attempts throughsenior leaders of the party tohave a word with the Congress’first family which he ignoreddespite several attempts madeby the party leadership to paci-fy him.

Late Monday night whenreports began to trickle in thatdissidents staying at a hotel inGurugram have started return-ing to Jaipur, Priyanka reachedat party troubleshooter Ahmed

Patel’s residence to deliberatefurther on Pilot’s future.

Congress organisation gen-eral secretary KC Venugopalhad visited Gehlot and hisMLAs in Jaisalmer on Saturdayand informed them about apossible end to the month-longstalemate. Venugopal urgedthe CM to not give any freshstatement against Pilot.

“This time the party wasquick to respond as JyotiradityaScindia exited and joined BJPafter blaming the same leader-ship for not giving him a per-sonal audience for over a year.Yes, we can say the party thistime was sensitive in handlingthe internal affairs as Scindiacase could be an eye opener forthem,” said a senior partyleader.

The move ahead of theAssembly session on Fridaywhere the Congress is likely togo for a trust motion is signif-icant as this is being seen as a

step forward in breaking thedeadlock in Rajasthan wherePilot along with 17 MLAsraised a banner of revolt againstGehlot.

Another party leader saidthat the meeting of Pilot withGandhis was a “positive devel-opment” but speculated thatPilot must have put certainconditions agreeable toGandhis after so much mud-slinging in recent days.

“Much has changed overthe last one month. Pilot hasbeen removed as both DeputyChief Minister and State unitchief of the party. Any negoti-ation will happen only whenboth sides take a clear stand onwho is willing to walk howmany steps. We have to alsokeep in mind that right now thetalks are limited to Delhi andthe views of Rajasthan’s topleadership will also be crucial,”said the party leader.

Sources said that Pilot has

assured Congress high com-mand that he will end hisrebellion and there will likely beno action against rebel Pilotloyalists.

Pilot is unlikely to get anyrole in Rajasthan Congress orGehlot Government for nowbut he might be roped in forkey responsibilities in AICC.

The month long battlestarted by Pilot witnessed alle-gations against Union MinisterGajendra Singh for toppling theGovernment and the matterreached the RashtrapatiBhawan as well as PrimeMinister Narendra Modi inform of a serious charge byGehlot. Source mentioned thatdisciplinary action initiatedagainst Pilot loyalistsVishvendra Singh, RameshMeena and Bhanwarlal Sharmamay be dropped for now asSharma already met Gehlotending his rebellion. Singhand Meena, who were dropped

from the Gehlot Cabinet alongwith Pilot last month, may getback their portfolios.

Gehlot on his part imme-diately called a meeting withthe Rajasthan PradeshCongress Committee (RPCC)president Govind Dotasra inJaipur to discuss handling ofthe day’s development.

Sources from both theCongress and the BJP men-tioned that sudden change ofaspiration within Pilot campcould have been after theyrealised that BJP leader and for-mer CM Vasundhara Raje wasreluctant to support Pilot join-ing the BJP and then take overas the CM. Of the total of BJP’s72 MLAs in Rajasthan, 40 areVasundhara loyalists.

All MLAs of Gehlot campare at a resort for nearly amonth now while theOpposition BJP has kept its leg-islators at places in Rajasthanas well as Gujarat.

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From Page 1Dr Shah Faesal had

informed State ExecutiveMembers that he is not in aposition to continue with polit-ical activities and wants to befreed from the responsibilitiesof the organisation, said thestatement.

It was decided to accept hisrequest so that he can bettercontinue with his life and con-tribute whichever way hechooses, added the statement.

Feroze Peerzada, current-ly holding the post of party vicepresident was appointed aspresident of the party till for-mal elections can be held forthe post of president,” the state-ment read further.

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From Page 1The HRD Ministry had last

month asked States and UnionTerritories to ensure that the namesof children of migrant workers whoreturned home during the Covid-19 pandemic are not struck off theirschool rolls.

Issuing a set of guidelines, theministry had also directed thestates to prepare a database of chil-dren who have left the local area fortheir homes in other states orother parts of the same state.

It also suggested that the stategovernments may direct all schools

to give admission to any child whorecently returned to village withoutasking for any other documents,except for some identity proof.

Universities and schools acrossthe country have been shut sinceMarch 16, when the Centreannounced a countrywide class-room shutdown as part of measuresto contain the COVID-19 out-break. A nationwide lockdownwas announced on March 24,which came into effect the next dayand threw economic activities outof gear, rendering many homelessand penniless and leading to anexodus of migrants to their homestates.

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Chief Minister YogiAdityanath has urged

Prime Minister NarendraModi to provide financial assis-tance to Uttar Pradesh forrelief and rehabilitation of theflood-affected people.

The request was made dur-ing a video-conferencing.

On Monday, the primeminister reviewed the flood sit-uation with chief ministers offlood-affected states throughvideo conferencing, in which

he was apprised of relief mea-sures being implemented bydifferent states.

The prime ministerassured the UP government offull assistance in combatingfloods and for the relief andrehabilitation of people affect-ed by the calamity.

Yogi Adityanath informedthe prime minister that 15teams of National DisasterResponse Force (NDRF) andnine teams of State DisasterResponse Force (SDRF) and 17flood companies of the

Provincial ArmedConstabulary were deployedfor relief and rescue operationsin flood-affected districts ofUP.

He said the NDRF hadorganised a mock drill whilepreparing for relief operationson July 1. He also informed theprime minister that floodhelpline 1070 was also beingoperated by the relief com-missioner of UP.

The chief minister saidthat so far, 88 flood protectionprojects with an outlay of Rs

856 crore had been completedand Rs 318 crore was releasedso far by the state governmentfor 2020-21 fiscal.

He said all necessary repairand strengthening of floodprotection embankments wasdone before the coronaviruspandemic.

He also said that in allflood-affected districts, floodprotection outposts, wirelesscentres and flood controlrooms were operational.

Yogi further said thatbreaches in flood protection

embankments was reportedfrom Mau, Azamgarh andGonda and they were repaired.

He said that in 20 flood-affected districts, a little overone lakh families or 5.75 lakhpeople were affected by thefloods.

The chief minister saidthat standing Kharif crop on38,248 hectares land was rav-aged and so far, 13 people haddied due to floods.

The flood-affected dis-tricts in UP includeAmbedkarnagar, Ayodhya,

Azamgarh, Bahraich, Ballia,Balrampur, Barabanki, Basti,Gonda, Gorakhpur,Kushinagar, Lakhimpur Kheri,Mau, Siddharthnagar,Maharajganj, Deoria, SantKabir Nagar, Pilibhit ,Pratapgarh and Sitapur.

Yogi also informed theprime minister that over90,000 food packets and foodgrain kits containing 17 itemswere distributed among affect-ed people, 178 cattle campswere set up and over six lakhcattle head were vaccinated.

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The national Capital record-ed 707 fresh coronavirus

cases on Monday, taking thetally in the city to 1,46,134,while the death toll from thedisease increasing to 4,131.

Twenties fatalities havebeen recorded in the last 24hours, according to the DelhiHealth Department bulletin.The active cases tally was10,346. According to the bul-letin, out of the total number ofbeds in COVID hospitals,10346 are vacant.

The national capital hadreported the highest single-dayspike of 3,947 cases on June 23.Also, 3238 beds in COVID care

centres are occupied by personsunder quarantine, includingtravellers who have returned by‘Vande Bharat Mission’ andbubble flights, it said.

The number of tests doneper million, as was 63, 389, itsaid. A total of 131657 patientshave recovered, migrated orbeen discharged.

According to the IndianCouncil of Medical Research,suspected individuals who testnegative for COVID-19 inrapid-antigen tests shouldundergo RT-PCR to rule outthe infection.

Rapid-antigen testingrequires a prescription and anICMR form filled by a regis-tered doctor, and a government

identity proof, same as that forRT-PCR test.

Testing was ramped up

June 18 onwards, when Delhistarted conducting teststhrough the faster rapid-anti-

gen methodology. Since then,tests have increased almostthreefold -- from an average ofaround 7,000 a day duringJune 12-18 to an average ofaround 20,000 per day at pre-sent.

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Delhi Police has arrested a52-year-old man for

allegedly fleeing with Rs 60,000cash from a patient who hadcome to All India Institute ofMedical Sciences (AIlMS) forhis operation.

The accused Satish KumarDhama, who worked as a nurs-ing attendant at the hospitalwas hired through a placementagency. Police said that hebelongs to Haridwar inUttarakhand.

According to police, thepatient, who is in media sector,had to undergo an eyeopeartion at All India Instituteof Medical Sciences (AIIMS)on July 25.

"On the day incident, justwhen the patient, was going forthe procedure, he handed overRs. 60,000 to Dhama, who washis medical attendant at thehospital. After handing over

cash, the patient asked him towait till his procedure getsover but instead, he fled withthe money," said Atul KumarThakur, the DeputyCommissioner of Police(DCP), South district.

"Police registered a caseand conducted raids in areas ofHaridwar, Ghaziabad andNoida but couldn't be arrested.While analysing the details ofthe suspect, police found thathe was using multiple mobilenumbers and regularly changedhis places but booked hotelrooms via an aap," said theDCP.

"On the basis of our furtherinvestigation, our team con-ducted a raid in Gurgaon andarrested the accused from ahotel where he had been stay-ing," the DCP said.

The police have recoveredRs. 29,5,00 from the accusedand further investigation isunderway, he said.

�������������� 234��3*,5

With two fresh casesreported last week, the

number of people sufferingfrom dengue in the NationalCapital has reached 77. Fivefresh cases of dengue alsoreported in a week, taking thetotal number to 72 this year.

According to data provid-ed by municipal corporationsout of total dengue cases, 31patients who diagnosed withthe disease belong to Delhiwhile 25 patients traced herewere from different states andother 12 patients did not pro-vide their address.

Meanwhile, mosquito-breeding has been reported inat least 28578 households inDelhi and 23598 legal noticeshave been issued and 639 num-bers of prosecutions launchedthis year, according to datareleased by the South DelhiMunicipal Corporation(SDMC). The dengue breedingcheckers have checked10739929 premises.

A senior SDMC official

said that all the preventivesteps have been taken to reducethe cases. “The key to preven-tion of Dengue is ensuringthere is no clean stagnant waterin homes and around, whichdoes not allow the Aedes mos-quitoes to breed, and thereforedengue cannot spread,” he said.

Dengue mosquito larvaebreed in clear, standing waterwhile those of malaria mos-quito thrive even in dirty water.Doctors have advised people totake precautions and ensurethat there is no breeding of

mosquito larvae around them.They have urged people towear full-sleeves clothes anduse mosquito nets.

The malaria parasite istransmitted by femaleAnopheles mosquitoes, whichbite mainly between dusk anddawn. According to the WorldHealth Organisation malaria iscaused by the protozoan para-site Plasmodium. Humanmalaria is caused by four dif-ferent species of Plasmodium:P. falciparum, P. malariae, P.ovale and P. vivax.

�������������� 234��3*,5

A50-year-old Delhi PoliceHead Constable was killed

while a constable was injuredafter their patrolling vehicle'Prakhar Van' was allegedly hitby a car in an accident nearKhalsa College in North Delhi.

Police said that the driverof the offending car identifiedas Tushar, (19), a resident ofModel Town, was driving ininebriated state and has beenheld.

According to MonikaBhardwaj, the DeputyCommissioner of Police

(DCP), North district, theaccused driver who also sus-tained injuries in the accidentwas on his way back home aftermeeting a friend when around1:30 AM on Monday hisHonda City car rammed into apatrolling vehicle of DelhiPolice called "PRAKHAR" nearKhalsa College.

"PRAKHAR" vehicle of theDelhi Police are patrolling vanstasked especially to curb streetcrimes and crime againstwomen in vulnerable areas.

"The impact of the accidentwas such that the patrollingvehicle of the Delhi Police

upturned and skid for 10-15feet and Head Constable WazirSingh, who was stuck inside thepatrolling vehicle," said theDCP.

"However, constable Amit,who was driving the patrollingvehicle rescued Singh with thehelp of public and shifted himto Trauma Centre, Civil Lineswhere he succumbed to hisinjuries during the course oftreatment while constable Amitwho sustained injuries in theaccident has been dischargedand stated to be stable," said theDCP.

"In the MLC prepared, the

doctors opined that the accuseddriver, who was also injured inthe incident, was under theinfluence of alcohol at the timeof accident, said the DeputyCommissioner of Police addingthe driver of the offendingvehicle has been nabbed.

"A case under section 279(Rash driving or riding on apublic way), 337 (causing hurtby act of endangering life) and304 II (Punishment for culpa-ble homicide not amounting tomurder) of Indian Penal Codehas been registered," said theDeputy Commissioner ofPolice.

�������� ���� 234��3*,5

Due to less availability ofpublic transport and

ongoing Covid-19 pandemic,there has been a surge in thenumber of cyclists in theNational Capital.

The Delhi Police said thatthere has been a steep downfallin the number of road acci-dents this year but a new chal-lenge has emerged followingthe rise in the number ofcyclists and pedestrians.

According to Delhi Policedata, around 243 pedestrianswere killed from January 1 toJuly 31 this year in road acci-dents while 17 cyclists were alsokilled in the fatal road accident.

Police data also states that193 fatal accidents involvingscooter/bike fatal were report-ed in which 199 people losttheir lives.

“This year from January 1to July 31, around 2164 acci-dents have been reported inwhich 1908 persons wereinjured while 557 died,” said asenior police official.

“Around 78 accidents werefrom private cars in which 83lives were lost in the city.Around 45 accidents were from

offending vehicles such as'Goods Carriers' in which 47people were killed. Clusterbuses running under Delhi

Transport Corporation (DTC)were involved in 10 fatal acci-dents leading to 10 deathswhile DTC buses were involved

in fatal accidents in which sixpeople were killed,” as perDelhi Traffic Police data.

“Around eight fatal acci-

dents were caused by tractorsleading to nine deaths.Meanwhile, 262 unidentifiedvehicles were involved in roadaccidents this year in which 265people lost their lives,” as perpolice data.

The police data also showsthat around eight people werekilled while riding e-rickshaws,while four cycle rickshawpullers also became the victimsof fatal accidents leading to fourdeaths.

A senior Delhi TrafficPolice official, there are innu-merable points of clashbetween cyclists and othermotorists across the city.

“There is a constant con-flict between them due tolack of space on the roads butpolice teams are doing ourbest by keeping the overallspeed on the roads low byissuing thousands of fines,”said the senior Traffic Policeofficial adding that they havebeen writing regularly to civicagencies to construct morerumble strips and reducespeed limits.

�������������� 234��3*,5

Delhi BJP president Adesh Guptaslammed the Kejriwal Government

for “misleading” people of Delhi by re-launching an employment schemewhich had already failed two years ago.

Gupta said that just as the same pic-ture is shown again and again in the bio-scope and the Kejriwal governmentkeeps re-launching the old schemes.“The Delhi Government launches thesame scheme such as odd-even,doorstep delivery, e-vehicle and therecent employment scheme again andagain to get attention of the people,” hesaid.

The government had spent 34 crore41 lakh rupees for the employmentscheme but only 334 people got employ-ment. “Kejriwal has again come up withan employment scheme to mislead thepeople of Delhi in the name of employ-ment,” he said.

Gupta further said that the men-tality of Kejriwal government is anti-women as there are many leaders likeSandeep Kumar, Sharad Chauhan in hisparty who are accused of sexual harass-

ment and exploitation of women andthe victims are still deprived of justice.

“The Kejriwal government hadpromoted the Rojgaar Mela in 2018 butfailed to provide jobs. Likewise, itannounced that both job providers andjob seekers can register on the Delhigovernment job portal and apply forjobs this year also,” he said.

On Friday, Kejriwal GovernmentMinister Gopal Rai claimed that the jobportal has more than nine lakh vacan-cies and the applicants are 8 lakh 64thousand, he said, adding that if theclaims are so true, then the Kejriwalgovernment should tell how manypeople have jobs so far through the por-tal.

