HYDERABAD, FRIDAY DECEMBER 25, 2020; PAGES 12 `3

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RNI No. TELENG/2018/76469

Established 1864Published From

HYDERABAD DELHI LUCKNOWBHOPAL RAIPUR CHANDIGARH

BHUBANESWAR RANCHIDEHRADUN VIJAYAWADA

*LATE CITY VOL. 3 ISSUE 66*Air Surcharge Extra if Applicable

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MONEY 8CONCERN OVER LACK OF FREEDOMAMONG ‘INDEPENDENT’ DIRECTORS

ANALYSIS 7EMPOWER

ADOLESCENTS

SPORTS 12KOHLI, SHAMI ABSENCE

ADVANTAGE FOR OZ: LANGER

}Page 11

{

HYDERABADWEATHER

Current Weather ConditionsUpdated December 24, 2020 5:00 PM

ALMANAC

TODAY

Month & Paksham:

Margashirsha & Shukla Paksha

Panchangam

Tithi : Ekadashi: 01:53 am (Next Day)

Nakshatram: Ashwini: 07:36 amTime to Avoid: (Bad time to start

any important work)

Rahukalam: 10:54 am – 12:16 pm

Yamagandam: 03:00 pm – 04:23 pm

Varjyam: 06:24 pm – 08:12 pm

Gulika: 08:09 am - 09:31 am

Good Time: (to start any important work)

Amritakalam: 05:11 am – 06:59 am

Abhijit Muhurtham: 11:54 am – 12:38 pm

FFoorreeccaasstt:: SunnyTemp: 27/13Humidity: 59%Sunrise: 06:43 amSunset: 05:49 pm

VANTAGE POINT -NNARSIM

Focus on local products

to help create job oppor-

tunities: Goyal

8

Going home for

festival gets costly

3

Bratya: Mamata wasnot invited to Visva-Bharati centenarymeet

5

BIRYANI ORDERED MORE THAN ONCEEVERY SECOND IN 2020: REPORT

Britain and the European Union struck a post-Brexit tradedeal Thursday that they hope will cushion the economic

blow of the UK's imminent departure from the bloc aftermonths of tortuous negotiations. "The deal is done,"British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted,declaring that the UK would remain Europe's ally and"number one market". "We have finally found anagreement," the president of the EuropeanCommission Ursula von der Leyen said. "It was a longand winding road, but we have a good deal at the end ofit," she said. "The single market will be fair and remainso." tweeted Boris Johnson. Britain formally left the EU inJanuary after a deeply divisive referendum in 2016.

Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt would have been married bythis time now had the pandemic not hit their lives, the

actor revealed in a recent interview. The couple occupiedthe top spot on the list of trends on Thursday afterRanbir Kapoor's interview with film critic Rajeev Masandsurfaced on the Internet. In the interview, Ranbir calledAlia Bhatt his "girlfriend" and also spilled the beans onhis wedding plans with the actress. When askedwhether he and Alia had considered marriage, Ranbir,who was living with the actress during the lockdown,said: "It would have already been sealed if the pandemichadn't hit our lives. But I don't want to jinx it by sayinganything. I want to tick mark that goal soon in my life."

The year 2020 or the year of the pandemic has madean indelible impact on our lives. We have adjusted

to the 'new normal' of working or studying fromhome, ordering nearly everything online andventuring out as less as possible. Food habits toohave undergone a vast change, whether forbetter or for worse. People have innovated intheir home kitchens, cooking all sorts ofinteresting recipes at home. But one thing thathas not changed is Indians' love for Biryani.According to Swiggy's 5th Annual StatEATsticsreport, Biryani was ordered more than once everysecond in some form in the year 2020.

BRITAIN FORMALLY LEFT THE EU,POST-BREXIT TRADE DEAL FINALISED

PANDEMIC DELAYED RANBIRKAPOOR-ALIA BHATT MARRIAGE

PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM

The horror of the new strain ofCovid-19 gripped peopleacross the country after awoman from Rajahmundry inEast Godavari disappearedfrom Delhi airport after testingpositive for Coronavirus uponreturning from the UnitedKingdom on December 21.She was traced to the APExpress that runs betweenDelhi and Visakhapatnam dailyand taken to a Covid-19 isola-tion centre after the trainreached Rajahmundry onThursday.

Her 22-year-old son, whohad come to pick her up, test-ed negative. Passengers on UKflights are being tested at air-ports across the country tocheck the spread of a fast-

spreading mutant variant of thecoronavirus that has emergedin Britain. The woman was

taken to the Safdarjung hospi-tal and reportedly advisedhome isolation as she wasasymptomatic. The woman, ateacher in the UK, allegedlytold officials that she left on herown as she was asymptomatic.

She then travelled with herson from Delhi to

Rajahmundry by the APSpecial Express, which arrivedat midnight yesterday.

When asked about the rea-sons the woman violated thequarantine rule at Delhi airport,East Godavari district coordina-tor for health services Dr TRamesh Kishore said "Earlymorning today, both the womanand her son reached here. Weare yet to question her as to whyshe escaped from quarantine."

They were traced after infor-mation about their train trav-el was shared with districtauthorities from Delhi. Thewoman had tested positive forCovid-19 at Delhi airport andher samples were sent forgenome sequencing to identi-fy if she was infected with thenew strain of the virus.

VENKAT RAM REDDY LAKKADIn HYDERABAD

Although there has been a lotof wishful thinking among asection of the TRS leadershipand occasional open utter-ances that the party workingpresident KT Rama Rao couldbe crowned as the next ChiefMinister, with TRS supremoand CM K ChandrasekharRao expanding his nationalfootprint; the plausible propo-sition had receded to thebackground with KCR, con-trary to expectations, notf inding an opportunemoment to switch to nation-al politics.

Speculations are rife onceagain that KTR's pattab-hishekam as CM of Telanganacould happen in New Year2021. TRS circles eagerlywaiting for this moment felt

galvanized on Thursday whenparty MLA Redya Naikdeclared to everyone's con-sternation "KTR will becomeCM by March 2021".

KTR Pattabhishekamtalk gains traction againMLA jumps the gun as ‘unwell' KCR stays put in

farmhouse post Delhi trip

BJP to fight TS polls withoutprojecting CM candidatePNS n HYDERABAD

Of course, it is too early for anyparty to talk about its 'CM can-didate' for the 2023 Assemblypolls. Still, the Bharatiya JanataParty, positioned as an 'alter-native' to Telangana RashtraSamiti in TS, has decided wellin advance to fight the next TSAssembly polls without pro-jecting its CM candidate,with a section of theparty leaders andcadre pitchingfor namingBandi Sanjay orKishan Reddyas the CM can-didate.

The BJP isdeemed to haveemerged as an alterna-tive to the ruling TRS inTelangana in view of its stu-pendous performance in the

recent Dubbak Assemblybypoll and the GreaterHyderabad MunicipalCorporation elec-tions. In spite ofrequests from thestate BJP leader-ship to project astrong CM candi-date who can matchand take on

Telangana ChiefMinister K

Chandrasekhar Rao,the BJP high com-mand is learnt tohave decided toensure that theT e l a n g a n a

Assembly polls arefought under the

leadership of PrimeMinister Narendra Modi

and Union Home MinisterAmit Shah.

Noticeably a similar 'polit-

ical strategy' has been adopt-ed by the saffron

party in WestBengal for theMay 2021Assembly polls.

"As of now, ithas been decid-ed that BJP

won't projectanyone as our

chief ministerialface. We will fight under

the leadership of Modi andAmit Shah and win the elec-tion. Once voted to power, thelegislative party, in consulta-tion with the central leader-ship, will decide on its chiefministerial choice only afterAssembly polls. Right now,our target is to win 80 to 90seats in the 119-memberAssembly," official sources inBJP said.

RAJESH JAIN NIDARKAR n HYDERABAD

The mutating corona virus(SARS-Cov-2), which present-ly has known symptoms such ascough, cold, sore throat, loss oftaste, and odor among infectedpersons, is proving to be dead-lier, with additional symptomssuch as diarrhea, vomiting, andheadache also being reported invarious parts of the world.

Medical experts make it clearthat the only course of action tokeep it at bay is to wear mask,maintain physical distance fromall people in all situations, takenutritious food on a daily basis,

and follow hygiene. A recent study by a team of sci-

entists at the Los Alamos National

Laboratory in the United States ofAmerica found that SARS-Cov-2 has become much stronger.

Scientists say the mutating virushas potential to spread around theworld. The newer symptoms have

been reported more from the eastcoast of the US, where many peo-ple are infected.

Mutating Covid virus proving to be deadlier

She then travelledwith her son from Delhi toRajahmundry bythe AP SpecialExpress, whicharrived at midnightyesterday

o LOSS OF TASTE AND SMELL: It has been found that most of the corona patients have symptoms ofloss of taste and smell. Medical experts say the second-generation virus may not have any of thosesymptoms. Studies have found the virus could spread to others without any signs or symptoms

o CHILLS: Inmany cases,

chills areconsidered a

minor problem.Experts say cold

should also beconsidered a

health problem inthe face of new

viruses

o SORENESS: Many of the infected persons losttheir teeth by biting on the side due to cold sores

o MUSCLE ACHES:This symptom has beenreported in more than14 per cent of coronavictims in more than 50countries. People,especially the elderly,suffer from muscle pain

o HEADACHE: Do not take itlightly even if the head feelsdizzy or the whole head feelspain. Headaches are commonwhen you have a cold.However, the study found thatheadaches were also seen insome of the latest cases

o INFLAMMATIONOF THE THROAT:

More than 60% ofcorona cases suffer

from cough and sorethroat. Consult a

doctor as thesesymptoms cannot be

ignored in thepresent

circumstances

o DIARRHEA: Experts haveunderlined the need for doctorconsultation if there is severepain, diarrhea, etc., consideringthe number of corona patientsreporting them.o VOMITING: Experts say that ifyou are suffering from fever andvomiting, you should definitelyconsult a doctor

PNS n VIJAYAWADA

The Enforcement Directorate(ED) has provisionally attachedassets worth Rs 4,109 croreunder Prevention of MoneyLaundering Act, 2002 (PMLA)in the Agri Gold ponzi fraudcase.

