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Page 12
NGT stays Palamur-RR Lift Irrigation scheme
o Get forest, environmental clearances first, Tribunal tells TS
ML MELLY MAITREYI n HYDERABAD
In a set back to the Telangana State government which is keen to expedite the Palamur-Ranga Reddy Lift Irrigation project, the National Green Tribunal on Friday issued a stay on the ongoing works of Lift Irrigation scheme.
The Chennai Bench of the NGT instructed that the works should not be taken up without Forest and Environmental clearances.
In its orders, the Tribunal noted that full scale approvals for the Palamur-RR Lift Irrigation scheme have not been furnished before them and it felt the objections raised by Andhra Pradesh government were fair. It also said the response given by Telangana State to the objections raised by the AP were not satisfactory.
The NGT made it clear that the Tribunal would allow work to progress only after the process for seeking approvals from the Ministry of Environment and Forests was completed.
The Andhra Pradesh government had raised its objections to the Lift Irrigation scheme taken up by Telangana, saying that there was no allocation of water for Palamur-RR under the KWDT-I and KWDT-II and it was not included in the Schedule 11 of the AP State Reorganisation Act, 2014. It filed two
Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao inspects the ongoing works of PalamuruRangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme. (File photo)
affidavits that the construction of Palamur-RR scheme would have an environmental impact on both the Telugu States.
It argued that as per the Schedule 11, except Kalwakurthy and Nettempadu, the remaining projects were new and the Telangana government issued a GO on June 10, 2015 to divert 90 tmc ft from Srisailam reservoir for the new ayacut under the lift irrigation scheme. It represented to the Tribunal that in the name of the drinking water project, it was constructing an irrigation project.
The AP government alleged that the TS government dubiously and artificially divided the Palamur Ranga Reddy LIS into two phases-
irrigation (83.9 tmc ft) and drinking water with evaporation losses (6.1tmc) to avoid legal scrutiny.
The water availability would have to be determined by taking into account allocations made under Tribunal ? II and projects under Schedule 11 and it would not be proper to go ahead with the PalamurRR project without clarity on the water availability, AP said in its affidavit. Earlier in September, the NGT's joint committee inspected the project works and submitted a report to NGT in October first week that Telangana had taken up irrigation works in PRLIS instead of the permitted drinking water component works.
Actor Puneet Rajkumar
succumbs to `workout'
Heart attacks too
frequent in Raj
Kumar's family
Heart attacks have been dogging legendary Kannada movie star Raj Kumar's family, if the death of his son Puneeth Rajkumar at the age of 46 is any indication. In fact, the well-built, tall Puneeth Rajkumar used to radiate a picture of health. Kannadigas have been mourning Puneeth's untimely death with shock and disbelief. Legendary Kannada movie actor and national award winner for singing, Raj Kumar, died of a heart attack at the age of 77. Recently, one of Puneeth's brothers, Sivaraj Kumar, suffered a heart attack while working out in the gym and almost died, but providentially managed to survive. Doctors said that Sivaraj Kumar suffered a heart attack due to his heavy
workout at the gym. 2
PNS n BENGALURU
Kannada cinema's reigning star and celebrity television host Puneeth Rajkumar, known for films such as Appu, "Veera Kannadiga" and Maurya", died here on Friday following a massive heart attack, hospital said. He was 46.
Puneeth, who was known to be a fitness enthusiast, was rushed to Vikram Hospital after he complained of chest pain following a two-hour workout in the gym, doctors treating him said. He died shortly after.
He is survived by his wife Ashwini Revanth and two daughters Dhriti and Vanditha.
Restless crowds of stunned fans milled around the hospital complex as news came in of the sudden death of the actor, the son of much loved matinee idol Rajkumar who fast outgrew his father's shadow to carve a place all his own in the Kannada showbiz industry.
Puneeth's body will be kept at the Kanteerava Stadium to enable the public to pay their last respects, state minister R Ashoka told reporters.
2
The 46-year old Sandalwood star was
rushed to the hospital after he
complained of chest pain.
PM mourns actor
Puneeth Rajkumar: `Cruel twist of fate, was no age to go'
HC grants permission for padayatra
PNS n VIJAYAWADA
Andhra Pradesh High Court that was hearing a lunch-motion petition on Friday gave permission to Amaravati Parirakshana Samithi to take up Maha Padayatra 'Nyayasthanam to Deasthanam' starting November 1.
As the police denied permission for the padayatra, the Amaravati JAC had moved the High Court. Government counsel argued that the padayatra will raise law and order situation in the State.
2
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Sharp dip in donations to YSRCP, TDP in 2019-20
n Industrialist Sekhar Reddy single highest donor for YSRCP
SNV SUDHIR
n VIJAYAWADA
While donations to the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) witnessed a sharp decline in 2019-20, a Tamil Nadu-based infrastructure firm promoted by the family of J Sekhar Reddy, who was once a special invitee to the TTD Trust Board, emerged as the highest donor to the ruling party in that financial year. Out of the total donations of Rs 8.924 crore YSRCP received during 2019-20, Tamil Nadu-based JSR Infra Developers Pvt Ltd alone donated Rs 2.5 crore.
As per a report prepared and released on Friday by the Delhibased Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) based on the contribution reports submitted by regional parties to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Vellore-based J Sekhar's JSR Infra Developers Pvt Ltd had donated Rs 2.5 crore on May 29, 2019, just days after the Assembly poll results were announced on May 23.
The donation was made through an RTGS transfer with a cheque bearing No. 001956. Interestingly, YSRCP stood second among the regional parties in the country in 2019-20 to have received the highest single dona-
tion of Rs 2.5 crore from JSR Infra.
Parties such as AAP and SP are
the other regional parties to have
received the highest single dona-
tion worth Rs 5 crore and Rs 2
crore respectively.
Sekhar's appointment to the
TTD Trust as a special invitee after
YSRCP came to power has snow-
balled into a major controversy as
it was questioned by the
Opposition TDP.
The then TDP government in
2016 removed J Sekhar Reddy as
a member of the TTD following
the seizure of huge cash and gold
from his premises in Chennai by
the IT sleuths in a raid.
He was also arrested for tax eva-
sion by the CBI, a few days later
and was given bail after spending
87 days in jail.
However, in December 2020, a
special CBI court closed all cases
against Sekhar Reddy and five oth-
ers for losses to the government to
the tune of Rs 247.13 crore by ille-
gal conversion of demonetised
currency, citing a lack of evi-
dence.
He was also a major donor of a
facility 'Saptha Gopradakshi-
nashala' that had come up in a 4-
acre site at the Tirumala foothills
where pilgrims can perform 'Go
Pradakshina'.
2
No space for new party in AP, avers Perni
PNS n VIJAYAWADA
The political fireworks that were ignited a few days back with Telagana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao at TRS plenary meeting saying that he has been receiving requests from Andhra Pradesh to start a political party here, refuse to die down.
A day after saying that there is no need for a new party and why not KCR look at the option of merging back both the Telugu states, I & PR Minister Perni Venkataramaiah (Nani) on Friday said there is no political vacuum in Andhra Pradesh and hence no space for a new political party.
2
The eyes of Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar, who passed away on Friday, was donated to a donation centre, named after his father late Rajkumar, located at Narayana Nethralaya.
From child star to `Power Star' there
will never be another like him
- Page: 2
A cardiologist's view on
Puneet Rajkumar's death
Pointing out that Puneet Rajkumar is the latest in the list of celebrities maintaining great levels of physical fitness, and yet suffered a massive heart attack, Dr Sai Sudhakar, Chief Interventional Cardiologist Gleneagles Global Hospital, said that those who does great physical workout must remember to balance their stress levels with other activities that soothe their mind and body.
2
Rain dampens parties' spirits as Badvel goes to polls today
PNS n VIJAYAWADA
All arrangements have been made
for the Badvel by-election in Kadapa
district on Saturday. The by-poll to
Badvel reserved Assembly segment
(SC) was necessitated due to the sud-
den demise of sitting MLA from rul-
ing YSRCP Dr Gunthoti Venkata
Subbaiah in March.
There are around 15 candidates in
the fray but the main battle is
between YSRCP candidate Dr.
Dasari Sudha, widow of Dr Subbaiah
and BJP's Panthala Suresh.
Though the BJP has no presence
in that part of the State, the party
decided to jump into the fray. Both
TDP and Jana Sena opted out as a
matter of principle as the YSRCP has
fielded the wife of the deceased
MLA.
2
3,000 cops deployed for poll duty
PNS n KADAPA
SP Anburajan has said that over 3,000 police personnel have been deployed to the Bavel constituency for conducting the by-election.
He said that two Additional
SPs, 15 DSPs, 50 CIs, 160 SIs, 320 Head Constables and ASIs, 980 constables, 300 home guards were deployed to Badvel to conduct the by-election peacefully.
2
This Diwali too, it's 2-hour fireworks in AP
PNS n VIJAYAWADA
In view of the Covid situation, Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) Chairman AK Parida has urged people to celebrate the Diwali festival with green crackers, avoiding commercial crackers.
"Diwali is the festival of lights. It should be celebrated safely by all people without noise pollution. Hence we request the manufacturers and sellers of firecrackers to manufacture and sell only green crackers. The state government gave orders to celebrate Diwali with only green crackers in the wake of warnings from the central government that the third wave of the Covid is imminent. With a view to protecting the health of the general public and to curb the spread of
pollution, the state government directed that, bursting of the fire crackers on Diwali is restricted to two hours i.e. from 8pm to 10pm. People should understand the
situation and cooperate with the state government," Parida said.
These formulations of green crackers, researched and developed by experts at the Council of
Scientific & Industrial Research National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI).
Commercial firecrackers emit large amounts of pollutants such as barium, aluminum, potassium nitrate, nitrogen oxide, and sulphur dioxide. So, the CSIRNEERI developed new formulations for green crackers which emit very low levels of pollutants. Many of the manufacturers of firecrackers across the country have signed Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with CSIRNEERI for utilising the CSIRNEERI's formulation of Green Fireworks.
These green fireworks have a small shell size compared to normal crackers.
2
1st phase: 4,530 Digital Libraries by Jan next
PNS n VIJAYAWADA
Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy has directed the officials to make use of the latest technologies and ensure uninterrupted bandwidth internet is provided to every Digital Library.
During the review meeting held at his camp office on the progress
of works related to YSR Digital Libraries here on Friday, the Chief Minister directed the District Collectors of Anantapur, Chittoor, Visakhapatnam, and East Godavari districts to pay special attention to the construction of Digital Libraries in their respective districts.
2
VIJAYAWADA | SATURDAY | OCTOBER 30, 2021
vijayawada 02
5 regional parties account for
81.1% of donations in country
PNS n VIJAYAWADA
As per the analysis of the Delhi-based Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) released on Friday, out of the 53 regional parties analysed, only two had submitted their donation reports to the Election Commission of India in the stipulated time period. As many as 28 other regional parties have delayed their submission by a minimum of six days to 320 days. There are 23 regional political parties that have defaulted on the submission of their donation reports to the ECI during FY 2019-20, till Friday.
Under Section 29C (1) of the Representation of People's Act, 1951, political parties are required to prepare a report providing details of contributions in excess of Rs 20,000 from any person in a
Sharp dip in donations to YSRCP...
Continued from Page 1
Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy, during his last visit to Tirumala to take part in annual Brahmotsavams, inaugurated the new facility.
A native of Gudur in Nellore district P Sivakumar Reddy's donation was the second-highest donation to YSRCP after JSR Infra. Sivakumar Reddy donated Rs 1 crore on April 8, 2019.
Significantly, donations to both the regional parties in the State YSRCP and TDP
had dropped sharply in 201920 when compared to 201819; YSRCP's donations dropped by at least 89 pc in 2019-20.
YSRCP received only Rs 8.924 crore as donations when compared to Rs 80.575 crore the ruling party received during 2018-19 when in Opposition.
TDP's donations also dropped by 90 pc in 2019-20. It received only Rs 2.606 crore as donations in 2019-20 whereas the Opposition party when in power received Rs 26.179 crore during 2018-19.
The highest donation TDP received was Rs 1 crore on April 1, 2019, from a Chennai-based electoral trust - Triumph Electoral Trust.
Interestingly, despite witnessing the sharp decline in its donations, YSRCP stood among the top five parties which declared the highest donations in 2019-20 along with Shiv Sena (SHS), AIADMK, AAP and BJD.
YSRCP received Rs 8.924 crore through 47 donations and DP Rs 2.606 crore through 36 donations.
particular financial year to found that seven regional par- Rs 20,000 in their contribuavail 100 pc tax exemption. ties have also provided details tion reports. However, in FY 2019-20, ADR of donations received below The total amount of dona-
tions declared by 27 regional parties analysed, including both above and below Rs 20,000, was Rs 233.686 crore, from 6,923 donations.
No donations have been declared by NDPP, DMDK and JKNC for FY 2019-20.
With regard to the total amount of donations, Shiv Sena (SHS) leads with Rs 62.859 crore from 436 donations followed by AIADMK, which has declared receiving Rs 52.17 crore from three donations. AAP declared receiving Rs 37.37 crore that is the third-highest amongst all regional parties. BJD and YSRCP have declared total donations of Rs 28.20 crore and Rs 8.924 crore respectively.
As much as 81.10pc of the total donations (Rs 189.523 crore) were received by only five regional parties.
No space for
new party in
AP, avers...
Continued from Page 1
Responding to Telangana PCC chief and MP A Revanth Reddy's tweet on Nani's remarks on Thursday on merging both the Telugu states, the AP minister said there is a political vacuum in Telangana and hence new parties are coming up there.
He gave the examples of the party launched by Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy's sister YS Sharmila and a former IPS officer joining BSP. He also said there is another party which is coming up.
He also found fault with KCR saying the Telangana Chief Minister had taken a U-turn on usage of water from Dindi and Palamuru. He said in the guise of using water for drinking purposes, the Telangana government has been diverting the water from that project for irrigation.
BJP nominee doesn't hold even a small piece of land
PNS n VIJAYAWADA
Thirty-two-year-old member of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Panthala Suresh, the candidate fielded by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Badvel bypoll, hails from a humble background. Suresh doesn't even hold a small piece of land and had declared only Rs 70,000 in assets or belongings.
Though he has a PAN card, he never filed IT returns as his income never reached the limit for him to file the returns. Though former MLA from Badvel K Jayaramulu is in BJP, the central leadership has picked Suresh to contest. Both YSRCP candidate Dr Dasari Sudha and Congress nominee PM Kamalamma, who represented Badvel from 2009 to 2014, have declared good number of properties.
