CHENNAI � SATURDAY � NOVEMBER 28, 2020 � `7.

00 � PAGES 20 � LATE CITY EDITION

GOVT CAPS CAB AGGREGATORS’

COMMISSION AT 20% OF FARE
As per the guidelines issued by the Union Transport ministry
on Friday, 80% of the total fare must go to driver partners
15-day
SURGE PRICING LIMIT FIXED AT 1.5% ALL-FEMALE POOL OPTION FOR WOMEN
Drivers welcomed it, but said the commission should be capped
In what could be a relief to the riders, the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines ■
stipulate that the surge price imposed during peak hours be capped at 1.5 at 10%. At present, cab aggregators charge 25-30%
times the base fare. It also allows the aggregator to charge a fare that is 50% ■ According to the guidelines, women riders opting to pool their
lower than the base fare when the demand is low. Where taxi fare has not trips should be able to do so with only female passengers TRAINING MUST BE PROVIDED FOR
been determined by the local government, `25-30 will be the base fare | P13 ■ Cancellation fee of 10% applicable to drivers if they cancel trips NEW DRIVERS BY THE AGGREGATOR

CHENNAI ■ MADURAI ■ VIJAYAWADA ■ BENGALURU ■ KOCHI ■ HYDERABAD ■ VISAKHAPATNAM ■ COIMBATORE ■ KOZHIKODE ■ THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ■ BELAGAVI ■ BHUBANESWAR ■ SHIVAMOGGA ■ MANGALURU ■ TIRUPATI ■ TIRUCHY ■ TIRUNELVELI ■ SAMBALPUR ■ HUBBALLI ■ DHARMAPURI ■ KOTTAYAM ■ KANNUR ■ VILLUPURAM ■ KOLLAM ■ WARANGAL ■ TADEPALLIGUDEM ■ NAGAPATTINAM ■ THRISSUR ■ KALABURAGI

Delhi gate opens after clashes

Police fire water canon on farmers marching towards Delhi, protesting the Centre’s farm reforms, at Singhu Border | SHEKHAR YADAV
After intense clashes at the Delhi
border, Union agriculture minister
Narendra Singh Tomar reaches
out, invites farmers’ organisations
for a fresh round of talks on the
new farm laws on December 3
With the AAP supporting the
agitation, the Delhi govt rejects
the Delhi Police’s request to
convert stadiums inside the city
into temporary jails to house
the detained farmers
“While a section of farmers want
to block the highway to pressure
the Centre, others want to protest
at the designated Nirankari
ground,’’ said a farmer leader on
condition of anonymity
Farmers permitted to hold protest at Capital’s Burari ground, but opt to stay put at border
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
@ New Delhi/Chandigarh/Lucknow
THOUSANDS of farmers from
Punjab and Haryana clashed at
least thrice with the Delhi Po-
lice on Friday as they were pre-
vented from entering the Capi-
tal even as Union agriculture
minister Narendra Singh
Tomar urged them to end the
agitation and come for the third
round of talks on December 3.
“The government has always
been ready to discuss issues.
We have invited farmers’ or-
ganisations for another round
of talks on December 3,” Tomar
said in a statement.
But his appeal hardly found
any takers as the far mers
stayed put at Delhi’s doorstep,
blocking the national highway
to Chandigarh. They also ig-
nored the Delhi Police, which
after blocking their entry
into the Capital, permit-
ted them to go to the
Nirankari ground in
north Delhi’s Burari
area to stage their
protest.
The Punjab and Haryana
farmers received support from
their Uttar Pradesh counter-
parts, with the Bharatiya Kisan
Union holding sit-in protests
across several districts of west
UP and blocking highways.
Other than the Yamuna Ex-
pressway, the BKU protested at
Ba ghpat, Muzaf f ar na g ar,
Meerut, Bijnor, Hapur, Shamli,
Bulandshahr, Ghaziabad,
Noida, Moradabad and
Saharanpur. Officials in
the Union Ministry of
Home Affairs main-
tained that the govern-
ment is in constant
touch with the concerned
states to maintain the law
and order situation.
In many areas along the Del-
hi border, such as Tikri, Singhu
border, protesters refused to
move to the Nirankari ground.
At Tikri border, the Delhi Po-
lice took hundreds of farmers
to the Nirankari ground but
the protestors returned to the
border. At the Singhu border,
the farmers instead sought per-
mission to protest at the Ram-
lila maidan instead.
“We are not moving any-
where now. We have enough
dal, wheat and gas to prepare
our own food. We will stay here
till Saturday morning as more
farmers are coming to join us.
We are in talks with our unions
and representatives. Once they
reach, we will move to the
Nirankari ground,” said farm-
ers at the Singhu border. P9

AN ISLAND SLOWLY Recession stays, but recovery faster than thought

BEING CAST AWAY...
S V K R I S H N A C H A I TA N YA
@ Chennai
AROUND 18,000 residents of
the Pasiyavaram island near
Pulicat are living in fear of
being marooned, for the thin
strip of cement road that
connects it with the main-
land is slowly but steadily
going under water. While cy-
clone Nivar has already
brought heavy rainfall to
the continuous rainfall in
Chittoor district.
The consequence: hun-
dreds of families running
pillar to post to stock up on
essentials.
By local official estimates,
the road will go under water
in the next 1-2 days unless
the outflow into the river is
reduced. A steady stream of
vehicles was seen moving at
a snail’s pace along the road,
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
@ New Delhi
INDIA’s economy, on a slow-
down path since March 2018
and pummelled by the corona-
virus pandemic, has officially
entered recession with GDP
growth contracting 7.5% year-
on-year in the July-September
2020 quarter.
This is, however, a notable
improvement from the mind-
numbing 23.9% decline in the
previous three-month period as a relief as various projec- In the previous quarter, it had wave of the pandemic still
(April-June 2020). Recession is tions had pegged GDP growth stood at `26.9 lakh crore. looms large, experts believe the
when economic growth rate is to be much worse. So, on a sequential basis, it worst may be over as most eco-
negative for two consecu- Even Reserve Bank of amounts to a growth of 23.2%. nomic parameters have im-
tive quarters or more. India’s forecast was a While the danger of a second proved on the back of resump-
Assuming a 5-6% contraction of 8.6%. tion in economic activities.
trendline growth, the This, according to For example, manufacturing
effective output loss economists, shows the
CORE OUTPUT SHRINKS and electricity sectors bounced
during the first half of economy is healing fast- Contracting for the 8th straight back, growing 0.6% and 4.4%,
the current fiscal is up- er than thought. month, the output of eight core respectively. Agriculture con-
wards `20 lakh crore. In absolute numbers, na- infra sectors fell 2.5% in October, tinued to grow, at 3.4%, while
On the brighter side, the data tional output fell to `33.14 lakh mainly due to decline in the trade and services sector
released by the National Statis- crore from `35 lakh crore re- production of crude oil, natural showed lower-than-expected
tics Office on Friday have come corded in the year-ago period. gas, refinery products and steel contraction at 15.6%.

Chirag biggest loser

this region – leaving parts of with people preparing for
the island in 2-3-foot deep the deluge. “In the past, a
water – the current crisis is pregnant woman and a few

as Sushil Modi gets

because Andhra Pradesh schoolchildren have drowned
opened the shutters of the to death after a boat capsized
Arani Dam, dumping a in the flooded lake,” recalls

whopping 7,500 cusecs of wa-
ter into the Arani River. The
neighbouring State had to
open the gates because of
RS by-election ticket
Durai Mahendran. “We pray
such things do not happen
anymore.”
THE ISLANDERS’ PLIGHT: P4
E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ New Delhi

THE BJP on Friday nominated former Bihar

deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi for
the Rajya Sabha by-elections from the state ne-
cessitated after the demise of former Union min-
ister and the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) founder
Ram Vilas Paswan.
While the LJP was hoping to get a party nomi-
nee into the Rajya Sabha, Chief Minister Nitish
Kumar’s JD(U) didn’t want any truck with the
Chirag Paswan-led outfit. With the BJP leaning
towards Nitish’s side, the JD(U) appears to have
The thin stretch that leads to Pasiyavaram island is on the brink of being won this round against the LJP.
submerged due to the overflowing Arani river | EXPRESS The Rajya Sabha ticket is also a clear indica-
tion of the BJP taking Sushil Modi out of active
politics at the state level, creating the ground for
a role for him at the national level either in the

CM announces Nivar relief government or the party. It also indicates that

the BJP wants to groom an alternative leader-
ship in Bihar to expand its footprint by accom-
modating representatives of the extremely back-
E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ Chennai ward castes as a counter to the social base of the
opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal.
STATING that the State government has been engaged in repair- The BJP had committed an RS seat for Ram
ing the damage caused by cyclone Nivar on a war footing, Chief Vilas Paswan in the run up to the 2019 Lok Sabha
Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Friday announced a sola- elections during its seat-sharing deal. P10
tium of `10 lakh each to the families of four persons who lost their
lives in rain-related incidents.

BENGAL
Palaniswami also directed the officials to estimate the damage
caused to standing crops and provide compensation from the Dis-
aster Response Fund for those farmers who have not taken crop
insurance. Pointing out that big losses to human lives were avert- TRANSPORT MINISTER
ed due to the precautionary steps taken by the government, he SUVENDU ADHIKARI QUITS
said that each of the families in relief camps was given 10 kg rice,
a saree, a dhoti and one litre of kerosene, along with cooking oil The heavyweight Trinamool minister was a known
and pulses. He added that they were already provided with basic critic of CM Mamata Banerjee. He sent his
amenities like food, drinking water, mats and blankets. P4 resignation letter to the CM and the Governor | P10

THREE TIMES IN A ROW

State bags best performer award, again

EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE and order, along with entrepre- I dedicate this award to all of TN tops
@ Chennai neurship, cleanliness, environ- them. Let us continue to work organ
ment, health, education and unitedly for the growth of the donation
TAMIL Nadu has been ad- agriculture. State.”
judged the best performing big Expressing happiness over Tamil Nadu secured the top Tamil Nadu has
State for the third consecutive the recognition, Chief Minister spot, scoring a total of 1,263.1 bagged the top
year, a study revealed on Edappadi K Palaniswami, said points out of 2,000 for its over- spot in cadaver
Friday. in a tweet: “Tamil Nadu has all performance. The State also organ donation
The study titled, “States of been chosen for this recogni- stood second in fighting the for the sixth
the State”, conducted by In- tion for the third consecu- Covid pandemic, securing 74.2 time in a row.
dia Today, says that Tamil tive year only because points out of a 100. “The award is
Nadu has topped in as of the concerted and The recognition comes in the dedicated to
many as 11 categories untiring work done by backdrop of Tamil Nadu bag- the families of
from a total of 12, includ- government officials, ging the first position in the the donors,”
ing economy, tourism, in- employees and with composite ranking for good said Minister C
frastructure, inclusive the cooperation of the governance index (GGI), last Vijayabasker
development, law people of the State. year. CONTINUED ON: P5 READ ON: P4

02 CHENNAI
Lakes brimming: Flood
warning for 96 villages
Owing to the heavy rains, water inflow into the rivers have manifold
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
@ Chennai
PUBLIC Works Department
has issued flood warnings to 96
villages in Kancheepuram,
Chengalpattu and Tiruvan-
namalai districts. Several
waterbodies have reached their
full capacity owing to heavy
rains in the past few days and
surplus water is being released
from Thenneri lake in Wala-
jabad taluk and Thandarai dam
in Tiruvannamalai district. Be-
sides, surplus water was re-
leased from Madurantakam
lake from Friday evening.
Surplus water from Ma-
durantakam is being released
into the Kiliyar river and the
Public Works Department has
issued flood warning to the fol-
lowing villages in Chengalpat-
tu district–Kathilicher ry,
Vi z h u t h a m a n g a l a m , Va l -
arpirai, Mulli, Munnuthikup-
pam, Murukkancherry, Kun-
n a t h u r, N e e l a m a n g a l a m ,
Karunkuzhi, Irusamanallur,
1 (CMDA) opposed it on the
P E T E R V I DA L
28 th November : If you thought you’d heard some weird stories, then
try this. The latest theory about the beginning of our universe is
weirder than anything I’ve heard so far. Apparently, there are two
universes constantly moving apart and then together again. When
they move together, they explode and the whole process starts
anew. It all makes astrology seem positively normal!
ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr. 20)
If you’re taking time off, it
looks very much as if all
leisure pursuits should be
competitive. The fact is that there is no
satisfaction as great as that gained
from coming first or, at least, from doing
better than you’ve ever done before. If
you have a strength, then it’s your
willingness to deal with detail.
TAURUS (Apr. 21 - May 21)
It’s time for some of your
typical intuitive foresight. You
see, it’s important to broaden
your horizons, and even if there are some
options that you have always shunned,
they are almost certainly worth
considering now. You might not go for
what’s on offer, and something
completely different could catch your eye!
GEMINI (May 22 - June 21)
Romantic attachments could
take an intense turn, which
will no doubt be deeply
satisfying. However, you may be inclined
to judge others a little too harshly. The
moment you start comparing one
person unfavourably with another,
you’re in danger of letting your personal
feelings interfere with the truth.
CANCER (June 22 - July 23)
This may not be the best
time to lay down the law, for
partners, colleagues and
rivals have strong opinions of their own.
It’s much better to ask them what they
think, and turn this to your own
advantage. You might be able to use
their arguments to show them why they
should take more notice of you!
LEO (July 24 - Aug. 23)
This should be a busy period,
and time set aside for
relaxation may be curtailed
by additional duties incurred as
partners, children or friends present you
with fresh demands. Actually, you could
be happier to be active than left with
time on your hands.
VIRGO (Aug. 24 - Sept. 23)
There is no need to be more
shy and retiring than usual.
In fact, you may dust down
your neglected or forgotten creative
skills and theatrical qualities. Life
should be approached in a spirit of
spontaneity, youthful vigour and a
willingness to take whatever comes.
SATURDAY 28 11 2020
Bhoodhur and Eesur.
Kancheepuram Collector
Maheswari Ravikumar has is-
sued flood warning to 35 vil-
lages along the Palar river as
inflow into the river has been
increased to 20,000 cusecs
and is likely to go up to
40,000 cusecs in due
course. The surplus
water is flowing
through the Neenjal
Maduvu (regulator) in
Chengalpattu district and
flows into the Palar near Chen-
galpattu town. Flood warning
has been issued to 10 villages in
Kancheepuram district and 15
villages in Chengalpattu dis-
trict as surplus water is being
1,000 cusecs released from Poondi reservoir
Chennai: With the Poondi reservoir receiving copious amount of inflow,
1,000 cusecs of water was released on Friday. “Owing to heavy rains in
Chittoor district, Poondi reservoir has been receiving an inflow of
10,000 cusecs of water. The water level touched 33 feet against its full
height of 34 feet. To maintain the level, we will be releasing 10,000
cusecs in several intervals,” said a PWD official. People living in low
lying areas in North Chennai were issued a flood warning.
THE PHANTOM
LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23)
You may now have the HI AND LOIS
determination to
implement family changes
or home improvements which once
seemed beyond your power. Even
hopes which you thought would always
remain as fantasies may now be put
into action. And about time too, some
people would say!
SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)
You might feel as if you’re
facing an uphill struggle. If
you don’t seem to be making
any headway, it’s probably because you
have not done enough to persuade BEETLE BAILEY
other people that they have just
failed to appreciate the truth, and that
you are right. It’s never too late to have
another go!
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 22)
It’s not a bad moment for
shopping trips, although
there seems to be a
planetary law in operation which says
that whatever money you have when
you leave home will be spent by the
time you return. You don’t have to give
in to it, though. A simple solution is to
keep your wallet tight shut! BLONDIE
CAPRICORN (Dec. 23 - Jan. 20)
A sociable Moon is just the
tonic you need to lift your
morale and enable you to
believe in yourself. If you should have
moments of self-doubt, don’t ignore
them, but make use of the opportunity
to discover exactly why your confidence
has slipped.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19)
Relatively secretive stars
might force you to adjust
your social priorities. The
LOCKHORNS
most pleasant gatherings will be
discreet and involve just one or two
favoured people. It’s an enlightening
moment to pursue any spiritual or
mystical interests.
PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar 20)
You’ll be on top form
socially. Your drawback may
just be a return to your
natural shyness but, at times like this,
you seem to be confident enough for it
not to matter. Incidentally, Venus’
current movement signifies high
romantic hopes. But can they be met?
Well, only time will tell!
� �
released from Thenneri lake.
The PWD has also issued
flood warning to 24 villages in
Uthiramerur taluk in
Kancheepuram district and
Vembakkam taluk in Tiruvan-
namalai district. Follow-
ing heavy rain, a total of
6,000 cusecs of water is
being released from
Thandarai dam across
the Cheyyar river in
Tiruvannamalai district.
The water will reach the riv-
er near Perunagar village in
Kancheepuram district. People
have been told not to cross the
causeway across the Cheyyar.
The police have been requested
to stop transport in this area.
2 Public Works Department
WHEN RAIN
DECIDES TO
SEIZE THE DAY
❶ Local residents wade through the
waterlogged streets of Baba Nagar,
in Villivakkam, on Friday | P JAWAHAR
Excess rainwater at Mudichur and
❷ Manimangalam been cleared using
suction water pumps | ASHWIN PRASATH
3 ❸ Road connecting Valarkundram and
Perunthandalam village washed
away in the recent rain | ASHWIN PRASATH
DENNIS THE MENACE
ALMANAC TODAY MIN MAX Sunrise 06.18 am
Saturday: 28/11/2020 Year: Shaarvari Karthigai: Valar Pirai Kartik: Shukla Paksha 22 C 29 C
0 0 Sunset 05.44 pm
Thithi: Trayodashi till 10-23 hrs Nakshatra (Star): Bharani till 27-20 hrs. Moonrise --.--
Moon in Mesh. Today is Bharani Deepam. Rahukaalam: 09.00-10:30 CHENNAI FORECAST
Yamagantam: 13.30-15.00 Gulikakalam: 06.00-07.30 WEATHER Scattered showers Moonset 03.41 am
Get ready for
heavy rains
in December
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
@ Chennai
THE rainfall activity in
the State will intensify
again this weekend as a
new low pressure area is
likely to form over south-
east Bay of Bengal.
Deputy director gener-
al of meteorology at Re-
gional Meteorological A view of the Adyar river | P JAWAHAR
Centre S Balachandran
Tryst with floods: 5 years on, buffer
said the low pressure area
will form by Sunday and
would concentrate into a
depression in the subse-
zone along Adyar river still on paper
quent 24 hours.
“It is likely to further
intensify and move to-
wards Tamil Nadu coast.
Under its influence, en- C S H I V A K U M A R @ Chennai has been lying idle as it is yet to with regard to the 2015 floods
hanced rainfall is likely be reclassified by the CMDA. from the PWD for zoning of
to occur over TN and Pu- THE city’s frequent tryst with The denotified land is located flood-prone areas. However,
ducherry between Decem- floods and cyclones has been at Manapakkam, Gerugam- nothing has moved beyond it,
ber 1 and 3,” he added. throwing up novel ideas to min- bakkam, Kolapakkam, Thara- except another meeting of the
Weather blogger Pradeep imise the damages. However, pakkam and Kovur villages in committee in April 2018. This
John said the new system many of these plans continue Sriper umbudur taluk of meeting also failed to arrive at
will bring heavy rains to to remain on paper as they are Kancheepuram district. a decision.
Delta region and south- hit by development concerns. When Express contacted an
ern TN. Met officials have Among them is the five-year-
CMDA reclassifying lands official, he said that the issue
under the buffer zone
forecast partly cloudy sky old proposal to earmark a buff- has got nothing to do with
condition for Chennai till er zone along the banks of Ad- EVEN as the buffer zone plan is floods. The area reserved for
the new system forms. yar to protect residential areas gathering dust, the CMDA has airport expansion has been de-
and commercial establish- been reclassifying the lands freezed and the officials are
ments from flooding. After the which come under the buffer still conducting a study to as-
devastating floods of 2015, the zone of 500 metres based on sign the land use, he added.
conditional approval from the
(PWD) wanted to set a buffer PWD. The CMDA only recently
State yet to enact Flood
Plain Zoning says CAG report
zone of 500 metres along the called for a detailed flood study
river. The plan didn’t move for- According to a Comptroller and
ward as it would impact as Auditor General report, the
many as 852 acres of prime State has yet to enact the Flood
land which was initially ac- Plain Zoning, a concept to regu-
quired for the Chennai airport The area reserved for airport late land use in the flood plains
expansion, but later expansion has been defreezed and to restrict the damage caused by
denotified. the officials are still conducting a floods and determining the loca-
It is learnt that when the study to assign the land use tions and extent of areas for de-
PWD’s proposal for buffer zone velopmental activities so that it
An official
came up, the Chennai Metro- does not affect environment. It
politan Development Authority was mandated by the Central
by appointing a consultant in Water Commission, which in
ground that a buffer zone up to the field of flood modelling, to 1975 circulated a model Bill of
500m or any other distance comply with a Madras High FPZ. Even the Second Master
would be arbitrary and may not Court order on March 6, 2020. Plan of Chennai prepared by
reflect the actual flooding con- Sources said appropriate the CMDA’s planners did not
dition. However, PWD sources land use has to be assigned tak- provide room for FPZ.
told Express that the CMDA felt
it is a sensitive issue involving
ing into consideration planning
permissions, approved layouts,
K P Subramaniam, a former
professor of Urban engineering
several plot owners and pro- reclassification and ground in Anna University, said that the
spective construction of sever-
al homes.
conditions, etc.
On January 19, 2016, a com-
Centre in 2003 issued a guide-
line that floodplain zones should
The 852 acres, acquired in prehensive reclassification pro- be excluded from any develop-
2007 for constructing a parallel posal was prepared and placed ment but it has yet to be includ-
runway, was not made to use as
the Airports Authority of India
before a technical committee
which recommended that the
ed in the development
regulations.
in 2011 dropped the plan, stat- layouts falling under the 852 The CAG report states that
ing that no significant improve- acres of denotified land should the CMDA has approved 291 lay-
ment in aircraft movement
would be achieved with the new
be assigned primarily for resi-
dential use. It also sought de-
outs in Chennai Metropolitan
area of which 127 were within
runway. Ever since, this land tails of maximum flood level 15 metres of waterways.
Test your number crunching CROSS WORD
skill with our unique puzzle
SU DO KU
MEDIUM Solutions to Yesterday’s puzzle
■ Fill in the grid
with digits in such
a manner that every
row, every column
and every 3X3 box
accommodates the
digits 1 to 9, without
repeating any.
■ Each sudoku has a unique solution that can be
reached logically without guessing.
ACROSS DOWN
1 Folk must be crackers to devise such a dish (6) 1 Light entertainment to repeat all over the
4 Instrument case? (8) place (8)
9 Secret observation means plea is changed (6) 2 Organising Sue’s opal wedding (8)
10 Guide to advanced maturity for poor sailors? 3 Made-up cheese (4)
(8) 5 To Peter Noble maybe, a means to get
12 We must top and tail these earthbound a drink (6-6)
creatures (4) 6 A parson upset enough to swear (4)
13 It may cover you in retirement (5) 7 I take road transport to America. He tried
flying (6)
14 Broke a piece of sculpture (4)
17 Translation I put out in passing (12) 8 They happen to upset Steven (6)
20 Secure option to give equal weight to both 11 Applying colour on some links (7,5)
sides (12) 15 Point to organist’s control in bar (5)
23 Box spring given poor finish (4) 16 Content to lie very quietly in dry grass (5)
24 Looked old, for example, when confused (5) 18 Extinct animal is around in changed form (8)
25 Switch round a route (4) 19 Problem of pain (8)
28 Permission is given to a man having had 21 David’s in the services (6)
a raise (8) 22 Mother unfortunately has to rise for a
29 Patchy picture of a lawgiver (6) greeting (6)
30 One pasta ingredient is a lemon product (8) 26 Bargain in timber (4)
31 Transport provided for those who are late (6) 27 Arrive in company with me (4)
YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS
Across: 1 Alien, 4 Cyclops, 8 Gad, 9 Certainty, 10 Algiers, 11 Imply, 13 Starts, 15 Status, 18 Lathe, 19
Authors, 21 Depressed, 23 Ace, 24 Emerald, 25 Steed.
Yesterday’s
Down: 1 Afghans, 2 Indignant, 3 Niche, 4 Caress, 5 Chariot, 6 Own, 7 Shyly, 12 Patronage, 14 Theresa, 16
Suspend, 17 Paused, 18 Ledge, 20 Tides, 22 Pie.
 The PM 2.5 level recorded at Alandur NEWS UPDATE FROM TN

53 µg|m3 on Friday. Nitrogen dioxide level was

at 14 µg/m3 against the prescribed
standard of 80 µg/m3
Twitter @ xpresstn
‘TNIE Tamilnadu’ @ xpresstn

03 CHENNAI SATURDAY 28 11 2020

� � newindianexpress com

Home buyers scout for independent

villas as viral fear refuses to die down
C S H I V A K U M A R @ Chennai 35 lakh. While some buyers there’s been a good amount of Express that quite a few devel-
intend to build and occupy movement happening in the opers are getting into plotted
IS the pandemic changing the homes on these plots, there are residential sector because of development. “Some have gone
city’s living preferences? If re- also many long-term investors the fact that the interest rates into villa development. Some
ports are to be believed, Chen- in the mix,” says Sanjay Chugh, are at an all-time low, and also people tend to prefer villas, so
naiites are going back to choos- City Head - Chennai, Anarock because developers are giving they buy the plots and develop-
ing open plots and independent Property Consultants. attractive discounts. ers build it for them,” said
houses in comparison to high- Though land investment is a “The buyers are preferring Sridharan.
rises and apartment complexes. time-honoured tradition in more customised spaces, and The demand for ready apart-
According to a report by real Chennai, the trend of apart- hence the trend of plotted de- ments has not abated since
estate consultant Anarock, key ments had drawn more velopments are on the apartments present a lower
developers have launched at buyer interest over the rise. Moreover upcom- overall risk, especially with
ALL CLEAR least five “plotted development”
projects comprising 900 units
last decade. However,
the pandemic has once
ing plotted develop-
ments are at preferred
considerable ready-to-move in-
ventory available, says Chugh
A day after Chennai was lashed by heavy rains, the city’s sky became Mother Nature’s canvas. A father-son duo in Tambaram in the last 4-5 months. again boosted demand locations with best in the report.
enjoys the evening on Friday | SUNISH P SURENDRAN Prominent locations that saw for land as a long-term price. While this trend Many buyers who have opted
plotted development project investment alternative. is definitely going to in- for plots say that it gives them
launches are Iyyappanthangal, There is also considerable crease in the near future the flexibility to build house of

Poor patronage pushes

Vandalur, Mannivakkam, Ava-
di, and Thirumazhisai. The
plot sizes start as low as 560
square feet and go all the way
up to 2,400 square feet or more.
interest in plots in gated socie-
ties, where building standalone
homes is seen as a safe bet in
pandemic-like situations.
A Shankar, Chief Operating
due to change in behaviour of
some buyers who can afford
such a plotted land, the prefer-
ence for affordable apartment
units will also continue to gain
their choice and they could
even alter it for commercial
purpose. MD Rajan, a resident
of Manivakkam says he had
been living in a two-bedroom

city’s taxis off the road

Most of these localities are to-
wards the peripheries of the
city, where average prices hov-
er at `2,500 per sq. ft.
“If we consider buyer trends
Over 20,000 taxis may get phased out soon due to low ridership based on current enquiries, the
highest demand is for plots
sized between 1,000-1,200 sq. ft.
B A N B U S E LV A N @ Chennai with average ticket sizes at `25-
Officer, Strategic Consulting, momentum,” says Shankar. flat built by a noted developer.
Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) says S Sridharan, CREDAI chair- Now he has opted for plots de-
that during the last few months man, Tamil Nadu Chapter told veloped by TVH as he felt the
plots have a lot less restrictions.
“If I buy a plot for `40 lakh, I
The buyers are preferring more customised spaces, and hence the
trend of plotted developments are on the rise. Moreover, upcoming
can build a house as per my lik-
plotted developments are at preferred locations with best price
ing by adding another `25
lakh,” says Rajan, who had mi-
A Shankar, COO, Strategic Consulting, Jones Lang LaSalle grated to the city 10 years ago.