ED sleuths had on December21 arrested three promoters ofthe scam tainted Agri GoldGroup and produced thembefore the ED’s PMLA court.

They were sent tojudicial custody onWednesday. OnThursday, ED hadattached assets,including 2,809landed properties,H a a i l a n dAmusement Park ofM/s Arka Leisure andEntertainments PrivateLimited in AP spread over 48acres, shares of various compa-nies, plants and machinery

belonging to Agri GoldGroup.

ED has initiatedi nv e s t i g a t i o nunder PMLAbased on multipleFIRs lodged in the

states of AP,Telangana and

Karnataka.The scam was perpe-

trated by accused AvvaVenkata Rama Rao throughAgri Gold Group of

Companies. According to theED, Venkata Rama Raohatched a well planned con-spiracy and along with hisseven brothers and other asso-ciates setting up more than 150companies and started col-lecting deposits from generalpublic with a promise of pro-viding developed plots/farmlands or withdrawal at a highrate of return on maturity/pre-term.

TS seeks funds fortextile, handloomsPNS n HYDERABAD

The Telangana governmenton Thursday sought allocationof funds in the 2021-22 Unionbudget for development ofthe Kakatiya Mega TextilePark (KMTP) and sanction ofMega Powerloom Cluster atSircilla, besides other propos-als.

In a letter to Union Ministerfor Textiles Smriti Irani,Minister K T Rama Rao saidthe KMTP was being devel-oped at a total estimated pro-ject cost of Rs 1,552 croreofwhich the core infrastructureworks would cost approxi-mately Rs 1,094 crore.

"Under the proposedscheme, we understand that atotal of Rs 500 crore capitalsupport is available for a MegaTextile Park. We request thatapproximately Rs 300 Cr ofthis amount be released at theearliest to kick start major

external infrastructure worksurgently needed at the park,"he said.

KMTP can be taken upunder the Mega Textile Parksscheme of the Centre, headded.

Requesting the union min-ister to establish a MegaPowerloom Cluster at Sircillaunder ComprehensivePowerloom ClusterDevelopment Scheme(CPCDS),

Two cops booked for ‘misbehaving’with girl studentsPNS n HYDERABAD

Two police personnel in civildress allegedly misbehavedwith some girl students in thecampus of the University ofHyderabad (UoH) here onThursday under the influenceof liquor, police said.

The incident occurred inthe evening and students andthe university security per-sonnel caught the ReserveSub-Inspector and the HeadConstable and handed themover to the police, who reg-istered a case.

UoH's Security Officerfiled a complaint stating thatthe two policemen in civildress entered the varsity cam-pus on a patrol bike andallegedly misbehaved andharassed a few girl studentsunder the influence of liquor.

L&T prints 3Dground plusone buildingin IndiaPNS n NEW DELHI

Larsen & ToubroConstruction on Thursdaysaid it has successfully 3Dprinted a ground plus onebuilding, claiming it to be thefirst in India. The companyhas 3D printed the buildingof 700 square feet built-uparea at its Kanchipuram facil-ity with an in-house devel-oped concrete mix, usingindigenously available regu-lar construction materials.

"L&T Construction, the con-struction arm of the USD 21billion technology, engineering& construction conglomerateLarsen & Toubro, announcedhaving successfully 3D printeda G+1 (Ground plus one)Building with reinforcement forthe first time in India," the com-pany said in a statement.

Symptomsupdate

Cops beef upsecurity at

MedakChurch for

Xmas

Page 4

‘ROLE IN SOLOBRATHUKE SO

BETTER IS CLOSETO MY REAL LIFE’

Infected UK returnee found inRajahmundry, kept in isolation

PNS n NEW DELHI

SpiceJet said on Thursday ithas signed an agreement withthe GMR Hyderabad AirCargo (GHAC) to ensureseamless delivery of the coro-navirus vaccine from theHyderabad airport to domes-tic and international markets.

Hyderabad and its sur-rounding districts have a num-ber of pharmaceutical compa-nies. The Hyderabad airport,which is managed and operat-ed by the GMR group, isexpected to be a key hub in

transportation of COVID-19vaccine domestically and glob-ally. In a press release, SpiceJetsaid as part of theMemorandum ofUnderstanding (MoU),

GHAC to deliver Covidvaccine from Hyderabad

MERRYCHRISTMAS!The Pioneer

wishes a very happy

Christmas

ED attaches assets worth Rs 4,109 cr in Agri Gold case

2

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2

2

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Printed and published by B Krishna Prasad for and on behalf of CMYK Printech Ltd., Phone: 040-23322341, Hyderabad Office: F-502, Diamond Block, Lumbini Rockdale, Somajiguda, Hyderabad - 500 082. Telangana. Printed at Sree Seshasai Enterprises, Plot No.19, IDA Balanagar , Hyderbad-500037, Medchal -Malkajgiri District, Telangana. Chief Editor: Chandan Mitra. Resident Editor: B Krishna Prasad, AIR SURCHARGE of Rs 2.00.

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hyderabad 02HYDERABAD | FRIDAY | DECEMBER 25, 2020

EGG

RATES

` 50, 940 (10 gm)

` 140

GOLD

` 71, 300 (1kg)` 800

HYDERABAD 519

VIJAYAWADA 506

VISAKHAPATNAM 480

RREETTAAIILL PPRRIICCEE `̀55..1199

SILVER

HYDERABAD

BULLION RATES

`̀//110000

CHICKEN

RATES

Dressed/With Skin `160

Without Skin `182

Broiler at Farm `110

`̀//KKGG

(IN HYDERABAD)

Telugu states have 826 leopardsPNS n HYDERABAD

The leopard population in thetwo Telugu states is estimatedto be 826, according to statusof leopards in India 2018 reportreleased by the UnionEnvironment, Forest andClimate Change Ministry.

While Andhra Pradesh isestimated to have 492 leopards,the cat population in Telanganais 334.

The overall leopard popula-tion in Andhra Pradesh couldbe between 461 to 523, whilein Telangana this figure couldbe anywhere between 318 and350.

In 2014, the leopard popu-lation in combined AndhraPradesh was estimated to be343. Thus there has been anincrease of 140 per cent in thecat population in the two states.

Among seven states in thecentral and eastern ghats,Andhra Pradesh has the fifthlargest number of leopardswhile Telangana is at the sixthplace. The cat population in the

region is estimated at 8,071against 4,456 estimated in2014.Leopard population hasbeen estimated based on pic-tures of animals capturedthrough camera-trapping andgathering other evidence, thesame method which wasadopted for the tiger census.

According to forest officialsin both the Telugu states, thereis scope for further increase inthe number of leopards ifissues related to their habitatare addressed.

"Leopards are widely distrib-uted species and in comparisonto other large carnivores have

been able to survive better inan increasingly human domi-nated landscape, largely due toits adaptable behaviour anddue to protection," says thereport.

"Despite their widespreaddistribution, leopard habitatsare being increasingly frag-

mented, and such small frag-mented areas with low wildprey densities cannot harboura sizable population of leop-ards. This has resulted in leop-ards venturing out into humandominated landscapes andending up in conflicts."

There have been manyinstanced of leopards strayinginto human habitations overthe last few years. Officialsattribute this to shrinkingforests and low prey.

In October this year, a maleleopard was captured nearWater and Land ManagementTraining and Research Instituteat Rajendranagar on the out-skirts of Hyderabad. Earlier, inMay a leopard was found sit-ting near a median on a busyroad at Mailardevpally, also onthe city outskirts.

Telangana has also seendeath of five leopard between2010 and 2019. Two leopardswere killed in road accidentswhile two others were runover by trains. One leoparddied of electrocution.

Continued from page 1

Rao said as per the geo- tag-ging report as many as 35,588power looms are inTelangana, with a majority of25,495 in Sircilla District.The Telangana Minister alsorequested the Centre to sanc-tion an Indian Institute ofHandloom Technology forthe state.

TS seeksfunds for...

Continued from page 1

Breathalyser tests conductedon them showed positive forliquor consumption, a policeofficial said quoting prelim-inary investigation.

A case of trespass and mis-behaviour underrelevant sec-tions of IPC has been regis-tered against the two and fur-ther probe was on, the officialadded.

Two cops booked for ‘misbehaving’with girl students

Continued from page 1

With the country aggressive-ly pursuing the objective ofcreating 60 million housesunder the Housing for All by2022 programme, this achieve-ment will certainly give a hugefillip for the mass housing seg-ment, it added.

"3D concrete printing isone of the technology disrup-tors with the potential to rad-ically redefine constructionmethodologies and I amextremely happy that bydemonstrating our growingexpertise in 3D printing, weare well-positioned to push theboundaries of automatedrobotic construction," said MV Satish, Whole TimeDirector & Senior ExecutiveVice President (Buildings),Larsen & Toubro.

It will not only accelerate thepace of construction but alsosignificantly improve buildquality, he added.

The building was printedwith both vertical reinforce-ment bar and horizontal dis-tributors, using a welded meshthat satisfies provisions in theIndian codes and optimisesthe cost of construction.

Except for the horizontal

slab members, the entirebuilding structure was 3Dprinted 'Cast in Situ' at the jobsite in an 'open to sky' environ-ment within 106 printinghours, using a fully automat-ed 3D printer, the statementsaid.

3D printing is a process, inwhich the material is printedunder computer control tobuild a 3-dimensional prod-uct, typically layer by layer. Itis predominantly used in man-ufacturing industries to printrapid prototypes, complexshapes and small batch pro-duction using special poly-mers, metal alloys etc.

3D printing with concrete isstill largely work in progressacross the globe.

Earlier in November 2019,the team had 3D printed 240square feet 1 BHK, in line withthe typical EWS(Economically WeakerSections) building layout toexplore the feasibility of thisinnovative technology.

Larsen & Toubro is an Indianmultinational engaged in engi-neering, procurement and con-struction projects, manufactur-ing, defence and services withover USD 21 billion in revenue.It operates in over 30 countries.

L&T prints 3Dground plus one...

Continued from page 1

Anticipating that she mighthave boarded a train to reachRajahmundry, the stateauthorities with the help ofRailways searched passengermanifest in Delhi-Visakhapatnam AP Express.The woman and her son weretraced and once they arrivedat Rajahmundry railway sta-

tion, they were shifted to anisolation ward in the govern-ment hospital.