A native of Pondalur village in Penagalur mandal of Kadapa district, Suresh had unsuccessfully contested from Railway Kodur Assembly segment in 2019 polls.
BJP announced its candidate just a day before nominations were to end on October
Rain dampens parties' spirits as Badvel goes to polls today...
Continued from Page 1
Around 281 polling stations have been kept ready for the by-poll and 148 have been identified as "critical."
Over 2,000 police personnel, including Central armed police forces, have been deployed in the constituency. The police personnel have also conducted a march in the Badvel town on Friday to send out a message to the electorate to come out and vote without any fear.
The constituency has over 2.16 lakh eligible voters and the ruling YSRCP has put in a lot of efforts to motivate voters to come in large numbers to improve the total poll percentage to improve the majority of its candidate. However,
continuous heavy downpour since Friday morning has dampened the spirits of YSRCP. They are jittery that not many voters would turn up to vote on Saturday. The polling will be held between 7 am and 7pm.
YSRCP is aiming to get more than one lakh majority whereas BJP is banking on TDP's vote bank and also the Jana Sena support. BJP senior leaders like party State unit chief Somu Veerraju, Daggupati Puarndeswari, former minister, C Adinrayan Reddy, Rajya Sabha members, GVL Narasimha Rao and CM Ramesh and party national secretary Satya Kumar sweated it out in the ground for a month in Badvel.
8. BJP State president Somu Veerraju said in a tweet that the BJP named the youth leader as its candidate to oppose dynastic politics and
family rule and public welfare as its motto.
With the BJP announcing its candidate, polling was necessitated despite both Jana
3,000 cops deployed for poll duty...
Continued from Page 1
Apart from this, 15 platoons of Central forces (CISR, BSF, CRPF, ITBP, and SSB) were also deployed. The SP said that 72 route mobiles, 36 striking force personnel, and 11 special striking force teams were deployed to Badvel.
"All security arrangements have been made for the Bavel by-pol,l" the SP said.
The SP warned of taking stringent action against those who try to create trouble in the constituency.
Sena and TDP announcing to stay away from the by-poll on moral grounds as YSRCP had fielded Dr Dasari Sudha, wife of the deceased MLA .
HC grants
permission...
Continued from Page 1
Amaravati famers planned to take up padayatra from Amaravati to Tirumala starting from November 1 to December 17 for 45 days to highlight the demand for continuing the Capital city at Amaravati.
DGP Gautam Sawang on Thursday wrote a letter to Amaravati Parirakshana Samithi secretary Gadde Tirupati Rao denying permission. He said the padayatra would result in law and order issues in the State and hence, the permission is denied.
High Court on Monday directed the DGP to take a decision within three days on the representation given by capital region farmers seeking permission for 'padayatra' to Tirumala.
Farmers who gave their lands for the capital Amaravati have been opposing the YSRCP government's decision to trifurcate the Capital. They have been protesting the decision since December 2019 and have now announced a 'maha padyatra'.
CHICKEN RATES `/KG
Dressed/With Skin
Without Skin Broiler at Farm
`222 `242 `121
EGG RATES `/100
VIJAYAWADA
397
HYDERABAD
382
VISAKHAPATNAM 392
RETAIL PRICE
(IN VIJAYAWADA)
`3.97
This Diwali too, it's 2-hour fireworks...
Continued from Page 1
These are produced with less harmful raw materials, in accordance with instructions issued by the Supreme Court, and are made in a way that suppresses the dust when they are burnt - thus reducing emissions.
They developed formulations for green flower pots,
sparklers and sound emitting crackers etc., These green crackers will emit 30pc to 50pc less particulate matter pollution (PM), less sound and air pollution than traditional crackers. These green crackers will have a green logo and QR code for differentiation from conventional crackers for monitoring and tracking.
1st phase: 4,530 Digital Libraries...
Continued from Page 1
He said the facilities should be provided such that these libraries are useful for Work from Home (WFH) conditions and youth preparing for competitive examinations. He instructed the officials to focus on and ensure proper maintenance of the libraries.
The officials informed the Chief Minister that 12,979 Digital Libraries are being set up across the State in three phases of which the works related to 4,530 will be completed in the first phase by January 2022.
The Chief Minister
instructed the officials to focus on arranging computers, printers, scanners, and other infrastructure facilities and added that to ensure desktop computers, system chairs, plastic chairs, fans, tube lights, iron racks, books, and magazines are arranged in every digital library.
The Chief Minister said that Digital Libraries, including computer equipment of phase-1, would be made available by Ugadi 2022 and directed the officials to prepare an action plan to complete phase 2 works by December 2022 and phase 3 works by June 2023.
Actor Puneet Rajkumar
succumbs to `workout'...
Continued from Page 1
He said Puneeth's last rites will be performed with full state honours and the family will decide when it will happen.
Later, a government order said his last rites will be performed at the Kanteerava Studio where his parents' Dr Rajkumar and Parvathamma were cremated.
According to government sources, the last rite will be performed on Sunday, as the family awaits the arrival of Puneeth's daughter, who is staying abroad.
According to the hospital, the actor was brought to the hospital with a family doctor diagnosing that he had had a heart attack. "At the time of arrival to the emergency, the patient was nonresponsive and was in cardiac asystole. Hence, immediate advanced cardiac life support measures were initiated for resuscitation... "The panel of medical experts extended all efforts to save him. He was declared dead at 2.30 pm on 29.10.2021," read the statement by Dr Ranganath Nayak, a cardiologist at Vikram Hospital.
Condolences at the death of the actor, who began his career as a child artist appearing in movies such as "Thayige Thakka Maga" and "Bhagyavantha", poured in from political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, colleagues in the southern film industry as well as those in Bollywood -- their messages echoing his legions of fans grieving the hero who had gone
too soon.
Sharing a picture with
the actor and his family,
the Prime Minister said, "A
cruel twist of fate has
snatched away from us a
prolific and talented actor,
Puneeth Rajkumar. This
was no age to go. The com-
ing generations will
remember him fondly for
his works and wonderful
personality. Condolences
to his family and admirers.
Om Shanti."
Karnataka
Chief
Minister Basavaraj
Bommai was among the
first to condole the death.
"A huge personal loss
and one that's difficult to
come to terms with.
Praying the almighty gives
the Rajkumar family and
fans the strength to bear
this loss" he tweeted.
Bommai said the actor
was supposed to meet him
on Friday to plan Kannada
Rajyotsava on November 1.
"But the destiny had
something else in store.
Instead of meeting me, he
went somewhere else. This
is extremely shocking," the
CM told reporters.
After a stint as a child
actor, Puneeth made his
debut as a leading man in
the 2002 movie "Appu" and
followed it up with a string
of successful movies,
including
"Abhi",
"Maurya", "Ajay" and
"Arasu".
Puneeth was also a pop-
ular celebrity host on tele-
vision. He hosted the first
two seasons of "Kannadada
Kotyadhipati",
the
Kannada version of
Amitabh Bachchan's "Kaun
Banega Crorepati". He also
emceed Colors Kannada's
reality show "Family
Power"
From child star to `Power Star'
there will never be another like him
PNS n NEW DELHI
He was matinee icon Rajkumar's son, of course, but Puneeth Rajkumar was also the "Power Star" who moved out of his father's long shadows to glitter in the arclights as Kannada cinema's most bankable, highly paid actor. Puneeth Rajkumar was only 46 when he died after a massive heart attack following a two-hour workout in the gym, stunning his legions of fans, colleagues and political leaders left wondering just how a young man so seemingly fit and healthy could have gone so soon, so suddenly.
The talented, affable actor, who leaves behind his wife and two daughters, was popularly known as Powerstar for his strong performance in a number of commercially-successful Kannada films. He was not just a star of films such as Appu but also a celebrity television host and the occasional singer too. The actor grew up under the tutelage of the late Dr Rajkumar, the legendary Kannada personality icon, beginning his career as a child artist.
Puneeth, the fifth and the youngest child of the superstar, made his mark early in life with an extraordinary performance in Bhakta Prahalada where he worked with his father. He was also praised for his performance in Vasantha Geeta and Bhagyavantha.
But it was Bettada Hoovu, where he played the role of a young boy Ramu who assists a researcher to find a rare flower, that won Puneeth a national award as the best child actor. A fitness enthusiast, Puneeth was a good badminton player and was a regular at the gym.
On Friday also, he went to the gym, according to doctors. After completing two hours of work-out, he developed severe
`Great loss for Karnataka' Tributes pour in
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and several other politicians paid tributes to the popular actor. Bommai said that he was deeply saddened and that the death of Rajkumar was a huge personal loss. "Shocked and deeply saddened as Karnataka's most loved superstar #PuneetRajkumar is no longer with us. A huge personal loss and one that's difficult to come to terms with. Praying the Almighty gives the Rajkumar family and fans the strength to bear this loss," he posted on Twitter. Former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah said that Rajkumar had won the hearts of Kannadigas through his acting skills and that it was a great loss for Karnataka. Son of matinee idol Rajkumar, Puneeth was fondly called ''Appu'' by his fans. He started his career as a child artiste with his father in the early 1980s. `Raam', "Hudugaru' and `Anjani Putra' are some of his memorable movies. He was last seen in "Yuvarathnaa', which was released early this year.
To Be Cremated
With State Honours Kannada actor Puneeth
Rajkumar, who died at the age of 46 at Bengaluru's Vikram Hospital on Friday, will be cremated with state honours on Saturday, Manjunatha Prasad, the Principal Secretary to Karnataka Chief Minister announced on Friday, reports news agency ANI. His cremation will take place at the Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. Puneeth Rajkumar had been working out in a gym when he suffered a heart attack; he was then taken to the Vikram Hospital. ANI shared a tweet on Friday evening about Puneeth Rajkumar's funeral that read:
Telugu film fraternity condoles Puneeth Rajkumar's demise
HYDERABAD: Telugu film personalities including superstar Chiranjeevi expressed anguish over the death of Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar following a massive heart attack on Friday. Expressing shock over the actor's death, Chiranjeevi in a tweet said, "Shocking, devastating & heartbreaking! #PuneethRajkumar gone too soon. Rest in Peace! My deepest sympathies and tearful condolences to the family. A huge loss to the Kannada/ Indian film fraternity as a whole. Strength to all to cope with this tragic loss!."
chest pain. He was rushed to the hospital following the cardiac arrest but he could not be saved. As a leading man, Puneeth made his entry into Kannada film industry with the 2002 feature Appu, the movie that brought him enormous success and fan follow-
ing, so much so that his followers started calling him Appu.
His notable films included Abhi, Veera Kannadiga, Mourya, Chakravyuha, Doddmane Hudga, Akash, Arasu, Milana, Jackie, Raajakumara and Anjani Putra.
Nirmala Sitharaman Condolences on the passing away of #PuneethRajkumar. A bright star. He had a long promising career ahead. My condolences to his family, his innumerable fans and followers.
Chiranjeevi Konidela Shocking, devastating & heartbreaking! #PuneethRajkumar gone too soon. Rest in Peace! My deepest sympathies and tearful condolences to the family. A huge loss to the Kannada / Indian film fraternity as a whole.Strength to all to cope with this tragic loss!
Pawan Kalyan With a heavy heart `my dear brother `Puneeth' I pray to Almighty to take care of you in your final journey. My heartfelt condolences to Sri Shiva Raj Kumar, & Sri Puneeth's family members.
"Shocked and deeply saddened as Karnataka's most loved superstar #PuneetRajkumar is no longer with us. A huge personal loss and one that's difficult to come to terms with. Praying the Almighty gives the Rajkumar family and fans the strength to bear this loss!
Mammootty Shocking and Heart breaking to know that Puneeth is no more. It is a huge loss for the film fraternity. My deepest condolences to Puneeth's family and loved ones. RIP #PuneethRajkumar
Virender Sehwag Saddened to hear about the passing away of #PuneethRajkumar . Warm and humble, his
passing away is a great blow to Indian cinema. May his soul attain sadgati. Om Shanti.
Radikaa Sarath Kumar Sometimes we don't value the moment, till its gone #Appu #Puneethrajkumar #kannadafilmindustry cannot comprehend this at all.
Jagapathi Babu Shocked and deeply saddened by the passing away of one of the most loved actors in the Indian Cinema, #PuneethRajkumar. Condolences to his family, friends and countless fans. #RIPPuneethRajkumar
Hansika I just can't process this!! Such a passionate ,warm and humble human being !! this is so tragic . Deepest condolence to his family .may his soul rest in peace #PuneethRajkumar
Dulquer Salmaan One of the kindest and warmest Actors/gentlemen. Praying to the Almighty to give Puneeth Sirs family, friends and his ocean of fans the strength to cope with this irreplaceable loss. #RIP #PuneethRajKumar #Gentleman #actor #loss #cannotunderstand #soyoung
Devi Sri Prasad Heartbroken He was such a Simple Down to earth Man frm a great Family! Always used 2 tell me abt how much he loved my Music His Mother & Family was so sweet n affectionate. Why such things happen to such good people!? Strength 2 his Family R.I.P sir #PuneethRajkumar
A cardiologist's...
Continued from Page 1
"Especially celebrities work under extremely demanding circumstances, and they must ensure their body is rested properly to ensure it recuperates well," the doctor said.
He said that recovery is as important as exertion. "Unless this balance is maintained, body tissues break down faster than expected causing more harm than good. Those doing heavy physical workout must undergo regular checkups for hormonal changes, because even that could have a negative impact and lead to problems like heart attack or a brain stroke," Dr Sudhakar said.
He said that skipping meals is the new fad for those focussing on losing weight or doing workout to stay in proper shape. But, when you skip meals, the body doesn't get energy from food and it looks for new sources of energy. As a result, your metabolism starts converting fat into energy which can lead to health issues like fatigue, kidney stress, low blood pressure, fatigue, constipation and nausea.
Heart attacks too frequent...
Continued from Page 1
After that, Sivaraj Kumar stopped exercising heavily. Sivaraj Kumar was 54 when he suffered the heart attack. He was rushed to Vittal Mallya hospital and was provided timely treatment and he survived. On Friday, Puneeth suffered a severe heart attack
while working out heavily in the gym. He was trying to mould his body to present the character of a bodybuilder in a movie in which he was going to act.
Puneeth's gym videos that went viral indicate that he was an exercise freak who spent a lot of time working out heavily at the gym.