Showing a screenshot of a jobposted on the portal, Gupta said thatpeople are being given the opportuni-ty to look at the video and earn withthat. Under this, people are asked todownload a video application named VClip through a link being received onWhatsApp and in exchange of watch-ing their videos; they are giving 4000 to10000 Rs per month as per the Jobdescription.

On this App, videos and photoswith vulgar and offensive contents arepresent, he said, adding that along withthis, data privacy is also being violated.

In reality, instead of taking steps toprovide financial help, the Kejriwal gov-ernment is playing with the feelings ofpeople in the name of employment andis doing scams of crores, he said.

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In order to evaluate howmany people have been

infected with coronavirus inthe Gurugram district, thehealth department will conducta second round of a sero sur-vey in which about 850 peoplewill be tested.

“The purpose of this sur-vey is to monitor the popula-tion of Stork-Cove 2 infectionin the district. Out of 850 per-sons selected for the sero sur-veillance survey, 500 are fromrural and 350 are from urbanareas,” said civil surgeonGurugram, Dr. VirendraYadav.

As part of the exercise theurban area will be dividedinto four clusters for the sur-vey and each cluster will be fur-

ther divided into four parts.A survey of 22 houses will

be done in a section i.e. 88houses will be surveyed ineach cluster. Similarly, eachcluster will be further dividedinto four quadrants by divid-ing the rural area into 12 clus-ters.

A three-member team,comprising a doctor, a healthworker and a lab technician,will visit consecutive housesfrom this point till the requiredsample size for the location iscompleted.

The official furtherinformed that 44 clusters havebeen placed in each cluster inrural areas which will be sur-veyed.

“This survey will consist ofstratified multi-stage sampling,in which samples will be takenwith the consent of people

above 18 years of age. Also, asupervisor will be designatedto monitor the two clusters,”Yadav said.

The survey will be held in20 areas. The rural areasinclude Daultabad, BajgheraSector 112, Bajghera village,Sarai Sector 109, Palra village,Badshahpur, Aklimpur,Pataudi, Sherpur, Inchhapuri,Rathiwas, Bhorakalan, Bhudka,Kharkhera village and Jeetpur.

The urban areas includeBasai Enclave, Patel Nagar,Khandsa and Tigra.

He further said throughthis surveillance it can also beeasily ascertained whether thesaid person was infected withthe virus in the past.

"With this test we alsocame to know whether anyperson infected with covid-19and recovered himself. It will

also be known whether anti-bodies to corona infectionhave been developed in hisbody or not," he said.

A sero survey on a small-er scale was conducted in thecity in the first week of July. Ofthe 360 samples collected tocheck antibodies, 24 hadreturned positive.

The total number of coro-navirus cases in the city onMonday rose to 9,771 includ-ing 57 new cases. The Covid-19 toll has reached 125 in thedistrict.

Gurugram now has 657active cases and 537 of themare in home isolation, officialsadded.

The health departmentsaid out of 125 deaths 87 dieddue to comorbidities and theremaining 38 without comor-bidities.

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The Delhi Police has arresteda man for allegedly duping

people through his fraudulentfinance schemes on the pretextof giving them higher returns.

Police said that the accusedidentified as Sudhir ParkashSharma and his associates tar-geted people living in slumclusters here and lured them tomake smaller investments withthem on daily basis. They con-

veinced them to open FDs andinvest Rs. 100 daily basis for ayear to get Rs. 41,400 after 12months of the scheme.

The fraudulent schemeswere being run by the gangthrough their fake company insouth Delhi's Kalkaji, whichhas been operational since 2013,police said.

Sharma and along with hisassociates have duped at least 25people so far, they said.

Elaborating on their modus

operandi, Atul Kumar Thakur,the Deputy Commissioner ofPolice (DCP), South districtsaid that initially, the gangmembers returned the maturi-ty amount to win the trust andattract more investments intotheir schemes.

"But after collecting hugeamount, they refuse to refundthe amount. After duping peo-ple, they would close downtheir office and switch off theirmobile phones," said the DCP.

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With no let-up in the covid-19 cases which crossed

the 22-lakh mark on Monday,health officials are now keep-ing their fingers crossed in viewof the upcoming string of fes-tivals like Janmashtami, GaneshChaturthi, Navratras,Dussehra, Diwali and Chatth inthe coming months.

The officials fear a furtherspike in cases during the peo-ple’s participation in these fes-tivals.

For the last five days, in fact

after Raksha Bandhan, a Hindufestival, which was on August3, India has been reportingmore novel Coronavirus infec-tions than any other country inthe world. On Saturday, India’sover 64,000 new infectionscomprised more than 22 percent of all the cases detectedglobally, said an official fromthe Union Health Ministry.

He pointed out that whilethe United States and Brazilwhich have greater number ofpeople infected by the virus tillnow, have been finding fewernumber of new cases every day

during this period, while India’scase numbers have beenincreasing steadily, with morethan 60,000 new cases for thelast three days.

Many Northern States likethe Uttar Pradesh had allowedopening of sweet shops andthose selling rakhis on Sundayin view of the Raksha Bandhanfestival on Monday. Soon after,various parts of the UttarPradesh like Lucknow report-ed huge surge in the Covid-19infection cases.

Now, with a series of festi-vals coming up in the next few

months, which are celebratedacross the country, we fear morecases on anvil, said the official.

“Though StateGovernments have been urgingpeople to not to congregate atpublic places, but being majorfestivals many times citizensfail to adhere the norms ofsocial distancing and visit themarkets to purchase sweets andother items for prayers.

“We have also observedthat people tend to visit their rel-atives during festival times as aritual and do not follow maskwearing norms, thus leaving

themselves vulnerable to the dis-ease,” said the official.

For instance, if GaneshChaturthi is major festival inMaharasthra, Chatth Puja iscelebrated with great fervour inBihar. Similarly, Navratras isimportant fest in Gujarat. Hence,

increase in cases in these Statesafter these festivals cannot beruled out, said the official.

Maharasthra, Tamil Nadu,Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Delhi,Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal,Telangana, Karnataka and Biharare the ten worst-affected states

accounted for about 82 percent of all the cases in thecountry, both in terms of totalcaseload, as well as new cases sofar.

The number in Indiareached 22 lakh on Monday,and at this rate, India is poised

to overtake Brazil within amonth’s time. In the last threedays, Brazil has been addingmore than 50,000 new casesdaily, but in India, everydayaround 60,000 cases are beingadded up to the total tally,pointed out the official.

��������������������&�(������:����������(������������ 234��3*,5

As the total coronaviruspatients across the country

crossed the 22-lakh mark,India's fatality rate dropped toits lowest two per cent in thelast 24 hours whereas therecoveries reached a new peakof over 15 lakh so far.

The latest data shared bythe Union Health shows thatthe current Case Fatality Rate(CFR) is two per cent and issteadily declining even as thecountry tested a record over1,000 deaths in a single day,

pushing the death toll so far to44,386.

The Ministry said thefatality rate is at its lowest andIndia is among the countrieswith lowest fatalities.

“Early identification ofcases has also led to steep fallin percentage of active cases,”it said.

Early identification helpsto ensure timely and promptisolation of mild and moder-ate cases and hospitalisation ofsevere and critical cases, there-by leading to effective man-agement of cases, the Ministry

said.The Ministry data further

mentions that India’s COVID-19 recoveries have crossed thehistoric peak of 15 lakh onMonday, more than twice theactive cases while recovery of15,35,743 patients, it said, hasbeen made possible because ofthe policy of aggressive testing,comprehensive tracking andefficient treatment.

Better ambulance services,focus on standard of care anduse of non-invasive oxygenhad given the desired results,it said.

With the highest-ever sin-gle-day recoveries of 54,859patients in the last 24 hours,the recovery rate had scaledanother high of almost 70 percent.

The record recoveriesensured that the actual case-load of the country, namely theactive cases, has reduced andcurrently comprises only 28.66per cent of the total positivecases.

India has posted morethan 9 lakh recoveries com-pared with active cases(6,34,945).

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Prime Minister NarendraModi on Monday urged the

flood affected States for exten-sive use of innovative technolo-gies and local investments for thedevelopment of forecast andearly warning systems. PM wasreviewing the flood situation insix States with Chief Ministers ofAssam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh,Maharashtra, Karnataka andKerala. The States compliment-ed central agencies includingNDRF for prompt co-ordinationand timely deployment of rescueoperations.

Chief Ministers SarbanadaSonowal, Nitish Kumar, YogiAdityanath, Uddhav Thackerayand Pinarayi Vijayan appraisedthe flood situation in theirStates. Karnataka was repre-sented by Home MinisterBasavaraj Bommai. DefenceMinister Rajnath Singh, HealthMinister Harsh Vardhan andMinisters of State Home AffairsG Kishan Reddy and NityanandRai also participated in thereview meet.

Modi emphasised on bettercoordination between all centraland state agencies to have a per-manent system for forecasting offloods and extensive use ofinnovative technologies forimproving forecast and warningsystem. Prime Minister saidthat over the past few years, ourforecasting agencies like IndiaMeteorological Department andCentral Water Commission havebeen making concerted effortsto make better and more usableflood forecasts. They are tryingto provide not only rainfall andriver level forecast but also loca-tion specific forecast of inunda-tion. There are pilot effortsunderway to also use innovativetechnologies such as artificial

intelligence to improve locationsspecific forecast, for which Statesshould provide necessary infor-mation to these agencies andtimely disseminate the warningsto local communities,” said PMOin a statement.

Prime Minister mentionedthat investment should beincreased in localised earlywarning system so that peoplein a particular area can be pro-vided with timely warning incase of any threatening situationsuch as breach of river embank-ment, inundation level, lightning

etc. “Prime Minister alsoemphasised that in view ofCOVID situation, while under-taking rescue efforts, States mustensure that people follow allhealth precautions such as wear-ing of face mask, hand sanitisa-tion and maintain adequatephysical distance and reliefmaterials must include provisionfor hand washing/ sanitizing andface masks for the affected peo-ple. In this regard, special pro-visions should be made forelderly people, pregnant womenand people with co-morbidity.

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Prime Minister NarendraModi on Monday dedicat-

ed to the nation, 2,300 km sub-marine optical cable connect-ing Andaman and NicobarIslands to Chennai, which is setto be a big a leap in the com-munication technology. Modicongratulated the engineer-ing team which finished thisprestigious project in 18months. The foundation stonefor this project was laid by thePM on December 30, 2018 atPort Blair.

Addressing the functionthru video conferring, PrimeMinister said this great leap incommunication technologywill boost the development ofthe Andaman and NicobarIslands. Modi admired thelaying of cables for about 2,300kilometers under the sea assurveying in the deep sea,maintaining the quality of thecable and laying of the cablewith specialised vessels is not

an easy task. The project also had to

overcome challenges such ashigh waves, storms and mon-soons and the tough timesowing to Corona Pandemic.Telecom Minister RaviShankar Prasad also attendedfunction and praised the engi-neering team in executing thisproject in speedy manner.

Modi said providing betterand cheap connectivity to thepeople of Andaman & NicobarIslands is the responsibility ofthe country.

PM said the SubmarineCable is one such effort toprove that A & N Islands arenot far away from Delhi andfrom the Hearts of theMainland. “Submarine Cablewill help A&N in gettingcheaper & better connectivityand all the benefits of DigitalIndia, especially in improvingonline education, tele-medi-cine, banking system, onlinetrading and in boostingtourism,” said Prime Minister.

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Union EnvironmentMinister Prakash

Javedekar on Monday termed‘immature’ the criticism ofthe Environmental ImpactAssessment (EIA), 2020 fromgreen activists and politicalparties including theCongress, and said that allsuggestions will be consideredbefore the draft is finalised.

“The criticism of the EIA,2020, was “premature”, as thedocument is merely a draft atthis stage. As per rules, only60 days notice is to be given,but owing to Covid-19, weextended it up to 150 days,”Javadekar said on the sidelinesof the ministr y’s WorldElephant Day celebrations.

“Thousands have senttheir views, but some areovereager and hence they areprotesting. People jumping atthe draft [EIA] is not a fairpractice. It is just a draft rightnow, we will take a call onthese views and then it will befinalised.”

The Minister also

slammed the Congress, alleg-ing that its erstwhile govern-ment did not consult peopleon such decisions.

“The erstwhile UnitedProgressive Alliance-led gov-ernment did not consult thepeople on key environmentaldecisions. I have mentionedthis in my letter and reply to[Congress leader] JairamRamesh,” he said. “This is allunnecessary and premature.”

Javadekar also objectedto Congress leader RahulGandhi’s comments earlier inthe day. Gandhi called thedraft a “disaster” and urgedpeople to protest against it.“Those who want to nowprotest, during their regimetook many of the big decisionswithout consultations,”Javadekar said.

On Sunday, Rahul Gandhihad said the draft (EIA) noti-fication, 2020, is “not only dis-graceful, but it is also dan-gerous”.

“Not only does it have thepotential to reverse many ofthe hard-fought gains thathave been won over the yearsin the battle to protect ourenvironment, but it could alsopotentially unleash wide-spread environmentaldestruction and mayhemacross India,” Gandhi wrote ina post on a social media plat-form calling youth to protestagainst it.

The new updates to the

draft 2020 EIA notificationprescribe the procedure forindustries to assess the eco-logical and environmentalimpact of their proposedactivity and the mechanism,whereby these would beassessed by expert committeesappointed by the environ-ment ministry.

Several environmentalistsand organisations have allegedthat the draft notificationdoes away with the require-ment for public consultationfor a number of projects thatcould create an adverse eco-logical impact.

Ramesh had said lastmonth the draft notificationreduces public participation inall steps of the environmentalclearance process by “lessen-ing the notice period for pub-lic hearings and doing awaywith them for a large catego-ry of projects”.

On August 5, theKarnataka High Court direct-ed the Ministr y ofEnvironment to not publishthe final draft notificationuntil September 7 as it notedthat it was published onMarch 23, two days before theimposition of the nationwidelockdown to control the coro-navirus, people had not beenable to file objections to thedocument. It also criticisedthe publication of the docu-ment only in Hindi andEnglish.

���� 234��3*,5

Every-year, at least 500 peo-ple are killed by jumbos and

100 elephants lose their lives asthey come into conflict withhumans in search of food andmigration from one habitat toanother in the country.

This is a matter of concern,said Union EnvironmentMinister Prakash Javadekar atan event here after release of adocument on best practices ofconflict management andlaunch of the national portal ofproject elephant which willhave all the data and details ofelephant

“We do not kill animals.Animals are revered in India.We have to devise good conflictmanagement practices. Wehave also started a fodder andwater augmentation pro-gramme in elephants’ habitatand corridor,” Javadekar said onWorld Elephant Day onMonday. As per the last censusconducted in 2017, India ishome to 30,000 elephants whileover 2,700 are in the captivity.

Addressing the event,Javadekar said elephant con-servation is vital as it balancesthe ecosystem. Elephants haveto be kept in forests for whichfodder and water augmentationprogramme has been initiated,the minister said, adding thatby next year results will startshowing.

“The Government hastaken initiative of fodder andwater augmentation in forestareas so that animals will getfood and water in forest areaand will not come outside,” hesaid adding that LiDAR tech-nology is being used for it.

Union Minister of State forEnvironment Babul Supriyosaid, it is a moment of pridethat India is having 60 percentof Global population of AsianElephants.

Giving out the figures ofdeaths due to human-elephantconflict, Additional DirectorGeneral of Forests (Wildlife)Soumitra Dasgupta said hun-

dreds of elephants migrate andcome in contact with humanbeings.

“More than 500 humanand 100 elephant deaths takeplace each year due to theconflict. In last five years, theministry has unleashed a seriesof activities for the conserva-tion of elephants. More ele-phant corridors have beenidentified, budget has beenincreased by 30 per cent andseveral committees have alsobeen formed,” said Dasgupta.

“New elephant reserveshave been declared and ele-phant corridors have also beenidentified in the past five yearsto address the problem.Elephants have also beenincluded in appendix 1 of theConvention on theConservation of MigratorySpecies of Wild Animals toensure better conservation.”

Sanjay Kumar, director-general of forests, said thepopulation and distribution ofelephants in the country havebeen on the rise. They havebeen migrating fromJharkhand to Chhattisgarh toMadhya Pradesh andMaharashtra.