RT-PCR tests were con-ducted on the duo and themother tested positive for thevirus while her son testednegative.

"The woman is stable anddoing well. She doesn't haveany symptoms like fever andcough. Swab sample of the

woman was sent to a virologylab in Pune to check for thepresence of the new strain," DrRamesh Kishore said.

Health Minister Alla KaliKrishna Srinivas told themedia that the swab samplesof the woman will be sent tothe National Institute ofVirology, Pune, to ascertainwhether she contracted thenew strain of Covid-19 that is

virulently spreading in theUK. Passengers are beingscreened at all the airports ofAndhra Pradesh and thus far,the new strain of Covid-19detected in the UK has notbeen found in the state, theMinister assured.

He reiterated that the Stategovernment is on high alertfor the possible second waveand advised the people of the

state not to panic."The woman travelled in

first class. So, the interactionwith other passengers could beminimal. The other co-pas-senger of the woman was test-ed negative at Rajahmundry,"the Minister explained.

He also rejected the possi-bility of the new strain ofCovid-19 having enteredAndhra Pradesh.

Infected UK returnee found in Rajahmundry...

Continued from page 1

the GHAC will providerequired space at theHyderabad airport "on prior-ity" for the airline's vaccineshipments and it will alsotrain the airline's personnel.

"SpiceJet on its part willkeep a dedicated fleet offreighters, including wide-body aircraft, at theHyderabad airport to handleall domestic and interna-tional consignments," therelease added.

As part of this MoU,SpiceXpress the cargo arm ofSpiceJet envisions to provideefficient, speedy and reliablesolutions for vaccine deliv-ery, while also creating a sus-tainable cold chain network,according to the release.

"SpiceXpress aims to pro-vide the first mile pick upand last mile delivery tocarry COVID 19 vaccinesacross the domestic andinternational markets in atemperature-controlled envi-ronment," it added.

GHAC todeliver Covidvaccine fromHyderabad

KTR Pattabhishekamtalk gains traction againContinued from page 1

KCR has been largely out ofaction since December 13.He has confined himself to hisfarmhouse, after returningfrom his rather secretive tripto Delhi, fuelling specula-tions that he would step downas CM on 'health grounds'anytime in New Year 2021and make his son KTR asCM.

Ever since the ruling TRSretained power in Telanganafor a second term in theDecember 2018 Assemblypolls, there has been a strongbuzz that KCR would play anenlarged role in national pol-itics, after seeing throughKTR's coronation.

TRS leaders and cadre feelthat had the results of the lastLok Sabha election beenmixed, KCR would have doneit by now. Although that didnot happen, almost all theTRS ministers, MLAs, MLCsand other leaders stronglybelieve that KTR is in any casethe next CM candidate fromTRS. When the TRS MLAfrom Dornakal constituencyin Mahabubabad district saidopenly that KTR would occu-py the CM chair in New Year

2021 by March, things fellinto their place again.

Redya Naik, while address-ing a gathering, recalled thathe had sought sanction offunds for a degree college inhis constituency during KTR'slast visit and asserted that itwould materialise as "KTRwill become CM by March2021" and sanction the funds.

This statement, with atimeline and with no ifs andbuts, surprised the crowdpresent there, while others arewondering why the MLAmade such statements out ofthe context.

So far, neither KTR nor anyof the other TRS leaders haveresponded to the commentsmade by Redya Naik.

In November, just beforethe Dubbak Assembly bypolland ahead of the GHMCelections, there were intensespeculations that KCR, "soonafter winning the elections",would make his son as theChief Minister and shift hisown focus on building ananti-BJP campaign at thenational level to fight the"anti-farmer and anti-labourpolicies of the Narendra Modigovernment".

Post elections, things

changed dramatically due tothe outcomes of the polls. Asthe TRS put up a poor showin the elections, there hasbeen a stunning silence in theTRS camp on the talk ofKTR becoming CM. That sit-uation too changed postKCR's trip to Delhi, where hemet Prime Minister NarendraModi and Union HomeMinister Amit Shah betweenDecember 11 and 13, with theBJP state unit chief BandiSanjay subsequently harpingon his ominous statementthat "KCR would go to jail" foralleged corrupt deeds.

With KCR staying put inhis farmhouse since then, his'health issue' is being hotlydebated in TRS circles. KCRskipped Union Minister NitinGadkari's virtual programmeto launch highway projects inTelangana three days ago. TSRoads and Buildings MinisterVemula Prashanth Reddy,who deputized for KCR, toldGadkari that KCR "is unwell".KCR also skipped PVNarasimha Rao's deathanniversary programme onWednesday.

All this suggests that all isnot well in the TRS camp withits supremo in the dumps.

ED attaches assets worth Rs 4,109 cr in Agri Gold caseContinued from page 1

Thousands of commissionagents were engaged to lurepeople with various schemesfor hefty commission andmanaged to collect Rs 6,380crore from 32,02,628 investoraccounts.

In the end, the gullibleinvestors got neither plots norcould recover their deposits.

Investigation under PMLAfurther revealed that Agri GoldGroup of Companies used tolure the gullible public to joinas depositors in their schemeseither directly or through theiragents under the pretext of real

estate deal.Investigation under PMLA

further revealed that AvvaVenkata Rama Rao and hisfamily went on a siphoningspree and illegally divertedthe deposits to myriad verticalsand in private companieswhich were directly owned bytheir family.

Investigation conducted sofar led ED in Identification ofassets totalling to Rs 4,109crore which has been provi-sionally attached under PMLA.

The properties are located inAndhra Pradesh in Anantpur,Kurnool, Krishna, Chittoor,Guntur, Kadapa,

Vizianagaram, East Godavari,West Godavari,Visakhapatnam, Nellore,Prakasam and Srikakulam dis-tricts.

In Karnataka, they are locat-ed in Bengaluru, Kolar, Yadgirand Mandya districts.

The properties are alsolocated in Odisha’s Khurdadistrict and Krishnagiri districtof Tamil Nadu.

In Telangana, the propertiesare located in Mahbubnagar,Narayanpet, Khammam,Hyderabad, Rangareddy,Vikarabad, Medchal,Malkajgiri and Nalgonda dis-tricts.

MLRIT opens STI hub for SC/ST communityPNS n HYDERABAD

Pointing that human capabil-ities - living a quality life - wasoverlooked when taken in thecontext of economic growth ofSC and ST Communities inthe state, the Marri LaxmanReddy Institute of Technology(MLRIT), Hyderabad whichhas decided to focus onimproving quality of life ofSC/ST has established Scienceand Technology Innovation(STI) Hub for SC Communityto improve the livelihood ofSC community of theMedchal, Malkajgiri districtsupported by CentralGovernment.

Labour Minister Ch MallaReddy, Secretary of MLRITand TRS MalkajgiriParliament in charge MarriRajashekar Reddy, PrincipalInvestigator Dr KarthikRajendra, principal of MLRITDr K Srinivasa Rao and oth-ers were present at the inaugu-ration ceremony.

Four technological inter-

ventions that are developed byMLRIT will directly benefitthe community. The objectiveof the proposed project is toimprove the socio economicstatus, health and sustainablelivelihood of target populationthrough science and technol-ogy.

Dr K Srinivasa Rao said thatbased on the interventions,various training programmes,technology development pro-grammes, business develop-ment assistance and others willbe provided to the target ben-eficiaries.

Marri Rajashekar Reddyasserted that a common facil-ity centre will be establishedand the developed equip-ment's will be placed in theCFCs of 3 identified villages ofMedchal, Malkajgiri district byinvesting Rs 40 lakhs.

Marri Rajashekar Reddyreiterated that we, as a college,will extend our services to helpthe community to strengthenthe downtrodden in the bestpossible way.

BJP to fight TS pollswithout projecting...Continued from page 1

Meanwhile, BJP state presidentBandi Sanjay is trying to con-solidate his position as CMmaterial by planning busyatras and padayatras in thecoming days. Supporters ofUnion Minister of State forHome G Kishan Reddy areprojecting the SecunderabadMP as the next CM ofTelangana, should the BJPcome to power in the 2023Assembly polls.

It is widely believed inTelangana political circles thatone of the biggest reasons forthe Congress' and BJP's loss inthe Telangana Assembly elec-tions in December 2018 wasthe lack of an efficient leaderwho could be projected as achief ministerial candidate bythe respective parties to takeon a mighty leader like KCR.

While there were too manychief ministerial aspirants inthe Congress, the BJP couldnot project anyone, butnobody had the stature orcapacity to take on KCR.However, things changed dra-matically for BJP in Telanganawith the appointment ofparty's Karimnagar Lok Sabhamember Bandi Sanjay as headof BJP unit in the state.

When Sanjay was appoint-

ed as the president ofTelangana state BJP in March2020, many eyebrows wereraised in BJP as well as otherpolitical circles. For, Sanjaywas a little known face in theparty unit till then. He was"too local", insiders believedthen. He was a corporator inKarimnagar MunicipalCorporation in the past andhad lost the Assembly elec-tions twice. There was nocomparison between Sanjayand seasoned BJP leaders inTelangana like Ch VidyasagarRao, N Indrasena Reddy, GKishan Reddy, BandaruDattatreya and even Dr KLaxman or T Raja Singh.

However, after his victory inthe 2019 Lok Sabha elections,he came into limelight and hasstarted making loud noises,both within and outside theparty. For some strange rea-son, the high command chosehim as the party presidentafter Laxman stepped down.

This has angered seniorslike T Raja Singh, who hasbeen aspiring to be the nextBJP chief in the state. But in notime Sanjay proved a toughnut to crack for his detractorswithin the party. He couldattract people as well as partycadre with his rabble-rousingspeeches across Telangana.

Mobile SHEtoiletlaunched PNS n KARIMNAGAR

Municipal Corporation ofKarimnagar has launched amobile SHE toilet inKarimnagar town for theconvenience of women.Purchasing a bus fromTSRTC, a bio-toilet wasdeveloped with modern facil-ities by spending Rs 13 lakh.