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VIJAYAWADA | SATURDAY | OCTOBER 30, 2021
vijayawada 03
NEP-2020 aims at revamping education system: Governor
FARMERS' SUICIDES
Kannababu slams `false' interpretation of NCRB data
PNS n VIJAYAWADA
Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan has said that the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) is one of the important policies brought out by the Government of India with a far-sighted vision to nurture and orient the younger generation of the country, in the path of development.
He participated as chief guest at the Symposium on `Vision of NEP-2020 on research and extra-curricular parameters for holistic education' organised by the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Tadepallegudem, in virtual mode from Raj Bhavan on Friday.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Harichandan said that the NEP-2020 is an inclusive framework focusing on revamping the education system in the country with an objective to achieve 100 per cent Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), in school education by 2030.
The NEP 2020 emphasises
Exemption of mine expansion from public hearing opposed
PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM
Former Union government Secretary EAS Sarma has strongly objected to the exemption of the mine expansion project from the mandatory requirement of public hearing as a pre-condition for granting statutory environment clearances.
Sarma wrote a letter to the Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, saying that the decision is highly imprudent, as it violates the spirit of the Environment Protection Act of 1986. The notifications issued under the Act, which provide for participatory decision-making as a necessary component of the environment impact appraisal procedure, Sarma stressed.
The decision seems to have been motivated more by the government's undue eagerness to promote the interests of the mining companies, than for either safeguarding the environment or for protecting the interests of the local communities, Sarma commented.
The decision of the ministry applies to the expansion of Iron, Manganese, Bauxite and Limestone mining projects, many of which are located in areas inhabited by the Adivasis and notified under the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution, where the PESA and the Forest Rights Act are applicable. Both these Central laws accord utmost primacy to the local Adivasi Gram Sabhas in decision-making.
EPDCL CMD opens RT-DAS
PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM
Chairman and Managing Director of Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL)
K Santhosha Rao inaugurated the RT-DAS (RealTime Data Acquisition system) control system on Friday. The new facility was brought as a part of `Azadika Amrit Mahotsav'. Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC) is the nodal agency for the scheme.
Speaking on the occasion, the CMD, APEPDCL, said that the project, which was sanctioned in December 2018, was completed in September 2021 at a cost of Rs 4.80 crore. The RT-DAS has been implemented in 116 sub-stations of 33/11kV capacity and 437 feeders of 11 kV capacity that would cater to 36 IPDS town areas, he added.
The required hardware and equipment feeder permitted terminal unit and Multifunction Transducers (MFTs) were installed for all the 11 kV Feeders.
72nd `TB Seal' sale drive inaugurated
VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, inaugurated the 72nd TB Seal sale campaign at a programme held in Durbar Hall at Raj Bhavan on Friday. Speaking on the occasion, Governor Harichandan said TB is preventable and the TB Seal sale campaign helps the authorities to raise funds for promoting voluntary anti-TB work and provides an opportunity to every citizen to contribute to the fight against this anti-human disease.
on the holistic and multi-disciplinary education and development of future generations as the country is moving towards a knowledge economy
and society as more and more young Indians aspire for higher education, said the Governor.
He further added that
despite the critical importance of research, the research and innovation investment in India, at the current time, is only 0.69pc of GDP as compared to 2.8pc in the United States of America, 4.3pc in Israel and 4.2pc in South Korea.
Governor Harichandan appreciated the steps taken by the NIT Andhra Pradesh to orient its Ph.D. research scholars in this direction, since the past one year.
Prof. C S P Rao, Director of NIT, Tadepallegudem, said the symposium on `Vision of NEP2020 on research and extracurricular parameters for holistic education' held on Friday was one of the two symposia organised by the Institute as part of the Conclave, under the umbrella of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Directors of other NITs, Faculty, Staff and students of NIT Tadepallegudem, also participated in the Symposium.
RP Sisodia, Special Chief Secretary to Governor, also attended the programme from Raj Bhavan.
CM pats AITT toppers from AP
PNS n VIJAYAWADA
Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy has congratulated five students of the State who have achieved top ranks in All India Trade Test (AITT) 2020 Craftmen Training Scheme (CTS) National Level Examination and announced Rs. 5 lakh cash incentive and a job in line with their education in APIIC.
D Manikanta achieved all India second rank in Mechanic Diesel Trade, Mondi Satish, fifth rank in Electrician, N Kumari, all India sixth rank in Electronics and Mechanical, M Bala Pawan Raju, eighth rank in Draughtsman Civil and M. Roshan, ninth rank in Mechanic R & AC. The Chief Minister has presented mementos and handed over certificates and tabs to them. The Chief Minister also
congratulated Deputy Training Officer Y Rajitha Priya for winning the Kaushalacharya Award 2021 and announced a Rs 5 lakh cash incentive.
Industries, Commerce and IT Minister Mekapati Gautam Reddy, IT Electronics and
Communications Principal
Secretary G Jayalakshmi,
Employment and Training
Director Lavanya Veni, Regional
Director A Venkateswara Rao,
Joint
Director
G
Balasubramanian and other offi-
cials were present.
Sidda thanks CM for Cabinet nod over Arya Vysya bodies
PNS n ONGOLE
Former minister and YSRCP leader Sidda Raghava Rao thanked Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy for Cabinet approval handing over the administration of Arya Vysya seva organisations to the Arya Vysya community people.
The Chief Minister had taken a historical decision to hand over the administration of Arya Vysya seva organisations to the people belonging to the same community. "We are indebted to the Chief Minister", Raghava Rao said.
He said that the Arya Vysya elders had donated their properties worth crores of rupees to various seva organisations including Sri Vasavi Mata temples. However these properties were later incorporated in the endowment department.
The then Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy, on the advice of the then minister K Rosaiah, passed orders entrusting the management of Sri Vasavi Mata temples to the Arya Vysya community people. Since then the Vasavi Mata temples have received a facelift.
The Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy approved handing over the management of Arya Vysya choultries, function halls, shopping complexes, and other institutions to the people belonging to the Arya Vysya community. "This decision taken by Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy is historical. The decision has made all the Vysya community people buoyant. On behalf of the Arya Vysya community people, I thank Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy", he said.
PNS n VIJAYAWADA
Refuting the news report published by a vernacular media, Minister for Agriculture Kurasala Kannababu has clarified that the farmer's suicides registered by the government and those stated by NCRB are contradictory.
At a press conference here on Friday, Minister Kannababu slammed a section of media for falsely interpreting the NCRB data on farmers' suicides. Although the NCRB clearly mentioned that the cause of the suicides was not listed and generalised it as farmers suicides, a section of media has been deliberately trying to irk the government, stating that the number of farmers suicides have been increased, said Minister Kannababu.
In the recent NCRB report, it was given that 889 farmers have committed suicide during 2020, but the three-man committee had confirmed it as only 225.The Minister stated that the contradictions had been hap-
pening for a long while and said that the Commissioner of Agriculture Department had already taken the issue to the notice of DGP, as the police department usually provides the data to the Centre. He said that the current government had disbursed compensation to the 466 families of the farmers who committed suicides, and was abandoned by the previous TDP government.
He said that the government was biased to farmer welfare, where in fact the farmers' distress has been addressed with various initiatives since the day of forming the government, leading to a sharp fall in suicides.
Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy had clearly instructed to provide immediate compensation to the families of the farmers that committed suicide and in this regard each District Collector was given a fund of Rs 1 crore.
Further, Minister Kannababu criticised TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu for terming Andhra Pradesh as
drug capital and defaming the State. He reminded that former TDP Ministers Ayyanna Patrudu and Ganta Srinivas Rao had stated that ganja cultivation was prevalent in Vi s a k h a p a t n a m region and took no
action in restricting it. However, Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy formed the State Enforcement Bureau (SEB) in 2019 and took strict measures. So far, almost 3 lakh kg of ganja was seized, over 5,000 people were arrested and 1,500 vehicles were been seized by SEB.
Responding on the attack on Chandrababu Naidu in Kuppam, he said that YSRCP leaders have no reason to attack Naidu, as he was already defeated by the people of Kuppam in local-body polls.
CHILLING OUT
Scores of tourists thronged the waterfall at the famous pilgrim centre Trimukha Durgadevi Bhairava Kona at Kanigiri in Prakasam district on Friday.
Workshop on M-SAR held in Vizag
PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM
In order to address the issues pertaining to maritime search and rescue (MSAR) operations, the Indian Coast Guard organised a workshop on Friday. Various stakeholders of the State and Central government participated in the workshop. Presentation of M-SAR, survival measures of fishers at sea, and activities of the Centre for Studies for the Bay of Bengal were delivered in the workshop.
Winching at sea by helicopter and demonstration of life-saving and communication equipment was also organised during the daylong workshop.
Three Khadi clusters sanctioned
PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM
The government has sanctioned three khadi clusters -two in Ponduru and one at
Tolapi village in Srikakulam district. Rs. 2 crore is needed to establish each cluster.
The Central government will contribute 90 percent of
the fund and the beneficiaries have to spend the remaining 10 percent. As part of the project, the government would provide training to the workers in
weaving, designing and management. During the training programme, the participants will get Rs.300 per day as stipend.
Naidu calls YSRCP
rule `unjust', `corrupt'
PNS n VIJAYAWADA
TDP national president and former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reiterated that the Jaganmohan Reddy-led YSR Congress Party had no right to rule Andhra Pradesh for perpetrating an 'unjust, corrupt and oppressive rule on the people.
Naidu appealed to all sections of people and all likeminded parties and intellectuals to come together in the struggle against the ongoing atrocities. Jaganmohan Reddy's leadership should be rejected for his party terrorism, arbitrary taxes and manifold hikes in the rates of sand, liquor, current, cement and petrol.
The TDP chief addressed a public meeting in the Kuppam Assembly constituency headquarters town. He told the people that there was no government in the recent known history in the country that imposed a tax on garbage.
The property tax would go up 10 times if it would be increased as per the government's plans. Farmers, students, construction workers, women, youth
and all sections of society were suffering greatly in the past two and half years.
Naidu accused the police of not giving enough protection to his public meeting. A YSRCP activist was caught as he came with stones and sticks to disrupt the meeting. Immediately the police appeared on the scene to rescue the anti-social element belonging to the ruling party. The police were acting so arbitrarily that they were conniving with the ruling party at every step. This became evident in the attack on the TDP national office. Just two to three policemen kept guard at his meeting.
The TDP chief told the people that he went to Delhi and asked the President of India to act against the government-sponsored terrorism in AP. The TDP would not be afraid of false cases and illegal arrests. The intention of the YSRCP and the police was to intimidate all the TDP cadres so that the party would close down in the State. But that would not happen as the TDP had a long history of 40 years and it ruled the state for over 22 years, he said.
TDP for re-look
into Viveka
murder case
PNS n VIJAYAWADA
TDP politburo member Varla Ramaiah on Friday urged Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy to demand the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a detailed re-investigation into the YS Vivekananda Reddy murder case so as to nab the real culprits.
Ramaiah told the Chief Minister that the CBI completed its investigation in a cavalier manner without giving details of the arrested persons and the masterminds behind them.
The people were saying that the CBI should not dilute its image by filing a non-serious charge sheet by some little-known persons without fully cracking the murder mystery.
In a letter to Chief Minister Jaganmohan Reddy here, the TDP leader said that the CBI team had been trying to wash its hands of the case. The present CBI Director has been known for his integrity and commitment.
Steps to ensure road connectivity to all tribal pockets, finally
PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM
After decades of negligence, the district administration has finally initiated steps to establish road connectivity to all the villages in the 11 Revenue Tribal Agency mandals. An action plan has been drafted to provide road connectivity to ensure hassle-free travel for all tribal families in the Agency area. Even after 75 years of Independence, the majority of the tribal areas have no proper road facilities and the matter becomes worse during emergency situations. Even the officials and medical teams are having trouble reaching tribal areas, particularly in the remote areas.
During his pre-election
marathon padayatra, Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy had assured the tribespeople that road connectivity would be established covering all the Agency villages. The government is gearing up to fulfil the promise.
A survey was conducted by Tahsildars, MPDOs and divisional-level officials to identify habitations and villages. According to the data, the villages need not only road connectivity, but power supply, post offices, bank branches, and hospital facilities also.
There are 11 revenue mandals and 3,574 habitations in the Agency with a total population of 6.50 lakh. The survey has stressed on building roads to
1,839 habitations. According to the latest survey, the officials have proposed to lay 4,421 km of roads. The district administration has set the goal to complete the road works by the end of 2025.
The survey has also stressed the need for setting up other facilities including drinking water and power supply to all the houses. Primarily, metal roads would be laid to all the identified habitations under the MGNREGS. There is no internet connectivity in 110 village secretariats. The administration has proposed to provide net connectivity to the secretariats through fibre net connection from the nearest mandal headquarters.
VIJAYAWADA | SATURDAY | OCTOBER 30, 2021
04
Badvel by-election: Polling
material shifted to booths
PNS n KADAPA
Polling materials were shifted to the respective booths amid heavy rain in the Badvel constituency on Friday morning.
Rajampet Sub-collector and Returning Officer for the byelection Ketan Garg supervised the distribution of polling materials. Ketan Garg, joint collectors M Gauthami, Saikanth Varma and H M Dhyanchandra monitored the process at the Balayogi Gurukul School.
Talking to the media, Ketan Garg said that despite the heavy rain, the polling materials were shifted to all the polling stations on Friday. He said that all precautions were taken to ensure that rainwater doesn't drench the materials. The polling staff were instructed to follow the Covid protocols strictly during voting. "All is set to conduct polling for the Badvel Assembly by-election in a peaceful manner," he said.
Meanwhile, Superintendent
of Police K K N Anburajan said that restrictions were imposed in the constituency limits, which would be in place from 7 pm on Friday to 9 pm on Saturday. The SP said that nine check-posts were set up at the borders and massive checking of vehicles was being carried out across the con-
stituency. He said that the movement of
non-locals was strictly prohibited in the constituency till the polling ended. No private vehicle would be allowed to pass through the constituency. Motorists were asked to take alternative routes.
The SP said that those who wanted to go to Nellore should go via Rajampet and Renigunta. Those who want to go to Krishna and Guntur districts should go via Kurnool district. The travel restrictions would be in force till 9 pm on Saturday, he said.
Man accused of
robbery gives
cops the slip
PNS n HYDERABAD
A person who was arrested on charges of robbery and was in the custody of the Shankarpally police escaped on Friday. The person is identified as Mohd Arshad Khan, 22, a resident of Shankarpally and native of Uttar Pradesh.
According to the police, Khan was arrested along with five others by the Shankarpally police for robbing a person of Rs 27,500 and his mobile phone after waylaying his car and attacking him. The gang was involved in seven cases registered in Shankarpally, Vikarabad, Bhanoor, Kondapur and Mominpet police station limits, said the police.