“I am yet to get much travel

requests from the airport, rail-
way station, star hotels and
malls. If IT companies contin-
ue to encourage work-from-
home for another year, the
number of call taxis on roads
will come down by half, in an-
other three months,” says K
Kannan, owner and driver of
a call taxi.
It has been two months since
the government allowed re-
sumption of taxi services, post
the lockdown. Yet, the demand
for cab services continue to re-
main around 30 to 40 per cent,
putting several thousands of
drivers and their families in
distress.
Kannan says there was a
small surge in the bookings in
the first week of November
thanks to the Deepavali sea-
son. “However, it has now gone
back to what it used to be dur-
ing September. Apart from the
fear of virus transmission, the
travel pattern itself seems to
have changed drastically,” he
adds.
The poor patronage is being
attributed to the closure of IT
companies that had earlier
contributed nearly 40 per cent
to the business. Also sharing
the blame are the restrictions
CITY DIGEST
Boy drowns in Biker crushed Man clubs mom Duo, dog die after
6-foot-deep pit at to death as lorry to death near inhaling generator
construction site overturns Koyambedu fumes in Athur
Chennai: In a tragic Chennai: A 21-year-old bike Chennai: Angered by Chennai: Two construction
incident, a six-year-old boy rider was crushed to death persistent questioning workers, S Rajesh (35) and
drowned in a six-foot-deep after a lorry laden with about not going for work K Rajesh (41) from
pit at a construction site in green chillies overturned and his marital status, a Kanniyakumari, died after
Vellanur near Avadi on and fell on him, on a 41-year-old man beat his allegedly inhaling toxic
imposed on hotels, beaches, over 20,000 taxis may get Thursday. Police identified damaged road at mother to death with an fumes from a generator at
theatres, etc. Around 45,000 phased out soon from the city, the victim as K Mohanraj, a Sholavaram on Thursday. iron rod, at Nerkundram a farmhouse in Athur near
call taxis ply in the city, of if the situation persists. class 1 student from Police said the lorry near Koyambedu on Friday Chengalpattu on Thursday
which about 32,000 are oper- This was too much to bear Kollumedu. “A house is toppled after the wheels morning. On hearing the night. Due to the rains
ated through cab aggregators for many of them, who had being constructed next to got caught in a huge woman’s screams, there was no power supply
such as Ola and Uber. The re- their monthly dues piling up, their house, and a pit was pothole filled with neighbours rushed to the on Thursday and the duo,
maining run for other compa- sometimes forcing them to dug up for a septic tank. rainwater. The motorist spot and nabbed Mahesh who went to sleep in a
nies like NTL, Fast track or leave the profession altogeth- On Thursday, Mohanraj, Rahul, a resident of Kumar. The deceased, shed took a generator
Friends. er. A week ago, about 10 call who was playing near the Kundrathur, was returning Aadhiammal (65), used to inside. A dog was also with
The lockdown relaxations taxis were confiscated at Porur house, fell into the pit home after visiting a live alone. Her son, Mahesh them. On Friday morning,
brought in some relief to these by a non-banking financial in-
which was filled with water relative house. The lorry Kumar, works as a staff in the security guard who
drivers, but they did not last stitution, citing that the driv-
following recent rains,” the carrying green chillies from the Madurai Bench of the came to feed the dogs
long. “A driver now earns ers had failed pay to two
around `1,000 to 1,200 a day, as installments. police said. The boy’s Andhra Pradesh got stuck Madras High Court. He is a found the duo and dog
against the `3,000 to 3,500 be- “Although EMIs during the mother Sangeetha found in the pothole and divorcee. He was on leave unconscious and called an
fore the lockdown. The aver- months of lockdown were not him struggling in the water overturned and fell on the and was staying with his ambulance. The two men
age demand too has come collected, the drivers weren’t and raised an alarm. The bike rider. Passersby mother in Chennai. Police and the dog were declared
d o w n t o able to save up to pay for the neighbours rescued rescued Rahul and rushed said that he was angered dead. Police suspected the
35 per cent,” says J Ramanu- months that followed,” says P Mohanraj and rushed him him to the Government by his mother’s constant deaths might be due to
jam, president of Thozhargal Anbazhagan, president of to hospital, but doctors Stanley Hospital, where questioning about not inhalation of toxic fumes
Car Ottunargal Amaippu Sara Tamil Nadu Call Taxi Drivers declared him brought doctors declared him going to work and his from the generator. An
Thozhirsangam, adding that and Owners Association. dead. brought dead. divorce. investigation is on.

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CHENNAI PERIPHERAL RING ROAD PROJECT
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04 CHENNAI SATURDAY 28 11 2020
� �

TN tops organ donation list for the sixth year
Health Minister C Vijayabaskar & Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan received the award online on Friday
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
@ Chennai
WITH many a patients, all over
the world, battling for their
lives because of terminal organ
failures, organ donation holds
a special place in humanitarian
deeds. One not only does pro-
vide the other with a better
quality of life, but also with a
will to live. With the ongoing
pandemic and its woes continu-
ing to batter humankind, a
“best State award” for organ
donation is something to be
proud of for Tamil Nadu.
This is the sixth consecutive
year of Tamil Nadu being
crowned the best State in the
category, by the National Organ
and Tissue Transplant Organi-
sation of the Union Ministry of
Health and Family Welfare.
State Health Minister C Vijaya-
baskar and Health Secretary J
Radhakrishnan received the
award online on Friday from
the Union Minister for Health,
Harsh Vardhan, and MoS Ash-
win Kumar Choubey.
Thanking Chief Minister
Edappadi K Palaniswami for
his support to the organ dona-
tion programme, Vijayabaskar
said, “The award is dedicated
to the families of the organ do-
nors, who even amid their grief
and loss of their loved ones,
came forward to donate.” He
added that it is because of the
hard work and efforts put in by
the transplant surgeons, the
State transplant authority
(TRANSTAN) and others, that
the State has been able to bag
The State has so far,
harvested a total of 8,245
organs from as many as
1,392 donors, since the start
of the cadaver organ
programme in 2008.
C Vijayabaskar, Health Minister
the top spot for the past six
years.
“Even during the pandemic,
the State did a total of 183 live
renal transplants and about 107
liver transplants. Tamil Nadu
stands first not only in cadaver
organ donation, but also plas-
ma and blood donations,” the
minister said, adding that air
ambulances too will be
launched soon for the purpose
and works towards that have
been expedited. The Union
Minister also praised the State
for performing six lung trans-
plants on those patients whose
lungs were completely dam-
aged due to Covid-19, said
Vijayabaskar.
Further, to encourage organ
donation among the masses, Vi-
jaya baskar said that the health
department had made an ap-
peal to the Chief Minister to
bring the families of donors in
the jobs priority list, similar to
what is given to families of ex-
servicemen and sports person-
alities. This representation was
also made to the Union Health
Ministry to consider them in
the list of Central government
jobs. The 11th Indian Organ Do-
nation Day was observed at the
DMS campus in Chennai.
Land banks coming up
to woo large industries
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
@ Chennai
IN a bid to enhance its indus-
trial infrastructure to woo
large firms, The State govern-
ment is planning to create
land banks in Krishnagiri,
Thoothukudi and Coimbat-
ore, according to Industries
S e c r e t a r y N TTRO plants in Chennai
Muruganandam.
Delivering a special address
during the 184th annual
general meeting of
Madras Chamber of
Commerce and In-
dustry, Muruganan-
dam said, “Bigger in-
dustries require large
The State is developing in-
frastructure in industrial
parks. This, Muruganandam
said, comes following a study
by Madras Chamber of Com-
merce and Industry, which
compared the industrial parks
in the State with others across
the country. “Since water is
crucial, we have implemented
which will supply 90 MLD to
industries,” he said.
In Hosur, Sipcot is de-
veloping a TTRO plant.
Similarly in
Thoothukudi, a de-
salination plant is be-
ing developed to sup-
ply water to industries.

With no money to stock up rations,

industrial infrastruc- “The polymer park is set
ATMANIRBHAR SCHEME ture. As land acquisition has to be opened in Ennore. We
become difficult due to the have also applied for Bulk

Stamp duty waiver, a

new land acquisition Act, the Drug Pharma Park in Man-

islanders stare at bleak future

State is planning to acquire nalur and medical appliances
land through private negotia- park in Oragadam and sought

relief for MSMEs

EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
@ Chennai
THE State has granted exemp-
tion to Micro, Small and Me-
dium Enterprises (MSMEs)
under Atmanirbhar Bharat
Scheme from payment of
stamp duty while registering
agreement relating to Deposit
of Title Deeds executed for se-
curing loans from banks and
financial institutions till
March 31, 2021. This comes af-
ter several MSME Associa-
tions represented to the
Chief Minister for a
waiver or reduction of
The government has also or-
dered to reduce the registra-
tion fee to 0.1 per cent from
one per cent in respect of reg-
istration of agreement relat-
ing to Deposit of Title Deeds
on loans and additional loans
granted by the Banks and Fi-
nancial Institutions to Micro
and Small Enterprises. Under
the Emergency Credit Line
Guarantee Scheme of the Un-
ion gover nment, around
3,09,312 accounts have been
disbursed loans to the tune of
`11,538.69 crore in the State
already.
Meanwhile, the Un-
S V K R I S H N A C H A I TA N YA @ Chennai
IN 2015, when the Pulicat lake
was flooded following heavy
downpour, a boat met with an
accident. “Four children fell
off into the river as the boat
capsized. Luckily, a few fisher-
men who were around jumped
in and saved them,” recalls
fisherman Durai Mahendran.
“How long will we live like
this?” The government has pro-
posed to build a bridge connect-
ing the Pasiyavaram island to
the mainland, but works are
moving at a snail’s pace. “We
urge the government to expe-
dite it,” says Mahendran.
The Union Environment
Ministry had granted the Coast-
The road leading to Pasiyavaram island in Pulicat is flooded | EXPRESS
The island has five villages
— Sathankuppam, Edamani,
Edamani Colony, Rahmat Na-
gar and Pasiyavaram — with
ation, the official said that a
flood warning was sounded in
several villages along the river-
side. “In 2015, there was flood-
tion or promoting joint ven- grants from the Centre. We
ture with private individuals are developing a defence park
by developing industrial in Sulur on 500 acres,” he
parks which will be incentiv- said.” A textile park is being
ised by the State.” developed near Tirupur.
‘PADDY CROPS ON 5.6K HA DAMAGED’
Chennai: The State Revenue Department on
Friday said standing paddy crops on 5,549.33
hectares have been damaged in many districts
owing to Cyclone Nivar. However, the department
said the assessment is still going on and the final
estimation of loss would be completed within a
few days. Banana crop on 726.82 ha and other
crops on 883.82 ha have been damaged. Meanwhile, Agriculture
Department officials said water from 1,500 hectares has been
cleared. They exuded confidence that the standing crops in these
places could be revived by applying micro-nutrients and fertilizers.
Works on clearing water in rest of the places are going on full swing.

‘PLAN & STOP

payment of stamp ion government has al Zone Regulation clearance, an estimated population of ing in the area after a couple of
duty and registration also extended the but the work on the bridge that over 18,000 people. It has two breaches in Reddipalayam and
charges on Memoran- scheme of Emergency connects Pulicat main road to primary schools, a temple and Perumedukuppam, where the

dum for Deposit of Ti-
tle Deed due to the se-
vere economic crisis and
liquidity crunch faced by the
MSMEs as result of Covid-19
containment measures.
The issue was studied in de-
tail by both the Commercial
Taxes and Registration De-
partment and Micro, Small
and Medium Enterprises De-
partment following which the
Commercial Taxes and Regis-
tration Department issued or-
ders under the direction of
the CM, a release said.
Credit Line Guarantee
Scheme up to March 31,
2021. In respect of reduc-
tion of registration charges,
Micro and Small Enterprises
would be benefitted every time
while availing loans and addi-
tional loans. Prior to this or-
der, the Commercial Taxes
and Registration Department
had already issued an order
for extending the timeline for
registration of Memorandum
for Deposit of Title Deed from
four to eight months without
penalty till March 31, 2021.
the island, had to be stopped
due to the monsoon. “The High-
ways Department has com-
menced works on the bridge,”
said Muthuswamy, District
Revenue Officer of Tiruvallur.
Apart from the Nivar rainfall
and water coming from the
Arani river, filling the lake to
the brim, there’s a looming
threat at the Krishnapuram
dam, which also has reached its
full capacity. The islanders,
most of whom are fishermen,
do not have the resources to
stock up food and supplies.
a few pucca roads that the is-
landers use to commute to the
nearby Pulicat town, but no
hospitals. When Express visited
the island on Thursday, water
was flowing onto the roads.
The vehicles were crossing
the road cautiously and people
were seen stocking-up on es-
sentials, as the road is most
likely to be submerged in a day
or two, cutting-off access to the
mainland. The flood waters did
not drain fast enough from the
narrow Pulicat bar mouth.
On the anticipated flood situ-
river takes a curve and the
bund was weak. This time
around, the bund has been
strengthened and so far, there
is no real danger. We have also
kept evacuation plans and mul-
ti-hazard relief centres ready
to accommodate over 3,000 peo-
ple, if a need arises.”
Kattur, another area in the
island has several irrigation
tanks and almost all are full to
the brim. D Jagannathan, Com-
missioner of Disaster Manage-
ment, said the situation was
being closely monitored.
WATERLOGGING’
C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1
PALANISWAMI added that
they were already provided
with basic amenities like
food, drinking water, mats
and blankets.
The cyclone had caused
damage in Ariyalur, Chen-
galpattu, Chennai, Cud-
dalore, Kallakurichi,
Kancheepuram, Na-
gapattinam, Peram-
houses and huts would also
get appropriate compensa-
tion. The CM added that
2,064 trees had fallen and all
of them were removed.
Referring to the water-log-
ging issues faced by the resi-
dents in low-lying areas in
Chennai, Palaniswami also
directed the officials to
evolve appropriate strate-
gies to find a perma-
nent solution to such

Now learn about trains, sitting inside one

balur, Pudukkottai, problems. A total of

SC extends Ranipet, Sivaganga,

Thanjavur, Tirupat-
1,220 medical camps
have been set up and

Perarivalan’s
parole again
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
@ New Delhi
THE Supreme Court on
Friday extended the parole
granted to Rajiv Gandhi as-
sassination case convict
AG Perarivalan by a week
and made it clear that no
further extension will be
provided.
Perarivalan, who is serv-
ing a life-term at Puzhal
Central Prison near Chen-
nai, was granted parole
from November 9 to No-
vember 23 by the Madras
High Court on medical
grounds, and the same was
extended by a three- judge
Supreme Cour t bench
headed by Justice LN Rao
on November 23. On Friday,
the parole was extended by
one more week.
S O W M YA M A N I @ Pudukkottai
STUDENTS of the government
school in Lekkanaopatti will
have a pleasant surprise when
classes resume. With schools
closed since March due to Cov-
id-19, the headmaster hit upon
a novel idea to keep students en-
gaged when they return.
While children are not re-
quired to come to school, teach-
ers and headmasters have to
visit schools regularly. Instead
of whiling away time, S Antony,
the headmaster, decided to do
something productive for the
benefit of students. With the
help of drawing teacher Rajen-
dran and another teacher Raja-
kumar, he transformed three
classrooms into a train. The
trio painted the walls between
July and October and Antony
foot the bill of `15,000.
“We had planned to take the
students on a trip to Rameswar-
am, but unfortunately the lock-
Library and classrooms at Government High School in Lekkanapatti, Pudukkottai,
have been painted to resemble a train | EXPRESS
down was imposed. Hence,
when the students couldn’t go
to the train, the train would
come to them”, said Antony.
The idea is to teach children
about trains, as most of them
have never travelled in one, he
said.
Lekkanapatti is a remote vil-
lage in Illupur and the school
has 236 students from classes 6
to 10. Most of them are first gen-
eration learners from shepherd
families. “A majority of the stu-
dents has never stepped out of
this town. I wanted to give them
the experience of travelling by
a train. With the help of our
drawing teacher, we painted the
classrooms. Everything that is
present in a train is visible in
the painting. We’ve marked
coaches to teach students about
emergency exit, unreserved
coach, reserved coach, AC
coach, non-AC coach,” said
Antony.
This is not Antony’s first. He
has given shape to many ideas
that would help the students
better understand the real
world. There is a big globe as
you enter the school which
helps students to learn about all
countries in the world. There is
an honesty store where stu-
dents drop in a box the amount
of what they purchase. There is
a biometric attendance for all
students.
tur, Tiruvallur, Tiru- 275 mobile camps
vannamalai, Tiru- h av e a l s o b e e n
varur, Vellore and pressed into
Villupuram. About
61 cows, five bulls, 65
service.
Prime Minister
calves and 114 goats Narendra Modi dis-
have died. Owners would be cussed the cyclone and its
compensated as follows: aftermath with Palaniswami
cows and buffaloes (`30,000), at 9 pm on Friday and as-
bu l l s ( ` 2 5 , 0 0 0 ) , c a l ve s sured that he would provide
(`16,000), goats (`3,000). assistance. In a tweet, Modi
As many as 302 huts and said, “An ex-gratia of `2 lakh
38 tiled houses were dam- each would be given to the
aged fully and partial dam- kin of the deceased and
age caused to 1,439 huts and `50,000 each to the injured,
161 tiled houses, said Palan- from the PM’s National Re-
iswami. The owners of these lief Fund.”
CM thanks SC for announcing Pongal holidays
Chennai: Welcoming the Supreme Court’s decision to include
January 14 and 15 as official holidays for Pongal/Makar
Sankranti/Bihu festivals from this year, Chief Minister Edappadi
K Palaniswami on Friday thanked the apex court on behalf of
the people of Tamil Nadu. Palaniswami, in a statement,
described the court’s announcement as historic as it honoured
the harvest festival of Tamils. He also recalled that former
Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa had been demanding that Tamil be
declared the official language of the Madras High Court and the
government headed by him has also been reiterating this.

State restrained from building Submit reports on Mahab temple maintenance: HC

new Collectorate on temple land E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ Chennai

CENSURING the State and Cen-

EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
@ Chennai
THE Madras High Court on
Friday restrained the govern-
ment from constructing a new
Collectorate building for the
recently announced Kallaku-
richi district on a temple
land.
A two-member bench com-
prising Justices M Sathy-
anarayanan and R Hemalatha
a sum of `1.98 crore was fixed
as price for 35 acres owned by
the Shiva temple to acquire
the land to build a new collec-
torate complex. The land
was also acquired and
foundation stone was
laid by the Chief Min-
ister. However, the
market value of the
land is close to `100
crore, the petitioner
claimed. Instead of utilising
29 acres of poramboke land
adjacent to the temple land,
the government has decided
to take the temple land for
the construction, he add-
ed. The authorities
have already com-
menced the construc-
tion work, even before
the alienation process
was completed, the peti-
tioner claimed.
tral governments, the Madras
High Court on Friday warned
that it would be compelled to
direct the authorities con-
cerned to appear before it if
they failed to provide details on
maintaining the shore temple
No interim relief for ex-VC of med univ
Chennai: Refusing to grant any interim relief, the Madras
at Mamallapuram. The issue
pertains to a suo motu PIL initi-
ated by the court to preserve
the beauty of the town, safe-
guard its monuments and pro-
tect tourists.
A Division Bench of Justices
Vineet Kothari and M S Ramesh
passed the directions after the
proceeding was initiated based
on a note written by Justice N
Kirubakaran. When the plea
came up, the counsel for the Un-
ion government submitted that
she had prepared a status re-
port of about 400 pages for the
development of Mahabali-
puram, which is among the 16
sites selected for development
by the Central government. The
HC refuses to stay merger of LVB
Chennai: The Madras High Court on Friday refused to stay
counsel further said that `5,109
crore has been allocated to the
State for maintaining these her-
itage sites. The bench observed
that despite several directions
passed by the court, no reports
were submitted by the counsels.
Ordering the respondents to
file reports, the court adjourned
the plea by two weeks.

passed the directions on a plea
moved by Rangarajan Nar-
asimhan challenging a Gov-
ernment Order dated Septem-
b e r 1 9 p av i n g w ay f o r
alienation of the temple land
to the government.
According to the petitioner,
`1.98 crore
was fixed as price for 35 acres of
land owned by a temple, but the
market value is about `100 crore,
says petitioner
Special government pleader
M Karthikeyan, appearing
for the Hindu Religious and
Charitable Endowments De-
partment, informed the court
that the department has de-
cided not to alienate the land
to the State.
High court on Friday ordered former V-C of Tamil Nadu Dr
MGR Medical University Mustafa Hussain to surrender
before the special court that sentenced him to two years
imprisonment and imposed a fine of `14,000 on him in a
corruption case. The former V-C had moved the High Court
seeking to set aside the special court order. According to
the prosecution, Hussain had misappropriated `5.8 lakh
and misused his official travel allowances.
merger of Lakshmi Vilas Bank with DBS Bank India. The
court was hearing a plea moved by AUM Capital Market Pvt
Ltd, an investor holding shares in LVB. The two-member
bench comprising Justices Dr Vineet Kothari and MS
Ramesh issued the following interim directions to protect
shareholders. The court adjourned the pleas moved by
AUM Capital Market Pvt Ltd challenging the merger to
January 21.
 ACCIDENT A 55-year-old woman, who suffered injuries after a load carrier in which she was travelling
toppled near Avadi six days ago, succumbed on Friday. The driver, Siva (27) was arrested.
VICTIM DIES The mishap took place on November 22 when 22 women from Vellanur were on their way
to attend a funeral. The load carrier they were travelling in, toppled after hitting a stone

05 CHENNAI SATURDAY 28 11 2020

� �

Youth dies by suicide Over 670 shifted overnight in Vellore

SHINING BRIGHT
TN's growth
inside Tiruchy temple higher than EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
@ Vellore/Tiruvannamalai
on Friday to discharge water
which will recharge 19 water

EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE nat'l average SEVERAL parts of Vellore dis-

@ Tiruchy
AN 18-year-old youth alleged-
ly died by suicide inside a
Tiruchy temple in the wee
hours of Friday. Police indi-
cated the youth had mental
health problems which may
have led to his death.
The youth, identified as
Radhakrishnan, was a resi-
dent of Maharashtra and
worked as a sweeper under
the Mumbai Municipal Cor-
poration. He ar rived in
Tiruchy last month, with his
three sisters, brother and
mother, to attend the wedding
of a relative. During his stay,
the youth seemed “addicted”
to his mobile phone and even
started hallucinating that
there was some evil spirit in-
side the device.
“Alarmed over his behav-
iour, the mother and relatives
took the boy to various
mosques and temples. How-
ever, the boy, who was with
his cousins, is said to have
17-year-old girl dies
after suicide bid
Thoothukudi: A 17-year-old
girl who attempted suicide
on November 5 died on
Thursday night. She took
the extreme step after
being scolded by her
parents for playing games
on her cell phone. Sources
said that the deceased, D
Muthulakshmi (17) from
Muthaiapuram succumbed
at the Thoothukudi
medical college hospital.
Muthaiapuram police
registered a case and are
investigating.
shock, he was found dead at
the Karuppasamy temple
nearby, the police official
added.
Police were alerted and a
case was registered. The
youth’s body was sent to Ma-
hatma Gandhi Memorial Gov-
ernment Hospital in Tiruchy
for postmortem. Police are
C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1
THE study pointed out that
for the third consecutive
year, Tamil Nadu had regis-
tered a higher economic
growth rate (8.03 per cent)
than the national average of
4.2 per cent in 2019-20. Dur-
ing this period, the per capi-
ta income of the State stood
at 1,53,853 taking it from the
12th place in the previous
year to sixth position now.
Tracking each State's per-
formance over time, particu-
larly over the last five years,
the study takes into account
both, the business environ-
ment and the quality of life.
Tamil Nadu is currently the
second largest economy in
the country and the sixth
most populous State. It has
the third highest GDP per
capita and is the most ur-
banised and industrialised
State, said the study.
Since 1994, poverty had de-
trict were affected by flooding
and inundation due to heavy
downpour on Thursday. The
discharge of 30,000 cusecs of
water from Kalavagunda reser-
voir, located in Chittoor district
of Andhra Pradesh, lead to
swelling of Ponnai river in Vel-
lore district.
Flood warning was issued to
14 villages in Gudiyatham taluk
on Thursday evening and an
evacuation drive was started by
the government authorities.
Top officials, including Vellore
district collector A Shanmuga
Sundaram, SP S Slevakumar
and Gudiyatham RDO M Sheik
Mansoor, camped in Gudiyat-
ham. Threat of flooding loomed
large over several villages, in-
cluding Pavadaithope, Nellore-
Too long a
wait for a
Water flowing out of Palar Anaicut in Walajah, Ranipet district on Friday | S DINESH
pet, Santhaipet and Indra Na-
gar, forcing the authorities to
evacuate people.
According to Shanmuga Sun-
daram, “As many as 679 people,
including 328 women and 105
children, were evacuated and
accommodated in five relief
centres in Gudiyatham.”
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
@ Coimbatore
FARMERS from the Madukka-
rai union, whose lands have
The Mordhana dam in Gudi-
yatham has reached full level
of 37.72 feet. About 10,000
cusecs of water is being dis-
charged from the reservoir, of-
ficials of the Water Resources
Department (WRD) said.
The collector opened the
sluice gates of Mordhana dam
word on deciding the compen-
sation, the farmers said at a
grievance meet on Friday.
K Gnanavel, a farmer from
Pichanur, said, “Before remov-
tanks. About 46,000 cusecs of
water has been flowing down
on Palar river with 42,000
cusecs discharged through Pal-
ar Anaicut located near Walaja
and another 4,000 cusecs divert-
ed through canals.
Minister for Commercial
Taxes and Registration, KC
Veeramani, visited flood-hit ar-
eas in Vellore, Ranipet and
Tirupattur districts on Friday
and distributed relief materi-
als to the affected people.
The Andiappanur Odai res-
ervoir in Tirupattur district
has reached 24.60 feet against
the full level of 26.24 feet and a
flood warning has been issued.
Ranipet collector AR Gladstone
Pushparaj has issued flood
warning to people residing in
low lying areas as the Ponnai
and Palar rivers are in spate.
to a petition we submitted,
GAIL said compensation would
be distributed after getting ap-
proval from the Collector. How-
ever, they are yet to even decide

run away from the house and
ended his life,” said a police
official investigating the
case.
Once the family realised the
boy was missing, they started
searching for him in the
neighbourhood. To their
Active cases below 4K in Chennai
TN reported 1,442 fresh cases
and 12 deaths, taking the tally
to 7,77,616 and toll to 11,681 on
Friday. Chennai’s active cases
now stand at 3,924. Meanwhile,
a private lab in Dharmapuri has
been approved for Covid testing
conducting further
investigations.
Those having suicidal
thoughts can seek assistance
on Tamil Nadu Health Depart-
ment’s helpline 104 or Sneha’s
suicide prevention helpline
044-24640050.
Fresh cases
● Chennai: 392 ● Tiruvallur:
● Coimbatore: 145
● Chengalpattu: 77
● Kancheepuram: 48
Source: Media bulletin issued by
Directorate of Public Health
clined steadily both in urban
and rural areas of the State,
while keeping social justice
and uplifting of the disad-
vantaged groups as its focus
areas. The high growth rates
and economic transforma-
tion along with significant
progress on social outcomes,
particularly in public educa-
tion, social security and
healthcare, have led to an in-
clusive growth.
Tamil Nadu has also per-
59 formed well on human de-
velopment indices. The
State's infant mortality rate
declined significantly while
malnutrition is at the lowest
and below the national aver-
age for all income groups.
word on
been acquired for laying GAIL ing coconut, teak, banana and upon the compensation.”
pipeline, have alleged that the mango trees from our land, of- The 444-km-long Kochi-Koot-
work has begun even before the ficials from GAIL assured us tanad-Bengaluru-Mangaluru
compensation compensation for crops and
land was fixed. It has been al-
most two months since their
that compensation would be
fixed within two weeks after a
meeting with farmers. But,
natural gas pipeline project’s
first stretch was commissioned
in June 2019. In Coimbatore,
crops were cleared for the nothing of that sort has hap- the pipelines cross through five
project, but there has been no pened so far. While responding villages in Madukkarai union.
EXPRESS READ
Rela Hosp team bags liver transplant award
Chennai: The Transplant Authority of Tamil Nadu presented
the Award of Appreciation to Rela Hospital for the best
performing live liver transplant team in TN during 2019-20. The
award was presented by Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan on
the occasion of the 11th Indian Organ Donation Day 2020 on
Friday. Dr Naresh Shanmugam, Director of Women and Child
Health, Dr Dinesh Jothimani, Director of Hepatology, and Shiva,
Manager of Transplant Coordination received the award.

Leyland, Hitachi partner with IIT-M for e-bus pilot project

E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ Chennai
HITACHI ABB Power Grids in India,
Ashok Leyland and the Indian Insti-
tute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) on
Friday announced a partnership for
an e-mobility pilot.
The triumvirate will run an electric
bus (e-bus) pilot to support sustaina-
ble in-campus commuting by IITM’s
students and staff. The e-bus, which
will incorporate Hitachi ABB Power
Grids’ innovative flash-charging tech-
nology – Grid-eMotionTM Flash – will
be provided by India’s largest bus
manufacturer, Ashok Leyland. IIT-M
will host the infrastructure required
to operate the system for the e-bus.
“We need to have all hands on deck
– industry, academia and policymak-
ers – to develop a strong and reliable
local ecosystem to support the Indian
EV revolution,” said N Venu, MD-In-
dia, Hitachi ABB Power Grids.
“As pioneers in the bus segment, we
are proud to partner on yet another
innovative solution in the e-bus seg-
ment. Combination of our robust bus-
es with electric propulsion technology
and flash charging from Hitachi ABB
Power Grids, can be the answer to the
need for sustainable public transpor-
tation across the country,” said N
Saravanan, Chief Technology Officer,
Ashok Leyland.
This latest alliance will further help
us stay at the forefront of embedding
innovative and indigenous technolo-
gies to nurture the smart e-mobility
ecosystem in India, added
Saravanan.
IIT Madras Director Prof Bhaskar
Ramamurthi said the development of
India’s e-mobility charging infrastruc-
ture and increased deployment of e-
buses is key to meeting the demand
for sustainable transport solutions
across India’s rural and urban areas.