“New interactions are lead-ing to more conflict. They aremigrating to newer areas. Weare trying to identify researchmethodologies to understandhow the population can remainstable in new areas,” he said.

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The Supreme Court onMonday said further hear-

ing was required in the 2009criminal contempt case againstactivist-lawyer

Prashant Bhushan andjournalist Tarun Tejpal toexamine whether comments oncorruption against judges per seamounted to contempt or not.

A bench headed by JusticeArun Mishra and comprising

justices B R Gavai and KrishnaMurari posted the matter forhearing on August 17.

The top court had inNovember 2009 issued con-tempt notice to Bhushan andTejpal.

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The Centre Monday toldthe Supreme Court that

work for installation of smogtower at Anand Vihar in eastDelhi has started and soilsamples have been taken forexamining the structural sta-bility.

Smog tower is a structuredesigned as large-scale airpurifier to reduce air pollu-tion.

Solicitor General TusharMehta told a bench headed byJustice Arun Mishra that anmemorandum of under-standing (MoU) has beensigned for the project ofinstallation of smog towerand IIT Bombay and TataProjects Limited are in touchwith University of Minnesotafor transfer of technology.

The bench, also compris-ing Justices B R Gavai andKrishna Murari, wasinformed by Mehta that as onAugust 8, site survey has beendone and soil samples havebeen taken and are beingexamined.

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Abdul Hamid Najar, theBharatiya Janta Party

leader who was criticallyinjured after being shot at byunidentified terrorists onSunday in Ompora area ofcentral Kashmir's Budgam dis-trict, succumbed to his injuriesearly Monday morning.

Najar had received at leastfour bullet injuries. Accordingto official sources, “his liver waspunctured”. He was operatedupon by the doctors but hecould not survive and breathedhis last early Monday morning.

The 38-year-old was beingtreated at the SMHS hospital inSrinagar.

Najar was the district pres-ident of Budgam BJP OtherBackward Class (OBC)Morcha.

He was targeted by theunidentified terrorists whenhe was out on a morning walkin the area.

His last rites were per-formed by the family membersin the afternoon. Around onedozen BJP workers acrossKashmir valley have so fartendered their resignationsfearing for their lives.

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Foreign Tablighi Jamaatiscaught in several districts of

UP and Delhi have beenreleased after fines and shortpunishments.

However, the allegation ofviolation of visa rules hasbecome an impediment in thebail of two Sri Lankan Jamaatiscaught in Aligarh.

Therefore, their release wasnot possible and their bail gotdismissed from the sessionscourt today. After this, effortshave started in the High Courtfor their bail and for this, theSri Lankan Embassy hasappointed a lawyer.

During the early period ofthe coronavirus infection peri-od, people of Jamaat were

quarantined all over the coun-try amidst the noise of spread-ing infection from the Jamatisinvolved in the Tabligi Jamat ofDelhi.

Action was also takenagainst them in the LockdownViolation, Pandemic Act.During this action, twoJamaatians of Sri Lankan ori-gin caught in the city are badlytrapped.

They are accused for vio-lation of Indian visa rules. Dueto this, the issue of their returnto their country is stuck.

According to the govern-ment data and Aligarh policerecords, there were 72 Jamatiscame in the district at that time.In the Dharpakad campaign, 13in Rangrejan, 12 in Atiyaan, 10in Govind Nagar, 102 in

Kasimpur, 9 in Junglegarhi,16 in Pilauna and the restJamati in Faiz Mosque areawere caught.

Out of these, 13 peoplestayed in the RangrejanMosque area. Among themwere two Sri Lankans namedM o h a m m a dMurshidurrahman and MJHippalur Rahman. Their inves-tigation and passport verifica-tion revealed that both of themvisited India for 90 days inFebruary on a tourist visa.According to the rules, duringthis time they should not haveparticipated in any religiousprocession here.

Therefore,they wereaccused of lockdown viola-tion, epidemic act, disaster act,visa rule violation. Their pass-

ports were confiscated andthey were sent to jail.

According to AdvocateAale Navi, who is representingthem in Aligarh, their bailapplication was granted in theSessions Court. But otherwise,the plea was rejected in visaviolation rule.

Now the senior advocateof the High Court will advocatethe matter as the Sri LankanEmbassy has taken the processforward by taking interest inthe matter. The Embassy hasappointed advocates. This isimportant to mention that for-eign Jamatis who were caughtin Delhi, Saharanpur, Baghpatetc. in the country, were allreleased. Jamati of other statesof the country were alsoreleased.

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As the number of Covid-19patients showing no pos-

sibility of coming down, Keralahas sought the assistance of theState’s Police force to combatthe pandemic fighting mecha-nism, according to ChiefMinister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Addressing the media inhis daily press briefing, Vijayansaid he has appointed HarshitaAttaluri, inspector general ofpolice as the nodal officer incharge of Thiruvananthapuramrural district and S Sreejith, IG,as the officer in charge ofcoastal region.

The decision is in the back-ground of 1,184 new personstesting positive for Covid-19 inthe last 24 hours endingMonday evening 6 pm. “Sevenpersons succumbed to Covid-19 during the last 24 hours.What is concern is the numberof persons getting infectedthrough social transmission.On Monday, 956 persons out of

the 1,184 tested positive con-tracted the pandemic throughsocial transmission. 114 per-sons could not explain how andwhere they contracted the pan-demic. We diagnosed 106 expa-triates and 73 persons fromother parts of the country onMonday with the pandemic,”said Vijayan. Hew also said that41 health workers too testedpositive for the pandemic.

“The task of controlling thespread of the pandemic hasbeen handed over toNeighbourhood Watch Systemand the Janamythri Police. Weare afraid that the local com-munity clusters are almost sureto become Large CommunityClusters,” said Vijayan.

The testing of samples inthe State continued to hover in

the 20,000 to 21,000 range.“During the last 24 hours wetested 20,583 samples.Regarding the district-wisetesting, Malappuram toppedthe table on Monday with 255positive cases while number ofcases in Thiruvananthapuramcame down slightly to 200,”said Vijayan. He said the down-pour has come down in theState and the next few dayswould see rain coming downfurther , according to theIndian MeteorologicalDepartment.

The sum total of Monday'smedia briefing by Vijayan isthat Kerala continues to be ina fragile state with Covid-19pandemic continuing unabat-ed. The roping in of police offi-cers to strengthen the preven-tive mechanism to fight Covid-19 is being seen as a signal inthis direction. Vijayan refusedto drawn into any controversyregarding his staying offMunnar where 48 persons werekilled in Friday's landslide.

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The death toll in Friday morning’s devas-tating landslide at Rajamala near Munnar

in Kerala reached 49 by Monday evening assearch and rescue team of the NDRF retrievedsix more bodies from the debris in the region.The fate of 22 more persons who went miss-ing remains unresolved even as rescue work-ers were going ahead with their mission asthis report is filed.

Frequent downpour and mist have maderescue operation difficult but efforts were onto locate the missing persons, all workers intea plantation owned by the Kannan DevanCompany of the Tatas.

A new controversy has erupted over thediscrimination shown by the KeralaGovernment towards the deceased in thelandslide. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayanannounced a solatium of �2 lakh to the fam-ilies of each of those who lost their lives.Vijayan had announced cash relief f �10 lakhto the families of each of those who died inFriday’s Air India air crash at KozhikodeAirport. Those injured were give �2 lakh andthose who suffered minor injuries were

allocated �50,000.“This is not fair and the Kerala

Government should accord the victims ofRajamala landslide the same importance andrecognition they gave to those who died andinjured in the air crash. The Chief Ministershould understand that human lives are thesame whether they die in air crash or land-slide,” said V Muraleedharan, Minister of statefor external affairs who visited the landslidespot.

Things took an ugly turn when volunteersof Seva Bharati were refused entry toRajamala for retrieving the dead bodies andhelp the relations of the victims in perform-ing the last rites. The LDF Convenor AVijayaraghavan alleged that the Seva Bharatiworkers have come to propagate Hinduismand not for helping the people in distress.

Local residents said the Sb activists werethe first to reach Rajamala with provisionsand life saving materials like blankets andmedicine for those who survived the nature’sfury.

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The NIA Court in Kochi onMonday rejected the bail appli-

cation moved by Swapna Suresh,the kingpin in the Gold SmugglingScam busted by the Customs.

Judge Krishnakumar alsoupheld the decision of the NIA toslap Unlawful Activities PreventionAct (UAPA) against Swapna whichwould make it difficult for her tocome out on bail in the near future.

The Judge said there were suf-ficient grounds that prima facieprove that the gold smugglingoperation undertaken by Swapnawas linked to terrorism. “It is basedon the case diary as well as otherdocumentary evidences submittedby the NIA that the bail applicationis being rejected,” said the verdict.

Swapna Suresh and her part-ner-in-crime Sarith were arrested bythe sleuths of NIA from Bangalorewhere they have gone in hiding afterthe Customs officials of the inter-

national airport inThiruvananthapuram busted thegold smuggling which was hap-pening through diplomatic channel.

The probe by the Customsand NIA took the investigation toM Sivsankar, the then principal sec-retary of Kerala Chief MinisterPinarayi Vijayan and minister forhigher education K T Jaleel, formerSIMI leader.

Sivsankar was questioned bythe NIA and the Customs offcialsfor almost 24 hours in connectionwith the case while there are strongreports that Jaleel may be grilled bythe agencies for his associatio0nwith the UAE Consul General andattaché based at the capital city. Thecustoms and NIA have arrested tenpersons in connection with the goldsmuggling.

The NIA believes that themoney generated through thesmuggling is being diverted tofund terrorist activities and anti-India programmes.

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114 deaths and 5, 914 newCovid-19 patients by

Monday evening. This is theinformation furnished by theGovernment of Tamil Nadu onMonday about the situation inthe State on account of coron-avirus.

As on Monday evening,there were 53,099 active Covid-19 cases in the State, lesser thanthe 53, 336 persons with thepandemic as on Sundayevening. Though the numberswere outwardly smaller com-pared to Sunday, the groundreality is that Tamil Naduremains critical with the pan-demic refusing to show anysign of subsiding.

Chennai had 976 Covid-19patients on Monday. ButChengalpet diagnosed 483 newpersons while Kancheepuram( 310) and Thiruvallur (399)continued with unabated pan-demic.

There were 15 districtsother than Chennai,VChengalpet, Kancheepuramand Thiruvallur with highnumber of Covid patients whileothers showed less than 100cases.

An important informationthat came out of Tamil NaduSecretariat is that 28 legislatorshave contracted Covid-19which means that 10 per centof the elected representativeshave been affected with thepandemic.

Doctors in Chennai’sGovernment Hospitals refusedto acknowledge the fat that thepandemic has come down inthe Metropolis over the lastfortnight. “I am not boldenough to say so. There weremany instances where thosetested negative getting con-tracted with the pandemic. Itsonly after three or four teststhat we can boldly say the per-son is out of danger of gettingafflicted with the pandemic,” hesaid.

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Days after alleging that theState Government was

withholding information fromhim on vital issues BengalGovernor Jagdeep Dhankhar onMonday shot off a letter to ChiefMinister Mamata Banerjeerequesting her to allow theState farmers to avail of the ben-efit of pro-farmer PrimeMinister Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme which was being blocked by herGovernment.

Urging the Chief Ministerto undo the injustice beingmeted out to the tillers he wrotethat he was distressed at the howthe 70 lakh odd farmers of theState were being deprived of thecentral scheme.

Claiming that the farmersof Bengal has already lost thetotal benefit amounting to about�8,400 crore “which was theirdue and right,” Dhankhar wrote“it is distressing to note that 70lakh farmers continue to be

denied the benefits of PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi,” adding“while each farmer all over thecountry has so far received �12,00 our farmers have beendenied of this legitimate right onaccount of insensitivity andconfrontational stance of theState Government.

He said that the farmers ofother States had received�92,000 crores thanks to the PMKisan scheme whereas “noamount has come to our State.”This, he said required some“soul-searching and immediateamends,” he said.

Dhankhar further wrotethat the Central Govt schemehas been running from 2018with 100% funding from Govtof India adding “The amount isdirectly transferred to the bankaccounts of the beneficiaries.”

As there was no middle-

men or commission, theamount directly went into thefarmers’ accounts he said, won-dering “why this is not beendone by the State Govt.

This unfortunate lapse, ispainfully harmful to the inter-ests of the farmers. This 'crueljoke' and historic injustice onthe farmers should make merealise that governance has to befor the benefit of the people atlarge,” and urging the ChiefMinister to “take steps to undothis injustice to our fanners.”

The Governor who has nolove lost with the TrinamoolCongress Government, had lastweek alleged that the StateGovernment departments werenot only not sharing informa-tion with him but also notresponding to the queries videsRight to Information.

Kolkata: People had a narrowescape when fire broke out ata commercial high-rise in busyPollock Street area of northcentral Kolkata.

The fire broke out in abuilding that houses severalcorporate offices and banks latein the afternoon however wasarrested with the help of 10 fireengines and a hydraulic ladderwhich was further used to res-cue people trapped on the firstfloor, State Minister FirhadHakimsaid.

The immediate reason ofthe fire was not known he saidadding investigations wouldbe carried out after the flameswere completely doused. PNS

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Bareilly: As many as 56 inmatesof two prisons in Bareilly districtof Uttar Pradesh have tested pos-itive for coronavirus, officialssaid on Monday.

District Surveillance OfficerAshok Kumar said 51 inmates ofthe central jail and five inmatesof the district jail tested positivefor Covid-19. The jail inmateswere tested after an inmate of thecentral jail died due to Covid-19,Kumar added.

The district has so farreported 3,773 coronavirus caseswith 98 deaths. Meanwhile,according to a report fromBanda, a journalist died due toCovid-19 on Sunday.

Anjani Nigam ,52, wasadmitted to the Banda MedicalCollege and later referred to theSanjay Gandhi Post GraduateInstitute of Medical Sciences inLucknow on Saturday when hiscondition deteriorated. IANS

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Jammu: Mystery behind dis-appearance of three labourershailing from Rajouri onMonday deepened further aftersocial media reports claimed thethree “suspected terrorists “killed in Amshipora Shopian'encounter' on 18 July 2020, havebeen reportedly identified as themissing labourers of Rajouri onbasis of photographs shared bythe families. As the news spreadlike wildfire on various othersocial media platforms, dis-

gruntled politicians in Kashmirvalley issued lengthy state-ments demanding a probe intodisappearance of three labour-ers from Rajouri in southKashmir district of Shopian.

Reacting to these socialmedia posts, Srinagar basedDefence Spokesman, Col RajeshKalia issued a statement whichread, “we have noted socialmedia inputs linked to theoperation at Shopian on July 18,2020. PNS

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In a marked drop in the num-ber of Covid-19 infections

and fatalities, Maharashtra onMonday witnessed 293 deathstaking the total pandemic tollin the State to 18,050, while arelatively low 9,181 people test-ed positive for Coronavirus.

After the disturbing week-end that saw the pandemicclaim 665 lives (275 onSaturday and 390 on Sunday)

and leave an alarming 24,070others (12,822 on Saturdayand 12,248 on Sunday) infect-ed, Coronavirus appeared tohave become less ferocious onthe first day of the week, goingby the death and infection tal-lies.

Of the 290 total deathsreported on Monday, Mumbaiaccounted for accounted for 46deaths, while there were 43deaths in Pune and 42 inThane.

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In perhaps the biggest narcotichauls in recent years, Mumbai

Customs and Department ofRevenue Intelligence (DRI)have seized 191 kilograms ofheroin worth �1,000 crore froma cargo container at NhavaSheva Port Trust (JNPT) inNavi Mumbai and arrested twocustoms clearing agents in con-nection with the seizure.

Acting on a tip-off, the

Customs and DRI officialsbrought about the seizure in ajoint operation carried out atthe JNPT.

Each kilogram of seizeddrug is worth more than �5crore in the market.

Said to be of prime quali-ty, heroin had been concealedin plastic pipes painted in bam-boo colour. When apprehend-ed, the smugglers had sought topass it off as a traditional, theAyurvedic medicine’.