The police said that Khan escaped right before he was being shifted to the Central Prison in Cherlapally. Khan had asked the police to let him use the bathroom and while in there, he removed the window grill and escaped.
Plan to destroy ganja crop in 4,500 acres on AOB
PNS n GUNTUR
The Andhra Pradesh government is drawing up plans to destroy ganja crop in 4,500 acres on the Andhra-Odisha Border (AOB) in coordination with the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Disclosing this to the media at a press conference on Friday, AP Madya Vimochana Prachara Committee (MVPC) Chairman V Lakshman Reddy said that the government was aiming to stop cultivation as well as smuggling of ganja in the State.
He said that the AP police, with the cooperation of the NIA, would destroy ganja crops in 4,500 acres in the AP-Odisha border areas. The ganja crop is being cultivated on the hillocks and Agency areas at the border.
Lakshman Reddy said that Andhra Pradesh was at 18th place among states in ganja consumption in 2020. He said that in 2021, the police seized 272 tonnes of ganja across the state, arrested 5,415 ganja smugglers and registered 2,040 cases.
The Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB), led by Vinit Brij Lal, has laid special emphasis on the Agency areas in fighting the ganja menace. He said that so far, 8,30,910 litres of liquor had been seized while being brought from the neighbouring states. The police and SEB officials had also seized 8,07,644 litres of illicit liquor and destroyed 2,30,48,401litres of fermented jaggery wash meant to distil illicit liquor.
The police arrested 1,25,202 people in connection with illegal transportation of liquor and registered 1,20,822 cases against them. Lakshman Reddy said that 29,491 vehicles had been
seized for transporting ganja and illicit liquor.
The MVPC chairman said that awareness programmes would be organised on November 1 against the consumption of liquor in Kurnool. Cultural programmes, street dramas, songs and poems would be staged to create awareness among the people against the consumption of liquor.
Fifteen de-addiction centres were set up and free treatment was being provided to the addicts. He appealed to the people to give information regarding illicit liquor and other intoxicating substances by dialling the toll-free number 14500.
MLC Dokka Manikya Vara Prasad called upon tribal people at the AP-Odisha border to destroy the ganja crop voluntarily. MLA Maddali Giridhar said that less than 10,000 families were involved in brewing illicit liquor across the state. Mayor Kaviati Maohar Naidu and SEB Superintendent Chandrasekhar Reddy also spoke.
Rachakonda Police seize
weed worth Rs 18.50 lakh
PNS n HYDERABAD
Continuing the drive against drugs, the Rachakonda Police seized 110 kg marijuana along with a transport vehicle and mobiles worth Rs 18.50 lakh from two inter-state drug peddlers on Friday.
In the morning hours of Friday, acting on specific information, the sleuths of SOT LB Nagar Zone, along with Abdullapurmet Police, apprehended two drug peddlers, identified as Lumbaram Solanki, 24, and Kishna Ram, both from Rajasthan and seized the ganja, along with a transport vehicle and mobile phones and cash from them.
Their associates, Masada
Pedda Balanna, 32, the supplier from Visakhapatnam, and Rasheed, 31, their receiver from Uttar Pradesh, are absconding.
Solanki migrated to Hyderabad about 15 years ago in search of livelihood and Kishna about 9 years ago. They had worked in the city as daily wage labourers in different shops in Shabad area by staying in rented rooms.
About 5 years ago, Solanki purchased a mini transport vehicle, in which he transported gutka from Karnataka to Hyderabad and later sold his vehicle to a known person, Mangilal of Rajasthan, who used to work in a private company at Kukatpally area, Hyderabad.
Cyberabad Police register
five cases under NDPS Act
PNS n HYDERABAD
Cyberabad police officials on Thursday registered five cases under the NDPS act and apprehended six offenders. Officials said that two kg marijuana was seized from the accused, 29 E-petty cases were registered against consumers of gutkha and persons found smoking in public places. In a similar arrest,
Dundigal police apprehended two persons who were found in possession of hash oil on Friday. The accused persons ? Kota Jaya Satya Sai, 22 and Mohammed Rayees Ali, 21 ? are residents of Dundigal. The Police arrested the duo based on a tip off and seized 110 ml of hash oil from their possession. The duo was produced before a court for custody.
SHORT TAKES
PD Act slapped on rowdy sheeter of Jubilee Hills
HYDERABAD: Hyderabad Police Commissioner Anjani Kumar on Friday issued a Preventive Detention order against Guvvala Pavan Kumar (29), a notorious rowdy sheeter of Jubilee Hills Police station. According to a release, Pavan Kumar is a resident of Erragadda and has been habitually committing offenses including voluntarily causing hurt in the limits of Jubilee Hills Police Station along with his associates in an organised manner to make easy money and assert his dominance in the area. Jubilee Hills Police arrested Pavan Kumar on September 6, and remanded him to judicial custody. The Preventive Detention order was executed on him on October 21 and he was lodged in Central Prison, Chanchalguda, Hyderabad.
Techie among three arrested after raid at brothel in Hyd
HYDERABAD: The KPHB police nabbed three persons following a raid at a brothel in KPHB Colony on Friday. The arrested persons have been identified as B Raju, 52, Noor Pasha Khasimbi, 50 and B Krishna Reddy, 35. According to the police, based on a tip-off, a raid was conducted at a house on road number 4 in KPHB Colony, where four persons, including two women, were found. During interrogation, the officials learned that Raju had taken the flat on rent to run a brothel along with Noor Pasha Khasimbi. They also arrested Krishna Reddy, a software engineer, who confessed to visiting the place as a customer. The KPHB police arrested them, who were remanded in judicial custody.
All eyes on Huzurabad
PNS n HYDERABAD
After witnessing a high-decibel campaign by the opposition BJP and ruling TRS that lasted about five months, Huzurabad voters will exercise their right to choose their next representative in the State Assembly in the byelection to be held on Saturday.
Amidst unprecedented bandobust arrangements and deployment of Central as well as State forces, Chief Electoral Officer Shashank Goel said on Friday that all arrangements are in place for the byelection necessitated due to the resignation of sitting MLA and former minister Eatala Rajender after he fell out with the TRS. Eatala later joined the BJP and was named the saffron party's candidate.
The constituency has over 2.36 lakh voters who would be able to cast their vote between 7 am and 7 pm in 306 polling stations.
Though there are 30 candidates in the fray, it is expected to be a straight contest between TRS candidate Gellu Srinivas handpicked by Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and BJP's Eatala. Hoping to upstage them is Congress candidate B. Venkat and the rest.
In 47 of the 306 polling stations, there are more than 1,000 registered voters. The polling personnel have started reaching their designated polling stations in five mandals of the constituency from Friday afternoon. Counting of votes will be taken up on November 2.
Shashank Goel said that 32 micro observers, six engineers for inspection of EVMs and 20 companies of Central forces besides about 2,000 State police personnel have been deployed to ensure smooth and fair polling.
Voters have to strictly observe Covid norms like wearing a face mask and maintaining physical distance.
The CEO said they received several complaints from political parties about poll code violations and action was taken against some of them.The EC seized cash and goods worth Rs 3.5 crore, the CEO said, adding that stern action would be initiated against those offering inducements to the voters.
Mother & child care unit at GGH in 1 year: Min
PNS n GUNTUR
The construction of the Mother and Child Care Unit in the Government General Hospital here will be completed by one year with the coordination of Guntur Medical College Alumni of North America (GMCANA), Housing and District Incharge Minister Cherukuvada Sriranganadha Raju has said.
Talking to the media here on Friday along with Collector Vivek Yadav, he said that the government and GMCANA jointly had taken up the construction of the
Mother and Child Care unit on the premises of GGH. As per the MoU, the government should construct the Ground floor and three floors and the GMCANA should construct the other three floors.
The government completed the ground floor at a cost of Rs 5.5 crore and the bills to the contractors were also cleared. The GMCANA had come forward to construct the rest of the building.
The Collector discussed with the GMCANA representatives the construction of the MCH works. A new MoU
would be signed in place of the old MoU in this regard in a few days, the minister said.
The Minister informed that
about 50 pregnant women come to the GGH here every day for delivery of which 18 to 20 would be caesarean deliv-
eries. "If the Mother and Child Care Hospital building is constructed in the GGH, 800 to 1000 beds will be available for deliveries and gynaecology related treatments. The GGH in Guntur has become a major hospital for the region to provide treatment to various serious cases. Better treatment was provided to Coronavirus related black fungus cases in the GGH``, the minister lauded. MLAs Namburu Shankar Rao, Kilari Rosaiah, and GGH hospital superintendent Dr.Prabhavathi were among those who attended.
Govt committed to protecting farmers' interests: Sucharita
PNS n GUNTUR
Home Minister Mekathoti Sucharita has reiterated that the government is committed to protecting the interests of farmers and that Rythu Bharosa Kendras were set up to provide all help to the farmers.
Prathipatu agriculture market yard directors called on the Home Minister at her camp office here on Friday. Speaking on the occasion, she said that fertilizers and pesticides were being supplied to the farmers through Rythu Bharosa Kendras.
The government aimed to extend all necessary help to the
farmers. She gave directives to the agriculture market yard directors in this regard.
The Home Minister asked the directors to ensure that the
farmers get remuneration for their agricultural produce. ZPTCs V Krishna Reddy, MPTCs, MPPs and YSRCP leaders were present.
KCR must explain why he wants farmers to give up paddy: Arvind
PNS n HYDERABAD
The BJP MP from Nizamabad, Dharmapuri Arvind, has reacted on the paddy issue asking Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao to make it clear why the government wants farmers not to cultivate paddy even though the CM had assured that the TRS government will procure two crore tonnes of paddy.
He made it clear that the Centre has stated in the letter that it will not purchase parboiled rice but not paddy. He said that the Centre nowhere said that it will not purchase paddy, but had only said that it will not purchase parboiled
rice. Arvind alleged that the state
government was behaving dictatorially on paddy cultivation.
Criticising ministers for blaming the Centre by showing a letter regarding paddy procurement, Arvind said that he is ready for an open debate on the Centre's letter to the State.
He asked the Chief Minister to explain how much paddy the TRS government had exported in the last seven years.
He said that the Centre had asked the state to establish food processing units as it is gives 80 per cent subsidy for it. The Centre had also asked the state to set up rice bran oil units in the State, he said.
45 tulas of gold stolen from home in Jubilee Hills
PNS n HYDERABAD
Burglars struck at a residence of a contractor on Road No. 78 in Jubilee Hills late and decamped with 45 tolas of gold worth over Rs 20 lakh.
The owner of the house, identified as Rajasekhar, had gone out of station with his family about a fortnight ago after locking the house.
After returning from the trip, Rajasekhar and his family members found that the lock was broken and the gold ornaments were missing. They lodged a complaint with the Jubilee Hills police.
`KCR dreaming of becoming CM of undivided AP'
K VENKATESHWARLU
n HYDERABAD
TPCC president A Revanth Reddy on Friday said that Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao might be dreaming of becoming the Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh as his Andhra Pradesh counterpart YS Jaganmohan Reddy will be sent to jail by the CBI court.
To validate his allegation, Revanth Reddy said that the silence of the TRS leaders on the comments of Andhra Pradesh Minister Perni Ven kat ramaia h (Nani) spoke volumes. "Silence means the TRS is accepting Perni Nani's statements," he said.
The TPCC chief, who also represents the Malkajgiri seat in the Lok Sabha, said that YSRTP chief YS Sharmila's padayatra and Perni Nani's comments on reuniting the two Telugu States are not unexpected developments.
"A conspiracy is being hatched to unite the two Telugu States by ramping up the dispute over sharing of waters," he said.
Revanth Reddy said that he doesn't know where KCR would contest from ?
Bhimavaram or Bobbili ? in the next elections since both KCR and Jagan are behaving like `twins'.
Asking the people of Telangana to `smash' the conspirators, he warned that such conspiracies would never find acceptance.
The TPCC chief said the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had stayed the construction of the PalamuruRanga Reddy project on Friday stating that it has no environmental clearance. He said that south Telangana will
face severe loss due to the NGT stay. He said the then Congress government had issued GO No. 72 for the survey of the PalamuruRanga Reddy project in August 2013. "However, KCR
changed the project's design and location from Jurala to Srisailam as he was more interested in commissions," Revanth Reddy alleged.
"The Palamuru-Ranga Reddy project has not been completed even after six years although KCR had laid its foundation in June 2015 saying that it would be completed within three years," the TPCC chief reminded.
SP gives away prizes to winners of online photo caption contest
PNS n ONGOLE
Prakasam District SP Malika
Garg has given away prizes to
the winners of an online photo
caption contest.
The SP on Friday distributed
prizes to Yandamuri Sauri
(Chirala),
Gora
Venkataramana (Donakonda),
Krishnadasu (Ongole), Ajay
Karuna (Markapur), Praizy
(Valluru), Venkateswara Rao
(Donakonda) and Chanda
Sivakumar (Donakonda). The
contest, in which the partici-
pants gave captions to the pho-
tos posted on the social media
(Facebook, Twitter, Instagram),
was organised by the
Prakasham police as part of the
Police
Martyrs'
Commemoration Week.
Speaking on the occasion,
the SP said the photo caption
contest had received huge
response from the people of the
district. Many people expressed
their belief in the Police
Department and gratitude and
respect for their services and
sacrifices through the com-
ments, she said.
As part of the Police Martyrs'
Commemoration Week, sem-
inars and lectures were con-
ducted in various places across
the district to make students of
various schools and colleges
aware of the duties and services
of police personnel. Kandukur
Sub-collector Dr. Aparajit
Singh was the chief guest at a seminar organised at Prakasam Engineering College in Kandukur.
The SP said that without the police, there would be no protection for the people. Their duties are very difficult, they would not be able to celebrate the festivals like everyone else and sacrifice many comforts and even their lives for public protection, she added.
The Prakasam district police also organised a police band show at the Chirala Clock Tower Centre. During the event, the band sang a variety of patriotic songs, ballads, slogans and hymns accompanied by musical instruments.
VIJAYAWADA | SATURDAY | OCTOBER 30, 2021
nation 05
INDIA CORNER
HC refuses to quash ED summons issued to Anil Deshmukh
The Bombay High Court on Friday rejected the plea by filed by former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, seeking quashing of summons issued to him by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), asking him to appear before it in connection with a case of alleged money laundering and corruption. The high court said that Deshmukh had failed to make a case for quashing of such summons. It further said that the former minister's plea did not merit an order to the ED and the CBI, restraining them from taking any coercive action against him. The court, however, said that Deshmukh, like any other common litigant had a right to approach the appropriate court seeking relief if he apprehended his arrest in the case.The court also directed the ED to permit Deshmukh's lawyer to remain present within "visible distance but not audible distance" at the central agency's office during Deshmukh's questioning.