LABORATORIES TEXTILES COMMITTEE

(GOVT. OF INDIA, MINISTRY OF TEXTILES)
P.Balu Road, Prabhadevi Chowk, Prabhadevi, Mumbai-400 025.
Tel : +01-22-66527519/620/625, e-mail : dlab.tc@nic.in
The Textiles Committiee, a statutory body under the Ministry of Textiles,
Government of India invites applications for the post of Fellows (Textile
Testing) on contract basis for a period of 11 months duration on a
consolidated stipend of Rs. 12,000.00 per month. The last date for receipt
of application at respective centers will be 31st December, 2020.
Total No. of Fellows {Textile Testing) : 10 (*) Textiles Committee
Laboratories at JNPT (1), Bangalore (1), Tirupur (2), Coimbatore (1),
Jalpur (1), Hyderabad (2), Guntur (1) and Chennai (1)} (*) There can
be change in the number of Fellow (TT) as per our requirement.
CENTRE FOR INTERVIEW : RESPECTIVE REGION
Age Limit - Minimum : 21 years and Maximum : 28 years. The
maximum age limit shall be reckoned as on
31st October, 2020.
Essential Qualification : B.Sc., (Physics or Chemistry) or B.Tech in
Textile Technology.
For application format and for further details please visit the website
www.textilescommittee.gov.in
davp 41104/11/0002/2021

MEGHALAYA ENERGY CORPORATION LIMITED

‘ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT’
“LUM JINGSHAI”, SHILLONG - 793001.
Phone No: 0364 - 2590076, Ext - 174. Fax No: 2591344. VCC HOMES @
No.MeECL/PEN/3/2020-21/13
NOTIFICATION
Dated 27th October, 2020
PERUNGUDI
OFFERS
NOTICE TO ALL MeECL PENSIONER / FAMILY PENSION HOLDERS DELUXE PREMIUM LUXURY FLATS
In continuation to the Office Notification Dated 3rd September 2020, PEARLS NEST
Submission of Life Certificate by the Pensioners / Family Pensioners is
deffered further upto February, 2021. But from the month of March
2021 onwards submission of the same is as usual i.e. on March and
September every year.
Pensioners / Family Pensioners will have the following options for
submission of Life Certificate:-
1. May appear in person in Pension Section in the office of the CAO,
MeECL, Shillong.
Or
2. May submit through Registered post / courier / e-mail duly signed
by the Branch Manager of the Bank or by the Registered Govt. READY TO OCCUPY
Doctor subject to providing of Name, I.D.No, Registration No. and ONLY 1 FLAT AVAILABLE
Seal of the Signatory. CCP, 17th Cross St,
Or Telephone Nagar,
3. May submit Digital Life Certificate as and when the Jeevan
Pramaan Scheme is adopted by the Corporation.
Near Monfort School
Timber & Eco Friendly
Pension will be withheld in case the pensioners fail to submit their
Life Certificates in the manner prescribed above. Mobile No. of the
Materials Used
pensioner is compulsory.
This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority. 98409 60699 For enquiry contact: All the news. �������������������

98406 22299
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Dt. 26.11.2020 Me.E.C.L., Shillong.
06 CHENNAI SATURDAY 28 11 2020
� � THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS
 PATTAS FOR AP Cabinet has decided to launch ‘Pedalandariki
Indlu’, a flagship programme of the YSRC
30L PEOPLE government, on December 25 Under the scheme,
30.6 lakh people will get house site pattas

07 CHENNAI SATURDAY 28 11 2020

� �

‘OTT PLATFORMS HAVE

EXPRESS READ
Hyd-based Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical company Hetero Drugs has reached an
company to agreement with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) to produce over

DEMOCRATISED CINEMA’
Monsoon Wedding filmmaker Mira Nair talks about how Netflix, Prime Video have shaken it up
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
@ Bhubaneswar
FILMMAKING is a political act
and so is art, said filmmaker
Mira Nair. Because a film or a
piece of art is a point of view
that its maker has and how one
can choose to silence a character
or give it a body, said the director
who is out with her latest release
A Suitable Boy, an adaptation of
Vikram Seth’s namesake novel
about India in the 1950s.
Speaking to senior journalist
Kaveree Bamzai on the second
day of TNIE’s Odisha Literary
Festival 2020, which was hosted
virtually on Friday, Nair said in
A Suitable Boy, she has attempt-
ed to bring back the politics and
the language of the then period
(newly independent India) as
portrayed in Seth’s novel, to the
TV drama.
“The adaptation of A Suitable
Boy was already being done by
Andrew Davies for BBC before I
got involved in the project (as the
director). There were many con-
straints, including budget and
approach to the Western world,
that I had to face. In India, we see
the novel as a portrayal of our
own people, but in the Western
world, they still consider it radi-
There were many constraints, including
budget and approach to the Western
world, that I had to face. In the West,
they still consider it radical to make a
six-part series on a ‘brown’ epic or a
saga that only has South Asians in it.
It’s extraordinary that this outlook still
exists
Mira Nair, Filmmaker
cal to make a six-part series on a
‘brown’ epic or a saga that only
has South Asians in it. It’s ex-
traordinary that this outlook
still exists,” said Nair, who has so
far adapted three novels into
films, adding that Vikram and
Andrew were porous to the sug-
gestions she made for the TV
drama.
Nair said the seeds of the poli-
tics that is sadly raging in India
today were all there in Vikram’s
novel. “Be it constructing a
mosque in front of the temple,
Hindu-Muslim divide, loyal
friendships that existed then or
the fluid intermingling of cul-
tures,” said the filmmaker who
was born in Rourkela and spent
18 years in Bhubaneswar.
make 100 mn
vaccine doses
For her, the adaptation was a
reinvention of life of the 1950s
which was simple and untar-
nished by modernity. “Making
this film was like going back to
the simplicity and actual beauty
of a life without advertisements,
hoarding, colours — a life that
was deeply Indian without us re-
alising or loving it as much,” she
said. A Suitable Boy was released
inter nationally on Netflix
recently.
The filmmaker, whose oeuvre
includes films like Salaam Bom-
bay!, Kama Sutra, Monsoon Wed-
ding, The Namesake, The Reluc-
tant Fundamentalist and
Mississippi Masala, feels OTTs
have changed the game for ac-
tors, filmmakers and distribu-
tion networks now. “The OTT
platforms are unbelievably dem-
ocratic. A Suitable Boy received
much more response than all my
films did just because of the ac-
cessibility of it. Also, it gives
filmmakers the freedom to make
long-form cinema,” said Nair.
100 million doses per year of the RDIF’s Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine in India.
The two parties intend to start the production of the vaccine in early 2021.
Sputnik V “We believe that manufacturing the product locally is crucial to enable swift
access to patients,” said Director of International Marketing of Hetero Labs
Limited, B Murali Krishna Reddy. ENS
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
for
HIRING OF HUMAN RESOURCE (HR) AGENCY
for
MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India,
desires to engage a credible Human Resource (HR) Agency for providing
support to MoFPI in recruitment of professionals under the various
schemes of MoFPI.
For details regarding eligibility, terms of reference, timeline etc. Kindly
refer to the RFP of tender ID:-2020_MoFPI_593444_2 and related
corrigendum at Ministry’s website (https://mofpi.nic.in/tender/RFP) and at
Central Public Procurement Portal (https://eprocure.gov.in/eprocure/app)
Eligible firms willing to participate and meeting the eligibility
criteria may submit the application as per the stipulated timeline.
davp 16101/11/0006/2021

Trains from EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

@ Chennai
reach Mumbai CSMT at 7.15 pm
the next day. The Lokmanya Tilak
- Coimbatore Daily Special will
specials, Bhubaneswar - Ram-
eswaram - Bhubaneswar weekly
specials and Chennai Central -

Kovai and WITH passenger patronage slowly

increasing, the railways has intro-
leave Lokmanya Tilak termi-
nus at 10.35 pm and reach
Puri - Chennai Central spe-
cials extended till Decem-

Nagercoil to
duced two pairs of trains from Coimbatore at 6.50 am on ber end this year. The
Coimbatore and Nagercoil to the third day. trains will be operated in
Mumbai and extended service of Chennai Central - Bhu- the old time slots.

Mumbai six pairs of special trains till De-

cember 31.
The Nagercoil - Mumbai CSMT
baneswar - Chennai Cen-
tral weekly specials, Bhu-
b a n e sw a r - B e n g a l u r u
Similarly, Hyderabad -
Tambaram - Hyderabad
special train service has also

introduced Special will leave Nagercoil at 6

am on Monday, Tuesday, Wednes-
day and Friday every week to
Cantonment - Bhubaneswar week-
ly specials, Bhubaneswar - Pu-
ducherry - Bhubaneswar weekly
been extended till December 31.
However, the train will be operat-
ed in revised time slots.

ASSET RECOVERY MANAGEMENT BRANCH E-AUCTION

A Government of India Undertaking ���������������������������������������������������� SALE
������������������������������������������������� ON
H.O. BANGALORE - CHENNAI CIRCLE OFFICE ������������������������������������������ 15.12.2020
E-Auction Sale Notice for Sale of Immovable Properties under the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 read
with proviso to Rule 8 (6) of the Security Interest (Enforcement) Rules, 2002

Sl.No.1: Notice is hereby given to the public in general and in particular to the Borrowers and Guarantors that the below described immovable property mortgaged / charged to the Secured Creditor,
the symbolic/constructive possession of which has been taken by the�������������������������������������������������������������� will be sold on “As is where is”, “As is what is”, and
“Whatever there is” on 15.12.2020��������������������������������� for recovery of ��������������� due as on 30.09.2020 to the ����������������������������������������������������
Bank from ��������������������������������������������������������������������
Reserve Price: Rs.26,00,000/- (Rupees Twenty Six Lakhs Only)
Earnest Money Deposit: Rs.2,60,000/- (Rupees Two Lakh Sixty Thousand Only)
��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Portal of E-Auction: https://indianbankseauction.com
���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� including the common areas along with the car parking facility in the complex
known as “Ganapathy Flats” comprised in S.No.1120/1 Part, T.S.No.49, Block No.111, Ward – E bearing Plot No.2, in Roy Nagar, now called as Chandra Prabhu Colony, measuring 328 sq.ft of
Undivided Share of land out of 2700 sq.ft, situated at Madhavaram village, Madhavaram Taluk, lying within the limits of Corporation of Chennai and the land bounded on North by : Plot No.1,
South by : lot No.3, East by : 20 Feet Road, West by : Vacant Land. And within the Registration District of Chennai North and Sub-Registration District of Madhavaram.

Sl.No.2: Notice is hereby given to the public in general and in particular to the Borrowers and Guarantors that the below described immovable property mortgaged / charged to the Secured Creditor,
the symbolic / constructive possession of which has been taken by the ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� and
“Whatever there is” on 15.12.2020��������������������������������� for recovery of ����������������� due as on 30.09.2020 to the ����������������������������������������������������
Bank from ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
Reserve Price: Rs.1,60,00,000/- (Rupees One Crore Sixty Lakhs Only) Earnest Money Deposit : Rs.16,00,000/- (Rupees Sixteen Lakhs Only)
��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Portal of E-Auction: https://indianbankseauction.com
�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
All that piece and parcel of ���������������� bearing ��������������������������������������������������������������������� comprised in S.No.247/1A to �����������������������
with existing building thereon Zamin Pallavarm Village, Tambaram Taluk, Kancheepuram District and bounded on the North by : Sannathi Street, South by : Plot belonging to Mr.Sundramoorthy,
East by : Plot Nos.2 belonging to Mr.M.Raju, West by : House belonging to Mr.M.Venkatesan. The above property is situated within the Sub-Registration District of Pallavaram and in the
Registration District of Chennai South.

Sl.No.3: Notice is hereby given to the public in general and in particular to the Borrowers and Guarantors that the below described immovable property mortgaged / charged to the Secured Creditor,
the constructive possession of which has been taken by the ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� and “Whatever
there is” on 15.12.2020��������������������������������� for recovery of ��������������/- due as on 30.06.2020 to the �������������������������������������������������������� from
�����������������������������������������������������
Reserve Price: Rs.78,20,000/- ���������������������������������������������������
Earnest Money Deposit : Rs.7,82,000/-����������������������������������������������
��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Portal of E-Auction: https://indianbankseauction.com
������������������������������������������������������������
All that piece and parcel of the Residential Land and Building situated at Door No.3/7, Venkataraman Street, Vannia Teynampet, Chennai – 600018, comprised in R.S.No.3814 Part, Land
����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� in Mylapore – Triplicane Taluk, Chennai Central District and the whole
property bounded as follows: North by : Private Passage & Portion of the property owned by the Mr.Gopalkrishnan, Janabi and Prema, South by : Property belongs to Mr.Ranganatha Naicker,
East by : Property belongs to Mr.Natesa Naicker, West by : Property belongs to Mr.Natesa Naicker. And situated within the Registration District of Chennai Central and Sub-Registration District
of Chennai Central Joint Sub Registrar – I.

Sl.No.4: Notice is hereby given to the public in general and in particular to the Borrowers and Guarantors that the below described immovable property mortgaged / charged to the Secured Creditor,
the constructive possession of which has been taken by the ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ and “Whatever
there is” on 15.12.2020��������������������������������� for recovery of ����������������� due as on 30.06.2020 to the �������������������������������������������������������� from
������������������������������������������������
Reserve Price: Property No.1 : Rs.1,86,00,000/- (Rupees One Crore Eighty Six Lakhs Only)
Property No.2 : Rs.83,00,000/- (Rupees Eighty Three Lakhs Only),
Earnest Money Deposit: Property No.1 : Rs.18,60,000/- (Rupees Eighteen Lakhs Sixty Thousand Only)
Property No.2 : Rs.8,30,000/- (Rupees Eight Lakh Thirty Thousand Only)
��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Portal of E-Auction: https://canarabank.auctiontiger.net
�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
All that part and parcel of ����������������� property bearing Door No.6/1 & 10, Green Road, Viswesvarapuram Layour, Karaikudi Village / Municipal Town and Taluk, Layout Block No.20,
Survey Block No.10, Survey Ward No.4, Plot No.3 comprised in Old TS No 7 Part, Town Survey T S 380 & 381 ��������������������������������� and thereabouts in Assessment No.10471
and 7883 and super structures along with other items and the land bounded on the North by : East West 40 feet Road, South by : Plot No.5, Block No.20 in Viswesvarapuram Layout, East by
: North South 30 feet Road, West by : Plot No.2, Block No.20 in Viswesvarapuram Layout. Situated within Sub-Registration District of Karaikudi and Registration District of Karaikudi.
�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
All that part and parcel of ����������������� property bearing Door No.6/1 & 10, Green Road, Viswesvarapuram Layout, Karaikudi Village / Municipal Town and Taluk, Sekkaalaikottai Village,
Layour Block No.20, Survey Ward No.4, Tax Ward.10, Plot No.2, Comprised in Survey No. T S No.381 (Survey Block No.10), ����������������������������������� and super structures along
with other items and the land bounded on the North by : East West – 40 feet Road, South by : Plot No.4 & 5, Block No.20 in Viswesvarapuram Layout, East by : Property at Door No.6/1 & 10,
Town Survey No T S 380, West by : Block No.20, Plot No.1. Situated within Sub-Registration District of Karaikudi and Registration District of Karaikudi.
�������������������������������������������������������������������������1) Survey No.372/7 Area 1 Acre 2 Cents (Southern), 2) Survey No. 372/7 Area 1 Acre, 3) Survey No. 372/7 Area 35
Cents, 4) Survey No. 372/3 Area 2 Acres 38 ½ Cents, 5) Survey No. 372/5 Area 2 Acres 33 ½ Cents, 6) Survey No. 368/5 Area 92 Cents, 7) Survey No. 371/1 Area 1 Acres 35 Cents, 8) Survey No.
371/2 Area 1 Acres 42 Cents, 9) Survey No. 372/1 Area 2 Acres 38 Cents, 10) Survey No. 368/4 Area 2 Acres 25 Cents, 11) Survey No. 370/1 Area 2 Acres, 12) Survey No. 372/2 Area 80 Cents, 13)
Survey No. 368/3 Area 2 Acres 25 Cents, 14) Survey No. 369/4 Area 2 Acres 73 Cents, 15) Survey No. 370/3 Area 2 Acres 50 Cents. �������������������������all comprised in Patta No.1501, located
at Sanavayal Group Village, Thiruvadani Taluk, Sivagangai District and the land situated within Sub-Registration District of Thondi and Registration District of Karaikudi.

For detailed terms and conditions of the sale please refer the link “E-Auction” provided in Canara Bank’s website (www.canarabank.com) or may
�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
�������������������������
Date: 24.11.2020 �����������������
Place: Chennai Canara Bank
 The value of an education in a liberal arts
college is not the learning of many facts but
the training of the mind to think something
Albert
that cannot be learned from textbooks Einstein

08 CHENNAI SATURDAY 28 11 2020

� �

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code is the reason why

INDIAN EXPRESS IS NOT AN India has shot up in ‘resolving insolvency’ ranks used in
INDUSTRY. IT IS A MISSION. the World Bank’s ease of doing business indicators

ON EXIT OF
— Ramnath Goenka

FOCUS ON RETURNING CAPITAL AND A

TO PRE-PANDEMIC PRE-PACK UNDER IBC
GROWTH LEVELS

I
ndia’s GDP growth contracted by 7.5% in Q2
as against the terrifying 24% decline in Q1, BIBEK Chairman, Economic Advisory
implying that the wrenching times could well DEBROY Council to the PM
be behind us even if we are in a recession. If AMIT BANDRE
the nationwide lockdown reduced the country

T
into an economic wasteland, the stronger than here have been media reports
expected rebound reinforces hopes of a partial about a pre-pack scheme under
V-shape recovery. On a sequential basis, growth the IBC (Insolvency and Bank-
ruptcy Code). If accepted, the
stood at 23%, but experts aren’t cock-a-hoop
idea will need an amendment to
about it, projecting an uneven pace of recovery the IBC. Reforms are about effi-
as the baseline scenario till March. While fes- ciency and competition. Effi-
tive sales momentum, GST collections and oth- ciency, which enhances produc-
ers point to rising demand, the key lies in in- tivity, also applies to capital
vestments and exports, which continue to sulk. markets, and competition re-
quires not just entry of capital,
Given the limited government spending head-
but its exit. If capital is locked up
room, recovery prospects squarely hinge on an in an enterprise that has failed,
uptick in private consumption. But urban and that capital is of no use to the
rural consumers seem extreme opposites, with economy or to a fresh enterprise.
the former displaying weak confidence, while Non-performing assets (NPAs)
the latter are showing resilience. are just that. They are potential
The demand side saw material improvements assets, which have become non-
productive liabilities.
in manufacturing, utilities and construction, Since 1991, one has continu-
though only manufacturing returned to posi- ously heard the expression “exit
tive growth. Despite agriculture’s stellar per- policy”, though the frequency of
formance, India figures among the slowest- usage seems to have declined a
growing economies that announced data for Q2. bit. That exit policy was typical-
China, on the other hand, is an outlier, register- ly interpreted as an exit policy
for labour. In practice, it is more
ing 4.9% growth. For the full fiscal, growth will
often an exit policy for capital.
likely contract by 9.5% as per the RBI. That There was of course the 1985
said, nominal GDP contracted by 4% compared Sick Industrial Companies Act
to over 20% in Q1 and it’s logical to expect a (SICA) and the 1993 Recovery of
strong rebound in FY22. Debts Due to Banks and Finan-
Undeniably, this recession is unique for two cial Institutions Act. These
didn’t work and in May 2016, we
reasons. One, the slump in GDP growth was
had the IBC, amended five times
deliberate, with the government forcing people since then. Has the IBC worked?
to stop in their tracks to rescue themselves and
The answer depends a bit on the
the rest of us. Two, because the economy was metric used for evaluation. Re-
subjected to a harsh hibernation as against the portage often focuses on compa-
ordinary course of growth stimulation, the on- nies that have gone through the
going contractions aren’t strictly comparable full process, resulting in a reso-
with pre-Covid quarters. Why apply normal
metrics to such abnormal times? It’s clear that
lution plan or liquidation. For
instance, there are 29,514 enter-
prises with cases under the IBC.
There has been a resolution plan
in 277 cases and in 1,025 cases,
there has been liquidation. Only
7% of cases have gone through
the full process.
The liquidated values are low,
which is invariably reported in
the media. For instance, for the
1,025 companies ordered for liq-
uidation, the liquidation value
was only `42,362 crore, a mere
7.2% of aggregate claims of
`5,88,121 crore. This is under-
standable, since 74% of compa-
nies ordered for liquidation were
defunct. It is therefore possible to
look askance at the IBC process
and at what it has achieved. The
IBC is law and there is a differ-
ence in the way lawyers and
economists look at the law, be-
cause of the different prisms
they use. For instance, suppose I
burn your house down. Lawyers
and judges will approach it with
the static prism of determining
whether the penalty imposed on
me has adequately compensated
you for your loss. This is more a
one-shot type of prism. Econo-
mists typically approach law
with a dynamic and longer-term
prism. The issue is not whether I
have compensated you enough.
The issue is whether law has pro-
vided sufficient deterrence for
others not to burn down their
neighbour’s houses. The preven-
tive aspect of law becomes more
important than the punitive. I
think there is an analogy, be-
cause out of the 29,514 cases filed
under the IBC, 14,884 cases were
withdrawn before submission;
83% of the cases, with a realisa-
tion value of `5,15,170 crore, were
resolved before going through
the full process. That’s the reason
I said the metric used for evalua-
tion is important. The IBC has
proved to be a strong deterrent
and its recovery rate compares
quite favourably with Lok
Adalats, Debt Recovery Tribu-
nals and the 2002 Securitisation
and Reconstruction of Financial
Assets and Enforcement of Secu-
rity Interest Act. This is also the
reason why India has shot up in
“resolving insolvency” ranks
If capital is locked up in an enterprise that has
failed, that capital is of no use to the economy
or to a fresh enterprise. Non-performing
assets are just that. They are potential assets,
which have become non-productive liabilities.
... Has the IBC worked? Reportage
often focuses on companies that have gone
through the full process. But the answer
depends on the metric used for evaluation
used in the World Bank’s ease of
doing business indicators.
But this should not be con-
strued as a suggestion that all is
well with the IBC. There have
been issues with the law and as
jurisprudence evolved, there
have been amendments in the
statute. No doubt there will be
more such amendments. More
importantly, the process is
through the NCLT (National
Company Law Tribunal) and
NCLAT (National Company Law
Appellate Tribunal), which also
handle cases under Companies
Act and Competition Act. Con-
sider cases pending admission
before the NCLT/NCLAT. Out of
the 9,549 cases pending, 5,485
have been pending for more than
180 days. For companies that are
destined to go through the full
process, 74% cases have been go-
ing on for more than 270 days and
57% have been going on for more
than 330 days. This is not what
was promised under the IBC.
The complete process should be
finished in 180 days, with anoth-
er 90 days of extension.
When I hear complaints about
the IBC, usually, they are com-
plaints about the NCLT/NCLAT
process. The immediate reaction
to something like this is to in-
crease bench strength. This is the
standard reaction to anything
concerned with speed of the judi-
cial process—increase the
number of courts and number of
judges. I don’t think that works
for the judicial process in gener-
al. Specifically, I don’t think it
will work for the NCLT/NCLAT,
not unless we have simpler proc-
esses and better (read computer-
ised) management of cases.
The NCLAT/NCLAT, as with
other court-driven systems, ap-
proach the issue with an adver-
sarial lens. The IBC isn’t that.
For IBC cases, all one requires
from the NCLT/NCLAT is a sim-
ple order, giving directions, not
complicated “judgments” dis-
cussing pros and cons and pro-
viding rationale. That’s a prob-
lem with court judgments in
general. Look at the number of
appeals that have resulted not
from the judgment proper, but
from the reasonings given. I am
not a lawyer. But I don’t think
anything under the law requires
the NCLT/NCLAT to provide ra-
tionale. I don’t think anything
prevents the NCLT/NCLAT from
introducing summary proce-
dures for admission, or placing
limits on adjournment or hear-
ing. It can evolve its own proce-
dures and not implant them from
the regular court system. I look
at the pre-pack system in that
light. It’s like a mediation or con-
ciliation process, before going to
court, so to speak. A good idea.
(Views are personal)
(Tweets @bibekdebroy)

BORDERLESS UNIVERSITIES ACROSS THE BAY OF BENGAL

FY21 is a lost year and instead of unhelpful
speculation, the focus should be on returning to
pre-pandemic growth levels. But for that, the
only desirable economic shot in the arm along-
side the vaccine jab for India is fiscal stimulus.
sity for some duration of their try, long stay visas. To stay true ing undertaken and to take stock
And in big doses. programme and then opt to re- to the cause of supporting great- of, and learn from, the global
ceive certain credits through er regional cooperation, these trends in higher education.
technology-assisted learning visas should also allow the stu- c) Financial cooperation: An
GOOD JOB OVER NIVAR, D N V KUMARA Director, External Relations, from another university. This al- dents to stay on for a further pe- alliance such as the BIMSTEC
lows students to fulfil their riod of time beyond their pro- would be well served by creating
BUT BLINDSPOTS REMAIN GURU Indian School of Business
learning objectives through a gramme duration to be able to an educational fund that would

I
flexible and innovative choice- seek job opportunities, intern- help universities to scale up to