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Page 6: 5 010516 75˛$2 5˛) ˘ - ’˝˘ . 3234 83578*& *38&2?2?C …...7 hours ago  · Siddharth Pithani also arrived at the ED office for recording his statement under the Prevention of

Recently, the PrimeMinister inauguratedthe country’s largestphotovoltaic (PV) cell-based solar energy

plant at Rewa in Madhya Pradesh.While inaugurating this 750megawatt (MW) plant, he stressedupon the need for atmanirbharta(self-reliance). Considering thatabout 80 per cent of our solarpower generation equipment is ofChinese origin, the inaugurationof the solar plant was timely. ThePrime Minister used the occasionto emphasise this aspect. Said he,“India won’t be able to fully use itssolar power potential if the coun-try doesn’t develop better solarpanels, batteries and storage man-ufacturing capacity.” India import-ed $2.16 billion worth of solarphotovoltaic cells, panels andmodules in 2018-19.

India is lucky that sunlight isavailable in abundance here butthe challenge lies in the procure-ment of the PV cells. This hasbeen one of the major constrain-ing factors in our efforts to realisethe full potential of solar energy.According to a report submittedby the parliamentary StandingCommittee, in order to achievethe target of 100 GW of solar elec-tricity capacity by 2022, Indiashould have had an installedcapacity of 32,000 MW by 2017-18. But as of January 31, 2018, thecountry only had a capacity of18,455 MW. As per the standingcommittee, the Ministry of Newand Renewable Energy has toinstall the remaining 81,545 MWin just four years — this is over20,000 MW a year and appearsdifficult to achieve.

However, despite the con-straints, the price of solar energyhas come down to �2-2.50 perunit from �7-8 per unit in 2014.A serious lacuna in this entireexercise of achieving the solarpower target continues to be ourpoor record of indigenous man-ufacturing of solar panels and ournear-complete dependency onChinese imports.

Today, China is the onlycountry that caters to most of theglobal PV cell demands. It pro-duces the cheapest solar panels. Itis difficult for any country tomatch such low prices. This hasled to a situation where China hasa virtual monopoly and this maynot be desirable in the long run.Our own imports, mostly fromChina, accounted for 90 per cent

of 2017 sales, up from 86 percent in 2014. Thus, it is para-doxical that both our sources ofenergy, oil as well as solar, arecurrently heavily dependenton imports.

The Chinese advantage isbased on low cost of manufac-turing despite the process beinghighly power consumptive andpolluting. In the present sce-nario, particularly in the wakeof the Galwan incident, importsof solar technology from Chinahave been banned as it wouldnot have been logical on ourpart to continue to nourishtheir economy.

In the absence of cheapimports, the current situationmay, perhaps, appear to be dis-appointing but there are alter-natives which must be fullyexploited. First, the solar ther-mal route for harnessing solarenergy has found limited appli-cation so far. As of now, thereare only six functional solarthermal plants, which amountto just a fraction of our totalrequirement.

Understandably, this tech-nology has its own advantagesbut is somewhat more expen-sive than the PV cell route. Thisis why it has not gatheredmuch acceptance. Moreresearch in this area can ensurethat costs are further cut downleading to profitability.

An alternative to silicon-

based PV cells, which is thespeciality of China, has sincebeen found in the form ofPerovskite solar cells. This isalso a tried and tested method.According to the work done atthe National Institute ofAdvanced Studies, Bengaluru,the efficiency of the Perovskitecells, which was about three percent in 2006, showed a markedimprovement. It has now beendetermined to be at about 22per cent, which makes it quiteviable.

Perovskite is a crystallineform of the chemical called cal-cium titanate. It may sound for-midable but fortunately, all theraw materials used to manufac-ture it are indigenously avail-able. The process, too, is muchsimpler, less polluting and con-sumes less power than theproduction of silicon chips.

Perovskite is the product oflimestone, which is abundant-ly available in the country, andtitanium oxide, which isobtained from sands contain-ing ilmenite, an ore of titanium.Ilmenite, too, is available inabundance as we have reservesof several million tonnes of thisore in the sands along theshores of Andhra Pradesh,Odisha, Tamil Nadu andKerala.

The present usage of tita-nium oxide is confined to thepaints and pigment industry as

well as in the manufacture ofcosmetics and sunscreens as itoffers good protection againstUV rays.

The absence of Chineseproducts from now onwardsneeds to be considered as anopportunity for acceleratedresearch so as to put this tech-nology to commercial use atthe earliest. Perovskite-basedsolar cells have performedexceedingly well in controlledconditions but the problem ofdegradation due to weatherconditions needs to beaddressed. The silicon-basedPV cells are almost weatherproof, so the durability ofPerovskite has to be brought upto that level.

Perovskite technology hasthe potential of being a game -changer in our quest for har-nessing solar energy with lesspolluting and low cost solu-tions. The renewable energyfirm, ReNew Power Pvt Ltd,has already announced that itis in discussion with variousStates to set up a �1,500-2,000crore facility to make solarcells and modules. The need isfor close monitoring and allo-cation of sufficient funds forresearch. India can’t afford tolose the new solar race.

(The writer is a formerGovernor and senior advisor atthe Pranab MukherjeeFoundation)

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Sir — This refers to the editor-ial, “Tragedy in Kozhikode”(August 10). Credit must begiven to the local residents,who rushed to the aid of thoseon-board the ill-fated flight.However, many people forgot tofollow COVID-19 protocols,the downpour and even the pos-sible danger of a fire. It must benoted that the airport area hasbeen listed as a pandemic con-tainment zone. Their help inspotting passengers and laterdisseminating informationusing social media were out-standing gestures. There werelarge queues of blood donors athospitals even at midnight,proving that humanity, humane-ness and hope are still alive.

M PradyuKannur

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Sir — This refers to the edito-rial, “Tragedy in Kozhikode”(August 10). The Kozhikodeplane crash incident is areminder that the findings ofthe safety audits were not taken

seriously. In a similar incidentin 2010, a Boeing 737 aircrafthad overshot the tabletop run-way at the Mangalore airport,

killing 158 passengers and crew.Experts had warned of a repeatbut all in vain. The presentcrash has proved no lessons

were learnt by the authorities.Why was such a big aircraft

allowed to operate from a table-top? Why did the operators

allow water to collect on therunway? Given that the pilot hadalready aborted an attempt toland sensing the condition, whywasn’t the aircraft diverted to anearby airport? Although afew recommendations of theaviation safety report submittedto the Ministry of Civil Aviationin 2011 were implemented, laps-es remain. Instead of jumping toconclusions, we must wait forreports to emerge. Hereon, sug-gestions of the audit reportmust be implemented withoutany delay.

V Nagendra KumarHyderabad

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Sir — This refers to the editor-ial, “Tragedy in Kozhikode”(August 10). The Karipur airportis in a hilly area and has a table-top runway. This has been a mat-ter of concern since long as fourmajor incidents have taken placein the past. Authorities need tofocus on improving safety levels.

AditiVia email

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Following marathon deliberations of theMonetary Policy Committee (MPC) overthree days, the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s)

Governor, Shaktikanta Das, made four importantannouncements under the central bank’s bi-monthly monetary policy review on August 6.

First, Das warned that India’s real GrossDomestic Product (GDP) growth is set to contractin 2020-21 but did not give a specific forecast. Healso cautioned that “while an early containmentof the COVID-19 pandemic may impart an upsideto the outlook, a more protracted spread of thepandemic, deviations from the forecast of a nor-mal monsoon and global financial market volatil-ity are key downside risks.” Furthermore, the MPCsees “upside risks to food prices and elevated head-line inflation during the second quarter of the cur-rent financial year (July-September), which wouldease in the second half.”

Second, “in respect of MSME (micro, smalland medium enterprise) borrowers facing stresson account of the economic fallout of the pandem-ic, lending institutions may restructure the debtunder the existing framework, provided the bor-rower’s account was classified as standard with thelender as on March 1, 2020; this restructuring willhave to be implemented by March 31, 2021.” Thebanks will have to make an additional provisionof five per cent on restructured loans.

Third, large companies will also be eligible forone-time restructuring without declaring it as anon-performing asset (NPA) or requiring achange in the promoter/s. The borrower accounthas to be standard as on March 1. The decisionon the restructuring scheme has to be taken byDecember 31 and restructuring must be imple-mented within six months. An additional provi-sion of 10 per cent on the restructured loans shouldbe made. An expert committee under KV Kamathwill recommend to the RBI the required financialparameters, along with the sector-specific bench-marks for this special window.

Fourth, the policy repo rate — the interest ratecharged by the RBI on loans it gives to banks —remains unchanged at four per cent. The reverserepo rate or the interest rate the banks get on theirsurplus funds parked with the RBI also remainsunchanged at 3.35 per cent. Further, the RBI willcontinue with the “accommodative” stance of themonetary policy as long as necessary to revivegrowth and mitigate the impact of COVID-19,while ensuring that inflation remains within thetarget.

The first announcement is on expected lineseven as intermittent lockdowns by States and asso-ciated disruptions in both supply and demand havedashed all hopes of a V-shaped recovery in eco-nomic growth (as alluded to by the ChiefEconomic Advisor, KV Subramanian during theinitial stages of the pandemic). Several agencies,including the World Bank and the InternationalMonetary Fund (IMF), have projected a signifi-cant deceleration in growth.

As regards the second, this is an extension ofthe existing scheme of one-time restructuringintroduced last year. That was applicable torestructuring plans implemented by March 31,(over 5,00,000 MSMEs had benefitted from it).Following a commitment given by the FinanceMinister, Nirmala Sitharaman, in the Budget for2020-21, the scheme was extended to December31 this year. For a borrower to be eligible, his/heraggregate exposure, including non fund-based

facilities, of banks and NBFCs (non-banking financial companies) should notbe beyond �25 crore as on January 1.Further, the borrower’s account was indefault but was a “standard asset” as onJanuary 1 and continues to be classifiedas a “standard asset” till the date of imple-mentation of the restructuring (accord-ing to an RBI notification in February).In addition, the borrowing entity is GST(Goods and Services Tax) — registeredon the date of implementation of the planexcept those that are exempt from GST-registration. The RBI has now furtherextended this to restructuring plansimplemented till March 31, 2021 withsome relaxation in the conditions.

The exposure limit, including nonfund-based facilities of banks and NBFCsto the borrower, should not exceed �25crore as on March 1. Further, theaccount should be standard as on March1 (against January 1 earlier).

Via the third announcement, theRBI has extended huge relief to large cor-porates, too. Unlike the existing arrange-ment under the Insolvency andBankruptcy Code (IBC), wherein theloan account gets a NPA tag and the pro-moter stands no chance of retaining thefirm, the proposed one-time restructur-ing treats the account as standard andthere is no change in the promoter/s.This special dispensation is meant onlyfor “COVID-19 related stress” and theKamath committee will have to ensurethat the facility is not misused. In otherwords, all stressed accounts prior toMarch 1, as well as those which wereunaffected during the pandemic, mustbe excluded.

With the introduction of the aboveone-time restructuring for MSMEs andcorporates, the need for extending themoratorium on servicing of loans (thiswas initially allowed by the RBI for threemonths from March 1-May 31 and fora further three months ending August31) automatically becomes redundant.While the latter was merely a deferment

of the payment liability, the former offersconcrete relief by extending the periodof repayment, relief in interest and so on.

The Governor sees the scheme as awin-win for both, the lenders and bor-rowers. According to him, while this willenable the latter to sail through the cri-sis period without getting permanentlyimpaired, the former’s balance sheet willlook healthier (as this will put a lid onthe NPAs) and they will be able toexpand credit for supporting revival ofgrowth. Hopefully, things pan out as perhis wish. If not, the banks could be in forbigger trouble even as borrowers comeup with more demand for restructuring.

Coming to the fourth announce-ment, Das has done the right thing byapplying the pause button on the reporate. Ever since he took charge(December 2018), the RBI has handedout a cumulative reduction in repo rateof 2.5 per cent, of which a 1.35 per centcut was prior to the outbreak of COVID-19. Despite this, during 2019-20, growthin the GDP hit a low of 4.2 per cent.

This was because other factors suchas compression in demand (due tomassive loss of jobs and decline inincomes) and increasing risk-aversion ofbanks to lending (during 2019-20, bankcredit grew by 6.1 per cent, down fromthe 13.4 per cent growth during 2018-19) were at work.

Apart from these factors coming inthe way of spurring growth, even the cutin the repo rate was not fully transmit-ted (according to Das, reduction in lend-ing rate was just about 0.6 per cent),thanks to the high cost of the banks’funds (an overwhelming share of thesecomes from public deposits of varyingmaturity) on the one hand and highNPAs on the other.

Both these factors make the lend-ing rate downward inflexible. After theCOVID-19 crisis, the RBI has reducedthe rate by 1.15 per cent (0.75 per centon March 27 and 0.4 per cent on May22) thereby bringing the rate down to a

record low of four per cent. And this hascome at a time when the intermittentlockdowns are simply not allowing eco-nomic activities to get into full swing.When the wheels of the economy onground zero are stuck and there is littledemand for credit, how will lowering ofits cost (interest rate) help?

At this juncture, therefore, it makesno sense to keep lowering the policy rate.It sounds like the driver is merely press-ing the accelerator while the car is in theneutral gear. He will only end up burn-ing fuel without any outcome. Far fromany help in giving a boost to growth (asthe real bottlenecks lie elsewhere), thiswill do collateral damage. For instance,each time the RBI cuts the policy rate,it expects banks to follow suit. This willpropel the latter to pay less to depositorson fresh deposits or when the old onescome up for renewal.

The RBI may have paused now butby maintaining an accommodative pol-icy stance, it has kept the door open fora rate cut in the future. This should beavoided. Instead, it needs to work onother fronts such as credible measuresto reduce NPAs, goading banks to beproactive in looking for viable projectsfor funding (money is not a constraintas the measures announced by the RBIon March 27/April 17 have made avail-able plenty of liquidity to the tune of�5,00,000 crore), step up investment bythe Government, especially in infrastruc-ture and so on.

By propelling demand — bothinvestment and consumption — andhelping businesses run, this will also helpreduce the cost of “one-time” restructur-ing and bring about a real improvementin the banks’ balance sheet in the nearterm. Meanwhile, all-out efforts shouldbe made for early resumption of eco-nomic activity even while strictly com-plying with Coronavirus-related proto-cols and guidelines.

(The writer is a New Delhi-based pol-icy analyst)

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Tell me and I forget. Teach me andI remember. Involve me and Ilearn.” This quote by one of

America’s founding fathers, BenjaminFranklin, encapsulates the challengesand possible solutions to the new-ageeducation in India and across the globein today’s pandemic-afflicted world.With millions of students crossing thevirtual threshold and Work FromHome becoming the new normal,everyone is trying to decode employ-ability skills, performance metrics ineducational institutions and work-places. Amid the uneasy and unpre-dictable change, one thing is certain:The human spirit won’t change —andthat’s our biggest solution.

Now let’s step into a more famil-

iar past of conventional classrooms.Here, body language, facial expres-sions, physical projects and practicalexperiments were integral to learning,besides theory and concepts. Learningoutcomes took into account personal-ity traits, cognitive skills, life skills, crit-ical thinking and more, for creative andconventional courses. But the digitalworld has turned these features intochallenges. Or, not.

For instance, for fashion designstudies, real-world scenarios andindustry-live projects that hingedmainly on sensory and cognitive skills,put a big question mark on virtualteaching of concepts and practicaltraining. The challenge was how tokeep students engaged and achieve thedesired outcomes? Teaching frombooks was fine but what about prac-tical learning? The answer to this was,by understanding the process back-wards. For example, constructionstream students were asked to takeapart a stitched garment at home andunderstand the process, in reverse.They were asked to raise open-endedand close-ended questions and priori-tise them. For styling, students used

their mobile phones and narrated sto-ries with the limited resources avail-able while they were at home. In thetextile stream, students developedinteresting and innovative prints usingnatural dyes.