HC directs Aryan Khan to execute personal bond of Rs one lakh for bail
The Bombay High Court on Friday said Aryan Khan, son of superstar Shah Rukh Khan, shall be released on a personal bond of Rs one lakh with one or two sureties of the same amount. A copy of the five-page operative order was signed by Justice N W Sambre on Friday afternoon. This would help Aryan Khan's advocates to secure his release from the Arthur Road prison in central Mumbai, where he is lodged, by evening. Aryan Khan's advocates will now take the certified copy of the HC order to the special court that is hearing the cases related to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, along with the requisite documents and sureties. After verification, the special court will issue the release papers which would be handed over to the Arthur Road prison to secure Aryan Khan's release.
Priyanka Gandhi offers prayers at Peetambara Peeth in MP's Datia
Congress general secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, arrived at Datia in Madhya Pradesh on Friday, where she offered prayers at Shri Peetambara Peeth, a party leader said. Shri Peetambara Peeth is a complex of Hindu temples and a famous 'shakti peeth' in the country. "Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrived here in a special plane to offer prayers at the famous temple," Congress MLA from Sevdha constituency in MP, Ghanshyam Singh told PTI. Elaborate security arrangements were put in place in view of her visit and devotees were barred from entering the premises. The Congress leader is likely to leave for Lucknow from Datia later in the day, the party sources said. Legislative Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh will be held early next year.
TIKRI AND GHAZIPUR PROTEST SITES
We stand vindicated, say farm unions as barricades are removed
PNS n NEW DELHI
With the Delhi Police beginning to remove barricades at two farmer protest sites -- Tikri and Ghazipur -- farm union leaders on Friday said the move vindicates their stand that they never blocked roads at the city border points.
Farmer leaders said any decision to entirely clear both the carriageways at the protest sites will be taken by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of over 40 farmer unions protesting against the Centre's farm laws.
They, however, said way will be made for traffic to move in the coming days.
The Delhi Police's decision comes days after a Supreme Court hearing that saw farmer unions arguing that the police were responsible for the blockade at the city's borders.
Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) office-bearers said police and not farmers had blocked roads, adding that they are being "reopened on the directions of the Supreme Court".
In light of the removal of barricades at Ghazipur border protest site, BKU leader Rakesh Tikait said, "The future course of the ongoing farmers' protest would be decided by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, which is leading the movement against the three farm laws."
Senior farmer leader and SKM member Darshan Pal said false allegations were being levelled against farmers that they have blocked roads, which have been rejected by us since day one.
Three farm laws will also be withdrawn soon: Rahul
PNS n NEW DELHI
After the Delhi Police started removing barricades at the farmers' protest site in Ghazipur, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said the three "anti-agriculture" farm laws would also be withdrawn soon. "Only artificial barricades have been removed so far, soon the three anti-agriculture laws will also be withdrawn. Hail Annadata Satyagraha," he said in a tweet in Hindi, using the hashtag 'FarmersProtest'. The Delhi Police on Friday started removing the barricades and concertina wires it had put in place at the anti-farm laws protest site at Ghazipur on the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border. Multiple layers of iron and cement barricades, and at least five layers of concertina wires were put up last year, and further strengthened after the January 26 violence this year during the farmers' protest against the three contentious farm laws. Deputy Commissioner of Police (east) Priyanka Kashyap said Friday, "The process of removing barricades on NH-9 has been started. The temporary barricading is being removed to ease out vehicular movement.
Pal said at Singhu border, farmers have occupied the portion of road which is already closed for traffic due to construction of a flyover.
"Now, the exercise of removal of barricades by the
police clearly proves our point that it was the police that have blocked roads and not the farmers. We never created any problem. Any bottleneck from our side will also be cleared for traffic movement," Pal told
PTI. Any decision to entirely clear
both carriageways of roads or march towards Delhi will be taken by the SKM, he added.
"So far, there is no call to go to Delhi. Any future course of action will be decided in a meeting of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha," Pal said.
Thousands of farmers have been camping at the three borders points -- Tikri, Singhu and Ghazipur -- protesting the Centre's three farm laws since November 26, 2020.
While the protesting farmers have been claiming that the three laws enacted last year are against their interest, the Centre has been saying these legislations are pro-farmer.
The Delhi Police on Thursday evening started removing the barricades and concertina wires it had put in place at the anti-farm laws protest site at Tikri Border on Delhi-Rohtak highway. Similar action was initiated at Ghazipur on the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border on Friday morning.
Farmer leader and a representative of Rastriya Kisan Majdoor Sabha, Abhimanyu Kohar said the decision to remove barricades has vindicated the farmers' stand and will ease traffic movement at the borders.
"For the last 11 months, we have been saying that farmers never blocked roads as we are simply protesting against farm laws. Today we are proved right. It is good that traffic will now be able to move at borders," Kohar said.
INDO-PACIFIC REGION
Need rules-based order that respects sovereignty, territorial integrity: EAM
PNS n NEW DELHI
India believes that for common prosperity and security in the Indo-Pacific region there is a need to evolve through dialogue a common rules-based order that respects sovereignty, territorial integrity and equality of all nations, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said.
His remarks come amid growing global concern over China's military muscle-flexing in the region.
Addressing the 4th IndoPacific Business Forum on
Thursday, Jaishankar said the Indo-Pacific reflects the reality of globalisation, the emergence of multipolarity and the benefits of rebalancing.
"It underlines both our inter-
dependence and interpenetration. As we speak of common good and common efforts, it is natural that this is addressed amongst other means, through a business forum," he said.
India sees the Indo-Pacific as a free, open and inclusive region which embraces all in a common pursuit of progress and prosperity, Jaishankar said.
It includes all nations in this geography and also draws others beyond who have a stake in it, he said.
"India believes that our common prosperity and security
requires us to evolve through dialogue a common rules-based order for the region. Such an order must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, international law as well as equality of all nations," Jaishankar said.
"It envisages that countries should have access to the use of common spaces on sea and in the air that would require freedom of navigation and overflights, unimpeded commerce and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law," he said.
BEST driver injured in accident dies
PNS n MUMBAI
A driver for the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus, who was injured in an accident with a dumper truck, died here on Friday, a civic official said.
Eight persons were injured, five of them seriously, on Wednesday when a BEST bus rammed into a dumper truck in Khodadad area of Dadar in central Mumbai.
Bus driver Rajendra Kale (52) died while undergoing treatment at the civic-run Sion Hospital in the morning, while three injured persons, including bus conductor, are in a critical condition, the official said.
Mamata parries question on her being in race for PM post in 2024
PNS n PANAJI
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday deflected questions about whether she will be in the race for the prime minister's post in the next general elections.
"If I tell you everything right now what I will tell later?" she told reporters while responding to a question if she is running for the country's top post in 2024.
Speculation is rife that after her party Trinamool Congress's resounding victory in the West Bengal Assembly polls earlier this year, Banerjee eyes to take up a larger role in national politics prior to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The TMC supremo is on a
three-day visit to Goa from Thursday evening as her party has announced its decision to contest the Goa Assembly elections slated early next year.
When asked whether the motive behind her party TMC
contesting the upcoming Goa polls was part of larger plan of the next Lok Sabha elections, Banerjee said, "We will contest the elections in 2024."
"We are transparent. We don't play hide and seek. We are a transparent party," she asserted.
When another journalist asked the same question, Banerjee said in a lighter vein, "Why don't you contest the election for PM's post. You are media, you can also contest."
TMC's poll strategist for Goa elections, Prashant Kishor, had recently said the BJP will remain at the centre of Indian politics for the next several decades and the party will not go anywhere irrespective of whether it wins or loses.
REDUCING CHILD MORTALITY
Nationwide
expansion of
PCV launched
PNS n NEW DELHI
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday launched the nationwide expansion of the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV), and said it will help reduce childhood mortality by around 60 per cent.
The Union minister also released communication and awareness packages on the vaccine which will be shared with all states and union territories.
Speaking on the occasion, he said it is for the first time in the country that the PCV will be available for universal use.
Noting that pneumonia is a leading cause of death among children under the age of five globally and in India, he said, "Pneumonia caused by pneumococcus is the most common cause of severe pneumonia in children. In India, around 16 per cent of deaths in children occur due to pneumonia. The nationwide roll out of PCV will reduce child mortality by around 60 per cent".
Highlighting the importance of healthy children in
any country's growth, productivity and development, Mandaviya said, "Children are the future of our country and it is our responsibility to provide them a healthy life.
"Mission Indradhanush, which was launched by the prime minister, is one such endeavour in this regard. The vision of 'Sabko vaccine, muft vaccine' by the
prime minister guiding the COVID-19 vaccination programme has ensured that the eligible population gets access to COVID-19 vaccines across the country," he said.
The launch of PCV will further ensure healthy growth and development of our children, apart from reducing child mortality, he said while congratulating all the immunisation staff, health care workers and the officials for their efforts in the roll out of this life-saving vaccine. While releasing the communication package for the vaccine, Mandaviya exhorted that creating awareness regarding the vaccine is a vital component. The objective of the vaccine is to save the lives of our children and this would be possible if we run a success-
`Will end Inspector Raj, make traders partner in Punjab'
PNS n CHANDIGARH
AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said if voted to power in Punjab in next year's Assembly polls, his party will put an end to the "Inspector Raj", create a congenial atmosphere for industries to flourish and make traders a partner in the state's growth.
He also promised to clear the pending VAT refunds of traders and businessmen in three-four months and provide roundthe-clock electricity to the industries in the state if the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is voted to power.
Addressing a gathering of traders and businessmen in Bathinda on the concluding day of his two-day Punjab visit, the Delhi chief minister said, "Our goal is to create a prosperous Punjab and lead it towards progress. We will provide a crime-free and corruption-free
government." On the first day of his visit,
Kejriwal had met farmers in Mansa. He had held a meeting with the industry representatives in Ludhiana last month.
AAP's Punjab affairs incharge Raghav Chadha, Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly Harpal Cheema, state AAP president and MP Bhagwant Mann and MLA Aman Arora were present at the event in Bathinda.
Kejriwal said the AAP works with a clear intent.
"We will give you an honest
government in Punjab like in Delhi. We ended the Inspector Raj and the Raid Raj in Delhi," he said.
Kejriwal said Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi has also said he will make traders a partner in the state's growth and end the "Inspector Raj". "Why doesn't he do it now? Because they do not have the intent, their intention is bad," he alleged.
"When we did so many things during our 49-day stint in Delhi (AAP's first term in the national capital), why can't Channi? This is why I say to copy the Aam Aadmi Party is easy, but the implementation is difficult," Kejriwal said.
Responding to the concerns of some traders about the alleged "goonda tax", he said after coming to power, the AAP will ensure that traders can run their businesses without any fear.
29 J&K children
join Army School
under Operation
Sadbhavana
PNS n PITHORAGARH (UKD)
Twenty nine students from Jammu and Kashmir were enrolled for Classes VIII and IX at Gen BC Joshi Army Public School here under Operation Sadbhavana on Friday.
As many as 26 boys and three girls, who hail from remote regions of Jammu and Kashmir, will pursue their studies at the school free of cost under this initiative, Capt Kuldeep of the Indian Army said.
The entire cost of their education will be met by the Indian Army, he said.
Operation Sadbhavana is a goodwill initiative undertaken by the Indian Army to help the people of Kashmir join the mainstream of the society.
Maha: Tribal leaders detained; people asked to withdraw
PNS n NAGPUR
The police on Friday detained tribal leaders and sent back people who were staging a sit-in protest against a mining project at Surjagarh in Etapalli tehsil of Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district.
Since the last five days, locals in the area have been staging a dharna against the iron ore mining project in Surjagarh, demanding cancellation of the lease granted to a private company. According to the police, the locals were given permission to hold a morcha and not a sit-in agitation.
Local tribals along with Zilla Parishad member Sainu Gota and member of Shetkari Kamgar Paksh Ramdas Jarate had launched an indefinite sitin protest under the aegis of
'Surjagarh Paramparik Ilaka Gotul Samiti' on Monday.
Speaking to PTI, Gadchiroli superintendent of police Ankit Goyal said some leaders at the dharna were detained and people were requested to leave and they left.
"They were given permission for a morcha and not a dharna. However, they had been staging a dharna for the last four to five days. The police and district collector visited the spot and requested protestors to withdraw the agitation," the official said.
CURBS ON ENTRY OF CITIZENS FROM KERALA
SC refuses to entertain plea against Ktk govt's move
PNS n NEW DELHI
The Supreme Court Friday refused to entertain a plea challenging the Karnataka government's decision to restrict entry from Kerala at borders of Kasaragod and Mangalore only to those having a negative RT-PCR report saying there was no violation of the fundamental rights of persons.
A bench of Justices L Nageswara Rao and B R Gavai observed that COVID has not yet ended and the conditions
imposed are not unreasonable and issued in the larger public interest.
The apex court said otherwise there is no restriction on the movement of citizens from Kerala to Karnataka.
The bench said the earlier restrictions have been relaxed by Karnataka by issuing a revised circular dated July 31, 2021, which had relaxed the requirement for RT-PCR test taken within 15 days from the date of travel.
This was done in the interest of students, business profession-
als, and others, it said. "The rights of movement of
individuals from the State of Kerala to the State of Karnataka is not restricted. There is no violation of any fundamental rights of persons in Kasargod district to travel to Mangalore or other parts of Karnataka.
Circulars issued by the State of Karnataka cannot be interfered with by this court in the interest of larger public health. Therefore we see no reason to interfere," the
bench said. The apex court granted liberty to the petitioner to make a representation to the Karnataka government on the
issue. Advocate Haris Beeran,
appearing for a Kerala MLA, submitted that the people in Kasargod depend on Mangalore city for education, medicare, and other needs.
It was also his contention that their travel to Mangalore daily has been inhibited by the circulars issued by Karnataka.
Beeran referred to the guidelines issued by the Centre to the states and Union Territories (UTs) which asked not to place any restrictions on the intra-state
movement of persons and goods by air, water, or road.
The apex court was hearing an appeal filed by Manjeshwar constituency MLA A K M Ashraf challenging the September 28 order of the Kerala High Court which had dismissed two pleas challenging the Karnataka government's decision to restrict entry from Kerala at borders of Kasaragod and Mangalore only to those having a negative RT-PCR report, saying the neighbouring state was well within its powers to issue such directions.