T
n the immediate aftermath of Cyclone Nivar, he seven countries that form
part of the Bay of Bengal region
it would appear that experience has taught the are home to about 22% of the
Tamil Nadu government well. Since the 2004 world’s population. Sandwiched
tsunami, the state government has made huge between regional groups such as
strides in disaster preparedness, rescue and the ASEAN and the SAARC, the
relief, with rehab efforts still having room for nations in the Bay of Bengal re-
improvement. Ahead of Nivar, the state had gion never really gained much
traction in achieving their objec-
shifted nearly 2 lakh people to relief camps
tives. However, with a formal ini-
across the coast—over 50,000 of them in Cud- tiative such as the Bay of Bengal
dalore district alone—minimising loss of life Initiative for Multi-Sectoral
due to the storm. Coordination with fishers Technical and Economic Coop-
ensured minimal loss of livelihood, while the eration (BIMSTEC) now firmly
agriculture department pushed Delta farmers in place, there is hope for trade-
led cooperation. India looks to
to sign up for crop insurance before the storm
BIMSTEC to take the lead for
hit so that their investments were secured in greater regional economic coop-
the case of damage. In Chennai, where the eration since there are no long-
floods of 2015 brought the city to its knees, the standing political conflicts
administration has invested `2,800 crore on amongst member countries, un-
1,000 km of new drains and worked to revive like India’s challenges with Paki-
210 water bodies since then. The state’s efforts, stan in SAARC.
It is quite commendable for
guided by the spot-on predictions of the IMD, the member countries to have fo-
amid the Covid-19 pandemic are undoubtedly
cused only on regional coopera-
worthy of praise. tion through the lens of econom-
Yet, it must be noted that Nivar proved tamer ic ties since it is the only
than initially expected and that some northern sustainable means of long-term
districts are still bearing the brunt following ties. One of the stated objectives
of BIMSTEC is “to provide as-
heavy rainfall there. It must also be noted that
for all its preparations, the state continues to
have its blindspots. One is the continued en-
croachment of floodplains and water bodies,
some of them by government agencies. Another
Not unexpected in medicine
is a lack of year-round planning, including to
The report Oxford vaccine faces questions
desilt rivers and reservoirs. Experts, for in-
over quality (Nov 27) shows some
stance, have pointed out that if funds sanc- volunteers were given a lower-than-
tioned to desilt the Chembarambakkam lake intended first dose. But it was a blessing
had been used, the state need not have released in disguise stimulating further research
about 10,000 cusecs of water into the Adyar as the effectiveness of the vaccine was
river, while villages around the reservoir were 90% for those who took half the intended
inundated as it filled up. Third, unchecked de- dose. Such things are not unexpected in
medicine and there is no need to panic.
velopment continues to outmatch infrastruc- Dr M Haneef, Kottayam
ture, evidenced by the southern suburbs of
Chennai remaining flooded and without elec- Great cyclone management
tricity post-Nivar. Resolving such issues re- Despite winds as high as 100-130 kmph,
quires foresight and the political will to make heavy downpours, and uprooting of trees
some potentially unpopular decisions. Climate and lamp posts, the government and
other connected agencies have managed
change has made extreme weather more com-
Cyclone Nivar excellently. Loss of life was
mon. Governments must accept this reality and almost averted. Kudos to Tamil Nadu and
work towards creating resilient cities, towns, Puducherry authorities.
villages and communities. R Sampath, Chennai
sistance to each other in the
form of training and research
facilities in the educational, pro-
fessional and technical spheres”.
However, when you peruse the
list of sectors identified by BIM-
STEC, ‘Education’ is missing.
Home to 1/5th of the world’s pop-
ulation and growing at rates that
only emerging economies are
now known to achieve, it is im-
perative for education to be a fo-
cus area of cooperation. Also
evident from the demographic
indicators is the fact that the re-
gion is home to nearly 25% of the
world population of young peo-
ple in the age group of 10-24.
Borderless education is a term
that is gaining currency in re-
cent times. A case can therefore
be made for creating meta uni-
versities. A meta university is a
concept in higher education un-
der which students can pursue
their studies in different net-
worked universities both via in-
person contact programmes and
via technology-assisted plat-
forms. Students can choose to
go to a brick-and-mortar univer-
An artist on the field
Diego Armando Maradona was one of the
greatest footballers of all time. He grew
up in difficult conditions. He was self-
made and became the best in football. I
still remember watching the 1986
World Cup. He was a real artist on the
football field.
Eappen Elias, Thiruvananthapuram
Farewell, genius
Maradona was a footballing legend. The
Argentine great had plenty of moments
of genius in his illustrious career,
scoring spectacular goals. But he is also
remembered for the infamous one that
came against England on 22 June 1986.
It was a World Cup quarterfinal clash
in Mexico where he scored the “Hand of
God” goal using his fist.
S K Ramesh, Ballari
based credit system where they
can pick credits from more than
one university.
Countries in the BIMSTEC re-
gion have a perfect setting to
experiment with the creation
of a network of borderless
universities. Let us look at
some challenges and ways to
address them.
a) Visa: The key to enabling in-
ternational mobility of faculty
and students in the BIMSTEC re-
gion is the issue of an appropri-
ate visa. Let us call it the BIM-
STEC Study Visa. Students
wanting to study in the region
should be granted multiple en-
BIMSTEC countries are home to nearly 25% of
the world population of young people in the
age group of 10-24 and are a perfect setting
to experiment with the creation of a network
of borderless universities. Let us look at some
challenges and ways to address them
Football legend
The news of football champ
Maradona’s demise has come as a
shock to many of his fans. The sports
fraternity has lost a shining star who was
talented and had a glorious career. May
his great soul rest in eternal peace.
Ch Pujita Achary, Jeypore
Metric can be misleading
This is with reference to BJP show tied to
Muslim MLAs (Nov 23). It is interesting
to note that in the prime minister’s
home state of Gujarat (where he was CM
earlier), the number of Muslim legislators
went up. In Uttar Pradesh, previously
ruled by the Samajwadi Party, 44
Muslim legislators were thrown out.
The ‘population vs legislators elected’
metric can be misleading.
M Parthasarathy, Hyderabad
ship or any such relevant experi-
ence. Similarly, faculty and aca-
demic administrators also need
to be brought into this ambit.
b) Regulatory approvals: The
concept of borderless universi-
ties or meta universities will
truly succeed when students are
able to gain credits at one univer-
sity and transfer them to a uni-
versity in a different country
with minimal disruption. This
can be achieved on the basis of
reciprocal recognition of univer-
sity standards and degrees. The
University Grants Commission
or the Higher Education Com-
mission or equivalent bodies of
the member countries should be
aligned to this concept. Faster
recognitions of equivalence and
approval of transfers would be
key. BIMSTEC can house an Ex-
change within its secretariat to
help push this. The services ren-
dered could be chargeable and
thus this could be a self-serving
entity in the medium to long
term. A biannual summit of reg-
ulators can be held to exchange
notes on the various reforms be-
Situation worrisome
The article Love Jihad: Loving for religion
(Nov 26) makes for compelling reading.
The facts stated are worrisome, and
leaders of society and lawmakers have to
initiate appropriate action before things
get out of hand. Even Britain has reported
many cases of grooming. It is a serious
matter that should not be swept under
the carpet of secularism.
G Vijayaraghavan, email
The world as one family
The piece provides a lucid analysis of the
concept. The world is now becoming more
religious than ever before. The idea of
peaceful coexistence considering all as
one family has to become more popular.
I think another incarnation ( avatar )
may be required
P Prema, Thanjavur
become world-class. The finan-
cial assistance could be for spe-
cific projects in the form of
grants. This will create a spirit
of competition for universities
in the region to move up.
d) Scholarships and financial
aid: Access to high-quality edu-
cation comes at a cost. Students
need to be provided with finan-
cial aid and scholarships to pur-
sue programmes at universities
in the region. A BIMSTEC Schol-
arship Fund can help not only
address this issue but also incen-
tivise students to study at vari-
ous universities of the region.
As utopian as it may sound,
borderless universities are a re-
ality. World over, networks of
universities are already working
together to make this concept
work. The pandemic has disrupt-
ed traditional classroom-led edu-
cation delivery and learning. It
can also accelerate creation of
new models and Borderless Uni-
versities across the Bay could be
one such.
(Views expressed are personal)
(Tweets @KumaraGuru)
About love, not religion
Marriage is an union of two grown-ups.
In a love marriage, love is the prime
ingredient, not religion. The author is
silent about the present-day laws of the
land. This article is more relevant to the
case of grooming of minor non-Muslim
girls. But the law is already stringent
enough to deal with those cases.
Vinod V, Thiruvananthapuram
Enhance awareness
The column is an eye-opener. Thanks
to the author who logically presented
the issue with authentic references. I
think enhancing social awareness and
educating young people about social
values and relationships is a preventive
for love jihad, which is cancerous for
non-Muslim society.
Prasanna Kumara, Hariharapura

THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS

Chairman of the Board: Manoj Kumar Sonthalia Editor: G S Vasu Printed and Published by R K Jhunjhunwala on behalf of Express Publications (Madurai) Private Ltd., at Express Press, ‘Express Gardens’, 29, Second Main Road, Ambattur Industrial Estate, Chennai - 600 058. Chennai: Vol. 90, No. 284. RNI Reg. No. TNENG/ 1002/57.
Phone: 044-23457601, Fax: 044-23457619. Copyright: Express Publications (Madurai) Private Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner, electronic or otherwise, in whole or in part, without prior written permission is prohibited.

09 CHENNAI
Govt sources say non-uniformity of demands from farmers’ groups is leading
to inconclusive talks, while unions claim they stand united on all demands
FARMERS JUNK GOVT CLAIM OF DIVISION IN RANKS
(From left) Police use teargas on farmers to stop them from crossing Singhu border during ‘Delhi Chalo’ march on Friday; protestors try to break barricades, wrapped in barbed wire, at Kundli border in Panipat; a farmer argues with a policeman after he was stopped from entering Delhi | SHEKHAR YADAV/PTI
HARPREET BAJWA & PUSHKAR BANAKAR
@ Chandigarh/New Delhi
WHILE thousands of farmers from Pun-
jab and Haryana were allowed to enter the
national capital on Friday for a planned
protest against Centre’s new farm laws af-
ter a morning of clashes with the police at
the Delhi-Haryana border, government
sources have claimed that non-uniformity
of demands from farmers’ unions is lead-
ing to inconclusive talks.
But representatives of farmers’ unions
rejected the government claim, saying
they remained united on their demands
since day one and only Bharatiya Kisan
Union, Punjab, (Rajewal group) president
Balbir Singh Rajewal and another farm-
ers’ leader Darshan Pal, who had talked to
Union ministers and other agriculture
ministry officials earlier, were authorised
to hold the dialogues with the govern-
ment. The government sources’ claim
came even as Union Agriculture Minister
Narendra Singh Tomar on Friday again
appealed to the agitating farmers to end
their protests and discuss their issues
with the Centre on December 3.
“They and we also knew that in the first
meeting with Union ministers, nothing
would come out. These are serious issues
and need time to be deliberated. We had
raised our concerns in those meetings.
Now, if they claim that the farmers’ un-
ions have put across different demands, it
is nothing but a strategy to “misguide”
farmers. Only three authorised farmers’
leaders had held meetings with the gov-
ernment representatives in the past,” a
farmer said.
Rajewal and Pal claimed that they had a
seven-hour long meeting with Tomar and
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on No-
vember 13 and put forward their points in
detail. “We had listed five demands, in-
cluding revocation of the laws, the MSP
should be given and it should be made a
law and not just oral assurances by the
government, restoration of train services
in Punjab, withdrawal of penalties for
burning stubble and a cut in diesel tax,’’
Rajewal said. Sources in the agriculture
ministry said the talks are prolonging as
there are many organisations with no uni-
form set of demands.“This is leading to
delay in talks and all demands of all or-
ganisations need to be kept in mind while
discussing the issues,” the sources said.
Officials in the ministry said the gov-
ernment is open and ready to discuss all
issues. “We know that the talks have been
inconclusive so far. But all negotiations
take time and this is no different. Like the
minister has reiterated on Thursday, we
are ready to discuss all issues and come to
an amicable solution,” an official said.
The officials also said assurances were
given to the farmers at the meeting.
Nepal fundamental to
India’s Neighbourhood
First policy: Shringla
NEW DELHI: Foreign Secretary Harsh
Vardhan Shringla on Friday said Nepal is
fundamental to India’s Neighbourhood
Policy.
“India’s development and modernisa-
tion are incomplete and intrinsically and
symbiotically linked to the development
and modernisation of neighbouring coun-
tries such as Nepal,” the foreign secretary
said while addressing an event at a think-
tank in Kathmandu. Shringla is on a two-
day visit to Nepal to mend the ties, which
took a downward turn after Kathmandu
released a new political map showing ter-
ritories of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and
Kalapani as its.
The foreign secretary also inaugurated
projects built by India in Nepal and said
that Nepal holds a very special place in
everybody’s heart. “We have been glad to
able to assist in your reconstruction. Both
India and Nepal have young populations,
we value education,” he said at an event to
inaugurate three schools in Gorkha dis-
trict. He also remotely inaugurated an
India-funded project to renovate the
Tashop (Tare) Gompa monastery in
Manang District. ENS
Shashi Tharoor @ShashiTharoor Ashoke Pandit @ashokepandit Kanhaiya Kumar @kanhaiyakumar
TWEETS
OF THE Stadiums being converted into prisons & trenches A so called farmer who is proud of killing Indira Gan- Listen, government. They are farmers. They
being dug to prevent entry to the capital... In new dhi says it’s not difficult for them to do the same to know how control raging bulls, who will
DAY India, this is how we are fighting our own farmers. Modi. Is this agitation backed by #Khalistani’s & ISI? provoke them?
SATURDAY 28 11 2020
� �
Massive jam and disruption in traffic movement on Agra-Mathura highway as
farmers led by BKU leader Rakesh Singh Tikait block Yamuna Expressway
Congress attacks Modi Khattar says govt
ready for talks;
govt for using force, Rahul
The new agricultural laws
were the need of the hour.
Amarinder asks
These laws are going to bring
says can’t stop their battle
revolutionary changes in the
standard of living of farmers
why till Dec 3
tomorrow
Narendra Singh Tomar,
agriculture minister
N E W D E L H I : As thousands Punjab Chief Minister Ama-
of farmers marched towards rinder Singh said the voice of EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ Chandigarh
Delhi opposing the Centre’s farmers cannot be “muzzled”
new farm laws, Congress lead- and asked the BJP-led Centre to HARYANA Chief Minister
er Rahul Gandhi on Friday at- hold talks immediately with Manohar Lal Khattar on Fri-
tacked Prime Minister Naren- peasants to defuse the day said the farmers should di-
dra Modi, saying no government situation. rectly talk to the Central gov-
in the world can stop farmers “The voice of farmers cannot ernment for all their legitimate
fighting the battle of truth. be muzzled indefinitely. Centre issues as he tries to assure
I salute the ‘lok lehar’ of “No government in the world should immediately initiate them that the Centre was ready
farmers which has swept away can stop the farmers who are talks with Kisan Union leaders for a solution.
all obstacles put in its way by fighting the battle of truth. The to defuse the tense situation at Khattar’s Punjab counter-
the Haryana govt & the centre Modi government will have to the Delhi borders. Why wait till part Capt Amarinder Singh,
to ensure the voice of the agree to the demands of the December 3 when the situation however, slammed the Haryana
‘annadaata’ is finally heard in farmers and take back the black is getting out of hand now?” government for its continued
the national capital laws. This is just the begin- said Singh in a tweet. use of brute force to stop the
A protesting farmer kicks a tear gas canister | SHEKHAR YADAV
Sukhbir Singh Badal, SAD president ning!” Gandhi tweeted the Posting a video on Twitter of farmers. “I appeal to farmer
Farmers lay siege to key
hashtag “IamWithFarmers’’. water cannons being used on brothers to directly talk to the
He added that the prime min- protesting farmers, Congress Centre for all their legitimate
ister should remember that general secretary in-charge Ut- issues,” he said. Khattar told
highways in northern UP
whenever arrogance takes on tar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi farmers that the path of stir
truth, it gets defeated. said, “To suppress the voice of cannot be a medium for the res-
The Congress condemned the farmers -- Water was rained on olution of problems and assert-
use of force on farmers trying them. Roads are being dug up to ed that a solution will emerge
N A M I TA B A J PA I @ Lucknow to reach the national capital to stop them. But the government from talks.
stage a protest and questioned is not ready to show or tell them Questioning as to why the
EVEN as the government and Delhi Police were en- All arrangements for why the Centre was not willing that where MSP being a legal Centre was waiting for Decem-
gaged in a battle of nerves on the national capital’s accommodation and food to engage and hold discussions ber 3 for holding talks with
right is written,” she said in a
should be made. All possible
western borders, it wasn’t all quiet on the eastern help should also be extended
with the farmers over their tweet in Hindi. ENS farmers when the situation was
front. Farmers groups led by BKU held sit-in protests to the farmers who may need concerns. “getting out of control now”,
across several districts of western Uttar Pradesh, medical help or treatment the Punjab CM tweeted: “The
blocking highways in support of the farmers from voice of farmers cannot be
Haryana and Punjab who are spearheading the agita-
Bhupinder Singh Hooda,
former Haryana CM
Farmers’ concerns & Centre’s assurances muzzled indefinitely. Centre
tion against the new farm laws. should immediately initiate
Farmers led by BKU leader Rakesh Singh Tikait M S P talks with Kisan Union leaders
blocked the Yamuna Expressway by squatting on the FARMERS: They say there is no CENTRE: The government has assured to defuse the tense situation at
road, causing a massive jam and preventing traffic mention of MSP in any of the laws the farmers that the MSP will continue the Delhi borders.”
movement from Agra to Mathura. passed and fear that they will not get and recently even increased the MSP for Singh further asked the Cen-
Other western UP districts including Meerut, Bagh- even the minimum price for their produce some products to reassure them tre to show statesmanship and
pat, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Hapur, Shamli, Buland- accept the farmers’ demand for
shahr, Ghaziabad, Noida, Moradabad and Saharanpur C O N T R A C T F A R M I N G assured minimum support
also witnessed sit-in protests on the highways. Major FARMERS: Fear that due to the clause CENTRE: It claims that the clause has price. “Central govt needs to
traffic disruptions were caused at Nawla Kothi in Mu- The grit and determination of which ensures fixed price for produce been put in place to allow farmers get a show statesmanship and accept
zaffarnagar on Delhi-Dehradun National Highway and the Indian farmers cannot be before sowing, corporates will not like to higher price for their produce and also the farmers’ demand for as-
in Baghpat on Sonipat highway. Sit-ins were also held broken by the use of force Prime engage with small and marginal farmers ensure guaranteed buying sured MSP, which is the basic
in Bundelkhand districts of Lalitpur and Jalaun. Minister Modi. You will have to right of every farmer. If they
listen and accept the demands
Due to heavy police deployment, however, the situa- A P M C can give verbal assurance I fail
of the kisans
tion remained under control. The administrative ma- FARMERS: The role of the ‘mandi’ CENTRE: APMCs will not be banned and a to understand why they can’t
chinery was already on alert after a call for holding the Sitaram Yechury, make it a legal obligation of the
general secretary, CPI(M)
system or the APMC is unclear and there new parallel market outside the mandi will
protests was given by the BKU on Thursday. “Farmers is also no grievance redressal system in be created. This will allow farmers to trade GoI,” said the Punjab chief
in UP are fully supporting their counterparts in Pun- place outside the mandi system their crop anywhere without boundaries minister.
jab and Haryana,” said Tikait. Later, Singh welcomed the
Backing the farmers, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav ac- E S S S E N T I A L C O M M O D I T I E S government’s decision allow-
cused the Centre of ignoring their interests while Con- FARMERS: The real beneficiaries are the CENTRE: The clause is to transform the ing farmers to enter Delhi. “I
gress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra tweet- corporate as the law removes commodities sector by deregulating the prices of welcome the Centre’s decision
ed saying the government is “resorting to every tactic like pulses, cereals and other items from commodities of pulses, cereals and onions. to allow farmers to enter Delhi
to stop the protesting farmers but it is not able to as- the list of essential commodities This will help increase farmers’ income to exercise their democratic
sure them that MSP is their right”. right to protest.
NSA arrives in Sri Lanka for trilateral Decision to cut ceiling for non-MBBS
maritime talks, calls on PM Rajapaksa
teachers sparks fear of job losses
E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ New Delhi
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ New Delhi takes of non-medical teachers PG in non-clinical specialties.
NSA Ajit Doval on Friday called on Sri Lankan Prime to teach pre and para clinical Now, the commission has
Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and also met with the A recent decision by the Na- subjects to first and second said that the new guidelines
country’s defence secretary to further advance the tional Medical Commission to year MBBS students. would be applicable only to the
“valuable” bilateral cooperation which contributes reduce the ceiling for non- While teachers who teach new colleges that would admit
to peace and security in the region. medical teachers in medical the clinical subjects in medi- students into the 2021-22 batch
“NSA Ajit Doval arrived in Colombo for trilateral colleges and even doing away cal colleges are always doctors but added that the new guide-
India-Sri Lanka-Maldives consultations on maritime with their appointment alto- with MBBS and MS/MD lines would also apply to
and security cooperation. He was accorded a warm gether in few subjects has degrees, there are also those medical colleges
welcome by Army Commander Lt Gen @SilvaShav- sparked fear of job losses by some teachers--about that would seek raised
endra,” the Indian High Commission in Colombo such faculties in various parts 5-6,000 in the non- intake of MBBS
tweeted. The dialogue is being held after a gap of six of the country. clinical subjects with students.
years. The last such meeting was held in 2014. Ac- NSA Ajit Doval with Sri Lankan Prime In the “Minimum Require- medical MSc or PhDs “This means that a
cording to sources, Bangladesh, Seychelles and Mau- Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa| PTI ments for MBBS Admission who do not have MBBS non-medical teacher
ritius will attend the meeting as observers. The dia- Regulations 2020” released by degrees, their designa- would be forced to stay
logue was halted as India-Maldives relations the newly established medical tions ranging from tutor to put in the same college until
nosedived under the Abdulla Yameen regime due to
PURPOSE OF THE education re gulator last professor and even head of retirement, and all possibili-
his perceived closeness to Beijing. While Doval will
DIALOGUE month, the permissible intake departments. ties to seek new employment
represent India, Maldives will be represented by its The dialogue is aimed at of non-medical faculty has The practice of such ap- in any college, whether new or
defence minister Mariya Didi. initiating collective action on come down from 30% to 15% in pointments, for teaching pre old, would be denied,” said
Doval also met Sri Lankan defence secretary Major maritime security, including anatomy and physiology, from and para-clinical subjects Sridhar Rao, president of the
Gen (retd) Kamal Gunaratne and they agreed on sev- maritime domain awareness, 50% to 15% in biochemistry, started in the 1950s when not National MSc Medical Teach-
eral steps to further strengthen the “valuable” coop- legal regimes, training in and from 30% to 0% in micro- many doctors were pursuing ers’ Association.
eration between the two countries which also con- search and rescue operations, biology and pharmacology.
tributes to peace and security in the region. maritime pollution response, The Teachers Eligibility
On Thursday, the EAM in New Delhi said the NSA- information sharing, curbing and Qualifications guidelines The current scientist teachers will be forced to work without
level trilateral meeting has served as an effective piracy drugs arms and contraband of the previous regulator Med- promotion or pay hikes. The job insecurity will persist forever and
platform for cooperation among Indian Ocean trafficking in the Indian ical Council of India on the their entire career will be spent on fearing termination. They could
countries. Ocean region. other hand allowed higher in- be exploited to any extent — National MSc Medical Teachers’ Association
 4
Ahmedabad 30 16 Mumbai 34 26
SIKH COMMITTEE Bhopal 28 12 Panaji 32 24
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bibi Jagir Kaur was elected Jaipur 26 11 Patna 28 14
Amritsar 26 8 Lucknow 26 11
president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Chennai 30 25 Port Blair 30 26
Committee for the third time. The Akali leader will be FOUND MURDERED Kolkata 28 18 Imphal 26 10
taking over from Gobind Singh Longowal SISTERS IN HARYANA Srinagar 12 -1 Chandigarh 27 11

10 CHENNAI SATURDAY 28 11 2020

� �

Breach in Didi’s Lalu’s bail

plea to come
fort as transport up on Dec 11
minister quits M U K E S H R A N J A N @ Ranchi

THE bail application of RJD

chief Lalu Prasad in a case re-
ment’s land acquisition deci-
E X P R E SS N E WS S E R V I C E @ Kolkata lated to illegal withdrawal of
sion in 2007. He was once close `3.13 crore from the Dumka
THE fault lines within the rul- to Mukul Roy, the erstwhile sec- Treasury in Jharkhand High
ing Trinamool Congress wid- ond-in-command in the TMC Court was deferred till De-
ened on Friday with Suvendu before he joined the BJP. cember 11.
Adhikari, the transport and ir- On Thursday, Adhikari had According to the defence
rigation and waterways minis- quit as the chairman of the lawyer, both the parties have
ter, resigning from the Mamata Hooghly River Bridge Corpora- been asked to verify the claim
Banerjee cabinet. tion — a day after RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav addresses a press conference outside the Bihar Assembly in Patna on Friday | PTI that Lalu has completed half
Adhikari is known Mamata said she was of the sentencing in the case.

Nitish fumes as Tejashwi

for his organisational aware that some TMC “As we have filed bail appli-
skills and has a sup- workers were in touch cation on the ground that Lalu
port base in East Mid- Adhikari’s with BJP. ji has completed half of his
napore district and resignation will be a TMC MP Saugata sentencing pronounced by the
loss to the

gets personal in attack

some other parts of Roy said Adhikari is court in the case related to
the state. He emailed Trinamool Congress. still a party MLA. “Ef- Dumka Treasury which was
his resignation to the We will welcome forts are on to per- opposed by the CBI counsel,
him if he joins the
CM and Gover nor suade him. His resig- and hence, both the parties
BJP. I have not
Jagdeep Dhankhar, talked to him, but nation from the state have been asked to get it veri-
who acce pted his BJP’s door will cabinet is his person- fied by the order sheets of the
resignation. remain open al decision,” said Roy. Bihar CM reminds RJD leader that he kept quiet till now due to his lower court,” said RJD Chief ’s
Speculation is rife BJP’s state presi- advocate Prabhat Kumar.
that Adhikari, who Dilip Ghosh, dent Dilip Ghosh said old association with Lalu, tells him to check facts before speaking After being convicted by a
has not attended state BJP Bengal chief Adhikari’s resigna- Does he (Tejashwi) know who CBI court in Ranchi on De-
cabinet meetings for tion would cause a made his father the R A J E S H K U M A R T H A K U R @ Patna copyright theft. He was react- wi) a Deputy CM? He should cember 23, 2017, in the second
some months, might join the blow to the TMC. “We will wel- leader of the legislature party? ing to a political jibe by the CM check facts before speaking,” fodder scam case involving
BJP before the 2021 West Ben- come him if he joins the BJP. I Does he know who made him a THE last day of the five-day Bi- on RJD chief Lalu Prasad’s said a fuming Nitish. the illegal withdrawal of
Deputy CM? He should check facts
gal Assembly elections. have not talked to him, but har Assembly session on Fri- large family, suggesting that it He said in 2017 when Tejash- `89.27 lakh from Deoghar
before speaking
The BJP is eyeing formi- BJP’s door will remain open.” day saw Chief Minister Nitish showed Lalu’s preference for wi faced charges of corruption, treasury, the 72-year-old RJD
dable political leaders Congress state president Nitish Kumar, Bihar Chief Minister Kumar losing his cool while re- male children. “But he (Nitish as a CM he had asked the RJD chief was lodged in Birsa
from the ranks of the Adhir Chowdhury said sponding to remarks made by Kumar) perhaps fearing the leader to explain his position. Munda Central jail in Ranchi.
TMC to bolster the Adhikari’s resignation will leader of the opposition Tejas- birth of a girl, did not go for an- “But he did not, and finally I He was shifted to RIMS on Au-
strength of the party invite trouble for the TMC
Fear physical harm, hwi Yadav. other child,” said Tejashwi. had to quit the government in gust 29, 2018 given his deterio-
ahead of the next the elections.
says BJP legislator “He (Tejashwi) is lying. I He also dubbed the ruling 2017,” Nitish told the House. rating health conditions.
year’s Assembly elec- A TMC leader said BJP MLA Lalan Kumar Paswan, have kept quiet because he is party leaders as “thieves and Deputy CM Tarkishore Pras- Since then, he has been ad-
tions. Adhikari was one Adhikari was whom RJD chief Lalu Prasad the son of my brother-like dishonest”, provoking the ad called Tejashwi’s remarks mitted to the super-specialty
of the protagonists tasked to spread allegedly telephoned, told the friend. I hoped he would mend MLAs to troop into the well of shameful and asked him to wing, then to the paying ward,
of the Nandigram t h e p a r t y ’s Assembly that he feared his ways, but he has made ab- the House. maintain the House decorum. and finally shifted to Direc-
movement network in “physical and mental harm” surd allegations,” Kumar said. Nitish hit out at Tejashwi, Amid uproarious scenes, the tor’s Bungalow of RIMS on
against the Left Jungalma- after having exposed the The RJD leader during a dis- wondering who made him the Speaker adjourned the House August 5.
Front govern- hal. “powerful” leader. In a deft play cussion on the Governor’s ad- Leader of Opposition. He asked for half an hour. After an alleged audio clip
of the Dalit card, he said, “as a dress referred to a 1991 murder the Assembly chairman to get Before Nitish’s angry re- of him offering a ministerial
House member, I seek case in which Nitish had al- the matter examined and ac- sponse, Parliamentary Affairs berth to a BJP MLA with the
Trinamool MLA joins saffron ranks protection. I feel insecure in the ready been given a clean chit. tion taken against Tejashwi. Minister Vijay Kumar Chaud- advice to abstain from voting
The BJP also got a shot in the arm on Friday after former Trinamool midst of a vitiated political Tejashwi alleged that Nitish “Does he know who made his hary countered Tejashwi’s al- during the Bihar Speaker’s
leader and South Coochbihar MLA Mihir Goswami joined the saffron atmosphere. There is still a was named in that case and a father (Lalu) the leader of the legations, saying the Patna election went viral, Lalu was
outfit in Delhi. Two of the BJP MPs accompanied Goswami at the BJP perception that those from fine of `25,000 was charged legislature party? Does he High Court had dismissed the shifted to the paying ward of
headquarters in an affirmation of the political significance of Goswami. weaker sections are up for sale.” from him in another case of know who made him (Tejash- murder case. RIMS on Thursday.