Similarly, the University ofPetroleum and Energy Studies,Dehradun, decided to take theCoronavirus challenge head-on bydeveloping AeroOpt, an airport man-agement tool to improve efficiency atcounters, staff requirements for board-ing gates and immigration securitywith social distancing norms. Boththese instances highlight how critical-thinking, innovation, creativity andadaptability were channeled as every-one struggled with the restrictionsimposed by the COVID-19 pandem-ic. And this is exactly what is needednow: A design-thinking approach,with problem-solving skills, criticalthinking, risk-management and mostimportantly adaptability.

With these developments, oneaspect is clear: To shape and mentorthis kind of an approach, boxedmethodologies cannot be a point of ref-erence. Instead, we need to look at

alternative approaches to teaching,experimentation with availableresources, providing critical feedbackand delivering learning assessmentoutcomes. This means re-structuringpedagogies and adapting courses to theonline mode with necessary tweaksand improvisations. Learning assess-ment is a fundamental feedback mech-anism in education, allowing all stake-holders of the learning process tounderstand what is being learned andwhere learning resources need to befocussed. The wheels are movingnow. But is India prepared to handlethese on a larger scale for the nextphase? Yes, because we have tremen-dous technology expertise and polit-ical will to tide through. Besides theDigital India initiative, strong indica-tors come from the recent move by ourGovernment to encourage moreForeign Direct Investment in educa-tion, provide �3,000 crore for skilldevelopment and recognise foreignonline degrees for Indian students. Atpresent, the Centre and States are col-laborating with broadcasting servicesto deliver education through televisionand radio. But for these media to suc-

ceed, it is important to operationalisetalent and skills. These can be done viaprojects, classroom discussions,encouraging feedback and curiosity. Inmy estimation, these key metrics willdefine the future:

Critical thinking: This is a keyskill that equally defines both educa-tional and professional spheres. Withthe pandemic-induced restrictions,how do teachers enhance criticalthinking? The answer is, by asking forreal-time projects drawn from the stu-dents’ immediate environment andasking for solutions from different per-spectives. How can things be made bet-ter? Is there a new way of looking at asituation? How will more people ben-efit from a solution? Is this safe and hasevery loophole been plugged? Theseare some indicators for enhancing crit-ical thinking.

Adaptability and innovation: Ina 2018 Barclays Life Skills Report in theUK, 60 per cent of the employers haveclearly stated that adaptability hasbecome more important now thanduring the previous decade. Therefore,how do you respond to a situation andhow quickly do you adapt to change?

Are you able to control your thoughts,emotions and behaviour under pres-sure or in certain situations? Adaptivestudents are certain to be a profession-al success, wherever they go. Some ofthe world’s best innovations havedebuted in the worst situations. Areyou willing to experiment, take risksand create something new? An inno-vator will always be valued in every sit-uation.

Empathy and collaboration: Howdo you respond to your peers? Are yousupportive, understanding and displaycompassion? Are you a team playerand do you believe in taking individ-ual credit? Do you believe in “We” over“I”? These values are critical to thefuture. The pandemic has erodedeverything that we took for granted inworkplaces, businesses, economiesand even our education systems. Thissudden pause from the physical worldis significant to herald change. Andremember, as Greek philosopherSocrates said, “The secret of change isto focus all of your energy, not on fight-ing the old, but on building the new.”

(The writer is CEO Asia PacificRegion, Global University Systems)

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&����������:��������������>� ��/���4�1�%Washington: ChineseGovernment-linked hackershave been targeting US electioninfrastructure ahead of the2020 presidential election,White House National SecurityAdviser Robert O’Brien said onSunday, indicating a moreactive level of alleged Chineseinterference.

O’Brien’s commentsappeared to go beyond a state-ment released on Friday by theOffice of the Director ofNational Intelligence which

said China “has been expand-ing its influence efforts,” andthat Russia was already tryingto undercut Democratic can-didate Joe Biden. But did notspecifically accuse Beijing ofhacking attempts against U.S.election-related systems.

“They’d like to see thePresident lose,” O’Brien said onCBS’ “Face the Nation.” “China— like Russia, like Iran —they’ve engaged in cyberat-tacks and phishing and thatsort of thing with respect to our

election infrastructure, withrespect to websites and that sortof thing.”

China has consistentlydenied U.S. government claimsthat it hacks U.S. companies,politicians or governmentagencies. “The U.S. presidentialelection is an internal affair, wehave no interest in interferingin it,” Chinese foreign ministryspokesman Geng Shuang saidin April.

O’Brien said the UnitedStates had seen hackers try to

infiltrate websites belongingto Secretary of State officesaround the country, which areresponsible for administeringelections at the local level, andcollecting data on Americans.

“It is a real concern and it’snot just Russia,” he said. “Therewill be severe consequences forany country that attempts tointerfere in our free and fairelections.” The NationalSecurity Council did notimmediately respond to arequest for comment. TheODNI declined to comment orclarify whether O’Brien’s com-

ments contradicted their own.The ODNI previously said

that “adversaries” seek to com-promise the private communi-cations of American politicalcandidates and penetrate U.S.election systems ahead ofNovember’s election. And thatChina would prefer PresidentDonald Trump does not winreelection. Multiple reviews byUS intelligence agencies haveconcluded that Russia acted toboost Trump’s 2016 campaignand undercut his rival HillaryClinton’s chances in that election.

Agencies

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China on Monday sanc-tioned 11 Americans,

including senators MarcoRubio and Ted Cruz, in retali-ation for similar US movesprompted by Beijing’s crack-down in Hong Kong.

Washington last weekaccused 11 officials of sup-pressing “freedom and demo-cratic processes” in Hong Kong,including city leader CarrieLam, and announced plans tofreeze their US assets.

It was the toughest USaction yet in response toBeijing’s introduction of asweeping and controversialnew national security law forthe territory.

Beijing said the measurewas a violation of internation-al law and “grossly interferes inChina’s internal affairs”.

“China has decided toimpose sanctions on some peo-ple that behaved badly onHong Kong-related issues,” for-eign ministry spokesman ZhaoLijian said Monday, with

Human Rights Watch directorKenneth Roth and NationalEndowment for Democracypresident Carl Gershman alsoon the list.

Zhao did not give details ofwhat the sanctions wouldentail.

Republican senators Rubioand Cruz established them-selves as two of the most vocalsupporters of Hong Kong’sdemocracy movement last year,when the city was convulsed byhuge and sometimes violentprotests.

Beijing has accused “exter-nal forces” of fomenting unrestand responded to the unrest byimposing the security law inlate June, sending a politicalchill through the semi-autonomous finance hub.

Since then, the city’s lead-ers have postponed local elec-tions, citing the coronaviruspandemic.

Authorities have alsoissued arrest warrants for sixexiled pro-democracy activistsand launched a crackdown onother activists.

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Face masks became compul-sory in tourist hotspots in

Paris on Monday amid warningsof a resurgence of coronaviruscases, as infections in the world’sworst-hit country the UnitedStates topped five million.

The requirement came asFrance along with much ofWestern Europe sweltered in aheatwave, with temperaturessoaring above 35 degreesCelsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit).

The blistering heat sentcrowds flocking to beaches atthe weekend despite healthwarnings about the risk ofinfection.

In Berlin, thousands ofchildren returned to schoolon Monday after the summerbreak, sporting masks whichare compulsory in commonareas like school courtyards.Schools in some other Germanregions also reopened, thoughwith differing rules on masks.

“No child forgot theirmasks this morning, so we seeeverything is back to normal,”said Domenica Acri, head-mistress of the Carl Orff pri-mary school in Berlin.

In Pakistan, all restaurantsand parks were allowed toreopen Monday, as well the-atres, cinemas and public trans-port, after the country saw adrop in new cases for severalweeks.

“Anything but second lock-down.” People in Paris aged 11and over are now required towear the masks in crowdedareas and tourists hotspots.

These include the banks ofthe Seine River and more than

a 100 streets in the French cap-ital, including tourist destina-tions like Montmartre, where theSacre Coeur basilica is located.

Several French towns andcities have already introducedsimilar measures, as well as partsof Belgium, the Netherlands,Romania and Spain. “All theindicators show that since mid-July the virus is again circulat-ing more actively in the (Paris)region,” said a police statementat the weekend.

Paris residents interviewedby AFP generally supported thedecision on masks.

“I think it’s a very goodidea, we should maybe havedone it sooner,” Bertrand, 28,said in the popular Rue desMartyrs in central Paris.

“Since we don’t understandenough about this illness, thebest thing is that we protectourselves.”

The masks are “restrictive”but necessary “if we want toavoid a second wave in Paris,”said Marion, 24, wearing abright green mask. “Anything

except a second lockdown.”Globally, nearly 20 million

cases have been officially reg-istered. The death count is atleast 7,31,500 worldwide.

The United States is by farthe worst-hit country withnearly 1,63,000 deaths. OnSunday, it reached the extraor-dinary milestone of five millioncoronavirus cases, according toaccording to John HopkinsUniversity.

President Donald Trump’sDemocratic opponent in thepresidential election, Joe Biden,tweeted that five million coro-navirus cases was “a numberthat boggles the mind andbreaks the heart.”

“Unworkable, weak” relief

The figures came as Trumpwas accused of flouting theconstitution by unilaterallyextending a virus relief pack-age. The package — announcedby Trump on Saturday aftertalks between Republican andDemocrat lawmakers hit a wall

— was “absurdly unconstitu-tional,” senior Democrat NancyPelosi told CNN.

Fellow Democrat andSenate minority leader ChuckSchumer, appearing on ABC,dismissed Trump’s unilateralmeasures as “unworkable, weakand far too narrow.”

Grim milestone for Brazil

After the US, Brazil has themost cases, and on Saturday itbecame the second country topass 1,00,000 fatalities.President Jair Bolsonaro hasplayed down the coronavirusfrom the beginning, dismissingit as a “little flu,” questioningthe lockdowns ordered by somestate governors and sayingtheir economic impact could be“more deadly than the virus.”

Following the news of thelatest milestone, Brazil’s mostwidely viewed TV networkGlobo criticised Bolsonaro’shandling of the crisis, asking“Has the president of therepublic done his duty?”

Washington: Democratic pres-idential nominee Joe Biden isleading President DonaldTrump by as much as six per-centage points in Wisconsinand Pennsylvania, two battle-ground states the Republicanleader had won in the lastelection, according to a newopinion poll on Monday. Votersin these two states think the USis doing poorly and that Bidenwould do a better job thanTrump in handling the coron-avirus outbreak, the CBS Newsreported citing the findings ofits poll tracker. PTI

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President Donald Trump’snew executive orders to

help Americans strugglingunder the economic recessionare far less sweeping than anypandemic relief bill Congresswould pass.

Trump acted Saturday afternegotiations for a second pandemic relief bill reached an impasse.

Democrats initially soughta USD 3.4 trillion package, butsaid they lowered their demand to USD 2 trillion.Republicans had proposed aUSD 1 trillion plan.

The are questions abouthow effective Trump’s measureswill be.

An order for supplementalunemployment insurance pay-ments relies on state contribu-tions that may not materialise.

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Lebanon’s Governmentresigned on Monday amid

widespread public fury at thecountry’s ruling elite over lastweek’s devastating explosion inBeirut. The move risks openingthe way to dragged-out nego-tiations over a new Cabinetamid urgent calls for reform.

Prime Minster HassanDiab headed to the presidentialpalace to submit the Cabinet’sgroup resignation, said HealthMinister Hamad Hassan. Itfollows a weekend of anti-gov-ernment protests in the wake ofthe Aug. 4 explosion in Beirut’s port that causedwidestpread destruction, killedat least 160 people and injuredabout 6,000 others.

The moment typifiedLebanon’s political dilemma.Since October, there have beenmass demonstrations demand-ing the departure of the entiresectarian-based leadership overentrenched corruption, incom-petence and mismanagement.

But the ruling oligarchy hasheld onto power for so long —since the end of the civil war in1990 — that it is difficult to finda credible political figure nottainted by connections to them.

Although Diab’s resigna-tion had appeared inevitableafter the catastrophe, heseemed unwilling to leave andonly two days ago made a tele-vised speech in which he

offered to stay on for twomonths to allow for various fac-tions to agree on a roadmap forreforms. But the pressure fromwithin his own Cabinet provedto be too much.

Diab’s government wasformed after his predecessor,Saad Hariri, stepped down inOctober in response to thedemonstrations. It took monthsof bickering among the lead-ership factions before they set-tled on Diab.

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Hong Kong authoritiesbroadened their enforce-

ment of a new national securi-ty law on Monday, arrestingmedia tycoon Jimmy Lai,searching the headquarters ofhis Next Digital group and cart-ing away boxes of what theysaid was evidence.

In the evening, police alsoarrested prominent pro-democracy activist AgnesChow Ting at her home,according to a tweet by fellowactivist Nathan Law, who is

currently in Britain. A post onChow’s official Facebook pagesaid police had arrived at herhome and that her lawyerswere rushing to the scene.

Two days after Chineseand Hong Kong officialsshrugged off sanctionsimposed on them by the U.S.,the moves showed China’sdetermination to enforce thenew law and curb dissent in thesemi-autonomous city aftermonths of massive pro-democ-racy demonstrations last year.

Lai’s arrest and the searchof his Next Digital group

marked the first time the lawwas used against news media,stoking fears that authoritiesare suppressing press freedom.Next Digital operates AppleDaily, a feisty pro-democracytabloid that often condemnsChina’s Communist Party-ledgovernment.

Apple Daily’s popularitystems from its celebrity newsand flamboyant stories, but itis also known for investigativereporting and breaking newscoverage. It has frequentlyurged readers to take part inpro-democracy protests,

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The emergencies chief for theWorld Health Organization

(WHO) said Covid-19 doesn’tseem to follow the seasonal pat-terns that some viruses exhib-it, making it harder to control.

Unlike other respiratoryviruses like influenza thatspread mainly in the winter, thecoronavirus pandemic is accel-erating in the summer. That’s

despite earlier predictions fromsome scientists and politiciansit would fade in the heat.

“This virus has demon-strated no seasonal pattern assuch,” said Dr Michael Ryan ata press briefing on Monday.“What it has clearly demon-strated is that if you take thepressure off the virus, the virusbounces back,” he said.

Ryan said the UN Healthagency continues to advise

countries even where Covid-19appears to be under control,such as those in Europe, tomaintain measures to slow virusspread. He called for countrieswhere transmission remainsintense, such as Brazil, to adoptmeasures so that communitieshave the necessary support theyneed to implement strategies likesocial distancing, wearingmasks, and self-isolating if theyhave symptoms.

Cairo: Egypt’s Civil AviationMinistry said after Lebanon’smassive explosion last week itwas moving “dangerous mate-rials” held at airports nation-wide to more secure locations.The ministry is “taking pre-cautionary measures withregards to dangerous materials,either immediately releasingthem or transferring them tosafe storage spaces well outsidethe range of airports and resi-dential areas,” it said in a state-ment Sunday. The statementreferred to materials held in“cargo bays and storage ware-houses in Cairo’s airport and allairports nationwide”, withoutspecifying which kind of mate-rials would be moved. AFP

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Markets regulator Sebi hasmade changes pertain-

ing to the proportion of exec-utive director posts to be filledup through different modesand composition of selectioncommittee.

Besides, Sebi said anemployee, who has put in atleast seven years as junioraccounts assistant and juniorengineer and have requisitequalifications, can be consid-ered for the post of ‘Grade A’officer at the regulator.

With regard to the posi-tion of executive director (otherthan law), Sebi said two-thirdsof the total posts will be filledup from internal candidatesand the remaining one-third tobe filled up by deputation orcontract basis.

In case of non-avail-ability in any category - inter-nal and deputation or contract- the post may be filled from

other categories, the regulatorsaid in a notification datedAugust 5.

Earlier, 50 per cent ofthe total post of executivedirectors were required to befilled in from internal candi-dates and the remaining 50 percent were to be recruited bydeputation/ contract and/ordirect recruitment.

Besides, the regulatorsaid chairman, two other mem-bers of the board and twoexternal experts, to be nomi-nated by the chairman, willconstitute the selection com-mittee for executive directorposition.

In June, the Securitiesand Exchange Board of India(Sebi) had invited applicationsto recruit two executive direc-tors. Currently, Sebi has eightexecutive directors.