Besides a western toilet,two normal toilets, a diaperchanging room, baby feedingroom, rest room and canteenwere also arranged. 1 KWsolar power system, 800 litercapacity bio digester, 2,000liter capacity water tank arealso arranged. 1 KW capaci-ty solar power system willhelp to run lights and fans for12 hours.

Karimnagar Mayor Y SunilRao along with Collector KShashanka, Commissioner ofPolice VB Kamalasan Reddy,MCK Commissioner ValluruKranthi inaugurated a mobiletoilet at Telangana chowk onThursday. Mayor informedthat based on the ChiefMinister K ChandrashekharRao's instructions, theydeveloped a mobile SHE toi-let for the convenience of thewomen, who could utilize itat crowded areas.

PNS n KHAMMAM

New clothes and food grainswere distributed to poorChristians and pastors underthe aegis of Gospel forTribals Social Service Societymarking the Christmas cel-ebrations.

The Zi l la Par ishadChairman L Kamalraj andthe District Collector RVKarnan have distributed 250rice bags and the clothes toas many as 250 persons at aprogramme in Khammamon Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion,he appreciated the societyoffice bearers for their char-itable act.

He asked the Christians inthe district to celebrate thefestival by strictly followingthe Covid-19 norms. BishopJacob, the community mem-

bers Elizabeth, Ernest Paul,Peter, corporator PagadalaNagaraju, Bonakal ZPTCModugu Sudhir Babu, for-mer MPTC Banoth Kondaand others were present.

In a similar programme atAnnam Foundation premis-es 'Annadanam' was con-ducted by Palla John RamuluTrust chairman Pal laRajashekar on Thursday as aChristmas charity act. Nearly300 inmates of the orphan-age run by the foundationwere offered food.

The foundation chairmanAnnam Srinivas R aothanked the trust office bear-ers for their kind act andrecalled the services made byJohn Ramulu to the society.Pastor Y Vedaratnam, PallaKishore, E Kishore, AUpender and others werepresent.

‘Celebrate Xmasfollowing norms’

Goat, stray dog mauled to deathby leopard PNS n NIRMAL

A goat and stray dog werereportedly killed by a leopardon the outskirts of Sirala vil-lage in Bhainsa on Thursday.The incident created a flutterin the rural parts of thismandal. The animals receivedfatal injuries on their necksand died on the spot.

Residents of Borigaonclaimed that a leopard sight-ed in the edges of the habita-tion recently. The same car-nivore might have attackedthe two animals, suspected alocal. Bhainsa Forest deputyrange officer said that no pugmarks were recovered at thespot of the incident.

TSEDCET

Certificates verification deadline extendedPNS n HYDERABAD

The last date for online regis-tration cum verification, pay-ment of fee online and

uploading scanned copies ofcertificates for verificationfor TS EdCET first phaseadmission counselling hasbeen extended up to January

7, 2021. A list of provisionally

selected candidates would beprepared college wise andplaced on the website on

January 15, said Professor PRamesh Babu, Convener,Telangana State-EdCET 2020Admissions in a press releaseon Thursday.

HYDERABAD | FRIDAY | DECEMBER 25, 2020hyderabad 03

Cyberabad Police CommissionerVC Sajjanar on Thursday heldan interaction and detailed

discussion with the RegionalDirector, RBI Ms K Nikhila, andother officials in the Regional Officeof Reserve Bank of India,Hyderabad on the misuse of onlineapplications by the NBFCs andother entities in the name of instantpersonal loans. DCP Crimes MsRohini Priyadarshini, Cyberabadexplained the modus operandi ofthese online loan applications. These applications are developed bycompanies that have an agreement with various NBFCs and others.These entities run the application and also the call centers formaking calls to the loanee in case of default. They categorize thedefaulters into different buckets based on the number of dayslapsed from the due date and make threatening and abusive callsand also send messages not only to the loanee but also to therelatives and his/her contacts. They are also resorting to sendingfake legal notices as if it is sent from CBI in order to induce fearamong the defaulters/loanee. In this connection, RBI officials havebrought to the notice of the Police authorities, the extant RBIregulations on Digital Lending Platforms/Mobile Apps.

Cyb CP meets Regional Director, RBI on online loan applications

Aurobindo Pharma Ltd andCovaxx, a US-basedcompany, have entered

into an exclusive licenseagreement to develop,commercialise andmanufacture UB-612, the firstMultitope Peptide-basedvaccine to fight COVID-19, forIndia and UNICEF. Accordingto a release issued by the city-based drug maker, Covaxx iscurrently conducting a Phase 1 clinical trial for the vaccinecandidate. Managing Director of Aurobindo Pharma Ltd, NGovindarajan, said, "We are proud to partner with Covaxx indeveloping the first-ever synthetic peptide-based vaccine to combatthe COVID-19 pandemic. This vaccine has immense potential ineliminating shedding, and hence containing, the spread of thepandemic." Under the signed agreement, Aurobindo Pharma hasobtained the exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and sellCovaxxs UB-612 vaccine in India and to UNICEF, as well as non-exclusive rights in other select emerging and developing markets, itsaid. Aurobindo Pharma and Covaxx are partnering on clinicaldevelopment, manufacturing and marketing of the vaccinecandidate.

CITY LIGHTS

Going home for festival gets costlyPNS n HYDERABAD

As the auspicious festival ofSankranti closes in, peoplewho plan to go to their nativeplaces for the festival have noeasy way to go home. Busesand trains are fully booked. Infact, reservations for these dayswere closed over two monthsago.

The waiting list in trains runlong upsetting the denizens'plans to visit their native placesfor festival.

Unless new trains are pressedinto service, it is not possible tovisit their places in the TeluguStates for the city residents. Itmay be recalled that the SouthCentral Railway has cancelled80 regular express trains and120 passenger trains beingoperated from Secunderabad,Nampally and Kachiguda sta-tions owing to the Covid-19guidelines.

In their place, only limitedtrain services are being oper-ated in a phased manner. Thewaiting list for theSecunderabad-VisakhapatnamGodavari Express on January10, 11 and 12 runs up to 300,340 and 399.

The railway authorities indi-cated 'No Room' on these threedays on Bhubaneshwar Express,Secunderabad-Bhubaneshwar

Express via Mumbai and on theFalaknuma Express.

The Secunderabad-Machilipatnam Express has awaiting list up to 84, 92 and 110on January 10, 11 and 12. Thewaiting list for RayalaseemaExpress runs up to 97 on thesedays.

While self-drive cars maycost less, booking via cab aggre-gators such as Ola and Uber isnot only expensive but alsorisky as people are forced to

book last-minute dependingon availability of the cars anddue to the Covid situation.

Upon lifting the lockdown,the railways have operatedSecunderabad-New Delhi andBengaluru-New Delhi services.By June, 22 pairs of trains havebeen started operating to des-tinations like Vijayawada,Visakhapatnam, Kakinada,Tirupati, Bengaluru, Mumbai,Danapur and so on.

Without restoring the regu-

lar train services, the railwayshave been operating specialtrains in all routes in a phasedmanner.

Daily at least 2.5 lakh peo-ple travel to various destina-tions from Secunderabad,Kachiguda and Nampally sta-tions in 200 trains.

After unlock 4.0 and unlock5.0, the passenger rush hasbeen increased. Over 1.6 lakhpassengers are keen to travel bytrains per day. But only 76

trains are available for them.Therefore, the waiting list runslong on these trains too.

Annually, the SCR runs hun-dreds of special trains for theSankranti festival, but this timeit is operating only 64 specialtrains for Christmas, Sankrantiand Ayyappa season. The reduc-tion of special trains has beencausing severe inconvenienceto commuters.

According to the CPRO of theSCR, Rakesh, the train servicesare being run keeping in mindthe pandemic. The trains areoperated as per the RailwayBoard guidelines. This year, thedemand for trains for thosetravelling to their native placesfor Sankranti is anticipated to benot much.

After unlock, thepassenger rushhas increased.Over 1.6 lakhpassengers arekeen to travel bytrains per day.But only 76 trainsare available for them

Aurobindo Pharma signs pact with Covaxx for Covid vaccine

CCMB director briefs V-Pabout new Corona strains PNS n HYDERABAD

The Director of the Centre forCellular and Molecular Biology(CCMB), Dr Rakesh Mishraon Thursday met the VicePresident of India, M VenkaiahNaidu in Hyderabad andbriefed him about the newstrains of SARS-Cov-2 foundin the United Kingdom andSouth Africa recently.

Dr Mishra apprised the VicePresident that the mutations inthe new strains are less likelyto change the efficacy of thevaccines under development.Besides, there is no evidencethat suggests the strains areassociated with worse out-comes for the patients,although they are more infec-tive. The same disease man-agement strategies are expect-ed to work for the variants too.

The Vice-President soughtto know about the likelyimpact of the new strains inIndia and the work being car-ried out on various aspects ofthe novel coronavirus atCCMB. Dr K Lakshmi Rao,senior principal scientist atCCMB was also present.

Dr Mishra informed theVice-President that investiga-

tions were underway to findout whether the new strains arepresent in India.

Making a presentation to theVice-President on the workbeing done at the CCMB onSARS-CoV-2, he said that thenew strain was 71 per centmore infectious than the otherstrains. A parallel strain iden-tified in South Africa sug-gests that it affects youngerpeople more, though morethorough research is required,he explained.

He explained that the analy-sis of the genomes sequencedby CCMB and otherresearchers in the country hasrevealed that the initial spreadof the virus in India was main-

ly due to novel India specificclade, named I/A3i clade. TheI/A3i clade had likely enteredIndia from other SoutheastAsian countries. The analysisby CCMB had further revealedthat, with time, the weaker A3iclade was eventually replacedby the A2a clade, which is alsothe globally prevalent strain.

He said CCMB was the firstnon-ICMR lab to start testingsamples for the novel coron-avirus SARS-CoV-2. It alsoestablished SoPs for otherresearch institutes and uni-versities for testing. It hastrained more than 200 per-sonnel from medical hospitalsand other testing centres onthe testing protocols.

Police arrest six ATM robbers,recover property worth Rs 20LPNS n HYDERABAD

The city police on Thursdayarrested six professional inter-state ATM theft offenders.

Police also recovered oneTata sumo, gas cylinder, Rs73,060 net cash and seized onelorry, one pulsar, two gas cylin-ders (Oxygen, LPG) and gascutter with pipes all worthabout Rs 20 lakh from them.