POWER TUSSLE
You could be
out of power,
Uddhav to BJP
MUMBAI: The BJP-led cen-
tral government is misusing
investigation agencies like
the ED and the CBI to target
the Opposition leaders, Ma-
harashtra CM Uddhav Thack-
eray alleged.
But the BJP, Uddhav added,
should not misunderstand his
silent and calm nature as sub-
mission. “I am against vindic-
tive politics but if someone
does, then I will not also hesi-
tate to give them back a test of
their own medicine. They
should not test our patience
and dare to provoke us.”
The people who are giving
trouble should not forget their
past, he said in his interview
to Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saa-
mana. “When these people
were once in the opposition,
Razing Kangana’s property illegal,
done out of malice: Bombay HC
S U D H I R S U R YA W A N S H I @ Mumbai
COMING down hard on the
Brihanmumbai Municipal
Corporation (BMC) for demol-
ishing part of Kangana Ra-
naut’s property in Bandra, the
Bombay High Court on Friday
termed the action illegal and
done out of ‘malice’ and direct-
ed the civic agency to compen-
sate the actor for the damage.
A bench of Justices S J
Kathawalla and R I Chagla
quashed the BMC’s demolition
notice and appointed an asses-
sor to evaluate the damage
caused so as to decide Kaga-
na’s compensation claim. “The
court is convinced that the no-
tice dated 7th September, the
action of demolition following
it on 9th September 2020 are
actuated by malafides, and in
any event, involve a clear mal-
ice in law,” the bench said.
The court also reprimanded
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut
for his use of expletive against
the actress, saying the conduct
“does not befit a par-
liamentarian”. The
bench, however, said
it did not agree with
Kangana’s utterances
and advised her to
show restrain in her
comments against the
government.
In its order, the HC
bench said that the
photos from the site, docu-
ments on record and the chain
of events showed that the
BMC’s action was “predeter-
mined”, “malafide” and in
breach of a citizen’s rights.
“The manner in which the ac-
EXPRESS READ
Three jawans killed
in Pak firings at LoC
SRINAGAR: Three Indian
soldiers were killed in ceasefire
tion was carried out leaves no
violations on the Line of
Control (LoC) by Pakistan
doubt that using Section 354 troops in Jammu and Kashmir’s
was unauthorised, bad in law Poonch and Rajouri districts,
and aimed at preventing the official sources said on Friday.
petitioner from taking re- Naik Prem Bahadur Khatri and
course to preventive legal ac- Rifleman Sukhbir Singh were
tion,” it said. critically injured on the LoC in
The court noted Sunderbani Sector of Rajouri
that the BMC ac- district during firing by
tion was abuse of Pakistan troops on Friday.
power as Raut “was “Both injured soldiers later
determined to teach succumbed to their injuries,”
a lesson to the Defence Ministry spokesman
petitioner”. Colonel Devender Anand said.
The demolition Meanwhile, Subedar (JCO)
had followed a war Swatantra Singh — critically
of words between injured on the LoC in Poonch
Kangana and Raut. district on Thursday —
Reacting to the verdict, May- succumbed to his injuries on
or Kishori Pednekar said the Friday. “The nation will always
BMC had taken action against remain indebted to them for
Kangana’s property as per the the supreme sacrifice and
BMC Act, but will study the devotion to duty,” the Army
court order and act over it. spokesperson said.
Eight-phase local polls
begin today in J&K
F AYA Z W A N I @ Srinagar
ALL is set for the first phase of
the maiden eight-phase District
Development Council (DDC)
elections in Jammu and Kash-
mir on Saturday. Tight security
measures and Covid-19 proto-
cols have been put in place to
ensure smooth conduct of the
first major electoral exercise in
J&K after scrapping of Articles
370 and 35A and bifurcation of
the state into two Union Terri-
tories on August 5 last year.
Of the total 280 DDC seats —
140 each in Kashmir and Jam-
mu regions — 43 would be go-
ing to polls in the first phase.
Of these, 25 seats are in 10 dis- Necessary COVID protocols have been
tricts of the Valley and 18 in 10 put in place for ensuring the safe
districts of Jammu. polls. Foolproof method mechanism
State Election Commissioner has been devised for the postal
ballots from absentee voters
K K Sharma said all resources
especially COVID-19 patients in home
have been deployed to ensure

Mehbooba under house arrest? Police say no

Balasaheb Thackeray had
helped them. They should not
be ungrateful. I come from the
land of Chhatrapati Shivaji...
I will continue to fight and
those are troubling us should
also remember that the power
is not constant. Today, they
are in power, tomorrow they
will be in opposition also.”
Uddhav also exuded confi-
dence that the Shiv Sena will
win the next BMC elections.
“The BJP can try, but they will
hit their head on the wall. Peo-
ple will continue to vote for
the Sena on the agenda of de-
velopment,” he averred. ENS
E X P R E SS N E WS S E R V I C E @ Srinagar
PEOPLES Democratic Party
chief Mehbooba Mufti was on
Friday allegedly placed under
house arrest at her Gupkar
residence in Srinagar and
barred from holding a press
conference.
Police, however, said she was
not under house detention
even as a security vehicle was
parked in front of the main
gate of Mehbooba’s residence
to restrict the movement of
people.
“I’ve been illegally de-
tained yet again. Since
two days, J&K admin
has refused to allow
me to visit @parawa-
hid’s family in Pulwa-
ma. BJP Ministers &
their puppets are allowed
to move around in every cor-
ner of Kashmir but security is
a problem only in my case
(sic),” Mehbooba tweeted.
The PDP chief was sched-
uled to visit the Pulwa-
ma residence of party
leader Waheed Para,
who was arrested by
the NIA for his alleged
links with terror outfit
Hizbul Mujahideen.
Para was sent to 15-day NIA
remand by a court on Friday.
“Waheed was arrested on base-
less charges & I am not allowed
to even console his family.
Even my daughter Iltija has
been placed under house ar-
rest because she also wanted to
visit Waheed’s family.”
In the evening, the police is-
sued a statement saying Meh-
booba was not under house ar-
rest. “She was requested to
postpone her visit to Pulwama
purely due to security rea-
sons,” it stated.
safe and peaceful elections in
all 10 districts of Kashmir. An
additional 165 companies of
paramilitary forces have been
deployed in the areas going to
polls on Saturday to ensure in-
cident-free elections.
All the Covid-19 protocols
have also been put in place. The
polling stations and counting
centres will be sanitised before
and after the polling.
Campaigning for the first
phase ended on Thursday. The
main contest is expected to be
between BJP and PAGD. While
the PAGD is contesting polls on
Articles 370 and 35A plank, the
K K Sharma, State Election Commissioner
BJP has been harping on “ad-
vantages” of abrogation of Ar-
ticle 370.
Being the first electoral exer-
cise after Article 370, the DDC
polls assume significance as
the people will get to spell out
their stand on revocation of Ar-
ticle 370 and also the Gupkar
alliance.
“It is a very important elec-
tion. In fact, it is a sort of refer-
endum on the future of main-
stream politics in J&K,” said
J&K Congress vice-president
Ghulam Nabi Monga.

PRASANTA MAZUMDAR
Our correspondent in
Kamakhya temple Graffiti protest demands
Guwahati gets golden dome release of jailed activist
prasantamazumdar@ The Kamakhya temple has got a new The police in Guwahati had detained
newindianexpress.com look, thanks to the construction of four artists for painting the graffiti of
golden dome unveiled last week. jailed activist Akhil Gogoi. However, the
GUWAHATI DIARY Earlier, the Reliance Industries Limited
had donated 19 kg gold for the dome
act triggered a wave of art works on
public walls the next day. Several
and work had begun in mid- graffiti, posters and slogans demanding
September. RIL had also sent Gogoi’s release surfaced in several parts
IIT-Guwahati’s free-space optical communication engineers and artisans for the gold- of the state. The artists detained in
A research team from the IIT-Guwahati has developed a free-space optical plating work. The temple, perched Guwahati were from a group called
Eye on polls, youth leader quits AASU communication system for information transfer. Under this, data in the form of atop the Nilachal Hills in the heart of “Anga Arts”. Their art work depicted
Youth leader Lurinjyoti Gogoi, who rose to limelight during the CAA protests due voice, text or image is transmitted using light wirelessly. The results of the work Guwahati, opened for devotees in Gogoi being taken away by the cops.
to his fiery speeches, has quit the apolitical All Assam Students’ Union. He was were recently published in “Communications Physics”, a well-known journal. The October after being closed for months Gogoi, a leader of peasants’ body
the general secretary of the body. Gogoi is expected to lead the Asom Jatiya research team was led by Dr Bosanta Ranjan Boruah and Dr Santanu Konwar of due to the pandemic. According to the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samitee, was
Parishad, a political party which AASU and Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chhatra IIT-Guwahati. “...Data transmitted wirelessly using light/laser beams, can available records, the temple was arrested by the police in the wake of
Parishad floated in September. The AJP is expected to contest the assembly become corrupted when transmitted through atmospheric turbulence such as rebuilt by Nara Narayan, the last ruler violent CAA protests in December.
polls due early next year. Gogoi said his fight for the cause and interest of the wind. To overcome this, researchers used orthogonal spatial light modes called of undivided Koch kingdom of Later, the NIA took his custody for
state’s indigenous populace would continue. “There is negative politics in the Zernike modes to encode the data and to transmit the same robustly in the form Kamata. The priests believe it existed alleged linkage with the CPI (Maoist)
society but we need quality and development-oriented politics,” he said. of the phase profile of a laser beam,” the institute said in a statement. from the time of The Mahabharata. and charged him under the UAPA.
11 CHENNAI SATURDAY 28 11 2020
� � THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS

PUBLIC NOTICE
REGIONAL OFFICE: CHENNAI
No.43, Ground Floor, Hameedia Centre, Haddows Road,
Nungambakkam, Chennai -600006.
Tel. No: +91-44-28238250/ 28281109. Email: ro1005@sib.co.in
REF No: CH-REG/LEG/SAR/119/2020-21 Date : 12.11.2020
To,
1) M/s. Techno Care, Proprietor- Mr. Sivakumar R, S/o.Radhakrishnan, D. No 109A, 1st Floor, SVS
Complex, Siva Shanmugham Road, West Tambaram, Chennai-600045.
Also at : Mr. Sivakumar R, S/o.Radhakrishnan, No 2C, Balaji Avenue, Alapakkam, Chennai-600116
2) Mr. Ramesh Kumar.K S, S/o.Sundaramoorthy, 1st Street, 3rd Block, Kaviarasu Kannadasan Nagar,
Chennai-600118
3) Also at : Mr. Ramesh Kumar K S, S/o.Sundaramoorthy, No.13, Dr.Ambedkar Street, Vivekanandar Nagar,
Kodungaiyur, Chennai-600118
4) Mrs. Pushpa, W/o.Sivakumar R, No 2C, Balaji Avenue, Alapakkam, Chennai-600116
Dear Sir,
Sub :- Notice issued in terms of Section 13(8) of The Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets
and Enforcement of Security Interest Act. 2002 read with 8 (6) of the Security Interest (Enforcement)
Rules, 2002.
As you are aware, the Authorised Officer of the Bank have taken symbolic possession of the asset described in
the Schedule Annexed hereto in terms of Section 13(4) of the subject Act on 10.12.2018, in connection with
the outstanding dues payable by you to Tambaram branch of the bank. The amount due from you to the Bank is
Rs. 1,06,06,233/- (Rupees One Crore Six Lakh Six Thousand Two Hundred and Thirty Three Only) as on
11.11.2020 along with further interest and costs.
AND WHEREAS, the borrower/Guarantors have failed to pay the amount due to the bank even after taking symbolic
possession of the schedule property, notice is hereby given that the immovable properties will be sold by inviting
tenders/ by public auction on expiry of 30 days from the date of receipt of this notice. The Authorised Officer has
obtained Expert Valuation Report from an Approved Valuer, who is registered as a valuer under Section 34AB
of the Wealth Tax Act, 1957.
The date and time of auction shall be informed through a separate sale notice as mentioned in the SARFAESI Act,
and the property would be sold to the person who offers highest bid amount.
Hence, in terms of the provisions of the subject Act and the Rules made thereunder, this notice is issued to you
to enable you to discharge the amount due to the bank before the publication of sale notice mentioned supra. In
the alternative, if you are having a better offer for the Scheduled property, you may also bring in purchasers for
the same on or before the date fixed for sale.
This is without prejudice to the right of the Authorised Officer to fix the date of sale without any further notice
and/ or any other rights available to the bank under the subject Act or any other law in force.
SCHEDULE OF SECURED ASSET
All that piece and parcel of land bearing Plot No. 21 & 22 admeasuring an extent of 1506 Sq Ft with building
comprised in R.S.No. 162/1 of Kodungaiyur Village having Door. No. 13/8, Dr. Ambedkar Street Project scheme,
Kodungaiyur, Chennai -600118, Fort-Tondiarpet Taluk, Chennai District, within the limits of Corporation of Chennai
in the n/o Mr. K.S Ramesh Kumar morefully described in the Sale Deed No. 6904/2007 dated 27.07.2007, Sale
Deed No. 758/2008 dated 31.01.2008 of SRO Sembium (now Madhavaram) and Partition (Release Deed) No.
7395/2014 dated 14.02.2014 of SRO Madhavaram and Registration District of Chennai North with the following
Boundaries for Plot No.21 (77 Sq Mtr. or 828 Sq Ft Approx.) North by: Plot No.22 and Dr. Ambedkar Street,
South by: Patta Land, East by: Plot No. 23 & Plot No.24, West by: Plot No. 19. Boundaries for Plot No.22 (63 Sq
Mtr. or 678 Sq Ft Approx.) North by: Dr. Ambedkar Street, South by: Plot No. 21, East by: 4 feet passage leading
to Plot No. 23 to Plot No. 21, West by: Plot No. 19.
Place : Chennai AUTHORISED OFFICER
Date : 12.11.2020 THE SOUTH INDIAN BANK LTD
Regd. Office : SIB House, T.B. Road, Mission Quarters, Thrissur-680 001,Kerala. Phone:+91-487-2420020,
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ANNEXURE - A

HIGH ENERGY MATERIALS RESEARCH LABORATORY

DRDO, MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
SUTARWADI, PUNE - 411021.
HEMRL, Pune under Defence Research and Development Organisation, invites Expression of
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PRE BID
Sr. EOI
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No. NUMBER
DATE & TIME
Expression of Interest for Development of
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21EOI001/LP 1130 hrs.
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up, manufacture and supply of binder (epoxy
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21EOI002/LP 1030 hrs.
modifier (Trimethylsilyl ferrocene) ... Qty. :
300 kg. as per specification No. HEMRL/SRP/
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5 1 No.
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ONCE A NEW TECHNOLOGY ROLLS OVER YOU,

IF YOU’RE NOT PART OF THE STEAMROLLER,
YOU’RE PART OF THE ROAD ❯ STEWART BRAND

12 CHENNAI
Head of Iran’s defunct nuke
programme assassinated
Top scientist reportedly helmed covert nuclear weapons programme
DUBAI
AN Iranian scientist named by
Israel as the leader of the Is-
lamic Republic’s disbanded
military nuclear programme
was killed Friday in an am-
bush on the outskirts of Te-
hran, authorities said.
Iran’s foreign minister al-
leged the killing of Mohsen Fa-
khrizadeh bore “serious indi-
cations” of an Israeli role, but
did not elaborate. Israel, long
suspected of killing several
Iranian nuclear scientists a
decade ago, declined to com-
ment. Israeli PM Benjamin
Netanyahu once told the pub-
lic to “remember that name”
when talking about
Fakhrizadeh.
The killing risks further
raising tensions across West
Asia, nearly a year after Iran
and the US stood on the brink
of war when an American
drone strike killed a top Irani-
an general in Baghdad. It
comes just as US President-
elect Joe Biden stands poised
to be inaugurated in January
and will likely complicate his
efforts to return America to a
pact aimed at ensuring Iran
does not have enough highly
enriched uranium to make a
nuclear weapon.
That deal, which saw Iran
limit its uranium enrichment
in exchange for the lifting of
economic sanctions, has en-
tirely unraveled after US Presi-
dent Donald Trump withdrew
Will leave WH if
Electoral College
says Joe won: Don
GREATER CHENNAI CORPORATION
Solid Waste Management Department
S.W.M.C.No.A7/0175/2020
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Last Date and Time of Submission
of Bid
Bid Opening Date and Time
Cost of Tender Documents and
EMD
DIPR/4416/Tender/2020
1 million
Beijing 14 3 LC Los Angeles 21 11 SNY
Colombo 30 25 TDS Melbourne 19 13 LC
Dhaka 32 21 SNY Moscow 3 -1 LC
GLOBAL Dubai 30 22 SNY New York 12 5 SNY
WEATHER Houston 28 21 LC Singapore 32 25 TDS
Germany, once a beacon of hope in Europe’s LR: Light Rain HR: Heavy Rain Istanbul 15 10 LR Toronto 7 4 LC
Covid nightmare, logged its one millionth case TDS: Thundershower LC: Light Cloud SNY: Sunny London 15 13 LR Washington 13 6 SNY
SATURDAY 28 11 2020
� �
AMAZON ON 1500000
Amazon has been on a
massive hiring spree that MORE HANDS
UNPRECEDENTED has only accelerated with the
onset of the pandemic, The
It’s hiring like
ON DECK
HIRING SPREE
1200000 Total number of
mad. No
New York Times reported American employees at the end
company has of every quarter, in
hired so many
1.2 million 4,27,300
employees 900000 addition to monthly
TOTAL workers so
added between
quickly
data for Oct
WORK FORCE Jan and Oct
Nelson
600000
Lichtenstein, a
labour academic at
the University of
TURKMENISTAN KEY NUCLEAR SITES
California, Santa 300000
3,50,000
Most of the hring post-July has been warehouse staff Barbara, told the 2017 2018 2019 2020
Bonab though Amazon has also brought in techies, the Times hired
Times
reported. The company also hired 1 lakh temp workers since July Source: The New York Times, Amazon
Tehran
Fordow
WORKERS PROTEST TO ‘MAKE AMAZON PAY’
Arak
Natanz AFGHANISTAN
Isfahan
Yazd
IRAQ
IRAN
KUWAIT DHAKA only briefly received an in-
Bushehr
crease in pay,” read statement
ACTIVISTS and Amazon work- from the campaign, which was
BAHRAIN ers across the world are hold- launched on Black Friday.
QATAR Mohsen Fakhrizadeh ing protests to demand higher Other organisations such as
pay, better working conditions, Progressive International, Am-
from the accord in 2018. that was disbanded in 2003, as an end to union-busting and a azon Workers International,
Trump himself retweeted a per US intelligence agencies. commitment to zero emissions 350.org and Greenpeace are
posting from Israeli journalist Details about the slaying re- by 2030. part of the campaign.
Yossi Melman, an expert on mained slim in the hours after Amazon warehouse workers Make Amazon Pay told me-
the Israeli Mossad intelligence the attack, which happened in and climate activists also dia outlets that protests have
service, about the killing. Mel- Absard, a village just east of launched an online campaign, been planned in 15 countries
man’s tweet called the killing a the capital that is a retreat for “Make Amazon Pay”, to push including India.
“major psychological and pro- the Iranian elite. Iranian state their list of demands. The campaign also calls on
fessional blow for Iran.” television said an old truck The demonstrations come as Amazon to pay its fair share of
After losing the election in with explosives hidden under The New York Times reported taxes. “Like all major corpora-
the first week of November, a load of wood blew up near a that Amazon has hired an un- tions, Amazon’s success would
Trump had asked senior advis- sedan carrying Fakhrizadeh. precedented number of people be impossible without the pub-
ers on November 12 whether A s Fa k h r i z a d e h ’s s e d a n this year (graphic above). Ama- lic institutions that citizens
he had options to act against stopped, at least five gunmen zon has seen an extraordinary built together over genera-
Iran’s main nuclear site in Na- emerged and raked the car growth in sales during the pan- tions. But instead of giving
tanz before he leaves office. with rapid fire, the semioffi- demic and its revenues are ex- back to the societies that helped
Fakhriza- cial Tasnim agency said. pected to soar during the holi- it grow, the corporation starves
d e h , Fakhrizadeh died at a hospi- day season. them of tax revenue through
thought tal after doctors and paramed- “During the Covid-19 pan- its world beating efforts at tax
to be 59, ics couldn’t revive him. Others demic, Amazon became a tril- dodging. In 2019, Amazon paid On the left, Bangladeshi garment
was the wounded included Fakhriza- lion dollar corporation, with just 1.2% tax in the US, the workers protest in Dhaka. Topmost,
a rch i t e c t deh’s bodyguards. Bezos becoming the first per- country it is headquartered in, Amazon warehouse workers protest
of a Iranian Hossein Dehghan, an advis- son in history to amass $200 up from 0% the two previous in Germany. Above, Japanese affliate
covert nu- er to Iran’s supreme leader and billion in personal wealth. years. Amazon is not alone in members of UNI union join the global
clear weap- a presidential candidate in Meanwhile, Amazon ware- these bad practices but it sits at action on Friday | SOMMILITO GARMENTS
ons pro- Iran’s 2021 election, also house workers risked their the heart of a failed system,” SRAMIK FEDERATION, AMAZON WORKERS
gramme blamed Israel. AP lives as essential workers, and the statement read. INTERNATIONAL, UNI
WASHINGTON firmed by the Electoral College,
which is firmly on track to do just
Trump, who took questions from
reporters for the first time since the
while he’s stirring uncertainty
about how he will behave in the
ready begun that process, includ-
ing Michigan, where Trump and
US President Donald Trump still that in a few weeks. election, unleashed another round weeks ahead, there is no real sus- his allies tried and failed to delay
won’t bring himself to concede the “Certainly I will,” he said Thurs- of complaints about the vote and pense about the outcome. the process, and Georgia and Penn-
election he decisively lost to Presi- day when asked if he will vacate theatrical warnings that “a lot of All states must certify their re- sylvania. Nothing stands in the
dent-elect Joe Biden. But he’s now
acknowledging he will leave the
White House if Biden’s win is af-
the premises after electors make
Biden’s win formal. “But you know
that.”
things” would happen before the
Electoral College meets Dec. 14 that
could possibly change results. But
sults before the Electoral College
meets and any challenge must be
resolved by Dec. 8. States have al-
way of Biden taking office Jan. 20
with a clear margin of electoral col-
lege votes. AP
GREATER CHENNAI CORPORATION GREATER CHENNAI CORPORATION
Solid Waste Management Department Solid Waste Management Department
S.W.M.C.No.A7/0176/2020 S.W.M.C.No.A7/3041-46/2020
ERRATA
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DIPR/4415/Tender/2020 Superintending Engineer (SWM) DIPR/ 4418 /Tender/2020 Superintending Engineer/SWM
Regd. Office: PSEB Head Office, The Mall, Patiala - 147001
Corporate Identity No. : U40109PB2010SGC033813, Website : www.pspcl.in
GURU HARGOBIND THERMAL PLANT, LEHRA MOHABBAT
DISTT. BATHINDA (PUNJAB) - 151 111
e-tendering website - http://eproc.punjab.gov.in
NOTICE INVITING TENDER
(Through E-tendering)
Tender Enquiry No.: 63/CHP/Op.-303/GHTP/2020-21 Dated: 27.11.2020
SHORT DESCRIPTION : To provide Assistance in operation of Bulldozers and
Loco-Shunters at 2x210MW + 2x250 MW, GHTP, Lehra Mohabbat.
EMD : Minimum Rs. 100000/- (One Lac)
Last date & time for bid submission : 28.12.2020 up to 11.30 hrs.
Date & time of opening of Fee stage bid : 30.12.2020 up to 12.00 hrs.
Detailed NIT and tender Specification can be downloaded from PSPCL website
http://eproc.punjab.gov.in. from dated 28.11.2020 onwards.
Note:
1. The prospective bidders can obtain clarification regarding tender specifications
from this office. For registration of digital signatures and uploading of tender,
information may be sought from http://eproc.punjab.gov.in.
2. It is informed that in case the tender process is not completed due to any reason no
corrigendum will be published in newspapers. Detail regarding corrigendum may be
seen on PSPCL official website i.e. https:pspcl.in.
Superintending Engineer,
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Superintending Engineer/SWM
 Market 110.02
MARKET
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13 CHENNAI SATURDAY 28 11 2020

� � newindianexpress com

Govt caps cab aggregators’ commission at 20% A9.53 L cr A7.96 L cr

Fiscal deficit Full-year
3.5%
Centre’s FY21
during April-Oct budget estimate fiscal deficit target
A R S H A D K H A N @ New Delhi discount offered by them and programmes related to government, `25/30 shall be and Uber declined to comment.

REELING out a fresh set of
guidelines to regulate cab
aggregators in the country, the
government on Friday said
to 50 per cent of the base
fare to limit fare volatility.
“The driver of a vehicle inte-
grated with the aggregator
shall receive at least 80 per cent
aggregator operated vehicles,
which have been helpful in
reducing traffic congestion to
a great extent and subse-
quently reducing pollu-
the base fare for regulation.
Similar fixation shall be
done by the state government
for other vehicles inte-
grated with aggregators.
Fiscal deficit
Drivers, however, hailed the
move, adding that commission
should not have been more
than 10 per cent. “At present,
they are charging 25-30 per

that companies such as Uber
and Ola can charge up to 20 per
cent commission on ride fares
while the remaining should be
touches 120%
of the fare applicable on each tion. Typically, cab Like cabs, some compa- cent commission on every ride
ride and the remaining charg- operators follow a nies also offer bike merely for being a broker. This
es for each ride shall be re- dynamic pricing model rides. The base fare is too much. Moreover, the
ceived by the aggregator,” the wherein price of a ride varies from state to incentive we used to earn ear-

given to the driver partners.
Capping the “surge price”
asked by these aggregators in
times of high demand to
1.5 times the base fare, the gov-
ernment also restricted the
transport ministry said. It add-
ed that the state governments
may by way of a notification
direct two per cent over and
above the fare towards the
state exchequer for amenities
of annual target
automatically rises state. These norms have lier has come down drastically
when demand outstrips been laid out in the over the years,” Shaik Salaud-
supply within a fixed 26-page Motor Vehicle Aggre- din, National General Secre-
geographic area. In states gator Guidelines issued by the tary of Federation Of App-
where the taxi fare has not government on November 27. Based Transport Workers
been determined by the local When contacted, both Ola (IFAT) told this publication.
In absolute terms, the fiscal deficit stood at

Gas reforms to bring in unified tariff

A S I A N O M I C S
`9.53 lakh crore at October-end, shows data
M A L AYS I A E N S E C O N O M I C B U R E A U @ New Delhi
TRADE SURPLUS WIDENS
Malaysia’s October exports rose 0.2% from a year earlier, beating
expectations on higher shipments of palm oil and manufactured goods,
system, open up sector to competition INDIA’s fiscal deficit stood at
`9.53 lakh crore during April-
October, which is 119.7 percent
data showed. Imports in October shrank 6% over last year compared to the J O N AT H A N A N A N D A @ New Delhi existing OMC co-located CNG of the budget target mainly on
3.6% drop in September. The country’s trade surplus in October widened to outlets from selling CNG account of weak revenue col-
RM 22.12 billion, registering a double-digit growth of 25.9% -- the highest
INDIA’s oil and gas market reg- under open access route miti- lection, shows data released by
trade surplus ever recorded for the month. “The expansion was supported
by higher exports to the US, China, India and the UK,” the Ministry of ulator PNGRB (Petroleum and gating any negative impact on the Controller General of
International Trade and Industry said. Compared to September, total trade Natural Gas Regulatory Board) existing earnings of CGD com- Accounts. In the year-ago peri-
in October expanded by 2.6%, while exports and imports grew by 2.4% and has notified some keenly- panies in the CNG segment,” od, the fiscal deficit was at
2.9% respectively. Agriculture exports surged by 28.7% boosted mainly awaited changes in regulations noted analysts from brokerage `7.96 lakh crore or 102.4 per ment expenditure. The data
by higher shipments of palm oil and palm-oil based agriculture products. governing city gas markets. Jefferies India. CGD compa- cent of the budgeted target. further revealed that the total
However, trade with ASEAN in October decreased by 10.4% over last year. The tweaks do much to throw nies consequently saw share Revenue receipts for the expenditure was at `16.61 lakh
open the sector to competition, prices soar on Friday, with In- same period was dismal at `6.71 crore or 54.6 per cent of the
but also extend some protec- draprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) and lakh crore or 34.2 per cent of budgeted estimate, as against
H O N G KO N G tion over the existing invest- Mahanagar Gas Ltd (MGL) the budgeted target during the 59.4 per cent posted during the
ments of incumbent players. scrip rising 9.5 per cent and period as against 46.2 per cent same period last year, mainly
STOCKS CLOSE AT 9-MONTH HIGH The most impactful change 13.7 per cent respectively. of the budget estimate last year. as the government continued
Hong Kong stocks ended at a nine-month high on Friday buoyed by upbeat for consumers is set to be the However, others say these The non-tax revenue from April with its austerity drive. While
profits from industrial firms pointing to a sustained recovery in China’s new unified tariff system. So More important from an are merely stop-gaps and that to October 2020 stood at `1.16 the government announced a
economy. The Hang Seng index rose 0.3% -- its highest closing level since far, tariffs had been set depend- industry standpoint, perhaps, incumbents will have to lakh crore in comparison to host of stimulus measures, it
February 21. For the week, HSI shop was up 1.7%, while the Hang Seng ing on how far, or near, the con- is the rolling out of open mar- prepare. “Regulations do not `2.24 lakh crore, while tax rev- has done so by cutting corners
financials index gained 3.7% for the week, its fourth straight weekly gain. sumer was from the gas source. ket access — a proposal that allow OMCs to ter minate enue stood at `8.75 lakh crore from other ministries. For in-
China’s central bank said it would make prudent monetary policy flexible This resulted in progressively had come in for vehement op- agreements with incumbent against `10.52 lakh crore on stance, higher spending by the
and targeted and reiterated not to resort to flood-like stimulus. Earlier higher charges the further position from incumbents. and set up their own dispens- year-on-year basis. Despite im- consumer affairs and rural de-
in the week, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam defended Beijing’s away they were from the coast CGD players have market ex- ers in CNG stations where the provement in October tax col- velopment ministries has
tightening grip over the financial hub announcing new steps to boost
(LNG import terminals). clusivity and feared that the incumbent had one, as PNGRB lection, experts claim that it meant cuts in housing, rural
economic links with the mainland. She believes the economy can benefit
from its proximity to the mainland and the central government’s long- The new system, however, decision to allow open access wants new infrastructure cannot make up for all loss development, railways and
standing support under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle. will put in place just two tariff to 20 per cent of capacity would creation. Whether OMCs can registered on account of Cov- roads to control expenditure.
zones: Zone-I will comprise eat into their own investments. set up own dispensers while id-19 in the previous months. The Centre has retained this
areas within 300 km from the It is to be noted that many CNG continuing to dispense CNG “While tax collections can in- year’s fiscal deficit target at
CHINA g a s s o u rc e, a n d Z o n e - I I players dispense gas from out- for incumbents is a grey area,” crease in proportion to growth 3.5% of GDP but experts be-
everything beyond. According lets located in oil marketing said ICICI Securities. “Even if in the next 4 months, it may not lieve it will be higher at 7.5-9.25
INDUSTRIAL PROFITS ZOOM IN OCTOBER to market experts, the new companies’ fuel stations and OMCs can install CNG dispens- be possible to recoup the losses per cent. “We believe the defi-
Profits at China’s industrial firms grew in October for a sixth consecutive system will result in custom- major OMCs have expressed a ers only at stations where in the first 7-8 months,” Madan cits based on the expenditure
month and the growth was higher than September’s 10.1%. In October, ers near the source pay around keen interest in venturing into incumbents do not have a pres- Sabnavis, chief economist, allocations announced by the
profits surged 28.2% over last year at $97.79 billion, official data showed. 20-30 per cent more in trans- the CGD sector themselves. ence, it can only delay competi- CARE Ratings said. This keeps finance minister will double
This is the quickest pace since early 2017, and points to a steady recovery in portation charges, but will However, the final notifica- tion, which would eventually the slippage on account of this amount taking the ratio of
the manufacturing sector that was hit hard by Covid-19. China’s industrial lead to a substantial cost tion includes some protection. hit volume growth and mar- fiscal deficit high in the coming close to 9-9.25 per cent for the
sector has seen an impressive recovery from the coronavirus fallout, helped reduction in the hinterlands. “The notification restricts gins of incumbents”. months despite curb in govern- year,” Sabnavis noted.
by resilient demand for the country’s exports. For the January-October
period, industrial firms’ profits rose 0.7% on an annual basis, after falling
2.4% in the first nine months of 2020 compared with the same period last
year. Meanwhile, liabilities at industrial firms rose 6.8% in October as
against 6.6% in September. Private sector profits grew 1.1% during January-
October compared with a 0.5% decline in the first nine months.
PSUs find it difficult to meet capex target as finances dry up
J AYA N TA R O Y C H O W D H U R Y PSUs to achieve 75 per cent of Higher dividends cash. According to the chair- sider” paying dividend on a
@ New Delhi capex spending by December- man-cum-managing director of quarterly basis and the rest on
end and more than 100 per cent Officials say that oil sector PSUs a power sector PSU “for several half-yearly basis. “T hese