Further, Sebi said, “Anemployee working as juniorsecretarial assistant, junioraccounts assistant, junior

library assistant or junior engi-neer, who has completed min-imum seven years of serviceand possesses the requisitequalifications for officer GradeA..., may be considered forswitch over to Grade A in theofficer cadre against the vacan-cies”.

This will be within theoverall 10 per cent vacanciesarising in a calendar year or asnotified by CompetentAuthority.

The switch over to gradeA officer is subject to suchemployees qualifying in thedepartmental test and inter-views conducted by the com-petent authority or by an out-side agency engaged by Sebi.

To give effect to these,Sebi has amended employeesservice regulations. The regu-lator is in the process of hiring147 officers in Grade A -- gen-eral, legal, information tech-nology, engineering, researchand official language streams

�� �� 234��3*,5

State-owned Bank of Barodaon Monday reported a

standalone net loss of �864crore during the quarter endedJune of the current fiscal year,due to higher provisions andcontingencies.

The bank had posted a netprofit of �710 crore in thesame quarter a year ago.”Onaccount of provisioning onstandard accounts of �1,811crore, bank reported a (stand-alone) net loss of �864 crore inQ1 FY21 and consolidated netloss stood at �679 crore,” Bankof Baroda said in a regulatoryfiling.Interest income of thelender during the April-Junequarter of 2020-21 was downby 2.38 per cent to �18,494crore as against �18,944 crorein the year-ago quarter.

Mumbai:The rupee rose by 3paise to settle at 74.90 againstUS dollar on Monday trackingpositive domestic equities.

The rupee traded in anarrow range as positivedomestic equities and foreignfund inflows supported therupee while strong US dollarand rise in crude oil pricesweighed on the local unit,forex traders said. At the inter-bank forex market, the rupeeopened weak at 74.96. It movedto a day’s low of 74.96 beforesettling at 74.90 against thegreenback, showing a gain of 3paise over the previous close.The rupee had settled at 74.93against US dollar on Friday.

The dollar index, which

gauges the greenback’s strengthagainst a basket of six curren-cies, rose 0.17 per cent to93.59.

On the domestic equitymarket front, the 30-share BSEbenchmark Sensex pared somegains to end 141.51 points or0.37 per cent higher at38,182.08.The NSE Niftyclimbed 56.10 points or 0.50per cent to close at 11,270.15.

Foreign institutionalinvestors were net buyers in thecapital market as they pur-chased shares worth �397.32crore on Friday, according toprovisional exchange data.Brent crude futures, the glob-al oil benchmark, rose 1.10 percent to USD 44.89 per barrel.

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Asurvey has said that theCovid-19 pandemic is like-

ly to alter the consumer behav-iour permanently and causelasting structural changes to theconsumer goods and retailindustries.

The demand for localgoods and brands is growing asconsumers are hesitant to stepout of their safety zones toresume previous consumptionpatterns, according toAccenture COVID-19Consumer Pulse Researchreport.

The survey polled 2,500

consumers in India among45,000 respondents globally,between March and June, itsaid.

“The India leg of the sur-vey found that 90 per cent ofconsumers are making lastingchanges to how they live, workand shop, and there is no goingback to the pre-pandemicworld for consumer brands,”the report said.

The survey found that thepandemic is causing more peo-ple to shop for groceries online.

The demand for localproducts, digital commerceand omnichannel servicessuch a home delivery, chat fea-

tures and virtual consulta-tions is surging, and is likely toendure beyond this crisis, itsaid.

Consumers are nowfocused on their most basicneeds while cutting back onnonessentials, the report said.

“They are more mindful ofwhat they are buying, strivingto limit food waste, shoppingmore cost consciously and aremaking healthier and envi-ronmentally sustainable choic-es,” it said.

As many as 85 per cent ofthe consumers in India saidthat they are shopping morehealth-consciously and are

focusing more on limiting foodwaste. While, 75 per cent ofconsumers said they are beingore cost-conscious when shop-ping for products and 71 percent feel that quality, safety andtrust are the most consideredbrand attributes in purchasedecisions.

A majority of respondentsare now focusing on their per-sonal health, it said.

“Staying-at-home andworking from home arebecoming the norm. The waysin which people spend theirleisure time are changingbecause of the outbreak andrelated social distancing mea-

sures, and again, these habitsare likely to continue,” it said.

Entertainment, learningand DIY (do it yourself) havealso seen a rise -- this trend isreflected in the types of appsthat consumers are down-loading and the devices theyare purchasing, related toentertainment, news, health-care and education, the surveysaid.

Anurag Gupta, ManagingDirector and Lead - Strategy &Consulting, Accenture in India,said: “The pandemic has takena toll on brand loyalty and asconsumers make more social-ly and environmentally sus-

tainable and healthy choices,consumer goods companiesmust tailor their offeringsaccordingly and refresh theirbrand promise to meet thesenew requirements.”

Brands will alsoneed to explore ways to rebuildconsumer confidence frayed bythe pandemic -- proof of goodhygiene and safety is becominga key part of brands ‘ability toretain shoppers’ trust.

“Brands also need to lookat ways to tap into the oppor-tunities resulting from thedemand for local and the emer-gence of the home as the newhub,” he said.

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Sadan Councilor RajendraTyagi, leader of the BJP in

Ghaziabad MunicipalCorporation, has exposed ascam related to a companywith evidence in a press con-ference held here on Monday.

Councilor Tyagi said thatthe Municipal Corporationhad an agreement on January7, 2016 with M / s WhitePlacard Technologies PrivateLimited. Under this contract,the company had to replace theold street lights in all the fivezonal areas of the corporationand replace them with fiftythousand 214 new LED lights.

Due to non-compliance ofthe terms of the contract, themunicipal administration, cor-poration executive and corpo-ration board not only black-listed White PlacardTechnologies Private Limited,long ago, but a report wasfiled against it at Sihani Gatepolice station.

Despite this, the officers ofUttar Pradesh Governmentpaid Rs 8,97,13,602 from theaccount of the MunicipalCorporation. The interestingthing is that GhaziabadMunicipal Corporation haspaid to this firm from thefunds received from UttarPradesh Government.

Kolkata: Manoj Joshi, GeneralManager, Metro Railway onMonday reviewed the progressof works of different on-goingMetro projects in the city withthe senior officials of MetroRailway and Rail Vikash NigamLimited (RVNL).

During this meeting, heinstructed all to maintain socialdistancing norms and otherprotocols at worksites during

this lockdown. Shri Joshiemphasized on timely comple-tion of different projects.

Shri Joshi was also apprisedof the treatment facilities beingprovided to the COVIDpatients at Tapan SinhaMemorial Hospital. Heexpressed his satisfaction aboutthe facilities provided.

Raipur : On the occasion ofInternational Day of World’sIndigenous People, ChiefMinister Bhupesh Baghel todayinteracted with the public rep-resentatives and beneficiaries ofGaurela-Pendra-Marwahi dis-trict via video conferencing ina programme organised at hisresidence office and took infor-mation about the demandsand grievances of the area.Baghel also immediately sanc-tioned various developmentworks on the occasion. Baghelsaid that we had announcedformation of Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi on August 15, 2019and on February 10, 2020, thenew district was constituted.

With the formation of the dis-trict, the government has beenconsistently making efforts toensure all-round developmentof the district, ensuring avail-ability of basic facilities, andsoon all the administrative ser-vices will begin in the district.On the occasion, public repre-sentatives of the districtthanked the Chief Ministerfor formation of the new dis-trict and for inauguration ofSDM office in Marwahi.

On public representative’srequests, Chief Minister Mr.Bhupesh Baghel announcedthat Marwahi Gram Panchayatwill be upgraded as NagarPanchayat.

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The BSE Sensex notched upgains for the third straight

session on Monday, bouyed byengineering, finance and phar-ma stocks amid positive cuesfrom global markets.

After rallying 390.12points during the day, the 30-share BSE benchmark paredsome gains to end 141.51points or 0.37 per cent higherat 38,182.08. Similarly, theNSE Nifty climbed 56.10 pointsor 0.50 per cent to close at11,270.15.L&T was the topgainer in the Sensex pack, ral-lying 4.81 per cent, followed byM&M, Sun Pharma, TechMahindra, NTPC, SBI, ICICIBank and Titan.

On the other hand,Reliance Industries, AsianPaints, Maruti, Bajaj Finserv,UltraTech Cement and BajajFinance were among the lag-gards, shedding up to 1.26 per

cent.According to traders, mar-ket sentiment was positiveamid firm cues from globalindices and consistent foreignfund inflows.

Global markets rose fol-lowing positive factory outputdata from China, though esca-lating US-China tensionscapped the gains. Bourses inShanghai and Seoul ended ona positive note, while HongKong settled in the red.Markets in Tokyo were closedfor a holiday.Stock exchanges inEurope were also trading withgains in early deals. “Today’strade was characterised byheightened activity in defenceand pharmaceutical stocks, theformer due to the proposedchanges being implementedfavoring domestic producersand the latter due to earnings...

“On the broader markettoo, we witnessed investorinterest across stocks in thesugar sector as large integrat-ed sugar complexes havedemonstrated success in theirdistillery operations,” said SRanganathan, Head ofResearch at LKP Securities.

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Defence stocks on Mondayjumped up to 9 per cent

after the announcement thatIndia will stop the import of101 weapons and militaryplatforms like transport air-craft, light combat helicoptersunder a staggered timeline till2024, in a mega push to boostdomestic production.

Shares of BharatElectronics Limited zoomed9.17 per cent, HindustanAeronautics Ltd 8.

74 per cent, AstraMicrowave Products 5.48 percent, Bharat Dynamics 4.16per cent, BEML jumped 3.95per cent and Apollo MicroSystems 3.63 per cent on theBSE.

“Government’s action toboost domestic defence pro-ductions helped gains in

defence stocks,” said VinodNair, Head of Research atGeojit Financial Services. In amega push to boost domesticdefence production, DefenceMinister Rajnath Singh onSunday announced that Indiawill stop the import of 101weapons and military plat-forms like transport aircraft,light combat helicopters, con-ventional submarines, cruisemissiles and sonar systemsunder a staggered timeline till2024

Making the announce-ment on Twitter, the defenceminister estimated that thedomestic defence industrywould receive contracts worthalmost �4 lakh crore withinthe next five to seven years asa result of the decision toprune the import list ofdefence platforms and equip-ment.

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Our lower back (Lumbar spine)consists of five big bones akavertebrae in the lower part of

the spine between the ribs and thepelvis with intervening soft cushionlike pads referred to as discs. Each ofthe bones have a hole in them andthese holes align to form a pipe forpassage of spinal nerves. Narrowingof this passage is referred to asLumbar Canal Stenosis (LCS). Thisstenosis results in compression of thenerves traveling through the lowerback into the legs.

While it may affect youngerpopulation due to developmental(birth related) causes, it is moreoften a degenerative (wear and tear)condition that affects people age 50and older. The discs may become lessspongy as you age, resulting inreduced disc height and bulging of thehardened disc into the spinal canal.Currently, it is estimated that overfour lakh Indians above the age of 60years are suffering from its symptomsand over 12-15 lakh across age brack-ets having some sort of spinal steno-sis.

Depending on the severity of thecondition, Lumbar spinal stenosismay or may not produce symptoms.While the narrowing of the spinalcanal itself does not produces thesymptoms but due to the inflamma-tion of the nerves caused by theincreased pressure attributes to thecause. Varying from person to personthe various symptoms include:�Pain, weakness, or numbness in thelegs, calves, or buttocks�Pain may radiate to one or both thelegs (resembling a painful conditionreferred to as Sciatica)� In rare cases, there is loss of motorfunctioning in the legs, and loss ofbowel control.� Excruciating pain while walkingthat may subside while bending for-

ward, sitting or lying down.Degenerative spondylolisthesis

and degenerative scoliosis (curvatureof the spine) are two conditionsassociated with lumbar spinal steno-sis. Degenerative spondylolisthesis(slippage of one vertebra over anoth-er) is caused by arthritis of the facetjoints. Most commonly, it involves theL4 slipping over the L5 vertebra. Itusually is treated with the same con-servative or surgical methods aslumbar spinal stenosis.

Degenerative scoliosis occursmost frequently in the lower back andmore commonly affects people age 65and older. Back pain associated withdegenerative scoliosis usually beginsgradually and is linked with activity.The curvature of the spine in thisform of scoliosis often is relativelyminor, so surgery is required whenconservative methods fail to alleviatepain associated with the condition.

DiagnosisBased on the medical history,

symptoms, hereditary risk factors,physical examination and diagnostictests are required to confirm the con-dition. Radiology tests including X-rays, CT Scan and MRI are helpful inidentifying the structure of the ver-tebrae and outline of the joints.These imaging techniques help thesurgeons a detailed view of the spinalcanal, its content and the structuresaround it. 3 D imaging producedthrough MRI are also helpful inanalysing the nerve roots, adjacentareas, any enlargements, degenerationor tumors.

In specific cases a myelogrammay be required, which is a special X-ray of the spinal cord that is takenafter injecting a contrast material inthe surrounding cerebrospinal fluids(CSF). This is helpful in monitoringthe pressure on the spinal cord or onthe related nerves due to the compres-

sion, herniated disc, bone spurs ortumors.

While medication and physicaltherapy remain the first line of treat-ment module, surgical interventionis only preferred when these fails toprovide relief.

Medications & injections: Antiinflammatory medications and anal-gesics may be helpful in the initialstages to subside pain. But in case isthe pain is persistent of worsens withtime, the doctor may prescribe othermedications or injections. Epiduralinjections also help in reducing painand swelling, but is only a temporaryrelief method followed.

Physical therapy: this along withprescribed exercises may help stabiliseyour spine, build your endurance andincrease your flexibility. Therapymay help you resume your normal

lifestyle and activities.In those cases where these con-

servative options fail, surgery may bethe only resort. Depending upon age,overall health, associated co-morbidi-ties and pre-existing conditions doc-tors may consider the type of surgery.

Surgical treatmentThere are several different surgi-

cal procedures that can be utilized, thechoice of which is influenced by theseverity of your case. In a small per-centage of patients, spinal instabilitymay require that spinal fusion be per-formed — this decision generally isdetermined prior to surgery. Spinalfusion is an operation that creates asolid union between two or more ver-tebrae. This procedure may assist instrengthening and stabilising thespine, and may thereby help to alle-viate severe and chronic back pain.

Decompressive laminectomy:The most common surgery in thelumbar spine is called decompressivelaminectomy, in which the laminae(roof) of the vertebrae are removedto create more space for the nerves.A neurosurgeon may perform alaminectomy with or without fusingvertebrae or removing part of a disc.A spinal fusion with or withoutspinal instrumentation may be rec-ommended when spondylolisthesisor scoliosis occurs with spinal steno-sis. Various devices (such as screwsor rods) may be used to enhancefusion and support unstable areas ofthe spine.

The benefits of surgery shouldalways be weighed carefully againstits risks. Although a large percentageof lumbar spinal stenosis patientsreport significant pain relief aftersurgery, there is no guarantee thatsurgery will help every individual.

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2"4��������"�����6"��� Hepatitis is today’s one of the major health concern.

According to a study around 290 million people across the worldare living with viral Hepatitis unaware. In some cases of Hepatitissymptoms don’t occur even for years and in some cases it caneven cause liver failure. Liver’s proper functioning is necessaryfor the better health of even other organs in the body.

Hepatitis B is a type of liver infection. If a person is exposedin adulthood, most are able to clear the virus from their bod-ies without treatment. For other people, acute hepatitis B leadsto life-long infection known as chronic hepatitis B which canresult into liver failure, liver cancer if not treated on time.Basically, this infection spread from infected blood, unsafe sex-ual practices and from infected mother to child. Prevention isthe key and early treatment is the best way to prevent its com-plications. Never ignore symptoms like:

�Fever�Repeated episodes of vomiting�Fatigue�Loss of appetite and Jaundice Hepatitis can be asymptomatic even for decades and can

convert into chronic liver failure. Hepatitis B and C: Both Hepatitis B and C are caused

majorly by blood contact. In Hepatitis B around 90 per centcases come out normal while 10 per cent may go on to devel-op chronic infection. In some of these patients virus remainsactive causing progressive liver damage and finally resulting inliver cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. While early detec-tion is the key, one major trait of Hepatitis C is that it doesn’t

show any symptoms even fordecades, and when the symp-toms appear the liver is alreadydamaged to a great extent.Around 80 per cent cases ofHepatitis C convert intochronic liver disease.