On credible information,the sleuths of Central CrimeStation and Special OperationTeam LB Nagar, along withAbdullapurmet Police appre-hended six professional ATMtheft offenders at SampoornaHostel in Abudullapurmethere.

The accused hailing fromHaryana, Rajasthan and UttarPradesh had committed 11ATM offences in Telangana,Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu,

Madhya Pradesh and Bihar.The modus operandi was

that the offenders knew verywell about the ATM mecha-nism, centralised alarm systemand they chose the iron frameATM bodies. They are target-ing ATM without watchmanand without Alarm system.They will commit theft of thefour wheeler or two wheelervehicles before committingoffences.

They conduct recce of theisolated ATM's, spray black

paint on the CC Cameras toavoid their identity, they willcut the ATM Machine's frontportion with gas cutters,remove cash and escape instolen four-wheelers.

The accused later abandonstolen vehicles on the way.Before and after crime mostlythey travel in inter-state trans-port trucks. Sometimes theyplan in advance through thepeople of their native statelocated in the towns wherethere was ATMs.

Three persons held,100 kg ganja seized

Ensure students to take sem examsat centres near their homes: JNTUANUSHA PUPPALAn HYDERABAD

Keeping in view of the pre-vailing Covid pandemic situa-tion, Jawaharlal NehruTechnological University,Hyderabad (JNTUH) hasinstructed the principals ofaffiliated colleges to conductsemester examinations ofB.Tech and B.Pharm at thenearby centres of hometownsof the students.

The principals have beenrequested by University toobtain from students (at mostthree options - in the order ofpreference) from each studentfor writing their examinations,provided the places which thestudents are opting have at leastone JNTUH affiliated engi-

neering or pharmacy college. In an official circular

JNTUH on Tuesday stated, "Ithas come to the notice of theundersigned that certain engi-

neering colleges affiliated toJNTU Hyderabad are notadhering to the above instruc-tions issued by the University,thus putting the safety of the

students studying in such col-leges and appearing for the var-ious semester examinations inrisk and causing anxiety andinconvenience to the parentsand students concerned."

All the principals of engi-neering colleges affiliated toJNTUH are instructed to pro-vide option to the students toappear for the forthcomingsemester examinations eitherfrom the parent college or atthe centres which are near totheir respective hometowns /villages out of the three options(in the order of preference)exercised by the respectivestudents for writing theirexaminations so as to mitigat-ing the hardship and risk to thestudents in the prevailingCovid pandemic situation.

574 new Covid casespush TS tally to 2.8L PNS n HYDERABAD

Telangana reported 574 newCovid-19 cases on Thursday,taking the state's tally to2,83,556, health officials said.

During the last 24 hours,two more persons succumbedto the virus, pushing the deathtoll to 1,524. The fatality rateremained 53 per cent againstthe national average of 1.4 percent. According to director ofpublic health and family wel-fare, 44.96 per cent of thedeaths occurred due to Covidwhile 55.04 per cent had co-morbidities.

The state saw 384 recover-ies during the last 24 hours,taking the cumulative num-bers to 2,75,217. The recoveryrate stands at 97.05 per cent asagainst the national average of95.7 per cent. The number ofactive cases in the state is now6,815 including 4,487 who

are in home or institutionalisolation.

During the last 24 hours,Greater Hyderabad MunicipalCorporation (GHMC) report-ed 109 new cases.

Rangareddy district saw thesecond highest number ofnew cases at 48 followed byMedchal Malkajgiri (42), War-angal Urban (34), Karimnagar(30), Khammam (25), Nalgon-da (22) and Bhadradri Kotha-gudem (22). Of the 44,516tests conducted during thelast 24 hours, government-runlaboratories accounted for40,900 while the remaining3,607 samples were tested inprivate labs.

Samples tested per millionpopulation ratio rose furtherto 1,77,622. The daily testingtarget for the state is 5,600 perday as per the WHO bench-mark of 140 per million perday, officials said.

PNS n HYDERABAD

Three persons were arrestedand 100 kg of ganja, whichthey were allegedly smugglingfrom Visakhapatnam to thecity, was seized by theRachakonda Police onThursday.

The arrested persons wereidentified as Shaik Ismail ofVisakhapatnam, MankariSatish of Bagh Amberpet andMankari Prakash ofGoshamahal. One suspect,Arun Singh of Dhoolpet, isabsconding. According to thepolice, the three were sourcingthe contraband from one Rajuof Chinthapally hills inVisakhapatnam and supplyingit to customers in the city.

"On Wednesday evening,

Ismail brought the contra-band in an auto-rickshaw fromVisakhapatnam and informedArun Singh who sent theother two to Uppal. Theywere shifting the consignmentto a hideout when they werecaught," RachakondaCommissioner Mahesh MBhagwat said.

A case under the NDPS Actwas registered and efforts areon to nab Arun Singh.

Two persons held forburglary in NacharamPNS n HYDERABAD

The Rachakonda Police arrest-ed two persons involved in aburglary at Nacharam andrecovered 42 tolas of gold and70 tolas of silver ornamentsfrom them on Thursday.

The arrested persons wereidentified as Mohd Sabdar, 25,a native of Uttar Pradesh andMohd Ayub, 58, of Moinabad.Another suspect, MohdNayeem, is absconding.

The two moved around ina car in colonies and identifiedlocked houses. During thenight they would break intosuch houses and steal valu-ables. "The gang was involvedin two property offences inNacharam and one inDundigal police station limitsthis year," Bhagwat said.

Mahesh M Bhagwat saidAyub was arrested severaltimes earlier and was involvedin 118 cases.

Two arrested for smuggling ganja PNS n HYDERABAD

The Commissioner's TaskForce (west) team onThursday caught two personswho were found smugglingganja and seized 4 kg of thecontraband from them.

The duo - P Anil, 22, andS Srikanth, 27, both resi-dents of Karwan had kept thecontraband in an auto-rick-shaw and were searching forcustomers when they werecaught at Langer Houz, thepolice said.

Both the persons werehanded over to the LangerHouz police station for fur-ther action.

A beautiful new walking track with colouredstreet lights along the Tank Bund in the city is

bringing residents out from vehicles for walk asnever seen before.

— SSV CCHARY

HYDERABAD | FRIDAY | DECEMBER 25, 2020 hyderabad 04

PNS n HYDERABAD

The Telangana State Road Tra-nsport Corporation (TSRTC)would be phasing out thedeluxe category buses from itsfleet and replace them withother services. Therefore, thedeluxe services will not bethere in the new buses to beacquired by the RTC.

The demand for super lux-ury category buses, which aremostly run as non-stop ser-vices, is very high from thecommuters. Their speed isalso higher compared to otherservices. Exception to someroutes, they are being operat-ed on most of the routes asnon-stop bus services.Therefore, the commuters pre-fer them over other bus ser-vices.

Some of the express servicesare non-stop services, whilesome others halt at importantplaces. The bus fare on theseservices is comparatively less.After the Palle Velugu bus ser-vices, comes the express ser-vices. Deluxe services are fea-tured between express servicesand super luxury services. Thedeluxe bus services have pushback services and their speedis almost equal to that of superluxury services. But, the fare isa bit less than that of the super

luxury bus services. All theseservices are non-stop servicesand run without conductors.Therefore, the RTC has decid-ed to withdraw these services.

The RTC decided to phaseout the deluxe services as it isalmost similar to express ser-vice. There were instances ofcommuters, who got in todeluxe services treating it asexpress buses, arguing with busdrivers stating that the bus fareis a bit high. Therefore, theRTC felt that the deluxe serviceis useless. The withdrawal ofservice would end confusionamong the commuters andimprove the RTC's income.The RTC is of the view that the

commuters travelling by deluxebus services will patronisesuper luxury buses because ofthe push-back seats and non-stop services.

Two decades ago, there usedto be semi-luxury bus servicerun by the RTC. Then it wasthe only top-category bus ser-vice. Later, it was converted into high-tech service. At thesame time, deluxe service waslaunched. Later the high-techservice has been changed tosuper luxury bus service. Priorto becoming deluxe bus ser-vice, it was run for some timeas super deluxe service. Now,the RTC is going to applybrakes on the deluxe service.

Currently, the RTC has pre-mier bus services calledVennela sleeper service,Garuda plus and Garuda. Forthese services, the RTC usesbuses from Volvo and Benzcompanies. The Garuda busservice will have multi-axle busservice offering practically nobumpy ride to the travellers.

After comes the RajadhaniA/c, super luxury, deluxe,express and palle velugu andpalle velugu mini bus services.

The officials feel that thecommuters are being subject-ed to confusion because of themore number of categories.They decided to withdraw thedeluxe bus services.

RTC to phase out deluxe services

PNS n HYDERABAD

The police have been combingin the forest area of Bhadradri-Kothagudem district and wide-ly circulating the pictures of theMaoists to trace their where-abouts.

In this backdrop, the pres-ence of Maoist was felt in thestate again, the DGP, MahenderReddy's recent visit to the dis-trict assumed significance.

Till recently, Maoist partyTelangana Committee mem-bers Mylarapu Adellu aliasBhaskar, Kankanala Raji Reddyand Koyyada Sambaiah touredAdilabad district and recruit-ed Maoists into the party tostrengthen the party in thestate.

As a precautionary mea-sure, the police extensivelycombed for them in the forestareas of Adilabad district.

There were many incidentsof exchange of fire between the

police and the Maoists hadtaken place in Tiryani forestarea. Later, the DGP toured theAdilabad district and surveyedthe forest areas.

The DGP, who visitedKothagudem on Wednesday,had a meeting with Bhadradri-Kothagudem district policepersonnel to discuss the Maoistactivity in the region.

The police have alreadyinformation that Telangana

Committee member of theMaoist party Bade ChokkaRao alias Damodar is leadinga team comprising KurasamMangu alias Bhadru, PanduMangulu, Kovyasi Ganga aliasMahesh, Manglu, Bura Rajeshalias siva, Yatam Narendraalias Sampat gushed into theforest area and touring in theforest area close toChhattisgarh. The police haveannounced suitable reward to

informants about their where-abouts.