VIJAYAWADA | SATURDAY | OCTOBER 30, 2021
06
dailypioneer | @TheDailyPioneer | dailypioneer/
PAPER WITH PASSION
Fair play
The State's tendency to charge anyone under
the UAPA is facing sustained legal challenge
Apushback is discernible from the judiciary against the inappropriate use of the draconian Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967. The State banking on UAPA to arrest and charge anyone with terrorism is facing a sustained legal challenge. On Thursday, the Supreme Court granted bail to a Kerala youth held under UAPA since 2019 for Maoist links, saying mere association with or support to a terror organisation, the CPI-ML (Maoist) in this case, is "not sufficient" to prove the offence. The "intention of furthering the activities of a terrorist organisation" is missing, the court pointed out. The NIA court, which originally gave bail to the accused, did not prima facie find any evidence in the charge sheet showing this "intention". The Kerala High Court, which set aside the bail order, did not record this prima facie finding, the Supreme Court observed. Giving bail in UAPA cases is a cumbersome affair as the court has to satisfy itself that
there are reasonable grounds to believe that the charge of terrorism against the accused is prima facie not true. In this case, both the NIA court and the apex court came to that conclusion. It is not often that such a conclusion comes about. A prima facie analysis tests the judge's perspicacity to weigh evidence filed by the prosecution and defence. That is possible more in civil cases than UAPA cases because the evidence in the former is mostly documentary. Moreover, a Supreme Court judgment in 2019 said that a court cannot go into the merits of a case or scrutinise the admissibility of evidence when deciding on bail. As a result, in most cases, bail is ruled out. In the case of Stan Swamy, who was old, not in good health, hardly a flight risk and where the court had the power to place enough restrictions on him, bail was still not granted. One can only hope the court found a prima facie case against him. The pushback began in a startling case of judicial activism this June when the Delhi High Court gave bail to three student activists on the ground that protests, like inflammatory speeches and roadblocks, were not terrorist acts under UAPA. The court rejected the prosecution case built around WhatsApp messages and statements of witnesses who later turned "approvers" and said that tough penal laws could not be applied to ordinary protests which should be dealt with under ordinary criminal laws. The Supreme Court did not intervene in the High Court bail order while not treating it as a precedent. The court rightly felt the issue had "panIndia ramifications" and it had to "decide" on the "many questions involved" for the "good of the entire country". The judiciary has so far been restrained in ensuring that draconian provisions, arbitrarily used, do not come in the way of granting bail to the accused. That is changing. It is time to hold the State to higher standards and disallow it to get away with questionable prosecutions.
PICTALK
Bumpy road ahead
for Afghan Govt
HIRANMAY KARLEKAR
Will a bitterly divided Taliban be able to deliver an orderly Government,
especially in the wake of the factional feuds intensifying since Aug-Sept?
Will the Taliban be able to provide stability and peace to Afghanistan? The deep fault lines within, that are now apparent, warrant the question. Time was when the Ameerul-Momineen (Commander of the Faithful) Mullah Mohammad Omar's word was law for the Taliban. Nevertheless, there were factions within the Islamist militia, which emerged in 2015 when it came to be known that Mullah Omar had died on April 13, 2013, but the fact was kept a secret and Mullah Akhtar Mansour was running the organisation in his name. Mansour, who became the successor in July 2015, was killed by a US drone strike on May 21, 2016, following which Sheikh Haibatullah Akhaundzada became Ameer-ul-Momineen.
The continuing factional tussles intensified sharply during the exercise in Government formation that followed the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, with capital Kabul falling to it on August 15, 2021. The first indication of this was the fact that Zabiullah Mujahid, Taliban's chief spokesman, announced a caretaker Government with 33 Ministers as late as September 7, 2021. The need to reconcile conflicting claims for shares of ministerial berths clearly made for the delay, which was over three weeks. The argument that the Taliban were not ready with a list of ministerial nominees because they could not anticipate their lightning victory, will not wash. Their peace treaty with the US, signed on February 29, 2021, which came in the midst of their violently extending their sway over progressively wider chunks of Afghan territory, was widely regarded as paving the way, wittingly or unwittingly, for their not-so-distant accession to power in Afghanistan. This and the fact that they themselves were confident about victory, should certainly have prompted them to have the blueprint for a Government and a list of potential Ministers ready -- particularly when Pakistan was regularly providing them with guidance.
It is now clear that the Taliban had neither such a list nor a blueprint for governance ready. Hence the factional struggle in which the
main contenders were the faction identified with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, dominant in Kandahar, and the one headed by the Haqqani family active in the Paktia, Paktika and Khost provinces in eastern Afghanistan close the Pakistan, as well as northwestern Pakistan.
Media reportage as well as the train of events are revealing. Tolo News, a 24-hoursseven-days-a-week Afghan news channel, reported on September 3, 2021, that Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar (who headed the Islamist militia's political office in Doha) would lead the Government-to-be in Afghanistan. It also said that Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, Taliban co-founder Mullah Mohammad Omar's son, and Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai would hold senior positions in the Government.
As it turned out, it was not Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar but Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund who was to head the "caretaker" Government announced by the Taliban on September 7, 2021. Mullah Baradar was named his deputy along with Moulavi Abdul Salam Hanafi, a prominent Uzbek member of the negotiating team. Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob got the Defence portfolio. Stanekzai
THE MISTRUST AND ANTIPATHY
ARE GOING TO INCREASE AS THE BARADAR FACTION
WANTS THE GOVERNMENT TO
BE INCLUSIVE AND ADOPT A MODERATE STANCE ON ISSUES LIKE HUMAN RIGHTS
WHILE THE HAQQANI FACTION RETAINS A HARD-
LINE APPROACH
was marginalised and made Deputy Foreign Minister, with Amir Khan Muttaqi, a negotiator at the Afghan-American Doha peace talks, as Foreign Minister.
Sirajuddin Haqqani, son of Jalaluddin Haqqani, the founder of the Haqqani network, got the key Interior Ministry while Mullah Hidayatullah Badri received Finance, and Sheikh Moulavi Noorullah Munir and Mullah Khairullah Khairkhwa, Education and Information and Broadcasting respectively. All of them had "acting" prefixed to their designations as it was a caretaker Government. Sheikh Haibatullah Akhaundzada, it was said, would remain the supreme leader, the ultimate authority over the group's political, religious and military affairs, that he has held since 2016.
The expansion announced on October 19, which increased the Cabinet's strength to 50, further reflected a balancing act between the Baradar and Haqqani factions, with the possibility that the appointment of Mullah Mohammad Ibrahim as Deputy Minister for Internal Security was a placatory gesture to the Baradar faction, to which he belongs, as Sirajuddin Haqqani has been made Interior Minister.
There have been, of course, more visible signs of
factional conflict. Mullah Baradar was reportedly hurt on September 3, 2021, when his supporters clashed with those of the Haqqanis in Kabul and Khalil-ul-Rahman Haqqani reportedly punched him. Baradar disappeared after the incident, triggering speculation that he had died in the clash, but issued a statement on September 13 dispelling the conjecture. He returned to Kabul in early October but the report that he has refused to accept official security, and has brought his own security staff from Kandahar, shows the depth of mistrust and antipathy that continues between his and the Haqqani factions.
The mistrust and antipathy are going to increase as the Baradar faction wants the Afghan Government to be inclusive and adopt a moderate stance on issues like human rights, particularly in respect of women, while the Haqqani faction retains a hard-line approach. Mutual accusations will fly if the economy remains prostrate. There will also be violent challenges from terrorist outfits like the Islamic State of Khorasan Province. The Taliban have a bumpy road ahead.
(The author is Consulting Editor, The Pioneer. The views expressed are personal.)
People shop for Diwali items in a fair at the Blind Relief Association, in New Delhi
Ranjan Dimri | The Pioneer
Farming for votes
The situation has turned against the Congress
in Punjab and the AAP looks to take advantage
The Congress party was in the driver's seat in Punjab's politics when Charanjit Singh Channi, the party's Dalit face, was appointed the Chief Minister just last month. Apparently, the picture has changed over the last few weeks and the grand old party's Punjab prospects might need a booster shot to get back on course. The two main reasons causing worry to the grand old party are former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and the latter seems ready to harvest all the electoral benefits arising out of the prevailing political atmosphere. While the BJP's significance in the State is pretty limited -- its vote share declined from 8.21 per cent in 2007 to 5.4
per cent in 2017 -- the Captain, who has met Union Home Minister Amit Shah thrice since tendering his resignation, can render heavy damage to the Congress prospects as he is said to enjoy considerable influence over Jat farmers. Punjab's politics has lately been driven by personal prospects; earlier Navjot Singh Sidhu was acting like an "unguided missile" and now the Captain has become a wounded lion who'd give it all to make the Congress pay for "humiliating" him. Further, Kejriwal, who's on a two-day visit to Punjab, his second visit to the State this month in the run-up to the Assembly elections early next year, has already fortified his party's position after it emerged the second-largest party in the 2017 Assembly elections. Clearly, it's all against the Congress in Punjab and how its leaders attempt to protect one of the only three party-ruled States is the synopsis of Indian politics. Just like Ayodhya is the launchpad of Uttar Pradesh's political spectrum, farmers have become the epicentre of Punjab politics and Kejriwal is playing just the right strings. His current Punjab visit too has freebies, this time only calculated ones. Making a bold promise, he said on Thursday: "After April 1, 2022, the farmers and labourers in Punjab will not be forced to commit suicide due to crop failure. This is my promise and Kejriwal does what he says." He also promised to make agriculture profitable, of course if voted to power. With the Congress in a confused state and the farmers' agitation heading into its first anniversary, the AAP's electoral prospects in Punjab have increased. But whether it translates into storming the fort remains to be seen.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
SOUNDBITE
IT'S TOUGH TERRAIN FOR THE CONGRESS Sir -- The Congress being the prime Opposition party, with the vast experience of ruling the country for over five decades, is now naturally entrusted with the responsibility to voice its due concern and draw the Government's attention to the latter's Achilles heels in dealing with the problems people face in various sectors, besides suggesting some pragmatic remedies as well. But for this to happen, the party needs to keep its own house in order in the first place.
The recent CWC meeting presided by the interim president Sonia Gandhi actually came across as a damage control exercise in this regard and which concluded sans any brouhaha against the expectations harboured by the party's political rivals as Sonia Gandhi succeeded in prevailing upon the sidelined G23 leaders to fall in line with the party's constitution by acceding to their longstanding demand for conducting the organisational elections including that of a fulltime party president after the upcoming Assembly elections in the six States are over. Moreover, the interim president called a meeting of the party general secretaries and State-incharges along with UP Congress presidents on October 26, wherein she discussed the `Jan Jagran Abhiyan' with a view to strengthening the Congress's base.
Azhar A Khan | Rampur
ADDRESS THE CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUE Sir -- In the forthcoming Conference of Parties (COP), the assistance that developing countries such as India need for mitigating carbon emissions, adapting to a warming world and insisting on a firm, transparent framework that lays out how this can be met, will be the points of discussion. Thus, adopting the stand that a national deadline for net zero carbon dioxide emissions is uncalled for, given its moral claim to a far greater share of the remaining global carbon budget.
The budget, which represents the estimated volume of future emissions that will allow global average temperature rise to be kept within safe limits -- well below
Gone too early, Power Star
Puneeth Rajkumar (1975 ? 2021) was an Indian actor known for his versatile acting in Kannada films. His jubilant face and kind nature were well known in both his reel and real life. His sudden death at a very early age of 43 years is shocking and heartbreaking. It leaves his family, friends, fans and well-wishers in grief. Rajkumar made an early debut in the film industry. It would be fair to say that he grew up on sets as he made his debut in films as a six-month-old
infant -- a cameo appearance in Premada Kanike (1976). Most of his earlier films had his father Rajkumar, play his on-screen father as well. He ended his childhood appearances with the action film Parashuram.
Fondly known as `Power Star' and `Appu', Puneeth's first lead role came opposite Rakshita in Appu (2002). He acted in about 29 movies and won many awards, including State awards and Filmfare awards, among others. Many people in the Indian film industry are passing away at a very young age. This shows that the Indian film industry urgently needs to imbibe practices that help the artistes manage stress and other issues that become the cause of premature death. A good lifestyle, among other positive habits, should be incorporated not only by the actors but everybody. It is true that death is inevitable, but that does not mean one should indulge in practices that make us leave behind our loved ones way earlier than we should.
Madhu PV | Secunderabad
2?C or 1.5?C under the Paris Agreement -- must be "shared by all countries." India, it points out, will again rely on its historical energy poverty, underdevelopment and low per capita emissions to convince the world that a net zero target is incongruous with the present reality.
Krishnan Ramani | Calicut
AN EMERGING HUB OF INVESTMENTS Sir -- Having lived in Uttar Pradesh since 1978, I found the recent development in the State monumental and outstanding. With the Delhi Metro almost touching Ghaziabad in UP, we can see Noida, Vaishali are just at a stone's distance from the Capital. Uttar Pradesh has achieved various milestones of development in the last four-and-a-half years. Making its mark as a frontrunner in sustainable, equitable and inclusive growth, the State Government not only successfully handled the challenges posed by the COVID19 pandemic, but also converted the dis-
aster into an opportunity by pursuing the goal with greater force and fast growth momentum.
The Government's model of COVID management has been acknowledged not only in the country but also globally. UP was a backward State and it was a crime center but with the BJP taking over, the situation has changed drastically. And, now the State is moving towards a milestone of achievements and that changed the entire State drastically. With vast development and a harmonious law and order situation, more and more foreign investments are coming into the State because of the amenable condition here. As we would like to see, the current team is going to continue for a further period. We can witness a backward State becoming a booming State.
MR Jayanthi | Coimbatore
Send your feedback to: letterstopioneer@
After April 1, 2022, no farmers or farm labourers in Punjab will die by suicide due to crop failure. This is my promise.
Delhi Chief Minister -- Arvind Kejriwal
Today we are seen as a social media company. But in our DNA, we are a company that builds technology to connect people.
Facebook CEO -- Mark Zuckerberg
Instead of saving money for your daughter's wedding day, save it for her education and prepare her for herself.
Actor -- Samantha
Shutting the critics down? No, never. That's the world of sport. When you ride the highs, you've got to ride the lows.
Australia batsman -- David Warner
I reiterate that the Aryan Khan drug case is completely bogus. The kids were deliberately framed in this case.