Hepatitis A and E: UnlikeHepatitis B and C these arecaused by consumption ofinfected water or food. Theinfected person developssymptoms like fever, loss ofappetite and vomiting followedby jaundice. In majority of peo-ple complete recovery wouldoccur without any permanentdamage to liver. Treatment ismainly symptomatic.

Prevention: Followingsteps would help in preventingHepatitis B & C :� Safe blood transfusion.

Blood should be tested to rule out hepatitis B&C before trans-fusion. � Apart from other life threatening infections intravenous drugabusers are at a very high risk of hepatitis virus infections. Avoidsuch practices. � Tattoo lovers should be aware that reuse of same needle usedon other persons can bring the infection. Ask for fresh needles. � People taking salon services like manicure, pedicure, shav-ing etc should be aware that contamination by blood of theseinstruments carries the risk of hepatitis infection. Blades, nailcutters etc may accidentally cut the skin get soiled with blood.It is not wise to use same tools on other people� Avoid unsafe sexual practices. � Do not use reusable syringes or needles. Always insist on dis-posable syringes and needles. � Pregnant mothers with hepatitis B infection should seek prop-er medical advice to prevent transmission of infection to thenewborn infant. � Get yourself vaccinated against hepatitis B

While Hepatitis A and E can be prevented by:-� Maintaining basic hygiene � Consumption of properly cooked food, and clean filtered water.

Hepatitis B and C are now very much treatable. Early diag-nosis and treatment can save the liver and prevent developmentof liver failure and liver cancer.

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��� ��� ��� Radichhio, alsoknown as red cabbage, is one ofthe excellent sources ofVitamin K that strengthens thebone and is good for thetreatment of Alzheimer’s.

The vegetable promotesweight loss due to high fibrecontent. It makes one feel fulland keeps one satiated forlonger. Radicchio is also high inantioxidants that boost overallhealth, wellness and ener-gy. It promotes bileproduction whichimproves digestionand reduces choles-terol.

Radicchio con-tains inulin that nat-urally helps to regulateblood sugar levels andreduces the risk of strokesand other heart diseases.

As the vegggie has high fibrecontent, it helps in colon cleans-ing. Also radicchio has beenused to fight intestinal wormsand parasites to great effect.Polyphenols found in radicchiohelp neutralise free radicals andgive a mental sharpness, keeneyesight and lower incidence ofs tomachflu.

Rain brings its share ofwoes. More so whenit comes to hair care

—be it be dry and frizzy oroily and sticky. One of thebest remedies to takecare of frizz is tomake a pasteby soakingfenugreeks e e d sovernightin water,add twor i p ebananasand oneegg whiteapply it to the

hair and keepit for an hour.

Wash using a mild sham-poo.

Mix yoghurt with ateaspoon of honey. Apply itto the scalp and hair once aweek as it takes care of

dullness. One can soakalmond paste to be mixedwith banana will take care ofdryness.

Applying coconut oil15 minutes before you

shampoo helps in pre-conditioning the

hair. It makeshair less greasy.

This is theseason foramla. Applyamla pulpmixed withlemon juice.

Massage this inthe hair and

leave it overnight.Wash off with sham-

poo in the morning.Soak methi seeds in

water overnight. Strain thewater the next day and usethis water to wash yourhair. This will take care ofthe dandruff and dryness.

Our hair becomes dull andlifeless during monsoon. But

there are many ingredients inour kitchen that can help

restore the shine and give thebounce. ROSHANI DEVI

shares tips that can help

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There’s a reason why Vitamin C serumsbecame so popular. It has an incredi-

ble benefits for skin health because ofpotent antioxidants. It can help you inbrightening your skin, healing surfacedamage, boosting circulation, stimulatingcollagen production, and even search freeradicals to stop the onset of fine lines andwrinkles. The best news is that a lot of der-matologists recommend Vitamin C serumfor all skin types.

Our skin’s natural regeneration processgets aided by Vitamin C, which helps ourbody to heal damaged skin cells. It is tout-ed as one of the best anti-aging ingredientson the market. As consuming antioxidant-rich foods aids your body in fighting offfree radicals, topical antioxidants do anequivalent for your skin by helping to off-set daily aggressors like UV damage andexposure to air pollution. Even if you’reprobably getting Vitamin C in your diet,there’s no guarantee that it’s going straightto your skin. Using serums and other top-ical products is the most direct to gainthese benefits.

Vitamin C’s skin-saving benefits aren’trestricted to its antioxidant status. It hasmany other skin-healing assets that makeit praiseworthy. For one, because it’s high-ly acidic, when Vitamin C is used topical-ly our skin starts to heal itself by acceler-ating the assembly of collagen and elastin.Remember: Collagen and elastin are bothpresent protein fibers that help keep skinplump and firm. So, in helping to marketcollagen production, topical vitamin C canhelp prevent premature aging of the skin.

Another cool thing about the ingredi-ent is that it contains a property thatinhibits your skin’s melanin production,which is what causes skin discoloration likedark spots and hyperpigmentation. Withcontinued topical use, Vitamin C can helpprevent dark spots from forming within thefirst place. It’s a greater brightening agentthat works to fade brown spots withoutchanging normal skin pigmentation.

A serum is that the preferred sort ofVitamin C. They generally comprise a per-fect delivery system and are considered tobe used before moisturiser. While VitaminC used in the morning or evening, mostpeople prefer to apply it during the day asits antioxidant assets act as a guard tobounce pollution and other environmen-tal attackers. In terms of when you shoulduse it in your routine, a three-step systemof cleansing, treating, and moisturising.That second step would be Vitamin Capplication, followed by moisturiser unlessyou’ve got oilier skin and like to use aserum on its own.

If you’re new to using the ingredienton your skin, start slowly. It’s potent stuff,so you only need a few drops for eachapplication. It’s best to start out with a lowconcentration and work your way up asyour skin grows more accustomed to theingredient.

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The times of the Covid pandemic provedthe importance of yoga to bring positiv-ity, health and mindfulness to everyday

life. Yoga became a friend to the world to helppeople heal themselves from trauma, anxiety,stress and even improve upon their immunity.

In a bid to provide a healthy life to his fol-lowers, Grand Master Akshar expanded his dig-ital presence during the lockdown phase. HisFacebook Page became the go-to guide toembrace a healthy lifestyle for more than 20 mil-lion online users. Many people across the worldleveraged the quarantine phase to adopt healthyhabits and fitness routine. In this regard, TheAkshar Yoga Facebook page came to the rescueof many by providing the right guidance.

Akshar Yoga Ashram also organised manylive sessions to address queries of yoga practi-tioners, Spiritual seekers and Yoga enthusiasts.The sessions were vibrant and full of valuableknowledge. Thousands of people attendedthese live programs to have their queriesanswered about various issues such as health,wellness, stress, anxiety, Diabetes, blood pres-sure and so much more.

The courses that were conducted includedweight loss exercises, yoga for beginners, yogafor therapy, daily yoga classes for overall fitness,stress relief, mental balance and more.

Special Himalayan meditation techniqueswere revealed by Grand Master Akshar, such asSiddho Hum Dhyan, Aarambh Dhyan, ChandraGrahan Meditation and Surya GrahanMeditation. He is dedicated towards the welfareof people and is actively involved in spreadingawareness on yoga. He has also launchedmany books of yoga and its benefits across thelevels — beginners, advanced, professional.

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Management (NFSSM) Alliancebrought together country's leading poli-cy makers and city leaders to deliberate onOpportunities for Co-Treatment ofSeptage at Sewage Treatment Plants(STPs), through a webinar on July 30,2020. The discussions focused on recog-nising the potential for cities and townsto convert existing underutilised sewagetreatment plants (STPs) to co-treatmentfacilities to bring down the contaminationof water bodies across the country.

The keynote speaker Rajiv RanjanMishra, Director General of NationalMission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) said:“Fast but unorganised urbanization hasput a load on natural resources. The sys-tem has not been able to give as much pri-ority to wastewater management, or anyother waste disposal, as compared to ser-vices such as provision of drinking waterand other infrastructure needs.”

Speaking about his experience inKanpur while working for the CleanGanga Mission, he highlighted the hugecapacity utilisation gap that was observedin the STPs, along with inadequate pres-ence of a sewage network across the city.He further emphasised on the need for co-treatment especially in river cities inorder to curb the dumping of septage intoriver bodies. “There is an essential needto focus on the interests of river cities bymerging urban planning with river man-agement,” he said.

The NFSSM Alliance, which worksclosely with Ministry of Housing andUrban Affairs, comprises of numerousnational and international organisationsthat are actively working for implemen-tation of sustainable sanitation solutionsin the country. The Alliance has beeninstrumental in the passage of India’s firstNational Policy on FSM in 2017 which cas-caded to 19+ states in India.

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Actor Bhumi Pednekar is an environ-mentally conscious citizen who has

taken up climate conservation as acause to raise awareness among fellowIndians. Bhumi has launched an initia-tive called Climate Warrior throughwhich she is mobilising people to con-tribute towards the environment. Theactor is batting for sustainability and saysit’s vital for climate protection.

“I believe in repeating clothes. I don’tthink that people might see me wearingthe same clothes because as an actor you

are told to always wear different and newoutfits but, honestly, I don’t care. Thereare so many business which I have comeacross where people are renting clothes.I love the idea, says Bhumi.

She adds, “Even personally, betweenme and my sister, our wardrobe is pret-ty much one. We share clothes. We keeprepeating clothes and we have no prob-lem with that. In the last two years, I haveconsciously started seeing how climateconscious the brand is before I wearthem. Today, we have enough options of

such brands.”Bhumi feels the whole world is shift-

ing towards sustainability in a big way.She says, “And, rightly so. If you havenoticed, there is large shift in the waybrands are now dealing with sustainabil-ity. Most of the high fashion, luxurybrands are slowly and steady turningtowards sustainability. I really hopethat the process happens a lot faster.Unfortunately, with recycled and up-cycled fashion, the price difference is alot and it’s not affordable to everybody.”

Trends in higher education have fora long time pointed towards a greaterinternationalisation of student enroll-

ments, teaching staff, extra-curricularcontent and research networks. It acceler-ates the advancement of scholarship inevery field and discipline, leading most sur-veys of higher education to rely on somemeasure of “globalisation” in determiningtheir rankings.

Today, however, the future of interna-tional higher education seems quite bleak.By forcing a halt to nearly all internation-al travel, the pandemic has interrupted thenormal movement of people within andbetween the world’s universities, isolatingus from one another in unprecedentedways. Even before the emergence of thenovel Coronavirus, resurgent nationalismand xenophobia around the world werealready leading some to question thevalue of a globalised system of higher edu-cation. Now, the question is — what doesthe future of internationalisation in high-er education look like after the global pan-demic? The Association of IndianUniversities recently collaborated withthe US Embassy in New Delhi to seek theanswers through a special lecture seriestitled — The Future of Higher Education.

The main speaker of the webinar, DrMark C Elliott, Vice Provost forInternational Affairs, Harvard University,said that the American diplomacy andIndian higher education, both remainequally committed to the values of spread-ing knowledge about educational oppor-tunities in the US and in India. And thisseries is a wonderful evidence of that. “Thepromulgation of the new NationalEducation Policy 2020 (NEP) promises anew beginning in education at all levels inthe country and lay the foundation for abrighter future for all citizens regardless ofbirth, religion or socio-economic situations.In the higher education sector, the NEP alsopoints to a future in which Indian highereducation is more agile and firmly balancedwith that of the rest of the world. It’s a goodthing and comes at a very great time,” saidhe.

Given the present moment, it is appro-

priate to consider this question — whatdoes COVID-19 change? According to DrElliott, the answer to this is either the pan-demic changes everything or it changesnothing. He said, “In the short-term, it isclear that the pandemic has indeed broughtmassive changes in the patterns of inter-national higher education. In the long-term, those patterns will be permanentlychanged, too. But that’s not our answer.What I have learnt is that change typical-ly happens more slowly than we think.”

The changes that he has seen atHarvard in the last 20 years or so, more orless during his time at the University, sug-gest a profound transformation in how theyrecruit students, faculty, scholars and theresearch pattern. This transformation is

broadly applicable to all American researchuniversities. It is reasonable to expect thatthese transformations will soon be com-ing to India.

“The enormous experiment in onlineeducation will leave us all permanentlychanged. We would be far more willing toparticipate in long-distance educationalventures. The work we have been doing inthis area for the last few years would be seenas preparatory to a more widespread turnto online teaching, education and knowl-edge transfer. Universities will becomemore involved in this domain than before,”he added.

Excerpts of a conversation between DrPankaj Mittal, Secretary General at TheAssociation of Indian Universities, and DrElliott:

�Dr Mittal: As the new NationalEducation Policy 2020 allows the top 100foreign universities to set up campusesin India, does Harvard has any plan ofestablishing itself here?

Dr Elliott: We have no plans to estab-

lish a campus anywhere in the world. It’sa question that many institutions have beenasking. We have thought about it and theanswer so far is that we don’t think thiswould work as the experiences cannot bereplicated. For now, the prevailing opinionis that the students want to come to ourinstitution to study. We believe in beingglobal and local at the same time. We arepretty happy with our connections. But Ihave no doubt that among the 100 insti-tutions, there will be growing opportuni-ties.

�Dr Mittal: What can be the strategy forIndia to attract international students?

Dr Elliott: This is one of the greatestchallenges. Indian students are among themost talented in the world and Harvardand other American universities would bemuch stronger with the addition of reallytalented, creative and hardworking schol-ars and scientists from India. I know frommy visits to many campuses that effortshave been underway in some universities.I hope that the NEP will provide more

room for these universities to grow and tohave the kind of autonomy and indepen-dence that is vital for success for all insti-tutions of higher education. There is a bigmarket for education in India. Hence, for-eign universities are setting up campusesin the country and joint programmes withIndian institutions are on the cards.

�Dr Mittal: Is there any scope of onlineeducation for Indian students?

Dr Elliott: Here, I can offer a positiveresponse. It’s already in place. The institu-tion has thousands of courses online, thattoo totally free. There are different ways inwhich it has been structured. We will beredoubling our efforts in the digital learn-ing space soon.

�Dr Mittal: But the online courses don’tprovide degrees...

Dr Elliott: Harvard is not a typicalAmerican school. We are a pretty conser-vative institution. We are hesitant foronline degrees yet.

Next time when you roll downthe car windows for some

fresh air, think again. Accordingto researchers, including one ofIndian-origin, car users from theworld’s least affluent cities areexposed to at least 80 per centmore in-car air pollution becausethey rely heavily on opening theirwindows for ventilation.

For the study, published in thejournal Science of the TotalEnvironment, the research teaminvestigated air pollution exposurelevels for commuters in 10 differ-ent global cities across the world,including Chennai.

“To be blunt, we need asmany cars as possible off the road,or more green vehicles to reduceair pollution exposure,” said studyresearcher Prashant Kumar fromthe University of Surrey in the UK.

“Air-conditioned cars areunattainable for many poor andvulnerable commuters across theworld, but our data is clear andcoherent for all 10 participatingcities,” Kumar added.

According to the World

Health Organisation (WHO), airpollution kills an estimated sevenmillion people worldwide everyyear and nine out of 10 peoplebreathe air with high levels of pol-lutants.

The research team investigat-ed PM2.5 and PM10 exposurelevels inside vehicles during peakhours in the morning andevening, as well as off-peak hoursin the middle of the day.

The scientists measured howexposure levels changed when dri-vers used recirculation systems,fans and simply opened the win-dows.

The study discovered that

drivers in some of the world’spoorest cities experienced higherlevels of in-car pollution.

Irrespective of the city and carmodel used, a windows-open set-ting showed the highest exposure,

followed by fan-on and recircula-tion.

Pollution exposure for win-dows-open during off-peak hourswas 91 per cent and 40 per centless than morning and eveningpeak hours, respectively.