The Maoists have been lurk-ing in Chhattisgarh and sneak-ing into Bhadradri-Kothagudem district's forestarea which geographically suit-ed their purpose.

Now another team beingled by Bade Chokka Rao alsohas been touring the districtobviously with strong plan tomake their presence felt in thedistrict.

In last October, the Maoistskilled Eswar branding him asthe police informer. Earlier,they killed TRS leaderBheemeswar Rao in Mulugdistrict. In an exchange of fire,the police succeeded in neu-tralising three Maoists inSeptember. After theencounter, the presence of theMaoists was not felt in the statelater.

The presence of the Maoistsnow felt again annoying the

police. The police have beenconducting extensive combingto rein in the Maoists. Thehigher authorities have beenreviewing the situation fromtime to time.

Meanwhile, TelanganaDirector General of Police MMahendar Reddy onWednesday said the police wastaking steps to prevent entry ofMaoists into the state.

The DGP said, "We are mov-ing forward with the aim atmaking Telangana a Maoist-free state."

He said, "With people'scooperation, the police will beable to gather information onany movement of Maoists andthey have designed a strategyaccordingly."

"We are trying to resolve theproblems of the youth in bor-der districts with the help of thegovernment machinery so thatthey do not get lured byMaoists," he said.

Maoists make their presence felt in TS again

KOLISHETTY

VENKATESHWARLU

n HYDERABAD

Suspense over announcementof new Telangana PradeshCongress Committee chiefcomes to an end after rumourswere spread that the high com-mand has finalised the candi-date for the post.

The party leaders have splitinto two factions over theappointment of the TPCCchief and the party appears tohave gone into damage controlmode before announcing itspick.

But, to the latest develop-ment rumour mills state thatthe TPCC working president ARevanth Reddy's name hasbeen almost finalised for thepost of TPCC chief, after asenior leader close to the Delhileadership said that the partyis definitely looking for anaggressive leader who can reju-venate the cadre that is suffer-ing with low confidence now.

Initially, the party's seniorleaders under the banner ofCongress Loyalists Forum haveopposed Revanth Reddy tobe chosen for the post. But, thehigh command may announce

his name any time soon, as itconvinced another aspirantKomatireddy Venkat Reddythat it is appointing TPCCchief position to RevanthReddy, it is learnt.

The high command alsoconvinced the senior leaderswho addressed letters to itopposing Revanth Reddy forthe position of TPCC chief.

While the rumours wereout that Rahul Gandhi alsosuggested Revanth Reddyname for TPCC chief position,several Telangana leadersincluding Sangareddy MLA T

Jagga Reddy reiterate that thehigh command has to take afinal decision ensuring that theparty doesn't split into two.

While there is a chance forsome senior leaders to shifttheir loyalties to another party,especially BJP, could RevanthReddy convince the seniorleaders if given responsibilitiesto him? is the new questionwith the leaders of the party.

Meanwhile, it is also learntthat the CLP leader MalluBhatti Vikramarka is also try-ing vigorously to grab the cov-eted post.

Suspense over new TPCCchief position to end soon

PNS n HYDERABAD

Firing a fresh salvo against thegovernment, BJP OBCMorcha chief Dr K Laxmanalleged that Chief Minister KChandrasekhar Rao was sup-pressing the dissenting voicewith an iron hand.

Addressing the media atthe BJP office here onThursday, Laxman ques-tioned KCR, who gavea call to observebandh againstfarm bills, whyhe had failed tomeet the agitat-ing farmers. Healleged that KCRhas the habit ofm a i n t a i n i n gdiplomacy in Delhion one hand and rais-ing his voice against theCentral government inHyderabad on the other hand.

He lashed out at the ChiefMinister for perpetuating thefamily rule in the State andalleged that 'KalvakuntlaConstitution' is being imple-mented in the State.

Meanwhile, referring tothe farmers' protest, Laxman

said that the Oppositionparties are misguiding thefarmers. Pointing out thatwhen PV Narasimha Raointroduced the economic

reforms, the Opposition par-ties had opposed them,

Laxman claimed that theyare doing exactly the same

now as well. Hementioned that

'BangaruTelangana'cannot be

achieved ina Statewhere

farmers arein distress.He point-

ed out thatKCR has the

habit of luring thestudents and unemployed

youth in the name of job noti-fications ahead of elections.KCR enacting dramas in thename of 50,000 jobs for thevotes of graduates in the forth-coming graduate MLC elec-tions, he alleged.

Laxman fires fresh salvo against KCR

PNS n HYDERABAD

Chief Minister KChandrashekhar Rao andGovernor Dr TamilisaiSoundararajan on Thursdayconveyed Christmas greet-ings to the people in the State.

Stating that if everybodyfollowed the teachings ofJesus Christ of love, peace andcompassion, they could leada peaceful life, the ChiefMinister said adding that theteachings of Jesus Christ haveinfluenced the world.

The CM also urged peopleto celebrate Christmas byfollowing all the Covid-19guidelines strictly.

Meanwhile, the Governorextended warm greetings toall on the auspicious occasionof Christmas.

"Christmas is a joyousoccasion to celebrate thebirth of Jesus and cherish hisideals. His life symbolizeslove, forgiveness, truth, com-passion, brotherhood, andsacrifice. I wish thisChristmas to bring in bound-less joy, love, peace and pros-perity to all.”

TS Guv, KCRconvey Xmasgreetings

PNS n MEDAK

The Telangana State Policehave strengthened security inchurches across the state aheadof Christmas celebrations.

Superintendent of PoliceChandana Deepti has saidthat the security has beenbeefed up at the CSI Churchhere and its vicinity onaccount of Xmas celebrations.

On the directions from theSP, Medak DSP KrishnaMurthy and town CI Venkatwith the help of drone camerasinspected the arrangementsfor security in the church andits surrounding area.

The SP said that lakhs ofdevotees would throng the

CSI Church for Christmas asit is one of the largest church-es in India. Therefore, to avoidany inconvenience to thedevotees, stringent measureshave been taken up for park-ing the vehicles and to regu-late the traffic in the city. Toavoid any untoward incident,five sectors of forces havebeen deployed to beef upsecurity. Three DSPs, 11 CIs,50 SIs and ASIs, 75 head con-stables, 208 constables and 61woman constables, 88 homeguards, 8 access control teams,four day-binocular teams, spe-cial parties, armed reserveforce personnel have beendrafted to provide securityarrangements for the festival.

Cops beef up security atMedak Church for Xmas

PNS n HYDERABAD

The Confederation of RealEstate Developers'Associations of India(Credai)-Hyderabad, hailedTelangana government's deci-sion to allow registration ofnon-agricultural properties.The registrations were onhold to facilitate the transi-tion to the new system(Dharani) enabling increasedtransparency by removingdiscretion and ensuring 100per cent online advance slotbooking, which was kept inabeyance due to the order ofthe High Court.

A team representing thereal estate developers led byRamakrishna Rao, president,Credai Hyderabad along withrepresentatives of TREDA,TBF and TBA requested thecabinet sub-committeechaired by Vemula PrashanthReddy, Minister of Roads &Buildings, Legislative affairs& Housing, Telangana onthe initiation by Minister KTRama Rao, to allow registra-tion using the old Computer-aided Administration ofRegistration Department sys-tem to help the industry getback to regular operations.

Credai hails TS govt's decision

PNS n HYDERABAD

Telangana BJP Chief BandiSanjay Kumar alleged that theChief Minister K Chandrase-khar Rao was acting in such away that some IPS officerswere 'belittled' while somebeing used to influence corpo-rators, elected in the recentlyconcluded Greater HyderabadMunicipal Corporation elec-tions, to defect.

While addressing the gath-ering on Thursday afterinducting TRS leaders fromKhammam into the party,Bandi Sanjay has said thatKCR's arrogance has not yetdecreased though the TRS lostelection at Dubbak by-polls.

He said that KCR conduct-ed GHMC elections in hurrywith the fear of defeat similarto that of Dubbak by-elec-tion. "KCR didn't give time forBJP, but still people gave ver-dict in favor of BJP," BandiSanjay said questioning the

Chief Minister to tell why he isnot holding GHMC meet anddelaying elections to chooseMayor? Bandi Sanjay allegedthat TRS leaders are forcingIPS officials to influence BJPcorporators to join TRS, offer-ing money ranging from Rs 5

crores to Rs 6 crores. He alleged the Old City area

has become a den for anti-social elements and the KChandrashekhar Rao-led TRSgovernment failed to weedthem out. If given a fair chance,the state police would chasethem away in 15 minutes, hetold a party meeting here.

He accused the TRS andAIMIM of conspiring to keepthe Old City area away fromdevelopmental activities andbecoming a hi-tech city.

"Had the BJP been given achance to become Mayor of thecity, would there be Rohigyas?illegal residents of Pakistanand Afghanistan in the OldCity area? he asked.

PNS n HYDERABAD

Telangana BJP leaders aremaking arrangements tolaunch a bus yatra and paday-atra in all the 33 districts ofTelangana soon.

According to sources, it islearnt that the party is goingto utilise the services ofVijayashanti in a big way byhanding over the responsibil-ities of bus yatra to her.

The leader who recentlyrejoined the BJP is likely toattract the people towardsBJP using the bus yatra in thestate.

Vijayashanti to head ‘bus yatra' in TS

OLD CARD SYSTEM

‘KCR using money, police to woo corporators'

HYDERABAD | FRIDAY | DECEMBER 25, 2020 nation 05

Union Minister of State forDefence Shripad Naik onThursday congratulated the

DRDO for the maiden launch of amedium range surface-to-air missile.The missile, successfully test-firedfrom the Odisha coast onWednesday, has been developed bythe Defence Research andDevelopment Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with IsraelAerospace Industries. "Congratulations to Team at @DRDO_Indiafor Maiden launch of Medium Range Surface to Air Missile(MRSAM) Army Version from Integrated Test Range Chandipur, offthe Coast of Odisha yesterday," Naik tweeted. "It destroyed highspeed unmanned aerial target with direct hit depicting successfuloutcome," he added. The MRSAM has been manufactured by BharatDynamics Ltd. After its induction into the Indian Army, the missilewill significantly enhance the combat effectiveness of the defenceforces, sources said on Wednesday.