NCP leader -- Nawab Malik
VIJAYAWADA | SATURDAY | OCTOBER 30, 2021
07
dailypioneer | @TheDailyPioneer | dailypioneer/
FIRSTCOLUMN
WHY THE COP26 ISN'T LIKELY TO DELIVER
Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin are not even showing up for the conference
GWYNNE DYER
The world is on a catastrophic pathway to 2.7?C of heating," said UN Secretary General Ant?nio Guterres. "There is a high risk of failure of COP26." That's the global climate summit that meets every five years to plot a course away from climate disaster. And it really isn't looking good. COP26 starts on October30 in Glasgow but much that should already have happened has not happened. The draft texts are only half-done due to the pandemic. Neither China's President Xi Jinping nor President Vladimir Putin of Russia is even showing up. This meeting is the last chance to keep average global temperature below +1.5?C. That target was adopted at the last summit in Paris in 2015. Reaching that Paris goal, however, would require a 45 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2030. That's not unthinkable if we treated this as an existential emergency but the grim fact is that we have never yet managed to cut global emissions at all. "We are not going to get to a 45 per cent reduction," admitted a UN official, "but there must be some level of contributions on the table to show the downward trend of emissions." Why would a conference full of highly educated, well informed and mostly well-intentioned people behave like this? They're not wicked people, and almost all of them do know the truth. They just cannot afford to get too far ahead of the people they lead. A
majority of citizens in almost every country worry about global heating, but dramatic change isn't possible because it hasn't reached their `pain threshold' yet. That phrase acquired its political meaning during the American war in Vietnam.
The idea was that a gradually escalating US bombing campaign would make the North Vietnamese government stop trying to reunite the country by force when the damage to North Vietnam reached its `threshold of pain'. `Operation Rolling Thunder' lasted three years, but it never did find the Hanoi regime's pain threshold. Similarly, the accumulating damage to people and property done by various sorts of wild weather has not yet reached the population's pain threshold anywhere except for a few low-lying island countries that are already close to going underwater. On our current track, we will irrevocably commit to +1.5?C by 2029 or 2030, but the time lag with CO2 means that the immediate effects of even that abject failure might not be severe enough to shock a critical mass of people into action. So, what can usefully be done while we wait for the heating to reach our collective pain threshold? The best hope at the moment is the Global Methane Pledge, whose supporters promise to cut their methane emissions by 30 per cent by 2030.Methane has accounted for at least a third of the warming so far, but it allows for a quick partial fix for two reasons. It stays in the atmosphere a far shorter time than CO2 - eight years instead of 200 - so emission cuts show quick results. And one source of methane in particular is cheap, low-hanging fruit: the fossil-fuel industry. Just stop flaring unwanted gas and fix all the leaks in almost 3 million km. of gas pipelines, and the 30 per cent cut is a done deal. Not only that, it will practically pay for itself, since you can burn the saved methane. It will produce carbon dioxide, of course, but that's a 200-year problem and we need results now. Almost forty countries have already made the methane pledge. We could even delay +1.5?C down into the 2030s, and something else might turn up by then. Grasping at straws, perhaps, but what's the better option?
(Gwynne Dyer's new book is `The Shortest History of War'. The views expressed are personal.)
100 crore jabs: Govt
system can deliver ALOKRANJAN
The record must not lull us into a sense of complacency. The warlike effort must continue so that there is no possibility of the pandemic striking back in the form of a third wave
October 21, 2021 was a momentous day when India achieved the remarkable figure of 100 crore (onebillion) vaccinations. Next to China this is the highest in the world and it has been made possible by untiring coordinated efforts over the last 10 months. The whole exercise of vaccination has been done in a campaign mode. The credit for this must, undoubtedly, go to the political will from the top at the Center and the States and the effort put in by the entire Government system with its civil service and health care administration providing the leadership and the healthcare workers taking care of the last mile delivery.
We got off to a slow start in January and there was also the debatable issue of vaccine--maitri whereby around six crore doses were exported to other countries. However, the drastic second wave of Coronavirus sent the entire country into a state of shock bringing forth the realization that the only way out was to vaccinate the eligible population with both doses at the earliest possible to prevent further disaster through the third wave.
Accordingly, the Prime Minister gave a clarion call for vaccinating the entire adult population by December 31. Initially, the progress was slow and there was a lot of cynicism about India's ability to achieve this ambitious goal. There was the policy issue of vaccine being procured by the States which led to a lot of problems and the policy was revised to have the procurement done by Government of India. This was indeed a very positive policy amendment without which this 100-crore figure would never have been realized.
There were a lot of people who doubted the capacity of the government system to deliver. Concerns were raised about the availability of vaccines, the transportation of vaccines to the remotest areas, the existence of a cold chain, the availability of trained vaccinators, the actual conduct of the vaccination, the record keeping, the wastage of vaccines and many other similar issues. No doubt, delivering vaccine to every part of the country was by no means an easy task and required high level coordination, team spirit, motivation, inspiration, decision making, communication and leadership at all levels.
The vaccine manufacturers had to be given the demand well in time so that they could augment their facilities and schedule their production accordingly. They had to be given necessary financial assistance from the Government and a mechanism developed where payment for vaccine bought could be made on time so that there is no disruption in the flow. Thereafter the existing cold chain and other infrastructure used for the massive child immunization programmeshad to be made ready to receive and handle the Covid vaccines.
Vaccination centers had to be setup
SUCH A VAST AND COMPLEX GOVERNANCE
EXERCISE INVOLVING COORDINATION AT VARIOUS LEVELS IS A HUGE TASK AND DUE CREDIT MUST BE GIVEN TO THE ENTIRE TEAM TO HAVE ACHIEVED IT. THE PRIME MINISTER HAD RIGHTLY SAID THAT VACCINATION WOULD HAVE TO BE CARRIED OUT IN THE ELECTION MODE
(The writer is former Chief Secretary,
Government of Uttar Pradesh. The views expressed are personal.)
at thousands of points so that the citizen does not have to travel far to get vaccinated. Then the huge army of vaccinators had to be trained in such a short time. There after duties were assigned to employees and officers to run these centers and ensure hassle free vaccination.The problem was far more acute in the rural areas where the basic infrastructure is not of the same level as the cities. The entire exercise was managed through a Cowin portal developed by the national health authority through which you could fix your appointment for vaccination and also get the certificates. There was some debate about the usefulness of Cowin for those not having access to internet facility but the issues were ironed out and the result is that 100 crore vaccinations has been reached.
Such a vast and complex governance exercise involving coordination at various levels is a huge task and due credit must be given to the entire team to have achieved it. In my 38 years of experience as a civil servant the only exercise that canbe a parallel to this is the conduct of nationwide elections. The Prime Minister had rightly said that vaccination would have to be done in the election mode. Just like elections all arms of the government had to work together to make this vaccination possible. It required a lot of daily coordination between Government of India and the State Government. Thereafter the leadership had to be
given by the political executive at the state level and prompt decision making by the policy planners like the Secretary and Director. Finally, it was the district where action took place under the leadership of the District Magistrate and the Chief medical officer.
The last-mile delivery was made possible by the health workers including Asha and Anganwadi workers. In rural areas vaccination had to be taken to the door step of the people. I could witness a tremendous sense of enthusiasm amongst all concerned with the vaccination process. My personal experience of vaccination was also very good as I found that the vaccination centers were being managed very efficiently with full courtesy and protocol. There was vaccine hesitancy in quite a few people and a lot of communication was required to convince the citizens to come forward for the vaccination. The point I want to make is that very often people have a negative perception about government officers and employees.
This vaccination drive has shown the entire government system in positive colors. The entire system has risen to the occasion in response to the challenge of the pandemic in a most professional and effective manner. To a large extent the government must take the blame for not being able to anticipate the coming of the second wave and then not being able to respond adequately to it. There was a definite failure to provide oxygen,
ICU beds and medicines during the height of the second wave. However, with the success of the vaccination so far, the government system has been able to redeem itself to a large extent.
The battle is not over and the momentum has to be continued to meet the target of vaccinating the entire adult population by December 31. We must celebrate attaining the 100 crore figure but it must not lull us into a sense of complacency. The war-like effort must continue so that there is no possibility of the Pandemic striking back in the form of a third wave. There are lessons to be drawn from the success story of vaccination for the future overhaul of the public health system which is in urgent need of being modernized and upgraded.
The Center as well as the States will have to focus on spending a larger portion of their expenditure on health care. More Doctors, nurses and paramedics are required necessitating the opening of more educational institutions to cater to this demand. District hospitals need to be converted into centers of excellence and primary health care centers made operational. The pandemic has exposed the poor State of health infrastructure in the rural areas which needs to be addressed on priority. The success of the vaccination drive has shown that this is possible and the same leadership, team spirit and motivation are required to transform the public health sector.
POINTCOUNTERPOINT
I WILL NOT FORGIVE ANY OFFICIAL OF THE DISTRICT, POLICE OR THE PWD WHO IGNORES
WHAT MY PEOPLE SAY. --UTTAR PRADESH DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER
KESHAV PRASAD MAURYA
A GOVERNMENT OFFICER IS SUPPOSED TO WORK AS PER RULES AND REGULATIONS, NOT ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE BJP. --SAMAJWADI PARTY SPOKESPERSON ABDUL HAFIZ GANDHI
How much to spend, and how much we must save
Thrift is the habit of procuring goods and services only when necessary and in a restrained manner, avoiding wastage and extravagance
The biggest beneficiary in the festive season, Dussehra to Diwali particularly in north India, is the marketer. A significant number of them especially the sweets and garment dealers earn as much in a few days as in the entire year. The colourfully decorated, well-lit markets and makeshift shops attract buyers with special offers, discounts and incentives stimulating the customers' shopping urge. The choicest items in the shopping list are apparels, upholstery, linens, kitchenware. Many book a new vehicle or home. A reflexively parsimonious person also buys something tangible on these `auspicious' days. The buoyant spending goes on till the New Year, and beyond.
The tendency of indiscriminate buying leads to accu-
HARISH BARTHWAL
The writer is a blogger and writes on social and health issues. The views expressed
are personal.)
mulation of unwanted goods, machinery and equipment in an already diminishing residential, commercial, government and industrial spaces. "Thrift was never more necessary in the world's history than it is today," said the noted US banker Francis H. Sisson. Our age and times warrant exercising utmost thrift in any additional purchases for multiple reasons.
Thrift or frugality is not a derogatory term;being frugal doesn't mean going by the lowest price or compromising on quality; it doesn't mean depriving oneself of pleasures of life either. Thrift is the habit of procuring goods and services only when necessary, and in a restrained manner, avoiding wastage and extravagance. Frugality empowers one to
devote resources to a cause that is worthwhile and meaningful. By observing frugality, you bring your money under your control.
Kitchen items like mixergrinder, coffee maker, dough kneaders; medical equipment like blood pressure or sugar level devices, etc. often procured on an impulse remain idle for years and are eventually discarded or handed over for repair, never to be duly brought back.
Purchases are at times made as status symbol irrespective of utility. There are examples of government offices procuring scientific equipment at enormous cost that were hardly or never used, for any reason, thus entailing colossal wastage apart from blocking precious space. A 2016 CAG report on National Health Mission deplored that life-saving equipment like blood storage units, ultrasound and X-ray machines worth crores of rupees remained unutilised since skilled manpower to run the advanced machines was not in place. In fact, the disposal of the unwanted materials itself turns out to be a formidable problem. Apart from occupying precious spaces, such junk creates negative, counter-productive vibes. The
message is loud and clear: before you buy something, consider whether you actually need it.
In an era when many oldsters hardly have children around, they can bank on their savings to meet their necessary needs of products and services. Here is a take for youngsters: espouse frugality from early years. Concrete savings provide not only a cushion to meet unforeseen financial needs but also feeling of security, a dire need of the aged. To promote a saving habit in a planned way as in banks (rather than under the mattresses) among people at large, World Savings Bank Institute (WSBI) has been sponsoring World Savings (or Thrift) Day annually on October 31 since 1925 (in
India it is celebrated on October 30). Through formal savings not only the young generations find themselves in a `socially and economically safe environment' but such funds do contribute to development agenda of the nations.
On the flip side, emphasis on savings can create imbalances. Mark the massive food grains being dropped into the ocean or elsewhere because the procurement was far in excess of storage facilities, or cooked food items stored in refrigerators being thrown out as they could not be consumed in time. Apropos also of many grandparents who grew up in poverty and whose savings accounts usually remained unknown to their kith and kin even posthumously and ultimately their hard-earned
deposits were appropriated by bankers in absence of claimants.
On the other extreme is the younger generation unmindful of Benjamin Franklin's precept, "beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship". They prefer a lifestyle of spending to the extent their wallets or credit cards permit, an addiction of sorts. After making every one a debtor in developed countries, the plastic money kingpins now have eyes set on high salaried Indian youth. For every 100 persons at a workplace in metro cities there are 150 credit cards - not a good sign. It is time for us to take stock of how much do we actually need in our life time vis?-vis our resources, and how much to store for the future.
VIJAYAWADA | SATURDAY | OCTOBER 30, 2021
Money 08
Modi holds talks with EU on
trade, COVID & global issues
PNS n ROME
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen here and held an extensive discussion covering trade and investment ties, climate change, COVID-19, global and regional developments. This was Prime Minister Modi's first official engagement after he arrived here to participate in the G20 Summit where he will join other leaders in discussions on global economic and health recovery from COVID-19, sustainable development and climate change.
"Official engagements in Rome begin with a productive interaction with @eucopresident Charles Michel and @vonderleyen, President of the @EU_Commission. The leaders discussed ways to enhance economic as well as people-to-people linkages aimed at creating a better planet," Prime Minister's Office said in a tweet.
After their meeting,
Ministry of external Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that they held "extensive discussion" on a number of key issues.
"Deepening ties between India and EU! PM @narendramodi met European Council President Charles Michel @eucopresident & European Commission President @vonderleyen. An extensive discussion covering trade & investment ties, climate change, COVID-19, global &
regional developments," Bagchi said on Twitter.
After the meeting, European Commission President Leyen said it was "good to meet" Prime Minister Modi.
"Good to meet @narendramodi. Our strategic agenda is on the right track. We agreed that our trade negotiators will start to work.
We`ll deepen our cooperation on climate including on innovation & technology Looking forward to cooperat-
ing in the Indo-Pacific
#EUGlobalGateway," she said
on twitter. The 15th India-EU
summit, held in virtual mode
in July 2020, was attended by
Prime Minister Modi,
European Council President
Michel and European
Commission President Leyen.