The study also found that thewindows-open setting exposedcar passengers to hotspots of airpollution for up to a third of thetotal travel length.

The findings also showedthat commuters who turn on therecirculation are exposed toaround 80 per cent less harmfulparticles than those who opentheir car windows.

Car cabin filters were moreeffective in removing pollutionthan fine particles, suggestingthat if new cars had more efficientfilters, it could reduce the overallexposure of car commuters.

“The study has drawn impor-tant conclusions that can helpcommuters make decisions intheir day-to-day lives to protecttheir health,” said study researcherAbdus Salam from the Universityof Dhaka in Bangladesh.

“Simple choices, like travellingduring off-peak hours, can go along way in reducing their expo-sure to air pollution,” Salam said.

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Willian says he is leaving Chelseawith “his head held high” end-

ing a seven year spell with the PremierLeague club he told fans in an open let-ter on Sunday.

The 32-year-old Brazil winger hasbeen linked with a move to Arsenalafter he failed to agree a new contractwith the Blues.

Willian rejected TottenhamHotspur to join Chelsea from Russianoutfit Anzhi Makhachkala for £30 mil-lion ($39 million) in 2013.

He scored 63 goals in 339 appear-ances and won five trophies, twoPremier League titles, an FA Cup, aLeague Cup and the Europa League.

However, an ankle injury prevent-ed him playing in the FA Cup final lossto Arsenal and Saturday’s ChampionsLeague last 16 second leg thumping byBayern Munich.

“The time has now come to move

on. I am certainly going to miss myteam-mates,” he said.

“I will miss all the staff at the clubwho’ve always treated me like a son and

I will miss the fans.“I leave with my head held high,

safe in the knowledge that I won thingshere and always did my best in aChelsea shirt.”

Willian — a member of the Brazilsquads at the 2014 and 2018 WorldCup finals — said he had never regret-ted his preferring Chelsea to Londonrivals Spurs.

“They were seven wonderful years.In August 2013 when I received theoffer from Chelsea, I was convincedthat this was where I had to play,” hesaid.

“Today I am certain that it was thebest of decisions. There were so manyhappy times, some sad, there were tro-

phies and it was always very intense.“There was also criticism, which

is normal, what is important though isthat both the affection and criticismdrove me to always give my all in everytraining session, every game, to be con-stantly improving until my very lastminute in a Chelsea shirt.”

Willian leaves along with fellowveteran Spain winger Pedro, who isjoining AS Roma on a free transfer.

The 33-year-old European cham-pionships and World Cup winner alsoissued a heartfelt farewell message ashe brought the curtain down on his halfa decade spell at the club.

“After five wonderful years mystage at Chelsea FC comes to an end,”he wrote on Instagram.

“It’s been a pleasure and an hon-our to play for this club and win thePremier League, FA Cup and EuropaLeague titles, as well as competing inone of the world's best football leagues.

“I made the right choice, I takewith me wonderful and unforgettablememories.”

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James Anderson insisted onMonday he is still “hungry”to play Test cricket after

speculation the England greatwas considering retirement.

Anderson recently turned38, an age where many previouspace bowlers would have longsince retired.

Given his age, Anderson’smeagre match haul of 1/97 dur-ing England’s three-wicket winin the first Test against Pakistancompleted on Saturdayinevitably led to speculationabout his future.

By his own admission,Anderson, England’s all-timeleading wicket-taker, “did notbowl very well” at his Old

Trafford home ground, whereone of the ends is named afterhim, as England went 1-0 up ina three-match series.

But the swing specialist,whose 590 wickets are the mosttaken by any paceman in Testhistory, said he should not bewritten off after one poor game.

“I want to play as long as Ipossibly can,” Anderson toldreporters during a conferencecall on Monday.

“If I keep bowling the way Idid this week, the opportunity toretire will be taken out of myhands. It will be a selectionissue,” he added ahead ofThursday’s second Test atSouthampton.

“I’m still hungry to play thegame. I think the frustration for

me this week was that, after onebad game….the sort of whispers(about retirement) that goaround, I don’t think that’s real-ly fair.”

‘EMOTIONAL’Reflecting on his own per-

formance in the first Test,Anderson said: “It’s one of thosethings, everyone has a bad game,every now and then.

“I’ve not bowled very welland felt out of rhythm. For thefirst time in probably 10 years Igot a little bit emotional on thefield, got a bit frustrated, let it getto me a little bit.

“It reminded me of when Ifirst started playing, when youget frustrated and a little bitangry you try to bowl quickerand quicker and it doesn’t help.Hopefully, I can show people I’vestill got what it takes to play Testcricket.”

Anderson, a veteran of 154Tests, added: “I don’t think it’sthe toughest period of my career.I’m sure I’ll have another badgame in my career. I just don’twant every time I have a badgame for there to be whispersgoing round that I’m going topack in.”

Anderson is now in sight ofbecoming the first pace bowlerto take 600 Test wickets andoverhauling the England Testappearance record of 161 held byretired former captain AlastairCook, one of his best friends incricket.

“I want to be bowling welland contributing to Englandwinning games of cricket,” saidAnderson. “That’s been my focusthroughout my career and willcontinue to be my focus. If I get600 wickets then great; if I don’t,then I’m happy with what I’vegot.”

As for surpassing openingbatsman Cook’s cap record,which would be a remarkableachievement for a pace bowler,Anderson said: “154 does soundlike quite a lot of games. But Ifeel like I’ve still got quite a fewmore left in me. If I can go pastCooky it will probably be the onething I’ve got up on him.”

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The BCCI has received the central Government’sformal approval to conduct this year’s Indian

Premier League in the UAE, IPL Chairman BrijeshPatel revealed on Monday.

The IPL boss also said that BCCI, in all likeli-hood, will announce the tournament’s new title spon-sors by August 18. There will be a seven-day windowfor interested companies to submit the bid.

The Government had last week given an “in prin-ciple” go-ahead to the BCCI to shift the marqueeleague starting from September 19 to November 10in three UAE cities — Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Dubaidue to rising cases of Covid-19 in the country.

“Yes, we have received all the written approvals,”Patel said when asked whether the permission hascome in writing from both the Ministry of HomeAffairs (MHA) and Ministry of External Affairs(MEA).

When an Indian sports body shifts a domestictournament abroad, it requires clearance fromHome, External and sports ministries respectively.

“Once we had the verbal okay from theGovernment, we had intimated the Emirates CricketBoard. Now we have the papers also, so franchisescan be intimated that everything is in order,” a vet-eran BCCI official said.

Most of the franchises will be flying out afterAugust 20 after two mandatory RT-PCR (Covid-19tests) conducted within 24 hours from their depar-ture base.

The Chennai Super Kings players and staff, whoare leaving on August 22, will have a small camp atthe Chepauk on the insistence of skipper MahendraSingh Dhoni.

The BCCI is also facing problems on the spon-sorship front after calling off the title deal withChinese mobile phone company Vivo for the currentyear due to massive public outrage over the Sino-Indiaborder stand-off.

It was a �440 crore deal and as BCCI looks atpotential sponsors, Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali hasshown interest in becoming the new title sponsor.

Patel, however, expressed confidence that a lotof companies are interested in becoming IPL spon-sors.

“It is not a setback (Vivo pulling out), there isalready a lot of interest (for title rights). Whetheran Indian company or from anywhere else, whoev-er bids the most gets the rights. We will finalise thewhole process by August 18,” Patel said.

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Atletico Madrid breathed asigh of relief on Monday

after further coronavirus tests ontheir players and staff turned upnegative, allowing the team totravel to Portugal on Tuesday fortheir Champions League quar-ter-final against Leipzig.

Tests at the weekend hadrevealed two coronavirus casesat the club, which Atletico con-firmed on Monday to be play-ers Angel Correa and SimeVrsaljko.

Both players are asympto-matic and will remain isolated athome while the rest of the squadwill return to training in theSpanish capital on Mondayafternoon, before flying toLisbon on Tuesday forThursday’s game against Leipzig.

“The first team and mem-bers of the coaching staff under-went new PCR tests yesterday,the result of which has been neg-ative in all of them, after theappearance of two positive casesin the tests carried out onSaturday,” Atletico announcedon Monday.

“As a result, 21 first-teamfootballers plus academy playersAlex Dos Santos, Manu Sanchez,Riquelme and Toni Moya willtravel to the Portuguese capitaltomorrow (Tuesday) to gatherfor the Champions League quar-ter-final.”

The club said the case ofVrsaljko “is considered resolvedby the health authorities as hegenerated antibodies severalmonths ago”.

Atletico added that “testswere also performed on relativesliving with the two positive

cases, all of which were also neg-ative.”

The original plan was forAtletico to travel to Portugal onMonday night, with a sessionscheduled on Tuesday atBenfica’s Seixal training ground.

The timetable has had to beadjusted but the team will stayin the same hotel in Lisbon,where all the ChampionsLeague’s remaining games aretaking place in a compressedformat without fans.

Uefa had stated Atleticowould have to have a minimumof 13 players available, includingone goalkeeper, to fulfill the fix-ture, amid fears that more pos-itive cases could emerge.

A planned training sessionon Monday morning had beencalled off, with all players andstaff instructed to stay at home.

REGULAR TESTINGThe ‘final eight’ format

begins with Atalanta againstParis Saint-Germain onWednesday, with the finalscheduled for August 23.

Uefa protocol for the tour-nament states all clubs mustundertake testing between 10and 14 days before their firstgame in Portugal, as well asanother round of tests beforeleaving their home country.

Final tests are then complet-ed the day before kick-off, whichwill be replicated for all furtherfixtures in the competition.

Atletico were keen to reas-sure Uefa that they have fol-lowed a strict protocol since theLa Liga season ended on July19. Weekly tests were carriedout by the club on July 26 andAugust 2.

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England winger JadonSancho will stay with

Borussia Dortmund for theupcoming season amidreported interest fromManchester United,club sporting directorMichael Zorc saidon Monday.

D o r t m u n d“plan on havingJadon Sancho in ourteam this season, thedecision is final. I think

that answers all our ques-tions,” Zorc said at a trainingsession.

The 20-year-old Englandinternational, who has acontract with the Germanclub until 2022, had a stel-lar season with the

Bundesliga runners-upand has been report-edly targeted by sever-al top clubs, includingManchester Unitedafter the club quali-fied for next season’sChampions League.

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Indian hockey team forwardMandeep Singh has tested

positive for Covid-19, becomingthe sixth national player to con-tract the dreaded infection, theSports Authority of India (SAI)said on Monday.

The 25-year-old fromJalandhar is asymptomatic andis being treated along with theother five players by doctors inBengaluru, where the nationalcamp is due to start on August20 at the SAI centre.

“Mandeep Singh, a memberof the Indian Men’s Hockeyteam, who was given the Covidtest (RT PCR) along with 20other players at the NationalCamp at SAI’s National Centreof Excellence in Bengaluru, hastested Covid positive, but isasymptomatic,” the SAI said ina statement.

“He is being administeredtreatment by doctors, alongwith the other five players whohave tested positive.”

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World Athletics PresidentSebastian Coe on

Monday claimed that morepeople took to running to stayfit during the coronavirus-forced lockdown, somethinghis sport can capitalise on oncethe world is back to being nor-mal.

Coe said athletics can ben-efit from the new-found habitof more people taking to walk-ing and running and his sportwill try to build on it to broad-en its base.

“We are uniquely placed

to help local, regional andnational health objectives.Research has shown thatthroughout the lockdown,more people are exercisingthan before. Some researcheven say there is 80 per centincrease at the global exercisepattern,” he said at an onlinemedia seminar organised byAsian Athletics Federation.

“Athletics is the main ben-eficiary because people aredoing exercise through run-ning or walking. That is a verybig asset. We will not take it forgranted but will try to build onit in the post pandemic peri-

od. We will be allowing moreyoung people aceess to oursport,” he added.

He said that athletics isone of the better-placed sportsamid the pandemic in terms ofcommunication and engage-ment among the officials aswell as the athletes.

“As we come out of thepandemic, the world will be acomplicated place. I believeour sport is stronger, betterconnected, communicatingbetter, more creative and moreingenious. We will come outstronger and with more forti-tude than ever before.”

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Unseeded French playerFiona Ferro beat No 4 seed

Anett Kontaveit 6-2, 7-5 in thefinal to win the 31st PalermoLadies Open, the tournamentmarking the return of tennisafter a five-month shutdown dueto coronavirus.

Ferro needed one hour and43 minutes to seal the straight-sets victory. Her solid servingsaw Ferro deliver four aces in thematch helped her ease to a 6-2win in the first set.

However, Kontaveit whohad ousted top seed Petra Marticin the semi-finals started tocome into her own at the end ofthe first set.

The gain in momentum

was evident when she brokeearly to get into a 2-0 lead butFerro upped her game to breakstraight back.

The Frenchwoman wonthree games on the bounce tomake it fives apiece before a ser-vice winner saw her through.

It was Ferro’s second WTAtitle win as she maintained fineform since the coronavirus lock-down when she had goneunbeaten in two exhibition tour-naments before the PalermoOpen.

She won the first WTAevent after the pandemic drop-ping just one set.

“This title means a lot, espe-cially after five tough months ofpractice,” Ferro said after thegame.

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Jos Buttler is the “whole package” and that is whythe wicketkeeper-batsman should be a regular in

England’s Test side, feels Australian spin great ShaneWarne.

Buttler was under immense scrutiny due tolapses behind the stumps during the first Testagainst Pakistan last week. He missed two chancesagainst opener Shan Masood on 45, who went onto score 156, helping Pakistan put up 326 on theboard in their first innings.

However, the 29 year-old, who had also beenstruggling with the bat for some time, played a cru-cial 75-run knock in the second innings and shareda century stand with Chris Woakes to helpEngland win the first Test by three wickets.

“He should always be in the side. Jos is a verygood and reliable keeper but, occasionally, you’regoing to have a few bad days — it wasn’t easy outthere, either,” Warne told Sky Sports.

“But Jos should always be in your side becauseof what he’s capable of, with the bat especially. Andthen his keeping, he’s a good leader among the teamas well — there’s a calmness about him — he’s thewhole package.

“He’s always one of the first pencilled in for me,”Warne added.

Buttler changed the complexion of the gamewith his aggressive batting. He struck sevenboundaries and a six in his 101 ball-75, helpingEngland, who were reeling at 117 for five, chase

down the 277 run target.“What really impressed me with Buttler was

the way he went about it, he trusted himself, said‘I’m the man, I’m going to get this done’.”

Warne added that Buttler’s positive approachhelped his non-striker Woakes, who struck a match-winning unbeaten 84 after having averaged only5.22 in his last six Tests.

“He just played beautifully; and that helpedWoakes at the other end, who had been strugglingfor form, but came in and played extremely well.I’m very happy for Woakes and, in particular,Buttler. It was a fantastic chase, against a qualityattack, on a good pitch,” he said.

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-�(�������������������?������������������� ��'��Manchester: Pakistan cannotdwell on their defeat byEngland in the first Test at OldTrafford as it would make ittougher for them to respond inthe next two matches, coachMisbah-ul-Haq has said.

“It was a thrilling Testmatch and full credit must goto England for the way theyfought back, came from behindand took the game away fromus,” Misbah wrote in his columnon the Pakistan Cricket Board’swebsite.

“There is disappointment,

of course, but we must not keepthat feeling in our minds oth-erwise it will be difficult tocome back... the team believeswe can fight back.

“Sometimes luck doesn’tfavour you, sometimes theopposition plays well — that’sthe beauty of the game.”

Misbah praised openerShan Masood, who scored 156in the first innings, as well aspacemen Shaheen Afridi andNaseem Shah who picked uptwo wickets each.

“It was a brave decision to

bat first against England’s bowl-ing attack in those conditions,”the 46-year-old said.

“Shan Masood batted real-ly well and... should be given alot of credit for his innings. He’sbeen working so hard... he’schanged a few things in hissetup. He’s a different bats-man.

“The bowling was alsoexcellent. It’s a young seamattack, apart from MohammadAbbas, and both Shaheen Afridiand Naseem Shah did reallywell.” Agencies

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