INDIA CORNER

Shripad Naik congratulates DRDOon launch of new missile

Issues can not be solved ifopposition is stopped from raisingthem, Maharashtra minister

Chhagan Bhujbal said on Thursdayafter Congress leaders were detainedin Delhi during a protest against farmlaws. Congress leaders PriyankaGandhi Vadra and others weredetained after they staged a sit-inprotest as they were not allowed to march to Rashtrapati Bhawan..Bhujbal, a senior NCP leader, said the Union government shouldlisten to opposition parties when they raise any issue. "You don'tlisten to farmers. If opposition parties try to raise the issue you stopthem. How will issues be solved then?" he asked.

Centre should listen to opposition parties: Bhujbal

An alleged gangrape victimhere has charged a policesub-inspector with raping

her when she had gone to apolice station to get hercomplaint lodged. ADG,Bareilly Avinash Chandra hasordered an inquiry on thecomplaint of the woman, whomet him on Wednesday. The35-year-old woman, a residentof a village under the Jalalabad police station area, told reporters onThursday that on November 30, while she was on her to Madanpuron foot, five men came in a car, forcibly dragged her to a nearbyfield and raped her. She alleged that when she went to the Jalalabadpolice station, a sub-inspector present there took her to his roomand raped her.

Gangrape victim claims she wasraped again by sub-inspector

Traffic movement fromNoida to Delhi wasaffected on Thursday

afternoon as hundreds offarmers, who support theCentre's new agriculture laws,assembled near theMahamaya Flyover here,officials said. These farmers,belonging to various districtsof western Uttar Pradesh, have come for the demonstration on thecall of farmers' union Kisan Sena and want to go to Delhi to meetUnion Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, according to theoutfit's conevnor Thakur Gauri Shankar Singh. This demonstrationin Noida comes even as two major farmers' unions – the BharatiyaKisan Union (Bhanu) and the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Lok Shakti) –are camping at the city's border for over three weeks now todemand the repeal of the three new central farm laws. Besides them,thousands of farmers, mainly from Punjab and Haryana, have stayedput for nearly a month at other border points of Delhi, includingSinghu and Tikri, to protest against the laws. Scores of BKU (Bhanu)members have dug their heels at the Chilla border while BKU (LokShakti) supporters are at the Dalit Prerna Sthal.

Traffic to Delhi hit as pro-agri laws farmers gather in Noida

PNS n NEW DELHI

Transgenders, elderly and thedisabled population had a dif-ficult 2020 due to the coron-avirus pandemic which keptthe Ministry of Social Justiceand Empowerment on its toesthroughout the year.

While the elderly battledhigh susceptibility to COVID-19, transgenders and the dis-abled population were hit by itssocial repercussions.

Relegated to the sidelines ofthe society, many of the coun-try's estimated 4.88 lakh trans-gender people are forced tomake a living through begging,dancing at celebrations likeweddings and sex work,according to rights groups.

But ever since the outbreakof the COVID-19 pandemic,many trans community mem-bers have lost their means oflivelihood and have been strug-gling to earn.

They say they have beensubjected to taunts, verbalabuse and domestic violence bytheir partners and family mem-bers in the last few months.

Meera Parida, co-founder ofNGO Sakha, said, "TheCOVID-19 outbreak haspushed us back to those timeswhen we were struggling tocome to terms with our iden-tity, get heard and save our-selves from life-threateningchallenges."

In the context of the coron-avirus pandemic, she urged the

government to consider theconcerns of transgenders whileframing policies and strategies.

"The trans community needsthe help and support of thesociety and the governmentmore than ever now," shenoted.

The disabled communitybattled the impact of the dis-ease and also that of social dis-tancing.

Touch, which is the mostprevalent means of spreadingCOVID-19, is also the mostprevalent method to commu-nicate for most disabled peo-ple, especially those visuallyimpaired.

They also struggled with e-education with lack of facilitiesfor them like translators on theonline medium.

Elderly, especially those liv-ing in old age homes, also hada difficult year due to theirhigh susceptibility to COVID-19.

Soon after the implementa-tion of the nationwide lock-down in March, the Ministryof Social Justice andEmpowerment issued com-prehensive disability inclusiveguidelines to states and unionterritories for protection andsafety of persons with disabil-ities (Divyangjan) in light ofCOVID-19.

It directed states that infor-mation about COVID-19, ser-vices offered and precautionsto be taken should be availablein simple and local language inaccessible formats i.e. in Brailleand audio tapes for persons

with visual impairment, video-graphic material with subtitlesand sign language interpreta-tion for people with hearingimpairment and throughaccessible websites.

It also directed that peopleresponsible for handling emer-gency response services shouldbe trained on the rights of per-sons with disabilities, and onrisks associated with addi-tional problems for personshaving specific impairments.

The Centre launched a 24x7toll free mental rehabilitationhelpline for providing psy-chological support to peopleand a national toll free drugde-addiction helpline num-ber which provided telephon-ic counselling and also linkedcallers to de-addiction centres.

The ministry is also plan-ning separate special helplinesto help the elderly and trans-gender community members,an official said.

The Centre constituted theNational Council forTransgender Persons in Augustto formulate policies, pro-grammes, legislation and pro-jects regarding members of thecommunity for achievingequality and full participationby them.

In November, the ministrylaunched a portal that allowstransgender persons to applyonline for certification of theirself-perceived gender identity.

In September, the Transg-ender Persons (Protection ofRights) Act aimed at securingrights and mainstreaming oftransgender persons was alsoimplemented after the Centrenotified the rules.

Amid the prevailing situa-tion due to COVID-19 pan-demic, the government organ-ised virtual camps for distrib-ution of aids and assistivedevices to the people withdisabilities. The purpose oforganising such camps is toprovide direct benefit of thegovernment run schemes in atransparent way and also togenerate awareness about thevarious other programs andinitiatives undertaken by thegovernment of India for thepersons with disabilities(Divyangjan) senior citizensacross the nation.

PNS n SANTINEKATAN (WB)

Gurudev RabindranathTagore's vision is the essence of'Atmanirbhar Bharat' missionof his government for empow-erment of India and the world,Prime Minister NarendraModi said on Thursday, as hetook forward his outreach topremier educational institu-tions. Addressing a function tomark the centenary celebra-tions of Visva-Bharati, the coun-try's oldest Central University, heextolled the pivotal role it playedin India's freedom movementand in furthering the cause ofuniversal brotherhood.

Visva-Bharati was declared aCentral University and anInstitution of NationalImportance by an Act ofParliament in 1951.

"Gurudev's vision for Visva-Bharati is the essence ofAtmanirbhar Bharat.Atmanirbhar Bharat is the pathto India's development for thedevelopment of the world. It's acampaign for India's empower-ment and prosperity, and throughit, the prosperity of the word," hetold the gathering through videoconferencing from New Delhi.

He said Tagore and the insti-tution he founded not onlystrengthened the spirit of nation-alism but also promoted inclu-

siveness that strengthened "vish-va bandhutva" (universital broth-erhood).

The prime minister, whoaddressed the convocations andcentenary celebrations of fouruniversities--the MysoreUniversity, Lucknow Univer-sity,Aligarh Muslim University andVisva-Bharati--within a span oflittle over two months, dwelt onthe role played by educationalinstitutions in driving the free-dom movement.

He said from the "Vedas toVivekananda", Tagore's thoug-htsreflected the collective thought ofIndia, which was never introvert-ed or exclusive. "His vision wasthat what is best in India the worldshould benefit from it, and Indiashould learn from the goodthings they have. Now look at thevery name of your university--Visva-Bharati....coordination andcooperation of India with theworld," he said.

The prime minister said Visva-

Bharati was the embodiment ofthe vision and the hard work ofthe Nobel laureate and a "vener-able source of constant energy tothe country." He said, today, Indiawas spreading Visva-Bharati'smessage to the world. "India istoday leading the world in the fieldof environment protectionthrough the International SolarAlliance and is the only countrymoving at a rapid pace to achievethe goals of the Paris Accord," heasserted. He recalled the role of theleaders of the Bhakti Movementlike Guru Nanak, Kabir andSurdas, who sowed the seeds ofthe freedom movement longbefore it started in the 19th and20th century. The BhaktiMovement, he asserted, strength-ened India's spiritual evolutionand collective consciousness.

He said after the long period ofthe Bhakti Movement arrivedRamkrishna Paramh-ansa whodiscovered Swami Vivekanandawho was a "blend of Bhakti(devotion), Gyan (knowledge)and Karma (action)". "The BhaktiMovement united us, theMovement for Knowledge gave usintellectual strength and theMovement of Karma, exemplifiedby the likes of Shivaji, MaharanaPratap, Rani Laxmibai of Jhansiand Khudiram Bose and PrafullaChaki gave us the spirit andcourage to fight for our rights."

PM: Tagore's vision isAtma Nirbhar Bharat

11 passengers from UK have tested Covid +ve in GoaPNS n PANAJI

Eleven passengers among thosewho arrived in Goa from theUK after December 9 have test-ed positive for COVID-19 sofar, state Health MinisterVishwajit Rane said onThursday, amid concerns overdetection of a new coronavirusvariant in Britain.

Talking to PTI, Rane alsosaid that RT-PCR testing of979 passengers, who came toGoa from the UK afterDecember 9, is currentlygoing on.

The state government hasdecided to designate the ESIHospital in South Goa districtfor the purpose of keeping allthe patients who have testedpositive for COVID-19 aftertheir arrival from the UK, hesaid.

"As per guidelines, RT-PCR testing of 979 passengerswho came after December 9is going on. Nine passengerswere initially found positivefor COVID-19 after theirarrival from the UK, whiletwo more subsequentlyapproached after being symp-tomatic and have tested pos-itive," the minister said.

Samples of these patients

have been sent to the NationalInstitute of Virology in Punefor further testing, said Rane,who is in Mumbai for hishealth checkup.

He said it is proposed tokeep these patients at the ESIhospital in Margao town ofSouth Goa, as "all those test-ed positive after arrival fromthe UK are supposed to bekept in separate institutionalisolation".

Meanwhile, a senior Goahealth official said they wouldask the state government tosanction one lakh more RT-PCR test kits to tide over anypossible shortage.