Vi to offer more, signs STATE-run companies, who are by March-end. However, the have been told to increase their years we have been shelling out demands place cash flow prob-
being pushed to meet capital chances of meeting the target capex from the current `1 lakh extraordinary dividend pay- lems for us, especially in a year
expenditure targets in order to are slim, say officials who crore to `2 lakh crore next fiscal outs to help the government when sales are slow and orders

up health, edtech firms

strengthen the country’s indus- attended the fifth of a series of exchequer, some of us have also are few and far in between.”
trial growth which grew by just meetings held at North Bloc on capital outlay of over `61,000 gone for share buy-backs, which Several PSUs have been rais-
0.2 per cent last September, are the issue. A total of 10 PSUs crore earmarked for the year. has depleted our reserves.” ing money and running expens-
finding it difficult to meet dead- from power, mines and atomic The problem for these PSUs The chairman pointed out es through a culmination of
ENS ECONOMIC BUREAU @ New Delhi help us drive more value for lines given financial and project energy ministries who met is that besides being a year that even earlier this month a bonds and bank loans to pay for
our customers and offer implementation constraints. finance ministry officials on beset by the pandemic which communique from the govern- the capex plans which they have
BUNDLING has long been the growth opportunities for the The government has already Friday have managed to spend has slowed down project imple- ment asked PSUs who normal- been told has to be substantially
name of the game in the business,” said Vodafone Idea cracked the whip asking all less than 40 per cent of the mentation, they are short of ly pay a high dividend to “con- increased next financial year.
telecom space and Vi’s (erst- CEO Ravinder Takkar.
while Vodafone Idea) Friday Through the tie-ups, Vi will
announcement dove-tails the offer its subscribers a 10 per
trend. According to a compa- cent fee waiver on upGrad, Nissan bets big on Magnite, opens 50 EXPRESS READ MAIDEN OFFERING
ny statement, the telco has get around 60 free courses on Adani acquires 49% Burger King
service and sales outlets ahead of launch
signed up multiple Udemy, and access to
stake in Alipurduar
India IPO to
partners in the content including
edtech and health- JEE and NEET sam- New Delhi: Adani Transmission
care segments, and ple tests on Pedago- Ltd. (ATL) has acquired 49 per
the par tnerships
will result in Vi cus-
One of

business
the key
pillars of VIL’s
strategy
gy. As for the health
sector, the benefits
E N S E C O N O M I C B U R E A U @ New Delhi Nissan NEXT strategy to pri-
oritize and invest in the Indian
system for discerning custom-
ers,” said Rakesh Srivastava,
cent stake in Alipurduar
Transmission Limited from open on Dec 2
tomers getting include discounts on JAPANESE carmaker Nissan market for sustainable growth. MD, Nissan Motor India. Kalpataru Power Transmission
exclusive benefits. is to drive medicine purchases on Friday said that it has “With India gradually becom- The company has also intro- Ltd. (KPTL). The balance 51 per E N S E C O N O M I C B U R E A U @ New Delhi
partnerships and
VIL has entered on 1mg, and free opened 30 service and 20 sales ing a more strategic base for duced ‘Nissan Express Service’ cent stake will be acquired after
digital revenue
into strategic part- streams, across trials on cure.fit touch points across the country value-added services, Nissan’s to deliver a quick and compre- obtaining requisite regulatory EVERSTONE Capital backed-
nerships with play- segments. This and Mfine. as it looks to strengthen its new and improved initiatives hensive service experience in and other approvals. The deal is fast food chain Burger King
ers spanning “Learn- will help us drive Analysts say bun- presence ahead of the launch will underscore our desire to just 90-minutes. Nissan India priced at `1,300 crore. India Ltd is looking to raise
ing & Upskilling, more value for our dling such offerings of its upcoming four-wheeler give customers a hassle-free, will extend its consumer serv- `450 crore from its maiden
Health & Wellness, customers... has been a go-to Magnite.The compact SUV, safe, and satisfying sales and ice reach by conducting “Nis- offering to be used for loan
and Business” in-
Ravinder Takkar,
strategy for telcos to which is slated for launch on service process that is en- san Service Clinics” in 100+ Ashok Leyland repayments and expansion of
cluding those such increase the value December 2, is seen as a make hanced by a comprehensive upcountry locations. “Custom- its store network.
as upGrad, Udemy,
CEO, Vodafone Idea
propositions. “Tar- or break vehicle for Nissan In- digital ers may book services and
renames UK subsidiary The company on Friday set
Pedagogy, cure.fit, iffs are already too dia. The carmaker is expected eco- check costs online through the Chennai: Ashok Leyland the price band at `59-60 per
1mg, MFine, Eunimar t, low to provide any profit mar- to price the vehicle at a Nissan Service Cost Calculator announced that Optare, its share for its initial public offer-
Hubbler and Fiskl. It also gins, so offering more value much lower price than via Nissan Service Hub (web- majority-owned UK subsidiary, ing (IPO) which is slated for
plans to undertake several by slashing prices is out of other compact SUVs to of- site) or Nissan Connect, has been renamed Switch launch on December 2. The pro-
other such agreements, it the question now—in fact, tel- fer a value for money bringing utmost transpar- Mobility Ltd as part of its drive posed IPO will see the company
added. “One of the key pil- cos are expected to raise pric- product since its last ency to the process sup- towards electrification and new raise `810 crore, comprising a
lars of VIL’s business strate- es soon. The best way is to of- launch ‘Kicks’ did not ported by Nissan’s 24/7 mobility services. Dheeraj fresh issue of shares amount-
gy is to drive partnerships fer more features to users kick off on Indian roads. Roadside Assistance avail- Hinduja, Chairman of Ashok ing to `450 crore, while the
and digital revenue streams, along with their subscrip- Nissan said expanding able in over 1500 cities,” Leyland Limited Unveiled the promoter entity QSR Asia Pte
across segments. This will tions,” said a senior analyst. its reach is in line with the the carmaker added. new logo and name. Ltd will sell up to six crore
shares, aggregating to `360
crore at the upper price band.
START-UPS The proceeds from the IPO
will be used to roll out of new

Zoho Corp, Freshworks locked in legal battle over data theft

B I S M A H M A L I K @ Bengaluru
THE posterboys of India’s
SaaS (Software as a service)
industry, Sridhar Vembu and
Girish Mathrubootham, are
currently fighting each other
in a US district court over al-
legations of misappropriation
of trade secrets and data theft.
A fresh lawsuit was filed
against Freshworks, a Chennai
based start-up headed by Math-
company-owned Burger King
Restaurants, the company said
in its red herring prospectus.
In financial year 2019-20, the
company had reported reve-
rubootham, by Zoho Corp and thorised access to the Custom- works for the discovery “of the sub-judice. The controversy In October, Freshworks’ plea nues of `841 crore and a loss of
the US Court has sought a er Relationship Management scope of unauthorised access” escalated after March 2020, before the Northern District of `77.6 crore. Its losses had wid-
response from Freshworks by (CRM) software in which a that it might have in case of when Zoho levied charges of California Court for dismissal ened during the first six months
December 7 against the accusa- senior official of Fresh- sensitive data as well as violation of Defense of Trade of Zoho’s plea was rejected. It of 2020-21 to `119 crore from
tions laid by Vembu’s Zoho. works is said to be in- other employees who Secrets Act and various other also came to the fore that a `17.4 crore in the previous year.
The San Francisco-based volved. In the fresh might be involved in trade laws of the US by Fresh- former regional head at Fresh- Burger King currently operates
company has alleged of unau- plea, Zoho asked Fresh- this, along with a com- works accusing the rival firm works, Malikarjun Ravikumar, about 270 outlets. While just 59
pensation of $5000 for of building its entire business as informed by Zoho in its of these restaurants remained
the damages caused. model by stealing sensitive current complaint, had admit- operational in March amidst
How and where it all began? Both Zoho Corp and information from Zoho includ- ted to stealing CRM data and the lockdown, a total of 226 res-
Sources say that the tussle began ever since Mathrubootham who Freshworks when contacted ing trade secrets like critical using the same for Freshworks. taurants were operational as of
was a product development manager at Zoho left the company to start by the TNIE declined to com- client data, software products Ravikumar is not associated September with gradual
Freshworks in 2001. Zoho Corp which is a bootstrapped start-up. ment over the issue citing it as and even pricing strategy. with Freshworks anymore. reopening, the company noted.
14 CHENNAI SATURDAY 28 11 2020
� � THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS

PUBLIC NOTICE
REGIONAL OFFICE: CHENNAI
No.43, Ground Floor, Hameedia Centre, Haddows Road,
Nungambakkam, Chennai -600006.
Tel. No: +91-44-28238250/ 28281109. Email: ro1005@sib.co.in
REF No: CH-REG/LEG/SAR/114/2020-21 Date : 02.11.2020
To,
1) Mr. Kalaivannan C, S/o. Mr. R Chellamuthu, No.24, 3rd Cross Street, Lakshmi Nagar Extension, Porur,
Chennai 600 116.
2) Mrs. Sudha K, W/o. Mr. Kalaivannan C, No.24, 3rd Cross Street, Lakshmi Nagar Extension, Porur,
Chennai 600 116.
Dear Sir,
Sub :- Notice issued in terms of Section 13(8) of The Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial
Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act. 2002 read with 8 (6) of the Security Interest
(Enforcement) Rules, 2002.
As you are aware, the Authorised Officer of the Bank has taken symbolic possession of the property on 13.12.2017
morefully described in the Schedule Annexed hereto in terms of Section 13(4) of the subject Act, in connection
with the outstanding dues payable by you to Tambaram Branch of the bank. The amount due from you to the
Bank is Rs. 72,42,888/- (Rupees Seventy Two Lakh Forty Two Thousand Eight Hundred and Eighty Eight Only)
as on 01.11.2020 along with further interest and costs thereon.
AND WHEREAS, the borrowers have failed to pay the amount due to the bank even after taking symbolic
possession of the schedule property, notice is hereby given that the immovable property/ies will be sold by
inviting tenders/ by public auction on expiry of 30 days from the date of receipt of this notice. The Authorised
Officer has obtained Expert Valuation Report from an Approved Valuer, who is registered as a valuer under
Section 34AB of the Wealth Tax Act, 1957.
The date and time of auction shall be informed through a separate sale notice as mentioned in the SARFAESI
Act, and the property would be sold to the person who offers highest bid amount.
Hence, in terms of the provisions of the subject Act and the Rules made thereunder, this notice is issued to you
to enable you to discharge the amount due to the bank before the publication of sale notice mentioned supra. In
the alternative, if you are having a better offer for the Scheduled property, you may also bring in purchasers for
the same on or before the date fixed for sale.
This is without prejudice to the right of the Authorised Officer to fix the date of sale without any further notice
and/ or any other rights available to the bank under the subject Act or any other law in force.
SCHEDULE OF SECURED ASSET
All that piece and parcel of land measuring an extent of 391 sq.ft. of UDS out of 2400 sq.ft. comprised in Survey
No.87 & 89, as per Patta 67 New Survey No.87/10 & 89/15 of Porur Village, Ambattur Taluk, Thiruvallur District
together with Flat bearing No.S2, 2nd Floor with a built up area of 875 sq.ft. inclusive of common areas in the
building ‘Kavitha Flats’ in Plot No.238, Lakshmi Nagar Extension, Porur, with all other appurtenant rights and
improvements thereon in the name of Mr. C. Kalaivannan morefully described in the Sale Deed dated 06-07-
2015 registered as Document No.10867/2015 of SRO Kundrathur lying within the Sub Registration District of
Kundrathur and Registration District of Chennai South and Bounded on the North by Plot No.239, South by Plot
No.237, East by 30ft Road and West by Plot No.231.
Place : Tambaram AUTHORISED OFFICER
Date : 02.11.2020 THE SOUTH INDIAN BANK LTD
Regd. Office : SIB House, T.B. Road, Mission Quarters, Thrissur-680 001,Kerala. Phone:+91-487-2420020,
Fax:+91-487-2442021. E-mail: sibcorporate@sib.co.in CIN : L65191KL1929PLC001017

PUBLIC NOTICE
REGIONAL OFFICE: CHENNAI
No.43, Ground Floor, Hameedia Centre, Haddows Road,
Nungambakkam, Chennai -600006.
Tel. No: +91-44-28238250/ 28281109. Email: ro1005@sib.co.in
REF No: CH-REG/LEG/SAR/118/2020-21 Date : 11.11.2020
To,
1) Mr. Balasubramanian Sankaran, S/o. A. Sankaran Nair, No.20, B-G1, Ground Floor
Sri Gayathri Builders Apartments, Thirupur Kumaran Street Extension, New Perungalathur,
Chennai-600063.
2) Mrs. Sreeja Balasubramanian, W/o. Balasubramanian Sankaran, No.20, B-G1, Ground Floor
Sri Gayathri Builders Apartments, Thirupur Kumaran Street Extension, New Perungalathur,
Chennai-600063.
Dear Sir,
Sub :- Notice issued in terms of Section 13(8) of The Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets
and Enforcement of Security Interest Act. 2002 read with 8 (6) of the Security Interest (Enforcement)
Rules, 2002.
As you are aware, the Authorised Officer of the Bank have taken symbolic possession of the asset described in
the Schedule Annexed hereto in terms of Section 13(4) of the subject Act on 19.06.2019, in connection with the
outstanding dues payable by you to Padhuvancherry branch of the bank. The amount due from you to the Bank
is Rs. 61,81,533/- (Rupees Sixty One Lakhs Eighty One Thousand Five Hundred and Thirty Three Only) as on
10.11.2020 along with further interest and costs thereon.
AND WHEREAS, the borrowers have failed to pay the amount due to the bank even after taking symbolic
possession of the schedule property, notice is hereby given that the immovable property will be sold by inviting
tenders/ by public auction on expiry of 30 days from the date of receipt of this notice. The Authorised Officer has
obtained Expert Valuation Report from an Approved Valuer, who is registered as a valuer under Section 34AB
of the Wealth Tax Act, 1957.
The date and time of auction shall be informed through a separate sale notice as mentioned in the SARFAESI Act,
and the property would be sold to the person who offers highest bid amount.
Hence, in terms of the provisions of the subject Act and the Rules made thereunder, this notice is issued to you
to enable you to discharge the amount due to the bank before the publication of sale notice mentioned supra. In
the alternative, if you are having a better offer for the Scheduled property, you may also bring in purchasers for
the same on or before the date fixed for sale.
This is without prejudice to the right of the Authorised Officer to fix the date of sale without any further notice
and/ or any other rights available to the bank under the subject Act or any other law in force.
SCHEDULE OF SECURED ASSET
All that Flat bearing No. B-G1 in the Ground Floor of “Sri Gayathri Builders” with a built up area of 1123 Sq Ft
inclusive of common areas together with 679 Sq. Feet of undivided share of land out of total extent of 9476 Sq Feet
BUFFET
comprised in Block No.B, Plot No.s 23,24 & 25 comprised in S.No. 131 as per patta No. 6639 S.No.131/6A1B,

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appurtenant rights and improvements thereon in the name of Mr. Balasubramanian Sankaran morefully described
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Date : 11-11-2020 THE SOUTH INDIAN BANK LTD

to be a football us how wanting
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 Administrator refutes Supreme Court-appointed administrator SY Quraishi has refuted claims of
the All India Football Federation (AIFF) that he had sought time to prepare

AIFF’s constitution claim

the draft constitution of the body, saying the document has already been
submitted to the court.

15 CHENNAI SATURDAY 28 11 2020

� � newindianexpress com

1 bowler & 66 runs short

Lack of sixth bowling option hurts India in first ODI against Oz
V E N K ATA K R I S H N A B @ Chennai
AMONG Indian captains who
have led in more than 30 ODIs,
nobody has a better win per-
centage than Virat Kohli’s
71.02. He has won 62 of 90
matches as skipper and is 14
wins away from overtaking
Sourav Ganguly at No 3. MS
Dhoni is on top with 110 wins
and it is a number Kohli can
well overtake if he retains the
captaincy till the 2023 World
Cup. But at the moment, he is
severely handicapped in the
bowling department.
On Friday, as India began
the tour of Australia with a 66-
run loss in Sydney, one could
understand Kohli’s frustra-
tion. In 2020, India are fielding
a team from a different era,
with five bowling options.
With Hardik Pandya still re-
covering from a back injury
and in the process of resum-
ing bowling again, Kohli is
missing his bowling more
than ever. Particularly on days
when Australians target rook-
ie Navdeep Saini on a flat deck
and captain had no option but
to continue with him.
Barring Mohammed Shami,
the rest of the attack includ-
Shikhar Dhawan fails to catch Australia’s Steve Smith at the Sydney Cricket
Ground on Friday. India’s fielding was poor in the opening ODI | AP
who warmed the bench on Fri-
day, don’t bowl either. The only
way out is playing an extra
bowler on Sunday. But that
leaves them with a long tail, as
none of the frontline bowlers
barring Ravindra Jadeja are
handy with the bat.
Pandya, who top-scored
with 90, said India have to
groom someone from within
as there are not many outside
who can do the job. Vijay
Shankar and Shivam Dube are
options, but not in the scheme
of things now. “I think, we will
have to find someone who has
Sailing host content after incident-free nationals
S R I N I D H I P R @ Chennai
IN the time of global crisis,
conducting a national level
tournament without a corona-
virus scare can be considered a
small achievement. Especially
in India where the new number
of coronavirus cases is still a
cause for concern. For the
Yachting Association of India
(YAI) and the host, Indian Na-
val Watermanship Training
Centre (INWTC) in Mumbai,
organising the senior nationals
— the first major sailing event
since the lockdown — without
incident has provided a relief.
Maradona laid to
rest with parents
5 4 BUENOS AIRES: Huge crowds
bade a grief-filled farewell to
Steve India have
Smith’s 100 now lost Argentina’s favourite son Diego
was the fifth four Maradona before the football
fastest by consecutive legend was buried on the out-
any cricketer ODI skirts of Buenos Aires after a
against India games chaotic public wake. The 1986
World Cup winner was laid to
rest on Thursday after a
SCOREBOARD ceremony attended by family
AUSTRALIA
and close friends in the Bella
Warner c Rahul b Shami 69, Finch c Vista cemetery, where his
Rahul b Bumrah 114, Smith b Shami parents are buried.
105, Stoinis c Rahul b Chahal 0,
Maxwell c Jadeja b Shami 45,
The week-long event, which
ended on Friday, saw around
100 sailors taking part with no
participant or the support staff
testing positive. The major test
for the hosts was assembling
the sailors from different parts
of the country along with their
boats in Mumbai. Creating
space for isolation rooms in
case of any positive case and
conducting RT-PCR tests inside
the training centre were a few
challenges for the INWTC.
“It wasn’t easy getting all of
the participants together. We
had to make sure we have ac-
commodation for them includ-
The coffin with the remains of late Argentine football legend Diego Maradona is carried
by his family and friends at the Jardin Bella Vista cemetery in Buenos Aires on Friday.
He was laid to rest where his parents had been buried | AFP
ing the Covid facility and the
lab to conduct the tests,” said a
member of the INWTC on the
condition of the anonymity.
Also, the logistics involved
with getting the boats from var-
ious cities to Mumbai wasn’t
easy. Athletes had to use sepa-
rate boats with the standard
operating procedure of the
meet stating there shouldn’t be
any sharing of equipment.
“There were about 99 boats
for the sailors taking part in
the meet,” added the INWTC
member. “Transporting them
was a bit tricky. Everybody had
to use separate equipment, san-
itise it regularly. With a limited
number of contracts available
to transport the boats to Mum-
bai, that was challenging.”
For the Asian Games bronze
medallist Harshita Tomar, who
came first in the Laser 4.7 cat-
egory, the glaring difference
was the number of participants
in her class. “In water, there
wasn’t much difference. Off the
shore, wearing masks and sani-
tising hands were new. That
apart, because of the pandemic
and safety concerns, number
of sailors in my category was
fewer,” explained the athlete
from Madhya Pradesh.
EXPRESS READ
Napoli, Arsenal post
wins in Europa League
PARIS: Napoli honoured the
memory of Diego Maradona
with a 2-0 win over Rijeka
which allowed them to go top
of Europa League Group F
.Napoli entered the field
wearing the number 10 jersey
of Maradona. Earlier, Jamie
Vardy’s last-gasp leveller in a
thrilling 3-3 at Braga sent
Leicester City through to
the knockout rounds, where
they were also joined by
Arsenal thanks to their 3-0

Pune businessman may

Labuschagne c Dhawan b Saini 2,
ing Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzven-
dra Chahal and Ravindra
already played for India and
groom them and find a way to
Carey 17 (not out), Cummins 1 (not
out). Extras: (b1 lb6 nb2 w12) 21.
After Dubai victory at Molde.

Jadeja couldn’t control the
run flow and sloppy fielding
added to their misery. As Aar-
on Finch and David Warner
batted effortlessly, you knew
India were in for a long day,
nowhere to hide in the huge
outfield. Unlike his immedi-
ate predecessors, Kohli is sad-
dled with a set of batsmen
who don’t bowl. This has
always been the case after he
took over as captain in 2016,
but he still had Pandya
and even Kedar Jadhav
in the mix.
But with Jadhav out of reck-
oning and Pandya playing as a
batsman, Kohli doesn’t have a
sixth bowler. Manish Pandey
and Shubman Gill, batsmen
make them play. It is always
going to be difficult when you
go with five bowlers, because
if somebody is having an off
day, you won’t have someone
to fulfil that role. If someone is
having a bad day and there is
a sixth option, other guys gets
more cushion,” Pandya said.
This is the fourth straight
ODI India have lost and until
they address this issue, Kohli
may have to endure more of
this. As far Pandya’s bowling,
he isn’t sure when he would
resume doing that. “I’m think-
ing long term, not short term
where I exhaust myself and
have something else which is
not there. I can’t say exactly
when I’m going to bowl.”
Total (50 overs; 6 wkts) 374. FoW:
1-156, 2-264, 3-271, 4-328, 5-331,
6-372. Bowling: Shami 10-0-59-3,
Bumrah 10-0-73-1, Saini 10-0-83-1,
Chahal 10-0-89-1, Jadeja 10-0-63-0.
INDIA
Dhawan c Starc b Zampa 74,
Agarwal c Maxwell b Hazlewood 22,
Kohli c Finch b Hazlewood 21, Iyer c
Carey b Hazlewood 2, Rahul c Smith
b Zampa 12, Pandya c Starc b Zampa
90, Jadeja c Starc b Zampa 25, Saini
29 (not out), Shami b Starc 13,
Bumrah 0 (not out). Extras (lb2,
nb3, w15) 20. Total (50 overs; 8
wickets) 308. FoW: 1-53, 2-78, 3-80,
4-101, 5-229, 6-247, 7-281, 8-308.
Bowling: Starc 9-0-65-1, Hazlewood
10-0-55-3, Cummins 8-0-52-0,
Zampa 10-0-54-4, Stoinis 6.2-0-25-
0, Maxwell 6.4-0-55-0.
camp, Srihari
changes coach
S W A R O O P S W A M I N AT H A N
@ Chennai
SRIHARI Nataraj is looking
ahead to what promises to
be a promising 2021. After
returning from a training
stint in Dubai, he is almost
up to speed. “If you ask me
to swim now, I could clock
the times I had during Khelo
India,” he told this daily.
“But I’m not yet at my
peak, maybe one more
month of training and I
could be at my best.” He now
believes he is again accus-
fight for BSFI top post
F I R O Z M I R Z A @ Chennai
PUNE-BASED businessman
Rajan Khinvasara may contest
for the president’s post of the
Billiards and Snooker Federa-
tion of India (BSFI). Sources
said there is consensus among
members over his name. In-
cumbent president MC Uthap-
pa will file his nomination only
to withdraw it. The AGM of
BSFI to elect office-bearers will
be held in person on December
12 in Bengaluru.
Khinvasara had been BSFI’s
vice-president for two terms
moting cue sports for the past
10 years. There has been con-
sensus among members over
his election to the post of presi-
dent,” a highly-placed source
told this daily. Khinvasara con-
tested for the post in 2019 as
well, but lost to Uthappa 11-18.
“Uthappa in all likelihood will
file his nomination for the pres-
ident’s post, but will withdraw
it,” said the source.
President of Cue Sports As-
sociation of Goa, Sunil Mora-
jkar, who contested for a vice-
president’s post last year, will
try his luck again for the same
Mohun Bagan beat
EB in Kolkata derby
PANAJI: ATK Mohun Bagan
emerged victorious over SC
East Bengal in the first
Kolkata Derby of the ISL,
courtesy second-half goals
from Roy Krishna and Manvir
Singh. Two wins from as many
matches put the defending
champions on top of the
standings. For the Red and
Gold brigade, their ISL sojourn
began with a disappointing
loss. On Saturday, Bengaluru
FC take on Hyderabad FC.
Laxman to meet

Odds favour Australia: Whatmore
A S H O K V E N U G O PA L @ Chennai
WINNERS of the Test series
the last time they played in
Australia, India will have to
contend with a different side
this time. According to Dav
Whatmore, the return of Steve
Smith and David War ner
makes the hosts stronger. He
also thinks Virat Kohli’s ab-
sence in three of the four Tests
will make it tougher for the
visitors. “An India-Australia
series is always a hard fought
one. This one will be no differ-
ent. Home advantage will have
a small influence. Smith and
Warner will give confidence to
others. Australia will still need
to work hard against a decent
Indian attack,” the Australia-
based What-
more told
Express.
Coach of
the India
U-19 team
lead by Kohli that won the
World Cup in 2008, the former
Australia batsman felt his de-
parture to be on paternity
leave after the first Test will af-
fect India’s chances. “Kohli’s
absence will be felt. He is ag-
gressive and central to India’s
success.” Inclusion of the un-
capped Will Pucovski in the
Test squad has sparked a de-
bate. Whatmore feels he is still
to be tested.
Full story: newindianexpress.com
tomed to the feel of water, and is presently president of post. The three sitting vice-
Yogesh in final
something swimmers the Billiards and Snooker Associa- presidents — Pradip Saraogi, CHENNAI: Laxman Rawat
world over focussed on after tion of Maharashtra. He is Soumini Srinivas and Vijay thrashed Ishpreet Singh
having spent months with- managing director of Manisha Goel — along with treasurer Chadda 5-0 in the semifinals
out training in the pool. Constructions. Other office- HR Rathan Kumar will also of Ajay Rastogi Memorial-All
To help him reach his op- bearers and all three vice-pres- contest to retain their posts. India open snooker
timum best, his parents have idents are also likely to file Sunil Bajaj, who was elected championship on Friday.
taken the decision to put their nominations to retain fourth vice-president last year Laxman made a break of 109.
him under noted coach Ni- their respective posts. and took charge as secretary
har Ameen. The 19-year-old As per the AGM notice issued after Devendra Joshi stepped Results: Semifinals: Laxman Rawat
(PSPB) bt Ishpreet Singh Chadda (MH)
is one of the country’s best on November 2, nomination pa- down, will file his nomination
5-0; M Yogesh Kumar (KAR) bt Varun
young swimmers and could pers have to be delivered to the for the post of secretary. Each Kumar (MCC) 5-2. Quarterfinals:
have a shot at getting to the returning officer in person by state/Union Territory affiliat- Laxman Rawat (PSPB) bt S Shrikrishna
Olympics with an ‘Olympic candidates from November 29 ed by BSFI shall have two votes (PSPB) 5-4; Ishpreet Singh Chadda
Qualification Time (he has to December 1. They will be en- at the elections. There are 25 (MH) bt Hrithik Jain (MP) 5-4; M
an Olympic Selection Time titled to withdraw their candi- state/Union Territory units af- Yogesh Kumar (KAR) bt Dig Vijay
against his name). dature from December 4 to 6. filiated to the BSFI, taking the Kadian (HR) 5-2; Varun Kumar (MCC)
Full story: newindianexpress.com “Khinvasara has been pro- total vote count to 50. bt Kreishh Gurbaxani (MH) 5-2.