In 2020, India was the EU's
10th largest trading partner
accounting for 1.8 per cent of
EU's total bilateral trade in
goods. India-EU bilateral trade
in goods in 2020 was valued at
Euro 65.30 billion.
India-EU bilateral relations
date back to the early 1960s
with India being amongst the
first countries to establish
diplomatic relations with the
European
Economic
Community in 1962.
The first India-EU Summit
took place on 28 June 2000 in
Lisbon. The relationship was
upgraded to a `Strategic
Partnership' during the 5th
India-EU Summit held in 2004
in The Hague.
The 27-member EU is a
political and economic bloc
comprising 27 member states
located primarily in Europe.
Dalmia Cement to set up Rs 577 crore plant in Bokaro
PNS n RANCHI
Dalmia Cement will set-up a
2 million tonne plant at
Jharkhand's Bokaro at an
estimated cost of Rs 577
crore, Jharkhand government
said on Friday.
The Jharkhand govern-
ment has ensured allotment
of land for the cement plant,
a statement from the state
government said.
The cement maker had
expressed commitment in
this regard during the
Jharkhand Industrial and
Investment Promotion Policy
(JIIPP) 2021 in New Delhi on
August 28, launched by Chief
Minister Hemant Soren.
"The Jharkhand govern-
ment has made available 16
acres land for the project to
the company at Balidih in
Bokaro as per the
Memorandum
of
Understanding within the
timeframe and lease deed
has been executed.
CARBON EMISSIONS
India, other countries should reach net-zero target by 2050
PNS n NEW DELHI
India and other countries, which are big emitters of greenhouse gases, should reach the net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050 together, former deputy chairman of erstwhile Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia said on Friday.
Addressing a virtual event organised by economic think tank ICRIER, Montek further said each country should put forward its reduction in carbon emission trajectory consistent with development objectives.
"India and all other big emitters should reach net-zero carbon emission by 2050 together," he said.
Net-zero emissions mean that the world is not adding new emissions to the atmosphere.
He also said technological developments now make it possible for India to offer a netzero trajectory, including peak emissions in the next decade and then reduce them to netzero over time.
"Adopt approach, which is
trajectory-based, and accept the fact that developed countries should reach net-zero early while developing countries can reach net-zero later," Montek said.
Also, speaking at the event, Ajay Shah, research professor of business, Jindal Global Business School, said, "To finance climate actions, we need a decentralised model where resource flows go to state and local governments rather than to just the central government".
Manjeev Singh Puri, distinguished Fellow and on the advisory board of TERI, said India will be taking some of the
world's largest climate actions in the years to come.
Recently, India had underlined that the target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 should be based on the principle of equity, with developing countries peaking later, given their respective sustainable development paths, while developed countries should do a Net-Minus.
Recently, UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres had stressed that emissions must fall by half by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions no later than 2050 to reach the 1.5 Celsius goal of the Paris Agreement.
Wheels India clears additional Sensex slumps 678 pts;
Nifty ends below 17,700 capex of Rs 37 cr: MD
PNS n CHENNAI
according to its Managing
Director, Srivats Ram. "We
The board of steel wheels have cleared a further capex of PNS n MUMBAI manufacturer Wheels India Rs 37 crore to enable service
has cleared a further capital global demand in the con- Equity benchmark Sensex
RBI board
expenditure of Rs 37 crore to struction equipment and wind enable ser ve the global mill segments. At the begindemand in the construction ning of the year, the company
tanked 678 points on Friday, tracking losses in index majors Reliance Industries, Infosys
reviews
equipment and wind mill seg- had planned a capex of Rs 99
ments, a top official of the crore this is in addition to
company said on Friday.
that...", he told reporters.
and HDFC Bank amid a weak trend in global markets.
The 30-share index plunged
economic
The fresh capex is in addi- The increase in the capital tion to the Rs 99 crore which expenditure was driven by the city-headquartered com- demand which has been in
677.77 points or 1.13 per cent to end at 59,306.93. Similarly, the NSE Nifty fell 185.60
situation
pany had already planned at excess of what expected, he the beginning of the year, said.
points or 1.04 per cent to 17,671.65.
Tech Mahindra was the top
loser in the Sensex pack, shed-
PNS n MUMBAI
ding over 3 per cent, followed by NTPC, IndusInd tinued to witness selling as weak even as the ECB decid-
The Central Board of
Bank, Kotak Bank and energy and private bank ed to keep policy rates
Directors of the RBI on
Reliance Industries.
stocks remained under pres- unchanged despite the infla-
Friday reviewed the current
On the other hand, sure following dull global sen- tionary pressure. US futures
domestic and global eco-
UltraTech Cement, Tata Steel, timents," said Vinod Nair, were trading in red following
nomic situation and chal-
Maruti, Titan and Dr Reddy's Head of Research at Geojit slow GDP growth and disap-
lenges. The board also delib-
were among the gainers.
Financial Services.
pointing earnings from tech
erated upon possible mea-
"The domestic market con- European markets opened giants, he noted.
sures for addressing the
emerging challenges, the
Swedish firms to double India investment ReserveBankofIndia(RBI)
said in a release. The 591st meeting of the
board was held under the
Chairmanship of Governor PNS n NEW DELHI
Sweden in Mumbai and Swedish companies' intent to im survey in May 2020, where
Shaktikanta Das. His tenure
Business Sweden.
double the investments over the only 28 per cent of respondents
as the Governor has been Unfazed by the challenges It attempts to understand the next two years. This year, the projected their revenues would
extended by three years up to posed by the COVID-19 pan- "confidence of Swedish compa- questionnaire was sent to 210 increase over the coming 12
CAIT pegs Rs December 2024.
demic, Swedish companies nies in India, to identify the Swedish companies established months," it noted.
"The board also congratu- intend to double their invest- obstacles and how they can be in India. Out of these, 190 Besides assessing the level of
50,000 cr losses to lated the Governor on his ment in the next two years in reduced".
responded, rendering a green transition and innova-
reappointment," the central India, according to the 13th "In the past five years (2015- response rate of 90 per cent. tion ecosystem in the country,
Chinese exporters bank said. According to the Business Climate Survey (BCS). 20), companies report that they According to the survey's the survey also takes into
release, the board also dis- The BCS, titled 'Towards have invested in total USD 2 findings, in the coming year, account the increase in job
this Diwali cussed the working of sub- Sustainable Growth', is con- billion in India. In the coming "80 per cent of the companies opportunities and representa-
committees of the central ducted annually since 2008 by two years (2021 and 2022), project their revenues to tion of women in the work-
board and activities of a few the Swedish Chamber of Swedish companies report that increase significantly (34 per force in India as one of the "key
Central Office Departments, Commerce India (SCCI), along they will invest close to USD 1 cent) or slightly (46 per cent)". factors" influencing business PNS n NEW DELHI including the nationwide sur- with the Embassy of Sweden in billion in India," according to "This has starkly changed dealings between the two
vey among bank customers India, the Consulate General of the survey report, underscoring when compared with our inter- nations.
Trader's body CAIT on Friday
said it estimates Chinese
Emami reports 56 pc rise in Q2 profit at Rs 185 crore
Purplle closes Rs 555-cr
funding round led by Kedaara
PNS n NEW DELHI
also participated in the funding round.
exporters to suffer business losses worth Rs 50,000 crore this Diwali season due to its boycott call. The Confede ration of All India Traders (CAIT) also expects that consumers may spend about Rs 2 lakh crore during the Diwali
Purplle, an e-commerce plat- "We are at a GMV (gross festival sale period. "Like pre-
PNS n NEW DELHI
dend at Rs 4 per equity share form for beauty products, on merchandise value) run rate of vious year, this year too CAIT of Re 1 each fully paid-up for Friday said it has raised Rs 1,200 crore. We want to has given a call of 'boycott
Kolkata-based FMCG major
the financial year 2021-22.
around Rs 555 crore (USD 75 keep growing at close to 70-80 Chinese goods' and it is cer-
Emami Ltd on Friday report-
During the latest million) in a funding round per cent year-on-year in the tain that China is going to suf-
ed a 56 per cent jump in con-
September quarter, the com- led by private equity fund next foreseeable future. We fer a business loss of about Rs
solidated profit after tax at Rs
pany said,"Demand trends Kedaara at an enterprise val- will invest in the growth.
50,000 crore in terms of stop-
185.25 crore in the second
remained steady for most of uation of Rs 4,662 crore (USD "We will invest in the peo- page of import of chinese
quarter ended September on
our brands despite a high base 630 million).
ple and at the same time build goods by Indian traders,"
the back of higher revenue
in the previous year."
The company will use the processes and systems and CAIT stated.
and cost optimisation mea-
Modern trade grew by 31 fund to grow six to eight try to build Purplle as an
CAIT Secretary General
sures.
quarter stood at Rs 788.84 per cent, while e-commerce times in the next five years institution and not another Praveen Khandelwal said a recent
The company had posted a crore as against Rs 734.82 continued its robust run through both organic and company. We will invest in survey conducted by the body's
consolidated profit after tax of crore in the year-ago quarter, growing by 2.2 times, Emami inorganic business develop- technology," Taneja said.
research arm in 20 'distribution
Rs 118.45 crore in the second it added.
said adding in Q2 FY22, e- ments, co- He said the company will cities' showed that so far no
quarter last fiscal, Emami Emami said its board of commerce business increased founder and CEO Manish invest in inorganic growth by orders for Diwali goods, fire-
said in a regulatory filing. directors in a meeting held on its contribution "by 210 basis Taneja told PTI.
investing in brands. "We have crackers or other items have been
Consolidated revenue from Friday has declared payment points to 4 per cent of the
Existing investors Sequoia been acquisitive at small lev- placed with Chinese exporters by
operations during the second of 400 per cent interim divi- domestic revenues."
Capital and Blume Ventures els in the past four years.
Indian traders or importers.
GAIL net profit
doubles in Q2
PNS n NEW DELHI
GAIL (India) Ltd, the nation's largest natural gas utility, on Friday reported more than doubling of its net profit in the September quarter after it again started making money on gas marketing.
Net profit of Rs 2,862.95 crore, or Rs 6.45 per share, in July-September, was 131 per cent higher than Rs 1,239.67 crore, or Rs 2.75 a share, in the same period last fiscal, accord-
Govt approves 8.5 pc interest rate on EPF for FY'21
PNS n NEW DELHI
The government has approved 8.5 per cent rate of interest on employees' provident fund for the 2020-21 fiscal, a source said.
Just ahead of Diwali, this is a good news for over five crore subscribers of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). The 8.5 per cent rate of interest on provident fund deposits for the last financial year was decided by the EPFO's apex decision making body
Central Board of Trustees (CBT) headed by Labour
Minister in March this year. A source said on Friday,
"The rate of interest on EPF for 2020-21 has been ratified by the Ministry of Finance and now it would be credited into the accounts of over five crore subscribers."
In March last year, the EPFO had lowered interest rate on provident fund deposits to a seven-year low of 8.5 per cent for 2019-20, from 8.65 per cent in 201819.
The EPF (Employees Provident Fund) interest rate provided for 2019-20 was
the lowest since 2012-13, when it was brought down to 8.5 per cent.
The EPFO had provided 8.65 per cent interest rate to its subscribers in 2016-17 and 8.55 per cent in 2017-18. The rate of interest was slightly higher at 8.8 per cent in 2015-16. It had given 8.75 per cent rate of interest in 2013-14 as well as in 2014-15, higher than 8.5 per cent for 2012-13. The rate of interest was 8.25 per cent on provident fund in 2011-12.
oney atters
TCI Q2 net profit rises twofold to Rs 76 cr
Transport Corporation of India (TCI), the country's leading integrate supply chain and logistics solutions provider, has reported a two-fold rise in consolidated net profit at Rs 76.16 crore for the quarter ended September. The company had posted consolidated net profit from ordinary activities after tax of Rs 37.27 crore in the year-ago period, TCI has said in a filing to BSE. The consolidated income of the company during July-September period increased to Rs 828.06 crore over Rs 703.45 crore in the year-ago period. "The demand for our coastal and rail multi-modal end-to-end solutions witnessed momentum enabling customers to save on their carbon footprint.
InfoBeans acquires Eternus Solutions for Rs 130 crore
Indore-based IT company InfoBeans Technologies on Friday announced
100 per cent acquisition of Eternus Solutions for a total consideration of Rs 130 crore. The amount is payable over a period of three years. Pune-based Eternus Solutions founders Jitendra Tanna and Shreyas Merchant will become part of Infobeans management. The acquisition takes InfoBeans to an annual revenue run rate of Rs 300 crore, the company said in a statement. "InfoBeans has been aggressively building its own Salesforce consulting practice for the last two years and this acquisition fits well in its growth strategy by bolstering its presence in the Salesforce ecosystem," Infobeans president Mitesh Bohra said.
Dr Reddy's Q2 net profit jumps 30 pc to Rs 992 cr
Drug major Dr Reddy's Laboratories on Friday reported a 30 per cent jump in its consolidated net profit to Rs 992 crore for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, on account of robust sales in all markets. The company had posted a net profit of Rs 762.3 crore for the corresponding period of the previous financial year, Dr Reddy's Laboratories said in a regulatory filing.Its consolidated revenue during JulySeptember 2021 stood at Rs 5,763.2 crore. It was Rs 4,896.7 crore in the yearago period, it added. "I am pleased with the improvement in the financial performance across our businesses.
KFC, Sapphire Foods' IPO to open on Nov 9
The initial share-sale of Sapphire Foods India Ltd, which operates KFC and Pizza Hut outlets, will open for public subscription on November 9. The three-day initial public offering (IPO) will conclude on November 11, according to the red herring prospectus (RHP). The initial share-sale will be entirely an offer-for-sale (OFS) of 17,569,941 equity shares by promoters and existing shareholders. As a part of the OFS, QSR Management Trust will sell 8.50 lakh shares, Sapphire Foods Mauritius Ltd will offload 55.69 lakh shares, WWD Ruby Ltd will divest 48.46 lakh shares and Amethyst will offer 39.62 lakh shares.
Transportation programme for Tata Starbucks women staff
Tata Starbucks on Friday said it has launched the Women Transportation Program for its female employees in India that provides a seamless commute facility to safely travel back home post night shifts. This programme provides women partners with a chauffeur-driven car, enabled with a GPS tracking system and equipped with other safety measures for any emergencies, the company said in a statement. This programme, which is launched across Mumbai and Bangalore covering a few stores, will be extended to a few more routes in the coming years, it added.
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