"The state government hasto be prepared for mass test-ing, if required," he said. Earlier, in the morning, anoff icia l f rom the stateDirectorate of Health Servicessaid they are trying to trackdown 602 people who arrivedin the state from the UK andthe UAE since December 9.

Goa on Wednesday report-ed 125 new coronaviruscases, taking the count ofinfections in the state to50,364.

The state has so far report-ed 727 deaths due to the dis-ease, as per official figures.

Country's first oldest Covid survivor deadPathanamthitta: The country'sfirst oldest COVID-19 survivorThomas Abraham died of age-related ailments on Thursday, hisfamily said here. The 93-year-old died in Rannivillage in the district and thefuneral would be held at a churchat Aithala on Friday.He is survived by his wife andthree children. The recoveryof the 93-year-old Abraham andhis 88- year-old wife after a battleagainst coronavirus in March thisyear was dubbed by the medicalcommunity as a miracle cure.They were discharged from theGovernment Medical CollegeHospital, Kottayam, on April 3.

State Health Minister K K Shailajahad congratulated the doctors,nurses and other staff of theMedical College Hospital forsaving the elderly couple.Along with the seven-memberteam of doctors who led thetreatment, 40 medical staffincluding 25 nurses had activelytaken part in various stages oftreatment of the two. The couple had contracted thevirus from their son, daughter-in-law and grandson who returnedfrom Italy in March. This was the first case of COVID-19 when the pandemic hit thesouthern state in the secondphase.

Asymptomatic passengers won't be tested on arrival: Maha govtMumbai: Passengers arrivingfrom Europe, South Africa andthe Middle-East will not besubjected to RT- PCR test forcoronavirus immediately uponarrival, the Maharashtragovernment said in a freshcircular on Thursday.The circular amended the

Standard Operating Protocol(SOP) issued for dealing withpassengers arriving from these

regions on December 21following the detection of anew variant of coronavirus inthe UK.Seven-day institutionalquarantine has been mademandatory for asymptomaticpassengers arriving fromEurope, South Africa and theMiddle-East. Symptomaticpassengers are immediatelyshifted to designated

hospitals.The circular said that no RT-PCR test will be conducted onarrival for asymptomaticpassengers. The testwill be conducted at the hotelwhere the passenger isquarantined between 5th and7th day, it said, adding thatthe cost of test will be borneby the passenger. If the report is negativethe

passenger will be dischargedfrom institutional quarantinebut he or she will have tostay in isolation at home forfurther seven days.If the result is positive butthe patient is stillasymptomatic, he or she willstay in institutionalquarantine at the same hotelor at COVID-19 hospital for14 days, the circular said.

PNS n KOLKATA

The ruling TMC in Bengal onThursday alleged that ChiefMinister Mamata Banerjee wasnot invited to the centenarycelebrations of Visva-Bharati.Addressing a press meet here,state minister and TMC leaderBratya Basu also claimed thatPrime Minister NarendraModi, who attended the cen-tral varsity's meet on the occa-sion over a video conference,made "factual errors" duringhis speech.

"Mamata Banerjee did notreceive any invitation for thecentenary meet of VisvaBharati," Basu said.

Responding to a query by areporter, he said, "Even if theinvitation, as you suggest, wassent last night, should that bethe decorum? After all, she

(Banerjee) is the chief minis-ter of a state."

The senior TMC leader fur-ther claimed that the primeminister, during his address,"denigrated" Bengali cultureand traditions in more waysthan one.

"Gujarat cropped up often inthe PM's speech. Why is heconfining RabindranathTagore to Gujarat? He said

Satyen Tagore's wife(Rabindranath Tagore's sister-in-law) learnt how to drapesarees in a certain fashionfrom Gujarati women. Thefact is that she learnt it fromthe Gujaratis as well the Parsis.But the prime minister would-n't mention Parsis.

"The PM also spoke aboutthe varsities of Delhi andLahore during his address,but failed to make a mentionof Calcutta University, whichplayed a important part in thecountry's freedom movement,"Basu claimed.

Talking about the 'DuareSarkar' initiative of the MamataBanerjee government, Basusaid at least 1.42 crore peoplehave directly benefited fromvarious welfare schemes, andRs 8,700 crore has beenreleased for the purpose.

Bratya: Mamata was not invited to Visva-Bharati centenary meet

PNS n NEW DELHI

A mobile application toidentify and geotag insanitarylatrines and manual scav-engers was launched by UnionMinister for Social Justice andEmpowerment ThaawarchandGehlot on Thursday.

He urged all citizens todownload the app, 'SwachhataAbhiyan', and through it pro-vide the authorities concerneddetails of any insanitary latrineor manual scavenger theynotice.

This would help in rehabil-itating all manual scavengersand replace insanitary latrineswith sanitary ones, Gehlotsaid.

"Census 2011 reported thatthere were over 26 lakh insan-itary latrines in the country.Existence of insanitary latrines

is the main reason for manu-al scavenging," the UnionMinister said.

Prohibition of Employmentas Manual Scavengers andtheir Rehabilitation Act, 2013,mandates survey of insanitarylatrines, their demolition andconstruction of sanitary onesin their place. The governmenthas been implementingSwachh Bharat Mission for thesame purpose.

Under the Swachh BharatMission, more than nine croresanitary latrines have beenconstructed, Gehlot said.

"The country has beendeclared as open-defecation-free. More than 66,000 man-ual scavengers have been iden-tified since 2013-14 throughsurveys by states and alsothrough a national survey in194 districts.”

App launched to identify,geotag insanitary latrines

Kerala smuggling case: ED attaches Rs 1.85 croreworth FDs, goldPNS n NEW DELHI

The Enforcement Directorate(ED) has attached assetsworth Rs 1.85 crore in con-nection with its money laun-dering probe in the allegedKerala gold smuggling case,the agency said on Thursday.

The case emerged on July5 when gold, weighing over30 kg, was seized by theCustoms department fromthe "diplomatic baggage" thathad landed by air cargo at theT h i r u v a n a n t h a p u r a mInternational Airport fromthe Gulf. The seized gold isstated to be worth Rs 14.82crore and the ED said that itwas "camouflaged as diplo-matic baggage to the UAEConsulate."

‘Oppn to EWS Maratha quota driven by politics’PNS n MUMBAI

Maharashtra PWD ministerAshok Chavanon Thursdaysaid opposition to the stategovernment allowingMaratha candidates to availbenefits of the EWS quotawas mere politics.

The state cabinet, in adecision taken onWednesday, allowedMarathas to apply for educa-tional admissions and gov-ernment jobs under thequota for Economically

Weaker Sections (EWS). The10 per cent EWS quota is ear-marked for those who are notcovered under any socialreservations.

"There is opposition toany decision being taken inthis regard (reservation).This is mere politics just forthe sake of opposing," hesaid.

Talking to reporters here,Chavan,who heads a cabinetsub-committee on theMaratha quota, said the gov-ernment had earlier planned

to provide EWS quota toMarathaswho have beenbrought under the categoryof socially and educational-ly backward class (SEBC).

"But (Maratha) communi-ty leaders like VinayakMeteand Sambhaji Chhatrapti(also a BJP MP) opposed themove (on EWS quota forMarathas).

"But some groupsapproached the BombayHigh Court for EWS quotafor the SEBC and the courtalso ruled that the govern-

ment ought to have takensuch a decision," he said.

The state government hasto file an affidavit in the highcourt on the matter onJanuary 8, the Congress min-ister said.

He said the cabinet deci-sion taken on Wednesdaywas as per the HC directives.

"It (seeking EWS benefits)is not compulsory. Thosewho wish to avail can do it,but they will not be eligiblefor the SEBC quota," Chavansaid.

Kidnapped construction workers released by ultrasPNS n AGARTALA

Three construction workerswho were kidnapped byinsurgents of the bannedNational Liberation Front ofTripura (NLFT) from a villagenear the Indo-Bangla borderin Tripura have been released,police said on Thursday.

The workers engaged byNPCC for erection of borderfencing at Maldapara village inDalai district, under the juris-diction of Ganganagar police

station, about 140 km fromhere, were kidnapped onDecember 7, police said.

They were released onWednesday evening, AIG ofTripura Police SubrataChakraborty said.

A group of six insurgents,armed with automaticweapons, had raided the con-struction site bordering CHTof the neighbouring countryand taken away the threeworkers to Bangladesh, thepolice officer said.

Difficult year for transgenders, elderly, disabled

Democracy depends uponobjective interactions,respectful dialogues andmutual trust. People may

differ in their viewpoints but theyneed not resist combined efforts tofind solutions and settle differences,no matter how serious these maybe. The year 2020 shall be remem-bered for the Shaheen Bagh dhar-na and Kisan Satyagrah. Normally,the word “Satyagrah” reminds oneof Gandhiji who had modified theoriginal term “Sadagrah” to“Satyagrah”. Democracy allowsprotests; Gandhiji gave the weaponof Satyagrah not only to India butto the entire world, and its poten-tial was never in doubt. It tookroots not only in India but was alsoused by luminaries like MartinLuther King Jr and NelsonMandela. As the inheritors ofGandhian legacy, India and Indianshave a special responsibility toensure that it is not converted into‘Asatyagrah’. In umpteen agitationsorganised within India, Satyagrahgets reduced to a mockery.

No one cares for the truth, non-violence invariably becomes a casu-alty and human lives are wastedwithout any hesitation or a sense ofshame. These days, the “leaders” goon hunger strike — Upvaas — forjust a few hours! The literal mean-ing of Upvaas is “being near the soul”but most demonstrations andprotests are hijacked by politicians.India seriously needs its intellectu-als to play their role: Get out of theslumber of callousness and take astrictly objective view of nationalaspirations, expectations of theyoung as well as to ensure that theprinciple of trusteeship is strictlyupheld in thought and deeds ofthose who have the reins of author-ity. It is their obligation to name andshame all those who have forgottenabout human values, social obliga-tions, the responsibility to give dig-nity to every human being, to be spe-cially concerned and supportive ofchildren, women and those stand-ing last in the line. While the devel-oped and modern countries may beoverwhelmed in their materialisticpursuits, India just cannot abandonits eternal responsibility to moveahead in spiritual quest, and there-by place the right path in front ofhumanity. Indians are inheritors