GUJARAT MEDICAL SERVICES CORPORATION LIMITED

(A Government of Gujarat Undertaking)
Regd. Office: Block No. 14/1
Dr. Jivraj Mehta Bhavan Sector-10 Gandhinagar
� 079-23250767, 23250766, 23257698
EMERGENCY TENDER NOTICE: D-11/2020-21
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Duration of downloading of tender document (online) :
27.11.2020 to 05.12.2020 up to 18.00 Hrs
Last date for Submission (online) :05.12.2020 up to 18.00 Hrs
Last date for submission of Physical document :
07.12.2020 up to 18.00 Hrs
Opening of Technical Bid Date (online) : 08.12.2020 At 15.00 Hrs
INF/1361/20-21 MANAGING DIRECTOR

TAMILNADU CIVIL SUPPLIES CORPORATION

HEAD OFFICE : 12, THAMBUSAMY ROAD, KILPAUK, CHENNAI - 600010
SHORT TENDER NOTIFICATION
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DIPR/4420/Tender/2020 MANAGING DIRECTOR.
 WHAT IF FREQUENCY IS PUMPED UP
When high frequency sound waves were transmitted into The self-ordering molecules seem to orient themselves in the crystal
various materials and cells, researchers saw behaviour that along the direction of the sound waves. The sound wavelengths involved
had never been observed with low-frequency ultrasound can be over 1,00,000 times larger than an individual molecule

16 CHENNAI SATURDAY 28 11 2020

� � newindianexpress com
ADVANCED NEBULISER
FILE MEDICAL INNOVATION
� The researchers developed a
drug delivery device that can
SOUND WAVES TO POWER DRUG DELIVERY precisely deliver large molecules
such as DNA and antibodies,
Australian scientists have successfully demonstrated how high-frequency sound waves can be used to build new materials, POWERING CHEMISTRY unlike existing nebulisers
make smart nanoparticles and even deliver drugs to the lungs for painless, needle-free vaccinations. We take a look WITH SOUND � This opens the potential for
ADVANTAGES Researchers generated high- painless, needle-free
LOW FREQUENCY HIGH FREQUENCY When we couple high-frequency sound waves While low-frequency frequency sound waves on a vaccinations and treatments
into fluids, materials and cells, the effects are cavitation can often destroy microchip to precisely
Sound waves have Now researchers at extraordinary. We’ve harnessed the power of these � The nebuliser uses high-

10
been part of RMIT University in molecules and cells, they manipulate fluids or materials
sound waves to develop innovative biomedical frequency sound waves to
science and Melbourne have technologies and to synthesise advanced materials remain mostly intact under
At these low frequencies, excite the surface of the fluid
medicine for shown how high the high-frequency sound
sonochemical reactions are or drug, generating a fine mist
decades frequency sound Leslie Yeo, RMIT University waves. This makes them
driven by the violent implosion that can deliver larger
waves could gentle enough to use in
of air bubbles biological molecules directly to

1942
revolutionise the
field of ultrasound-
driven chemistry
Ultrasound first
The study published
used for clinical
in Advanced
imaging
Science reveals the
bizarre effects of
biomedical devices to
A P P L I C AT I O N S O F T H E T E C H N O L O G Y manipulate biomolecules and This process, known as
the lungs
DRUG DELIVERY TO THE LUNGS cells without affecting their cavitation, results in huge kHz � The nebuliser technology can
integrity pressures and ultra-high also be used to encapsulate a
The patented nebulisation technology could deliver life-saving drugs and vaccines Ultrasound
temperatures — like a drug in protective polymer
by inhalation, rather than through injections has long
tiny and extremely localised nanoparticles, in a one-step
been used at
DRUG-PROTECTING BREAKTHROUGH SMART MATERIALS pressure cooker process bringing together nano-
low

1980s NANOPARTICLES manufacturing and drug

these sound waves
on materials and
cells, such as
Ultrasound used
molecules that
for driving
seem to
chemical reactions
spontaneously
However, the order themselves
technologies have after being hit with
always relied on the sonic equivalent
low frequencies of a semi-trailer
Sustainable production of super-porous frequencies delivery
Encapsulating drugs in nanomaterials that can be used to store, (around 10
special nano-coatings to separate, release, protect almost kHz to 3 MHz) � In addition, the researchers
protect them from anything to drive have shown irradiating cells
deterioration, control chemical with the high-frequency sound
NANO-MANUFACTURING
their release over time reactions waves allows therapeutic
and ensure they 2D MATERIALS molecules to be inserted into
precisely target the right Rapid exfoliation of The ‘Respite’ nebuliser uses the cells without damage, a
places in the body like atomically-thin quantum dots high-frequency sound waves to technique that can be used in
tumours or infections and nanosheets deliver drugs to the lungs | RMIT UNIVERSITY emerging cell-based therapies

Surge in robot hiring even during the pandemic Filters to catch

FACT OF THE MATTER

Automation is expected to disrupt 85 million jobs by 2025 as digitisation in workplace increases, a WEF report warns
ECONOMY
WASHINGTON: From a ham-
burger flipping robot in Texas
to ‘ninja robots’ measuring fe-
vers in Bangkok, automatons
are enjoying the moment.
Immune to the novel corona-
virus, machines have been de-
ployed by many business estab-
lishments even when the
pandemic has led to millions of
people losing their jobs, global-
ly. According to the US Bureau
of Labor Statistics, 11 million
people were left unemployed in
October, compared to about six
million during the same period
last year. Though humans are
increasingly losing their jobs,
robots have rather become a
hot commodity.
According to a recent report
in The Guardian, technology
manufacturers have registered
a surge in the demand for ro-
bots during the pandemic.
From drone-like machines to
AI-powered customer service
software, manufacturers are
seeing an uptick in the adop-
tion of their technology.
A World Economic Forum re-
port titled The Future of Jobs
2020 found that Covid-19 has
caused the labour market to
change faster than expected.
By 2025, automation and a
new division of labour between
humans and machines will dis-
rupt 85 million jobs globally in
medium and large businesses
across 15 industries and 26
economies, the report said.
Occupations in the fields
such as data entry, accounting
and administrative support are
decreasing in demand as auto-
mation and digitisation in the
workplace increases.
More than 80 per cent of busi-
ness executives are accelerat-
ing plans to digitise work proc-
esses and deploy new
technologies; and 50 per cent of
employers are expecting to ac-
celerate the automation of
some roles in their companies.,
the report said.
Economists have well-docu-
mented the impact of recession
on the growth of automation
and warn that its adoption does
not grow steadily, but rather
happens in bursts.
A 2016 study by University of
Rochester, found that employ-
ers in cities that were hit hard-
est by the Great Recession were
replacing workers with labour-
saving technology and more
skilled workers.
The World Economic Forum
A UK-based environmen-
report that tracked the impact
of Covid-19 on the US labour
market found between Febru-
ary and May 2020, displaced
workers were, on average,
mostly female, younger and
had a lower wage.
In comparison of impact of
the global financial crisis of
2008 on individuals with lower
education levels to that of the
current pandemic, the negative
effect is far more significant
and more likely to deepen exist-
ing inequalities.
microfibres
ENVIRONMENT
tal charity has said that
washing machines in Great
Britain should be legally re-
quired to have special fil-
ters to catch plastic micro-
fibres released from
clothing. The Marine Con-
servation Society’s ‘Stop
Ocean Threads’ campaign
has been demanding for
compulsory fitting of filters
i n m a ch i n e s by 2 0 2 4 .
Around 15 per cent of plas-
tic is used to make synthet-
ic fibres, such as polyester
and nylon, mainly for cloth-
ing. According to a survey,
conducted in UK, more than
four-fifths of the partici-
Space debris
clean-up
SPACE
T he European Space
Agency (ESA) has
signed a 86-million-euros
contract with an industri-
al team led by the Swiss
startup ClearSpace SA for
safe removal of an inac-
tive object from low Earth
orbit. With this contract
signature, a critical mile-
stone for establishing a
new commercial sector in
space will be achieved,
ESA said in a statement on
Thursday. The mission
will target the Vespa —
Vega Secondary Payload
Adapter. As a result, in
2025, ClearSpace will
launch the first active de-

US to probe Tesla’s suspension failures pants agreed that such a

AUTOMOBILE
DETROIT: The US government’s
road safety agency is investigat-
ing complaints that suspensions
can fail on nearly 1,15,000 Tesla
electric vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration says it has
43 complaints that linkages near
the ball joints can fail, allowing
contact between the tire and
wheel liner.
The probe, announced on Fri-
day on the agency’s website, cov-
ers 2015 through 2017 Model S
sedans and 2016 through 2017
Model X SUVs.
The agency says 32 owners
complained of failures at low
speeds, but 11 said the links failed
on roads while travelling above
16 kmph including four at high-
way speeds. It says the number of
complaints is increasing as the
vehicles age, with 32 in the last
two years.
measure should be imple-
mented, with 26 per cent of
them saying they were will-
ing to pay extra for the new
filter-added machines. In
September, a study report-
ed that washing machines
dumped 16,5,000 tonnes of
synthetic fibres into the
ocean each year and 1,75,000
tonnes on land.
bris removal mission,
ClearSpace-1, which will
rendezvous, capture and
bring down for
r e e n t r y a Ve s p a
payload adapter. This
object was left in an 801
kilometre by 664 kilome-
tre-altitude gradual dis-
posal orbit following the
second flight of Vega back
in 2013.

A photographer takes a picture of Kaavan waiting to be transported to

a sanctuary in Cambodia, at the Maragzar Zoo in Islamabad on Friday.
(Inset) Singer Cher, who advocated for his resettlement | AP/AFP

Singer Cher in Pak PRESENTS PRESENTS

to help the ‘world’s

loneliest elephant’
WILDLIFE
e-express ons e-express ons
ISLAMABAD: Iconic singer and actress Cher is in Paki-
stan to celebrate the departure of Kaavan, dubbed the
“world’s loneliest elephant,” who will soon leave a Paki-
stani zoo for better conditions after years of lobbying by
animal rights groups and activists.
Because of security concerns, Cher’s schedule was not Rajeev Mantri Harsh Madhusudhan
made public. However, she met Prime Minister Imran Author & Financial Expert Author and Investor
Khan on Friday and was expected to visit Kaavan later
in the trip, according to the prime minister’s office.
Khan’s office released a video of the singer sitting with �� ������������
the prime minister outside on the expansive grounds of ����
Khan’s residence.
Kaavan, the elephant has languished in the zoo for 35 Sudha Murty �������������������
years, and lost his partner in 2012. He was diagnosed by Author and Philanthropist ��������������
veterinarians as both overweight and malnourished, and
also suffers behavioural issues due to his isolation. Pavan K Varma
Kaavan is set to leave for a sanctuary in Cambodia on
����������������������������������� Former Bureaucrat & Author
Sunday, said Martin Bauer of Four Paws International,
a global animal welfare group that’s led the charge to save A LIFE IN WRITING THE NEW IDEA OF INDIA
him since 2016. Cher took up Kaavan’s cause and has
been a loud voice advocating for his resettlement. Four
Paws, which often carries out animal rescue missions,
has provided the medical treatment needed before Kaa-
van can travel and will accompany him to the
sanctuary.
SATURDAY | ����������� | 8 PM SATURDAY | ����������� | 9 PM
GOLD PARTNERS GOLD PARTNER
Even after he’s in Cambodia, he’ll require years of
physical and even psychological assistance, Bauer said.
Because of the abysmal living conditions blamed on eventxpress.com eventxpress.com
systemic negligence, Pakistan’s high court in May or-
dered the closure of Marghazar Zoo in the capital of Is- edexlive.com edexlive.com
lamabad, where Kaavan has lived for much of his life. newindianexpress.com newindianexpress.com
For the past three months, a Four Paws team including
veterinarian Dr. Amil Khalil has been readying Kaavan
to leave. Kaavan was put on a diet of fruit and vegetables,
and as a result has lost 450 kilogrammes, he said. Previ-
ously, Kaavan was eating 250 kilogrammes of pure sugar ������������������� ����������� ������������������� �����������
��������������� ���������������
cane every day, with an occasional fruit and vegetable. ������� ��������� ������� ���������
������������ ������������
Khalil said there are many elephants at the sanctuary, ������������ ������������� ������������ �������������
but in particular three female elephants are awaiting

WATCH THINK ACT WATCH THINK ACT

Kaavan’s arrival. Khalil joked that Kaavan might just
find a girlfriend there — who knows?
 READSHAREFOLLOW
newindianexpress.com
Mail us: cityexpresschn@gmail.com

28 � 11 � 2020
SATURDAY

An attractive garden for

DAY ’S D I A RY
Steam-powered print
A double version of Koenig’s cylinder
printing press printed The Times of London,
the first newspaper to be printed on a
steam-driven machine, on this day in 1814
THE INVENTION IN THE LEAD AN ANNOUNCEMENT
The invention of the industrial cylinder press by
Friedrich Koenig was influenced by two ideas
— using steam to run the machine, and use of
Koenig was a German inventor, who
moved to London and set up a workshop
with German watchmaker Andreas
John Walter II announced in The Times
“Our Journal of this day presents to the
public the practical result of the greatest
your winged friends
rotary metal cylinders, which allowed each page Bauer. The Times bought two machines. improvement connected with printing,
to be printed on both sides at the same time It rolled out 1,100 pages an hour since the discovery of the art itself.” PG 3

ROSHNE BALASUBRAMANIAN

O
n November 24,
when Chennai was
buckling down and
preparing itself for
Cyclone Nivar, sing-
er Isaivani was ob-
livious to another
storm that was to
hit her and change
her life forever. Still
tucked in bed in her house
along the coast of north Chen-
nai, Isaivani checked her phone
as soon as she opened her eyes
that morning. Past the ever-
present and ever-unwanted
‘app update’ notifications and
the handful of WhatsApp mes-
sages, there was bigger news in
store. She, after years of work
in the world of music, had
made it to the BBC’s ‘100 Wom-
en 2020’ line-up. “To be selected
for this feature and to be the
only person from Tamil Nadu
to make it to the list is momen-

GAANA GIRL’S
tous. However, I don’t see this
either as my first step to suc-
cess or my final destination…
naan ipo dhan ezhundhu ninu-
ruken. I am yet to take the first
step. But, I am overwhelmed by
this recognition,” says the
20-something-old gaana
singer. The Casteless Collective

Into the world of music
One of Isaivani’s earliest mem-
ories is of her skipping every-
thing in life to do what she loves
most — singing. It was no dif-
ferent during important peri-
ods in her life; like the class 10
public exam days. “I used to fin-
ish writing the exam early, take
permission from the invigila-
tor, leave the exam hall and
head to music practice. I always
packed two sets of clothes in
my bag so that I could go for
practice from wherever I was.
Sometimes, I used to bunk
classes too! I think I was always
prepared to ascend the stage,”
she says. While her mother de-
sired for her to become a nurse,
a young Isai, true to her name,
had her heart set on making it
big in the music industry. “I
was in class 5 and I remember
my father telling me ‘Porand-
hom, vazhndhom, sethom nu
iruka kudadhu. Edhavadhu sa-
dhikanum’. This had a huge im-
pact on me. Since then, I’ve al-
ways desired to achieve big and
carve a name for myself,”
shares the north Chennai-based
singer, the only female member
of The Casteless Collective
(TCC), an ensemble known for
dishing out sharp political com-
mentary through music.
Yet, getting on stage and set-
ting it on fire, and also making
a mark, was not an easy feat.
“When I stepped into this in-
dustry, I faced a lot of backlash.
I was, ‘after all a woman from a
working-class background, a
marginalised community. How
could I climb on the stage and
sing? Use my voice and gaana
music as a tool to share stories
of the oppressed?’ Now, this
achievement has shut many
people. When I decided to take
up gaana singing, I took it as a
challenge to prove wrong every-
one who said it was not a ‘wom-
GLOBAL GLORY
Finding a spot in BBC’s ‘100 Women 2020’ list, ‘Gaana’ Isaivani of The Casteless Collective
talks about her ideologies, embracing equality as lifestyle, and the future of gaana music
an’s world’. I feel a sense of tri-
umph and responsibility on my
shoulders,” says Isai, who has
been singing since the age of
six.
Her innate skills were honed
by her father, D Sivakumar, a
self-taught musician and key-
board artiste. “Though I didn’t
feel connected to the art when I
was a child, it slowly grew on
me. My father taught me the
nuances and I slowly picked it
up by observing He ran a light
music orchestra called ‘Old is
Gold’, and I became a part of it.
Eventually, I became a free-
lance singer,” shares Isai, who,
in the past 17 years has per-
formed in several shows. “On
average, I perform at about five
or six venues per month,” she
tells over the phone, on her way
to another concert amid the Ni-
var cyclone. “This show is spe-
cial because a child insisted I
perform! How could I say no?
So, I decided to do it despite the
cyclone scare,” she shares.
Stage presence
As a 15-year-old, when financial
crisis struck her family, music
anchored Isai through the
tough times. “I dropped out of
high school and began singing.
To support the family, I even
took to doing odd-jobs, worked
at a post office, in a data entry
role and financial services.
However, my heart remained in
singing. Yet, the big break I
wanted was ever elusive. At
that time, it seemed far-fetched.
Sometimes, I used to feel bad
for not completing my educa-
tion. But, my father used to say
that experiences were equally
important. So, I studied in the
school called life and it taught
me a lot. It was those experi-
ences and the pain that I en-
dured that shaped me and made
me strong,” says the artiste,
who grew up in Royapuram.
“Growing up, I listened to my
grandmother sing gaana and
then, I began enjoying the depth
in Palani and Ulaganathan ai-
ya’s songs too. But, I took to the
genre only four years ago. Dur-
ing our orchestra’s concerts, if
the audience requested ‘peppy’
numbers, I used to sing gaana
songs. That’s how I stepped into
the world of gaana. In hind-
sight, I feel it was all meant to
happen,” she says.
In 2017, during a rather ordi-
nary day, when a music com-
poser mooted Isai to audition
for director Pa Ranjit’s and mu-
sic composer Tenma’s then yet-
to-be-named band, her life
There is never a better time to voice your opinion and fight
for your rights than when you are writhing in pain. That’s
when your wound is raw.
WHAT IS
GAANA PAATTU?
Gaana paattu is a style of
Tamil music that originated in
the streets of Chennai,
especially north Chennai. These
songs are often written in
rememberance of the
deceased, and about livelihood
and biography. In recent years
it has evolved and become a
strategic tool that touch upon
various social themes. These
songs are accompanied by
lively percussion.
changed. “I was initially hesi-
tant. But, I gave my best and got
selected,” she enthuses. How-
ever, her decision to join The
Casteless Collective was met
with disapproval from the fam-
ily. “For long, gaana has been
seen as a male-dominated
space. My parents were wary
of me singing gaana songs
because of its political
tones. But, I rebelled and
joined the ensemble.
Now, The Casteless Col-
lective is like my sec-
ond family and the
—Isaivani, singer
stage is my home. Here, equal-
ity is our lifestyle,” shares Isai.
In 2018, when she performed a
political gaana song to a packed
audience, she came through as
a revelation not only to the lis-
teners but to her family too.
“My father refused to attend
the first show. But, many from
our area did and told him how
well I’d performed. After that
day my family accept me as a
gaana singer. From being ‘Siva-
kumar oda ponnu Isaivani’,
now people refer to him as
‘Isaivani oda appa’. He is very
proud of me!” she enthuses.
Part of a new era
TCC, over the past two years,
has stirred a new era in art,
questioning oppression and in-
equality through its music. In
its all-encompassing attempt to
spread equality, the troupe,
when deciding to wear a three-
piece suit as a symbol
of emancipation,
did not leave out
Isaivani just be-
cause ‘she is a
woman’. “When
Ambedkar aiya
wore the suit,
it became a po-
litical symbol
of empower-
ment for
t h o s e
from
the oppressed classes and a
form of resistance. The voices
of Dalit women are more mar-
ginal than men. So, for me, to
wear the suit and perform in
front of an audience became a
symbol too — of both women
empowerment and liberation
of the marginalised,” she says.
“It might seem trivial to others.
But, it means the world to wom-
en like me. When I was told that
the three-piece blue suit was
going to be our costume, I was
thrilled. Unbridled joy washed
over me,” she recalls.
Asserting and demanding
her rights as a woman through
music has been an arduous yet
satisfying journey, says Isai.
Her songs for TCC, including
Beef song and I am sorry Ayyap-
pa, became instant hits while
also drawing strong criticism.
“There is never a better time to
voice your opinion and fight for
your rights than when you are
writhing in pain. That’s when
your wound is raw. So, if I had
to pull myself together, allocate
a time to talk about my strug-
gles, it will lose its essence. If
there is a repercussion, let
there be. Even if we are stopped
from singing in venues, we will
continue singing. Mic ponalum,
enge kural pogadhu,” she says.
A fan of the artiste nudged
us to ask how Isai turns her
gethu (swag) on while perform-
ing. Wirh a laugh she tells, “Not
just me, many women have a
unique style and swag. But
most are hesitant to bring it out
in front of the society or on the
stage because they’ve been con-
ditioned to ‘behave like a wom-
an’. The society is nothing but
threatened by women who are
unabashedly themselves. There
are different layers to the kind
of suffering one feels, especial-
ly when you are a woman from
a marginalised community. My
style and swag come from a
place of sorrow and
resilience.”
Harking back to the first gaa-
na song she sang on stage: Ma-
nidhan uruvagum idam karu-
varai dhanada, kadaisiyaga
serum idam kallarai dhana da,
penned by her father, Isai feels
that gaana in its meaningful,
true and raw form should be re-
vived and preserved. “Artistes
from The Casteless Collective
and a few independent artistes
are on a journey to bring back
the original gaana that echoed
in the streets of north Chennai.
Tapping into the struggles of
the discriminated, I want our
music to become the sound of
liberation,” she says. Her
strong views on feminism and
her openness to having discus-
sions on social equality have
spilt into Isai’s life in the form
of words and poetry. “I always
carry a pen and notepad. If I
feel deeply about an issue or an
incident, I immediately write.
The words naturally become
laced with personal tribula-
tions and stories about the dis-
criminated, about women. But
the words haven’t seen the light
yet. They are tucked safely in
my diary…one day, I hope to
sing and release it,” she says.
Now with Isaivani’s voice re-
ceiving cognisance as a ‘dis-
tinctive Gaana singer in India’,
will this give space for others
from her ilk dare to dream?
“Objection from family and so-
ciety is what stops women from
performing gaana. But once
they believe in themselves and
step out of the constraints,
their lives will change. Maat-
ram varum,” she says. Isai’s
journey will, perhaps, be the
preamble to the change that she
is singing about.

‘I recommended another actor for my part in Tenet’

SU D H I R S R I N I VASA N film, referring to herself. In for this part. But eventually, I shared with the cast, includ- I read my character’s part in

A
t 63, after many ebbs and
troughs in a striking film
career, after the transi-
tion from actor to star
and now to actor again,
Dimple Kapadia has done
her first Hollywood film in
Christopher Nolan’s Tenet. She
plays an arms dealer called Pri-
ya, who at one point, tells the
main character (John David
Washington) that there is more
than one protagonist in this
…says Dimple Kapadia, who has
now done her first Hollywood
project in Christopher Nolan’s
time-bending film
this brief conversation, the ac-
tor talks about her Hollywood
experience, why she was hesi-
tant about auditioning for this
film and of course, working
with Nolan.
Excerpts from the chat.
After all these years, it must
have seemed strange to have
to audition for a role.
(Laughs) Yes. It was a two-page
monologue. The truth is, I tried
every trick out there not to do
this. I don’t do auditions gener-
ally and didn’t want to—not
even for Tenet. At my age, you
begin to ask what you are going
to get now, doing a Hollywood
film. My agent was insistent
though and wouldn’t take no
for an answer. In fact, I even
recommended another actor
did the audition once I ran out
of excuses. Everyone must have
thought I was nuts.
Is it fair to say that the al-
lure of Hollywood is lost on
you?
Not at all. Nolan is every
actor’s dream, damn it!
I guess I was concerned
about my own short-
comings. I was not
sure if I could belong
in a film like this. That’s
what it was. I had a lot of
nervous energy even after I
was signed for this film. It’s
definitely a dream come true to
have featured in a Christopher
Nolan film.
I understand that the full
script of the film wasn’t
ing Michael Caine. Have you
seen the film?
Yes, I have.
Can I ask if you feel like you
understood all of it?
(Laughs) Though I have read
the script a few times and
now, have watched the
film, I guess I will have
to watch it at least two
more times to get it
fully. I think that’s be-
cause he has packed in
so much into this film.
The more you watch, the deep-
er you can wade into it.
Your character, Priya, is an
arms dealer who doesn’t
emote much and remains
careful about what she
says.
the script many times. The idea
was for me to put myself in Pri-
ya’s shoes as much as possible.
As I am not a trained actor, I
rely a lot on my instincts. So, it
was important for me to under-
stand how Nolan saw this char-
acter. Once I got that, it was just
a matter of following his vi-
sion. Quite surprisingly, I found
the lines to be straightforward
for me, even though Priya is a
woman who speaks about top-
ics like nuclear energy I don’t
know the ABCD of. I also ad-
mired the commitment of the
crew. I have a two-line voiceo-
ver in this film, and while they
could have simply dubbed it,
they insisted on shooting it. I
found that to be an advertise-
ment of intent.
(Continued on page 4)
 READ
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SATURDAY
28 � 11 � 2020 2
WHAT LAST OF THE
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GREEN CHILI
GARLIC CHURMURA
What’s cooking
IN YOUR KITCHEN?
INGREDIENTS
MATSYA KRIDASANA
(FLAPPING FISH POSE)
� Pu�ed rice: 250 g � Garlic: 10 pod � Green chillies: 8
We are hungry for recipes � Dry coconut: Five-inch piece � Salt and oil to taste In Sanskrit,’matsya’ means ‘fish’, ‘krida’ means ‘play’ or ‘flap’, and ‘asana’ means
with minimum METHOD ‘pose’. It is a restful and restorative yogasana which is known to promote relaxation.
ingredients and maximum � Grate the dry coconut. Peel the garlic. Grind them coarsely, along It is called flapping fish pose because the shape of the body in this posture resembles
flavours. Share your with green chillies. a flapping fish. This asana can be practiced with the eyes closed to maximise
quick-fix with us, along � Mix it with oil. the restorative benefits. It is sometimes recommended for women during pregnancy
with step-by-step � Mix this paste with pu�ed rice. Garnish with peanuts or curry because of the quiet ease it cultivates. Physically, the focus of Matsya Kridasana is on
photos, at leaves and serve. the relaxation of the body and calm, easy breathing. Energetically, the focus
cityexpresschn@gmail.com. — Sravanthi Navaneeth, Hyderabad can be taken to the Manipura (solar plexus) chakra. It releases tension in the whole
body and mind. Since it is a relaxation asana, it can be performed as a counter pose
to backward bending asanas like Kandharasana or Chakrasana. The practitioner
need not exert himself or herself to touch their elbow with the knee.
MUSIC AND MATH: THE GENIUS OF
GITA FOR THE YOUNG AND
RESTLESS
NAAN VAZHAVAIPPEN
A patient suffering from brain tumor
1 BEETHOVEN BY NATALYA ST. CLAIR STEPS
How is it that Beethoven, who is celebrated as one of the most Lie down on your stomach
� � BENEFITS
Gita for the Young and Restless is a weekly lives with his old mother and sister
with special needs. He accepts blame significant composers of all time, wrote many of his most beloved in a relaxed way and turn Relieves sciatic nerve pain and is
� �
podcast presented by Jaya Row, a renowned
expert on Indian scriptures. She interprets for a murder he did not commit in songs while going deaf? The answer lies in the math behind his music. your head to the le� side. also good for people suffering from
texts meant only to be revered, to that of exchange for money to provide for Natalya St. Clair employs the “Moonlight Sonata” to illustrate the Place your right palms
� � lower back pain.
a living, vibrant prescription for success, his family. way Beethoven was able to convey emotion and creativity using the over the le� and rest your Relaxes tension in the perineum.
� �
happiness and personal growth. � Cast: KR Vijaya, Sivaji Ganesan, certainty of mathematics. head on top of palms. An ideal pose for relaxing and
� �
� On Spotify Major Sundarraman, Thengai sleeping for pregnant women who
Srinivasan Bend your le� leg and
� �
LESSONS LEARNT WITH THE move your le� knee are in the later stage of pregnancy.
MYSTERIES OF VERNACULAR: DYNAMITE
GREATS
Lessons Learnt with the Greats gets inside
ASTHIVARAM
Raja takes care of his younger
2 BY JESSICA ORECK AND RACHAEL TEEL
as close to the ribs as
possible.
Pregnant women can also practice
� �
yoga nidra in this pose.
the minds of the greatest cricketers the brother, Prabu, like his own son With an explosive meaning, the word dynamite’s past is as historical as Your right leg should
� � Stimulates digestive peristalsis.
� �
world has ever seen. These amazing insights and loves him beyond words. it is etymological. Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel describe how Alfred remain straight. Can be used as a counter pose to
� �
dive into the technical, mental and fitness However, their relationship turns Nobel invented dynamite. This is the final resting
� � the backward bending asanas like
side of cricket. sour when their wives end up having Kandharasana or Chakrasana.
misunderstandings.
pose. The body will be
� On Spotify
� Cast: Jaishankar, KR Vijaya, relaxed and a slight pull Cools down the mind and relieves
� �
THE MUSAFIR STORIES - Ganthimathi BEING YOUNG AND MAKING AN IMPACT is felt on the waist region. stress.
INDIA TRAVEL PODCAST
OOTY VARAI URAVU
3 BY NATALIE WARNE Maintain the position
� � Can relieve lower back pain.
� �
The Musafir Stories is an audio podcast that for as long as it is
At 18, Natalie Warne’s work with the Invisible Children movement made
documents Indian travel tales. Each episode, During a train journey, Ravi meets an comfortable. LIMITATIONS
we share the journey of travellers in their unknown young woman named Vijaya. her a hero for young activists. She uses her inspiring story to remind us
that no one is too young to change the world. Breathe slowly and
� � � �Avoid this asana in case of severe
own words and relive their experience with She tells him that she is the daughter normally. Rest every part
you, our listeners. of Vedachalam, Ravi’s father. back pain.
� Cast: Sivaji Ganesan, R
of the body and be aware � �Don’t overexert the body in an
� On Apple Podcasts
Muthuraman, KR Vijaya, Nagesh of the breath. effort to touch the knee with the
TALKING TALES FROM CURATING HUMANITY’S HERITAGE Repeat the pose with
� � respective elbow.
TULIKA AAYIRATHIL ORUTHI 4 BY ELIZABETH LINDSEY your head turned towards
The podcast offers scintillating storytelling, Vijaya is put behind bars by her It’s been said that when an elder dies, it’s as if a library is burned. the right, right leg bent — by N Elumalai, PhD scholar (Yoga
rocking rhythms and singalong songs. Expect husband who falsely accuses her of a Anthropologist Elizabeth Lindsey, a National Geographic Fellow, and le� leg remaining Science) at Meenakshi Academy of Higher
stories from across the country in ten themes crime. Lakshmi, her lawyer and friend, straight. Education & Research, Chennai
collects the deep cultural knowledge passed down as stories and lore.
— in English, Hindi and Tamil — from India’s decides to represent her in court and
leading multilingual children’s publisher. help her find justice.
� On Spotify � Cast: KR Vijaya, Manorama, Kamal
Haasan, Jayasudha
FINSHOTS DAILY AN IRAQ WAR MOVIE CROWD-SOURCED FROM
From the Indian economy to everyday Scan this QR code 5 SOLDIERS BY DEBORAH SCRANTON
money-related problems, this daily five- to find out how Filmmaker Deborah Scranton talks about and shows clips from her
minute podcast explains the most important your favourite
celebs are
documentary The War Tapes, which puts cameras in the hands of
finance and business happenings in simple
words. India focused. coping with the soldiers fighting in Iraq.
� On Spotify lockdown.

REGIONAL TAGARU (Kannada) MUGILAN (Tamil, series) FOREIGN

Shiva, an encounter specialist, takes an The series depicts socio-political events
oath to eradicate the wrongdoers from that led to the rise of one of the most FOR LIFE (English, series)
society. Meanwhile, Punarvasu, a young dreaded gangsters of Tamil Nadu in the
lady, falls in love with him. 2000s. Inspired by the life of Isaac Wright Jr., “For Life”
is a fictional serialized legal and family drama
Cast: Shiva Rajkumar, Manvitha Kamath, Cast: Karthik Raj, Ramya Pandian about an imprisoned man, Aaron Wallace, who
Bhavana, Dhananjay � Watch on: Zee5 becomes a lawyer, litigating cases for other
� Warch on: MX Player inmates while fighting to overturn his own life
sentence for a crime he didn’t commit. His quest
for freedom is driven by his desperate desire to
get back to the family he loves and reclaim the life
that was stolen from him. Aaron’s complicated
relationship with a progressive female prison
ANAGANAGA warden helps shine a light on the flaws and
O ATHIDHI (Telugu) challenges in the U.S. penal and legal systems.
A SIMPLE MURDER (Hindi) Subbaiah and his family live in Cast: Nicholas Pinnock, Joe Bryant, Indira Varma, THE YOUNG THE ROAD WITHIN (English)
Manish a contract to target a politician’s abject poverty and a soothsayer Tyla Harris
daughter who has eloped with a Muslim tells them that their fortune will AVRODH (Hindi) OBSERVANT (Italian, Three teenagers, Vincent, Alex, and
guy. All these misunderstandings add up change overnight. The peace The series is a War Thriller based on the � Watch on: Sony LIV documentary) Marie, escape from a clinic for special
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Cast: Mohammed Zeeshan, Ayub, Priya stranger knocks on their door Strike. life in the mountains is life-changing journey and head towards
Anand, Amit Sial, Sushant Singh seeking shelter for a night, and Cast: Amit Sadh, Neeraj Kabi, Vikram MY GIRLFRIEND’S BOYFRIEND about to end as he is soon the ocean.
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� Watch on: Sony LIV Cast: Dev Patel, Zoe
BALAN VAKEEL (Malayalam) Cast: Payal Rajput, Chaitanya Blanche and Lea meet and become friends. Lea The institution he attends is Kravitz, Robert
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Balakrishnan, a lawyer, is not successful Krishna, Ananda Chakrapani, is thinking of leaving her boyfriend Fabien, and renowned for its strict rules: Patrick, Robert
TAANA at his job due to his severe stammer. Veena Sunder Blanche falls for Lea’s dashing, witty friend the lessons on cooking, Sheehan
(Tamil) However, things begin to change Alexandre, but is tongue-tied with him. Lea dining etiquette, and religion
� Watch on: Aha � Watch on:
Shaktivel, a young man, wishes to when he is entrusted with a goes on holiday, and Blanche, still smitten with make each student daily
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become a police o�cer. However, deeply complex case. Alexandre, begins to get to know Fabien. confront their weaknesses,
he faces many challenges in his Cast: Dileep, Neha Iyer, Priya All the streaming apps can insecurities and skills.
Cast: Emmanuelle Chaulet, Sophie Renoir, Anne-
quest due to a speech disorder, be accessed on smartphones
Anand, Mamtha Mohandas and smart TVs with Internet Laure Meury, Eric Viellard Cast: Luca Tufano
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HOW TO CREATE
As much the world survives on a delicately intertwined balance and interdependency, such a system is
often overlooked when it’s scaled down to our homes and communities; yet, there’s much to be done in
your own backyard, it seems — all in the effort to make your garden ideal for winged visitors
D R B A D R I N A R AYA N A N T H I A G A R A J A N
T
he current pandemic, despite
its adverse effects, also has a
positive side to it. It has made
us think, introspect into the
reasons for this catastrophe
and explore whether it has
anything to do with the way
Purple sunbird (female) on erukkalam poo we have ill-treated nature. It has also
given us enough time to develop new
interests and hobbies. Cooped up in
our homes, it has made us look more
closely at our own garden, whatever
may be its size. We are now able to
appreciate other living things that
live in our garden more than ever, es-
pecially birds. There cannot be any-
thing more soothing and relaxing
than observing sunbirds actively
pursuing their nectar-feeding
activities.
Armchair bird-watching is the in-
thing these days. There are countless
observations and records of new spe-
cies in the city. All one needs is an
infinite amount of patience, an unob-
Purasu Butea monosperma trusive lookout spot and a bit of a
garden. However, not all gardens are
equal in this regard and this is irre-
spective of its size. They are different
in other aspects as well.
What birds need
� A safe place to rest and breed.
��Food, both vegetarian and the non-
vegetarian, without pesticides.
There are practically no vegetari-
an birds. Even a seed-eater like a
house sparrow has to feed its
young ones with insects and cater-
pillars, full of high-quality protein
and energy-rich fats.
��Water
The first two requirements have to
Purple-rumped sunbird on hibiscus be provided by the plants in our
MOTHERSHIP
E Let’s change
arly on in my short-lived adver-
tising career, the creative direc-
tor at an agency I worked at gave
the labour
a humiliating critique of our
team’s efforts on a pitch. He ended it
with a lecture on dedication and
hard work, and shared a personal
anecdote intended to demonstrate
just how hardworking and dedicated
leave logic
he himself had been as a young
creative.
“I was working late at night on a MENAKA RAMAN
campaign and my wife called me up @menakaraman
at the office. She told me she was go-
The writer’s philosophy
ing into labour. I told her to take a is: if there’s no blood,
taxi to the hospital and that I would don’t call me
come when I’d finished my work.
That’s how important my work was
to me,” he said looking around the those praising the skipper’s deci-
room meaningfully, no doubt expect- sion to be home for the birth. And on
ing all of us to give him a standing the other side comparisons with MS
ovation. Dhoni who missed the birth of his
I was the only woman in the room daughter are brought up, while Ka-
and was taken aback by the looks of pil Dev pointedly recalls that Sunil
approval on the faces of the men. Gavaskar didn’t see his son for
‘Yes yes! Work before all else! Even months after he was born.
the birth of your child.’ The message is clear: men must
I’ve thought of this story a lot over put country and work before all else.
the years, and it came back to me Easier to let your partner down than
this past week given the amount of a billion people I suppose.
attention given to Virat Kohli’s deci- Here’s the problem when we
sion to take paternity leave and re- praise and idolise these decisions
turn to India in the middle of the and hold them up as the ideal — it
test series against Australia. subtly pressurises others to follow
On one side of the fence, we have suit. I have as much issue with this
Nominations invited for
Alert Being Awards 2020
A
lert, a voluntary non-profit organisation that empowers a common
man to act in case of emergency to save lives, is organising the 4th
edition of the Alert Being Awards, which is a unique recognition
that honours humanity by awarding good Samaritans, who have
made a difference to individuals or the society at large, by impacting
with prevention of trauma and saving lives.
Awardees (individuals and organisations) selected by an eminent jury
panel will be honoured at the Alert Being Awards 2020 ceremony sched-
uled in January 2021 in Chennai. As a recognition of good Samaritans,
who have supported the society selflessly during COVID times, Covid
Warrior award, a new award category, has been introduced this year.
Individuals and organisations with inspirational stories and initia-
tives may be nominated at www.alert.ngo/aba. Last date for submitting
nominations is December 15.
For more information, contact: Gowthem at 9944011115 or write to
alertbeingawards@alert.ngo
FEATURES
garden.
Plants differ widely in
their ability to support
birds. There are two broad
categories of plants — na-
tive ones like avaram poo
(Tanner’s cassia) and exotic
ones like thanga arali Dr Badri Narayanan
(Nerium).
The advantages of native plants
�� They have existed here for thou- birds.
sands of years and hence, are well-
adapted to the locally prevailing
climatic conditions and, therefore, � �
do not need extra gardening
attention.
�� They also have interacted and, in
turn, been shaped by other living
beings around. That is, they have
co-evolved. Native plants support
hundreds of other living beings,
Bombax ceiba | BADRI NARAYANAN THIAGARAJAN
as I do the articles that praise the
‘super women’ who return to office
or parliament a week after birthing
children. The message passed is: if
they can do it, why can’t you? What
do you need time off for?
The popular culture narrative
that fetishises motherhood, glorifies
fathers who ‘pitch in’ and canonises
men who put clients before C-sec-
tions are damaging for everyone.
It prevents many from taking full
advantage of the policies put in
place to allow parents to support
each other and adjust to this new
phase in their lives. Whether we
want to admit it or not, welcoming a
child into one’s world is life
altering.
Telling us that it’s not really that
important makes it harder for those
who do want to take the time off. It’s
them who are judged as lacking in
some moral fibre, as being ‘less’
than the others. ‘You’re weak’ is the
message passed on to them. ‘You’re
not deserving of what you have.’
My hope is, that like the young
men I once worked with who ad-
mired my boss for NOT being with
his wife when she went into labour,
young people today are looking at
Virat Kohli’s decision and letting
themselves know that that too is an
option, and there’s no shame in it.
BIZ AS USUAL...
including insects and their
caterpillars, and are, there-
fore, crucial for the breeding
success of the birds around
us.
When looking around for
suitable native plants, we
should choose those that
serve multiple roles —
food for human beings, nectar for the
birds and butterflies, and fruits for
Ideal picks for your home garden
Curry Leaf Plant (Karuvepilai):
There is no meal in south Indian
cuisine that does not use curry
leaves in some form or the other.
Birds like Asian koel and red-vent-
ed bulbuls avidly devour the fruits.
The flowers provide nectar for sev-
eral butterflies and the whole plant
T WHERE THE GODDESS
he Srinivasa Perumal temple in
Nachiyar Kovil is one of the one
hundred and eight Divya Desams
or places sacred to Vishnu eulo-
gised in the Tamil verses (Pasuram)
of the Azhvars or the important dev-
otees of Vishnu. This deity has been
praised in the hymns of Thiruman-
gai Azhvar. The principal image,
worshipped as Srinivasa Perumal,
and also as Para Vasudeva and Thiru
Naraiyur Nambi, is in a standing
pose with two hands instead of four
as is usually seen. This temple has
several unique features.
CHITHRA MADHAVAN
cityexpresschn@gmail.com
The writer is a historian
who focuses on
temple architecture
One such is that the main image
Goddess Lakshmi, known as Vanjul-
avalli Thayar, is seen next to the main
deity, Srinivasa Perumal and not in a
separate sanctum. The images of
Balarama, Pradhyumnya, Anirudha
and Sambha are also in this same
shrine, and together with Srinivasa
Perumal are known as the Pancha
Vira (five heroes).
In the temples of Tamil Nadu, the
processional deity (utsava-murti) of
Vishnu has Goddess Sridevi (God-
dess Lakshmi) and Goddess Bhudevi
(Goddess of the Earth) on either side,
but in this temple, only Vanjulavalli
Thayar ( utsava-murti ) is next to
Perumal.
Another rare feature is that there
is no sanctum for Andal (one of the
Azhvars), usually seen in the Vishnu
temples in Tamil Nadu. Special im-
portance is given to Goddess Vanjul-
avalli Thayar and hence the name
Nachiyar Kovil (Nachiyar means
Goddess in Tamil). The food offerings
(neivedyam) is first offered to this
Goddess and it is Thayar who goes
out first during the processions, and
then comes Perumal.
The stone image of Garuda (Kal
Garudan in Tamil), worshipped in a
separate sanctum, is however, also
the vahanam (mount) on whom Srin-
ivasa Perumal is carried in proces-
sion twice a year. It is avered that
four people carry Kal Garudan out of
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supports the larvae of several
butterflies.
�� M ango: The ‘King of fruits’ is
much loved by all of us and also by
birds like the Indian koel and para-
keets. This also supports a large
number of butterflies and, in turn,
several insect-eating birds.
�� D rumstick Tree: This is also
used a lot in our cuisine. Sunbirds
are very fond of its nectar. The
tree supports a large number of
creepy-crawlies that constitute an
important part of bird food.
Another way of choosing bird-
friendly plants is by looking at their
source of food. Nectar constitutes the
major food source of sunbirds, flow-
erpeckers, leafbirds etc., and a sup-
plementary source for other bird
families also. Bird-attracting flowers
are usually red, day-flowering and
have abundant nectar. Some of the
plants with red, nectar-rich flowers
are hibiscus, Indian coral tree (mul-
lumurungai), red silk cotton (sevvi-
lavu ), and flame of the forest
(purasu).
Fruits constitute another major
part of their diet. Most of the fruit-
eating birds around us prefer small
fruits because of their small-sized
beaks. The most important of them
are the fig trees (arasu, alam, athi,
itchi, etc), which are mostly big trees.
A smaller tree belonging to the same
family is the Sandpaper tree (piray-
an) which is favoured by the bulbuls,
and could be more suitable for home
gardens. Other fruit-bearing plants
of importance are vellai poolanji,
kattu karuveppilai, uthiyan, naru-
vili, pirandai, etc.
There are plants, small and big, to
suit all sizes of gardens.
Therefore, people with handker-
TEMPLE TALK
IS PREDOMINANT
Nachiyar Kovil
KNOW YOUR CITY
Nachiyar Kovil is situated approxi-
mately 8 km from Kumbakonam
o o
Coordinates: 10.55 N, 79.26 E
the sanctum, but as the procession
moves with Perumal on Garuda, the
weight increases and eight, sixteen
and finally sixty-four people are
needed to carry the deities.
SATURDAY
28 � 11 � 2020 3
Red-ventred bulbul on uthiya maram
Vellai Poolanji
chief-sized gardens or only a balcony
need not despair. For nectar, there
are small plants with red-coloured
flowers, like hibiscus, ixora (idlipoo)
and for fruits, thoothuvali and
manathakkali.
In the garden, there has to be a ver-
tical transition with ground covers
and sub-shrubs close to the residence,
and then shrubs, small trees and mid-
sized trees. The large trees should be
the farthest away. Each species, espe-
cially shrubs, should be planted in
clumps (three together) to afford
some hidden space for breeding and
cross-pollination.
Reduce the lawn as much as possi-
ble and instead use ground cover
plants like karisalangkanni, mus-
tard, paruppu keerai, thumbai, mith-
ikeerai, etc.
Water should be placed in a shal-
low saucer-shaped earthenware pot
allowing both a dip and a drink.
If possible, don’t prune the trees,
especially those away from the path,
to afford nesting material and for
woodpeckers. Leaf litter should be
left as it is, at least in one wild corner,
for ground birds like babblers.
Happy armchair birding!
(The writer is an ophthalmologist
and birder based in Chennai)
ANCIENT NAME
Nachiyar Kovil was known as
Thirunaraiyur
PREDOMINANCE GIVEN
TO GODDESS
Vanjulavalli Thayar is given
special importance
FAMOUS GARUDA
The stone image of Garuda is also
the vahana

‘I RECOMMENDED
ANOTHER ACTOR
FOR MY PART
IN TENET ’
(continued from page 1)
While stars like Priyanka Chopra and Deepika
Padukone have featured in Hollywood films, it is
heartwarming that character artistes like
yourself, Shabana and Adil Hussain are being
recognised by Western filmmakers. Do you
think it’s done for the relatability with
Indian audiences or is it a sign that they
have taken note of the acting talent here?
I think Shabana was the first to go there in a
big way. She was the one to get them looking
towards us. The world has changed a lot over
the past decade and that means that Holly-
wood is now more aware of talent across the
world. I think people like me
featuring in their cinema is
a consequence of that.
Do you have a favour-
ite in Nolan’s
filmography?
The Prestige! I love it the
most. It transported me into
another world.
Looking back, what will you
always remember this Tenet
experience for?
I will have so much to remem-
ber, you know? (Pauses) But
there was this moment dur-
ing shooting. I was a bit
nervous, and Nolan was
standing next to me. He
must have realised that I
was feeling quite shaken
up, because he suddenly
extended his hand for
me to hold. I am grate-
ful that he did that.
How could he have
known what I was
feeling?
An overly nice coming-of-age story
WEB RELEASE
KIRUBHAKAR PURUSHOTHAMAN
“LIFE ITSELF is neither good nor
evil; life is where good or evil find
a place, depending on how you
make it for them.” This quote
from philosopher Michel de Mon-
taigne showed up on my insta-
gram feed right after I was done
watching Uncle Frank. It was un-
canny because Alan Ball seems to
be driving the same message
home with his latest movie, which
is both a coming-of-age story and
an overdone drama about Frank
Bledsoe, a gay man who is forced
to come out to his family. From
the perspective of his niece, the
film empathises not just with
Frank but also with his conserva-
tive and rigid family. There is no
good and evil in the film, only peo-
ple trusting what they believe to
be true.
In the summer of 1968, life
changes for 14-year-old small-
town girl, Beth Bledsoe after an
intimate conversation with her
uncle Frank, who rarely visits
them. No one in her family is in-
www.cinemaexpress.com
UNCLE FRANK
terested in Beth, including her
father, who wouldn’t let her be a
majorette (a dancer in school
marching parades) because “no
daughter of his would be dancing
around half-naked in front of the
whole town; she might get raped
and would have deserved it.” Nat-
urally, Beth adores uncle Frank, a
sensible literature professor who
tells her that she can choose to be
whatever she wants. Four years
later, Beth finds herself in New
York in the same university where
her uncle teaches. There, she
learns about Frank’s sexuality
and his long-time lover Wally (Pe-
ter Macdissi), a native of Saud
Arabia. When Frank’s father,
Daddy Mac dies, the trio ends up
taking a road trip to his native
town, where things turn ugly be-
fore the final redemption.
At one point in their journey,
Wally tells Beth, “I’m not inter-
ested in nice. Nice always hides
something. What’s hidden is what
interests me.” But Uncle Frank is
supremely nice to such an extent
that it becomes cloying. Yes, the
MATINEE
EXPRESS VIEWS
KAVALTHURAI UNGAL NANBAN
An arresting crime drama
N AV E I N DA RS H A N
EVERY NEW film is a new ex-
perience. The two hours on
screen is the product of a lot of
hard work. So, in a sense, it is
blasphemous to compare one
film to another while analys-
ing it. However, when a film
talks about police violence
against a vulnerable section of
the society, it will inevitably
draw comparisons to Visara-
nai, especially when Vetri
Maaran himself is presenting
the film. Add to this the fact
that, right from the early pro-
motions, the makers of Kav-
althurai Ungal Nanban (KUN)
deliberately highlighted the
similarities between the two
films. This could have adverse-
ly affected the viewing experi-
ence. But, luckily for KUN, the
effect is quite the opposite.
The protagonist/victim of
KUN, Prabhu (an impressive
Suresh Ravi) belongs to the
middle class, which makes the
emotional blow the average
theatregoer experiences all
that much more hard-hitting.
The lead here isn’t a weakling;
he is the ‘hero’ we see in all ac-
tion masala films. He is tall,
muscular, and something of a
hothead. But this broad-shoul-
film does shows some streaks of
ugliness like Daddy Mac and his
religious hate towards homosexu-
ality, but it feels like even he is let
off the hook too easily. And what’s
hidden inside Frank, like many
things in the film, is too predict-
able. Almost all of the characters,
except for the lead trio, do exactly
what we expect them to do, which
is very little. Even an incredible
performer like Margo Martindale
(Bojack Horseman, Sneaky Pete)
gets just one long scene.
Yet, you can’t help but adore
Uncle Frank for its deep yet prac-
Director:
tical take on things. One might Alan Ball
have a problem with Frank for Cast: Paul Bettany,
physically hurting Wally, or with Sophia Lillis, Peter
Wally’s politically incorrect joke
on Sri Lanka. But then again, this
Macdissi
is not a film that preaches right Streaming on: Amazon
and wrong. It is more about their Prime Video
coexistence. At any given point in
time, there will be someone who
hates Frank. And all Alan Ball
RATING
has for them is the line Frank
tells his religious aunt: “I know
that this is the very best you’re
3.5/5
capable of.”
4
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Twitter: @XpressCinema 28 � 11 � 2020
RATING effect is amplified thanks to the
casting of a relatively fresh
3/5 face like Raveena Ravi, who we
can see as the starry-eyed Ind-
hu without much difficulty.
The actor too sells the role with
ease. The climax is heavily reli-
ant on her, and she gives a quite
satisfactory performance.
“Every single entity on this
earth has its own flaws,” says
SuperGood Subramani’s char-
acter, the only good cop in the
film during an important
scene, to explain that not all
policemen are corrupt and
evil. This line applies to cine-
ma too, and this mostly effec-
tive film has its share of flaws
as well. The romance track of
the lead pair hardly adds any-
thing to the proceedings. I
would have loved to see them
have meaningful conversa-
tions probing more into their
relationship instead of the
‘love songs’ with bland compi-
lations of intimate moments
that we get. The dialogues turn
preachy too often. Whenever
dered male, who could take What makes KUN even more someone starts delivering a
down two men with ease, is interesting and realistic is the monologue, the film enters ‘Vi-
stripped down, quite literally, inclusion of the character jaykanth film’ territory and
and reduced to a mouse in front played by Sarath Ravi, with his we get the character spitting
of the system. We see him be- naivety, fake bravado and lack out facts after facts, undermin-
ing dragged around, sworn at, of exposure to the dark side of ing the tension that has been
and beaten black and blue, all the system. Even when a deep- built up till then.
for standing up for what is ly scarred Prabhu, who has Even though Subramani’s
right. What starts as a simple been through a night of tor- good cop keeps canvassing that
‘no helmet’ turns into some- ture, is sitting beside him, he there are a lot more like him in
thing that rips his life apart. neither consoles him nor curs- the department, we never get
Police brutality like es their fate. Instead, to see one even by an accident
this isn’t entirely new he starts going on in KUN. Every person in khaki
to Tamil cinema. We about how the sce- you see on screen is invariably
have seen Shankar’s nario would have heartless — even the female
heroes go through hell been different if he cops are like urbanised ver-
in Kaadhalan, Gentle- were in Prabhu’s sions of Dhool’s Swarna ka.
man, and Anniyan, place. “Nee edho sad- There are no upright Alex Pan-
and Sarathkumar- huva irundhuta dians and Durai Singams, nor
starrer Aai’s central machan, naana vulnerable Sathyavans (An-
crux is very similar to irundha nadakradhe jathey) and Vishwas (Thirudan
KUN’s. But in all these vera!” he says, mask- Police) in this universe. The
older films, the hero ing his insecurities. pre-credit disclaimer giving
gets knocked down This character is a shoutouts to honest cops feels
and reduced to dust Director: RDM representation of meaningless when there is
only to make his pay- most of us, the fortu- hardly any representation of
back feel all the more Cast: Suresh nate ones who haven’t them on screen.
effective and reassure Ravi, Raveena seen the heartless These flaws aside, KUN is a
us that these heroes Ravi, Mime Gopi side of the system. reminder that content is king
are indeed above the Prabhu isn’t a lon- and presenting a hard-hitting
system. In KUN, er. He has a family story is still possible sans any
though, Prabhu gives in right and a helpless wife, who also big names. If only this effec-
after the first lathi charge. gets entangled in his suffering. tively arresting film hadn’t
Even his defensive, reflex steps Seeing this defenseless woman falled prey to some commer-
backfire terribly and push him suffer and not being able to do cial compromises and monoto-
deeper into the quicksand of anything about it can break nous representation, it could
misery and pain. even the strongest heart. The have been so much more.
Paava Kadhaigal to be released on December 18
NETFLIX’S FIRST Tamil orig-
inal, the anthology Paava
Kadhaigal will begin stream-
ing on the platform on Decem-
ber 18. Netflix made the an-
nouncement with a small
teaser from the anthology,
wh i ch c o n s i s t s o f fo u r
shorts helmed by Vignesh
Shivan, Sudha Kongara, Vetri
Maaran, and Gautham Vas-
udev Menon.
Paava Kadhaigal will fea-
ture Simran, Anjali, Kalki
Koechlin, Kalidas Jayaram,
Shantanu Bhagyaraj, Pra-
kashraj, Sai Pallavi, Bhavani er anthology in the pipeline, Shameem, Karthik Naren,
Sre, and Gautham Vasudev Navarasa. This anthology is Ponram, Aravind Swami, Gau-
Menon himself. The anthology produced by Mani Ratnam tham Vasudev Menon, Bejoy
is said to be based on honour and Jayendra Panchapakesan, Nambiar, KV Anand, and
killings. Apart from Paava with segments helmed by Rathindran Prasad.
Kadhaigal, Netflix has anoth- Karthik Subbaraj, Halitha